Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Kills Dozens
More than 100 people were killed and dozens more were injured after an Israeli airstrike hit a school in Gaza, the Hamas-run government of the enclave said on Saturday. Israel has disputed that death toll.
Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged striking the Al-Taba'een school in Gaza City's Daraj neighborhood, alleging that it hit Hamas "terrorists" operating within a Hamas command and control center.
Pro-Israel narrative
This was a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control center that was used to direct terrorist attacks against Israel. The IDF took maximal steps to avoid civilian harm before striking the site with precision weapons. Responsibility lies with Hamas for exploiting Palestinians as human shields for its illegal activities.
Pro-Palestine narrative
As Palestinians, including women and children, performed morning prayers, Israel carried out another brutal massacre. By continuing to attack schools, mosques, and other civilian sites, Israel continues to act with complete disregard for humanity and the norms of international law.
Nerd narrative
There's a 8% chance that an Israel-Hamas conflict ceasefire lasting at least 30 days will be agreed to before Nov. 5, 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Scientists Create Pancreas-Mimicking Insulin
Researchers in the US, Australia, and China have developed smart insulins that mimic and respond to the body's natural response to changing blood sugar levels.
The novel insulin, which can be activated only when needed, could reduce the frequency of Type 1 diabetes treatments to just once a week rather than up to 10 times a day.
Narrative A
This development not only promises to reduce the frequency of treatments, but also to significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications. Additionally, it could free millions of Type 1 diabetes patients from the constant need for glucose monitoring, thereby easing both physical and mental burdens of the condition.
Narrative B
While this treatment could be promising, accessibility and affordability remain critical issues. Only when older, cheaper versions of the drug are discontinued and unhealthy competition is checked can these game-changing insulins replace existing treatments and improve diabetics' lives.
Nerd narrative
There's a 10% chance that there will be an FDA-approved cure for Type 1 diabetes by 2032, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Serbia: Tens of Thousands Protest Lithium Mining Project
Tens of thousands of protesters went through Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday to protest plans to mine the Jadar Valley, one of Europe's largest lithium deposits, citing concerns over potential ecological damage.
This is reminiscent of protests that successfully stopped the plan to mine lithium two years ago, and comes as a tentative deal with the EU on "critical raw materials" last month revived mining plans in Serbia.
Establishment-critical narrative
The government has ignored the advice of both scientists and mining specialists in pushing forward with this project. The mine will contaminate the water, land, air, and people with toxic substances, and affect not only Serbia, but also neighboring countries. Serbians must keep protesting to protect their land and the environment.
Pro-establishment narrative
This project is as good for Serbia as it is for the EU. The planned lithium mine is set to provide Europe with critical raw materials, reducing its dependence on Chinese imports for mobile phones and EV batteries, while attracting a substantial amount of foreign investment for Serbia and promoting job creation in the country.
Nerd narrative
There's a 35% chance that Serbia will be part of the European Union in 2050, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame for Fire at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for a fire that broke out at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on Sunday. The plant has been under Russian control since the first weeks of the war.
In a post on social media, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: "the occupiers have started a fire on the territory of the ZNPP. As of now the radiation level is normal. However, as long as Russian terrorists remain in control of the nuclear power plant, the situation is not and cannot be normal."
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Russia is responsible for the fire at the ZNPP. As long as Russia controls the ZNPP, it will continue to hold Ukraine and Europe hostage by threatening nuclear disaster. This was a provocation staged by Russia to remind them of that.
Pro-Russia narrative
A fire broke out at one of the ZNPP's cooling towers after Ukraine targeted the site with drones. While the fire was put out, it caused severe damage to the interior of the cooling tower and could have resulted in a much more catastrophic incident.
Nerd narrative
There is a 3% chance that there will be a serious radiation incident at any nuclear plant in Ukraine by 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Scientists Call for NASA to Go Ahead with Viper Moon Mission
Thousands of scientists have written an open letter to the US Congress demanding NASA reverse its "unprecedented and indefensible" decision to cancel the $450M Viper lunar rover mission.
Last month, NASA announced the cancelation of the robotic Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rove (Viper) mission, citing delays to the launch date and cost overruns.
Narrative A
NASA's shot themselves in the foot by canceling the Viper lunar rover mission. It was crucial to the potential discovery of water ice on the moon, a resource essential for long-term lunar exploration and habitation, and, in the shorter run, the Artemis program. A congressional intervention or partnerships with private firms could still save this vital project.
