Ollie Watkins and Lewis Dunk emerge with credit on England’s audition night against Australia
Yahoo US
23-10-13 22:58
Ollie Watkins and Lewis Dunk were the standout players in England's unconvincing 1-0 win over Australia. Watkins scored the winning goal, while Dunk made an important defensive intervention. However, the performance from many of England's fringe players was disjointed and lacking quality. They were fortunate to win the game, with Australia unlucky not to score. The match was played against a backdrop of controversy, with the FA criticised for its response to the recent Hamas attacks in Israel.
US Republican speaker nominee Jordan known as Ukraine aid skeptic
Yahoo US
23-10-13 22:36
Jim Jordan, the Republican nominee to lead the House of Representatives, has voted against most aid to Ukraine and has indicated that he would object to further aid if he becomes speaker. Many of the possible successors to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted earlier this month, have also opposed more assistance to Ukraine. Jordan's stance on Ukraine aid has received criticism from the "Republicans for Ukraine" campaign, which gave him an "F very poor" rating for his past votes against Ukraine aid. Democratic President Joe Biden's administration has prioritized military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Journalist killed, six injured in deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon
The Globe and Mail
23-10-13 22:35
One journalist has been killed and six others injured in southern Lebanon following an escalation between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. The shelling was part of one of the worst clashes between the two groups since they fought a 34-day war in 2006. Hezbollah warned that it is prepared to enter war with Israel at any moment. Hezbollah said in a statement on Friday that it had responded to Israeli attacks “with direct and appropriate weapons”, while Israel’s army said it had used a drone to strike Hezbollah targets. Israel’s United Nations ambassador, Gilad Erdan, told reporters Israel does not target news media, but said, “We’re in a state of war, things might happen.” Iran has little incentive to place at risk the “family assets” it has spent decades building up across the region, in part by arming and supporting groups like Hezbollah. Even the recent violence between Hezbollah and Israel has not led to a broader conflagration.
Healthcare workers in Gaza are staying behind to care for vulnerable patients despite the Israeli army's recent evacuation order. Nebal Farsakh, spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent, explained that it was simply not possible for her organisation to relocate patients from Al-Quds Hospital within the given time frame. The World Health Organisation has stated that it is unable to evacuate the most vulnerable patients from Gaza hospitals, describing moving them as a “death sentence”.
Massachusetts wind farm dodges lawsuits over environmental, fishing concerns
Reuters
23-10-13 22:20
A US judge has rejected legal challenges to the construction of the $4bn Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm near Massachusetts. Commercial fishing groups had argued that it would harm whales and their businesses. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the fishing groups had not adequately demonstrated that their fishing businesses could be seriously harmed if whales were injured or harassed during construction. The Vineyard Wind project, owned by Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is currently under construction and is expected to be fully operational in 2023.
UPDATE 1-Mexico energy secretary steps down, to seek Veracruz governorship
Yahoo US
23-10-14 02:37
Mexico's Energy Secretary, Rocio Nahle, has resigned and will step down immediately, as she prepares to run for governor of Veracruz state. Nahle has been in office since 2018 and has been working on the Dos Bocas oil refinery, which is set to reach full capacity this year. In next year's elections, she could compete for governorship on behalf of the ruling MORENA party.
Mexico energy secretary steps down effective Friday
Yahoo US
23-10-14 01:26
Mexico's Energy Secretary, Rocio Nahle, has resigned from her position and will step down immediately, according to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Nahle, a chemical engineer who has held office since late 2018, has hinted that she may run for governor of the state of Veracruz. Nahle has been praised for her work on Dos Bocas, a major oil refinery for state producer Pemex in Tabasco that is set to reach full capacity this year.
Reuters journalist killed in Lebanon in missile fire from direction of Israel
Nikkei Asia
23-10-14 01:25
A Reuters video journalist has been killed and six other journalists injured in southern Lebanon after missiles struck them coming from the direction of Israel. The journalists were working near Alma al-Shaab, a region close to the Israeli border where there has been ongoing conflict between the Israeli military and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Although the Israel Defense Forces did not respond to Reuters' request for comment, Israel’s U.N. envoy, Gilad Erdan, stated that whilst the country would investigate, "we're in a state of war, things might happen."
Palestinians face Israeli deadline to leave northern Gaza
Reuters
23-10-14 00:53
Over 1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza were given 24 hours by Israel to flee south before an expected ground offensive. Israel has imposed a total siege on Gaza and subjected it to unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities report that 1,900 people have died. The United Nations and other organisations have warned of a disaster if so many people were forced to flee. U.S. President Joe Biden said addressing the humanitarian crisis was a top priority and that consultations were underway with regional governments.
Reuters journalist killed in southern Lebanon by Israeli strike, colleagues say
Washington Post
23-10-14 00:44
A Reuters videographer was killed and six other journalists were wounded on Friday in southern Lebanon when the area they were reporting from was shelled by the Israelis. Charbel Francis, a cameraman for Al Araby TV, said that he was filming a barrage of Israeli shelling on a hill, while standing about 50 feet from the other journalists when the strike landed. Two other Reuters journalists, Thaer al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, “sustained injuries and are seeking medical care,” the news agency said.
