Iran drone strike in wake of suspected Israeli strike in Syria causes worry over escalation in Middle East
Adrian Vazquez News Editor
Sirens wailed in Israel as Iran launched its first direct attack on Israeli territory, a retaliatory strike consisting of explosive drones and cruise missiles late on Apr. 13. An Israeli military spokesperson said that 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted. Iran vowed to retaliate for what it called an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on Apr. 1 that killed seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite world leaders discouraging retaliation, Israel’s military chief said on Apr. 15 that the country will respond. Iran’s attack takes place amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, involving Iran-backed militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. An Israeli offensive has currently resulted in over 33,700 people killed, according to local health officials.
Information from AP News, NPR, Reuters.
World leaders urge Israel not to retaliate on Iran: Latest | AP News
Israel shoots down missiles and drones after Iran launches unprecedented attack : NPR
Iran launches retaliatory attack on Israel with hundreds of drones, missiles | Reuters
Donald Trump’s hush money trial begins
Adrian Vazquez News Editor
Donald Trump’s criminal trial for falsifying internal Trump Organization records regarding hush money payments to porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal in an alleged martial affair began on Apr. 15, and the trial started with potential jurors being dismissed from Trump’s hush money case. Eight people were excused after saying they were unable to be impartial or had other commitments. Trump will be the first ex-president on criminal trial in one of his four pending criminal cases. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of an alleged effort to keep stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign.
Information from AP News, New York Times, NPR.
Trump back in court for hush money trial after no jurors picked on first day | AP News
What to Know About Trump’s Hush-Money Trial – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
New York criminal trial against Donald Trump is underway : NPR
Transitional council in Haiti to select new government leaders in backdrop of gang violence
Adrian Vazquez News Editor
A transitional council charged with selecting the next prime minister of Haiti was formed on Apr. 12, with its mandate ending when a new president is sworn in. The Presidential Council comprises multiple political party leaders, and recently released a provision which stipulates that Prime Minister Ariel Henry will step down when a new premier is chosen, with no definite deadline set for choosing a new prime minister or Cabinet. The creation of the council comes at a time when widespread gang violence swept the capital of Port-au-Prince, resulting in more than 1,550 people being killed from January to March 22, according to the U.N.
Information from AP News, UN News, Reuters.
Guterres welcomes creation of transitional council in Haiti to choose new leaders | UN News
Haiti decrees long-awaited transition council, but questions remain | Reuters