Narrative B
The Viper mission faced immense financial and logistical challenges caused by extended pre-flight testing requirements and supply chain issues. Though the space agency is committed to exploring the moon, continuing this project would have jeopardized other vital missions. The decision reflects NASA's need to balance goals with budget.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that NASA will next land astronauts on the moon by March, 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Canada: Peterson's Appeal of Social Media Training Order Denied
The Supreme Court of Canada has denied psychologist Jordan Peterson review of a 2022 social media training order issued to him by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, which was brought in relation to several online posts.
Peterson, a registered psychologist since 1999, had not seen patients since 2017. The College ruled that Peterson's online statements were "degrading, demeaning and unprofessional," and a lower court dismissed his first appeal last summer.
Left narrative
The College and the courts have done the right thing in holding Peterson accountable for his inflammatory comments. For too long, Peterson has hid behind his credentials as a psychologist when spewing untrue and disparaging rhetoric about marginalized groups and his ideological opponents. His fame should not shield him from standards of professionalism.
Right narrative
The Supreme Court has ruled that an ideologically captured regulatory body has veto power over the speech rights of its members — even if the members' comments have nothing to do with their occupation — and, in addition Peterson, must undergo reeducation to correct wrongthink. This is an Orwellian encroachment on freedom that everyone should oppose.
Biden Explains Decision to Step Aside
In an interview CBS aired Sunday, US Pres. Joe Biden for the first time since ending his bid for reelection explained his reasons for stepping aside, including his desire to do what he said would be best for the Democratic Party in its attempt to defeat the Republican nominee, former Pres. Donald Trump.
He explained that the "critical issue" for him at the time of his July decision to step aside, and to this day, is "maintaining" the US' democracy, which to him means the "most important thing" to do is beat Trump.
Democratic narrative
Biden's explanation in this interview jives with the reasoning he gave for stepping aside last month, and further reinforces the sacrifice he was willing to make in order to protect the US from a second Trump term. Not only do the Democrats have a better chance at retaining the White House now, but Biden's legacy as one of the most consequential presidents ever will be sustained.
Republican narrative
Biden has finally admitted what a majority of the country already knew — there was a coup led by Rep. Nancy Pelosi to remove Biden from the ticket despite how well they claim he has done as president. After adamantly staying in the race for weeks after the debate, the president only agreed to step down when Pelosi put the screws to him and things were on the verge of getting ugly.
Nerd narrative
There's a 57% chance Harris will be elected US president in 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US Sends Armed Submarine to Middle East
The US is sending a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, as well as speeding up the travel of an aircraft carrier already en route, amid concerns of potential attacks on Israel from Iran and Hezbollah in response to the killings of their militant leaders.
The submarine, the USS Georgia, carries up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles — which are used to strike land targets — while the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is carrying about 60 fighter jets, including F-35Cs.
Pro-establishment narrative
While Iran and its proxies will cite the assassinations as their reason for their recent attacks, Israel had to target the men who were intentionally stalling Gaza cease-fire talks. If Iran-backed militias choose to remain on the offensive, the US and Israel — who are interested in completing a cease-fire Hamas refuses to accept — have no choice but to flex all their might to stop these terrorists from making any big moves.
Establishment-critical narrative
The cease-fire deal that was reportedly approved by Israel was a farce from the beginning, and Netanyahu lied to the US about it. Then, likely with the help of US intelligence agencies, Israel carried out unprovoked assassinations — calculated actions by Israel, which was hoping to make it look like Iran-backed proxies were obstructing peace and readying for war. If there's an escalation here, the US and Israeli warmongers will be to blame.
Nerd narrative
There's a 91% chance that there will be1k or more deaths due to armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah before Jan. 1, 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
India: Doctors Strike After Trainee Medic Raped, Murdered
Doctors across government hospitals in India began striking Monday following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old female medic whose body was found in Kolkata, West Bengal last Friday.
The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) India announced on Sunday that the "horrific circumstances" at R.G. Kar Medical College meant striking was "necessary to ensure that our voices are heard," and that guarantees of safety and justice "are met without delay."
Narrative A
The circumstances of this terrible crime again expose a corrupt and careless Indian state. Kolkata Police may pat themselves on the back over a quick arrest, but many questions remain about why more wasn't done to prevent the crime. Medical personnel must feel safe when carrying out their duties, and the Indian government must put an end to the country's relentless wave of violent crime against women.
Narrative B
Social media has become saturated with misinformation and fake news following the events that unfolded at R.G. Kar Medical College. This is fueling some unfortunate actions by the doctors while the police are assuring protesters that everything will be done to ensure justice. The continued spread of unsubstantiated rumors will only obstruct the state's ability to do its job properly.