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Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,085 as More Bodies Recovered

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YANGON, Myanmar  — The death toll from a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has risen to 3,085, according to the military-led government on Thursday, as search and rescue teams continue to find bodies in the rubble. 

In a brief statement, the military reported that 4,715 people were injured, and 341 remain missing. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck on Friday near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, causing widespread destruction. Thousands of buildings collapsed, roads buckled, and bridges were destroyed across multiple regions. 

Local media reports have indicated a much higher number of casualties than official figures suggest. With telecommunications disrupted and access to many areas limited, the true extent of the disaster remains unclear, and the death toll is expected to rise significantly as more information emerges. 

The earthquake has deepened Myanmar’s existing humanitarian crisis, which has persisted since the military seized power in 2021, overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The ongoing conflict has left more than 3 million people displaced and nearly 20 million in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations. 

Amid growing concerns that continued fighting could disrupt relief efforts, the military declared a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, effective until April 22. The announcement followed similar unilateral ceasefires declared by armed resistance groups opposed to military rule. However, the military warned it would take “necessary” actions if opposition forces used the ceasefire to regroup, train, or launch attacks. 

In Bangkok, Thailand, where the quake caused the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper, rescue workers continue to search for survivors. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that the possible sound of life was detected amid the rubble. The collapse left 22 people dead and 35 injured, most of whom were in the unfinished building when it fell. 

The Myanmar disaster has underscored the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations working in conflict zones, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international support to reach affected communities.

US Sends 2nd Aircraft Carrier to Middle East as Trump Threatens to Bomb Iran-Dailymail

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WASHINGTON — The United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East by deploying a second aircraft carrier, following threats from President Donald Trump to bomb Iran if it does not agree to a deal over its nuclear weapons capabilities.

The Pentagon extended the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group and ordered a second flotilla to the region, Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Tuesday. Additional warplanes, including F-35 fighters and B-2 stealth bombers, were also sent, a U.S. official said.

The move follows Trump’s warning that military action would be taken if Iran fails to make a deal. “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing,” Trump told NBC in a phone interview on Sunday.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded on Monday, saying Iran believes a U.S. strike is unlikely but warned of a strong retaliation if provoked. “If they commit any mischief, they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow,” Khamenei said.

Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, noted uncertainty about whether the carrier’s deployment was linked to Iran’s nuclear ambitions or ongoing attacks on the Houthis by the Trump administration. “One option is that… we’re signaling we don’t want Iran or the Houthis to broaden the fight at all,” Knights said. “We put more carriers in place, and we have the B-2 to say, ‘Iran, if you get involved in this, we can come for you too.’”

Trump’s decision follows his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, which had restricted Iran’s nuclear weapons development in exchange for eased sanctions. Last month, he reversed his position, urging Iran in a letter to negotiate a new deal.

Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei accused the U.S. of bullying and said Iran would not bow to American demands. French President Emmanuel Macron met with European leaders to discuss the threat of war, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warning that a military clash seemed “almost inevitable.”

Scott Roecker, vice president of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, expressed optimism for diplomacy, noting that Iran often seeks negotiations when its regional power declines. “The diplomatic off-ramp is very much alive,” Roecker said, adding that Iran may use nuclear development as leverage rather than a genuine pursuit.

The 2015 UN Security Council resolution linked to the Iran nuclear deal allows France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, or China to reimpose sanctions on Iran if the deal is violated. This “snapback” option expires in October 2025.

Meanwhile, Trump’s attacks on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have intensified, with at least 27 airstrikes targeting Houthi positions since last month. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leaked messages revealed the use of F/A-18 planes, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and Tomahawk missiles in strikes launched from a Navy ship.

Trump vowed to continue attacks until the Houthis stop targeting ships in the Red Sea. “Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation,” he said in a Truth Social post on Monday.

Joseph Votel, a retired U.S. Army general, described the strikes as a “standard counterterrorism approach,” noting they were more geographically dispersed and intense than those under former President Joe Biden, who had focused on defensive measures.

Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said strikes targeted command and control centers, weapons manufacturing sites, and terrorist training facilities. The Houthis claimed their attacks were retaliation for Israel’s siege of Gaza, which resumed after a two-month ceasefire ended in mid-March.

Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs Trigger Stock Market Fall, Whipping Trillions from 401(k)s-Dailymail

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U.S. stocks plunged in after-hours trading on Wednesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs starting at 10%—with significantly higher rates for targeted countries. Within minutes, futures tracking the S&P 500 fell 2%, while the Nasdaq tumbled 3%, marking the most severe drop since the onset of the pandemic. 

The sharp sell-off came after Trump accused foreign nations of “ripping off” the United States and vowed to impose tariffs on imports worldwide. The measures were harsher than anticipated, sparking fears on Wall Street that the policy would stifle economic growth, fuel inflation, and disrupt global markets. 

Most Americans’ retirement savings, including 401(k) plans, are tied to stock market performance. As futures on the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, and Dow Jones slumped 2.3%, 4.2%, and 2.3% respectively, the value of retirement funds faced immediate risks. 

Major importers were hit hard, with Nike falling 6% and General Motors down 3%. Already struggling companies, such as Nvidia and Tesla, shed about 3%, while retail chains like Five Below and Gap tumbled 11% and 12%. 

Though Wall Street’s main trading session ends at 4 p.m. in New York, after-hours trading extends until 8 p.m., allowing investors to react swiftly to breaking news. Futures contracts, which track key indexes like the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow, as well as commodities like gold, are traded around the clock, except for a one-hour break starting at 5 p.m. 

If stock prices fail to recover, Americans could face significant losses when markets reopen at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. 

President Trump declared the tariffs a “declaration of economic independence,” announcing a baseline 10% duty on all imports effective April 5, with higher rates on nations imposing steep duties on U.S. goods. From midnight in Washington, a 25% tariff would be applied to all foreign cars imported into the U.S. 

Displaying a chart during his speech, Trump outlined the U.S.’s planned tariffs: 34% on China, 20% on the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan, and 32% on Taiwan. Vietnam was singled out for a 46% tariff, while India was set to face a 26% duty despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi being described as a “great friend.” 

Lesotho faced the highest tariff at 50%, while Canada and Mexico were exempt, thanks to existing trade agreements. Trump emphasized that the policy was necessary to address decades of exploitation by foreign nations. 

Critics fear the tariffs could backfire, triggering a global trade war, driving up consumer prices, and destabilizing markets. Nevertheless, Trump promised that factory jobs would return to the U.S., even if consumers faced temporary pain. 

Stocks, which had risen earlier in the day, reversed course as Trump delivered a fiery tirade against foreign “cheaters” who “ransacked” American factories. “For nations that treat us badly, we will calculate the combined rate of all their tariffs, non-monetary barriers, and other forms of cheating,” he said, vowing to impose rates “approximately half of what they charge us.” 

As markets brace for further volatility, Trump’s tariffs signal a high-stakes gamble that could reshape the global economic landscape—whether for better or worse remains uncertain.

Trump Imposes Major Tariffs on Global Trade Partners, Some as High as 54%, Affecting EU, UK, China and Canada

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President Donald Trump announced extensive tariffs on the United States’ largest trading partners on Wednesday, marking a historic shift in global trade policy. The new measures, which include tariffs as high as 54%, aim to overhaul trade relationships and strengthen American industry. 

The tariffs apply to countries imposing significant duties on American exports or engaging in “nonmonetary” trade practices, such as currency manipulation or environmental practices that disadvantage the U.S. market. China faces the steepest tariff at 54%, while the European Union, India, and Japan are set to face tariffs of 20%, 26%, and 24%, respectively. 

The White House did not detail the calculation method, but a handout listed factors such as “currency manipulation and trade barriers.” The sweeping tariffs could impact billions—if not trillions—of dollars in trade, raising concerns over global economic fallout. 

The announcement immediately rattled markets, causing U.S. stock futures to plunge 1.5% in after-hours trading. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump criticized countries imposing “much higher” import taxes on American goods compared to U.S. tariffs on their exports. He declared the new policy a step toward a “golden age of America,” promising to restore American industry and end decades of perceived exploitation. 

The move is part of Trump’s effort to challenge longstanding trade agreements and reduce U.S. dependency on foreign manufacturing. However, experts warn the tariffs could backfire by disrupting supply chains and driving up consumer prices. Businesses reliant on imports may face higher costs, potentially forcing them to reduce profit margins or pass the costs to consumers. 

