Paramount chair defends reprimanded CBS anchor over controversial interview
A CBS morning news anchor recently faced criticism following an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. The discussion centered on Coates’ new book, “The Message,” particularly a section addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
During the interview, Coates was questioned about his portrayal of the conflict.
“The content of that section would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist,” anchor Tony Dokoupil said. “Why not detail anything of the first and second intifadas, the bombings, little kids blown to bits? Is it because you just don’t believe that Israel, in any condition, has a right to exist?”
In response, Coates said, “There is no shortage of that perspective in American media.”
The interview lasted approximately seven minutes and featured challenging questions. CBS executives later stated that the interview prompted an internal investigation following viewer complaints, resulting in a reprimand for the anchor in a newsroom call. The executives indicated that the interview fell short of the network’s “editorial standards.”
However, Shari Redstone, chair of CBS parent company Paramount Global, has defended Dokoupil. She described the network’s open criticism of the longtime news anchor as a “bad mistake” and commended him for facilitating “civil discourse” on a sensitive and longstanding issue.
“If you were to read this book you would be left wondering why does any of Israel exist, what a horrific place. So I think the question is central and key, if Israel has a right to defend itself, and the answer is no, then why do the Palestinians have a right to exist? Why do 20 Muslim countries have a right to exist?” Dekoupil asked Coates.
“No country in this world establishes its ability to exist through rights; countries establish their ability to exist through force,” Coates responded.
Redstone expressed her appreciation of having Coates on the program but stressed the importance of challenging his views.
“We have to also provide the opportunity to challenge him on what he says, just like we challenge everybody else,” she said. “We need to have better education about how to challenge people in the civil way, which, frankly, I think Tony did.”
‘Abandon Harris’ group endorses Jill Stein, bringing doubt to Michigan turnout
A progressive political group, known as “Abandon Harris,” has formally endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein. The endorsement signaled a shift away from the Democratic Party ahead of the 2024 election.
The move comes as growing discontent among the party’s left-wing base threatens to undermine Democratic efforts to secure key swing states, particularly Michigan, where the race is expected to be tight.
The group’s endorsement of Stein, who previously ran for president in 2012 and 2016, is a clear message of frustration with Vice President Kamala Harris and the broader Biden-Harris administration.
A poll conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations shows that 40% of Muslim voters in Michigan now support Stein, a marked departure from the party’s previous base of support. In contrast, both Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump trail significantly behind, receiving just 12% and 18% of the Muslim vote, respectively.
This shift highlights the potential electoral impact of Stein’s candidacy in a state that was pivotal in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Trump, who has consistently aligned himself with Israel throughout his 2024 campaign, has also alienated many voters in this demographic, further complicating the race.
Stein, a Jewish progressive with longstanding anti-Israel sympathies, has built her political brand on advocating for environmental justice, universal health care and economic reform. Her previous presidential runs have earned her a loyal following among progressives, but she is no stranger to controversy.
In both 2012 and 2016, Stein was accused by some Democrats of being a “spoiler candidate,” with critics arguing that her campaigns siphoned votes away from Democratic candidates and ultimately contributed to Republican victories.
In 2016, her presence on the ballot in key swing states such as Michigan was seen as a factor in Trump’s narrow win, as his victory margin was smaller than the total number of votes Stein received.
With Michigan once again poised to be a crucial factor in determining the next president, the endorsement from Abandon Harris could signal a larger movement among disaffected progressives, potentially altering the course of the election.
If Stein’s support grows, her candidacy could tip the balance in favor of Republicans, echoing the dynamics of the 2016 election.
New details revealed for deadly pager attack operation on Hezbollah
Israeli intelligence agency Mossad used an elaborate covert operation involving explosive-laden pagers to carry out a massive strike on Hezbollah, killing dozens and injuring thousands of the group’s operatives, according to The Washington Post. The operation, which took place in September, targeted the militant group’s communication network across Lebanon and Syria, dealing a significant blow to its leadership and operations.
The attack was the result of years of planning, starting in 2015 when Mossad began inserting modified walkie-talkies in Lebanon. Initially, these devices were used solely for surveillance.
