Days after an Israeli strike killed seven aid workers, President Joe Biden is expected to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And rescuers in Taiwan search for dozens who remain missing while trying to reach hundreds still stranded after the devastating earthquake. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Biden to speak with Netanyahu days after Israeli strike killed aid workers
Senior U.S. officials indicate Biden will voice his concerns over Israel’s actions in its conflict with Hamas and emphasize the need for better protection of humanitarian aid workers and civilians.
Netanyahu has acknowledged the airstrike was unintentional and committed to a swift, transparent investigation, while World Central Kitchen demands an independent international probe, deeming it a targeted attack.
White House National Security spokesman John Kirby stated it’s premature to discuss any potential repercussions for Israel but reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.
Rescuers trying to reach hundreds after Taiwan earthquake
Rescue teams in Taiwan are searching for dozens still missing after a deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake killed nine people on the island. The National Fire Agency reports more than 600 people are stranded in mountainous and hiking areas but remain in contact with rescuers.
Officials expect aftershocks to continue through the end of the week.
Rail services have resumed, and major businesses, including the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a global leader in computer chip production, are returning to operation.
The #PRC/#CCP cohort is good at saying one thing & doing the opposite. Their #TaiwanAffairsOffice expressed condolences & offered to help after the quake. Well, am I supposed to be choked & speechless? 😠 JW https://t.co/JDucFzsD7e
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) April 4, 2024
This quake was the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
Judge rejects Trump’s delay of hush money trial over immunity claim
A New York judge Wednesday, April 3, denied former President Donald Trump’s request to delay his trial over a hush money payment until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on April 25 on his claim of presidential immunity, saying Trump waited too long to bring up this argument.
Trump’s trial, concerning a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, is scheduled to start April 15. Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan described the delay request as “untimely,” stating Trump’s legal team had sufficient time previously to address the immunity issue.
In this case, Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He is also facing several other criminal cases across the country, including charges related to mishandling classified documents and attempting to interfere in elections, with pending trials in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Georgia. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Disney wins boardroom battle with activist investor
Shareholders sided with Iger, reelecting the company’s full board and rejecting seats for Peltz and his associates.
Iger expressed gratitude to the shareholders for their confidence in the board and emphasized that with the election concluded, Disney can now concentrate on “growth and value creation for shareholders and creative excellence for customers.”
Although unsuccessful, Peltz’s firm, Trian Partners, stated it is proud of the campaign’s role in refocusing Disney’s priorities, highlighting a roughly 50 percent increase in Disney stock over the past six months.
Guinness World Records says world’s oldest man passes away at 114 years old
Guinness World Records announced Wednesday, April 3, that the world’s oldest man, Juan Vicente Perez Mora from Venezuela, has died just days before his 115th birthday.
Juan Vicente Pérez Mora ha trascendido hacia la eternidad a sus 114 años, tachirense del poblado de El Cobre que le regaló a Venezuela el Récord Guinness por ser el hombre más longevo del mundo. Envío mi abrazo y condolencias a sus familiares y a todo el pueblo de El Cobre estado… pic.twitter.com/ieVPosm8dt
Perez, who held the record for over two years, credited his longevity to “working hard, resting on holidays, going to bed early, drinking a glass of aguardiente every day, and loving God.”
Born in 1909, Perez was married for 60 years and had a large family, including 11 children, 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Following his passing, efforts are now underway to identify and verify the next world’s oldest living man.
Fox, AEG launching new postseason college basketball tournament
With March Madness breaking rating records, Fox and promoter AEG Worldwide are introducing the College Basketball Crown, a new 16-team postseason tournament for teams that didn’t make the NCAA Tournament.
FOX Sports & AEG launch the COLLEGE BASKETBALL CROWN: a reimagined postseason college hoops tournament 👑
The showcase features 16 teams across elite conferences – airing on FOX & FS1 in Spring 2025 🏀
Set to debut next year from March 31 to April 6 in Las Vegas, the tournament will include teams from the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East conferences, along with additional teams selected by a committee.
