On March 30, a mass grave in Rafah revealed the bodies of 13 Palestinian paramedics and one UN staffer, marking one of the deadliest attacks on aid workers in Gaza. The massacre, amid a UN-described effort to dismantle Gaza’s healthcare, shocked the region. The Red Cross and Red Crescent called it their deadliest attack since 2017. Survivor Munther Abed reported their clearly marked ambulance was deliberately targeted. A video by the UN’s OCHA showed the bodies being excavated, highlighting the grave’s tragic discovery. Ava Sinclair 05/04/2025 6:30 am
In the aftermath of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, Chinese and Russian rescue teams are prominently aiding survivors, while the U.S. is notably absent. Despite Myanmar’s military junta and civil war challenges, the U.S. has previously provided aid successfully. However, this time, only a small U.S. assessment team is present, contrasting with the extensive American rescue capabilities. At least 15 other international teams are actively involved, with financial aid pledges reaching tens of millions. Concerns arise over the impact of past U.S. policy changes on its disaster response presence. Noah Prescott 05/04/2025 6:30 am
Israeli troops expanded control in northern Gaza, moving into Shejaia to establish a security zone, displacing over 280,000 people. Civilians were evacuated via organized routes amid ongoing shelling. Israeli strikes hit vital infrastructure, including a water desalination plant. The UN reports 65% of Gaza is now “no go” areas. Israel’s long-term goals remain unclear, but residents fear permanent depopulation and loss of farmland. The operation resumed after a pause, following a hostage-prisoner exchange. Aid supplies have been cut off for weeks. Penelope Kingsley 05/04/2025 6:30 am
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Kimbe, Papua New Guinea, prompting a tsunami warning. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center forecasts hazardous waves of 1 to 3 meters along parts of Papua New Guinea’s coast. Waves under 0.3 meters may affect the Solomon Islands. This situation is ongoing. Ava Sinclair 05/04/2025 6:30 am
Donald Trump announced new tariffs, calling April 2 “liberation day,” but faced economic and political challenges as US stocks plummeted and trading partners resisted. The White House prepared for protests, postponing events due to security concerns. Despite setbacks in foreign policy and immigration, Trump remains confident in his economic vision. His foreign policy goals, including resolving conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, remain complicated by ongoing issues. Noah Prescott 05/04/2025 3:00 am
President Trump shared a video on social media showing an airstrike purportedly killing Houthi fighters in Yemen. The footage, resembling drone or aircraft footage, depicts a strike on people gathered in an oval formation, followed by smoke and dust. Trump captioned it, highlighting the prevention of attacks on US ships. Recent US strikes in Yemen target Houthis in response to their Red Sea attacks, linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US aims to weaken Iran, which supports the Houthis. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the strikes have weakened Iran and eliminated Houthi leaders. Noah Prescott 05/04/2025 3:00 am
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Kimbe, Papua New Guinea, prompting a tsunami warning. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center forecasts hazardous waves of 1 to 3 meters along parts of Papua New Guinea’s coast. Waves under 0.3 meters may affect the Solomon Islands. This situation is ongoing. Noah Prescott 05/04/2025 3:00 am
Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on nearly all countries except Russia, sparking a global trade war and stock market decline. Notably, the Heard and McDonald Islands, an uninhabited Australian territory home to penguins, face a 10% tariff, leading to widespread mockery and memes. Democrats, including Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Eric Swalwell, criticized Trump’s leadership using the absurdity of the penguin tariffs. Despite the humor, the tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers. Noah Prescott 04/04/2025 11:30 pm
President Trump defended Marine Le Pen, claiming her conviction is a “witch hunt” by European leftists using “lawfare” to silence opponents. He compared it to his own experiences with investigations, criticizing those involved. Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling European Parliament funds, barring her from elections for five years. Trump praised her perseverance despite not knowing her personally, suggesting her conviction was a minor issue. Le Pen plans to appeal the ruling, hoping to participate in the 2027 presidential race. Ava Sinclair 04/04/2025 11:30 pm
Lesotho, a key textile exporter to the U.S., faces economic challenges after President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on its imports, citing a disputed 99% tariff on U.S. goods. This tariff, the highest among all countries, threatens Lesotho’s industry, which exports 75% of its output to the U.S. Trump previously mocked Lesotho as a nation “nobody has ever heard of,” prompting a response from Lesotho’s foreign minister. The situation raises concerns about the future of Lesotho’s textile sector and its economic relationship with the U.S. Ava Sinclair 04/04/2025 8:00 pm
