At Cop29, a climate finance deal was criticized as a “travesty of justice” by some negotiators. The agreement aims to triple climate finance to poorer countries, pledging $300bn annually, far short of the $1.3tn requested by developing nations. India’s negotiator, Chandni Raina, called the pledge “abysmally poor” and criticized the process as lacking consensus. Rumors of backroom deals and a lack of opportunity for dissenting statements fueled discontent. The deal increases from a previous $100bn promise but is seen as inadequate for addressing climate challenges. Ava Sinclair 25/11/2024 2:30 am
Two Danish backpackers, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, died in Laos after consuming methanol-spiked alcohol. They messaged a friend about vomiting blood before going silent. The poisoning also killed four others, including Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, and left 11 foreign nationals hospitalized. The women were backpacking in Southeast Asia and staying at Nana Backpackers in Vang Vieng. Their deaths prompted warnings online, highlighting the dangers of tainted alcohol. Ava Sinclair 25/11/2024 2:30 am
Israel announced that the body of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan, missing in the UAE, was found after a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” The UAE arrested three suspects. Israel vowed to seek justice but provided no details on the terror claim. Kogan, 28, ran a kosher store in Dubai. Tensions have risen since the 2020 Abraham Accords due to regional conflicts involving Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran denied involvement in Kogan’s death. The UAE emphasized its commitment to safety and tolerance, while its state media referred to Kogan only as Moldovan. Penelope Kingsley 25/11/2024 2:30 am
Hezbollah launched around 250 rockets into Israel, injuring seven, in retaliation for Israeli strikes in Beirut that killed over 20 people. Some rockets reached Tel Aviv. An Israeli strike killed a Lebanese soldier and injured 18 others. Lebanon’s PM condemned the strike, calling it a setback to cease-fire efforts. The conflict escalated after Hamas’ October 7 attack, with Israel targeting Hezbollah, killing its leader. Israel’s Magen David Adom treated several injured, including a severely wounded 60-year-old man. Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 11:00 pm
Romanian ultranationalist Călin Georgescu is leading the presidential race with 22% of votes, closely followed by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu at 21.4%, with 89% of precincts reporting. Reformist Elena Lasconi and hard-right George Simion trail behind. Georgescu’s campaign focuses on reducing imports, supporting farmers, and increasing domestic production. He criticizes the EU and NATO, claiming they don’t represent Romanian interests, and controversially supports Romania’s 20th Century fascist Legionary Movement. Voter turnout was 52.5%, slightly higher than in 2019. The runoff is scheduled for December. Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 11:00 pm
Republican senators defended Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for U.S. intelligence chief, against Democratic criticism. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed concerns about Gabbard’s ties to Russia and Syria’s Assad, questioning her ability to pass a background check. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and Army National Guard veteran, recently joined the Republican party. Her 2017 Syria trip and supportive comments about Russia have raised alarms among Democrats, but Republicans pushed back against these claims. Noah Prescott 24/11/2024 11:00 pm
Vang Vieng, a scenic town in Laos, is popular among young tourists for activities like kayaking and “tubing,” a waterborne pub crawl. However, it recently faced an international scandal after six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning in alcoholic drinks. This has raised safety concerns among travelers, with some opting to avoid local vodka. The incident highlights the risks associated with bootleg alcohol in popular backpacker destinations. Penelope Kingsley 24/11/2024 11:00 pm
The COP29 climate conference in Baku ended in chaos as wealthy nations proposed $300 billion in climate aid by 2035, far below the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing countries. India, Nigeria, Malawi, and Bolivia rejected the deal, citing insufficient support and unmet pledges. Vanuatu plans to seek legal clarity on climate obligations at the International Court of Justice. Civil society groups, including the Climate Action Network, condemned the outcome as a “betrayal” by developed countries, accusing them of bad faith in negotiations. Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 7:30 pm
The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for Shejaia in eastern Gaza City, citing rocket fire from the area. Residents fled using donkey carts and rickshaws. In central Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 10 Palestinians. Heavy rain flooded tents, worsening conditions for displaced residents. An Israeli drone attack injured Kamal Adwan Hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safiya, who vowed to continue his work despite the targeting. The ongoing conflict has led to repeated displacements and hardships for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Penelope Kingsley 24/11/2024 7:30 pm
Laos authorities identified two Danish women, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, and American James Louis Hutson as victims of suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng. They stayed at Nana hostel, where scrutiny has intensified after similar deaths. The governor promised an investigation and justice. The hostel is closed for investigation, though its manager denies responsibility, noting other guests had no issues. Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 7:30 pm
