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The US embassy in Kyiv closed on Wednesday due to a possible vital air assault. “Out of an abundance of warning, the embassy can be closed, and embassy workers are being instructed to shelter in place,” the consular service mentioned.
It adopted studies that the US president, Joe Biden, licensed the supply of antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine, in a step that may bolster Kyiv’s protection in opposition to advancing Russian troops but in addition entice criticism from arms management teams.
On Tuesday Ukraine fired its first Atacms missiles into Russian territory after US approval.
In the meantime, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has reiterated {that a} “freeze” of the battle alongside the prevailing frontlines could be unacceptable.
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Why has Biden accepted missiles and landmines now? The US feels these measures are needed for Ukraine to maintain preventing, and commensurate with Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops. About 10,900 North Korean troopers in Kursk have been preventing in elite Russian airborne and marine models, in accordance with a lawmaker on the intelligence committee of the South Korean parliament. Biden can also be appearing earlier than Donald Trump returns to the White Home and probably seeks negotiations.
Specialists warn of potential famine situations in northern Gaza after meals costs soar
The quantity of assist getting into Gaza has dropped to an 11-month low, official Israeli knowledge says, regardless of a US ultimatum final month that extra humanitarian provides should attain Gaza’s determined inhabitants of two.3 million folks, nearly all of whom have been displaced from their houses.
This weekend’s hijacking of 98 lorries of a 109-strong convoy by armed males – the largest such assault to this point – has aggravated meals, drugs and different assist shortages, in accordance with a World Well being Group spokesperson, Margaret Harris. “It’s getting tougher and tougher to get the help in,” she mentioned on Tuesday.
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What number of assist vans is Israel letting cross the border? Thus far in November, Israel says it has allowed in a median of 88 vans a day, a fraction of the 600 a day that assist businesses say are needed to fulfill primary wants. Within the northern third of Gaza, the place Israeli forces are waging a weeks-long offensive that has killed a whole lot of individuals and displaced tens of 1000’s, famine situations might have already set in, consultants say.
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How have meals costs modified? The market fluctuates, however earlier than the battle a sack of flour price 40 shekels ($10.68) and milk powder price 30 shekels. Now, within the middle and south of the strip, the place many of the inhabitants has fled, costs have reached 375 shekels ($100.17) and 300 shekels respectively – if provides may be discovered.
Donald Trump’s newest authorities appointments proceed to reward Maga loyalty
Linda McMahon, a billionaire and the previous WWE govt, is Trump’s choose for schooling secretary. She can also be the co-chair of Trump’s transition crew, and has donated $814,600 to Trump’s 2024 marketing campaign as of July.
Mehmet Oz, finest recognized globally as Dr Oz, is Trump’s choose because the Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Providers (CMS) administrator. The mixture of Robert F Kennedy, Jr and Oz in main well being coverage roles will obtain vital pushback from well being organizations.
Howard Lutnick, the billionaire founding father of the monetary agency Cantor Fitzgerald, can be nominated to function considered one of Trump’s principal advisers on commerce and worldwide commerce. Lutnick is considered one of Trump’s greatest fundraisers.
In different information …
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At the least 28 suspected gang members have been killed in Port-au-Prince, say Haiti police, as gangs launched a recent assault on the capital.
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A person, 51, has been charged with three counts of first-degree homicide within the deadly stabbings of three folks, in random assaults in Manhattan inside two and a half hours on Monday.
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Executives from X, Meta and TikTok are to be summoned to testify earlier than a UK parliamentary inquiry that’s investigating summer season 2024’s riots and the rise of false and dangerous AI content material.
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The writer HarperCollins will permit a few of its books for use to practice AI fashions, with writers’ permission. “Abominable,” one writer mentioned.
Stat of the day: San Francisco data 54% drop in overdose deaths – the bottom rely since 2020
San Francisco recorded a 54% drop in overdose deaths in October 2024, in contrast with the identical month a 12 months earlier – the bottom month-to-month rely because the metropolis started publishing the figures in 2020. London Breed, the mayor, attributed the change to the town’s expanded sources, entry to medicines to interrupt dependancy, and enforcement “disrupting the fentanyl provide chain”.
Don’t miss this: Three trans and non-binary folks on how prime surgical procedure modified their lives
The variety of gender-affirming procedures rose within the US between 2016 and 2019, adopted by an onslaught of anti-trans legal guidelines. For a lot of, the scars is usually a image of satisfaction and resilience – as three trans and non-binary folks share with Michelle Hyun Kim what prime surgical procedure meant to them.
Local weather test: 204 lobbyists for industrial farming attend Cop29 local weather summit
Total, 204 agriculture delegates have accessed the Cop29 talks in Baku this 12 months, evaluation by DeSmog and the Guardian reveals. They embody representatives from agribusiness corporations such because the Brazilian meatpacker JBS, the animal prescribed drugs firm Elanco and the meals big PepsiCo. The sector accounts for practically a 3rd of world greenhouse gasoline emissions.
Final Factor: ‘My bizarre, emotional week with an AI pet’
Casio says a Moflin can develop its personal persona and construct a rapport with its proprietor – and it doesn’t want meals, train or a litter tray. However is it basically comforting or alienating? “As I put together to say farewell to my furry good friend, I’m wondering, not with no flicker of unhappiness, who his subsequent proprietor could be,” writes Justin McCurry.
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