In 2023, however, Mossad shifted its approach by posing as the Taiwanese company Gold Apollo and offering Hezbollah a seemingly secure communication device: the Apollo AR-924 pager. These pagers were touted as hack-proof and built to withstand harsh battlefield conditions.
Hezbollah purchased 5,000 of the Apollo pagers and distributed them to its fighters across Lebanon and Syria, unaware that the devices contained hidden bombs.
Getty Images
Mossad engineers implanted the bombs so discreetly that they were virtually undetectable, even with X-ray scanners. The pagers also required a two-step decryption process to read encrypted messages, forcing users to handle the devices with both hands.
In September, Mossad remotely triggered the explosives, causing thousands of pagers to detonate simultaneously. The explosions injured as many as 3,000 Hezbollah operatives and significantly weakened the group’s command structure.
In the aftermath of the initial strike, Mossad followed up 24 hours later with a second attack, this time targeting Hezbollah operatives using the walkie-talkies from the 2015 operation.
Israeli forces then launched airstrikes that culminated in the death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hasan Nasrallah, further crippling the group’s leadership.
The United States was reportedly not informed of the operation in advance. With tensions between Hezbollah, Iran and Israel already high, the long-term consequences of this unprecedented strike remain unclear.
Journalist attempts to set himself on fire at pro-Palestinian rally in DC
A man, identified as a former photojournalist, attempted to set himself on fire during a pro-Palestinian rally near the White House on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 5. Samuel Mena Jr. set his left arm ablaze, holding it high and screaming in pain as bystanders quickly intervened, dousing water on Mena and using clothing to extinguish the fire.
Police officers restrained Mena before transporting him to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. While being aided, Mena repeatedly shouted “we spread the misinformation,” and identified himself as a journalist.
Mena’s former employer, Arizona’s Family, owned by Gray Media, clarified that Mena worked as a news photographer for the local CBS affiliate but was off-duty and not in Washington on station business. The company emphasized its expectation for newsroom employees to maintain neutrality and objectivity. Officials added that Mena is no longer employed there.
The Washington, D.C., protest was part of a larger International Day of Action, drawing thousands of demonstrators in the capital and major cities worldwide. Protesters demanded an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
The United States’ role in the conflict faces increasing scrutiny, with reports indicating nearly $18 billion in military aid sent to Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war began one year ago.
One year since Hamas attacks on Israel sparked war
One year later, people around the world are marking the anniversary of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel that sparked the ongoing war in the Middle East. And Florida is once again on high alert as another hurricane barrels toward the Sunshine State. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
One year since Hamas attacks on Israel started war
It’s now been one year since Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing roughly 1,200 people, taking 250 others hostage and setting off a war in the Middle East that shows no signs of stopping.
In what appears to be a major new offensive, the Israeli military said it struck Hamas targets across Gaza Sunday night, Oct. 6, after issuing evacuation warnings for much of the north. Meanwhile, Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, as leaders of the militant group celebrated one year of war, saying they sent Israel back to “square one, and it is now living an existential war.” They also called for Palestinians to escalate their resistance.
Israel also carried out heavy strikes on Beirut and sent more troops into Lebanon as part of its ground invasion targeting Hezbollah. The terror organization has been attacking Israel in a show of solidarity since Hamas started the war last year.
Both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran, which denies having anything to do with last October’s attacks. However, Iran marked the first anniversary by praising the attacks.
Many more people marked the day in a more somber way. Family members of the more than 350 people killed at Israel’s Nova music festival gathered at the site to hold a memorial.
Protests were also held across the globe as millions call for an end to the war. Many protesters are focusing on the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza, who have seen the brunt of the impacts of this war.
Since last year, Palestinian health officials say more than 41,800 people have been killed in Gaza, including more than 16,000 children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated numerous times that Israel will not stop until Hamas has been wiped out.
Harris interview to air on ’60 Minutes;’ Trump to appear on Fox News
The 2024 presidential candidates are making their presence known this week with just 29 days to go until Election Day.
Vice President Kamala Harris is on a media tour that began on Sunday, Oct. 6, with the Democratic nominee appearing as a guest on Alex Cooper’s podcast “Call Her Daddy.” Tuesday, Oct. 8, she will make stops at “The View,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “The Howard Stern Show.”
