A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital, damaging the U.S. Embassy in Port Vila. The quake occurred 18 miles west of the city, followed by aftershocks but no tsunami warnings. The embassy sustained significant damage and is closed until further notice. All staff were safe and accounted for. U.S. officials expressed support for those affected. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 10:30 am
Over 4,000 years ago, nearly 40 people in what is now England suffered violent deaths, including scalping, decapitation, and cannibalism, as revealed by a modern analysis of their bones. Archaeologists found over 3,000 bone fragments in a limestone shaft in Somerset, dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The study, published in Antiquity, highlights the brutality of the period, with 30% of skulls fractured and 20% of bones showing cut marks from stone tools. These findings suggest a massacre, with practices unrelated to known funeral rites. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 7:00 am
Near Damascus, in Adra, the White Helmets are uncovering mass graves linked to Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Videos suggest these graves contain victims tortured to death in Syrian prisons. Rescuers found remains in plastic bags and are collecting DNA samples for identification. Ismael Abdullah, a rescuer, highlights the challenge of identifying thousands of missing people. The team is trained in forensic documentation to help uncover the truth about these disappearances, with over 100,000 people missing in Syria since 2011. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 7:00 am
A deadly religious schism in Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of a church member and two children, with homes set ablaze amid violence linked to the United Methodist Church’s decision to repeal LGBTQ bans. The conflict involves the formation of the Global Methodist Church by conservative breakaway factions. In Taraba, a church member was shot, and two children died in a fire. Local bishops condemned the violence, urging an end to misinformation and retribution. The Global Methodist Church is investigating the incident. Penelope Kingsley 18/12/2024 7:00 am
Prince Andrew will not join the royal family’s Christmas at Sandringham to avoid being a distraction amid espionage allegations involving Chinese businessman Yang Tenbo. Andrew will stay at Royal Lodge, Windsor, after a court revealed Yang, accused of being a spy, had close ties with him. Yang denies the accusations. Andrew’s absence will be notable during the royal family’s public Christmas Day walk. Penelope Kingsley 18/12/2024 7:00 am
Outside al-Mujtahid Hospital in Damascus, families search gruesome photos of tortured prison victims, hoping to find missing loved ones. A young woman accuses the crowd of inaction, expressing disbelief in God. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reports around 100,000 missing from Syria’s defunct prison system, though locals suspect the number is higher. Arrests were often due to real or perceived criticism of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 3:30 am
North Korean troops have suffered “several hundred” casualties in Russia’s Kursk region, fighting against Ukrainian forces, according to a senior US military official. Pyongyang sent thousands of troops to support Russia, but their lack of combat experience has contributed to the high casualties. North Korea and Russia have strengthened military ties, with a defense pact in place. Meanwhile, the US, a key supporter of Ukraine, is rushing aid before President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized US assistance to Ukraine, takes office. Some aid may remain for the next administration. Penelope Kingsley 18/12/2024 3:30 am
CNN admitted it was misled by a man freed from a Syrian prison, initially identified as Adel Ghurbal but later revealed as Salama Mohammad Salama, a former Assad regime officer. Meanwhile, satellite imagery shows Russia conducting a large-scale loading operation at its Hmeimim air base in Syria, with heavy equipment and missile launchers being moved. At Tartus naval base, new military vehicles were observed, though the Russian Mediterranean flotilla stayed offshore. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 3:30 am
Hamas expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal in Gaza amid active diplomatic efforts. While progress is noted by US, Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian officials, challenges remain, with Israel allegedly imposing new conditions. CIA Director Bill Burns is set to join talks in Qatar. The negotiations, involving Israeli and Hamas teams, are the most intensive since August. The proposed deal aligns with a three-phase plan by President Biden, involving a ceasefire and mutual prisoner releases. However, a final agreement may still be weeks away. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 3:30 am
Dominique Pelicot, 72, was convicted in France for orchestrating the rape of his wife, Gisele, over 200 times by 70 men. Using an online dating platform, he drugged Gisele and invited men to their home in Mazan over a decade. The abuse was uncovered after Pelicot’s 2020 arrest for filming upskirts. Gisele, unaware of the assaults, suffered significant physical and emotional harm. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 3:30 am
