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
China will raise its retirement age starting next year to address its aging population and workforce. The new policy, passed by the National People’s Congress, will be implemented over 15 years. The retirement age for men will increase to 63, and for women to 55 or 58, depending on their jobs. The current retirement age is 60 for men and 50-55 for women. The change, driven by demographic pressures, will start in January and be based on birthdates. By 2035, China’s elderly population is projected to reach 400 million. Penelope Kingsley 14/09/2024 1:00 am
A military court in Congo sentenced 37 people, including three Americans, to death for participating in a coup attempt. The defendants, mostly Congolese, also included a Briton, Belgian, and Canadian. They have five days to appeal. Fourteen were acquitted. The court in Kinshasa delivered the verdicts in a somber, televised session. Lawyer Richard Bondo plans to appeal, citing inadequate interpreters and disputing the death penalty’s legality. The coup, led by Christian Malanga, targeted the presidential palace, resulting in six deaths. Malanga’s son, Marcel, a U.S. citizen, was among those convicted. Noah Prescott 14/09/2024 1:00 am
The FOX Forecast Center is monitoring a potential tropical disturbance off the Southeast coast following Hurricane Francine. The National Hurricane Center gives it a medium chance of development, with the Carolinas expecting rain and blustery conditions. Environmental conditions may allow slow organization as it moves toward the coast. Forecasts predict 2-5 inches of rain, with potential flooding on the Carolina coast. Rough seas could cause rip currents and beach erosion, particularly around the Outer Banks and southeast Virginia. Swells from Hurricane Ernesto have already caused significant coastal impacts. Ava Sinclair 14/09/2024 1:00 am
Ian Pitkin, 64, from Hackney, was sentenced to life imprisonment for setting his apartment on fire to harm a Jewish family living above him. He will serve a minimum of six years and 17 days. The arson forced the family to drop their baby from a second-story window to escape. Pitkin pled guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, possession of imitation firearms, and offensive weapons. He was arrested on March 20, 2024, after the fire. Four others were injured, including a passerby and a family member who fractured a hip. Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway condemned Pitkin’s actions. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 9:30 pm
A military court in Congo sentenced 37 people, including three Americans, to death for participating in a coup attempt. The defendants, mostly Congolese with some foreigners, have five days to appeal. Fourteen were acquitted. The trial, broadcast live, saw the Americans stoic as their sentences were translated. Defense lawyer Richard Bondo plans to appeal, citing inadequate interpreters. The coup, led by Christian Malanga, targeted the presidential palace; Malanga was killed during the attempt. His son, Marcel Malanga, a U.S. citizen, was among those convicted. Marcel’s mother maintains his innocence and is fundraising for his needs. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 9:30 pm
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss Ukraine’s request to ease restrictions on U.S. and British weapons use, potentially allowing strikes deeper into Russia. Russian President Putin has warned that such actions could lead to NATO conflict. Two U.S. officials indicated Starmer will seek Biden’s approval for Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles, which require U.S. consent due to American-made components. Biden is believed to be open to the idea, but no decision is expected Friday. Noah Prescott 13/09/2024 9:30 pm
China will gradually raise its retirement age starting January 1, 2025, due to an ageing population and a shrinking pension budget. Women in blue-collar jobs will see their retirement age increase from 50 to 55, and those in white-collar jobs from 55 to 58. Men’s retirement age will rise from 60 to 63. The changes will be phased in over 15 years. By 2039, employees must contribute to the social security system for 20 years to receive pensions. The plan aims to address pension fund shortages but has sparked skepticism and discontent online. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 6:00 pm
Russia accused six British diplomats of spying and revoked their accreditation, ahead of a crucial White House meeting between President Biden and British Prime Minister Starmer to discuss Ukraine’s potential use of long-range Western weapons against Russia. President Putin warned that such actions would mean war with NATO. The FSB claimed Britain was escalating the situation in Ukraine. The British Foreign Office called the accusations baseless, stating the revocation was retaliation for earlier British actions. White House spokesman John Kirby indicated no change in the U.S. stance on providing long-range strike capabilities to Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 6:00 pm
Vasyl, a Ukrainian soldier, was injured by a drone attack deep in Russian territory during a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. He applied a tourniquet and sought help. Kyiv’s advance initially covered 30 kilometers but slowed as Russia launched counteroffensive actions, capturing 10 settlements. CNN interviewed 14 Ukrainian soldiers involved in the operation; four were wounded and recovering, while the rest continue missions. The soldiers described the operation as difficult with high casualty rates, questioning the timing given Ukraine’s struggles in the east. Most requested anonymity due to security concerns. Ava Sinclair 13/09/2024 6:00 pm
