Two loggers were killed by bow and arrow after allegedly encroaching on the Mashco Piro Indigenous tribe’s land in Peru’s Amazon, according to FENAMAD, a rights group defending Indigenous peoples. Tensions between loggers and tribes are rising, and FENAMAD calls for more government protection. Two other loggers are missing, and one is injured. The incident occurred on Aug. 29 in the Pariamanu river basin. FENAMAD criticized the government for not taking preventive measures and noted a similar attack in July. Increased deforestation and conflicts have been reported since Peru loosened deforestation restrictions in January. Noah Prescott 05/09/2024 9:00 pm
Initial autopsies of four victims from the superyacht sinking in Italy indicate “dry drowning,” meaning no water in their lungs. This suggests they found an air pocket and consumed all oxygen, leading to carbon dioxide toxicity. The victims include American lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, and Morgan Stanley banker Jonathan Bloomer and his wife. Autopsies for other victims are pending. The incident is under criminal investigation, focusing on the ship’s captain and crew for potential manslaughter and causing a shipwreck, though no charges have been filed. The yacht sank rapidly on August 19. Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 9:00 pm
Gisele Pelicot, 72, testified in Avignon, France, detailing how her husband, Dominique Pelicot, allegedly drugged her and arranged for over 70 men to rape her nearly 100 times over a decade. She contracted multiple sexually transmitted infections and was abused by a man with HIV. Gisele, heavily sedated with sleeping pills, was unaware of the assaults. Dominique and 50 other men are on trial for the alleged rape-ring, with Dominique accused of recruiting the rapists online and filming the assaults. Gisele waived her right to anonymity and described her ordeal as being treated like a “rag doll.” Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 9:00 pm
President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, as France’s new prime minister after a prolonged caretaker government period. Barnier, a right-wing Republican, faces the challenge of navigating a hung parliament to push reforms and the 2025 budget amid pressure to reduce France’s deficit. Macron’s centrist coalition lost its majority in snap elections, leading to political deadlock. Barnier aims to address public discontent and prioritize health care, security, jobs, and debt reduction. Macron hopes the far-right National Rally won’t block Barnier’s appointment. Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 9:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed reports of a near cease-fire deal, calling them “false narratives.” He stated that Israel has agreed to several proposals from U.S., Egypt, and Qatar negotiators, but Hamas has rejected all. Netanyahu emphasized Hamas’s refusal to agree on key issues, including the Philadelphi Corridor and hostage exchanges. He criticized global pressure for cease-fire concessions as “immoral” and “insane.” Netanyahu highlighted efforts to rescue hostages, lamenting the recovery of six bodies and stressing Hamas’s consistent refusal to negotiate. Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 5:30 pm
Michel Barnier, known for his calm Brexit negotiations and preference for consensus, faces his toughest challenge as France’s new prime minister amid a political crisis. The 73-year-old rightwinger, criticized by both the left and far-right, must navigate a deeply divided landscape. His appointment by Macron comes amid urgent budget preparations and fears of austerity. Barnier, a centrist neo-Gaullist, shifted right in 2021, hardening his stance on immigration and security in an unsuccessful presidential bid. His leadership is now under scrutiny as France seeks political stability. Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 5:30 pm
A French woman, Gisele Pelicot, testified at her husband’s trial, thanking police for saving her life by uncovering his crimes. Her husband, Dominique P., is accused of enlisting dozens of strangers to rape her while she was drugged. Pelicot, now 71, insisted on a public trial to reveal the full facts. She described her shock upon seeing images of a decade of abuse orchestrated by her husband. “My world is falling apart,” she said, calling the videos “barbaric” and revealing she only gained the courage to watch them years later. Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 2:00 pm
President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, a veteran right-wing politician and former EU Brexit negotiator, as France’s new prime minister to resolve a political deadlock following inconclusive parliamentary elections. Macron tasked Barnier with forming a unity government amid mounting criticism over delays in naming a prime minister. Barnier’s appointment is expected to anger the left-wing New Popular Front, which won the most seats but lacked a majority. Macron’s extensive consultations failed to produce a consensus candidate, leaving France without a clear governing coalition. Noah Prescott 05/09/2024 2:00 pm
A group of trans women in South Jakarta dressed in their finest attire, including feathers, silk, glitter, and rosaries, to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia. For these women, the Catholic Church offers a safe haven, and Pope Francis, known for his messages of tolerance towards the LGBTQ community, is a personal hero. Led by Mami Yuli, a devout Catholic, they drove to Bung Karno Stadium in hopes of seeing the pope, despite not having tickets to enter. Penelope Kingsley 05/09/2024 2:00 pm
New Zealand’s Maori crowned 27-year-old Nga Wai Hono i te Po Paki as their new monarch, succeeding her late father, King Tuheitia. Her ascension, marked by traditional ceremonies, comes amid tensions with the conservative government rolling back policies addressing Maori inequality. Nga Wai Hono i te Po, blending modernity and tradition, is seen as a symbol of renewal. She was chosen by a council of elders, bypassing her older brothers. With a background in Maori cultural studies and kapa haka, she also serves on the Waitangi National Trust. Ava Sinclair 05/09/2024 10:30 am
