Australia’s states and territories unanimously supported a national plan to bar children under 16 from most social media platforms, including X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of young Australians’ safety and mental health. The legislation will be introduced soon, with the age ban taking effect a year after passing. Critics argue the ban is too blunt and may drive issues underground, while Meta suggests parental controls as a solution. The main opposition supports the plan, but the Greens party and academics express concerns. Noah Prescott 08/11/2024 6:00 pm
President-elect Donald Trump’s victory is expected to reshape U.S. Middle East policy, significantly impacting Israel’s conflict with Iran-backed groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Experts suggest Trump’s approach will support Israel’s strategy against these groups without direct U.S. involvement. Caroline Glick, a U.S.-Israel expert, believes Trump’s respect for Israel’s government will empower Prime Minister Netanyahu to pursue victory over Iran and its proxies. Iran has been actively supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and has launched attacks on Israel in 2024. Ava Sinclair 08/11/2024 2:30 pm
Russian President Putin congratulated Trump on his election win, praising his response to an assassination attempt. Meanwhile, Democrats are reportedly feeling down, according to BBC’s Katty Kay. In other news, King Charles was honored in Samoa, and rare footage captured a cartel gun battle near the US-Mexico border. Additionally, a 100-year-old time capsule was unearthed in Kansas City, and a hidden WWII bomb exploded at an airport. Tensions continue with rocket fire into Israel and a US warship intercepting an Iranian missile. Ava Sinclair 08/11/2024 2:30 pm
Philippe Jost, overseeing Notre Dame’s restoration, called the recent bell test a “beautiful, important, and symbolic step.” After the 2019 fire, President Macron aimed to rebuild the cathedral within five years. Hundreds of experts and 250 companies were involved in the costly restoration. On November 8, the bells chimed harmoniously, signaling progress. The cathedral’s reopening is set for December 7-8, with potential performances by international artists, including unconfirmed reports of Paul McCartney. Noah Prescott 08/11/2024 2:30 pm
Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam after a Europa League game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Israeli authorities reported 10 injuries and are sending planes to evacuate citizens. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the violence and urged Dutch authorities to act. Thirty arrests have been made, though details are unclear. Amsterdam police had increased presence due to tensions, including a planned demonstration and other incidents. Ava Sinclair 08/11/2024 2:30 pm
President-elect Donald Trump plans to pardon many Jan. 6 rioters, whom he calls “patriots,” during his second term. He has criticized the Justice Department’s actions against them and promised clemency for over 1,000 individuals involved in the Capitol attack. Some defendants are delaying their cases, anticipating these pardons. Trump’s recent rally interactions suggest he remains committed to this promise, despite legal challenges. A Republican-controlled Senate may ease his nominees’ confirmations, while House control remains uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 08/11/2024 2:30 pm
Donald Trump’s election victory grants him a strong mandate to implement his agenda, both domestically and internationally. With previous constraints like a hostile Senate and opposition within the Republican Party diminished, Trump is poised to exert significant influence. His foreign policy direction and key appointments, such as potential roles for Marco Rubio, Richard Grenell, and Mike Pompeo, will shape global implications. Trump demands loyalty from appointees but may rely on them for strategic policy. Possible paths include an “America First” approach, potentially affecting NATO and US alliances in Asia and the Pacific. Penelope Kingsley 08/11/2024 11:00 am
Paris’s Notre Dame cathedral received three new bells, including one from the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a milestone in its restoration after the 2019 fire. The Olympic bell, a gift from the organizing committee, will join two smaller bells, Chiara and Carlos, above the altar. Crafted by Cornille Havard foundry, the bells symbolize France’s bell-making tradition. Rector Olivier Ribadeau Dumas and Paris 2024 head Tony Estanguet celebrated their arrival, highlighting the bells’ significance in the cathedral’s reopening on December 8. Penelope Kingsley 08/11/2024 11:00 am
Israeli forces bombed a school-turned-shelter in Gaza’s Shati refugee camp, killing at least 12 Palestinians and injuring 30. The school was linked to UNRWA, from which Israel recently cut ties. The attack is part of ongoing Israeli raids in northern Gaza, where a military siege has persisted for over a month. Since October, the conflict has resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths. Amidst forced evacuations, Palestinians face dire conditions with limited access to essentials. The conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Noah Prescott 08/11/2024 11:00 am
China is set to introduce new economic measures amid concerns over a potential second Trump presidency, which could impose steep tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump’s previous tariffs and ongoing U.S. pressure have already strained China’s economy, which is grappling with a property slump, rising debt, unemployment, and low consumption. The stakes are high for China’s latest economic strategies, as the IMF has lowered its growth forecast. Trump’s tariff plans could further hinder China’s ambitions to become a technology leader and worsen U.S.-China relations. Penelope Kingsley 08/11/2024 11:00 am
