Janine Wissler, leader of Germany’s socialist Left Party, criticized the federal government’s expanded border controls and migration policy, arguing they create problems like traffic jams and racial profiling. She warned of a “European chain reaction” that could leave refugees stranded in countries like Italy or Greece. Wissler accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government of adopting far-right policies ahead of state elections, but said this strategy would fail. Germany’s Interior Ministry denied racial profiling, emphasizing that such practices are illegal and harmful, and stated that police target delivery vans often used by smugglers. Ava Sinclair 16/09/2024 7:30 pm
At least 17 people have died in severe floods across central Europe due to Storm Boris, which brought over a month’s worth of rain. Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary experienced extreme rainfall. Poland declared a state of emergency, with $260 million in aid announced. The Czech Republic saw thousands without hot water and electricity. Seven died in Romania, and Austria reported three deaths. Poland and the Czech Republic also reported fatalities. The situation remains critical, with Europe facing increased extreme weather due to global warming. In Poland, residents and hospital patients were evacuated due to rising waters. Ava Sinclair 16/09/2024 7:30 pm
In Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, a new monument was unveiled in Freedom Park to honor 551 journalists, both Iraqi and foreign, killed since 2003. The “Guardians of Truth” monument lists their names by the year of their death. Among those memorialized are CBS News’ James Brolan and Paul Douglas, killed in 2006. The monument, initiated by Kurdistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, aims to preserve their memories and recognize their courage. Journalism remains highly dangerous in Iraq, with over 530 journalists killed since 2003, according to Mouaid al-Lami of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate. Ava Sinclair 16/09/2024 7:30 pm
President Biden’s adviser, Amos Hochstein, met with Israeli officials amid concerns that ongoing cross-border violence between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate into a regional war. Hezbollah has been attacking northern Israel since the Gaza war began, leading to intensified clashes. Hochstein’s visit aims to prevent further escalation, continuing his months-long diplomatic efforts. He met with Israel’s defense minister and was expected to meet Prime Minister Netanyahu. Hochstein has made multiple trips to Israel and Lebanon to prevent the conflict from expanding. Ava Sinclair 16/09/2024 4:00 pm
Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest to hit Shanghai since 1949, caused flooding, power outages, and at least one injury. Over 414,000 people were evacuated, schools closed, and residents advised to stay indoors. An elderly man was injured by a falling tree. The typhoon made landfall in Pudong with 151 kph winds, flooding roads and uprooting trees. Over 60,000 emergency responders were deployed. The storm damaged over 10,000 trees, cut power to 380 households, and flooded 53 hectares of farmland. It weakened as it moved inland, affecting Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang provinces. Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 4:00 pm
The trial of Dominique PĂ©licot and 50 others accused of rape has been adjourned due to PĂ©licot’s kidney problems and refusal to leave his cell. Lawyers fear the four-month hearing may be postponed, criticizing prison authorities for delayed treatment. PĂ©licot, 71, admitted to drugging his wife, Gisèle, and inviting men to rape her while filming. The court appointed medical experts to examine him, hoping to resume the trial soon. Defence lawyers blame prison authorities for not acting earlier, while Gisèle’s lawyer calls the potential postponement a “legal catastrophe” and “scandal.” Ava Sinclair 16/09/2024 4:00 pm
Thierry Breton resigned from the European Commission, citing discord with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, who asked France to withdraw his candidacy for the next executive. France will propose Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne instead. Breton, France’s internal market commissioner, claimed von der Leyen’s request was for personal reasons and alleged she offered France a more influential portfolio as a trade-off. Breton’s strained relationship with von der Leyen led him to conclude he could no longer serve effectively. Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 4:00 pm
Germany has initiated random border checks with France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark to curb irregular migration, expanding existing controls at borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. These checks, scheduled for six months, follow recent extremist attacks. The move tests EU unity, as it challenges the Schengen free travel agreement. Trade unions worry about potential trade impacts, but a return to fully closed borders is not planned. German police acknowledge the difficulty in checking every vehicle due to the extensive borders. Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 12:30 pm
Israeli airstrikes killed 16 people in Gaza on Monday, including five women and four children. A strike in Nuseirat refugee camp killed 10, including a mother and her six children. Another strike in Gaza City killed six, including a woman and two children. Israel claims it targets militants, accusing Hamas of endangering civilians. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 41,000 Palestinians killed since the Israel-Hamas war began, with more than half being women and children. The conflict has displaced about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. Separately, Israeli settlers allegedly attacked a West Bank school. Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 12:30 pm
Massive floods in Central Europe have killed five in Poland and one in the Czech Republic. Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared a state of natural disaster in Poland to aid evacuation and rescue efforts, allocating 1 billion zlotys ($258,000) for immediate relief. Streets are covered in debris, and damaged infrastructure is widespread. Food and water are being delivered to victims, and cities like Warsaw are calling for donations. Experts warn of further flood threats in Opole and Wroclaw. The Czech Republic declared a state of emergency in two regions, with seven people missing. Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 12:30 pm