Monday night, Oct. 7, “60 Minutes” will air its election special that includes a pre-recorded interview with the vice president. CBS News released a preview of the interview, showing the moment when reporter Bill Whitaker asked Harris about the United States’ relationship with Israel.
“When we think about the threat Hamas, Hezbollah presents, Iran, I think it is without question our imperative to do what we can to allow Israel to defend itself against those kinds of attacks,” she said. “Now the work that we do diplomatically with the leadership of Israel is an ongoing pursuit around making clear our principles which include the need for humanitarian aid, the need for this war to end, the need for a deal to be done which would release the hostages and create a cease-fire and we’re not going to stop in terms of putting that pressure on Israel and in the region including Arab leaders.”
“The hospital was great, and I didn’t realize this, I never knew they did — when a president goes to an area, they close the hospital entirely,” he said. “It’s ready for exactly this. I didn’t know they did that, but they did. So, the hospital, I got there, the doctors were outside, the nurse and no people. They literally close it and almost like they expect this. It’s a genius thing, but who would ever think that. And I was so impressed.”
Over the weekend, Trump returned to Butler for the first time since the shooting, holding a rally with his running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Monday, Trump is scheduled to hold an Oct. 7 remembrance ceremony at his golf club in Miami. Meanwhile Vice President Harris is set to deliver remarks and plant a tree at the vice presidential residence in Washington, D.C. to mark the anniversary.
Florida braces for Hurricane Milton on the heels of Helene
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene blasted parts of Florida, another severe big storm is on the way. Tropical Storm Milton intensified in the Gulf of Mexico Monday morning to a Category 2 hurricane, with forecasters predicting it could make landfall on Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Residents have begun preparing for Milton, which reports say could reach Category 4 strength before making landfall in the Tampa Bay area as a Category 3.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has warned of high storm surge and more power outages, and that locations already struck by Helene will possibly be affected by Milton. Helene killed more than 200 people across six states.
Gov. DeSantis warned people who live on the west coast of Florida to be prepared to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. In fact, some evacuation orders are already in effect for people who live in manufactured homes or on their boats along the Sun Coast.
Supreme Court to hear cases on guns, porn, transgender rights
A new U.S. Supreme Court term begins Monday, with the justices returning to the bench from their summer break to decide on dozens of cases, including those involving guns, the adult entertainment industry and transgender issues.
On Tuesday, the court will hear arguments on a case concerning the regulation of ghost guns. Manufacturers and gun rights groups argue the Biden administration overstepped its authority to require background checks on these types of firearm kits.
Frontier Airlines plane catches fire while landing in Las Vegas
Scary moments were caught on video as a Frontier Airlines plane caught fire while landing at a Las Vegas airport over the weekend. The airline released a statement saying the pilots detected smoke while the plane was in the process of landing Saturday, Oct. 5.
Frontier said all 190 passengers and seven crew members on board were evacuated and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
LeBron James joins son Bronny on NBA court for the first time
Though it was a preseason game, it was still another accomplishment for the elder James, who at age 39 is entering his 22nd NBA season. LeBron James will likely make more NBA history when he joins his son on the court during the regular season.
Adding to the special moment, Sunday was also Bronny’s 20th birthday.
Judge allows students to hold Oct. 7 vigil after University of Maryland denied them
A federal court has ruled that the University of Maryland must allow a vigil planned for Oct. 7, which marks the first anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel. The vigil, organized by Students for Justice in Palestine, was initially approved by the university. However, the school later canceled all events for that day, citing a desire to promote reflection through university-sponsored activities only.
Palestine Legal and the Council on American-Islamic Relations sued on behalf of the students, with the judge ruling in their favor.
The court’s ruling emphasized that the university’s blanket ban on student-led events imposed an unreasonable restriction on free speech. Following the ruling, the university announced it would comply and work with student organizers to allow their events to be held on campus.
While the university expressed safety concerns about the events, it plans to implement a robust security plan to ensure the student vigil can proceed safely. Advocacy groups have praised the decision.
“It was as clear to the court as it was to our coalition that the University of Maryland’s blanket ban would have constituted a serious and irreparable burden on student speech,” The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression stated.
