At a Warsaw press conference, Blinken stated the U.S. would adapt its support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. On Aug. 6, Ukraine launched a significant incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, seizing dozens of settlements. Despite initial success, Zelensky acknowledged Russian counterattacks. Russia claimed to have liberated 10 settlements and evacuated 150,000 people. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief reported seizing 100 settlements and 1,300 square kilometers. Kyiv aims to divert Russian troops and use territorial gains in negotiations, seeking more flexibility for longer-range strikes on Russian military targets. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 9:00 pm
A rare Bronze-Age jar, accidentally smashed by a 4-year-old at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel, has been restored and is back on display. The jar, dating from 2200-1500 B.C., was one of the few complete artifacts of its size from that period. The museum, which allows visitors to explore artifacts without glass barriers, turned the incident into a teaching moment, inviting the family back to learn about the restoration process. Experts used 3D technology and special glue to reconstruct the jar, providing a welcome distraction from the ongoing war in Gaza. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 9:00 pm
Climate change is impacting cocoa production in Ivory Coast and Ghana, leading to extreme weather, fungal infections, and reduced cocoa supply. This has caused raw cocoa prices to triple. In response, companies like Planet A Foods, founded by Sara and Max Marquart, are developing chocolate substitutes. Their product, ChoViva, mimics chocolate without using cocoa beans, after extensive recipe testing. NPR is dedicating a week to exploring such climate-related food issues and solutions. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 9:00 pm
A Turkish-operated merchant vessel, MV Aya, was struck by a Russian Kh-22 missile launched from a Tu-22M Backfire bomber on September 11 at 23:05, 75km south of Snake Island in the Romanian EEZ. The Belize-owned, St. Kitts & Nevis-flagged ship was carrying 26,550 tons of grain to Egypt from Chornomorsk. The Kh-22, a Cold War-era anti-ship missile, is known for its large size and powerful impact. Despite the resilience of modern merchant ships, the risk to the vessel and crew remains high. Penelope Kingsley 12/09/2024 9:00 pm
Alberto Fujimori, former president of Peru, died at 86 in Lima from cancer at his daughter Keiko’s home. An agricultural engineer and political novice, he won the presidency in 1990, defeating Mario Vargas Llosa. Fujimori improved Peru’s economy and quelled insurgencies but showed little regard for laws, temporarily shutting down Congress. His brutal methods led to global criticism and imprisonment for human rights abuses. He was toppled in 2000 after a corruption scandal involving his intelligence chief. Penelope Kingsley 12/09/2024 5:30 pm
After nearly a year of war with Hamas in Gaza, Israel faces multiple Middle East conflicts: escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, a potential confrontation with Iran, strikes from Yemen’s Houthis, and increasing violence in the West Bank. Israel’s military operation in Gaza began after Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Over 40,000 Palestinians have died, and Gaza is a humanitarian disaster. Some hostages were released in a truce, but a new cease-fire remains elusive. Israel continues its offensive, with recent airstrikes killing over 40 in Khan Younis. Ava Sinclair 12/09/2024 5:30 pm
In April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces escalated into a civil war in Sudan. Sixteen months later, extreme violence and restricted humanitarian aid have caused severe food insecurity and the worst internal displacement crisis globally. In July 2024, the Famine Review Committee (FRC) confirmed famine conditions in the Zamzam IDP camp in North Darfur. Despite this, the Sudanese government denies the famine, and the UN has not formally declared it. Conflict and lack of humanitarian access are the main causes of famine and acute food insecurity in Sudan. Penelope Kingsley 12/09/2024 5:30 pm
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russia has launched a counteroffensive to reclaim parts of its Kursk region, occupied by Ukraine last month. Three Red Cross staff were killed by Russian shelling in Donetsk. Zelensky stated the counteroffensive aligns with Ukraine’s plan but provided no further details. Russia claims to have retaken 10 settlements. The situation remains fluid, with some Russian advances reported. A Ukrainian commander confirmed the counteroffensive but asserted control. British Defense Secretary John Healey praised Ukraine’s operation, noting its impact on weakening Putin. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 5:30 pm
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian forces had anticipated Moscow’s counteroffensive in Kursk, following Ukraine’s cross-border incursion in early August. Ukraine’s initial gains stalled, and the situation in Pokrovsk remains perilous. Zelenskiy noted a buildup of forces in Belarus. Russian shelling killed three ICRC workers in Donetsk, and disrupted utilities in northern Ukraine. The war, over 2.5 years in, sees Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and Ukraine launching drone attacks on Russian facilities. Washington claims Iran supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, escalating the conflict. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 5:30 pm
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that three workers were killed and two injured in a strike in eastern Ukraine. The ICRC condemned the attack on an aid distribution site but did not identify the perpetrator. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia, calling it a war crime. The ICRC’s team was preparing to distribute supplies in Viroliubivka village when hit. No residents were affected. Ukrainian officials also reported the shelling, and Zelensky shared an image of a burning Red Cross truck, urging the ICRC to attribute the attack to Russia. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 5:30 pm
