URL: NPR

World News

Friday, April 4, 2025

• Secretary Rubio meets ministers from NATO countries in Brussels
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended a meeting of NATO foreign ministers which began just a day after President Trump announced worldwide tariffs which will affect the U-S's closest allies.
  
• A devastating earthquake brings more uncertainty to Myanmar
  The country of Myanmar has been in crisis for years. A civil war has been going on since 2021.
  
  And then, last Friday, a devastating earthquake hit, leaving at least 3,000 people dead. The tragedy only deepened the humanitarian crisis in the country.
  
  One person watching the situation closely is Kim Aris. His mother is Aung San Suu Kyi, who was the country's de facto leader before the military ousted and imprisoned her after a coup four years ago.
  
  When Aris spoke to NPR earlier this week, he wasn't even sure where his mother was, or whether she was safe.
  
  The earthquake has brought more devastation to Myanmar raising questions about whether the country's military can stay in power – and about the future of its ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
  
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• The Opaque War Against the Houthis in Yemen
  We heard a lot about the planning by U.S. national security officials for a bombing campaign against Houthi fighters in Yemen, because a journalist was added to their Signal group chat. That bombing campaign is ongoing and we haven't heard much about how it is going or its goals. Our national security correspondent tells us about what the U.S. military is doing in Yemen and how we're getting more information about that from the Houthis than from the Pentagon.
  
• Higher prices are likely for these 10 grocery items when tariffs hit
  A trip to the grocery or liquor store is about to become even more expensive, economists say. From seafood to olive oil, these items will likely cost more under President Trump's tariffs.
  
• Dow Jones plunges over 2,200 points as tariff carnage roils global markets
  Investors, businesses and consumers all seem terrified of how President Trump's tariffs could upend the global economy.
  
• Trade war escalates as China hits back with 34% tariffs on all U.S. goods
  Analysts say the escalating trade tensions between the U.S and China will make a near-term deal to end the trade war "highly unlikely".
  
• A 'beacon' or a 'roulette'? Chinese America watchers see opportunities and pitfalls
  Some of China's America watchers see opportunities for their country in the United States' retreat from international institutions. Others see distractions and pitfalls.
  
• Former Costa Rican president says visa may have been revoked over criticism of Trump
  Former Costa Rican President Óscar Arias Sánchez, who likened President Trump to "Roman emperor" earlier this year, says he fears the U.S. revoked his visa over criticisms of Trump.
  
• Morning news brief
  Businesses and markets reeling from Trump's expanded trade war, small retailers in the U.S. react to the new Trump tariffs, Trump downplaying the role of far-right activist in firings of NSC staff.
  
• Canada trucker protest organizers found guilty of mischief
  The February 2022 protests, dubbed the Freedom Convoy, were sparked by a Canadian government vaccine mandate for truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada border.