Vance, Walz defend their running mates’ records in vice presidential debate
We have a recap of the first, and likely only, vice presidential debate of 2024. And Iran has launched its largest attack ever on Israel. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
Vance, Walz defend their running mates’ records in vice presidential debate
For the first time, the two vice presidential candidates took the stage next to one another Tuesday night, Oct. 1. Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz introduced themselves to American voters while defending their running mates’ opposing views.
Vance and Walz kept the vice presidential debate cordial, at various times saying they agreed with the other, but they sparred on the policies and the statements made by their parties’ presidential nominees, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Look if you’re going to be president, you don’t have all the answers. Donald Trump believes he does. My pro tip of the day is this, if you need heart surgery, listen to the people at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, not Donald Trump,” Walz said.
“I honestly, Tim, I think you got a tough job here because you’ve got to play whack-a-mole; you’ve got to pretend that Donald Trump didn’t deliver rising take-home pay, which of course he did; you’ve got to pretend that Donald Trump didn’t deliver lower inflation, which of course he did; and then you simultaneously got to defend Kamala Harris’ atrocious economic record,” Vance said.
The debate covered many topics including abortion, climate change, the economy and health care. The two opened the 90-minute CBS News debate discussing the conflict in the Middle East and the need for stability in the White House.
“I’m 40 years old, when was the last time that an American president didn’t have a major conflict break out? The only answer is during the four years that Donald Trump was president,” Vance said.
“So Iran is closer to a nuclear weapon than they were before because of Donald Trump’s fickle leadership. And when Iran shot down an American aircraft in international airspace, Donald Trump tweeted because that’s the standard diplomacy of Donald Trump,” Walz said.
On illegal immigration, Vance and Walz disagreed on whether former President Trump’s involvement helps or hurts solving the border crisis.
“But as soon as I was getting ready to pass [legislation] and actually tackle this, Donald Trump said no, told them to vote against it because it gives him a campaign issue,” Walz said.
“We have a historic immigration crisis because Kamala Harris started and said that she wanted to undo all of Donald Trump’s border policies — 94 executive orders, suspending deportations, decriminalizing illegal aliens, massively increasing the asylum fraud that exists in our system. That has opened the floodgates,” Vance said.
When the debate turned to gun violence, the two VP contenders shared a moment, highlighting the human aspect and often the aftermath.
“I think all the parents watching tonight, this is just your biggest nightmare. Look, I got a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball, those things don’t leave you,” Walz said.
When it was his turn to speak, Vance responded, “Tim, first of all, I didn’t know that your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting and I’m sorry about that and I hope he’s doing OK. Christ have mercy, it is it is awful.”
Things, however, turned contentious over the 2020 election and Jan. 6.
“[January 6, 2021] was a threat to our democracy in a way that we had not seen, and it manifested itself because of Donald Trump’s inability to say — he is still saying, he didn’t lose the election,” Walz said.
Vance replied, “Tim, I’m focused on the future. Did Kamala Harris censor Americans from speaking their mind in the wake of the 2020 COVID situation?”
“That is a damning non-answer,” Walz said.
Both candidates thanked each other for the debate and the viewers at home, who will make their decision at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 5, in just 34 days.
Trump backs out of ’60 Minutes’ election special; Harris interview to still air
CBS News says former President Trump has backed out an upcoming interview with “60 Minutes.”
For decades, “60 Minutes” has broadcast election specials with the candidates. CBS reported both Trump and Vice President Harris had agreed to take part in this year’s special in separate one-on-one interviews, but Trump has since reportedly changed his mind.
In a press conference last night, Trump said his decision was based on his last interview with CBS anchor Lesley Stahl in 2020 — which he walked out of early.
“They came to me and would like me to do an interview, but first, I want to get an apology because the last time I did an interview with them, if you remember, they challenged me on the computer,” Trump said. “They said the laptop from hell was from Russia. And I said, ‘It wasn’t from Russia, it was from Hunter [Biden].’ And I never got an apology, so I’m sort of waiting. I’d love to do ’60 Minutes’, I do everything.”
In a statement of its own, “60 Minutes” said the special will still move forward.
“Our election special will broadcast the Harris interview on Monday as planned,” the statement read. “Our original invitation to former President Donald Trump to be interviewed on ’60 Minutes’ stands.”
