Nearly half of East Timor’s population attended a Mass led by Pope Francis, marking his first visit since the nation gained independence in 2002. Around 600,000 people gathered at Tasitolu park near Dili. East Timor, with 98% of its 1.3 million people being Catholic, sees the church as pivotal in its independence struggle. However, the Vatican admitted to concealing clergy sexual abuse. Francis’s visit is part of a 12-day Asia trip, also covering Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore. The crowd endured heat, waiting hours to see the Pope. Noah Prescott 11/09/2024 3:00 am
Environmental threats have drastically altered Sao Paulo’s landscape, turning the Pinheiros River emerald green due to an algae bloom caused by severe drought. Concurrently, smoke from wildfires has filled the air, turning skies grey and the sun deep orange. Brazil faces its worst drought in over seven decades, with 59% of the country under stress. Uncontrolled wildfires have worsened air quality, making Sao Paulo’s air the second-most polluted globally for two days. Residents complain about the smoke and a putrid smell near the river, especially at night. Ava Sinclair 11/09/2024 3:00 am
Germany’s center-left coalition government, led by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, plans to introduce systematic land border checks for six months starting next Monday, targeting arrivals from Schengen zone neighbors. This move follows a terrorist stabbing by a failed asylum seeker and significant electoral gains by the far-right AfD party. The checks aim to enhance national security and manage asylum rejections, despite potential conflicts with Schengen rules and EU law. The plan’s specifics, including the frequency and intensity of checks, remain unclear. Ava Sinclair 11/09/2024 3:00 am
Ukraine launched a major drone strike on Moscow, killing one woman, destroying homes, and rerouting 50 flights. Russia claimed to have destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones in Moscow and 124 in other regions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the attacks on residential areas. Kyiv has not commented but reported 46 Russian drone attacks, with 38 intercepted. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a visit to Ukraine, emphasizing the critical moment in the conflict and Russia’s targeting of energy infrastructure. Ava Sinclair 11/09/2024 3:00 am
The Russian military launched extensive naval and air drills, “Ocean-24,” across multiple oceans and seas, involving over 400 vessels, 120 aircraft, and 90,000 troops, with China participating. President Putin called it the largest exercise in three decades, emphasizing military cooperation amid geopolitical tensions. He accused the U.S. of trying to maintain dominance and destabilize security in various regions. Russia and China, along with other U.S. critics, aim to challenge the Western-led order. The drills, running through Sept. 16, seek to bolster Russia’s Pacific power ambitions and support China’s territorial claims. Penelope Kingsley 11/09/2024 3:00 am
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has called for “fundamental changes” in Israeli military operations in the West Bank following the killing of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. Blinken condemned the incident as “unprovoked and unjustified,” demanding changes to Israel’s rules of engagement. The IDF admitted it was “highly likely” Eygi was unintentionally hit by their fire during a protest. Blinken criticized Israeli forces for excessive force and ignoring settler violence, emphasizing that no one should risk their life for protesting. The US has recently imposed sanctions targeting Israeli settler violence. Penelope Kingsley 10/09/2024 8:00 pm
Russian and Chinese warships commenced joint drills in the Sea of Japan, part of the extensive “Ocean-2024” exercise spanning the Northern Hemisphere and Pacific. The drills, involving over 400 vessels and 90,000 personnel, aim to test naval readiness and enhance cooperation. President Putin will oversee the exercises, which include operations in the Pacific, Arctic, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic regions. China contributed four warships and a supply vessel. Japan monitored the movement of Chinese ships into the Sea of Japan, conducting surveillance and intelligence gathering. Noah Prescott 10/09/2024 8:00 pm
Monique Olivier, serving life for aiding her serial killer husband Michel Fourniret, is a suspect in the 1997 disappearance of 17-year-old Cecile Vallin in France. Olivier is in custody for “kidnapping (and) illegal confinement” and is being questioned by a cold case unit. Vallin was last seen on June 8, 1997, near Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Investigators revisited the case after Olivier’s statements during her trial for helping Fourniret kidnap and murder three other girls. Olivier denied involvement in Vallin’s case, claiming they were never in the region. Penelope Kingsley 10/09/2024 8:00 pm
Russian officials reported shooting down 144 Ukrainian drones overnight, resulting in one woman’s death, fires in residential buildings, and flight disruptions in Moscow. Moscow Governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed casualties and evacuations in Ramenskoye. The Kremlin labeled Ukraine as an enemy, justifying continued military operations. Russia’s defense ministry detailed drone interceptions across various regions and reported capturing villages in Donetsk. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force claimed to have downed 38 out of 46 Russian drones. Both nations frequently conduct overnight drone raids amid ongoing conflict. Noah Prescott 10/09/2024 8:00 pm
The United States has accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine and announced new sanctions on Tehran. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Russia has received these missiles and will likely use them soon. Iran denies providing weapons, calling such actions inhumane and urging other countries to stop supplying arms. The US imposed sanctions on ten individuals and nine entities in Iran and Russia, including ships transporting missiles. France, Germany, and Britain also plan to impose sanctions on Iran Air and those involved in Iran’s missile program. Ava Sinclair 10/09/2024 8:00 pm
