THREAD: global shockwaves emotional stories and powerful

AUSTRALIAN Writer’s HISTORIC WIN Stirs Emotions

20 November 2024 — Australian author Richard Flanagan has made history by winning Britain’s prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction. This achievement comes ten years after he won the Booker Prize for fiction. His award-winning memoir, “Question 7,” mixes autobiography with family history and the story of the atomic bomb’s development.

Flanagan previously won the Booker Prize in 2014 for “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.” The novel was inspired by his father’s experiences as a World War II prisoner under Japanese captivity. Toby Mundy, Baillie Gifford Prize director, noted that winning both top U.K.-based fiction and nonfiction awards is unprecedented.

Isabel Hilton, chair of the judging panel, called Flanagan’s work a “meditative symphony.” She praised how it weaves together major traumatic events of the 20th century with a unique personal story. Hilton pointed out that Flanagan’s background in fiction added inventiveness and narrative quality to his book.

Flanagan did not attend the award ceremony in London to accept his trophy personally. Organizers shared that he was trekking through Tasmania’s rainforest at the time of his historic win.

TRAGIC STABBING Spree at London Market Shocks Community

11 November 2024 — A stabbing spree at East Street Market in south London left one dead and two injured on Sunday morning. Police arrested a man in his 60s at the scene. While they have not shared details about the suspect or his motives, they do not believe it is terror-related, hinting that mental health issues might be involved.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the attacker randomly targeted people. An unnamed fabric seller said, “I just saw a bloke running through the market stabbing people willy-nilly.” The attack happened around 10:30 am when the market was getting busy.

The witness immediately called police after seeing two men stabbed, noting one appeared severely injured. Emergency services quickly arrived but sadly, one victim died from injuries despite their efforts.

The investigation continues as authorities work to understand what led to this tragic event and ensure community safety moving forward.

DEADLY Houston STORMS Leave City in Ruins, Power Restoration Underway

20 May 2024 — Deadly storms ravaged Houston last week, leaving seven dead and causing widespread damage. Thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds destroyed businesses, uprooted trees, and shattered glass in downtown skyscrapers. A tornado also touched down near Cypress.

By Sunday evening, 88% of Houston area customers had power restored, according to CenterPoint Energy spokesperson Paul Lock. “We expect everyone to be back on by end of business Wednesday,” Lock stated. Over 289,000 homes and businesses in Texas remained without electricity Sunday evening.

More than 3,900 customers in Louisiana were also without power due to strong winds and a suspected tornado. CenterPoint Energy deployed 2,000 employees and over 5,000 contractors to restore power in the Houston area. Lynnae Wilson emphasized the urgency given the high temperatures: “Getting the lights and air conditioning back on is even more important.”

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

11 April 2024 — South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

US Families LEFT In AGONY: Stalled Negotiations for Hamas Hostages Cause Heartbreak

04 April 2024 — Half a year has passed since the chilling Hamas terror attack in southern Israel. American families are voicing their frustration over the stalemate in mediation talks. Their loved ones were abducted from a music festival near Gaza’s border, and they believe political agendas are overshadowing the urgency to save lives.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh, a 23-year-old hostage, is among those captured, opened up about her family’s daily ordeal to Fox News Digital. She painted a vivid picture of their unending trauma and relentless efforts to bring their family member back home.

The last communication Goldberg-Polin received from her son was just before he fell into the hands of terrorists. Despite no updates on his condition or whereabouts since his capture, she clings onto hope that negotiators will shift focus from politics to people’s lives.

The video footage showing Hersh’s injury and subsequent imprisonment has only deepened the family’s pain. They continue to grapple with what Goldberg-Polin terms an “ambiguous trauma”, as they anxiously await any news about their loved ones.

CENTRAL US RAVAGED: Tornadoes Leave Trail of Destruction and Heartbreak

15 March 2024 — A series of violent tornadoes tore through the central U.S., causing extensive damage and claiming at least three lives. The storms left a path of devastation, flattening homes and trailers in an RV park, with Ohio’s Logan County bearing the brunt of the destruction. Lakeview and Russells Point villages were among the hardest hit areas.

On Friday, search crews accompanied by cadaver dogs sifted through the debris for any additional victims. Despite challenges posed by gas leaks and fallen trees obstructing some neighborhoods, authorities conducted a thorough second sweep in areas initially checked right after the storm hit.

Sheriff Randy Dodds cautioned that recovery operations would take time but assured that he was not aware of anyone still missing. Meanwhile, residents like Sandy Smith shared chilling accounts of seeking shelter while their homes crumbled around them during the storm’s onslaught.