The tariffs come amid growing concerns over inflation, with the Federal Reserve adjusting its forecasts in anticipation of rising costs. A recent University of Michigan survey found consumer inflation expectations at a 32-year high, with two-thirds of respondents expecting unemployment to rise. 

Critics argue Trump’s strategy risks harming American consumers and businesses more than it benefits them. Michael Strain of the American Enterprise Institute noted that many were surprised Trump followed through on his aggressive tariff rhetoric, leading to confusion and disappointment among business leaders. 

Despite potential economic turbulence, Trump remains resolute. He contends the tariffs will force trading partners to negotiate fairer deals and reduce America’s trade deficit. While some countries, including Vietnam and Israel, have signaled willingness to lower duties on U.S. goods, others remain defiant. 

With markets uncertain and inflation looming, the long-term impact of Trump’s tariffs remains to be seen. The administration insists short-term pain will pave the way for a stronger, more self-sufficient economy. However, critics fear the strategy could weaken global trade and stifle economic growth.

Congo Commutes Death Sentences for 3 U.S. Citizens Convicted in Failed Coup

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The Democratic Republic of Congo has commuted the death sentences of three U.S. citizens convicted for their involvement in a failed coup last year to life imprisonment. The decision comes ahead of a diplomatic visit by Massad Boulos, the newly appointed U.S. senior advisor for Africa. 

The three Americans—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun—were among 50 people, including citizens from the U.S., Britain, Canada, Belgium, and Congo, who were tried following the failed coup attempt in May. In September, a military court sentenced 37 defendants, including the Americans, to death for charges of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and other offenses. 

All three men denied wrongdoing and unsuccessfully appealed the verdict. However, Congo’s justice ministry recommended a pardon, which the public prosecutor submitted to President Félix Tshisekedi. On Tuesday, the president signed orders commuting their sentences to life imprisonment, his spokesperson Tina Salama announced on national television. 

“This presidential pardon marks a first step toward significant changes in the future,” said Ckiness Ciamba, a lawyer representing Marcel Malanga. Representatives for Zalman-Polun and Malanga’s relatives did not immediately comment, and Thompson’s parents declined to speak on the record. 

Marcel Malanga is the son of U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga, who led the armed group that briefly occupied a presidential office in Kinshasa on May 19 before he was killed by security forces. Tyler Thompson, a high school friend of Malanga from Utah, and Zalman-Polun, a business associate of Christian Malanga, were also involved. 

The commutation comes just ahead of Boulos’s visit to Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda starting April 3. Boulos, who is the father-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter Tiffany, aims to advance peace efforts in eastern Congo, where a Rwanda-backed rebellion continues, and to promote U.S. private sector investments in the region. 

The decision is seen as a gesture to strengthen U.S.-Congo relations amid ongoing regional instability.

Israel Expands Military Operations in Gaza, Seizes Key Areas

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Israel announced on Wednesday a significant expansion of its military operation in Gaza, seizing large areas to enhance security zones and initiating widespread evacuations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed troops had secured the Morag Axis, an area near Rafah and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The move is intended to isolate Rafah from Khan Younis and strengthen control along the Philadelphi Corridor, a key line against weapon smuggling from Egypt. 

“The Strip is being divided, and pressure will escalate step by step until our hostages are returned,” Netanyahu stated in a video message. Israeli forces also encircled the Tel al-Sultan area near Rafah, killing dozens of militants and discovering rockets and a launcher aimed at Israeli territory. 

The operation, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz, aims to eliminate militant infrastructure and add seized areas to Israel’s security zones. Evacuations have already cleared much of the area around Rafah. Jonathan Whittall, the top U.N. aid official for Gaza, reported, “64% of Gaza is now under active forced displacement orders or within the ‘buffer zone.’ Nowhere and no one is safe.” 

The Gaza Health Ministry reported at least 60 casualties on Wednesday, including 19 deaths at a U.N. clinic sheltering displaced civilians. Israel claimed the clinic served as a Hamas command center, a charge Hamas denies. Eyewitnesses described gruesome scenes, with rescue workers struggling to retrieve bodies. 

Defense Minister Katz did not specify how much territory Israel intends to seize or whether the move would lead to a permanent annexation, raising concerns of forced displacement and a full-scale military occupation. The Israeli rights group Gisha stated Israel had already controlled 17% of Gaza before the operation. 

