In Zhuhai, China, a driver named Fan rammed his car into a crowd, killing 35 and injuring 43. The incident, linked to Fan’s divorce asset dispute, was initially censored on social media. Authorities delayed reporting the attack, sparking public outrage. Hundreds of rescue personnel and healthcare workers responded. The attack coincided with Zhuhai’s major airshow, adding to the shock. Candles and flowers were laid at the scene in mourning. Ava Sinclair 12/11/2024 8:00 pm
North Korea ratified a major defense treaty with Russia, stipulating mutual military aid, as reported by state media. The treaty, signed by leaders Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in June, is the largest defense deal between the two since the Cold War. It requires mutual military assistance if either is attacked and promotes cooperation in various sectors. Observers speculate this could lead to North Korea formally entering the Russia-Ukraine war, with reports suggesting up to 12,000 North Korean troops are already in Russia. Ava Sinclair 12/11/2024 8:00 pm
Amsterdam police are preparing for another night of unrest amid ongoing antisemitic violence following attacks on Israeli football fans. Emergency measures were enacted after clashes erupted post-match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Despite increased police presence and protest bans, violence persists. On Monday, a tram was set on fire, and police faced stone-throwing. Videos show antisemitic slurs during the incidents. Three arrests were made, and a cyclist was attacked. Police chief Olivier Dutilh expressed concern over calls for further unrest. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 8:00 pm
The Biden administration warned Israel to improve aid access to Gaza or risk losing U.S. military support. Despite Israel’s claims of progress, a Washington Post analysis found Israel has not met U.S. demands to increase humanitarian aid, resume commercial truck access, or end northern Gaza’s isolation. Israel allows just over 30 humanitarian trucks daily, far below the 350 requested by the U.S. Additionally, commercial deliveries have not resumed, and northern Gaza’s isolation has worsened. Ava Sinclair 12/11/2024 4:30 pm
Tensions in Amsterdam are rising after recent violence targeting Israeli soccer fans. A senior police officer warned of potential further unrest following a tram fire set by rioters armed with sticks and firecrackers. Police quickly extinguished the fire and cleared the area, but a police vehicle was later burned. Three suspects were detained, and police are investigating the incidents, which may be linked to previous violence after a Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were banned, and both sides have been involved in confrontations. Five new arrests were made related to the earlier violence. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 4:30 pm
At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan’s leader Ilham Aliyev criticized Western nations for hypocrisy, buying Azerbaijani gas while condemning fossil fuels. He defended oil and gas as essential resources, arguing countries shouldn’t be blamed for utilizing them. Aliyev highlighted Europe’s increased gas purchases from Azerbaijan post-Ukraine invasion, noting it was the EU’s proposal. His speech marked a rare, direct defense of fossil fuels by a host nation at COP, contrasting with the UAE’s more subdued stance the previous year. The EU aims to phase out fossil fuels, but did not comment on Aliyev’s remarks. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 4:30 pm
Germany will hold snap elections on February 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition. The election date is a compromise between the conservative opposition and Scholz. Key issues include inflation, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and competition from China. The ZEW institute’s investor morale index dropped significantly, reflecting economic concerns. A new government could address Germany’s debt brake and strategic investments. Scholz is expected to lose a confidence vote on December 16, but his party supports him as the right candidate. Penelope Kingsley 12/11/2024 4:30 pm
A malnourished emperor penguin was found 2,200 miles from Antarctica on a beach in Denmark, southwestern Australia. It’s the first known instance of an emperor penguin reaching Australia. Wildlife expert Carol Biddulph is caring for the underweight bird, which weighs about 50 pounds, half the healthy weight. The focus is on rehabilitation, with no explanation yet for its long journey. Biddulph expressed amazement at the opportunity to care for the penguin. Ava Sinclair 12/11/2024 4:30 pm
A car driven by 62-year-old Fan ploughed into a crowd at Zhuhai Sports Centre, China, killing 35 and injuring 43. The attack, described as “serious and vicious” by police, involved many elderly, teenagers, and children. Fan, arrested while fleeing, is in a coma from self-inflicted wounds. Initial investigations suggest the attack was due to dissatisfaction with a divorce settlement. Despite heightened security for a nearby airshow, the incident occurred. Videos of the event were mostly removed from Chinese social media. Ava Sinclair 12/11/2024 1:00 pm
The Israeli military launched heavy airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah-controlled areas after the defense minister ruled out a ceasefire until Israeli objectives were met. Smoke and explosions were reported in Beirut, with no immediate casualties. In northern Israel, attack drones from Lebanon forced residents into shelters, with one drone hitting a kindergarten yard. The conflict, intensified by the Gaza war, has seen Israel targeting Hezbollah across Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized no ceasefire until Hezbollah is disarmed and withdrawn beyond the Litani River. Ava Sinclair 12/11/2024 1:00 pm
