⚡️Tomiko Itooka, 116, Leaves a Legacy of Longevity
Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest person since 2024, died on December 29 in Ashiya, Japan. Born in 1908, she lived through profound global changes and remained an inspiration with her love for simple joys like bananas.
Her passing draws attention to Japan’s aging population, with nearly a third of its citizens aged 65 or older.
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🇨🇱 Boric Becomes First American Leader to Visit South Pole
Chilean President Gabriel Boric made history as the first leader from the Americas to visit the South Pole, emphasizing Chile's Antarctic ambitions. Speaking from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Boric underlined Chile's role in climate research and sovereignty over part of the Antarctic.
Joined by scientists and cabinet members, Boric called the visit "a milestone" for Chile, which seeks to lead scientific initiatives in the region. The government reiterated its vision of making Chile a gateway to the Antarctic.
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🌙 Venus and Moon Create Celestial Show
Friday’s night sky featured a stunning conjunction of Venus and a crescent Moon, captivating skywatchers from various parts of the world.
The bright Venus, nicknamed the "Evening Star," contrasted strikingly with the crescent Moon, offering a spectacle visible to the naked eye. Observers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas marveled at the event.
January promises more cosmic highlights, including Venus and Saturn’s close approach on 18 January. The ongoing Quadrantid meteor shower, active through 12 January, also adds to the sky’s wonders.
For the best views, experts recommend finding dark areas away from light pollution.
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⚡️ Suspected Sabotage in the Baltic Sea: Sweden Supports Finland
Sweden has dispatched a naval vessel to help investigate potential sabotage of the EstLink 2 cable between Finland and Estonia. Finnish authorities suspect the Russian tanker "Eagle S" damaged the cable by dragging its anchor.
The tanker, flagged under the Cook Islands and linked to Russia's shadow fleet, was detained in Finnish waters. Sweden's assistance underscores regional cooperation in addressing hybrid threats linked to Russia.
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⚡️ China Responds to Taiwan Arms Sales with Export Restrictions
China has announced export restrictions on 28 U.S. defense firms, including major players like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, citing national security concerns.
The sanctions, likely tied to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, also prevent these companies from investing in China or having their executives visit. Taiwan, a self-governed island backed by the U.S., is a major point of contention as Beijing continues to assert its claim over the territory.
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🇺🇦 Is 2025 the Year Ukraine’s War Finally Ends?
With Russian forces steadily advancing through eastern Ukraine, the situation is increasingly dire for Kyiv. Civilians are fleeing, and the military balance is shifting as Russia gains ground faster than at any point since the start of the invasion. But could 2025 be the year the war finally comes to an end?
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with the war, promising to bring the conflict to a close quickly upon taking office. However, his intentions are far from clear, and Ukrainian officials reject any talk of negotiations until Russia pays a higher price for its aggression.
President Zelensky has been quick to engage with Trump diplomatically, offering a vision of Ukraine as a key partner for future US security interests. But NATO membership remains a significant hurdle, and without concrete guarantees of protection, Zelensky is wary of a ceasefire that leaves Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian aggression.
As the war enters its third year, the cost in human lives and territory continues to mount. The international community remains committed to supporting Ukraine, but the road to peace is fraught with challenges.
Will 2025 finally bring the end of this devastating conflict, and at what cost?
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⚡️Montenegro in Shock as Gunman Kills 12, Including Children
Montenegro is in mourning after 45-year-old Aco Martinovic killed 12 people, including two children, in a series of shootings in Cetinje. The violence started after an argument at a restaurant, followed by Martinovic retrieving a gun and attacking several people, including his own family.
Authorities launched a manhunt and found Martinovic, who fatally injured himself during a standoff. The shooting has shocked the nation, prompting a government declaration of three days of mourning.
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Fatal Truck Attack on Bourbon Street Investigated as Terrorism
The FBI has confirmed the deadly truck attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street is being treated as terrorism. Witnesses reported chaos as the driver deliberately drove into a crowd, killing several and injuring many others.
The attacker was killed during a standoff with police. Investigators are exploring potential motives and whether the assailant acted alone or was part of a broader network.
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⚡️South Korea’s aviation authorities are working with US experts to analyze a black box from the Jeju Air tragedy.
The crash, involving a Boeing 737-800, resulted in 179 fatalities. Damage to the flight data recorder requires overseas expertise for data recovery. Inspections of similar aircraft are underway as part of the investigation. Memorials for victims have drawn large crowds.
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⚡️Slovakia Suggests Ukraine Concede Territory for Peace
In a controversial statement, Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák proposed that Ukraine cede part of its territory to Russia to achieve peace.
Speaking on TA3 television, Kaliňák emphasized Slovakia’s interest in ending the war immediately through negotiations. The comment has further strained relations between Slovakia and Ukraine, already tense over Ukraine's decision to halt the transit of Russian gas through its territory.
