THREAD: summer 2023
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News Timeline
ILLEGAL MIGRANT Surge: Labour’s Broken Promises Exposed
— Since Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party took power on July 4th, over 20,110 ILLEGAL migrants have crossed the Channel into Britain. This figure marks a 15% increase compared to the same period last year under Tory leadership. The Home Office attributes this rise to favorable weather conditions rather than policy changes.
Leaked analysis suggests October and November saw the calmest Channel days since tracking began in 2018, facilitating crossings. During these months, 6,288 migrants arrived compared to just 768 last year. Despite weather explanations, the surge challenges Starmer’s government as he promised to combat illegal migration by targeting human trafficking networks legally.
The government plans to introduce new measures against illegal crossings but won’t include returning migrants to France, where international law suggests they should stay. This ongoing crisis strains public resources and highlights broader migration issues as legal net migration approaches one million annually in Britain.
UK Faces MIGRANT SURGE: Can the Government Handle the Crisis?
— Between November 4th and 10th, over 1,800 ILLEGAL migrants crossed the Channel to Britain. These crossings happened in 30 boats run by smugglers from Calais. The PA News agency reports nearly 33,000 illegal crossings this year, a 22% rise from last year.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to tackle illegal migration faced setbacks with these arrivals. During a media blitz, Starmer announced £75 million to fight people smuggling gangs. He also promised to treat smugglers like terrorists and boost intelligence sharing with countries like Kosovo and Serbia.
Critics argue the government should take stronger action against illegal crossings. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party suggests adopting Australia’s ‘turn-back-the-boats’ policy as a solution. This approach successfully curbed illegal migration under former Australian PM Tony Abbott’s leadership.
GREENPEACE Activists CLEARED: Judge Slams Charges in Sunak Protest
— Four Greenpeace activists were arrested for scaling former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s estate and draping it in black fabric. They protested his plan to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Judge Adrian Lower dismissed the charges, citing insufficient evidence of criminal damage to Sunak’s slate roof.
One defendant, Michael Grant, praised the court’s decision but criticized the broader trend of jailing peaceful protesters. He stated, “We have become a country that regularly sends peaceful protesters to jail.” This sentiment echoes concerns about harsh penalties faced by other environmental activists in the U.K.
In contrast, five activists who blocked traffic on a major London highway received sentences of up to five years in prison for their actions last November. The disparity highlights ongoing debates over how to handle environmental protests legally and ethically.
MIGRANT CROSSINGS Surge: Lives at Risk in English Channel Crisis
— Migrants continue to risk their lives crossing the English Channel, highlighting a growing crisis for France and the U.K. This comes shortly after a tragic incident where a dozen migrants lost their lives. The mayor of Wimereux, Jean-Luc Dubaële, called for stronger action from both governments to address the issue.
Dubaële criticized the criminal networks smuggling people across the channel, labeling it “unacceptable” and “scandalous.” He emphasized that migrants are drawn to Britain rather than seeking asylum in France. He urged immediate discussions with Britain’s new government to find a lasting solution.
The issue of cross-Channel migration was pivotal in the recent U.K. general election, which saw Keir Starmer become prime minister after Labour’s victory. French maritime authorities confirmed an inflatable boat carrying 40 to 50 migrants was monitored by French patrols on Wednesday morning.
The overcrowded inflatable had people crammed side-by-side with some dangling their legs overboard. French patrol vessels were on standby to assist if needed, underscoring the ongoing risks and challenges of these perilous crossings.
HISTORIC Somerset House In FLAMES: Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze
— Smoke billowed from Somerset House as flames erupted from the roof. Firefighters on tall ladders showered water to control the blaze. The cause remains unknown, according to the London Fire Brigade.
About 100 firefighters and 15 engines were deployed to tackle the fire. Somerset House confirmed all staff and public were safe, and the site was closed.
The historic building, nearly 250 years old, houses the Courtauld Gallery with works by Van Gogh, Manet, and Cezanne. A scheduled breakdancing event was canceled due to the incident.
LABOUR PARTY Surges Amid UK Election Betting Scandal
— The U.K. general election on July 4 is approaching, with the Labour Party expected to defeat Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives. Polls indicate Labour leader Keir Starmer will likely form the next government.
The Conservative campaign has struggled, facing allegations of election betting involving figures close to Sunak. This scandal has further dampened their already lackluster efforts.
In the U.K., the prime minister decides election dates, unlike fixed schedules in countries like the U.S. This unique system has led to a market for predicting election dates and outcomes.
Police officers and Conservative insiders are under investigation for their involvement in this betting scandal, adding another layer of controversy as over 50 countries prepare for elections in 2024.
FARAGE BLASTS Sunak: Migrant Crisis Threatens Election
— With just over a week until the July 4th general election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces criticism for failing to “stop the boats.” Populist challenger Nigel Farage filmed 45 migrants in a small dinghy entering British waters, escorted by the Border Force. This brings the total crossings to over 13,000 for 2024 and marks 50,000 since Sunak took office in 2022.
