1. Myanmar earthquake
Time is running out for rescue teams searching for survivors of the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck war-torn Myanmar on Friday. The first 72 hours after a quake are known as the “golden” window to find victims still alive under the rubble. At least 1,700 people have been confirmed dead; however, experts say the true death toll could take weeks to emerge. The powerful temblor caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure both in Myanmar and in Bangkok, Thailand. The situation is so devastating that the military junta issued a rare plea for help, prompting foreign aid and international rescue teams to head to Myanmar. Here’s how you can help those affected by the earthquake.
2. GazaThe Israeli military has stepped up its renewed campaign against Hamas,
launching deadly airstrikes in Gaza on the first day of Eid-al-Fitr. Bombs struck a tent and a home housing displaced people in southern Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 10, including children, rescuers in the enclave said. The bodies of more than a dozen aid workers were also recovered from a “mass grave.” They disappeared a week ago after Israeli forces opened fire on ambulances and fire trucks in southern Rafah. One medic is still missing. Since Israel shattered the two-month-old ceasefire with Hamas, it has renewed its assault on the enclave, killing hundreds of Palestinians, imposed a complete blockade of humanitarian aid and vowed to occupy parts of Gaza until the release of the remaining 24 hostages who are believed to still be alive. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to step up the campaign, saying the pressure on Hamas was “working.”
3. Trump 3rd term
President Trump once again floated the idea of seeking a third term in office and reiterated that he was “not joking.” The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution forbids such an action, noting: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Yet, in a telephone interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump claimed “a lot of people” want him to do it. When asked if there were strategies on the table for such a run, he said, “There are methods which you could do it.” Tennessee Republican Rep. Andy Ogles has already introduced legislation to change the text of the 22nd Amendment to allow a president who serves nonconsecutive terms to serve a third, four-year term. Repealing or changing the 22nd Amendment would require two-thirds votes in the House and Senate and ratification by three-quarters of the states
4. Extreme weather
Violent spring weather hit the central US on Sunday, causing at least two deaths. In addition to intense thunderstorms and golf ball-sized hail, the volatile weather system spawned tornadoes in Arkansas, Michigan and Missouri. Nearly half a million homes and businesses also lost power. Thunderstorms are expected to sweep eastward and by tonight, nearly 100 million people on the East Coast will be dealing with a severe weather threat. Damaging wind gusts are forecast in the Northeast. The mid-Atlantic to the Gulf Coast, meanwhile, may see strong winds, hail and possible tornadoes.
5. Police suicides
A cluster of suicides has hit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Houston over the past six weeks, leaving the department in mourning. Three of the four deaths occurred within a single week. Two of the deputies had retired from the force, a third officer left the force last December and a fourth officer was currently working in the department. According to an expert in police stress, law enforcement officers are 54% more likely to die from suicide than workers in other professions, in part due to repeated exposure to trauma. In an effort to give comfort and combat the stigma of seeking help, the department’s wellness unit is checking in with HCSO deputies and holding an outreach event at the county courthouse. If you are in the US and you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor. If you’re a first responder, call the CopLine at 1-800-267-5463.
