A man in Berlin, initially remanded for killing four elderly women, is now linked to four more deaths, involving both men and women. Initially investigated for manslaughter and arson, the cases are now treated as murders, with prosecutors citing a “lust for murder” as his motive. The suspect allegedly administered lethal medications and started fires. This case echoes past incidents of healthcare workers committing serial murders in Germany. Noah Prescott 28/11/2024 6:00 pm
Two people were wounded by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon amid a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and France, requires Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and Israeli forces to return to their side of the border. The buffer zone will be patrolled by Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers. Israel fired at individuals allegedly breaching the ceasefire, warning against returning to certain areas. Lebanese troops will gradually deploy as Israeli forces withdraw. Penelope Kingsley 28/11/2024 6:00 pm
The Russian economy is struggling due to Western sanctions, a weak ruble, and high inflation. The Bank of Russia aims to stabilize financial markets and curb import costs. Inflation rates are officially over 9%, but analysts suggest they may be higher. New U.S. sanctions on Gazprombank have further impacted the economy. The ruble fell to its lowest since March 2022, described as a “panic attack” by local media. Finance Minister Siluanov claims the ruble’s decline could benefit exporters by making their goods cheaper abroad. Penelope Kingsley 28/11/2024 6:00 pm
Russia launched a widespread attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in response to Ukrainian strikes using US-made ATACMS missiles, according to President Putin. The assault targeted 17 military and defense facilities, leaving over a million Ukrainian households without power. This marks Russia’s 11th large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy supplies this year, causing rolling blackouts. Air defenses were activated nationwide, with damage in 14 regions and injuries reported. Emergency power cuts were implemented, later shifting to scheduled outages. Residents in Kyiv sheltered during prolonged air raid alerts. Noah Prescott 28/11/2024 2:30 pm
Russian authorities are trying to manage panic over the ruble’s sharp decline, with the central bank intervening to stabilize it. The ruble fell to its lowest since March 2022, prompting the central bank to halt foreign purchases to reduce market volatility. Despite intervention, the ruble’s weakness signals a deteriorating economic situation, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and domestic inflation. The central bank raised interest rates to 21%, but inflation remains high. The government blames sanctions for the economic strain, while President Putin denies prioritizing military spending over civilian needs. Noah Prescott 28/11/2024 2:30 pm
Russia may use its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile to target decision-making centers in Kyiv, responding to Ukraine’s use of Western missiles on Russian territory, President Putin stated. Despite Kyiv’s strong air defenses, Putin claims the Oreshnik is unstoppable, though Western experts doubt this. Russia’s recent attacks, including a massive overnight strike, were in retaliation for Ukraine’s use of U.S. ATACMS missiles. Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy condemned the attacks, which caused significant power outages. Russia claims Ukraine has also used British Storm Shadow missiles against its territory. Penelope Kingsley 28/11/2024 2:30 pm
Australia’s Senate passed a world-first law banning social media for children under 16, affecting platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Companies face fines up to AU$50 million for non-compliance. The House of Representatives approved the bill, with amendments enhancing privacy protections. Platforms have a year to implement the ban. Critics, including mental health advocates, warn it could isolate vulnerable children, especially in regional and LGBTQI communities. The House is set to pass the amendments, which prevent platforms from requiring government-issued IDs for age verification. Penelope Kingsley 28/11/2024 2:30 pm
China has suspended Miao Hua, a high-ranking military official, amid a corruption investigation, marking the third major shakeup in its defense establishment. Miao, director of the Political Work Department on the Central Military Commission, is under scrutiny for “serious violations of discipline.” This follows corruption allegations against former Defense Ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe. Despite frequent purges, Xi Jinping’s strong control minimizes international repercussions. Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has targeted numerous officials, reinforcing his grip on power. Penelope Kingsley 28/11/2024 2:30 pm
Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with drones and missiles hitting multiple cities. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed attacks nationwide, urging people to take shelter. Emergency power outages were implemented, affecting over 280,000 in Rivne. Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, Lutsk, and Odesa. Ukrainian authorities issued air raid warnings and pre-emptive power cuts to protect the grid. As winter approaches, Ukraine faces potential energy challenges, with previous attacks causing significant damage to energy facilities. Penelope Kingsley 28/11/2024 11:00 am
On November 15, Yi Peng 3 left Russia’s Ust-Luga port with fertilizer. Two days later, it reportedly severed telecom cables between Sweden, Lithuania, and Finland while dragging its anchor. The ship’s transponder went “dark,” raising sabotage concerns. Satellite imagery placed it near the damaged cables. The vessel is now monitored in the Kattegat Strait by Danish naval patrols as investigations continue. Investigators doubt the captain was unaware of the dragging anchor, which is unusual due to safety and fuel concerns. Noah Prescott 28/11/2024 11:00 am