Michael Caine, the British actor and two-time Oscar winner, has announced that he will retire from acting at the age of 90. Caine stated that he has decided to retire following the release of his latest film, "The Great Escaper". He explained that he has had an incredible career and does not believe he will be able to top his past performances. Caine won Oscars for "Hannah and Her Sisters" in 1986 and "The Cider House Rules" in 1999. He has starred in numerous other films including "Alfie," "Get Carter," and "Educating Rita."
Henderson boos 'defy logic', says England boss Southgate
Reuters
23-10-14 06:11
England manager Gareth Southgate has criticised fans who booed midfielder Jordan Henderson during England's friendly win over Australia. Henderson, who was named captain for the match, was substituted after 62 minutes to boos from the crowd at Wembley Stadium. Henderson recently moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, a move that made headlines due to Saudi Arabia's strict anti-LGBT laws. Southgate said he did not understand the boos and praised Henderson's commitment to England.
Voting closes in New Zealand election, counting set to begin
Reuters
23-10-14 06:05
Voting has closed in New Zealand's general election, and the opposition centre-right National Party is expected to gain the largest share of the vote, but is unlikely to secure a majority. The nationalist New Zealand First Party is predicted to hold the balance of power, but has said it will not work with the Labour Party. New Zealand uses a mixed member proportional system, and a party or coalition needs 61 out of 120 seats to form a government.
Ferrari to accept crypto as payment for its cars in the US
Reuters
23-10-14 06:04
Luxury carmaker Ferrari has begun accepting cryptocurrency as payment for its cars in the US and plans to extend the scheme into Europe next year. The move is in response to requests from customers, some of whom have invested in digital currency. Ferrari is working with cryptocurrency payment processor BitPay, which will convert the digital currency into traditional money. Ferrari has said it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and is confident it can achieve this target despite the environmental criticism of bitcoin mining.
Borrell says EU takes China seriously, expects same in return
Reuters
23-10-14 05:06
The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has said that the EU takes China seriously and expects the same in return on geopolitical issues and trade. Borrell's comments came at the end of a three-day visit to Beijing, during which he discussed a range of issues with Chinese officials, including the crisis in Israel and Gaza. Borrell also announced that his chief of staff would be visiting Beijing next week to continue engaging with Chinese officials on geopolitical issues. The EU has long complained about the lack of attention it receives from China compared to the United States, and the EU's trade deficit with China has become a major sticking point in the relationship. Last week, the EU launched an investigation into whether to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports that it says benefit from state subsidies.
Australians reject constitutional recognition for Indigenous people
Nikkei Asia
23-10-14 10:19
Australia has rejected a proposal to recognise Indigenous people in the country's constitution. With 45% of the vote counted, the "No" vote led "Yes" by 57.35% to 42.65%. Four states – New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia – voted against altering the 122-year-old constitution. The referendum required at least four of the six states to vote in favor, along with a national majority. Academics and human rights advocates fear a "No" vote could set back reconciliation efforts by years.
UN warns millions could die of thirst as tens of thousands of flee
The Independent
23-10-14 10:19
The UN has warned that over two million people in Gaza are at risk of dying of thirst as clean water has started to run out. The water plant and public water networks in Gaza have stopped working, leaving many people forced to use dirty water from wells, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. The aid agency is calling for fuel to be delivered to Gaza immediately in order to make water available for the population. This comes as tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in southern Gaza as Israel launches its first ground raids into the enclave. The UN estimates that over 400,000 Palestinians have already been displaced, and this number is likely to increase as the conflict escalates. Israel launched its ground attacks into Gaza after Hamas carried out an assault on southern Israel, killing over 1,300 people and injuring over 3,000.
Christopher Luxon wins New Zealand election as incumbent PM concedes
The Independent
23-10-14 10:15
Christopher Luxon, a former businessman, is set to become the next prime minister of New Zealand. The incumbent prime minister, Chris Hipkins, has conceded defeat and acknowledged that Labour is not in a position to form a government. Luxon is expected to form a new government with the preferred coalition party ACT.
Grieving and on edge, US Jews, Muslims seek solace as Hamas-Israel war rages
Yahoo US
23-10-14 10:14
Jewish and Palestinian Muslim communities in the United States remain on edge a week after the brutal attack by Hamas militants on Israeli civilians and Israel's subsequent reprisals in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
U.S. institutions under fire for their support — or silence — on Israel
Washington Post
23-10-14 10:00
US companies, politicians, universities, and school districts that have sought to condemn violence from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have come under fire from Jewish groups and others for appearing to downplay what began this crisis a week ago: a militant attack by Hamas on Israel that killed hundreds of civilians. Jewish parents in the suburbs of Boston, Washington, and elsewhere protested after their school leaders put out statements that sought a measure of neutrality. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D., Mass), appearing at a vigil in Boston, was booed when he called for “de-escalation of the current violence.” This was the dynamic in the initial days of fighting, as bodies of Israelis of all ages were found and stories of hostage-taking spread fear and anger. What’s unknown is how the mood might shift as Israel forces continue laying siege to Gaza, cutting off all water and electricity, and then launch a full-scale counteroffensive, which could mean enormous civilian casualties among Palestinians who have nowhere to flee.