A former prosecutor, Germán Reyes, was arrested for the murder of Chilpancingo’s mayor, Alejandro Arcos, in Guerrero, Mexico. Previously blamed on a local gang, Reyes’ arrest suggests possible collusion with criminal groups. This challenges the policy of hiring retired military officers for police roles, assumed to be less corrupt. Federal forces, not local police, made the arrest, indicating distrust. The Ardillos gang, implicated in the mayor’s murder and other killings, is in a power struggle with the Tlacos gang for control of Chilpancingo. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 1:30 pm
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, resigned after the Makin Report criticized his failure to investigate abuse allegations against John Smyth, a volunteer at Christian camps. Smyth, a British barrister, was accused of physically abusing schoolboys in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite a 1982 report, the abuse wasn’t reported to police, and Smyth continued similar activities in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Welby expressed shame over the Church of England’s historic safeguarding failures and took responsibility for the lack of action on these “heinous abuses.” Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 1:30 pm
International media coverage of riots after the Ajax Amsterdam vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match has been criticized for misrepresentation. A video by Dutch photographer Annet De Graaf was used to falsely depict Israeli fans as victims, while it actually showed them attacking locals and pro-Palestinian supporters. Media outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Bild misreported the events, claiming antisemitic attacks on Israelis. Another video by reporter Ome Bender corroborates De Graaf’s footage, showing Israeli fans as aggressors. DW’s fact-check confirms the misrepresentation. Penelope Kingsley 13/11/2024 1:30 pm
A deadly car attack in Zhuhai, China, killing 35, has raised concerns about a trend of individuals “taking revenge on society” due to personal grievances. The driver, unhappy over a divorce settlement, targeted crowds, echoing recent violent incidents in China. President Xi Jinping promised severe punishment, while the driver remains in a coma. The attack has sparked discussions on social media about underlying societal issues, with many questioning the root causes of such violence and expressing shock at the indiscriminate targeting of innocents. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 1:30 pm
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described 2023 as a “masterclass in human destruction” due to climate breakdown, highlighting extreme weather and record temperatures. At the Cop29 UN climate summit in Azerbaijan, nearly 200 countries discussed funding to combat climate change, with developing nations seeking $1 trillion annually by 2035. The summit was overshadowed by Donald Trump’s re-election. UK leader Keir Starmer announced plans to cut emissions by 81% by 2035, focusing on decarbonizing electricity and promoting public transport and electric heat pumps. Ava Sinclair 13/11/2024 10:00 am
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned after failing to ensure a proper investigation into abuse allegations at Christian camps. The Makin Report criticized Welby for his handling of claims against John Smyth, who abused over 100 boys. Welby acknowledged the Church’s safeguarding failures and expressed shame, emphasizing the need for change. The report revealed the Church knew of the abuse in 2013, but Welby claimed ignorance before then. Smyth continued his abuse in Africa until his death in 2018. Welby hopes his resignation underscores the Church’s commitment to safety. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 10:00 am
Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a multiple-missile attack on US warships USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, which was thwarted by the vessels. The attack involved drones and missiles but caused no damage or injuries. This incident followed US airstrikes on Houthi weapons bases in Yemen. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming to support Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US and allies initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect shipping lanes from Houthi threats. Penelope Kingsley 13/11/2024 10:00 am
Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson expressed surprise at Donald Trump’s intention to nominate Fox & Friends host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, questioning his qualifications despite his veteran status. Others, like former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, supported the choice, citing Hegseth’s alignment with Trump’s views. Hegseth, a pro-Trump Iraq War veteran, has previously lobbied for pardons of war criminals. Republican senators were also surprised by the nomination, as Hegseth’s name hadn’t been previously mentioned for the role. Ava Sinclair 13/11/2024 10:00 am
In recent war games around Taiwan, China showcased its modernized H-6 bombers, originally from the Cold War era, alongside new military assets. These exercises, named Joint-Sword 2024B, aimed to intimidate Taiwan and deter independence movements. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported significant Chinese military activity, including 153 aircraft and 14 naval vessels, with some aircraft crossing into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone. Modern H-6 bombers can launch ballistic missiles, including nuclear, and conduct long-range missions, posing a strategic threat to U.S. bases in the Western Pacific. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 10:00 am
The debate over legalizing assisted dying for terminally-ill individuals is dividing UK MPs. A proposed bill would allow those expected to die within six months to choose assisted death, pending doctor approval to ensure decisions are free from coercion. Critics from both Labour and Conservative parties raise concerns about safeguarding patients. Terminally-ill individuals like Elise Burns support the bill, while Nik Ward, who has motor neurone disease, opposes it, fearing others might miss life’s joys. The bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, allows MPs a conscience vote. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 10:00 am