The aftermath paints a grim picture — twisted metal wrapped around tree tops, damaged campgrounds and laundromats, roofs sheared off houses. Snowplows were dispatched to clear roads strewn with debris as communities begin to grapple with their new reality.

UKRAINE’S Downfall: The Shocking Inside Story of the Most Devastating Ukrainian Defeat in a Year

11 March 2024 — SLOVIANSK, Ukraine — Ukrainian soldiers found themselves in an unrelenting battle, defending the same industrial block for months with no relief. In Avdiivka, troops had been stationed for nearly two years of the war without any sign of replacements.

As ammunition dwindled and Russian airstrikes intensified, even fortified positions were not safe from advanced “glide bombs”.

The Russian forces employed a strategic onslaught. They first sent lightly armed soldiers to exhaust Ukraine’s ammunition reserves before deploying their well-trained troops. Special forces and saboteurs staged ambushes from tunnels, adding to the chaos. During this turmoil, a battalion commander mysteriously vanished according to law enforcement documents seen by The Associated Press.

In less than a week, Ukraine lost Avdiivka — a city that had been defended long before Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Outnumbered and nearly surrounded, they chose withdrawal over facing another deadly siege like Mariupol where thousands of troops were either captured or killed. Ten Ukrainian soldiers interviewed by The Associated Press painted a grim picture of how dwindling supplies, overwhelming Russian force numbers and military mismanagement led to this catastrophic defeat.

Viktor Biliak is an infantryman with the 110th Brigade who has been stationed since March 2022 said that

HAITI NIGHTMARE: Gangs Unleashed as Prisons Breached and Thousands Set Free

04 March 2024 — Haiti is grappling with a violent crisis. In a shocking turn of events, armed gang members infiltrated the nation’s two biggest prisons over the weekend, setting free thousands of prisoners. To regain control, the government has enforced a nighttime curfew.

The gangs, believed to have dominance over approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, have grown alarmingly bold and organized. They are now daringly attacking previously untouched sites such as the Central Bank — an unprecedented escalation in Haiti’s ongoing battle against violence.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry is pleading for international assistance in forming a UN-backed security force to stabilize Haiti. However, with only around 9,000 officers responsible for more than 11 million citizens, Haiti’s National Police force is frequently outmatched and outgunned.

The recent onslaught on state institutions has led to at least nine fatalities since Thursday — including four police officers. High-profile targets like the international airport and national soccer stadium were not spared from these coordinated attacks.

TRAGEDY Strikes Joel Osteen’s Texas Megachurch: SHOCKING Shooting Incident Leaves Child in Critical Condition

12 February 2024 — A shocking incident unfolded at Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Houston, Texas, on Sunday when a woman armed with a long gun opened fire. The attack happened just before the church’s 2 p.m. Spanish service was about to commence. Despite the prompt intervention of two off-duty officers who neutralized the shooter, two people were injured, including a critically wounded 5-year-old boy.

The assailant entered the colossal Lakewood Church — a former NBA arena that can accommodate up to 16,000 people — accompanied by the young boy who tragically ended up in the line of fire. A man in his fifties also suffered injuries during this harrowing event. The connection between the woman and the boy remains uncertain as does who shot both victims.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner pointedly attributed blame to the female shooter for recklessly endangering lives, particularly that of an innocent child. Both victims were immediately transported to separate hospitals where they are receiving treatment for their injuries — while reports suggest that man is stable, sadly, the child’s condition remains critical.

This alarming incident occurred between services at one

STORM ISHA Unleashes Fury: UK and Ireland Brace for Deadly Winds

22 January 2024 — The United Kingdom and Ireland are on high alert as Storm Isha ushers in torrential rain and potentially fatal winds. The Met Office, which serves as the national weather service, has declared a comprehensive wind warning covering virtually the entire U.K. Additionally, there’s a tornado risk looming over Northern Ireland, northern England, and certain regions of Scotland.

Meteorologist Tom Morgan cautions against “life-threatening” winds that could trigger power outages. Coastal areas might confront massive waves hurling debris onto roads while trees stand a chance of being uprooted. Gusts clocking 90 miles per hour have already been reported in Wales’ mountainous Snowdonia region.

Storm Isha is wreaking havoc on travel schedules with Scotland’s railway operator halting service from Sunday night through Monday morning’s peak hours. Network Rail is enforcing speed restrictions to ward off accidents caused by fallen trees or debris strewn across tracks. In western Ireland, locals are advised to steer clear of the coast owing to destructive gusts

This marks the ninth storm named since September to assail parts of the U.K., leading to toppled trees, power failures, and river valley floods. The harsh weather conditions persist in disrupting everyday life while posing considerable safety hazards.

