Three Israeli civilians were killed in a shooting at the Allenby Bridge Crossing between the West Bank and Jordan. The gunman, who approached from the Jordanian side, was killed by Israeli security forces. Jordan is investigating the incident. The crossing, mainly used by Palestinians and tourists, has been closed. Israeli PM Netanyahu linked the attack to broader regional conflicts involving Iran and militant groups. The West Bank has seen increased violence since Hamas’ October 7 attack from Gaza, with frequent Israeli military raids and rising settler and Palestinian violence. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed five people, including children and a senior Civil Defense official. Noah Prescott 08/09/2024 12:00 pm
Typhoon Yagi hit northern Vietnam on Saturday, causing four deaths and injuring at least 78 people, according to Vietnam’s Disaster Management Authority. Quang Ninh province, home to Ha Long Bay, saw three deaths and 58 injuries. Hai Duong and Hai Phong provinces reported one death and 20 injuries, respectively. The storm caused widespread power outages, damaged homes, and disrupted sea and air travel, including at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. Wind speeds reached 125 mph, with gusts up to 155 mph. Yagi had previously impacted southern China’s Hainan and Guangdong provinces. Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 8:30 am
Pope Francis visited Papua New Guinea’s remote jungles to celebrate the Catholic Church’s outreach, bringing medicine, musical instruments, and a message of love. He flew from Port Moresby to Vanimo, where he met local Catholics and missionaries. Around 20,000 people welcomed him with singing and dancing. Francis praised church workers and urged locals to end tribal violence and work harmoniously. He emphasized overcoming fear, superstition, and destructive behaviors. Earlier, he celebrated Mass in Port Moresby, telling the crowd that God is close to them despite their perceived distance from the church. Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 8:30 am
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they shot down an American-made MQ-9 drone over Marib province, prompting U.S. airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas. The U.S. military acknowledged the claim but reported no confirmed drone losses. The Houthis, who have previously downed MQ-9 Reaper drones, provided no evidence this time. The claim was made by Houthi spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree in a video message. The incident follows increased Houthi attacks since the Israel-Hamas war began. Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 8:30 am
The US believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, according to informed sources. While details on the number and timing of the transfers are unclear, US intelligence confirms the findings. The White House expressed concerns over Iran’s deepening support for Russia but did not confirm the transfers. Iran has been supplying Russia with Shahed attack drones since autumn 2022. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have seized the village of Kalynove in Donetsk, amid ongoing conflicts and local elections in Russia. Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 8:30 am
Tebboune, 78, is expected to defeat moderate Islamist Abdelaali Hassani, 57, and socialist Youcef Aouchiche, 41, in Algeria’s election. ANIE extended voting by one hour, with polling stations closing at 8:00 pm. Turnout was 26 percent by 5:00 pm, down from 33 percent in 2019. Over 24 million Algerians are registered to vote, and both challengers urged high turnout. Preliminary results may be announced Saturday night, with official results on Sunday. Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 5:00 am
Tens of thousands protested in Paris and other French cities against Michel Barnier’s appointment as prime minister by President Macron. Macron’s decision followed a hung parliament result, where the left-wing NFP coalition won the most seats. Critics, including NFP leader Jean-Luc MĂ©lenchon, called Barnier’s appointment a “power grab” that ignored the election’s outcome. Surveys showed 74% of voters felt Macron disregarded the election results, and 55% believed he “stole” them. Protesters at Place de la Bastille carried placards asking, “Where is my vote?” Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 5:00 am
Pope Francis, nearly 88, with health issues including a knee ailment and respiratory vulnerabilities, continues to defy expectations by ramping up his activities. Despite previous indications of slowing down, he is now on his longest foreign visit, covering Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore. His supporters attribute his stamina to his passion for mission, emphasizing social justice and charitable endeavors. Father Anthony Chantry highlights the Pope’s tireless commitment to outreach. During his trip, Pope Francis will meet with missionaries, including a group from Argentina in Papua New Guinea. Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 5:00 am
Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González has left for Spain, seeking asylum after disputing July’s presidential election results, which declared Nicolás Maduro the winner. González had been in hiding with an arrest warrant issued against him. Venezuela’s Vice-President confirmed his safe passage to Spain, facilitated by the Spanish government. Meanwhile, Venezuelan security forces have surrounded the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six political opponents of Maduro are sheltering. The political crisis continues, with international bodies refusing to recognize Maduro’s victory without detailed voting data. Noah Prescott 08/09/2024 5:00 am
Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro rallied in Sao Paulo on Independence Day, protesting the government’s ban of Elon Musk’s X platform, which they claim is political persecution. Thousands, dressed in Brazil’s flag colors, displayed banners praising Musk. The march tests Bolsonaro’s mobilization power ahead of October elections, despite his ban from running until 2030. The X ban, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to curb misinformation, has intensified political polarization. Bolsonaro urged followers to join him instead of official parades, framing the ban as a liberty issue. Penelope Kingsley 08/09/2024 5:00 am
