A powerful earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and prompting fears of a rising death toll. The epicenter of the quake was located near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. Initial reports from Myanmar's military government indicate at least 144 people have died, with around 730 others injured. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing stated during a televised address that officials expect the death toll and injuries to increase as the situation develops. The challenges of obtaining accurate information are compounded by the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, where information flow is tightly controlled.
In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake claimed six lives in Bangkok, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed. Authorities reported that 22 individuals were injured, and 101 were listed as missing across various construction sites. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt revised the initial death toll from ten to six the following day, indicating that several critically injured persons were erroneously reported as deceased. Search efforts were ongoing, with the governor expressing hope that more survivors might be found.
Following the earthquake, aftershocks continued, including one strong enough to measure 6.4 in magnitude, raising further concerns about structural damages and injuries.
In Lebanon, Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut for the first time since a ceasefire was declared after the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which concluded in November. The strike targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility in the Dahiyeh area, described as a militant stronghold. Israel's military had previously announced its intentions to strike this location and advised civilians to evacuate the area due to potential risks. The attack led to fears for the safety of residents, especially as it occurred in a densely populated area close to schools.
In Washington, the Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court to lift a temporary ban on deportations of Venezuelan migrants under an 18th-century wartime law. This appeal follows a federal appeals court's decision, which upheld an order preventing deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The Justice Department argued that federal courts should not interfere with diplomatic negotiations and maintained that the migrants should have their cases heard in Texas, where they are being detained.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark for underinvesting in Greenland, emphasizing the need for greater investment in the region's security. His comments align with President Trump's aspirations regarding the strategic territory, which has drawn interest due to its mineral resources and geopolitical significance. Vance asserted that the U.S. could enhance security for Greenland, urging for a partnership that might lead to increased independence from Denmark.
On the economic front, Wall Street faced significant losses on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping by 2%, marking a troubling end to the week. Concerns about rising inflation and a slowing economy are influencing market performance. Notably, Lululemon Athletica's stock plummeted by 14.2% despite reporting stronger-than-expected profits, attributed to a warning of potential revenue growth slowdown due to reduced consumer spending linked to economic anxieties.
In New Jersey, lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student detained for his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, argued in court for his release from immigration detention. They described his detention as a tactic to suppress free speech and emphasized the chilling effect such actions could have on dissent against U.S. foreign policy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the possibility of placing Ukraine under external governance through a UN-mediated process to ensure a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. He contended that governance would facilitate democratic elections in Ukraine and allow for a legitimate peace agreement to be reached.
In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation banning fluoride from public drinking water, making it the first U.S. state to do so. This decision faced backlash from dental professionals and national health organizations, warning it could negatively impact oral health, particularly among low-income communities. Similar measures are being considered in other states, including Florida and South Carolina, while opposition persists in others.
A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that a detained Tufts University doctoral student, Rumeysa Ozturk, cannot be deported to Turkey without a court order. Ozturk was apprehended and moved to a detention center shortly after, prompting her attorneys to seek a review of her case in court. The judge ordered a response from the government by Tuesday evening.
The first known transplant of sperm-producing stem cells has taken place, aimed at restoring fertility in cancer survivors who faced infertility from treatments. This groundbreaking study represents a significant step forward, particularly for childhood cancer survivors, with researchers advocating for preserving future fertility amidst the challenges of battling cancer.