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🦈Fatal Shark Attack in Egypt’s Red Sea Leaves Tourist Dead
A shark attack near the resort town of Marsa Alam claimed the life of a 48-year-old Italian man and injured another. Officials are investigating the incident, which occurred in waters beyond the designated swimming area.
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⚡️Russia to Monitor Expatriates Linked to "Extremist Activities"
Under the newly signed strategy, Russian authorities will track citizens who have left the country to engage in “extremist activities” or to receive training in “centers located in unfriendly nations.” However, the document does not clarify which organizations or countries fall under this classification.
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⚡️ Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, Dies at 100
Jimmy Carter, who led the U.S. from 1977 to 1981, has passed away at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Known as a champion of human rights and peace, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Jason Carter, his grandson, shared that despite his health struggles, they recently enjoyed a conversation and watched a baseball game together.
Carter’s presidency was marked by notable achievements, including the Camp David Accords that brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and the creation of the Department of Energy.
However, his administration faced significant challenges, such as the Iranian hostage crisis and economic turmoil characterized by inflation and unemployment. After leaving office, Carter became a prominent global humanitarian.
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🛩 Azerbaijan Demands Russia Acknowledge Responsibility for Fatal Plane Crash
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has urged Russia to take full responsibility for the downing of a plane on Christmas Day that claimed 38 lives.
The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, en route to Chechnya, was diverted to Kazakhstan after being hit by Russian air-defense missiles. Aliyev accused Russia of an initial cover-up, demanding they admit their role in the crash and pay compensation to the victims.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences, he did not accept blame for the incident.
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⚡️ Gazprom Halts Gas Deliveries to Moldova
Russia's Gazprom has announced that it will stop supplying natural gas to Moldova starting in January, citing Moldova's alleged failure to meet payment obligations.
This move comes as a transit agreement with Ukraine also expires, and Moldova faces a looming energy crisis. The Ukrainian government has already declared that it will no longer allow Russian gas to transit through its territory from January 1.
Moldova, which relies heavily on Russian gas via Ukraine, is preparing for widespread power outages. The country's debts to Gazprom are disputed, with Gazprom claiming Moldova owes $709 million, while Moldova asserts the amount is only about $9 million.
The energy shutdown could disrupt electricity sales from the breakaway region of Transnistria, which supplies power to Moldova.
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⚡️ Syria to Resume International Flights on Tuesday
Syria's government has confirmed that international flights will resume at Damascus International Airport starting Tuesday. The move follows months of halted commercial flights.
Syrian Airlines will restart flights to Dubai, and Qatar Airways will return to Damascus after more than a decade. The country is working with partners to rehabilitate its airports.
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⚡️ Gas Dispute Sparks Slovak Threat to Refugee Aid
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has proposed cutting benefits for Ukrainian refugees amid escalating tensions over Kyiv’s closure of a major Russian gas pipeline. Slovakia faces a €500 million loss in transit fees, prompting Fico to label the move "sabotage."
Fico also suggested stopping electricity exports to Ukraine, drawing criticism from Kyiv, while Poland offered assistance to help Ukraine counter any energy shortages.
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⚡️ Trump Protests Mourning Flags on His Inauguration Day
Donald Trump has voiced his disapproval of President Joe Biden’s order to keep flags at half-staff during his January 20 inauguration, as part of the national mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. Biden’s directive aligns with the customary 30-day mourning period for deceased presidents.
Trump described the decision as inappropriate, claiming on Truth Social that it was a deliberate attempt by Democrats to undermine his inauguration. However, he confirmed his attendance at Carter’s state funeral, saying he felt honored by the invitation.
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⚡️ Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion Declared Suicide by FBI
The FBI confirmed that the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, which injured seven, was a suicide committed by Matthew Alan L., a decorated Green Beret. L. reportedly suffered from PTSD and left behind letters expressing frustration with the state of the U.S.
Investigators ruled out political or terrorist motives, highlighting that L. was a Trump supporter and not connected to recent attacks. His ex-girlfriend, a military nurse, revealed that he resisted treatment due to stigma within his unit.
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🦕 Dinosaur footprints from 166 million years ago have been uncovered in a quarry in Oxfordshire, UK.
The tracks include herbivorous sauropods and a carnivorous theropod, with the longest trail exceeding 150 meters. This discovery, made by a team from the University of Birmingham, provides a rare glimpse into the movements and interactions of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period.
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🥶 Polar Vortex Brings Freezing Weather to Eastern US
The eastern US is bracing for a cold snap as the polar vortex brings freezing temperatures in the coming days. Forecasters predict that the southeast and East Coast will see below-normal temperatures through mid-January, with parts of the Gulf of Mexico and Florida facing freezing conditions.
