Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:35pm on 07 Sep 2024,Saturday International
Rome is planning to introduce a €2 ($2.25) entry fee for the Trevi Fountain, a popular tourist site traditionally free of charge. This proposal aims to manage visitor numbers and protect the site from damage. The plan, supported by City Council and Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, follows Venice’s trial of a similar fee. The fee would apply only to those accessing the fountain’s stone steps and would be implemented via a reservation system and QR codes, set to launch by spring 2025. Romans will be exempt, and passersby will not be charged.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:18am on 07 Sep 2024,Saturday International
Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 67 Shahed drones in a mass overnight attack, targeting Kyiv and other regions. The air defense successfully intercepted 58 drones. Debris from the attack was found near Kyiv's parliament building, highlighting the city's vulnerability despite robust air defense systems. The drones, launched from Russia and Crimea, are a cost-effective alternative to missiles, designed to evade conventional air defenses. The attack comes amid ongoing Russian aggression, with thousands of missiles and drones having been used against Ukraine since February 2022.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:44am on 07 Sep 2024,Saturday International
The US has warned of a significant escalation in the Ukraine war following reports that Iranian ballistic missiles have arrived in Russia. White House spokesperson Sean Savett expressed alarm at the potential deepening of the Russia-Iran security partnership, stressing that any missile transfer would mark a severe escalation in Iran's support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine. While the US has not confirmed the delivery, reports suggest that Russia has received Fath-360 missiles and is training personnel in Iran. Iran has denied the allegations, condemning military aid that exacerbates the conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:23am on 07 Sep 2024,Saturday International
The beluga whale known as "Hvaldimir," rumored to have been trained as a Russian spy, was found dead with multiple bullet wounds in a bay on Norway's southwestern coast. The whale first appeared in 2019, wearing a harness marked "Equipment St. Petersburg," sparking speculation about its ties to Russia. Animal rights groups, including NOAH and One Whale, have called for a criminal investigation into the whale's death, describing the injuries as alarming. The whale’s carcass was sent to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute for autopsy, with results expected in three weeks. Hvaldimir had become a celebrity in Norway.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:56am on 07 Sep 2024,Saturday International
The UN demanded a full investigation into the killing of 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a US-Turkish national, during a protest against Jewish settlement expansion in Beita, West Bank. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli soldiers fired shots, hitting Eygi in the head. The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, stating that they were responding to stone-throwing during the protest. The US and Turkey also called for an inquiry. Eygi, a recent University of Washington graduate, was attending her first protest with the International Solidarity Movement. Turkish President Erdogan condemned the killing as "barbaric."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:50am on 07 Sep 2024,Saturday International
In a shocking move, former US Vice-President Dick Cheney has announced he will vote for Democrat Kamala Harris in the presidential election. Cheney, a lifelong Republican, cited Donald Trump as a "greater threat to our republic" than anyone else. He condemned Trump's attempts to "steal the last election" through "lies and violence." Cheney's daughter, Liz, revealed his decision earlier. This endorsement is significant, given Cheney's influence during George W. Bush's presidency. His statement underscores growing opposition to Trump within the Republican Party.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:27am on 07 Sep 2024,Saturday International
The United Nations has called a full investigation into the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old US-Turkish woman, during a protest in the occupied West Bank. Eygi was shot dead by Israeli forces in Beita, near Nablus, during a demonstration against Jewish settlement expansion. Israel's military is reviewing reports of the incident. An eyewitness reported hearing two shots fired. The UN's call for a full investigation highlights concerns over the use of lethal force by Israeli troops against protesters.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:23pm on 06 Sep 2024,Friday International
On September 8, West Bengal will host its third ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest in response to the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. The demonstration, marking one month since the crime, has mobilized thousands of women across the state. The protest will highlight ongoing demands for justice and safer conditions for women. Initially planned as smaller gatherings, the movement has grown into widespread demonstrations. The Central Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case from Kolkata Police after the Calcutta High Court criticized the initial probe.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:18pm on 06 Sep 2024,Friday International
Donald Trump’s sentencing in his Manhattan hush money case has been postponed to November 26, 2024, by Judge Juan Merchan. Originally scheduled for September 18, the delay comes amid the presidential election season. Trump, convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, could face up to four years in prison. The delay allows for a focused sentencing hearing post-election, avoiding interference with the presidential race. Trump, who maintains his innocence, has labeled the case a “witch hunt.” Prosecutors accused him of covering up a $130,000 payment to silence Stormy Daniels.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:10pm on 06 Sep 2024,Friday International
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 27 Palestinians on September 6, 2024, as a polio vaccination campaign for children continued. The strikes hit Nuseirat refugee camp and Gaza City, among other areas. The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to over 40,800 Palestinian deaths and mass displacement. The UN and health agencies are racing to vaccinate 640,000 children against polio amid the violence. Despite multiple diplomatic efforts, a ceasefire remains elusive, with gaps between Israel and Hamas complicating negotiations.