Russia confirmed that Donald Trump sent Covid-19 test samples to the Kremlin early in the pandemic, supporting claims in Bob Woodward’s book. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged receiving test kits but didn’t confirm if they were for Putin’s personal use. Trump denied the claims, calling them false. Woodward’s book suggests Trump secretly sent test machines to Putin, who expressed concern about public reaction. Peskov noted that countries exchanged aid during the pandemic’s early days, with Russia sending ventilators to the U.S. and receiving test kits in return. Penelope Kingsley 11/10/2024 6:00 pm
An Israeli airstrike killed two Lebanese soldiers and injured three others, following an attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. This escalation comes amid Israel’s intensified campaign against Hezbollah, involving airstrikes and a ground invasion. In Beirut, rescue efforts continue after an airstrike killed at least 22 people. Since Hezbollah began supporting Hamas on October 8, over 2,229 Lebanese have died, including civilians and fighters. Hezbollah attacks have killed 29 civilians and 39 Israeli soldiers. Lebanon’s army remains largely uninvolved in the conflict. Noah Prescott 11/10/2024 6:00 pm
Ukrainian forces have reduced Russia’s artillery advantage, partly due to long-range strikes on Russian ammo depots. Recent attacks, including those in Russia’s Tver region, have significantly damaged Russian munitions and logistics systems. Ukraine’s deputy defense minister reported that Russian shelling has decreased from eight times to three times Ukraine’s rate since last winter. President Zelenskyy noted a drop in Russia’s artillery advantage around Pokrovsk from 12-to-1 to 2.5-to-1 after Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk. However, the exact impact on Russian ammunition remains uncertain. Noah Prescott 11/10/2024 2:30 pm
The Nobel Peace Prize recognizes the hibakusha, survivors of the U.S. nuclear bombings, for their efforts in establishing a nuclear taboo, preventing the use of such weapons for 80 years. Jorgen Watne Frydnes, Nobel Committee chairman, highlighted their role in conveying the indescribable suffering caused by nuclear weapons. The award comes amid global concerns over nuclear threats from Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The 2023 prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist. The Peace Prize has honored notable figures like Nelson Mandela and organizations like the UNHCR. Noah Prescott 11/10/2024 2:30 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, amid Iran’s weapon supply to Russia for the Ukraine war and rising tensions with Israel. They discussed Middle East issues and affirmed close international positions. Moscow and Tehran signed a $1.7 billion drone deal post-Ukraine invasion. UK intelligence accused both nations of increased assassination and sabotage attempts in the UK. Putin invited Pezeshkian to Russia, which he accepted, emphasizing mutual support in their relationship. Ava Sinclair 11/10/2024 2:30 pm
The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon reported its Naqoura headquarters was hit by explosions twice in 48 hours, injuring two peacekeepers. The UN condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for safety and respect for UN premises. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister criticized Israel’s actions, while Russia and Human Rights Watch demanded accountability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the incident intolerable, and additional peacekeepers were deployed to reinforce the position. Ava Sinclair 11/10/2024 2:30 pm
The Harris campaign will join a CNN town hall on October 23, while it’s unclear if Trump will participate, having dismissed debate calls. Meanwhile, Florida is recovering from Hurricane Milton, which killed at least 16 people. The storm hit as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving over 2.5 million without power. Nearly 1,000 rescues have been made, with extensive recovery efforts underway. Penelope Kingsley 11/10/2024 2:30 pm
Gunmen killed 20 miners and wounded seven in Balochistan, Pakistan, sparking condemnation and a search for the attackers. The assailants stormed a coal mine in Duki district, using rockets and grenades before fleeing. Most victims were Pashtun, with some Afghan casualties. No group claimed responsibility, but suspicion falls on the Baloch Liberation Army. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan’s chief minister condemned the attack, vowing to combat terrorism. Local shop owners observed a strike in protest. Penelope Kingsley 11/10/2024 11:00 am
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s “Victory Plan” to end the war with Russia faced a setback as Hurricane Milton postponed a key summit at Ramstein Air Base. President Biden canceled his travel due to the storm, delaying discussions crucial for Zelensky’s strategy, which includes NATO membership and increased Western military support. In response, Zelensky toured Europe, meeting leaders like Macron and Starmer to promote his plan, aiming for decisive actions to end the war by 2025. The urgency is heightened by the upcoming U.S. elections, with Zelensky seeking Biden’s support before his term ends. Ava Sinclair 11/10/2024 11:00 am
Two U.S. Navy SEALs, Nathan Gage Ingram and Christopher Chambers, drowned during a nighttime raid off Somalia due to heavy gear, a military investigation revealed. The Naval Special Warfare Command’s findings concluded systemic failures led to the preventable tragedy. Ingram, on his first deployment, tried to save Chambers, a champion swimmer. Both were posthumously promoted. The Ingram family expressed gratitude for the investigation and pride in his sacrifice, honoring his devotion to country and family. Noah Prescott 11/10/2024 11:00 am