JAMES BOND Classics HIT With Trigger Warnings: British Film Institute’s Shocking Move Stirs Controversy

14 January 2024 — The British Film Institute (BFI), a leading UK film organization and cultural charity, has unexpectedly turned against James Bond. The BFI has introduced trigger warnings to several iconic Bond films, sparking controversy among fans.

These warnings are shown before the screenings at the BFI theater. They alert viewers to language, images, or content that might be considered offensive in today’s context but were common during the time of the film’s release. The BFI maintains that these views are not supported by them or their associates.

Two films singled out by these warnings are “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice.” This action is part of the BFI’s tribute to John Barry, who wrote soundtracks for 50 years. It appears that even James Bond can’t escape from contemporary political correctness.

GAZA NIGHTMARE: Mizrahi Unveils Horrifying Hamas Atrocities

20 December 2023 — Mizrahi, a U.S. citizen with Israeli roots, recently spoke at a crowded synagogue in Malibu, California. She recounted the harrowing experience her family faced during the October 7 Hamas attack on Kfar Aza, Israel. Her cousin and his daughter lost their lives while his wife and remaining children were abducted.

The Los Angeles Times confirmed that Mizrahi’s cousin Nadav Goldstein Almog and his daughter Yam were among the many victims in their kibbutz during the assault. Goldstein Almog’s wife Chen and their three children were among over 200 Israelis kidnapped and transported to Gaza.

A doctor who examined several freed hostages last month corroborated Mizrahi’s account to CBS News. He revealed that Hamas employed meticulously orchestrated psychological torture against the captives, including claims that Israel had ceased to exist. The family heard from survivors that they had been relocated to Hamas tunnels towards the end of their captivity where they encountered mistreated female hostages.

Maya and Dvir Rosenfeld managed to survive for 24 hours in their home’s safe room with their infant son during the Kfar Aza onslaught. They believe an open door led Hamas operatives to assume their home had already been targeted, thus escaping capture.

Hamas TERROR Unleashed: Vulnerable ISRAELI Family’s Nightmare Amid Hostage Crisis

05 December 2023 — Eyal Barad and his family faced a chilling ordeal during a Hamas attack. Taking shelter in their safe room in Nir Oz, Israel, they were forced into silence as armed intruders prowled outside. The cries of Barad’s autistic daughter risked giving away their hiding place, pushing him to contemplate extreme measures for survival.

This incident unfolded on October 7th amidst the Israel-Gaza war. Hamas militants brutally killed and captured a significant portion of Nir Oz’s inhabitants. An examination of residents’ messages and security footage indicates that Hamas had intentionally aimed at civilians — a disturbing change in strategy that greatly impacted the war’s trajectory.

The recent liberation of Israeli hostages has cast fresh light on this frightful day. The lack of Israeli military presence coupled with the capture and killing of defenseless citizens highlighted Israel’s vulnerability. Over 100 Palestinian militants departed Nir Oz with approximately 80 residents — nearly half of all released Israelis and one-third of all hostages taken.

Today, Nir Oz symbolizes this vulnerability as over 30 residents are still presumed to be captives in Gaza. This unprecedented operation by Hamas underscores its new hostage

AMERICAN COWBOYS Gallop to the Rescue of Israeli Farms: A Heartwarming Tale of International Solidarity

13 November 2023 — A group of four American cowboys, including John Plocher and Yosef “Yoss” Strain from Montana, have captured hearts worldwide with their mission to support Israeli farming communities in the West Bank. Their journey kicked off on November 6th. Images showcasing their cowboy hats at JFK Airport and later at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv swiftly made rounds on various social media sites.

These cowboys are volunteering for Operation Ittai, a project spearheaded by Christian volunteer organization HaYovel. Named after a foreigner who stood by King David in biblical times, this operation seeks to bolster “Judea and Samaria,” regions more widely recognized as the West Bank.

Joshua Waller, HaYovel’s operations director, informed Fox News Digital about the pivotal role these cowboys are playing. They are delivering supplies and machinery to aid smaller farms left exposed after many Israeli reservists were summoned for military duty.

Waller highlighted that although much-needed assistance has been concentrated on areas severely affected during Hamas’s October 7 attacks, other regions in Israel face hardships too. He underscored the significance of extending a helping hand to these farmers whose livelihoods hang in balance.

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Wipe Out Images of Hamas Hostages: A SHOCKING Act of Erasure

08 November 2023 — A startling incident involving pro-Palestinian protesters has come to light. They were caught on video removing posters of innocent victims from a recent Hamas terrorist attack. The video features Lucia Mendoza, a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion VP at her sorority. This act has sparked outrage and raised questions about the root cause of such dehumanization.

