Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed stricter political fund regulations after his coalition lost its Lower House majority due to financial misconduct scandals. Reelected by parliament, Ishiba emphasized political reforms and empathy for public discontent. He retained most of his Cabinet, focusing on defense against regional threats and strengthening ties with the U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations. Ishiba plans to attend upcoming international summits to enhance partnerships, including meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 7:30 pm
Key events at Cop29 included diplomats approving rules for carbon credit trade, breaking a long-standing deadlock. The World Meteorological Organisation reported 2024 could be the warmest year on record. US climate envoy John Podesta stated the climate fight will continue under President Trump. Oil companies’ windfall profits reached half a trillion dollars. A hyperrealistic “dead beached whale” attracted attention in Baku. Concerns were raised over the approval process of carbon market rules, with critics highlighting potential human rights and environmental risks. Ava Sinclair 11/11/2024 7:30 pm
A social media trend for breakfast dumplings led to thousands of cyclists causing traffic gridlock between Zhengzhou and Kaifeng, China. Initially sparked by four students cycling 50km to try guantangbao, the trend “Night Ride to Kaifeng” went viral. Young people, facing economic challenges and job market burnout, embraced the spontaneous trips. Despite initial praise and local government support, the event overwhelmed infrastructure, with police and bike rental firms intervening. The trend highlights young Chinese seeking affordable travel amid economic uncertainty. Ava Sinclair 11/11/2024 4:00 pm
Dutch police detained dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters in Amsterdam after they defied a protest ban following violence by Israeli football supporters. The Amsterdam District Court upheld the ban, but hundreds gathered in Dam Square, chanting “Free Palestine.” Police in riot gear intervened, detaining protesters who were later released. Activist Frank van der Linde sought a permit to protest against Gaza’s situation and the protest ban. Emergency measures, including increased police presence and a mask ban, were extended until Thursday. Tensions rose after Maccabi fans burned a Palestinian flag. Ava Sinclair 11/11/2024 4:00 pm
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby faces pressure to resign after an investigation revealed he failed to report abuse by John Smyth, a volunteer at Christian camps. A petition by General Synod members has over 1,800 signatures, and Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley called his position “untenable.” The report found Welby didn’t inform authorities in 2013, soon after becoming Archbishop. Despite acknowledging his failure, Welby refuses to resign, expressing horror at the abuse’s scale. The church was aware of Smyth’s abuse since 1982 but covered it up, the Makin Review found. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 4:00 pm
Japanese lawmakers voted to retain Shigeru Ishiba as prime minister despite the Liberal Democratic Party’s poor election performance. Ishiba, 67, became prime minister on October 1 after winning the LDP leadership. The party lost its parliamentary majority due to voter dissatisfaction over corruption and rising living costs. Ishiba will lead a minority government, facing challenges from a weakened party and potential shifts in U.S. policy under President-elect Donald Trump. He emphasized strengthening Japan’s defense and diplomacy amid security concerns involving China, Russia, and North Korea. Ava Sinclair 11/11/2024 4:00 pm
U.S. climate envoy John Podesta urged global faith in America’s climate commitments despite Donald Trump’s election win, which may slow but not stop the transition from fossil fuels. At the U.N. climate summit in Baku, concerns arose over Trump’s plans to withdraw the U.S. from international climate efforts and boost fossil fuel production. Podesta acknowledged disappointment but assured that U.S. climate action would persist, even if federal efforts are deprioritized under Trump. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 4:00 pm
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille was removed by a transitionary council after six months in office, amid ongoing political turmoil and gang violence. Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, former president of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce, replaces him. The council, established in April to stabilize the government, faced corruption allegations involving three members. Despite international support, Haiti’s security situation worsened, with over 700,000 internally displaced. Fils-Aimé was initially considered for the role earlier but lost to Conille, who clashed with the council. Ava Sinclair 11/11/2024 4:00 pm
Since September 1, Kyiv has faced nightly Russian drone attacks, with sirens disrupting residents’ sleep, except on October 14. In early November, sirens blared for 43 hours, highlighting Russia’s relentless assault. Cities like Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa also endure frequent strikes. On a recent night, Ukrainian defenses detected 145 Shahed drones. Kyiv residents, like Viktoria Kovalchuk, experience constant anxiety, seeking shelter during attacks. Businesses suffer too, with Maksym reporting $10,000 in damage to his restaurant. Meanwhile, Russian forces gain ground in Donetsk as Ukrainian units face manpower shortages. Penelope Kingsley 11/11/2024 4:00 pm
An Israeli strike on a house in Jabalia, northern Gaza, killed and wounded dozens, with Palestinian medics reporting 32 deaths. Footage showed bodies at a hospital, but the health ministry hasn’t confirmed the toll. Israeli forces are targeting Hamas militants in the area. In Gaza City, an airstrike killed Wael Al-Khour and his family. Ceasefire efforts have stalled, with Hamas seeking an end to the war and a prisoner exchange, while Israel insists on eradicating Hamas. The Israeli military is investigating the strikes. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 12:30 pm
