1 China Denies Missile Test, Says It Was A Spacecraft

Yesterday, a report from “Financial Times,” which claimed that in August, China launched a hypersonic missile – a weapon that the United States can neither compete with, nor destroy. What does China have to say about the report? That it’s not true – and that they have a number of issues with the report. “It was not a missile, it was a space vehicle,” says ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. He added it had been a “routine test” for the purpose of testing technology to reuse the vehicle…and that it happened in July, not August. Aside from pointing out that a number of other countries – including the US have conducted similar tests, Zhao added that theirs has “great significance for reducing the use-cost of spacecraft and could provide a convenient and affordable way to make a round trip for mankind’s peaceful use of space.”

2 Reactions Pour In About Colin Powell's Passing

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell is dead as a result of complications of COVID-19. A legendary leader who served under four presidents – Republican and Democrat - Powell began his life as the son of Jamaican immigrants. He ultimately rose in the ranks, first becoming a four-star Army general. Later, he became the nation's first Black Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and first Black leader of the State Department. Not surprisingly, Powell’s passing is a loss being felt across the political spectrum. Among those commenting, President Biden, as well as former Presidents Bush and Obama. "Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat," President Biden said in a statement. "Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else—in uniform and out—and it earned him the universal respect of the American people." "Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell," former President Bush said in a statement. "He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many Presidents relied on General Powell's counsel and experience… He was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man."

3 Haitian Gang Demanding Ransom For Kidnapped Americans

U.S officials say the FBI, the State Department, and other U.S. agencies have dispatched a team to assist Haitian authorities in their efforts to negotiate the safe release of a group of missionaries kidnapped by a local gang. The 17 people being held captive include 16 Americans, one Canadian and five children. And as expected, the captors have now issued their ransom demand…and it’s for $17-million. The 400 Mawozo gang, who is believed to be responsible for taking the group hostages, is known to have demanded huge ransoms…and whether they get the money or not, their reputation is one that has them killing some of those they have abducted and raping women. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki says President Biden has been briefed on the kidnappings and "what the State Department and the FBI are doing to bring these individuals home safely.”

Charlie Parker

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