Malaysia will resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014 with 239 people on board. The search will be conducted with robotics company Ocean Infinity, which last searched in 2018. The contract, if finalized, will last 18 months and pay $70 million only if substantial wreckage is found. Some debris believed to be from MH370 has been found along the African coast and Indian Ocean islands. The plane lost contact shortly after takeoff from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 6:30 pm
The article highlights 12 striking images from the past year, including a solar eclipse in Bloomington, Indiana, where an airplane’s contrails intersected the shimmering corona. Another notable image is from the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, which sparked controversy due to a misunderstood tableau resembling The Last Supper. Additionally, a poignant photo captures Sudanese refugees in a crowded queue at a Transit Centre in Renk, South Sudan, illustrating the dire situation as over half-a-million people fled conflict, straining resources in the region. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 6:30 pm
In 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed 271,484 noncitizens, the highest in a decade, with a 90% increase from previous years. Of those deported, 88,763 had criminal charges, 3,706 were gang members, 237 were suspected terrorists, and eight were human rights violators. ICE issued 149,764 detainers, a 19.5% rise from last year. The report highlights ICE’s focus on violent offenders. The numbers come amid criticism of Biden’s immigration policies, with President-elect Trump promising mass deportations. Detainers face challenges in sanctuary jurisdictions. Penelope Kingsley 20/12/2024 3:00 pm
The historic walls of Avignon, once protective fortifications, now witness a significant mass rape trial involving Gisèle Pelicot. Local feminist group, the Amazons of Avignon, has been actively posting messages around the city, supporting victims and condemning the accused. These actions intensified after Pelicot advocated for a public trial. The walls, historically significant and refurbished by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, have also been a backdrop for the city’s summer theater festival since post-WWII. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 3:00 pm
A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv killed at least one person and injured 12 others, reportedly in response to a Ukrainian strike on Russian soil. Ukraine intercepted five Iskander missiles, but debris caused damage and fires in three districts, affecting residential buildings, medical facilities, schools, and landmarks like the Catholic Church of St. Nicholas. The blast wave damaged six embassies. Air raid sirens sounded again hours later, prompting residents to seek shelter. Russia has frequently targeted Ukrainian civilian areas during the conflict. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 3:00 pm
U.S. colleges are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Trump’s inauguration due to potential travel bans, similar to those he imposed in 2017 on citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Over a dozen schools have issued advisories, urging students reliant on academic visas to minimize risks by returning before January 20. While Trump’s plans remain uncertain, schools are preparing for possible policy changes during his second term. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 3:00 pm
The Malaysian government plans to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014 with 239 people on board. A $70 million deal with US-based Ocean Infinity has been approved in principle, under a “no find, no fee” arrangement. Previous searches, including a 2018 effort by Ocean Infinity, were unsuccessful. The new search will target a 15,000 sq km area in the southern Indian Ocean, based on credible new data. Families of the missing passengers welcome the renewed efforts for closure. Penelope Kingsley 20/12/2024 3:00 pm
Joe Biden’s presidency aimed to prioritize democracy in U.S. foreign policy, but democratic regimes are now unstable. France’s government collapsed, and Marine Le Pen’s authoritarian party is gaining traction. Germany’s government lost parliamentary support, with a fascist party rising amid economic stagnation. The EU’s military support for Ukraine is waning, especially with Donald Trump’s return. Despite Biden’s experience, questions arise about the effectiveness of his foreign policy. Meanwhile, autocratic regimes like China and Russia face economic and political challenges, suggesting a complex global landscape. Ava Sinclair 20/12/2024 3:00 pm
After the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, many Israelis, including singer Shira Z. Carmel, felt their safety shattered, challenging Israel’s promise as a safe haven for Jews. The attack, likened to Israel’s 9/11, saw 1,200 killed and 250 taken into Gaza. Ten days later, Carmel and her family relocated to Australia, framing it as temporary to ease familial strain. Thousands of Israelis have since left, as shown by government and immigration data from countries like Canada and Germany. Penelope Kingsley 20/12/2024 11:30 am
Malaysia will resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014 with 239 people on board. Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the commitment to the victims’ families. The search, proposed by Ocean Infinity, will cover 15,000 sq km in the southern Indian Ocean. A $70 million reward is offered if substantive wreckage is found. Jiang Hui, a victim’s relative, supports the search but suggests a more open approach. Debris has previously washed up along African coasts and Indian Ocean islands. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 11:30 am