Heavy snow is expected across the Great Lakes and Appalachians, while cold wind chills will impact the region. The polar vortex, which is a mass of cold air around the Arctic, will shift south, dropping temperatures across much of the eastern US.
The National Weather Service has warned of dangerous conditions, including lows of -8°C (18°F) in Texas and -4°C in Georgia. Northern areas like Minnesota could see temperatures as low as -25°C.
Wind chills from the Canadian Arctic could make conditions feel as cold as -34°C, leading to potential frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.
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🦁 Zimbabwean Boy Defies Odds, Survives Five Days in Lion Territory
An eight-year-old boy has made an astonishing survival in the Matusadona Game Park in Zimbabwe, a region known for its dangerous wildlife, including lions and elephants.
After straying 23 km from home, Tinotenda Pudu survived five days alone by using survival techniques. He found food, water, and shelter despite the park's hostile environment. A rescue team, led by park rangers, finally located him after hearing a noise from his approach.
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❗️New Orleans Horror: 10 Dead, 30 Injured as Vehicle Plows Through Crowd
A devastating accident claimed 10 lives and left 30 injured after a vehicle crashed into a crowd in New Orleans’ Canal and Bourbon Street area, a hotspot for tourists.
The city’s emergency preparedness program, NOLA Ready, confirmed the tragic incident, with local authorities now investigating the cause of the crash and aiding the victims.
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⚡️Transnistria Struggles with Gas Shortage After Supply Halt
The Transnistria region in Moldova faces severe heating and electricity challenges as Russian gas deliveries via Ukraine stop. Residents report low gas pressure, and authorities warn of limited coal supplies for power.
Moldova has vowed to secure alternative energy sources but anticipates higher costs and potential blackouts. Chisinau sees the crisis as a politically motivated move by Moscow to sow unrest.
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⚡️Finnish Authorities Identify Seabed Damage Near Estlink 2
A significant seabed scrape mark has been identified near the damaged Estlink 2 power cable in the Baltic Sea. Finnish officials suspect the tanker Eagle S, part of Russia’s "shadow fleet," dragged its anchor across the seabed, potentially damaging critical infrastructure.
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⚡️Russian Tanker Near Baltic Cable Highlights Sanctions Evasion
The oil tanker M/T Line, part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet, has been flagged for evading sanctions while exporting oil. Operating under the Guinea-Bissau flag, it reflects Russia’s strategy to bypass Western restrictions and maintain oil sales.
Despite these efforts, increasing scrutiny is being placed on such vessels due to their proximity to sensitive underwater infrastructure.
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⚡️ Variety Wholesalers Steps In to Save Big Lots Stores
Big Lots has secured a lifeline after striking a deal with Variety Wholesalers to purchase 200 to 400 stores. The announcement follows the collapse of a prior agreement with Nexus Capital Management, which had left the retail chain on the brink of shutting down all remaining locations.
The new arrangement ensures the survival of the Big Lots brand and keeps numerous stores across the U.S. operational. Additionally, it offers potential job security for many of the company's employees.
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⚡️ Slovakia Threatens to Cut Emergency Power to Ukraine
The energy conflict between Slovakia and Ukraine has intensified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of acting on Russia's orders to open a "second energy front" against Ukraine.
Slovakia has warned that it will stop emergency power supplies if Ukraine halts the transit of Russian gas. The Ukrainian government announced in August that it would no longer allow Russian gas to pass through its territory after 2024.
Slovakia provides about one-fifth of Ukraine's electricity, and cutting this could significantly impact Ukraine’s power supply, especially during emergencies. Zelensky called Slovakia’s actions "immoral" and harmful to European unity.
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🛬 South Korea Plane Crash Kills 179, Investigation Underway
A tragic plane crash in South Korea has claimed the lives of 179 people, with only two survivors, both cabin crew members. The Boeing 737-800, operated by Jeju Air, crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday after it landed and skidded off the runway, hitting a wall and exploding into flames.
The flight had been returning from Bangkok, Thailand, with 175 passengers and six crew members. Investigators are looking into several possible causes, including bird strikes and bad weather, but questions remain about why the crash occurred despite the airline's strong safety record.
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🤡 Russian Propaganda Video Shows Santa Claus Shot Down by Air Defense
A Russian propaganda video has surfaced showing Santa Claus being shot down by air defense.
The video, which appeared on pro-war Russian Telegram channels, features a festive Moscow Christmas market with Santa Claus in his traditional red robe.
However, instead of toys, his sack contains rockets and missiles, including one with the NATO emblem.
As Santa delivers his “gifts,” he is hit by a missile, resulting in an explosion. In a control room, Father Frost (Russia's version of Santa) celebrates the destruction, stating, “We need nothing foreign in our sky” before wishing a “Happy New Year.”
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