Yevhen Klopotenko, a renowned Ukrainian chef, champions culinary independence through borsch, a dish central to Ukrainian identity. He recently served it to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Klopotenko led efforts to have borsch recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage, aiming to “de-colonize” Ukrainian cuisine from Soviet and Russian influences. His English-language cookbook, “The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen,” offers accessible recipes, including borsch and other traditional dishes, to share Ukrainian culture globally. Cooking, he believes, brings positive emotions amidst Ukraine’s ongoing challenges. Noah Prescott 10/11/2024 7:00 pm
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and northern Gaza since late Saturday have killed over 80 people, including 20 in Almat, Lebanon, where a building was destroyed. Strikes also hit Mashghara, Debaal, and Khiam, with ongoing artillery shelling. Since September 16, 2,513 have died in Lebanon amid Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah. The deadliest strike hit a civil defense center in Deir Qanoun, killing 17. The Israeli military claims to have eliminated dozens of Hezbollah terrorists. Noah Prescott 10/11/2024 7:00 pm
The election solidifies Trump’s leadership, unifying the party and potentially the government, unlike in 2016. He has a mandate without needing to contest his victory, despite legal issues and past habits. Trump is now stronger domestically and internationally, gaining credibility and freedom on the world stage. However, his unpredictability, isolationism, and trade protectionism remain concerns. While not necessarily more “presidential,” his political comeback enhances his influence, though it doesn’t guarantee a stronger U.S. Ava Sinclair 10/11/2024 3:30 pm
American airstrikes targeted Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen, confirmed by a U.S. defense official. The strikes aimed at advanced weapons used against military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This follows initial U.S. and U.K. airstrikes in January 2024, responding to Houthi attacks on shipping linked to Israel’s war in Gaza. Houthi leaders vow to continue attacks until Israel ends its Gaza campaign. Further details on the recent strikes are forthcoming. Noah Prescott 10/11/2024 3:30 pm
Russia and Ukraine have launched their largest drone attacks against each other since the war began. Russia intercepted 70 Ukrainian drones, including some near Moscow, causing flight diversions. Ukraine reported 145 Russian drones targeting the country, with most shot down. The attacks coincide with Russian territorial gains and high casualties. In Ukraine, two were injured in Odesa, while in Russia, one person was injured near Moscow. The drone strikes come amid expectations of diplomatic pressure from US president-elect Donald Trump to end the conflict. Ava Sinclair 10/11/2024 3:30 pm
The IDF reported significant damage to Hezbollah, with over 2,550 fighters killed and 5,000 wounded. Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal has been severely reduced, with 80% of short-range rockets destroyed. Protests in Israel demand a hostage deal, marking 400 days since the October 7 Hamas attacks. Israel considers a ceasefire at the northern border to avoid UNSC actions. IDF Spokesperson Adraee condemned soldiers burning a Lebanese flag, emphasizing the conflict is against Hezbollah, not Lebanon. Noah Prescott 10/11/2024 3:30 pm
Qatar is halting its mediation between Israel and Hamas, citing a lack of constructive engagement from both sides. Despite hosting Hamas’ political office and previously facilitating negotiations, Qatar concluded that talks have become more about politics than peace. Recent efforts stalled after six Israeli hostages were executed by Hamas. Qatar’s decision follows Israel’s rejection of a permanent Gaza ceasefire and new demands from Prime Minister Netanyahu. The conflict has resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths. Israel’s minister criticized Qatar, accusing it of supporting Hamas. Ava Sinclair 10/11/2024 12:00 pm
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported 32 drones shot down near the city, causing brief flight disruptions. A woman was injured in a drone-induced fire southeast of Moscow. No injuries were reported in Moscow, though drone debris reportedly ignited suburban homes. U.K. defense chief Tony Radakin stated Russian forces faced their worst casualties in October since the Ukraine invasion, with 1,500 daily losses, totaling 700,000. Despite Russia’s territorial gains, Radakin highlighted the heavy toll on ordinary Russians and the strain on Moscow’s defense spending. Penelope Kingsley 10/11/2024 12:00 pm
In Valencia, Spain, tens of thousands protested demanding the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón after catastrophic floods killed over 200. Protestors clashed with police, criticizing Mazón for delayed flood alerts and a slow response. Many held signs like “Mazón Resign!” and “You Killed Us!” Mazón, under pressure, defended his actions, citing unforeseen disaster magnitude and insufficient warnings. He emphasized ongoing recovery efforts, while acknowledging the protest. Regional governments handle civil protection, but Mazón claims inadequate support from national authorities. Penelope Kingsley 10/11/2024 8:30 am
The Israeli military has killed dozens of Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing attacks, while allowing limited aid into the region. At least 40 people were killed, including 24 in northern Gaza. Strikes targeted a school, killing six, and a hospital courtyard, killing three. The death toll from Israeli bombings has reached over 43,552, with many bodies still buried under rubble. The UN condemned the high percentage of women and children among the casualties. Ava Sinclair 10/11/2024 8:30 am
