Gazans express despair and fear ahead of an IDF operation to take Gaza City, with many blaming Hamas and calling for evacuation or even nuclear destruction, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation and lack of safe options in Gaza.
Scott Preston's debut novel, "The Borrowed Hills," delves into the devastating impact of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic on Cumbrian farmers, portraying a visceral tale of desperation, violence, and the relentless struggle for survival in the harsh landscape. Through the character of Steve Elliman, the novel captures the unsparing brutality of the disease's aftermath, painting a vivid and bleak picture of rural life in the Lake District. With stark prose and moments of startling beauty, the novel offers a viscerally vivid portrayal of a dysfunctional relationship with the land, imbued with knife-sharp black humor but little hope.
A recent brawl between migrants and NYPD officers outside a Times Square shelter has highlighted the increasing frustration and despair among migrants in New York City. Tensions have been escalating due to struggles finding work, the Adams administration's controversial shelter stay limit policy, and the dire living conditions in the city's shelter system. Migrants, fleeing violence and persecution, face daily challenges and are often left to fight over basic necessities. Calls for policy changes, such as allowing migrants to legally work, have been made to address the root causes of the escalating tensions and chaotic scenes outside migrant shelters.
Ukraine is resorting to desperate measures to recruit more troops for its ongoing war with Russia, including confiscating people's passports and attempting to enlist a mentally disabled man. Military recruiters have been accused of using forceful tactics and exceeding their authority, leading to widespread concerns about lawlessness and illegal practices. Some Ukrainian men have turned to the courts to fight against wrongful draft notices and forced mobilization. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has responded to the accusations, stating that changes to legislation are being developed. Both Ukraine and Russia have suffered significant casualties in the conflict, with estimates of tens of thousands of deaths and injuries on both sides.
The Chicago Cubs are considered one of the most desperate teams in MLB's free agency as they seek to improve their roster after missing the playoffs in 2023. They have been linked to numerous free agents, including Shohei Ohtani, and have also been involved in trade rumors for players like Josh Hader, Tyler Glasnow, and Shane Bieber. The Cubs' aggressive approach, including firing their manager and pursuing high-profile signings, reflects their determination to make significant moves this offseason.
Audio intercepts obtained by The Associated Press reveal the desperate voices of Russian soldiers on the front lines in Ukraine, discussing the grim reality of the war and their desire to leave. The soldiers speak of the high number of casualties, the lack of proper equipment, and the harsh conditions they face. Many soldiers express disillusionment with the war and frustration with their treatment by the Russian military. The calls offer a rare glimpse into the conflict from the perspective of Russian soldiers, shedding light on the toll the war has taken on them.
Secret audio recordings obtained by The Associated Press reveal the desperation and disillusionment of Russian soldiers serving in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The soldiers speak of the urge to flee, the grueling conditions, and the senseless nature of the conflict. Some soldiers come from diverse backgrounds and have been compelled to serve, while others remain committed to the fight. The recordings offer a rare glimpse into the war from the perspective of Russian soldiers, shedding light on their experiences and the challenges they face.
Deena Al-Alami, a Palestinian living in Qatar, shares her desperate search for news about her family in Gaza after losing contact with her sisters during their escape from their homes in north Gaza on November 10. She recounts the heartbreaking last phone call where she heard one sister take her last breath, leaving her anxious for updates on the other.
A family from Medway, Massachusetts, remains trapped in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war escalates, despite assurances of an evacuation plan. Abood Okal, Wafaa Abuzayda, and their 1-year-old son, Yousef, are desperate for a way out as they try to stay alive amidst the conflict. They are running low on drinking water and rely on local vendors or filtration stations. The family has received no official updates from the U.S. State Department regarding their departure. They remain hopeful but are struggling psychologically. Israel has expanded its ground operation in Gaza, causing widespread destruction and a rising death toll. Civilians in Gaza are facing dire conditions, with food, water, and electricity supplies running out.
Residents in Acapulco and surrounding areas are desperately seeking aid and supplies after Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, caused widespread destruction. Many streets are covered in mud and debris, and some residents are still missing. The city is cut off from the rest of the country due to landslides and downed trees, with limited access to utilities and communication. The government has sent military personnel and rescue crews, but there are reports of insufficient equipment. Hotels and high-rises have suffered severe damage, and looting has been reported. Thousands of families have sought refuge in temporary shelters, and the full extent of the damage is still unknown.
Beverly Shaw, a 64-year-old woman from Indiana, has driven 700 miles to New York City with her two goats, Marshmallow and Brownie, in a desperate attempt to raise $5,000 to hire an attorney and rescue her husband from what she believes is a wrongful confinement in a nursing home. Despite the advice of doctors and social workers, she is determined to spread her husband's story and fight for his release. Beverly has been sleeping in her car with the goats and handing out flyers to strangers, hoping to find support and bring her husband back home.
The St. Louis Cardinals are turning to veteran pitcher Adam Wainwright to make a start despite his recent shoulder strain, highlighting the team's desperate lack of starting pitching options. The Cardinals' front office failure to strengthen the rotation and provide depth has resulted in a dire situation, with the team currently sitting at an embarrassing 44-56 record. While Wainwright's return is admirable, it underscores the consequences of the front office's neglect and lack of planning. In contrast, the Milwaukee Brewers have successfully navigated their own pitching injuries by acquiring helpful free agents and utilizing bullpen arms in starting roles. The Cardinals' once-strong reputation for starting pitching has declined in recent years, and it remains to be seen if the front office can make impactful deals to address the issue.
Authorities believe that escaped homicide suspect Michael Burham, who used bed sheets to flee from jail, may be growing desperate as he tries to survive in the wilderness of northwestern Pennsylvania. A doorbell camera video, believed to be of Burham, was released by police, urging nearby residents to be vigilant and secure their properties. Authorities suspect that someone may be assisting Burham in evading capture, as small stockpiles or campsites have been discovered in the area. Despite his survival skills and military training, Burham is likely facing difficulties and is urged to surrender. Burham was being held on charges of kidnapping, burglary, and other counts, and is also a prime suspect in a murder and arson case in New York.
Russian soldiers are loading Soviet-era tanks with explosives and rolling them into Ukrainian positions in a desperate attempt to gain an advantage on the battlefield. A video shows a T-54 tank rigged with six tons of explosives being guided by remote control before being destroyed by a Ukrainian anti-tank missile. The move shows the desperation of Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin 16 months into a difficult and protracted conflict. The latest move of desperation came just days after Russian hypersonic and cruise missiles pounded Kyiv Friday.
Ukraine has modified the classic Soviet-vintage BRDM-2 scout car into an ungainly and overly conspicuous do-it-yourself armored personnel carrier, dubbed the Franken-BRDM, to accommodate more troops. However, the vehicle's tall superstructure makes it a much easier target for Russian gunners. The Ukrainian armed forces are desperate for more APCs, leading them to find some use for any old personnel carrier or fighting vehicle one ally or another donates to the war effort.