Farage has labeled this year’s vote as the “migration election,” arguing that Sunak’s government has failed to control illegal immigration. “Rishi can’t stop the boats,” Farage declared, emphasizing that migrant numbers have surged under Sunak’s leadership. He pointed out that during Boris Johnson’s tenure, although longer, fewer migrants crossed into Britain.
“The significance of this boat is that this number on this vessel takes it beyond 50,000 since Rishi became Prime Minister,” Farage told GB News from the Channel. He warned viewers not to underestimate the severity of the situation as it continues to worsen. The ongoing crisis highlights a key issue for voters as they head to the polls next week.
SUNAK’S D-DAY Exit Sparks Outrage: Apologizes for TV Appearance
— British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized Friday for leaving D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, early to appear on TV. His decision sparked backlash at home and added to the Conservative Party’s struggles against Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in opinion polls.
“On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay longer, and I’ve apologized for that,” Sunak told reporters. He emphasized that the focus should be on veterans rather than politics during such events.
Starmer remained in Normandy for the entire commemoration, engaging with world leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, Sunak delegated other duties to ministers including Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
Sunak’s early departure was planned weeks before the general election call but failed to consider its negative optics. Critics argue this move undermined his leadership during a significant historical event.
SUNAK SHOCKS Nation: Calls Surprise Election for July 4
— British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shocked many by calling a general election for July 4. Known for being thorough and evidence-led, this move contrasts sharply with his usual cautious approach.
Opinion polls suggest that Sunak’s Conservative Party is trailing behind the opposition Labour Party, which could spell trouble for his leadership. Sunak took office in October 2022, replacing Liz Truss after her economic policies caused market turmoil.
Sunak had warned against Truss’s unfunded tax cuts, predicting economic havoc that indeed followed. His rise to power was rapid, becoming Britain’s first leader of color and youngest prime minister in over two centuries at age 42.
Sunak previously served as Treasury chief during the coronavirus pandemic, where he introduced an unprecedented economic support package. Now at age 44, he faces a critical test with this upcoming election amid challenging political landscapes.
CAMERON CELEBRATES 90% Drop In Illegal Migration To UK
— British Foreign Secretary David Cameron celebrated the success of a U.K.-Albania initiative to reduce illegal migration during his visit to Tirana on Wednesday. Cameron highlighted that small boat arrivals from Albania to the U.K. dropped by over 90% in 2023, thanks to joint efforts against people smuggling gangs. The U.K. has also deported nearly 6,000 Albanians.
While in Albania, Cameron emphasized the need for greater European collaboration on migration issues, organized crime, and security in the Western Balkans. He also discussed both countries’ support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression.
Cameron praised the partnership as a model for disrupting people smuggling operations and reducing dangerous crossings. “We’ve shown that if you are innovative and work together, you can achieve extraordinary things,” he said alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at a news conference.
HOUSTON BATTLES Deadly Heat And Smog After Storms
— Houston is working to restore power to hundreds of thousands after deadly storms left at least seven dead. The area faces a smog warning and scorching temperatures.
National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard forecasts highs around 90 degrees through the start of the week, with heat indexes approaching 100 degrees by midweek. “We expect the impact of the heat to gradually increase,” Chenard said.
The weather service warns residents not to overexert themselves during cleanup efforts. Poor air quality could also pose health risks over the weekend in Houston.
SUMMER 2023: RECORD-Breaking Heat Shocks Scientists
— The summer of 2023 was the hottest in the Northern Hemisphere in over 2,000 years, according to a new study. Weather agencies had already declared it the hottest month, summer, and year on record based on thermometer data.
Scientists used tree rings to calculate temperatures dating back to year 1 AD and found no hotter summer than last year’s. Lead author Jan Esper from Gutenberg Research College confirmed that before industrial emissions, the hottest year was 246 AD.
This period marked the start of medieval history when Roman Emperor Philip the Arab fought along the Danube River. The study highlights significant climate changes linked to human activities like burning fossil fuels.
UK IMMIGRATION SURGE Under ‘Conservative’ Rule: Reality Unveiled
— Britain is facing an unprecedented surge in immigration, continuing for years under a government that labels itself conservative. The majority of these migrants are entering legally due to lenient policies established by the Conservative Party. Yet, there is also a significant number of illegal entrants, either seeking asylum or vanishing into the underground economy.
The Conservative government has initiated the Rwanda plan to curb illegal crossings through the English Channel. This strategy involves relocating some migrants to East Africa for processing and potential resettlement. Despite initial pushback, there are indications that this policy might be beginning to reduce illegal entries.
As the Conservative leadership nears its potential end after 14 years, polls suggest a likely shift in power to the Labour Party this winter. Labour intends to scrap the Rwanda deterrent and focus on clearing backlogs in asylum cases without sending migrants abroad. Critics believe Labour’s plan lacks robust measures to manage migrant entries effectively.
Miriam Cates has voiced strong criticism against Labour’s migration strategy, calling it ineffective and too lenient. She points out that previous strategies similar to what Labour proposes have not successfully managed immigration levels.
