Young children in Gaza City learned to brace for airstrikes in a nonprofit’s training program. Days later, on Aug. 10, the Israeli military bombed part of the school, killing at least 93 people. Israeli officials claimed no women and children were in the targeted area, but the charity Humanity & Inclusion had notified the IDF of their humanitarian visits. The charity’s regional director expressed surprise that the IDF was unaware civilians were sheltering there, noting that around 1,400 noncombatants, including over 480 children under age 5, were present. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 11:30 am
New Jersey has been dry this month, but forecasters suggest potential rain next week due to a possible tropical or subtropical storm near the Carolina coast. However, predictions are uncertain, with only a 30% chance of development. Even if it forms, it may not bring rain to New Jersey due to a high-pressure system. Additionally, Tropical Storm Gordon has formed in the eastern Atlantic but is expected to weaken and pose no land threat. Penelope Kingsley 14/09/2024 11:30 am
President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House, reaffirming support for Ukraine amid rising tensions with Russia. They avoided addressing whether Ukraine could use Western-made weapons to strike deeper inside Russia. Biden emphasized U.S. commitment to Ukraine, while Starmer highlighted the importance of allied support. Putin warned against such weapon use, threatening escalation and accusing British diplomats of spying. The leaders’ silence on the issue leaves critical questions unresolved, as Russia’s ambassador to the U.N. also issued warnings. Ava Sinclair 14/09/2024 8:00 am
Pope Francis condemned sexual abuse as “demonic” following revelations of abuse by the late French priest Abbé Pierre, a revered advocate for the homeless. Emmaus International disclosed 17 new claims against Pierre, adding to seven from July, involving abuse from the 1950s to 2000s. Francis, uncertain when the Vatican learned of the abuse, labeled Pierre a “terrible sinner” and emphasized the need for transparency. The scandal mirrors that of Jean Vanier, another respected Catholic leader later exposed as a predator. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 8:00 am
As the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death approaches, more Iranian women are seen without mandatory hijabs, despite increased repression by the theocracy. This trend began during Iran’s hot summer and frequent power cuts. Videos on social media show women with uncovered hair, especially after sunset. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian promised to stop morality police harassment, but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei opposes unveiling. The UN highlights ongoing human rights violations. Amini’s death in 2022 sparked protests with chants of “Women, Life, Freedom,” evolving into calls for revolt against Khamenei. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 8:00 am
Keir Starmer and Joe Biden discussed allowing Ukraine to use long-range, western-supplied missiles against Russia, without making a formal announcement. Vladimir Putin warned this would mean NATO joining the war. Biden dismissed Putin’s threats, stating Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles wouldn’t equate to NATO warring with Moscow. Moscow’s UN ambassador claimed it would escalate to direct war, while European leaders downplayed Putin’s threats. Zelenskiy reported that Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region slowed Moscow’s advance, contradicting Putin’s claims of Russian success. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 4:30 am
Pope Francis sparked controversy with remarks at an interreligious meeting in Singapore, suggesting all religions are paths to God, likening them to different languages. He emphasized that God is universal and encouraged religious dialogue and tolerance among youth. This has raised concerns about a departure from Catholic doctrine, which holds Jesus Christ’s unique role in salvation. The 2000 declaration Dominus Iesus asserts that the Church is not just one of many paths to salvation. The Vatican’s publication of the pope’s speech has added to the ambiguity and debate. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 4:30 am
New images of Kim Jong Un touring a uranium enrichment facility offer a rare look into North Korea’s nuclear program. The visit, reported by KCNA, highlights Kim’s plan to increase weapons-grade nuclear material production. Experts say the images show North Korea’s growing confidence as a nuclear power. Kim’s recent speech reiterated his intent to expand the nuclear arsenal. The disclosure aims to assert North Korea as a nuclear state, a stance unlikely to be accepted by the US and its allies, who continue to push for denuclearization. Penelope Kingsley 14/09/2024 4:30 am
Since mid-2023, Russia has used Chinese-made engines to produce over 2,500 Garpiya-A1 long-range attack drones for deployment in Ukraine, according to European intelligence cited by Reuters. The Garpiya drones, resembling Iranian Shahed drones but powered by Chinese Limbach L-550 E engines, are manufactured by IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of sanctioned defense contractor Almaz-Antey. Despite China’s claim of strict export controls, it continues trading with Russia. Russia’s Defense Ministry signed a $10.9 million contract with IEMZ Kupol to develop a drone factory in Izhevsk, converting a former cement factory for production. Penelope Kingsley 14/09/2024 4:30 am
The Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, is a major obstacle in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. Israeli PM Netanyahu insists on controlling it to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons, citing security needs post the Oct. 7 attack. However, Israeli military officials and many Israelis, including the defense minister, argue the tunnels have been sealed by Egypt for years, making smuggling unlikely. Critics accuse Netanyahu of using the corridor issue to sabotage hostage negotiations. Egypt opposes Israeli presence there, fearing it threatens regional stability and the peace treaty with Israel. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 4:30 am