The special is set to air Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. ET.
Iran launches largest-ever attack on Israel; Israel vows retaliation
Israel has vowed to retaliate after Iran launched its largest ever attack on Israel. Late Tuesday, Iran fired more than 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which seem to have been intercepted by the Israeli military with help from the United States and other allies.
So far, one person has been reported to have died in the attack, and the extent of the damage is not yet known.
Iran’s military chief also warned of broader strikes if Israel responds. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already vowed to do so, saying, “Iran made a big mistake and it will pay for it.”
Also Tuesday, just before Iran’s barrage began, at least six people were killed and a dozen more hurt when Israeli police say two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a train station in Tel Aviv. Police say the shooting was an act of terrorism and one of the gunmen was killed at the scene while the other was severely injured.
No specific group has claimed responsibility for that deadly attack.
Search and rescue efforts continue in North Carolina after Helene
Combs is already being held without bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have said he is innocent of all charges.
Louisiana governor supports bringing back live tiger mascot to LSU games
College sports are known for fierce competition. Now the governor of Louisiana is looking at making things even more ferocious by bringing back an old Louisiana State University football mainstay.
Officials from PETA are now speaking out against the idea, saying it would be cruel and dangerous for the animal.
These days, the current tiger mascot is on campus in an enclosure near the stadium, but the governor says returning the tiger to the field would be “an unbelievable opportunity.” LSU officials have not yet commented on whether there is a possibility of seeing a live tiger at football games once again.
Germany bars citizenship for immigrants who share antisemitic slogans
Germany is changing its naturalization laws in order to crack down on what the government says is growing antisemitism and racism within the immigrant community. The German foreign minister announced on Sunday, Sept. 29, that the country is tightening rules, barring immigrants from becoming citizens if they use terms like, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “Let’s go bomb Tel Aviv.”
The law asserts that anyone who utters, posts or shares such slogans will be ineligible for German citizenship. Immigrants undergoing the naturalization process will also be denied citizenship for denying the Holocaust, suggesting it was exaggerated, or using maps that replace the state of Israel with the Palestinian flag.
Citizenship questions will also be adjusted to include questions about Israel and Judaism to reportedly screen out any immigrants with “extremist views.”
“Germany’s crime against humanity in the Holocaust entails our special responsibility for the protection of Jews and for the protection of the state of Israel,” Faeser said. “This responsibility is part of our identity today.”
While the law is more restrictive for what qualifies as antisemitic or racist behavior, it also shortens the length of time immigrant workers can apply for German citizenship for eight years to five years overseas.
Hamas says leader in Lebanon killed by Israeli airstrike
Hamas says its leader in Lebanon was killed in the latest rounds of Israeli airstrikes as the war in the Middle East escalates. And two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station are now one step closer to returning home. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
Hamas says leader in Lebanon killed in Israeli strike
As the war in the Middle East escalates, Hamas said its leader in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif Abu Al-Amin, was killed in an Israeli strike early Monday morning, Sept. 30. Meanwhile, another Palestinian group claims three of its leaders were killed in another strike, which if confirmed, would be the first within Beirut’s city limits.
Hezbollah has vowed revenge after its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed by what the group said was an Israeli strike in a southern suburb outside Beirut on Friday, Sept. 27.
Hamas said its leader in Lebanon was killed early Monday, along with his wife, son, and daughter, in a strike targeting their house in a Palestinian refugee camp in the southern city of Tyre.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, another Iran-backed militant group, also says three of its leaders were killed in a strike on central Beirut.
Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 1,000 people have been killed just in the last two weeks. As many as one million people have been displaced as the fighting there escalates.
At least 95 dead, more than 2 million without power in wake of Helene
Hundreds of roads are closed — especially in the Carolinas — making it hard to get much-needed supplies to ravaged areas and restore power. About two million homes and businesses still are without electricity.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said in a press conference on Sunday, Sept. 29, the state is facing “an unprecedented tragedy.” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told CBS News her agency is doing everything it can to help.
“Was North Carolina, in particular, prepared for this level of flooding? Have they ever dealt with anything of this magnitude?” Anchor Robert costa asked on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.
