Two explosions outside Brazil’s Supreme Court in Brasilia resulted in one death and are being investigated as a suicide attack. The first explosion occurred in a car, followed by a second outside the court’s door. Authorities suspect a “lone wolf” attack, with no other suspects involved. The attacker’s car was found at the scene. Federal security is investigating, and the area is secured. The incident happened days before Brazil hosts the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 3:30 am
U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, Peru. This will be their first interaction since April. Discussions will cover global tensions, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, and fentanyl trafficking. Biden will also address concerns about a Chinese-linked hacking group targeting U.S. officials. The meeting comes as Beijing anticipates a more confrontational period with Washington under Donald Trump. Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 3:30 am
Severe thunderstorms and torrential rain have hit coastal Spain, leading to evacuations in Malaga just weeks after deadly flooding in Valencia. Nearly 3,000 people and 1,000 homes were evacuated in Malaga due to overflowing risks. The city received almost a month’s worth of rain in an hour. Red warnings for extreme rainfall are in place in Andalusia and Catalonia, causing road closures and rail service suspensions. Schools in Malaga and other areas will close Thursday. More heavy rain is expected, with up to 180mm possible in affected regions. Noah Prescott 14/11/2024 12:00 am
Hard-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders blamed “Moroccans” for attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, suggesting deportation for dual nationals involved. Lawmakers condemned antisemitism but criticized Wilders for inciting division. Violence erupted around a soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with both sides involved. Amsterdam police reported injuries and detentions. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred despite a city ban. Rising antisemitic incidents in Europe have heightened tensions, tarnishing Amsterdam’s tolerant image. Wilders’ comments lacked evidence and sparked controversy. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 12:00 am
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, surprising many due to Hegseth’s limited global experience. Known for his conservative views, Hegseth opposes “woke” military programs and questions women’s roles in combat, advocating for a more lethal military. His nomination could lead to significant changes, aligning with Trump’s “America First” policies. Hegseth argues that mixed-gender combat units complicate operations, potentially increasing casualties. Despite his views, women have successfully integrated into combat roles since 2016, passing rigorous military tests. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 12:00 am
European powers are advocating for a new U.N. resolution to pressure Iran over its nuclear activities and lack of cooperation. This move aims to compel Iran back to negotiations for new restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief, following the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal. The resolution would require the IAEA to issue a detailed report on Iran’s nuclear activities, highlighting unresolved issues like unexplained uranium traces. While the U.S. is not leading this effort, it is expected to support the resolution, as it did previously. Noah Prescott 14/11/2024 12:00 am
President Biden will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, marking their third and likely final meeting during Biden’s term. As Biden transitions power to President-elect Trump, he aims to maintain stability and open communication, especially at the military level. The meeting will address issues like illicit fentanyl, AI risks, and climate change. Biden has built on Trump’s China policy, maintaining tariffs and implementing new export controls on sensitive technologies. Ava Sinclair 13/11/2024 8:30 pm
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will reopen on December 7, five years after a fire, with a globally broadcast ceremony and events. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich emphasized its significance to the church. The cathedral’s bells recently rang for the first time since 2019. Expected to draw 14-15 million visitors annually, the reopening will feature a ceremony with Archbishop Ulrich, President Macron, and other dignitaries. Macron will speak outside to respect secularism rules. The first Mass on December 8 will consecrate the altar with saint relics, attended by Macron and bishops. Ava Sinclair 13/11/2024 8:30 pm
The Guardian has stopped posting on X, citing “disturbing content” like racism and conspiracy theories. As the first major UK media outlet to leave the platform, the Guardian criticized Elon Musk’s hands-off approach, which critics say allows hate speech to spread. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon also announced his departure from X, expressing disappointment in the platform’s current state. Musk, who supports Donald Trump, claims to defend free speech. X faced scrutiny in the UK after false online posts incited far-right violence. Penelope Kingsley 13/11/2024 8:30 pm
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran, as his secretary of defense. Hegseth, known for opposing “woke” Pentagon policies and women in combat, could fulfill Trump’s promise to remove generals supporting progressive diversity policies. His appointment may lead to conflicts with General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Despite limited management experience, Hegseth will oversee 1.3 million active-duty service members and nearly 1 million civilian military employees. His selection has sparked criticism from Trump’s opponents. Ava Sinclair 13/11/2024 8:30 pm
