Conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky was removed from a CNN panel and banned after implying fellow panelist Mehdi Hasan was linked to Hezbollah during a discussion on Trump’s rally. CNN stated it won’t tolerate racism or bigotry, emphasizing the need for civil discourse. Girdusky criticized CNN on X, claiming bias. Hasan didn’t return after a break, but CNN clarified he wasn’t asked to leave and expressed a desire for his return. Hasan has not commented but shared CNN’s statement on X. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 4:30 pm
Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley have killed at least 60 people, including two children, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attacks targeted 16 areas in the Baalbek region, a Hezbollah stronghold, leaving 58 wounded. Governor Bachie Khodr described the strikes as the “most violent” since the conflict escalated. Rescue efforts are ongoing, hindered by a lack of equipment. The town of Al-Allaq was severely affected, with 16 family members killed. UNESCO reported no damage to Baalbek’s ancient Roman ruins. The Israeli military has not commented. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 4:30 pm
A Russian drone attack injured two in Kyiv, while a missile strike in Kryvyi Rih killed one and injured 11. In Kherson, a drone attack killed a medic. Russia advanced 478 sq km in Ukraine in October, mainly in Donetsk. North Korea’s foreign minister visited Russia amid reports of North Korean troops in Russia, which NATO’s chief called a dangerous expansion. Zelenskyy warned of more North Korean soldiers joining Russia’s war efforts. Penelope Kingsley 29/10/2024 1:00 pm
CNN banned conservative commentator Ryan James Girdusky after he made an offensive remark to journalist Mehdi Hasan during a heated debate on CNN Newsnight. Girdusky referenced deadly attacks in Lebanon, implying harm towards Hasan. CNN stated there’s no room for racism or bigotry on their platform. The debate also covered the U.S. presidential election and a controversial Trump rally. Host Abby Phillip apologized to Hasan and confirmed Girdusky’s removal from the panel, emphasizing the inappropriateness of his comment. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 1:00 pm
President Zelensky of Ukraine has been advocating for his victory plan to end the war with Russia, but Western leaders have shown limited support. No country has agreed to let Ukraine use Western long-range missiles against Russia, nor has any major power endorsed Ukraine joining NATO during the conflict. Zelensky’s efforts may be aimed more at a domestic audience, preparing Ukrainians for potential compromises and blaming the West for limited support. With declining Western backing and upcoming U.S. elections, Zelensky faces limited options. Noah Prescott 29/10/2024 1:00 pm
North Korean soldiers are reportedly being prepared for deployment to Russia’s front lines in the Ukraine conflict, with about 10,000 receiving military training in eastern Russia. South Korean intelligence suggests some high-ranking North Korean officials may also be involved. Despite learning basic Russian commands, communication issues persist. North Korea has increased security to prevent news of these deployments from spreading internally, but unrest and fear have emerged among citizens. Intercepted Russian communications reveal disdain for the North Korean troops and logistical challenges in managing them. Noah Prescott 29/10/2024 9:30 am
An Israeli strike on a shelter in northern Gaza killed at least 60 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Meanwhile, Hezbollah appointed Sheikh Naim Kassem as its new leader after Hassan Nasrallah’s death in an Israeli airstrike. The Israeli military, conducting operations in Gaza, has not commented on the strike. The attack overwhelmed local hospitals, and Israeli forces recently raided a medical facility, detaining medics. The military claims its strikes target militants, but civilian casualties remain high. Noah Prescott 29/10/2024 9:30 am
Iran executed Jamshid Sharmahd, a California resident, on Monday after his 2023 conviction for “corruption on Earth,” linked to a 2008 mosque attack in Shiraz. Tehran accused him of leading the Tondar group, aiming to restore Iran’s monarchy. Sharmahd was reportedly seized in Dubai in 2020. His daughter, Gazelle, and international entities, including Germany and the EU, had urged clemency. Iran also alleged his contact with U.S. and Israeli intelligence. Gazelle criticized Iran’s regime for kidnapping and executing her father. Noah Prescott 29/10/2024 9:30 am
A Russian guided bomb attack on Kharkiv damaged the historic Derzhprom building, injuring six people. Earlier, 13 were wounded in another attack. In Kryvyi Rih, a missile hit a residential building, killing one and injuring 11. President Zelensky condemned the attacks, urging efforts to stop Putin’s war. He criticized any appeasement of Putin, advocating for decisive action to achieve peace. The Derzhprom, a Soviet-era architectural landmark, suffered significant damage, with parts reduced to rubble. Penelope Kingsley 29/10/2024 6:00 am
A 48-year-old woman, Lovisa “Kiki” Sjoberg, was found alive after being lost for nearly two weeks in Australia’s Snowy Mountains. She was discovered “dazed and injured,” possibly from a snakebite. Authorities had been searching since October 15, when she was last seen photographing wild horses. Her rental car was left unused for six days, prompting concern. Over 30 people, along with helicopters and other resources, participated in the search. Sjoberg is recovering, and police say she’s fortunate to be alive. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 6:00 am