Israeli leaders have suggested plans for voluntary Palestinian departures, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision of a redeveloped coastal resort. Gazans fear permanent displacement. “Netanyahu won’t stop until we are displaced,” said Amer al-Farra, who has been forced from his home multiple times. 

The operation also appears aimed at pressuring Hamas, as Katz called on Gazans to “eliminate Hamas and return the kidnapped.” Israel resumed airstrikes on March 18 after a U.S.-backed truce collapsed. Since then, the campaign has killed over 50,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the deaths of over 1,000 people since the truce broke down, urging all parties to respect international law. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt have failed to halt the violence. 

Israel’s campaign extends beyond Gaza, with strikes in Lebanon and Syria, including an attack on a Hezbollah commander in Beirut. Ronen Bar, head of Israel’s domestic intelligence service, said the Gaza operation and Beirut strikes are “directly linked.” 

The conflict began when Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 people in a cross-border raid, taking 251 hostages. Israel’s response has devastated Gaza, forcing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million from their homes. 

Global concern grows as the military operation continues, with protests in Israel and condemnation from international leaders.

Elon Musk to Remain Until DOGE Mission Completion, White House Confirms

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The White House confirmed Wednesday that Elon Musk will remain in his role to complete the DOGE mission, dismissing recent media reports suggesting an early exit. The tech billionaire, who leads Tesla and SpaceX, was appointed by President Donald Trump to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and execute sweeping reforms aimed at cutting federal spending and downsizing the workforce. 

“Elon Musk and President Trump have both publicly stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. 

Reports from Politico and ABC claimed that President Trump told his Cabinet that Musk would soon return to the private sector, though it remains unclear if this would occur before his 130-day mandate expires in late May. Neither Musk nor DOGE responded to requests for comment. 

The DOGE mission has faced intense scrutiny and legal challenges, with critics questioning the validity of its reported savings. According to DOGE’s official website, the initiative has saved U.S. taxpayers $140 billion through workforce reductions, asset sales, and contract cancellations as of April 2—well short of the $1 trillion target. However, the website’s figures have been criticized for inaccuracies and errors. 

Musk’s directive under DOGE is set to continue until July 4, 2026, but many of DOGE’s senior figures are closely tied to Musk and have yet to confirm if they would remain should he depart. 

Meanwhile, backlash against Musk’s aggressive approach to cutting the federal workforce has grown. Nearly 200,000 government employees have been terminated, marked for layoffs, or accepted buyouts. The mass layoffs have sparked outrage, with Republican lawmakers facing heated town hall meetings and lawsuits challenging DOGE’s initiatives. 

Tesla dealerships have been vandalized both in the U.S. and abroad, and a nationwide protest against DOGE and Trump’s agenda is planned for Saturday. 

On Tuesday, a liberal judge’s decisive victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race dealt a blow to Musk and Trump’s agenda, as the judge’s conservative opponent—heavily backed by Musk—fell short. The race was viewed as an early referendum on Trump’s presidency and Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal bureaucracy. 

Shares of government contracting firms rose on news of Musk’s potential departure, while Tesla stock rebounded 5% on Wednesday after falling over 6% due to a drop in first-quarter deliveries. 

Musk recently told Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” that he expects to achieve most of his goal to cut $1 trillion in federal spending by the end of his 130-day mandate. However, in a March 10 interview on Fox Business Network’s “Kudlow,” when asked by Larry Kudlow if he would extend his role, Musk responded, “Yeah, I think so.” 

Despite ongoing controversy, Musk remains committed to completing his mission at DOGE, with the White House reaffirming his role until its objectives are fulfilled.

Reuters

Trump to Announce New Far-Reaching Tariffs Amid Trade War Concerns

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U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce sweeping new tariffs during a “Liberation Day” ceremony at the White House Rose Garden today at 4 p.m. ET (2000 GMT). The tariffs, expected to trigger retaliatory measures from trading partners, could escalate trade tensions and disrupt the global economy. 

Trump has promised reciprocal tariffs to match the higher rates imposed by other nations on U.S. goods, but he has yet to specify which countries will be targeted or the severity of the tariffs. The uncertainty has rattled financial markets and left businesses on edge, uncertain how to navigate a rapidly shifting trade landscape. 

While the administration has not yet published an official notice, the new tariffs are set to take effect immediately after Trump’s announcement. A separate set of tariffs on auto imports, announced last week, will go into effect on April 3. 

