Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, died at 31 after falling from the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. A 911 call revealed concerns about his intoxicated behavior, with the hotel’s receptionist fearing for his safety. The call, made shortly before his death, described Payne as under the influence and “trashing the entire room.” Emergency services were dispatched, but Payne died minutes later. An investigation and autopsy are underway to determine the circumstances of his death. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 2:00 pm
President Biden’s trip to Germany, initially planned with military parades and a Ukraine summit, was rescheduled due to Hurricane Milton. Now set for Thursday, the visit focuses on political significance rather than ceremony. The meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz signals Western resolve to Moscow, emphasizing support for Ukraine against Russia. Biden will also discuss Ukraine and the Middle East with French President Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer, highlighting the trip’s importance for Berlin and Europe. Noah Prescott 17/10/2024 2:00 pm
Liam Payne attended Niall Horan’s concert in Argentina and shared videos on Snapchat. Tragically, Payne passed away after hotel staff in Buenos Aires called 911, reporting concerns over his drug and alcohol use. The hotel manager described him as destructive and requested urgent assistance. Payne had been staying at the hotel for a few days. Tributes, including one from Paris Hilton, have been pouring in following the news of his death. Ava Sinclair 17/10/2024 10:30 am
During President Biden’s term, he strengthened ties with German Chancellor Scholz, who supported Biden by making significant political moves, including defense policy changes for Ukraine. Biden’s upcoming visit to Berlin aims to advance foreign policy priorities and thank Scholz for their partnership. The visit includes meetings with European leaders to discuss global challenges like Ukraine and the Middle East. Biden’s strategy of “minilateralism” focuses on smaller coalitions to address issues like sanctions against Russia and Iran, and infrastructure investments in Africa and Asia, though critics argue it hasn’t deterred adversaries. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 10:30 am
On October 17, 2024, an Israeli strike hit near Tyre, Lebanon, following an evacuation order. Hezbollah claimed to have hit two Israeli tanks with guided missiles near the border. A German warship downed a drone off Lebanon’s coast. UN peacekeepers reported being targeted by Israeli forces, emphasizing the importance of their presence. The EU criticized the US for giving Israel a month to improve Gaza’s humanitarian situation, citing high casualties. Over 42,438 Palestinians have died in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Gaza health ministry. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 10:30 am
Former One Direction star Liam Payne, 31, died after falling from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Emergency services responded to a call about a man acting erratically. Payne’s body was found in the hotel’s inner courtyard, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Payne, who launched a solo career after One Direction’s hiatus in 2015, was staying at CasaSur hotel. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 7:00 am
The U.S. and allies are concerned about North Korea’s nuclear threats and military support for Russia in Ukraine, though claims of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine remain unconfirmed. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell discussed revitalizing international pressure on North Korea with South Korean and Japanese officials. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan, along with eight Western nations, plan to form a team to monitor sanctions enforcement against North Korea. Russia’s veto in March ended U.N. monitoring efforts. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 7:00 am
Activists protested as the first Italian ship carrying migrants arrived in Albania, opposing a deal to process asylum-seekers outside Italy. The agreement, signed by Italy and Albania, involves two centres in Albania for adult male migrants, with vulnerable groups accommodated in Italy. Critics argue the deal violates human rights and lacks democratic input. Italy plans to process up to 3,000 migrants monthly, with asylum granted individuals welcomed in Italy, while rejected applicants face deportation from Albania. The deal has sparked controversy, with some praising it and others condemning it. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 7:00 am
The US military conducted precision strikes using B-2 bombers on Houthi underground weapons storage in Yemen, targeting facilities used for attacks on civilian and military vessels. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the strikes as a demonstration of US capabilities and a warning to Iran, the Houthis’ ally. The strikes aim to degrade Houthi capabilities and protect US interests. No civilian casualties were reported. The Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea and recently fired a missile at Israel, aligning their actions with support for Palestinians. Noah Prescott 17/10/2024 7:00 am
The Israeli military struck a Hezbollah weapons cache in Beirut’s Dahiyeh, despite U.S. warnings about escalating attacks. This marks Israel’s fourth strike on Beirut since mid-September, targeting Hezbollah leaders. The conflict has resulted in over 2,350 Lebanese deaths and nearly 11,000 injuries. The U.S. has urged Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza or risk losing American military support. Israel’s ground operations in southern Lebanon have revealed Hezbollah tunnel complexes. Noah Prescott 17/10/2024 3:30 am
