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Ireland Unveils Scale of Abuse in Religious Schools: 2,400 Allegations Revealed
A government-commissioned report has revealed nearly 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse across more than 300 schools run by religious orders in Ireland. This marks the first time the extent of abuse has been publicly disclosed, with Education Minister Norma Foley describing the findings as “truly shocking.”
The report, a “scoping inquiry” led by lawyer Mary O’Toole SC, uncovered that 884 individuals were accused of abuse within 42 religious orders, which either currently or formerly managed schools in Ireland. More than half of these accused individuals are now deceased.
The report, published on Tuesday evening, showed that religious orders and the schools themselves were the primary sources of data on these allegations. A total of 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse were recorded across 308 schools, but the report cautioned that the actual number of incidents is likely higher, as abuse is often under-reported.
Special schools were notably affected, with 590 allegations recorded in 17 institutions involving 190 alleged abusers. The survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with 149 providing interviews or written submissions to the inquiry. The abuse often occurred in classrooms, dormitories, sports facilities, and during extracurricular activities, and was frequently accompanied by extreme violence.
Victims described the pervasive power of the Catholic Church during that time, which they said silenced them and made them feel unable to confide in anyone, including their own parents.
In response to the report, the Irish government has agreed to launch a full statutory investigation to further probe the extent and impact of these abuses.
News
Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.
Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.
Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.
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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’
Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.
President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.
Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.
News
Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake
At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.
In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.
He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.
The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.
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