Pope Francis, during his visit to Papua New Guinea, emphasized the need for the Catholic Church to support abused and marginalized women in a country where violence against women is alarmingly high. He heard accounts of women attacked and accused of witchcraft, urging the church to offer “closeness, compassion, and tenderness.” With 60% of women experiencing violence, Francis highlighted their crucial role in society and called for greater protection and respect for their rights. His remarks were influenced by the governor general’s call for better women’s rights. Ava Sinclair 08/09/2024 1:30 am
Ernesto Araújo, former Brazilian foreign minister under Bolsonaro, urged the Biden administration to condemn Brazil’s ban on social media platform X, citing the U.S.’s responsibility to uphold democracy and free speech. He criticized the White House’s prolonged silence and inaction on Brazil’s deteriorating rule of law. The ban, imposed by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, followed X’s failure to appoint a legal representative and comply with court orders. X, owned by Elon Musk, resisted the ban, which remains until compliance is achieved. Penelope Kingsley 08/09/2024 1:30 am
The U.S. has informed allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to anonymous sources. The White House did not confirm the transfer but expressed concern over Iran’s increasing support for Russia. National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett warned that such transfers would escalate Iran’s involvement and threaten European security. This intelligence comes as Ukraine’s offensive has reclaimed significant territory, and President Zelenskyy urges allies to permit strikes deep inside Russia. Noah Prescott 08/09/2024 1:30 am
CIA Director William J. Burns revealed that Ukraine’s military incursion into Russia has caused anxiety among Moscow elites about the war’s direction. Speaking at a London conference with MI6 chief Richard Moore, Burns called Ukraine’s seizure of territory in Kursk a “significant tactical achievement” but not decisive for ending the war. The event marked the first public appearance together of CIA and MI6 directors, discussing issues like Gaza cease-fire obstacles, intelligence on China, and Iran’s military support to Russia. Moore criticized Russia’s intelligence services for using criminals to sabotage Western support for Ukraine. Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 10:00 pm
Caroline Darian, 45, testified in an Avignon court against her father, Dominique Pélicot, 71, who is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting her mother, Gisèle, and potentially others. Darian suspects she was also drugged and raped, based on photos found by police. Although Pélicot denies assaulting his daughter, he is accused of invading her and her step-sisters’ privacy. Gisèle waived her anonymity to speak publicly, advocating for all women who may have been unknowingly drugged. Pélicot faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted. Noah Prescott 07/09/2024 10:00 pm
Two months after France’s inconclusive snap elections, demonstrators in Paris protested against President Macron’s appointment of conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister instead of the left-wing coalition’s candidate, Lucie Castets. The New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, which won the most votes, was bypassed by Macron, who claimed Castets wouldn’t survive a confidence vote. Protesters, describing Macron as a “monarchist” and “bankers’ stooge,” denounced the decision as a “power grab” and demanded respect for election results. The rally featured chants of “Macron Out!” and “We’re not giving up.” Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 10:00 pm
DNA testing will start Monday to identify children who died in a fire at Kenya’s Hillside Endarasha Academy. At least 21 children, mostly nine years old, perished, with some bodies burnt beyond recognition. The fire, which began in a dormitory housing 156 boys, saw delayed firefighter response due to poor roads. Seventeen children remain unaccounted for, prompting parents to camp at the school. The Red Cross is aiding affected families. The fire’s cause is unknown, and investigators are examining potential negligence. Government officials urge caution in reporting casualty numbers as DNA testing proceeds. Noah Prescott 07/09/2024 10:00 pm
Israeli air raids in Gaza killed over a dozen people overnight, as health workers completed the second phase of a polio vaccination campaign targeting 640,000 children. The campaign follows Gaza’s first polio case in 25 years. Strikes in Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps killed multiple civilians, including children. An airstrike on a Jabaliya school-turned-shelter killed at least four. The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 100 hostages. Noah Prescott 07/09/2024 6:30 pm
Speculation about Vice President Kamala Harris’s foreign policy approach varies widely, reflecting more about the speculators’ desires than her articulated views. Despite being portrayed as a foreign-policy novice, Harris has significant global experience, having met with world leaders, represented the US at international events, and participated in intelligence briefings. She played roles in briefing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, a prisoner swap with Russia, and strengthening alliances in Southeast Asia. However, it’s unclear how her approach might differ from the Biden administration, leaving much of the “Harris doctrine” speculation based on subjective interpretations. Penelope Kingsley 07/09/2024 3:00 pm
The Ukrainian Air Force repelled a massive Russian air attack, shooting down 58 of 67 long-range drones. Debris from a downed drone was found near Ukraine’s parliament in Kyiv. Air defense units were activated in 11 regions. The drones were launched from Russian border regions and Crimea. No immediate casualties were reported. Recent attacks include a missile strike in Poltava killing 55 and a strike in Lviv killing seven. Ukrainian forces also struck Russia’s Voronezh region, causing evacuations. Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed the capture of Kalynove in Donetsk. Russian shelling killed three in Kostiantynivka. Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 3:00 pm
