Hamas released a new video of slain Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, one of six hostages whose bodies were recovered from Gaza. In the video, Goldberg-Polin, looking disheveled, sends a heartfelt message to his family, urging them to stay strong. The video, released Thursday, appears to be recorded later than previous ones, showing him with longer hair and a more prominent beard. He criticizes the Israeli government, a statement he was likely forced to make, and describes harsh living conditions in Gaza. Ava Sinclair 07/09/2024 1:00 am
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, facing criminal charges over the platform’s moderation policies, announced updates to Telegram, including removing features linked to illegal activity and pledging to improve moderation. Durov emphasized that a tiny fraction of users involved in crime tarnish the platform’s image. Telegram updated its FAQ to allow reporting of private messages. Despite criticizing his arrest, Durov acknowledged moderation issues due to rapid user growth. Telegram has over 950 million users, with 10 million paying for premium subscriptions. French prosecutors are investigating Telegram for enabling criminal activities. Noah Prescott 06/09/2024 9:31 pm
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American hostage killed by Hamas, was featured in a propaganda video released Thursday. His parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, urged the world to secure a cease-fire and the release of remaining hostages. Despite mourning their son, they felt compelled to speak out after the video, taken before Hersh’s death, was released. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused Hamas of psychological terror through such footage. The parents called for international action to prevent other families from suffering similar fates. Around 100 hostages remain in Hamas’ captivity. Noah Prescott 06/09/2024 9:31 pm
At a meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged U.S. and allied military leaders to allow Ukraine to strike deep within Russia, targeting air bases and launch sites. Despite making some progress with defense leaders from over 50 nations, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remained unconvinced, stating that long-range strikes wouldn’t be decisive. Zelenskyy’s plea follows recent deadly Russian airstrikes, including one on a Ukrainian military training center. He argued that long-range capabilities are essential to motivate Russia to seek peace. Ava Sinclair 06/09/2024 9:31 pm
Michel Barnier has begun forming a government after being appointed French prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron, following a political deadlock from parliamentary elections. Barnier’s discussions with right-wing Republicans and Macron’s centrist Ensemble group were positive. His survival may hinge on far-right National Rally votes, though they won’t join his government. The left, whose candidate was rejected, plans protests. Barnier aims to address national challenges and is negotiating with various political factions. Ex-PM Gabriel Attal’s centrist bloc may support a broad coalition. Barnier’s plans remain undecided. Noah Prescott 06/09/2024 9:31 pm
Gisèle PĂ©licot testified in Avignon, France, about being drugged and raped by men at her ex-husband’s behest, who filmed the assaults. Her testimony revealed the horror of discovering thousands of images documenting the abuse. Dominique PĂ©licot, 71, and 50 other men face aggravated rape charges, with the trial expected to run until December. Gisèle, also in her 70s, insisted on a public trial to help other victims. The abuse came to light in late 2020 when her husband was caught photographing women in a supermarket, prompting an investigation. Noah Prescott 06/09/2024 9:31 pm
Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old American activist born in Turkey, was shot and killed during an anti-settlement protest near Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Israeli military admitted to firing at demonstrators but did not confirm other gunmen’s presence. US Ambassador Jack Lew confirmed Eygi’s death and is seeking more information. Eygi was volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement. Protests at Beita, near the unauthorized Israeli settler outpost Evyatar, are common. Eyewitnesses and Palestinian officials blame the Israeli military, which claimed it fired at a violent instigator. Penelope Kingsley 06/09/2024 6:00 pm
1. Colin Gray, 54, was charged with murder for allowing his 14-year-old son to possess an AR-15-style rifle, leading to a school shooting at Apalachee High that killed two teachers and two students. The new school security system saved many lives. 2. Sen. JD Vance called school shootings a bleak “fact of life,” while Trump’s running mate argued against stricter gun laws. Trump gave a confusing answer on child care, and Kamala Harris’s campaign pleased Jimmy Carter. Amazon’s Alexa went viral for an election error. 3. Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges to avoid a second trial that could reveal traumatic family details, facing up to 17 years in prison. Ava Sinclair 06/09/2024 6:00 pm
Dominique PĂ©licot, a 71-year-old retiree, admitted to drugging and enlisting strangers to rape his wife, Gisèle, between 2011 and 2020. His daughter, Caroline Darian, described him as one of the worst sexual criminals in 20 years. The abuse was discovered after PĂ©licot was caught filming up women’s skirts. Darian recounted the family’s shock upon learning of the crimes, which led her to write a book about the ordeal. Gisèle requested a public trial to raise awareness about drug-facilitated sexual abuse. Penelope Kingsley 06/09/2024 6:00 pm
Super Typhoon Yagi, known as Makar in China, struck Hainan Island with winds of 125 knots (232 km/h), equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. The storm, which previously impacted the Philippines and Hong Kong, led to the evacuation of nearly 1 million residents in Hainan and Guangdong provinces. Flights were canceled, and significant disruptions occurred. Yagi is expected to weaken as it moves toward northern Vietnam, affecting Ha Long Bay and Hanoi. Authorities in China and Vietnam are taking measures to protect crops and infrastructure. Penelope Kingsley 06/09/2024 6:00 pm
