Author: askstraight
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Could Russia Unleash the RS-26 Rubezh on Kyiv? What to Know
Speculation is mounting over Russia’s potential deployment of the RS-26 Rubezh intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine. While no official confirmation exists, reports hint at preparations for a test or, more ominously, a combat launch. If true, this would significantly escalate Russia’s military strategy, raising alarms across NATO and Ukraine’s allies. Why It Matters The RS-26…
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Trump Victory Raises Concerns in Europe About Security and Economic Policies
In a stunning outcome, Donald Trump has won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, raising significant questions in Europe about the future of transatlantic relations. Leaders in Germany and across the European Union are preparing for what many see as a likely shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities that could impact Europe’s security, economic stability, and…
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Beirut Airstrike Kills Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah, Confirms IDF
Breaking News: Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of Hezbollah, has been confirmed dead following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the death on X (formerly Twitter) at 9:57 AM on September 28, 2024, stating, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world.” The Context: The airstrike, carried…
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Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalates with deadly pager explosions
What happened: On September 17, 2024, a series of coordinated explosions rocked Lebanon and Syria, as thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah operatives detonated simultaneously. The explosions believed to have been rigged by Israeli intelligence, killed at least 12 people and wounded over 2,750, primarily Hezbollah members. A second wave of explosions, targeting walkie-talkies, followed the…
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Portugal battles deadly wildfires as three firefighters among seven dead
Three firefighters died on Tuesday while combating wildfires in central Portugal, raising the death toll to seven since the weekend, as the country grapples with over 50 active blazes amid extreme weather conditions. Why it matters: By the numbers: The big picture: What they’re saying: International response: Impact on communities: What’s next: Context: Go deeper:
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China to Gradually Raise Retirement Age Amid Aging Population Concerns
Beijing takes steps to address shrinking workforce and pension pressures China has announced plans to gradually raise its retirement age starting next year, marking the first change to the policy since the 1950s. The move comes as the nation grapples with a rapidly aging population, declining birth rates, and increasing pressure on its pension system.…
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Biden Administration Targets Chinese Retailers Shein and Temu to Curb Trade Loophole Abuse
What’s happening: The Biden-Harris administration announced a series of actions to curb the exploitation of the de minimis trade exemption, which allows shipments valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free with minimal screening. The move targets foreign e-commerce giants, particularly China-founded platforms, using this loophole to flood the U.S. market with low-value goods. Why it…
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Polaris Dawn astronauts ‘stand up’ on first commercial spacewalk
Private astronauts have conducted a spacewalk for the first time, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration. Driving the news: Polaris Dawn crewmates Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis took turns emerging from the upper hatch of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft “Resilience” on Thursday, performing history’s first commercial stand-up extravehicular activity (SEVA). Why it matters: This event signifies…
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Trump vs. Harris: A Pivotal Showdown in Philadelphia
The 2024 United States presidential race took a significant turn on Tuesday night as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in their first and possibly only debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The event, broadcast live by ABC News, allowed both candidates to present their vision for the…