Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine war, completing a delivery warned about for nearly a year. The exact delivery date is unclear, but it coincides with intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian President Zelensky has urgently requested more air defense systems. The Wall Street Journal first reported the transfer, which the National Security Council called a significant escalation. Iran denies the transfer, maintaining its stance against providing military assistance in the conflict. Russian negotiations for the missiles began last September. Noah Prescott 07/09/2024 11:30 am
China maintains significant influence in Africa, contrasting with the declining presence of France, the EU, and Russia. Over 50 African states attended the recent China-Africa summit in Beijing, highlighting China’s appeal as a reliable, non-partisan partner. Despite criticisms of inducing debt and favoring Chinese workers, African governments value China’s commitment to development projects without political conditions. China’s focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, often avoided by Western investors, further cements its role in Africa’s development. Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 11:30 am
Xi Jinping hosted a major summit in Beijing with delegates from over 50 African countries, aiming to solidify China as Africa’s premier foreign partner. He pledged over $50 billion in financial support, job creation, and aid, while promising deeper cooperation in various sectors. Despite a slowdown in Chinese funding, Xi committed to 30 infrastructure and clean energy projects. The forum highlighted China’s intent to maintain strong ties with Africa amid competition from other powers like the U.S. seeking influence and resources. Observers noted the financial pledges were less robust than in previous decades. Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 8:00 am
France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier hinted at possible tax increases to curb national debt, emphasizing the need for “justice” in taxation without specifying targets. He aims to use public funds more efficiently and uphold President Macron’s pension reform. Facing a deficit potentially reaching 5.6% of GDP, Barnier’s government will include diverse political voices. He also promised stricter migration policies. Appointed after a snap election, Barnier faces opposition from the left-wing New Popular Front, which plans a no-confidence vote. Penelope Kingsley 07/09/2024 8:00 am
Super Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s strongest storm of 2024, hit China’s Hainan on Friday with winds of 234km/h, causing power outages for 830,000 households and forcing a million evacuations. The storm, the world’s second-most powerful this year, had already impacted the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong. Hainan saw significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and business closures. Yagi later made landfall in Guangdong, prompting further evacuations. Emergency teams began power restoration efforts, and by Friday night, power was restored to 260,000 households. The storm is the most severe to hit Hainan since Typhoon Rammasun in 2014. Noah Prescott 07/09/2024 4:30 am
Gisele Pelicot, a 71-year-old French woman, testified in court against her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who admitted to drugging and allowing strangers to rape her while filming the acts between 2011 and 2020. The couple’s daughter described Dominique as a severe sexual criminal. Gisele requested public naming to raise awareness about sexual abuse. Police discovered the crimes by chance, finding explicit videos and images on Dominique’s devices. Gisele left her husband and filed for divorce after learning the truth. Dominique and 50 other men face trial for aggravated rape, potentially facing 20 years in jail each. Penelope Kingsley 07/09/2024 4:30 am
The Israeli military withdrew from Jenin, West Bank, ending a deadly, days-long incursion. The operation, aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure, resulted in 21 Palestinian deaths, including children and the elderly, and one Israeli soldier’s death. The IDF reported killing 14 fighters, including Hamas leader Wesam Khazem, and apprehending 30 others. Residents emerged to find significant destruction, impacting livelihoods. The incursion, part of broader raids in the northern West Bank, led to 36 total fatalities, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 4:30 am
Israeli soldiers killed Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old American woman, during a West Bank protest against settlements, witnesses said. Eygi, also a Turkish citizen, was shot in the head amid clashes between stone-throwing protesters and troops firing live ammunition. The U.S. confirmed her death and urged Israel to investigate. The Israeli military is reviewing the incident. The killing occurred amid heightened violence in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began, with over 690 Palestinians killed. Eygi was a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement. Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 1:00 am
The Chinese government is ending its international adoption program, except for blood relatives adopting a child or stepchild. The U.S. State Department is seeking written clarification from China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs. Since 1999, over 80,000 Chinese children have been adopted by American parents. Adoptions were already suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, with no adoptions in 2021 and 2022, and only 16 children adopted last year. China’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for the desire of international families to adopt Chinese children. Penelope Kingsley 07/09/2024 1:00 am
A preliminary report by Brazil’s Cenipa on the August crash of a Voepass ATR-72 aircraft revealed that icing detectors were activated multiple times. Cockpit recordings indicated significant icing, suggesting a possible de-icing system failure. The crash, which killed all 62 on board, occurred after the plane swirled out of control. Investigations are expected to last over a year. Experts suggest ice build-up may have triggered the crash, as in-flight icing can severely affect aircraft handling. The plane had taken off from Cascavel and crashed near Vinhedo, northwest of Sao Paulo. Penelope Kingsley 07/09/2024 1:00 am
