Avalanche in Nepal Kills Seven Climbers; Remains Missing as Rescues Continue – 11/4/2025, 4:24:28 PM

International Developments

Ukraine and Russia
Ukrainian long-range drones have reached an industrial plant deep inside Russia[1], while Russian airstrikes continue to target Pokrovsk, a key city in Ukraine that serves as an important stronghold on a major supply route[1].

Europe
The centrist D66 party secured a narrow victory in the Netherlands’ national election, edging out anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom in a close race decided by postal votes from Dutch citizens living abroad[1]. In the United Kingdom, Treasury chief Rachel Reeves has signaled plans to raise taxes in her upcoming budget later this month, citing a weaker-than-expected economy[1]. Meanwhile, a worker died after the partial collapse of a medieval tower (Torre dei Conti) in central Rome during renovation work[1].

Asia-Pacific
An avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal has killed seven climbers, including five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, with rescuers currently searching for bodies in the ice and snow[1]. South Korea’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has praised the country’s plans to boost military spending and take a larger role in defending itself from North Korean threats[1]. Additionally, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for tripling government spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and technology in a budget speech[1].

Middle East and Africa
Iranians have commemorated the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran amid current regional tensions[1]. Tanzanian authorities are facing growing concerns over killings during and after last week’s election, with opposition claims that security forces are secretly dumping bodies[1]. Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after Mexican authorities granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez[1].

United States
The U.S. government shutdown has reached 35 days, tying for the longest in American history[5]. The Trump administration is working to partially fund SNAP food assistance for 42 million people whose benefits have run out[2]. The shutdown has also led air traffic controllers to call out sick as they continue working without pay[2]. The FBI is investigating an alleged ISIS-inspired Halloween terror plot in Michigan, with agents claiming the suspects were planning to target the LGBTQ+ community in the Detroit suburbs[2].