Taiwan’s economy minister confirmed that components used in pagers detonated in Lebanon, killing 37 and wounding 3,000, were not made in Taiwan. Taiwan-based Gold Apollo denied manufacturing the devices, traced to Budapest-based BAC. The method of weaponization remains unclear. Israel is suspected of the attacks but has not commented. Taiwan’s authorities are investigating potential links to its tech supply chains. Gold Apollo’s president and an employee of Apollo System were questioned by prosecutors. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister emphasized heightened security awareness and information exchange with other countries. Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 11:00 am
Israel conducted extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other sites. The IDF claimed the launchers were poised to attack Israel. Lebanon reported at least 52 strikes, while Hezbollah retaliated against northern Israeli military sites. The intense strikes lasted over two hours. Israel lifted movement restrictions in the Golan Heights and northern areas but warned of ongoing military activities. Hezbollah’s leader accused Israel of declaring war after deadly explosions earlier in the week, which Israel has not claimed responsibility for. The conflict escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and displacements. Noah Prescott 20/09/2024 11:00 am
Egyptian archaeologists discovered a bronze sword marked by ancient pharaoh Ramses II in Tell Al-Abqain, Beheira Governorate. The sword, buried for over 3,000 years, was found in an ancient military fort. Ramses II, who ruled from 1279 B.C. to 1213 B.C., expanded Egypt’s reach significantly. Recent finds, including a temple in Giza and 2,000 rams’ heads, highlight his enduring impact. The fort also contained soldiers’ barracks, warehouses, pottery, and personal items. Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 7:30 am
U.S. authorities dismantled a massive botnet run by hackers backed by the Chinese government, as revealed by FBI Director Christopher Wray. The botnet, launched in mid-2021, infected around 260,000 devices globally, including home routers and cameras, and targeted sensitive networks. The hackers, linked to Beijing-based Integrity Technology Group (Flax Typhoon), infiltrated universities, government agencies, and media organizations. The FBI, NSA, and Cyber National Mission Force coordinated the operation, obtaining a court order to disable the malware. The hackers’ counterattack on FBI infrastructure failed. About half of the hijacked devices were in the U.S. Noah Prescott 20/09/2024 7:30 am
Independent journalism is vital for amplifying underrepresented voices, such as Latino voters in Arizona, and relies on public support to continue highlighting critical issues. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has conducted extensive airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah sites amid escalating tensions. Hezbollah’s leader accused Israel of severe breaches, and Lebanon’s health minister reported rising casualties. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon has called for immediate de-escalation amid increased hostilities along the Lebanese-Israeli border. Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 7:30 am
A team of scientists asserts that the Covid pandemic likely originated from infected animals sold at a market, not a lab leak. Analyzing samples from Wuhan in January 2020, they identified raccoon dogs, civets, and bamboo rats as potential sources. Despite pinpointing a market stall as a hotspot, definitive proof remains elusive. The study, published in Cell, used advanced genetic analyses to link Covid virus and susceptible animals in specific market locations, reinforcing the market-origin theory. Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 4:00 am
A 64-year-old woman in Thailand, Arom, was rescued by police after being strangled by a 13-to-16 foot python for two hours. The incident occurred while she was doing dishes at her home near Bangkok. The python bit her thigh and coiled around her torso, tightening its grip. Despite her efforts to free herself, she couldn’t escape. A neighbor eventually heard her cries and called the police. Officers used a crowbar to hit the snake on the head, causing it to release her. Arom spent about two hours in the python’s clutches before being freed. Noah Prescott 20/09/2024 4:00 am
The U.S. Navy’s “Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy” aims to counter China’s military threat by 2027 through enhanced recruitment and technological advancements. The plan focuses on readiness for potential conflict with China and long-term naval superiority. It includes implementing Project 33 and expanding the Navy’s role in joint warfighting. This modernization aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s goal of preparing the PLA for a Taiwan invasion by 2030. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti emphasized improving fleet readiness and capabilities to address the multifaceted threat posed by the PRC. Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 12:30 am
Archaeologists uncovered a 3,000-year-old bronze sword with Ramses II’s insignia in a Nile Delta fort, revealing its reflective shine despite millennia of rust. The sword, found among other treasures, suggests it belonged to a high-ranking individual. The fort, a key outpost during Egypt’s New Kingdom era, highlights the period’s political stability and military might. Ramses II, known for his construction projects and military expansions, reigned from 1279 to 1213 B.C. Additional finds, including ovens, an ivory kohl applicator, and ceremonial scarabs, provide insights into the daily life of ancient soldiers. Noah Prescott 20/09/2024 12:30 am
A 64-year-old woman near Bangkok was bitten and constricted by a 13-to-16-foot python while doing dishes. She struggled for two hours, crying for help until a neighbor heard her. Police and animal control used a crowbar to free her. She was treated for bites but otherwise unharmed. Snake encounters are common in Thailand, with 26 fatalities from venomous bites last year. Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 12:30 am
