More than 100 wildfires in northern Portugal have stretched firefighters to their limits, resulting in seven deaths since the weekend. Prime Minister LuĂs Montenegro declared a state of calamity, mobilizing more resources and urging police to find the arsonists. Over 15,000 hectares have burned, affecting 210,000 people. Extreme weather conditions, including flooding in central Europe, highlight a “climate breakdown,” according to the EU. Spain, France, Italy, and Morocco have sent aid, but thick smoke hampers efforts. The risk of fires remains high. Penelope Kingsley 19/09/2024 5:30 pm
Satellite images revealed the devastation from a massive Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian arms depot in Toropets, 400 km west of Moscow. The attack on September 18 involved over 100 drones, causing fires and seismic activity. NASA detected heat sources over 14 square kilometers. The strike led to partial evacuations and hospitalized 13 people, with injuries reported as moderate. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy praised the military’s effectiveness. An SBU source confirmed the attack was a joint effort by the SBU and the Intelligence and Special Operations Force. Noah Prescott 19/09/2024 5:30 pm
Lebanon is in turmoil after two consecutive days of deadly attacks targeting Hezbollah members. On Tuesday, pagers exploded across the country, followed by walkie-talkies detonating on Wednesday. These attacks have killed at least 37 people, including children, and injured thousands, many critically. Lebanese officials blame Israel, which has not commented but hinted at a “new era” of war. The attacks have caused widespread panic and overwhelmed hospitals. The incidents occurred in Beirut, the Beqaa valley, and southern Lebanon, with significant damage and chaos reported. Penelope Kingsley 19/09/2024 5:30 pm
A 64-year-old woman near Bangkok was attacked by a 13-to-16-foot python while doing dishes. The snake coiled around her, squeezing her to the floor. 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. Encounters with snakes are common in Thailand, with 26 deaths from venomous bites last year. Penelope Kingsley 19/09/2024 5:30 pm
Gisèle Pelicot, 72, testified defiantly against claims she consented to rapes by dozens of men, orchestrated by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, 71. She stated she was in a comatose state during the assaults, as shown in videos. At least 83 men were recorded assaulting her; 50 are on trial, many denying the charges. Dominique admitted to drugging and raping her, asserting his co-defendants knew their actions. Gisèle’s courage has been praised, highlighting France’s “rape culture” in a trial in Avignon. Noah Prescott 19/09/2024 5:30 pm
Royal Caribbean’s “Ultimate World Cruise” sailed from Miami in December, promising a nine-month journey across all seven continents. Passengers shared their experiences on TikTok and Instagram, while land-based content creators reported on the cruise in real time. The cruise, dubbed a “TikTok reality show,” generated significant online buzz and drama. After 274 nights and over 60 countries, the cruise ended, prompting reflections on its impact. Participants spoke of forming lifelong friendships and cultural enrichment, despite inevitable drama. Kara Harms, a travel brand owner, suggested it could have been an award-winning reality TV show. Ava Sinclair 19/09/2024 2:00 pm
The UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution demanding Israel end its “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months, with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. The resolution follows a July advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice declaring Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip illegal. The Palestinian ambassador hailed the vote as a turning point, while the Israeli ambassador condemned it. The resolution carries symbolic weight and comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Penelope Kingsley 19/09/2024 2:00 pm
Israel’s defense minister announced a “new phase” in the war, focusing on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli attacks in Syria and Lebanon killed at least 32 and injured thousands. Hezbollah vowed retaliation. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, has led to daily exchanges of fire and mass evacuations. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 41,000 Palestinian deaths, while Israel claims over 17,000 militants killed. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez urged restraint and de-escalation after meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Madrid. Noah Prescott 19/09/2024 2:00 pm
Edmundo González, Venezuela’s former opposition candidate, claimed he was coerced into signing a letter recognizing his defeat in July’s presidential election, which authorities say was won by President Nicolás Maduro. González, now in exile in Spain, and his coalition assert they won by a wide margin. The confidential letter was revealed by Jorge RodrĂguez, head of the National Assembly, who claimed González signed voluntarily. González, however, stated he signed under duress to leave the country. The National Electoral Council, loyal to Maduro, declared him the winner without detailed vote counts, while the opposition posted tally sheets online showing González’s victory. Noah Prescott 19/09/2024 2:00 pm
In just a month, Thailand’s baby hippo Moo Deng became an internet sensation after being featured on Facebook by zookeeper Atthapon Nundee. The newborn pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo drew massive crowds, with visitors eager to see the 2-month-old in person. The zoo, located southeast of Bangkok, saw lines of cars and packed viewing areas. Moo Deng’s name, meaning “bouncy pork,” was chosen by fans in a social media poll, aligning with her siblings’ food-themed names. Atthapon expressed surprise and delight at the overwhelming response. Ava Sinclair 19/09/2024 2:00 pm
