Category: Uncategorized
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Israel’s forgotten hostage: Avera Mengistu remains in Hamas captivity after 9 years
Avera Mengistu, an Israeli citizen of Ethiopian descent, has spent nine years in Hamas captivity, yet his case has not achieved the same public attention as other Israeli hostages. The Hostage: Mengistu was emotionally distressed when he crossed the Gaza border and was taken captive by Hamas at the age of 27. * He is […]
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To save axolotls, a campaign in Mexico asks people to virtually adopt them
A Mexican campaign is encouraging people to virtually adopt axolotls to prevent their extinction. The situation: Axolotl numbers have plunged from 6,000 per square kilometer in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City, two decades ago to around 36 per square kilometer in 2014, according to ecologist Luis Zambrano. * Despite dwindling in the wild, axolotls have gained […]
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US Navy seizes attackers who held Israel-linked tanker
The US Navy apprehended armed attackers who temporarily captured an Israel-linked tanker off the coast of Yemen, following which missiles were fired at a US vessel aiding the tanker. The incident: Armed individuals seized the Liberia-flagged Central Park tanker in the Gulf of Aden, before evacuating the ship and attempting to flee on their small […]
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Irish writer Paul Lynch wins Booker Prize for dystopian novel ‘Prophet Song’
Irish writer Paul Lynch has been awarded the Booker Prize for his dystopian novel ‘Prophet Song’. Announcement details: ‘Prophet Song’, set in a dystopian version of Dublin, was granted the $63,000 literary prize at a London ceremony. * Lynch’s novel was selected over five other finalists from Ireland, the U.K., the U.S., and Canada. * […]
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In pictures: emotional scenes as Israel and Hamas trade hostages for prisoners
In the second round of hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, Israel and Hamas released a total of 56 individuals, which took place against the backdrop of military confrontations and intense living conditions in Gaza. Exchange details: Hamas freed 17 hostages and Israel released 39 Palestinian detainees in the latest exchange effort. * Israel initially captured these Palestinians as […]
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I investigated the crimes of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos — and loved ‘Here Lies Love’
Author Lewis M. Simons shares his experiences investigating the crimes of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, the former ruling couple of the Philippines, in contrast with his reaction to a Broadway show depicting their lives. Background: Simons is the author of multiple books including “Worth Dying For,” which tells the story of the Philippines’ Marcos regime […]
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The staple dish of fish and chips is taking on a luxury price tag in the U.K.
Economic challenges in the UK are causing the traditional dish of fish and chips to become more expensive. Driving the news: With increasing economic headwinds in the U.K., fish and chips, a comfort food typically seen as affordable, is taking on a premium price tag. * Fish and chip shop owners are feeling the impact. […]
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Watching war unfold is distressing — here’s how to protect your mental health
Constant exposure to distressing and graphic images from violent conflicts can cause significant harm to mental health. The backstory: The Israel-Hamas conflict has taken a toll on mental health due to constant exposure to distressing imagery on social media platforms, with symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and flashbacks. * Psychiatrist Arash Javanbakht notes that experiencing […]
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UN hopes to get more aid to Gaza during expected pause in Israel-Hamas war
The United Nations plans to leverage an expected pause in the Israel-Hamas conflict to deliver more aid to Gaza. Current situation: Conflict between Israel and Hamas is causing significant suffering in Gaza. * It is anticipated that there will soon be a pause in the hostilities. Aid mission: The United Nations is preparing to make […]
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As winter nears, Ukraine fears the U.S. will stop assisting in the war against Russia
As winter nears, Ukraine is apprehensive over whether the U.S. will continue its assistance in the ongoing war against Russia. Core Concern: The approaching winter season brings heightened concerns for Ukraine as it continues its war with Russia. * The country is notably anxious about debates within the U.S. concerning continued military and other assistance […]