The October 7 Hamas attack resulted in the capture of at least 240 hostages from diverse nationalities. Among these hostages were vulnerable individuals like the elderly and infants. Supporters of the Palestinian cause are now under fire for allegedly trying to erase these victims’ images.

When confronted about this unsettling trend by NBC News’ Peter Alexander, Jean-Pierre could not provide a clear answer. This failure to defend free speech and innocent victims’ rights has triggered widespread criticism across social media platforms.

This incident highlights an increasing worry about supporters’ potential moral responsibility for atrocities committed in their cause’s name. As these events continue to unfold, it’s crucial that all parties involved maintain respect for human rights and dignity.

FINAL FAREWELL: French-Israeli Woman’s Joyful Dance at Festival Turns into Horrific Terror Attack

23 October 2023 — Karin Journo, a 24-year-old French-Israeli airport worker, had initially planned to skip the Tribe of Nova music festival due to a broken leg. But when she learned her friends were going to celebrate a farewell party for one of them moving stateside, she couldn’t resist joining in.

Despite her injury and protective boot, Journo was captured on video dancing with joy at the festival. The mood shifted dramatically as Hamas militants launched their deadly assault on the festival grounds. Subsequent footage revealed a worried Journo seeking shelter behind a vehicle.

In her last moments, Journo sent an ominous text message at 8:43 Saturday morning. Her father Doron shared its contents: "To the whole family, I want to say that I love you a lot because I am not coming home.” This would be her final words before tragically losing her life in this savage attack.

AMERICAN TEEN Freed: The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Family’s Fight Against Hamas Captivity

21 October 2023 — Natalie Raanan, an American teenager, has been released after enduring two harrowing weeks as a hostage under Hamas in Gaza. Her father, Uri Raanan from Illinois, confirmed the news of her freedom and reassured that she is recovering well. The announcement sparked an outpouring of relief and joy within the family who had spent anxious hours praying for Natalie’s safe return.

Uri Raanan expressed his overwhelming relief and joy at the thought of his daughter being home in time to celebrate her upcoming 18th birthday. Before her abduction, Natalie and her brother Ben had made plans to get matching tattoos as a symbol of their bond on this special day. In a heartfelt tribute during her absence, Ben got a tattoo that intertwined their names.

The family’s group text message thread turned from cautious optimism to jubilant celebration upon receiving the news about Natalie’s release. Despite their happiness, they remain conscious that other families continue to live under the shadow of fear for their captive loved ones.

BRUTAL HAMAS Attack on Israeli Music Festival: An Unprecedented Horror Revealed

16 October 2023 — This past weekend, the Supernova music festival in southern Israel fell victim to a savage attack by Hamas militants. This brutal assault marked one of the first targets and resulted in widespread devastation across several towns. The attack led to at least 260 deaths, making it one of the most deadly civilian incidents in Israel’s history.

ABC News collected accounts from survivors and relatives of the missing to reconstruct this chilling event. They scrutinized and authenticated witness videos as well as security footage. Numerous festival attendees also contributed their experiences and original cell phone videos.

The pandemonium erupted just after sunrise at 6:40 a.m., signaled by initial rocket trails streaking across the sky. As crowds tried to escape by car, roads quickly became jam-packed and impassable. One witness reported close-range fire from Hamas militants while fleeing via the main road north—a claim backed up by images of their bullet-riddled vehicle.

ABC News has confirmed video evidence that emphasizes the intentional nature of this attack on Supernova. This episode marks a bleak moment in Israel’s history, spotlighting an escalating conflict with potentially wide-ranging implications.

TECH TYCOON’S Angel Slain: Hamas Turns Israeli Music Festival into Nightmare

13 October 2023 — In a shocking turn of events, Danielle Waldman, the 24-year-old daughter of tech industry titan Eyal Waldman, was brutally killed in a Hamas attack on an Israeli music festival. The young Californian had journeyed to Israel specifically to attend the Supernova music festival. Her father confirmed to CNN that she and her boyfriend Noam were tragically caught in the crossfire during the rave near Kibbutz Re’im on the Gaza border.

The intended peaceful celebration morphed into a bloodbath as over 260 people lost their lives. Countless others were either injured or abducted by the terrorist group. A grief-stricken Eyal Waldman expressed his initial hope to reporters that his daughter might have been taken hostage and would eventually be returned.

Eyal Waldman is renowned for establishing Mellanox in 1999, a firm specializing in high-speed servers and storage-switching solutions. In 2020, US gaming and computer graphics behemoth Nvidia acquired Mellanox for $7 billion. Interestingly, Waldman stirred both tech circles and Arab world by setting up research centers employing Palestinian developers within West Bank and Gaza Strip.