Author: Amanda Martinez

Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest storm to hit Shanghai in 75 years, slammed into the city on Monday morning, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. Shanghai authorities swiftly relocated over 400,000 people in the metropolitan area by Sunday evening, taking proactive measures to ensure safety. Meanwhile, another 9,000 people were evacuated from the Chongming District, an island at the mouth of the Yangtze River. The city’s two main airports grounded all flights, and train services were canceled, causing widespread disruption. Strong winds toppled trees and billboards as the storm intensified, causing hazardous conditions. People struggled to navigate flooded streets, and a…

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently met with President Biden at the White House to discuss pressing global issues. Before their meeting, Starmer’s team gathered in a secure room at the British Embassy, safe from potential eavesdropping. They conferenced with British staff in Ukraine and Russia to finalize their briefing. Upon arrival at the White House, Keir Starmer and Biden exchanged warm words in the Rose Garden before heading to the Blue Room. Their delegations joined them, with seven colleagues on each side. Journalists were briefly allowed in but soon escorted out. The private 90-minute conversation focused primarily on…

Deadly floods have struck Myanmar after Typhoon Yagi, forcing over 230,000 people to flee their homes. The country’s junta has requested foreign aid to mitigate the disaster’s impact. The capital, Naypyidaw, is among the worst-hit areas, with at least 33 people killed, according to the military. State-run media reports that temporary relief camps have been set up for homeless victims. This year, Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm, has already swept through Vietnam, China’s Hainan island, and the Philippines. Junta chief Gen Min Aung Hlaing and other officials visited flooded areas and inspected rescue and relief efforts. However, reports suggest…

A military court in Congo has handed down DRC coup trial death sentences to 37 individuals. It includes three US nationals, for their involvement in a bungled coup attempt in May. The court’s president, Freddy Ehume, announced the verdict live on television, declaring that the defendants would face execution for charges including terrorist assault, criminal association, and terrorism. The ruling affects defendants from Belgium, Canada, and the United Kingdom, who now have five days to appeal. The trial, which began in June, acquitted fourteen people. Richard Bondo, the defense attorney for the six foreigners, questioned the relevance of the death…

Men retiring at 60 and women at 50, Chinese laborers have traditionally left early. Effective January 1, China delays retirement under new laws raising the retirement age incrementally over the following 15 years. Based on their line of work, the new regulations will force males to retire at 63 and women to retire at 55 or 58. Men may retire at 60 and get pensions at current levels while women might retire in metropolitan areas at 50 or 55. Employees now have to work for at least 20 years to be qualified for a monthly pension, not just 15 years.…

Boeing workers reject a proposed deal, triggering a strike. The union members voted overwhelmingly against the agreement, with 95% opposing it. Over 30,000 workers in the Seattle and Portland areas will go on strike from midnight Pacific Time on Friday. This walkout dealt another blow to Boeing, struggling to repair its reputation after safety issues and financial losses. The rejected deal included a 25% pay rise over four years. However, union members demanded a 40% pay rise and other improvements. Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, urges workers to accept the deal. He warns that a strike will harm the company’s…

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a uranium enrichment facility, state media revealed. Photos show Kim touring the facility, which produces weapon-grade nuclear materials. Experts say this rare glimpse highlights North Korea’s growing nuclear confidence. Kim emphasizes increasing production, demonstrating his commitment to expanding the arsenal. The facility features rows of machinery producing highly enriched uranium. Kim praised the technical capabilities and urged more centrifuges for greater production. This disclosure comes amid heightened tensions with the West. The US and its allies accuse North Korea of aiding Russia’s Ukraine war effort, which both deny. Kim’s visit underscores North Korea’s…

Despite a court order to cease, Kolkata doctors continue protesting the rape and murder of a trainee physician. The discovery of the 31-year-old woman’s death on August 9 sparked nationwide outrage in India. An investigation into the crime that led to the detention of a hospital volunteer is currently underway at a federal level. Protests continue in Kolkata even after a Supreme Court deadline for physicians to resume work. Doctors are demanding enhanced protection for healthcare workers, the removal of top police officers, and justice for the victim. They have set up a camp outside the state health department offices.…

In a speech in St. Petersburg, President Putin issued a red line warning to the West, cautioning against permitting Ukraine to threaten Russian territory with Western long-range missiles. Putin suggested that this would fundamentally change the war, claiming that the USA, NATO members, and European governments would be seen as directly fighting Russia. Putin surmised that Ukraine would require knowledge of NATO and satellite data from the West to fire missiles into Russia. He mentioned that these missile systems will only be programmable by NATO troops. Russia has a history of drawing boundaries that were later breached. For instance, Putin…

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, the 71-year-old Chinese government spy, was sentenced to ten years in jail. Native of Hong Kong who became a US citizen, Ma revealed to an undercover FBI agent he had sold US intelligence secrets to China, which resulted in his August 2020 arrest. Ma was employed by the CIA from 1982 until his brief re-entry into the FBI in 1989. Ma’s plea deal mandates that he work with US government authorities for the remainder of his life, which includes taking part in polygraph examinations and debriefings. US lawyers claim that Ma has been helpful and participated…

The SpaceX commercial spacewalk was completed on September 12, 2024, marking a significant turning point in the history of space travel. The crew of the Polaris Dawn mission made history on the third day of their five-day trip around Earth’s orbit. Polaris Dawn’s crew included captain Jared Isaacman, mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, and pilot Scott Kidd Poteet. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where Apollo 11 lifted off, hosted SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch on September 10. Polaris Dawn reached a new high point of 870 miles during its mission, beating Gemini 11’s previous record. The Crew Dragon Resilience ship…

Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s former president, has died at 86 after battling tongue cancer. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, announced his passing on social media, describing it as a “long battle with cancer.” Fujimori served as president from 1990 to 2000, leaving a legacy of controversy. He was credited with defeating the Shining Path rebel group, but his methods sparked allegations of human rights abuses. His government’s crackdown resulted in an estimated 69,000 deaths, mainly among poor indigenous communities. Fujimori fled Peru amid corruption allegations but was later arrested and deported. A presidential pardon reinstated last December freed Fujimori from prison, despite…