Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that the Kremlin could turn Kyiv into a “giant melted spot” if Ukraine’s allies allow it to fire long-range missiles into Russia. Ukraine has urged the West to permit targeting Russian military sites, crucial for its war effort. Vladimir Putin stated that such actions would mean NATO is “at war” with Moscow. Medvedev’s expletive-laden threats on Telegram emphasized Moscow’s potential retaliation. The US remains undecided on lifting restrictions, despite UK support. Ukraine renewed its call for Western approval after a US-UK meeting showed no policy change. Noah Prescott 15/09/2024 5:00 am
At least four people died and thousands of homes were damaged by flooding in eastern Romania, with tens of thousands of households left without power in Romania and the Czech Republic. Heavy rain is forecast for Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, southern Germany, and Austria. Evacuations occurred along the Czech-Polish border, and Prague implemented anti-flood measures. In Romania, eight counties were affected, with significant damage in Galati county. The Czech Republic saw 51,000 households lose power, and residents were warned to prepare for more rain. Flood barriers were erected in Prague. Ava Sinclair 15/09/2024 1:30 am
Hundreds of protesters gathered across France and Brussels to support Gisèle Pélicot, whose husband drugged her and invited over 80 men to rape her over a decade. Feminist groups organized about 30 protests in cities like Paris and Marseille. The case, involving her husband Dominique and 50 other men, shocked the world. Gisèle has been praised for insisting on a public trial. The men, aged 26 to 73, included various professionals and neighbors. Dominique’s crimes were discovered after he was caught filming up women’s skirts, leading to the discovery of 20,000 images and videos of the assaults. Noah Prescott 15/09/2024 1:30 am
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized President Biden’s administration for providing Ukraine with long-range missiles, calling it a major escalation. He urged Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to stop this “reckless escalation” in a statement on X. This follows reports that the U.S. may approve Ukraine’s use of these missiles to strike inside Russia. Russian President Putin warned of appropriate responses. Despite Western restrictions, Ukraine has conducted incursions into Russia. Penelope Kingsley 15/09/2024 1:30 am
Israeli airstrikes killed 14 people in central and southern Gaza, including four children, according to media reports. Strikes hit a home in Gaza City and a tent in Khan Younis. Earlier strikes this week killed over 50 people, including 34 in airstrikes on homes and a UN school-turned-shelter. Six UN workers were among the dead. On Tuesday, 19 people died in a strike in southern Gaza. In Turkey, mourners prepared for the funeral of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank. Her family disputes the claim it was unintentional. Ava Sinclair 14/09/2024 10:00 pm
Three Americans, a Canadian, and 33 others received death sentences for their roles in a failed coup to overthrow Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. The U.S. State Department confirmed that Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, Marcel Malanga, and Tyler Thompson Jr. were tried in a military court. A British and a Belgian citizen also received the same punishment. Six people died during the coup, including mastermind Christian Malanga. Marcel Malanga claimed his father forced him and Thompson to participate. Their lawyer plans to appeal. Utah Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney are involved. Ava Sinclair 14/09/2024 10:00 pm
Starting next year, China will gradually raise its retirement age to address its aging population and workforce. The new policy, passed by the National People’s Congress, will increase the retirement age for men to 63 and for women to 55 or 58, depending on their jobs, over 15 years. The current retirement age is 60 for men and 50-55 for women. The change, effective January, is driven by demographic pressures, with nearly 300 million people over 60 in China, projected to reach 400 million by 2035. Experts say the move is overdue to alleviate pension fund pressures. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 10:00 pm
On Thursday morning, six pallbearers carried the coffin of Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s most divisive politician, into Lima’s culture ministry. His eldest daughter and youngest son followed, with ministers and military officials awaiting. Fujimori, who served as president from 1990 to 2000 and was later imprisoned for human rights abuses, died at 86. His funeral sparked mixed reactions, reflecting his controversial legacy. Supporters praised his fight against terrorism and hyperinflation, while critics condemned his autocratic rule. Many mourners, including Milagros Parra and Bonifacia Moreno, honored him as Peru’s best president. Penelope Kingsley 14/09/2024 6:30 pm
Torrential rainstorms in eastern Romania caused severe flooding, leaving several people stranded and resulting in five deaths, though one was unrelated to the weather. Rescue operations, including a Black Hawk helicopter, were deployed in hard-hit areas like Galati and Vaslui. The storms affected 19 localities across eight counties, downing trees and blocking roads. Authorities issued weather alerts and worked to clear floodwaters. Environment Minister Mircea Fechet noted the rarity of such heavy rainfall. President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the need to strengthen climate change preparedness. Similar severe weather is expected in other central European nations. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 6:30 pm
A Russian counteroffensive to reclaim parts of Kursk lost to Ukraine is underway but lacks momentum. Ukraine’s surprise assault last month captured many settlements, but holding them is uncertain. Geolocated videos show Russia retaking a few villages, but the situation is fluid. Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledged the counteroffensive, noting Russia’s intent to deploy 60,000-70,000 troops, but reported no significant Russian success. The US estimates Russia needs 50,000 troops to expel Ukrainians, but current actions are minimal. Elite units are involved, but most Russian forces lack combat experience. Initial moves suggest Russia aims to cut off Ukrainian troops near Korenevo. Penelope Kingsley 14/09/2024 6:30 pm
