A new DNA study suggests Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, challenging the belief he was Italian from Genoa. Spanish researchers, led by JosĂ© Antonio Lorente, analyzed remains from Seville Cathedral, finding Columbus’s DNA compatible with Jewish origin. The study compared his DNA with known relatives, revealing traits in both Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA linked to Jewish ancestry. While unable to pinpoint his birthplace, researchers suggest Columbus likely came from the Spanish Mediterranean region, where a significant Jewish population existed before the Catholic monarchs’ forced conversions. Penelope Kingsley 14/10/2024 9:00 am
Four Israeli soldiers were killed and over 60 injured in a Hezbollah drone attack on an army base near Binyamina, Israel. The attack, one of the deadliest since last October’s war, involved a UAV launched by Hezbollah, targeting the Golani Brigade. Hezbollah claimed the attack was retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed 22 and injured 117. The incident raised concerns about Israeli air defense as no alerts were reported during the attack. Hezbollah also launched rockets to engage Israel’s air defenses. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 9:00 am
Norway’s salmon farming industry, a major source of sustainable protein, faces environmental challenges. Annually, about 200,000 farmed salmon escape, interbreeding with wild salmon and causing genetic changes that reduce their survival chances. NPR’s Rob Schmitz explored the impact of this industry on Norway’s wild salmon population. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 9:00 am
China conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, deploying an aircraft carrier, ships, and warplanes to simulate blockading key ports. The drills were a response to Taiwan’s refusal to acknowledge itself as part of China. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed resistance to annexation, while Taiwan’s Defense Ministry monitored Chinese military movements. China’s actions were described as a warning against Taiwan independence. Despite the tensions, Taipei residents remained undeterred. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 9:00 am
China initiated large-scale military drills around Taiwan, simulating strikes on sea and land targets, following Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s defense of Taiwan’s democracy. The exercises, by the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command, aim to warn against Taiwan independence. Taiwan condemned the actions and dispatched troops in response. The U.S. expressed concern, calling China’s military response to a routine speech unwarranted. Analysts anticipated the drills, noting China’s pattern of military actions during sensitive political moments. The “Joint Sword 2024B” exercises involve vessels and aircraft near Taiwan to test combat readiness and blockade capabilities. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 5:30 am
An Israeli attack on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed at least 15 people, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence Agency. The site in Nuseirat camp was hit by artillery, killing entire families and injuring dozens. The Israel Defence Forces are investigating. Earlier, five children were reportedly killed by a drone strike in northern Gaza. The conflict has intensified in northern Gaza, with Israeli forces conducting a major ground operation. Hospitals face supply shortages, though some aid has been delivered. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 5:30 am
The WorldView newsletter highlights escalating conflicts in the Middle East. While attention briefly shifted to Israeli-Hezbollah clashes in Lebanon, resulting in civilian casualties and U.N. peacekeeper incidents, the focus returned to Gaza. Northern Gaza faces a severe Israeli offensive, with forces targeting the Jabalya refugee camp and issuing evacuation orders to 400,000 residents. Aid workers describe dire conditions, with ongoing airstrikes and humanitarian crises. The situation underscores the persistent turmoil in the region. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 5:30 am
A new DNA study suggests Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, challenging the belief he was Italian from Genoa. Spanish researchers, led by JosĂ© Antonio Lorente, analyzed remains from Seville Cathedral, finding Columbus’s DNA compatible with Jewish origin. The study compared his DNA with known relatives, revealing traits in both Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA indicating Jewish ancestry. While unable to pinpoint his birthplace, researchers suggest Columbus likely came from the Spanish Mediterranean region, where a significant Jewish population existed before the Catholic monarchs’ forced conversions. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 5:30 am
On Spy Wednesday, wooden boats depart Buenaventura for Afro-Colombian communities along the YurumanguĂ River. Displaced by conflict and economic issues, passengers journey to 13 settlements home to descendants of enslaved Africans. Despite isolation and armed group threats, the community celebrates the Manacillos festival during Holy Week, a cultural ritual originating in Juntas. This festival, rooted in spiritual resilience, resists colonialism and affirms African heritage. On Maundy Thursday, the community decorates streets, and locals prepare Manacillos costumes, symbolizing their cultural identity. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 2:00 am
An Israeli strike on Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp killed a family of eight, including six children, and wounded seven others. Israel continues targeting militants in Gaza, claiming efforts to avoid civilian harm, while blaming Hamas for operating in populated areas. Concurrently, Israel is engaged in air and ground campaigns against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with potential plans to strike Iran. In northern Gaza, Israeli forces attack Jabaliya, urging full evacuation amid fears of permanent depopulation. The UN reports no food has entered northern Gaza since October. Penelope Kingsley 14/10/2024 2:00 am
