News feed
SpaceX Launches Rescue Mission for Two Stranded Astronauts on ISS
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June after their Boeing spacecraft experienced thruster malfunctions. Although the SpaceX rescue mission launched from Cape Canaveral on Saturday, it won’t bring them back until February. SpaceX has embarked on a mission to retrieve the two astronauts aboard the ISS. Sunita "Suni" Williams, the pilot, and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, the commander, initially traveled to the ISS on Boeing’s latest spacecraft on June 5. Their mission was planned to last only eight days, but malfunctions in the Starliner’s propulsion system left them in space for several months.
Indigenous ‘Watchmen’ Protecting Peru’s Isolated Tribes
On a cloudy afternoon in April, Nolasco Torres and Freddy Capitan glide their canoe through a dense, jungle-covered ravine. Along their path, they search for footprints and broken branches – signs of the possible return of isolated tribes in this remote region. After navigating a curve, they steer towards Nueva Vida, a small Indigenous village hidden in Peru’s eastern Amazon, around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Brazil border. “When this ravine dries, they’ll return here,” Torres says. “Summer is coming. We need to ensure our communities are ready.” Torres, 47, and Capitan, 33, are Indigenous Huni Kuin leaders. They are also friends and neighbors of Nueva Vida’s 30 villagers. But their visit isn’t social. Clad in khaki vests marked “PIACI” (Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact), they’re part of a group of 50 Indigenous protection agents employed by Peru’s Ministry of Culture. Their mission has brought them to the Curanjillo Ravine, where contact is increasing.
Israeli Tanks Mobilize Near Lebanon Border Amid Plans to Expand Military Operations
Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant is reviewing plans to expand Israel's military offensive, as tanks and troops gather along the northern border with Lebanon. This buildup follows the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday. In a statement released on Saturday, Gallant's office confirmed that he was conducting an "operational situation assessment" focused on "expanding IDF (Israel Defence Forces) activities in the northern arena." Israeli tanks stationed near the border have heightened speculations that Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah is set to escalate further.
Search Continues for 48 Missing in Potential Deadliest Migrant Boat Sinking Near Canary Islands
Patrol boats and helicopters resumed the search on Sunday for around 48 people missing after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Spain's El Hierro island. The tragic incident, which took place early Saturday, could become the deadliest migrant boat sinking in 30 years of crossings from Africa to the Canary Islands. Nine people, including a child, have been confirmed dead. Rescuers managed to save 27 of the 84 passengers on board, according to emergency services. The Spanish coastguard is leading the renewed search with three patrol boats and three helicopters.
Deadly Floods and Landslides Kill 148 in Nepal, Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Severe floods and landslides have claimed at least 148 lives in Nepal, with more than 100 others injured, according to police reports. The disasters follow two days of torrential rainfall that overwhelmed the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas, leaving over 50 people still missing as of Sunday. Rescue teams have saved approximately 3,600 people. Residents described leaping "from one roof to another" to escape rising floodwaters that have inundated thousands of homes. Rescue operations, using helicopters and inflatable rafts, are still underway, despite predictions of continued rain through Tuesday. Some flood victims were able to return to their homes on Sunday, but many remain stranded due to blocked roads between towns and villages.
Netanyahu to Reject Ceasefire Calls, Vows to Fight Hezbollah ‘Until Victory’ in UN Address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to dismiss any hopes for a ceasefire in his upcoming United Nations speech, as Israel commits to continue its battle against Hezbollah militants "until victory." On Wednesday, Britain joined the United States, France, and other allies in proposing a 21-day ceasefire. Sir Keir Starmer, during his UN address, urged both sides to "step back from the brink." However, Netanyahu, upon arriving in New York last night, firmly rejected the truce proposal. He stated that Israeli forces would maintain their offensive against Hezbollah strongholds "with full force" and continue until Israel’s objectives are met.
Embarrassment for Xi Jinping as China’s new nuclear submarine sinks at Wuhan port
China's latest nuclear-powered submarine has sunk at the Wuhan port, with the Communist Party attempting to cover up the incident for several months. The Zhou-class submarine, distinguished by its X-shaped stern, reportedly sank while undergoing final tests in late May or early June. The incident was first detected by U.S. officials analyzing satellite images of the Wuchang Shipyard. It is unclear if nuclear fuel was onboard during the mishap, though experts believe it is likely. U.S. officials have noted that China has not yet tested the water for radiation and raised concerns about possible fatalities among military personnel involved in the submarine’s construction.
Met officers face misconduct hearings for accessing files on Sarah Everard case
Seven Metropolitan Police officers, including former Inspector Akinwale Ajose-Adeogun and former Trainee Detective Constable Hannah Rebbeck, are facing gross misconduct hearings for unauthorized access to files related to the disappearance and murder of Sarah Everard. The officers allegedly accessed these files without legitimate policing purposes, breaching confidentiality and discrediting the force. Among the officers involved are Detective Sergeant Robert Butters, Police Sergeant Mark Harper, PC Myles McHugh, PC Clare Tett, and Detective Constable Tyrone Ward. The misconduct hearings are scheduled between October 28 and November 15.
Experts warn Putin’s new nuclear ‘red line’ could signal dangerous escalation
Vladimir Putin’s latest expansion of scenarios for using nuclear weapons aims to strike fear in the West, with experts warning this could lead to a "very unpleasant surprise." On Wednesday, Putin broadened the conditions under which Russia might use nuclear weapons, particularly if Western leaders allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. Nikolai Sokov, a former Soviet and Russian diplomat, emphasized that this move was intended to send a "very clear message": any escalation that crosses these boundaries could mean nuclear war. Sokov expressed concern over the dismissive attitude some have taken, noting that the situation is unfamiliar and ignoring the risks could lead to devastating consequences.
Hezbollah Confirms Nasrallah’s Death as Iran Warns of Retaliation Against Israel
Iran has called on Muslims to unite against Israel, following the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike that killed Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Labeling Israel a "rabid dog," Iran urged support for Hezbollah as the militant group confirmed Nasrallah’s death and vowed to continue its fight against Israel. Hezbollah's statement said that their leader had "joined his fellow martyrs" and pledged to persist in their struggle, stating, "The leadership of Hezbollah pledges to continue its jihad against the enemy, supporting Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its steadfast people."
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of What Could Happen When California’s ‘Big One’ Earthquake Strikes
Recent increased earthquake activity in California has rekindled fears of the long-anticipated "Big One." This major quake, expected to hit along the 800-mile-long San Andreas fault, could cause catastrophic destruction, with estimated death tolls reaching 1,800, injuries exceeding 50,000, and damages surpassing $200 billion, according to the California Earthquake Authority. Although predicting the exact timing of such an earthquake is impossible, geologists believe the state is overdue for a major quake. Geologic evidence shows that a significant tremor along the fault typically occurs every 150 years, and it has been 167 years since the last one.
Trump Briefed on Alleged Assassination Threats from Iran: ‘Big Threats’
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has claimed there are "big threats" against his life, following a US intelligence briefing on alleged Iranian plots to assassinate him. On Wednesday, the former president stated on his Truth Social platform that “the entire US military is watching and waiting,” following attempts by Iran that “didn’t work out, but they will try again." Trump added, “I am surrounded by more men, guns, and weapons than I have ever seen before."
