In northern Gaza, heavy Israeli bombardment followed airstrikes that killed at least 22 people, as Israel urged evacuations amid offensives against Hamas and Hezbollah. In Lebanon, a UN peacekeeper was injured by gunfire at Naqoura headquarters, with unclear origins. Hunger warnings arose in Gaza, with no aid since October 1 for 400,000 residents. Israel intensified its campaign in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon, where recent airstrikes killed nine. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports 2,255 deaths in the past year of conflict. Penelope Kingsley 12/10/2024 6:30 pm
Virginia McCullough murdered her parents, John and Lois, in 2019, poisoning them and hiding their bodies in their Essex home. She misled neighbors, claiming they had retired to the seaside. For four years, she maintained the facade until police discovered the truth. John was hidden in a makeshift tomb, while Lois was concealed in a wardrobe. Virginia was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 36 years, for the murders. Neighbors noted the family’s secretive behavior, which now explains the grim reality. Ava Sinclair 12/10/2024 6:30 pm
Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has died at 69 after collapsing in North Macedonia. Salmond, a key figure in Scottish politics, championed Scottish independence and led the SNP until 2014. He later founded the Alba Party in 2021. British PM Keir Starmer and Alba Party’s Chris McEleny praised his legacy and contributions. Salmond also hosted a show on RT and faced legal battles over sexual misconduct allegations in 2018. Ava Sinclair 12/10/2024 6:30 pm
Suspected remains of Andrew “Sandy” Irvine were found by National Geographic mountaineers on the Central Rongbuk Glacier, a century after his 1924 Everest attempt with George Mallory. Led by Jimmy Chin, the team discovered a boot with a sock labeled “A. C. IRVINE.” Irvine and Mallory vanished during their climb, leaving questions about their fate and whether they reached the summit. Mallory’s body was found in 1999, but Irvine’s remained a mystery until now. The discovery adds a crucial piece to the puzzle of their historic expedition. Penelope Kingsley 12/10/2024 3:00 pm
An NPR series reflects on the impact of a year of war since Oct. 7, focusing on Israel, Gaza, and the region. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a primary school, causing destruction and fear among students and teachers. This incident is part of a broader increase in violence by Israeli settlers and military against Palestinians in the West Bank, following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and the ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths. Noah Prescott 12/10/2024 3:00 pm
The Israeli military warned residents in Gaza’s ‘D5’ area to evacuate south via Salah al-Din Road, as it plans prolonged operations against terrorist organizations. The message, accompanied by a map, indicates no swift return to the heavily attacked area. The designated evacuation zone, al-Mawasi, is overcrowded and unsafe, with at least 18 airstrikes reported. Hamas has also communicated with the 400,000 remaining residents in northern Gaza, once a densely populated urban center. Ava Sinclair 12/10/2024 3:00 pm
Zambia is experiencing severe electricity blackouts due to a drought affecting the Kariba Dam, which supplies over 80% of the country’s power. The drought, worsened by El Nino and rising temperatures, has left the dam with insufficient water, reducing power generation to less than 10% of normal output. This crisis forces residents like Tindor Sikunyongana to rely on costly diesel generators, while others, like Edla Musonda, resort to working from cafes. The situation highlights the country’s vulnerability to climate-induced energy shortages. Penelope Kingsley 12/10/2024 3:00 pm
A National Geographic team, including Jimmy Chin, discovered a boot with a foot inside on the Central Rongbuk Glacier near Mount Everest. The boot belonged to Andrew Comyn Irvine, who disappeared with George Mallory in 1924 while attempting to summit Everest. The discovery, confirmed by a label with Irvine’s name, provides the first real evidence of Irvine’s fate. This finding reignites the mystery of whether Irvine and Mallory reached the summit 29 years before Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Mallory’s remains were found in 1999, but Irvine’s location was unknown until now. Penelope Kingsley 12/10/2024 11:30 am
Since Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon, clashes have erupted between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, while the Lebanese army remains largely inactive. Despite being a unifying national institution, the Lebanese army is under-equipped, with an aging arsenal and no air defenses, making it ill-prepared against Israel’s modern military. Hezbollah, with over 100,000 fighters and advanced weaponry from Iran, overshadows the army. As Israeli forces and Hezbollah clash, Lebanese troops have withdrawn from border posts, repositioning further back. Ava Sinclair 12/10/2024 11:30 am
The Israeli military is conducting a large-scale operation in northern Gaza, issuing evacuation orders and blocking supplies, following intelligence on Hamas activities. Although the Israeli cabinet hasn’t officially adopted retired General Giora Eiland’s siege proposal, the current operation resembles his plan, known as “The General’s Plan.” This plan involves forcing civilians out and cutting off supplies to reset the war and pressure Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Critics, including academics, warn it could lead to accusations of ethnic cleansing. Penelope Kingsley 12/10/2024 11:30 am