Dua Lipa’s NEW Album "Radical Optimism" EMBRACES Fearless Growth
— Dua Lipa’s latest work, “Radical Optimism,” released by Warner Music, features an intriguing cover of the artist in the ocean with a shark. This bold image captures the essence of finding calm in chaos, a central theme of the album. Dua Lipa takes a new direction with this release, enriching her music with deeper sounds and more profound themes.
Stepping away from her signature “dance-crying” style, “Radical Optimism” introduces elements of psychedelic electro-pop and live instrumentation. The influence of her worldwide tours is evident as she skillfully mixes trip hop with Britpop, showcasing a refined artistic vision.
In creating her third album, Lipa embraced experimentation over following a set formula. Despite venturing into new musical landscapes, she maintains her distinctive pop flair. This experimental approach marks a significant evolution from her 2020 hit “Future Nostalgia.”
With “Radical Optimism,” Dua Lipa promises an innovative auditory journey that pushes past traditional pop limits. Her latest release signals a bold move towards greater artistic freedom and complexity in her evolving music career.
COLLEGE PROTESTS Intensify: US Campuses Erupt Over Israeli Military Moves in Gaza
— Protests are growing on U.S. college campuses as graduation nears, with students and faculty upset about Israel’s military actions in Gaza. They are demanding that their universities cut financial ties with Israel. The tension has led to the setup of protest tents and occasional clashes among demonstrators.
The number of arrests has climbed as tensions rise, with about 275 students detained in one day at various institutions including Indiana University and Arizona State University. The total number of arrests linked to these demonstrations has reached nearly 900 after a major police operation at Columbia University earlier this month.
The protests are now focusing on the consequences for those arrested, with increasing calls for amnesty from both students and faculty members. This shift highlights growing concerns over the potential long-term impacts on students’ futures.
In reaction to how these events are being managed, faculty members in several states have shown their disapproval by casting votes of no confidence against university leaders, signaling deepening discontent within the academic community.
USC CHAOS: Students’ Milestones Disrupted Amid Protests
— Grant Oh faced a maze of police blockades at the University of Southern California as officers detained protesters of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This turmoil is just one of many disruptions during his college years, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Oh has already missed crucial events like his high school prom and graduation due to global upheavals.
The university recently canceled its main commencement ceremony, which was expected to host 65,000 attendees, adding another missed milestone to Oh’s college experience. His academic journey has been marked by continuous global crises, from pandemics to international conflicts. “It feels definitely surreal,” Oh commented on his disrupted educational path.
College campuses have long been hubs for activism, but today’s students are encountering unprecedented challenges. These include increased social media influence and isolation caused by pandemic restrictions. Psychologist Jean Twenge notes that these factors significantly contribute to elevated anxiety and depression rates among Generation Z compared to earlier generations.
Theresa May’s SWAN SONG: Former British PM to Exit Politics After 27-Year Stint
— Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has shared her plans to retire from politics. This announcement comes after a distinguished 27-year career in Parliament, which included a challenging three-year term as the nation’s leader during the Brexit crisis. The retirement will take effect when an election is called later this year.
May has been representing Maidenhead since 1997 and was only the second female prime minister in Britain, following Margaret Thatcher. She cited her growing commitment to fighting human trafficking and modern slavery as reasons for stepping down. According to May, these new priorities would hinder her ability to serve as an MP according to her standards and those of her constituents.
Her prime ministership was fraught with Brexit-related obstacles, culminating in her resignation as party leader and prime minister in mid-2019 after failing to gain parliamentary approval for her EU divorce deal. Additionally, she had a strained relationship with then-US President Donald Trump due to divergent views on Brexit strategies.
Despite these challenges, May chose not to leave Parliament immediately after ending her term as many former prime ministers do. Instead, she continued serving as a backbench legislator while three subsequent Conservative leaders dealt with the political and economic repercussions of Brexit.
FINAL FAREWELL: French-Israeli Woman’s Joyful Dance at Festival Turns into Horrific Terror Attack
— 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.
BRUTAL HAMAS Attack on Israeli Music Festival: An Unprecedented Horror Revealed
— 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
— 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.
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ISRAEL STRIKES Hezbollah: Lebanon Rocked By Explosions
— Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has announced a “new phase” of the war against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Gallant praised the army and security agencies for their impressive results and emphasized the need for courage as military resources shift northward.
Lebanon is reeling from mysterious explosions targeting electronic devices like walkie-talkies and solar equipment. These incidents follow previous pager explosions that killed nine people and injured 300, heightening fear among the Lebanese population.
Explosions disrupted a funeral in Beirut for Hezbollah members killed by earlier pager blasts, causing further damage in Sidon. The strategy appears aimed at destabilizing Hezbollah’s communication infrastructure and creating chaos within its ranks.
The situation remains tense with potential for broader regional conflict growing. As both sides prepare for intensified warfare, the humanitarian impact on civilians looms large, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
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