Brazilian authorities have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others for allegedly plotting a coup to retain power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The federal police claim Bolsonaro knew of plans to prevent Lula’s government from taking office. The investigation report has been sent to the Supreme Court, and the attorney general will decide on proceeding with the indictments. High-profile figures, including former aides and generals, are among those indicted. Bolsonaro denies the allegations and awaits legal counsel. Penelope Kingsley 22/11/2024 1:00 am
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif over alleged war crimes. The ICC rejected Israel’s jurisdictional challenges, citing “reasonable grounds” for criminal responsibility during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Israel and Hamas deny the allegations. Netanyahu condemned the decision as “antisemitic,” while Hamas called it a “historical precedent.” The warrants’ impact depends on enforcement by ICC member states, excluding Israel and the U.S. The charges relate to the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Noah Prescott 22/11/2024 1:00 am
In her memoir “Freedom,” Angela Merkel reflects on her initial misjudgment of Donald Trump, treating him as “completely normal” during their first 2017 meeting. She quickly realized his “emotional” nature and affinity for authoritarians. Merkel describes Trump as driven by grievance and neediness, contrasting with her factual approach. She notes his fascination with autocratic leaders and views on international relations as zero-sum. After their meeting, Trump announced the U.S. exit from the Paris climate accord, prompting Merkel to seek advice from Pope Francis on handling opposing views. Penelope Kingsley 22/11/2024 1:00 am
Undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea were severed, prompting European investigations. Germany’s defense minister labeled it sabotage. The Danish navy stopped a Chinese cargo ship, Yi Peng 3, suspected of involvement. The ship had recently passed over cables connecting Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, and Germany, which stopped working shortly after. Swedish officials are investigating the ship but are also considering other potential parties. Penelope Kingsley 22/11/2024 1:00 am
Suspected methanol poisoning has killed five tourists in Laos, highlighting Southeast Asia’s methanol problem. Victims include a British woman, an Australian woman, a US man, and two Danish nationals. Methanol, a toxic substance often found in bootleg alcohol, is hard to detect and can be lethal. Despite warnings, awareness remains low among tourists. The issue is prevalent in poorer Southeast Asian countries with weak regulations. Methanol poisoning symptoms can take up to 24 hours to appear, and timely treatment is crucial to reduce fatality rates. Ava Sinclair 21/11/2024 9:00 pm
Russia launched a missile toward Ukraine, targeting Dnipro, but its classification is disputed. Ukraine claims it was an ICBM, while a Western official suggests it was a ballistic missile. The Ukrainian Air Force tracked the launch, which included six additional missiles, all aimed at critical infrastructure. Only the alleged ICBM hit the city, with no casualties reported. Moscow has not confirmed the claim, and the situation raises concerns about escalating tensions in the region. Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 9:00 pm
Lava has reached the Blue Lagoon’s parking lot, advancing over 100 meters per hour, marking the farthest westward flow recorded. Seismic activity and deformation remain minimal. The lava flow, originating from Svartsengi, is half the volume of the August 22 eruption. The hazard assessment will be updated on November 22 if conditions remain unchanged. Images from an IMO webcam show the lava’s progression. Ava Sinclair 21/11/2024 9:00 pm
John Prescott, who died at 86, was a key figure in New Labour, bridging traditional working-class roots and centrist policies. He supported Tony Blair’s leadership, helping unite Labour’s factions. Angela Rayner, the current deputy PM, draws parallels with Prescott, valuing his advice to be authentic and represent the people. Both Prescott and Rayner rose from modest beginnings, resonating with Labour’s base. Known for his unconventional style, Prescott once famously punched a voter. Rayner, similarly outspoken, has apologized for calling Tory ministers “a bunch of scum.” Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 5:30 pm
Simone White, a British lawyer, has died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning, which has also claimed the lives of four others, including an Australian teen and two Danish women. The incidents occurred in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination. Authorities from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand are advising caution regarding alcohol consumption in Laos. Methanol, often found in bootleg alcohol, is believed to be the cause. Several other tourists have fallen ill, and investigations are ongoing. Noah Prescott 21/11/2024 5:30 pm
As the Russian army advances in eastern Ukraine, human suffering intensifies. Ukraine faces challenges in halting the advance and preparing for potential political changes in the U.S. Evacuees, like Anastasiia Bolvihina and her sons, flee to shelters, leaving behind their homes amid destruction. In Pavlohrad, evacuees endure harsh conditions, hoping for an end to the conflict. Elderly evacuees, such as 83-year-old Kateryna Klymko, recount the devastation, with homes destroyed by bombings. The situation remains dire as the war continues. Noah Prescott 21/11/2024 5:30 pm
