Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced she has completed chemotherapy and is focusing on staying cancer-free. Diagnosed in March, she shared her recovery journey in a personal video, expressing hope and gratitude. Kate, 42, who had major surgery after Christmas, has made limited public appearances since. She plans a gradual return to public life, including attending the Remembrance Day service in November. The video, filmed in Norfolk, shows her family enjoying simple moments, emphasizing the importance of love and gratitude. Dr. William Dahut highlighted the critical nature of the first 6-24 months post-chemotherapy. Noah Prescott 09/09/2024 7:30 pm
Slain Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages tried to fight off Hamas terrorists before being executed in a Gaza tunnel. Their families were informed of this during an IDF briefing. The victims, including Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi, were found in harsh conditions with no air vents, toilets, or showers. Evidence showed some defended others before being killed. The IDF believes they were executed the day before their bodies were discovered. Hamas has since released pre-recorded videos of the victims’ last messages. Noah Prescott 09/09/2024 7:30 pm
Israeli strikes in Syria have killed 18 and wounded dozens, marking the highest death toll since the Gaza war began. Targets included a weapons research center, with Syrian officials claiming civilian sites were hit. Israel frequently targets military sites linked to Iran and Hezbollah, especially amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas. The intensity of these strikes was unusual, with no immediate Israeli military comment. Israel aims to prevent Iranian entrenchment in Syria, a key route for weapons to Hezbollah. Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash condemned the strikes as “brutal and barbaric.” Noah Prescott 09/09/2024 7:30 pm
Pope Francis arrived in East Timor, the penultimate stop of his Asia and South Pacific tour, greeted by thousands in Dili. He will preside over a Mass expected to draw 750,000 people. The visit highlights issues of clerical sexual abuse, with recent revelations involving East Timor clergy. Francis urged political leaders to combat abuse and ensure a peaceful childhood for youth. East Timor, deeply Catholic, allocated $12 million for the visit, sparking criticism due to its economic status. The trip underscores the Catholic Church’s pivot to Asia, marking the first papal visit since East Timor’s 2002 independence. Penelope Kingsley 09/09/2024 4:00 pm
Former Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo González fled to Spain on Sunday as part of a deal with Nicolás Maduro’s government, disappointing many supporters. Considered the legitimate winner of the July 28 election by the opposition and some foreign governments, González’s departure was announced after an arrest order. He arrived in Madrid with his wife and Spanish officials, later sending a message to supporters. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado assured that González would return for the January 10 swearing-in ceremony. His exile adds to the growing list of opposition figures seeking asylum due to Maduro’s crackdown. Ava Sinclair 09/09/2024 4:00 pm
Israeli air strikes on military sites in central Syria killed at least 18 people and injured 37, according to Syrian health minister Hassan al-Ghabbash. A UK-based monitoring group reported 26 deaths, including civilians and pro-Iran fighters, and significant damage to a scientific research center near Masyaf. Israel, which has conducted numerous strikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria, did not comment. Syria and Iran condemned the attacks. The strikes also damaged infrastructure, including a highway, power line, and fiber optic cable. Ava Sinclair 09/09/2024 4:00 pm
A bridge collapse and bus swept away by flooding in Vietnam have resulted in at least 59 deaths following Typhoon Yagi, which weakened to a tropical depression. The typhoon and subsequent floods and landslides have severely disrupted northern industrial hubs. A bus carrying 20 people was swept into a stream in Cao Bang province, and a bridge collapse in Phu Tho province left 13 missing. Businesses in Haiphong province remain closed due to extensive damage, with power outages affecting Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces. Noah Prescott 09/09/2024 12:30 pm
Pope Francis visited Papua New Guinea, starting with a Mass in Port Moresby attended by 35,000 people, featuring traditional dances. He then traveled to Vanimo, bringing medicine, clothing, and toys. Addressing a crowd of 20,000, he praised church workers and urged locals to end tribal violence and work harmoniously. He emphasized helping marginalized communities and combating prejudice, superstition, and gender-based violence. Francis called for unity to overcome destructive behaviors and foster civic responsibility. Ava Sinclair 09/09/2024 12:30 pm
Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González, granted asylum in Spain, vowed to continue fighting for democracy in Venezuela. He fled after disputed July 28 elections, where President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory. An arrest warrant accused González of conspiracy and forgery. Opposition leader María Corina Machado cited threats to his life. The opposition claims González won, supported by detailed voting tallies. The US, EU, and other governments reject Maduro’s victory without transparent voting data. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU’s Josep Borrell condemned the anti-democratic actions forcing González’s exile. Penelope Kingsley 09/09/2024 12:30 pm
After being declared the winner of Algeria’s election with 94.7% of the vote, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his challengers criticized the election authority for announcing results that contradicted earlier figures. The claims of irregularities marred what seemed to be a landslide re-election. Tebboune, Islamist Abdelali Hassani Cherif, and socialist Youcef Aouchiche jointly questioned the results, shocking Algerians accustomed to choreographed elections. With less than 25% voter turnout, the legitimacy of the election is in doubt, and it’s unclear if legal challenges will follow. Noah Prescott 09/09/2024 12:30 pm
