For decades, American zoos have sent millions to China for hosting pandas, funds meant for wild panda conservation. However, China spent the money on unrelated projects like buildings and roads. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raised concerns and froze payments due to incomplete records. Zoos were aware of the misuse but feared losing pandas, crucial for attracting visitors and generating revenue. Penelope Kingsley 29/11/2024 3:00 pm
Ireland’s general election sees Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin in a tight race. Incumbent Taoiseach Simon Harris of Fine Gael called the election. Historically, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have dominated, but Sinn Féin aims to break this cycle. Polls show Sinn Féin at 19.5%, trailing Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil slightly. With no clear majority, smaller parties and independents could play a crucial role in coalition formation. Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have ruled out partnering with Sinn Féin, complicating its path to government. Ava Sinclair 29/11/2024 3:00 pm
Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 40 Palestinians, including many in the Nuseirat refugee camp, after tanks withdrew from parts of the camp. An Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya killed at least 10 more. Medics reported casualties across northern and southern Gaza. The Israeli military continued operations, with tanks remaining in western Nuseirat. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service struggled to respond to distress calls. Kamal Adwan Hospital faces severe shortages, with most staff detained or expelled by Israeli forces. Penelope Kingsley 29/11/2024 3:00 pm
MPs will debate and vote on assisted dying for terminally ill people, a potential societal shift akin to past reforms like abortion and gay marriage. Jan Butterworth, with advanced cancer, supports the bill, seeking a dignified death at home. The proposed law requires approval from two doctors and a High Court judge. Opponents worry about implicit pressure on eligible individuals. The outcome is uncertain, with many first-time MPs participating in a free vote. Noah Prescott 29/11/2024 11:30 am
The bells of Notre Dame are ringing again, but scaffolding remains, puzzling Parisians about the cathedral’s post-blaze reopening. French President Macron will inspect the site, seeing renovated interiors but also ongoing exterior work. Despite Macron’s five-year completion pledge, the exterior won’t be finished until 2025, with some scaffolding remaining until 2028. Locals are eager for the reopening but expected a pristine exterior. Unspent funds indicate significant work remains, leading some to question if the reopening is rushed to meet Macron’s timeline. Ava Sinclair 29/11/2024 11:30 am
Romania’s top court ordered a recount of presidential election votes after allegations of TikTok’s preferential treatment for surprise winner Calin Georgescu, who campaigned mainly on the platform. TikTok denied favoring the far-right candidate. Georgescu, with 23% of the vote, is set to face runner-up Elena Lasconi in a run-off. The recount, unprecedented in post-Communist Romania, will be managed by the Central Election Bureau. TikTok also faced accusations of not respecting electoral rules, which it denies. Noah Prescott 29/11/2024 8:00 am
The Biden administration kept Trump’s team informed about its efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite this, Trump’s team claimed credit for the deal, with Mike Waltz attributing the success to Trump’s influence. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, refuted this, emphasizing the administration’s role. The ceasefire marks significant cooperation during the transition period, with Biden expressing hope for lasting peace in the Middle East after prolonged conflict. Coordination between Biden and Trump’s teams has been notable, including discussions between Sullivan and Waltz. Noah Prescott 29/11/2024 8:00 am
Parliament is experiencing intense last-minute lobbying as MPs prepare for a crucial vote on the assisted dying bill, proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. The bill would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to choose to end their lives under specific conditions. MPs have a free vote, leading to strong divisions and active campaigning from both supporters and opponents. Conservative MP Danny Kruger opposes the bill, citing its “dangerous deficiencies.” Both sides are uncertain of the outcome, with many MPs still undecided ahead of the vote. Noah Prescott 29/11/2024 8:00 am
Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have launched a major offensive in north-western Syria, capturing territory from President Assad’s forces in Aleppo and Idlib. The Syrian military reports heavy losses on both sides, with over 180 combatants and 19 civilians killed. Idlib, the last opposition stronghold, is mostly controlled by HTS, with Turkish-backed factions also present. The offensive coincides with regional conflicts, including Israeli actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The UN warns of escalating violence in the area, with resumed Russian air strikes and intensified government attacks. Penelope Kingsley 29/11/2024 4:30 am
Australia is set to implement the world’s strictest age limit on children’s social media use, with no exemptions for existing users or parental consent. The bill, which passed the Senate, will likely become law after House approval. The legislation doesn’t specify banned platforms; decisions will be made by the communications minister with advice from the eSafety Commissioner. Gaming and messaging platforms are exempt. Age-verification technology will be tested, but concerns about privacy and circumvention via VPNs remain. The reforms are supported by many Australian parents. Ava Sinclair 29/11/2024 4:30 am