Trump has already imposed a 20% tariff on all imports from China and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, extending these measures to nearly $150 billion worth of downstream products. A planned 25% tariff on most Canadian and Mexican goods—aimed at pressuring those countries to address drug trafficking and immigration issues—was postponed but is set to expire today. 

Administration officials insist the tariffs will restore critical manufacturing capabilities to the U.S., but economists warn the measures could stifle global economic growth, increase recession risks, and raise living costs for American families. 

Business leaders across industries, from automotive to luxury goods, are bracing for the impact as tariff concerns disrupt manufacturing activity worldwide. U.S. stocks have shed nearly $5 trillion in value since February, while global markets retreat and safe-haven assets like gold hover near record highs. 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the move, calling it “the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen” on CNBC. 

As uncertainty mounts, the tariffs’ ripple effects are already being felt. Manufacturing has slowed, and consumers are rushing to purchase goods before prices rise. Investors, consumers, and businesses alike await the full scope of Trump’s plans, hoping for clarity in a climate of mounting uncertainty.

Boston Box Truck Crash: Multiple Injured After Vehicle Hits Pedestrians and Storefront

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Multiple people were rushed to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after a box truck lost control on a busy Boston street, plowing into a storefront in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood. 

The terrifying lunchtime crash left at least six people injured, including one person fighting for their life. Horrifying footage from the scene showed pedestrians lying on the sidewalk, surrounded by shattered glass and debris. 

The yellow Penske box truck was overturned on its side when emergency responders arrived. The truck’s driver was trapped inside and had to be rescued by the Boston Fire Department. 

“The technical team had to cut the top of the cab and peel it back to get the driver out,” said Deputy Fire Chief Steven Shaffer. The driver, initially reported in critical condition, is now stable and receiving treatment. 

At least one victim remains in critical condition, while three others were hospitalized with minor injuries. Two additional victims were treated at the scene, according to local ABC affiliate WCVB. 

Eyewitnesses described the chaos as first responders used extrication tools to free the driver and assist injured pedestrians. Onlookers captured footage showing police officers urging bystanders to clear the area as medical teams attended to the wounded. 

A ramen restaurant was damaged in the crash, and a fire hydrant was knocked into the street. The Boston Fire Department stated, “Companies responded to Kneeland & Harrison Ave for a truck that struck multiple poles and was wedged between a pole and the building.” 

One witness told reporters, “He lost control right down this road… He was going pretty fast, but I don’t know if he was speeding.” 

Penske Transportation Solutions confirmed the truck was rented to a commercial trucking company. “Our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this unfortunate incident. We are cooperating fully with authorities to support their investigation,” said Alen Beljin, Senior Public Relations Manager at Penske. 

Tufts Medical Center activated its mass casualty response after the crash. Authorities do not believe the incident was suspicious or intentional, but the investigation is ongoing. 

The involved streets remain closed, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area. Officials are working to determine the cause of the crash and identify any liable parties.

Lancaster Walmart Shooting: Two Injured, One Detained in South Carolina Incident

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Two people were injured in a shooting at a Walmart in Lancaster, South Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Shoppers scrambled for cover as a massive police presence blocked the store’s entrance. 

Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile confirmed that the incident occurred just before 3 p.m. near the North Carolina border. The two victims were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One person has been detained, and authorities stated the situation is no longer active. 

Investigators believe the individuals involved in the shooting knew each other. All three involved were men, but their ages have not been disclosed. No Walmart employees were involved in the incident. 

Officers conducted a thorough search of the store and declared the area safe by 4:30 p.m. However, investigators are working to determine if additional suspects were involved. 

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office initially confirmed the shooting on Facebook, warning the public: “Stay away from Walmart in Lancaster!” 

Terrified witnesses described seeing dozens of police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks arrive on the scene. Four local schools were briefly placed on lockdown, which has since been lifted. 

Eyewitness accounts captured the chaos and fear. One shopper recalled being rushed out of a back door while another described hearing multiple gunshots, calling it “the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced.” 

The Lancaster Police Department and Sheriff’s Office have yet to release additional details. 

This incident follows a 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, where Patrick Crusius killed 23 people in a racially motivated attack. Crusius was sentenced to 90 life sentences in 2023 after pleading guilty. 

Lancaster residents remain on edge, hoping for answers and reassurance from authorities in the wake of this unsettling event.

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