Monthly Archives: October 2023

The World, Today

Release of US hostages

Israeli officials confirm the release of US hostages

Israeli officials have confirmed to the BBC that two American hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan have been released by Hamas.

The mother and daughter were taken hostage by Hamas at Kibbutz Nahal Oz, in southern Israel, on 7 October.

Families welcome hostages’ release

A group supporting families of some of the hostages being held in Gaza has welcomed the apparent release of two hostages by Hamas.

We do not know yet if the families are reacting to the reports or have been told anything.

Describing Hamas’s actions as war crimes, Hostages Families HQ called on leaders in Arab countries to use their influence on Hamas leaders to immediately release all the kidnapped and missing persons held in Gaza.

The group urged world leaders and the international community to also use their “full power” to work for the release of all the hostages and missing persons.

The World

Amy Schumer Slams New York Times

Amy Schumer Slams New York Times, CNN for Parroting Hamas Propaganda: ‘Published a Propaganda Lie, Blaming Israel Without Fact Checking’

TODAY -- Pictured: Amy Schumer on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank)
Comedian Amy Schumer has emerged as the latest celebrity to slam establishment news outlets for parroting Hamas propaganda concerning the recent missile attack on a Gaza hospital — even going as far as to call for top editors to resign for spreading what she called “terrorist lies.”

Amy Schumer called out the news organizations by name —  the New York Times, CNN, BBC News, and others — for prematurely blaming Israel for the attack.

“Many Western outlets published a propaganda LIE, blaming Israel without fact checking. FACTS only reached the headlines an hour later. Fire the @bbcnews @nyt @skynews @cnn editors who put terrorist lies on their homepages,” she wrote in her Instagram Stories.

History

On This Day – October 20

On This Day – October 20

  • 2011 Muammar Gaddafi is Captured

    The deposed leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, is captured by the National Transitional Council Forces. He was killed by the troops soon after.

  • 1982 Luzhniki Disaster

    A stampede during a UEFA Cup soccer (football) match between Dutch club Haarlem and the Moscovian football club, Spartak at the Lenin Stadium in Moscow left about 60 people dead.

  • 1973 Sydney Opera House Opens its Doors

    The iconic building, which was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was designed by Danish architect Jørn Oberg Utzon. Construction on the performing arts center began in March 1959 and cost over $100 million.

  • 1968 Jacqueline Kennedy marries Aristotle Onassis

    Former American first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, married Greek shipping magnet, Aristotle Onassis

  • 1962 War Breaks Out Between India and China

    The month-long border dispute began after the Chinese launched a two-pronged attack on the border between the two countries. During the duration of hostilities, China and India did not officially declare war on each other nor cut off any diplomatic ties. The conflict ended with China taking control of Aksai Chin and both countries accepting a de facto border along what is now known as Line of Contro

History

On This Day – October 19

On This Day – October 19

  • 2005 Trial of Saddam Hussein Begins

    The Iraqi Special Tribunal started the trial of deposed President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, and 7 other defendants for crimes against humanity. Hussein, who was the fifth President of Iraq was found guilty and was executed by hanging a year later on December 30, 2006.

  • 1954 Cho Oyu Scaled for the First Time in Recorded History

    The 6th highest mountain peak in the world, Cho Oyu is part of the Himalayan mountain range and lies on the Nepal-China border. It was scaled by Nepalese Pasang Dawa Lama and Austrians Joseph Jöchler and Herbert Tichy. Continue reading On This Day – October 19 →