“This is really, Robert, historic flooding up in North Carolina, especially this western part of North Carolina,” Criswell said. “I don’t know that anybody could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding and landslides that they are experiencing right now.”
Criswell said FEMA is working to get bottled water to communities in need, not just in North Carolina, but in other hard-hit states, and they’re working to enable communications through SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.
Trump says VP should be impeached; Harris calls for another debate
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris continue to rally for support with just 36 days to go until Election Day. They’re focusing on the swing states that could have the most impact on the results.
“Already hundreds of people have been murdered because of her action at the border and thousands more will follow and rapid succession,” Trump claimed. “She should be impeached and prosecuted for her actions.”
Trump also held a rally in Wisconsin over the weekend.
Harris, meanwhile, gathered with supporters in Las Vegas. She called on the former president to agree to another presidential debate — something he has said he is not interested in.
“I’m trying to debate Donald Trump again and I think he should debate again the American people have a right to hear us discuss the issues and as you say here in Las Vegas,” she told supporters. “I’m all in. I’m all in even if my opponent is ready to fold, so there you go.”
Harris’ stop in Las Vegas followed a fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 28, and a visit to the border town of Douglas, Arizona on Friday, Sept. 27. That was her first visit to the U.S.-Mexico border since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.
Monday, former President Trump will visit Georgia to see Hurricane Helene damage firsthand. Harris will be back in Washington, to be briefed on the massive amount of storm damage.
Vance, Walz prepare for vice presidential debate
We are one day away from the first and only vice presidential debate between Republican nominee Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Democratic nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The two will meet on the stage Tuesday night, Oct. 1, with five weeks to go until Election Day.
Vance is working with a team that includes his wife and senior Trump adviser Jason Miller. Tom Emmer, the House Majority Whip and a Minnesota Republican, has been tapped to play the role of Walz during Vance’s debate prep.
Walz has also been preparing with a team of advisers, including some who helped Vice President Harris for her debate with former President Trump. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is playing the role of Vance for Walz’s debate prep.
SpaceX capsule slated to bring home Starliner astronauts arrives at ISS
Two astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station since June are one step closer to returning to Earth. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that will ferry NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home arrived at the ISS Sunday.
Wilmore and Williams rode Boeing’s Starliner to the ISS in June for what was only supposed to be about a week-long mission. They were unable to return on the vessel due to safety concerns.
Four astronauts were supposed to be part of SpaceX’s mission to the ISS which had already been planned for this month, but instead, two seats were left empty so Wilmore and Williams could get back to Earth.
Still, it will be months before they get to come home. SpaceX’s Dragon capsule is not set to return until February.
Grammy Award-winning country artist Kris Kristofferson dies at 88
His family released a statement Sunday saying he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home in Hawaii.
As an actor, Kristofferson received a Golden Globe for his role in “A Star is Born” in 1976. As a singer-songwriter, he was known for hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Kristofferson’s contributions impacted many, including Bob Dylan, who once said, “You can look at Nashville pre-Kris and post-Kris, because he changed everything.”
Israeli military storms, closes Al Jazeera’s West Bank offices
Israeli troops raided Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, West Bank, early Sunday, Sept. 22, marking another severe action against the media network known for its detailed coverage of Israeli military operations. During the operation, more than 20 armed soldiers issued a 45-day closure order and evacuated the staff, seizing crucial broadcasting equipment.
Al Jazeera broadcast the raid live, showing soldiers ordering staff to exit within minutes and confiscating equipment including the microphone of bureau chief Walid al-Omari.
Israel accused Al Jazeera of inciting terror and being a conduit for Hamas and Hezbollah propaganda, claims the network denies, condemning the raid as a criminal act against press freedom. Al Jazeera insists such actions will not deter its commitment to reporting on the region’s events.
The Israeli government had previously shut down Al Jazeera’s East Jerusalem bureau and has extended such measures under a new law allowing them to close foreign media offices deemed a security threat.
The Ramallah office’s doors were reportedly welded shut after the raid, and the military cited a 1945 mandate-era law for the closure, a measure that Al Jazeera can appeal within seven days through the Israeli military court system.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed concern, emphasizing that such actions severely undermine the public’s right to know and the media’s ability to operate freely in conflict zones.
