Israel intercepted a missile fired by Hezbollah near Tel Aviv, marking an unprecedented escalation in their conflict. The missile, a Qadr 1 ballistic missile, targeted Mossad headquarters and was intercepted by Israel’s air defenses. This is the first time Hezbollah has fired a missile reaching close to Tel Aviv. In response, Israel’s air force struck the missile launcher in southern Lebanon. The exchange of fire continued, with Israel conducting extensive strikes on Hezbollah targets, resulting in at least 23 deaths in Lebanon. Penelope Kingsley 25/09/2024 1:30 pm
Pesto, a nine-month-old king penguin chick at Sea Life Aquarium in Melbourne, Australia, is gaining internet fame and boosting aquarium attendance. Weighing 49 pounds, Pesto is the heaviest chick the facility has ever had, surpassing his parents’ combined weight. His hearty appetite of 25 fish a day contributes to his size. Pesto’s gender was revealed with a snow avalanche unveiling blue. His TikTok following has exploded, amassing nearly 2 billion views. As he matures, Pesto will lose his baby fluff and drop to around 33 pounds. Ava Sinclair 25/09/2024 1:30 pm
A 64-year-old American woman died in an assisted suicide capsule in Switzerland, leading to criminal proceedings against several individuals. The woman, suffering from severe immune compromise, used the “Sarco” device at a private forest retreat in Schaffhausen. Authorities were notified within an hour, and the capsule and body were taken for forensic examination. The identities of those involved remain undisclosed. The U.S. Embassy acknowledged the death but withheld further comments out of respect for the family. The capsule featured a Carl Sagan quote. Ava Sinclair 25/09/2024 1:30 pm
Israel is optimistic about its offensive against Hezbollah, marked by weaponized pagers, radios, and intense airstrikes. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant praised the recent strikes, claiming they destroyed thousands of rockets and inflicted significant damage on Hezbollah. However, Lebanon reports over 550 civilian deaths, including 50 children. Israel aims to pressure Hezbollah into submission, hoping to shift the balance of power. This comes amid ongoing struggles in Gaza, where Hamas continues to resist. Israel’s leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, see the offensive as crucial for achieving their strategic goals against Hezbollah. Ava Sinclair 25/09/2024 10:00 am
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed peace talks with Moscow, urging global “action” to force Russia into peace and comply with the U.N. Charter’s respect for sovereignty. Addressing the U.N. Security Council, Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of committing international crimes and breaking numerous rules, asserting that Russia must be forced into peace as the sole aggressor. The high-level meeting on the over 2½-year war in Ukraine included ministers from 14 of the council’s 15 member nations, with Russia represented by a lower-level U.N. ambassador. Penelope Kingsley 25/09/2024 10:00 am
China announced a successful test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, raising international concerns amid U.S. tensions. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force launched the ICBM with a simulated warhead, landing in a predetermined area. The Chinese defense ministry called it routine training, but analysts noted it was the first such public test since 1980. Ankit Panda from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace found the “routine” claim odd. Relevant countries were notified, and Japan confirmed no damage from the launch. Noah Prescott 25/09/2024 10:00 am
Central Europe’s deadly floods, exacerbated by climate change, offer a stark preview of the continent’s future, scientists say. Storm Boris caused at least 24 deaths and billions in damage across several countries. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) group noted that a recent four-day period was the rainiest ever recorded in central Europe, with climate change doubling the likelihood of such intensity. While the storm was well forecast, preventing more deaths, WWA warns that without ambitious climate action, similar extreme weather events will become more frequent and intense as global warming continues. Ava Sinclair 25/09/2024 10:00 am
Israel killed a top Hezbollah commander in a two-day bombing campaign, resulting in over 560 deaths and mass displacement in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah retaliated with rocket attacks, including a long-range projectile intercepted by Israel. Hezbollah claimed to target Israel’s Mossad, while Israel struck the missile launch site. Displaced families fled to Beirut and Sidon, with many sleeping in shelters, cars, and parks. Volunteers provided meals for the displaced. Israel continued extensive strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region. Noah Prescott 25/09/2024 6:30 am
President Biden will visit Africa next month for the first time as president, fulfilling a promise he made. The White House announced he will travel to Angola and Germany, spending October 13-15 in Luanda to discuss economic partnerships and Africa’s first transcontinental rail network. The visit highlights the evolving U.S.-Angola relationship and the U.S.’s commitment to African partners. Biden had pledged to visit Africa but initially planned to go in February after reelection. His decision not to run again cast doubt on the trip, but it is now confirmed. Penelope Kingsley 25/09/2024 6:30 am
Susan Zirinsky, former CBS News president, produced the documentary “We Will Dance Again” for Paramount+, detailing the Hamas attack on Nova music festival attendees in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Directed by Yariv Mozer, the film uses graphic real-time footage to depict the brutality of the attack, which was part of a larger incursion killing nearly 1,200 people and leading to the Gaza war. Zirinsky chose streaming over network TV due to the intense content. Internationally, airing approaches vary, with RTL in Germany showing it on primetime TV and the BBC omitting the term “terrorists” for Hamas. Noah Prescott 25/09/2024 3:00 am
