Trump Avoids Felony Conviction in Hush Money Case
A judge in New York has sentenced Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge for his role in concealing hush money payments made to a porn star.
Despite his efforts to avoid being the first felon in the White House, the court determined that an unconditional discharge was the only lawful sentence.
The ruling was delivered virtually by Judge Juan Merchan during a court session attended by the former president-elect.
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🇺🇸 Germany and France Condemn Trump’s Threat to Seize Greenland
Germany and France have criticized Donald Trump’s comments about using force to take control of Greenland. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot both affirmed that the European Union would not tolerate any violation of sovereign borders.
Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for its strategic location, citing its military value, but Denmark and Greenland have rejected the notion. Greenland’s leaders continue to advocate for self-determination and independence, reaffirming the island’s sovereignty.
Trump’s remarks, while raising tensions, underscore the broader geopolitical and strategic interests surrounding Greenland, which is home to valuable resources and military significance.
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🐊 Canadian Man Caught Smuggling Crocodile Skull at Delhi Airport
Authorities at Delhi airport arrested a 32-year-old Canadian man for carrying a baby crocodile skull in his luggage.
The skull, weighing 777g, violated India’s wildlife protection and customs laws. Wildlife experts confirmed it belonged to a protected species.
The man, who bought it in Thailand, lacked the mandatory permits for its transport. Investigations are underway, and a case has been registered against him.
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⚡️Experts Warn of Economic Instability Under Trump 2.0
The return of Donald Trump to the White House raises economic concerns for 2025. Proposed tariffs could hit global trade, affecting partners such as Mexico and China while raising costs for US industries.
Economists fear these policies might push the global economy closer to recession. Meanwhile, persistent inflation and interest rate challenges in the US and Europe add to the uncertainty. The IMF forecasts "stable yet underwhelming" growth at 3.2%.
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🇫🇷 Macron's Comments Spark Outrage in Africa
French President Emmanuel Macron has faced accusations of "contempt" after stating that African nations failed to acknowledge France's help in fighting jihadist insurgencies. Chad and Senegal condemned the remarks, with Chad's foreign minister urging France to show more respect for African nations.
Macron made his comments during a conference in Paris, emphasizing that France’s military presence in the Sahel had prevented militant control of the region. The French president’s words have reignited tensions in former French colonies, especially amid recent moves by countries like Mali and Burkina Faso to distance themselves from French influence.
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⚡️Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Explained
China reports a rise in HMPV cases, a virus causing flu-like symptoms in most people. While HMPV is not new, it can pose risks to children under two and those with weakened immune systems.
The virus spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces, with symptoms like cough and fever. Experts stress that HMPV is not comparable to Covid-19, as it has been globally present for decades and most people have some immunity.
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⚡️Deadly Earthquake Strikes Tibet, 95 Confirmed Dead
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Tibet’s Shigatse city, killing 95 and injuring more than 130. Videos show collapsed buildings and rescue teams aiding survivors in sub-zero temperatures.
Chinese authorities have launched major rescue operations, including drones and air force support. The quake’s impact was also felt in Nepal and parts of India, though they reported minimal damage. This marks one of the deadliest earthquakes in the region in recent years.
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❗️ Congestion Charge Kicks Off in New York, First in the US
New York City has implemented a congestion charge for vehicles, marking the first such scheme in the United States. The charge applies to vehicles entering the zone south of Central Park, covering iconic locations like Wall Street and Times Square.
Rates vary, with $9 charged for cars at peak hours, and higher fees for trucks and buses. The move aims to tackle traffic congestion and fund the city's public transportation system.
The plan, initially delayed due to opposition, has sparked protests from various groups, including taxi drivers and prominent figures like Donald Trump.
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⚡️Hezbollah's Patience with Israeli Violations Running Thin, Warns UN
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement by destroying UNIFIL infrastructure and Lebanese military positions. Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem warned that the group's tolerance for Israeli actions may not last the full 60 days of the ceasefire.
Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah had shown patience in hopes of enforcing the agreement, but he warned that the leadership would act decisively if Israeli violations continue.
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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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⚡️ Tomb of Chief Physician Found in Saqqara
In Saqqara, Egypt, archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Teti Neb Fu, a 4,000-year-old royal physician. The tomb’s decorations remain vibrant, and its discovery highlights his roles as Chief Physician and Director of Medicinal Plants.
Although no mummy was found, Teti Neb Fu’s significant position makes the tomb important. He likely served several pharaohs, including Pepi II. Saqqara remains a key archaeological site, famous for the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
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💷 British Pound Declines, Borrowing Costs Reach Record Highs
The British pound dropped to $1.226, its lowest level in more than a year, while borrowing costs surged to a 16-year high. Treasury Minister Darren Jones reassured that no emergency measures were needed, emphasizing that market trends were part of broader global economic dynamics.
Economists are concerned that rising interest payments on government debt could leave less room for public spending, potentially necessitating tax hikes or budget cuts. The UK economy has been under pressure, with stagnant growth and rising inflation impacting fiscal policies.
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❗️🇺🇸 LA Wildfires Continue to Spread, Destroying Thousands of Acres
Los Angeles is battling multiple wildfires that have destroyed thousands of acres and forced mass evacuations. The Palisades fire alone has burned over 17,000 acres, making it the city’s most destructive wildfire on record.
Other active fires include the Eaton fire, with five deaths reported, and the Sunset fire near the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Over 1,400 firefighters are working to control the blazes, but containment remains elusive.
Devastation includes the loss of a historic Jewish Temple in Pasadena, as images from space highlight the vast scale of destruction.
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☕️ Study Shows Morning Coffee Reduces Heart Disease Risk
Drinking coffee in the morning might help lower the risk of death from heart disease, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. The research, which tracked over 40,000 adults for nearly a decade, found that morning coffee drinkers were 31% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
However, those who consumed coffee throughout the day showed no such benefit, leading researchers to speculate that consuming coffee late in the day could disrupt circadian rhythms and affect health negatively.
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❗️ Kurakhove Allegedly Falls to Russian Forces
Russian forces claim to have seized Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine, a vital town linking to Pokrovsk. Ukrainian officials have yet to confirm this, though reports from military trackers and journalists suggest heavy losses and Russian control over key parts of the town. The capture would allow Russia to attack Pokrovsk from the south. Intense clashes persist in the region, with reports of significant Ukrainian resistance.
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⚡️ Trump Jr Arrives in Greenland Following Father’s Ownership Comments
Donald Trump Jr has landed in Greenland, calling his visit a private trip with no official agenda. This comes after President-elect Trump’s renewed calls for the U.S. to acquire the territory, citing national security concerns.
Greenland’s leadership has dismissed the proposal, emphasizing the island’s autonomy. Danish officials have largely avoided comment, though opposition voices expressed discontent. The trip highlights ongoing tensions over Greenland’s geopolitical importance and its future.
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🎣 $1.3 Million Bluefin Tuna Sold at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market
A bluefin tuna, weighing 276kg, fetched a record 207 million yen ($1.3 million) at the annual New Year auction at Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market. This marks the second-highest price ever for a tuna at the auction, which is famous for its early-morning sales.
The winning bidder, Onodera Group, plans to serve the tuna at its Michelin-starred restaurants, hoping it will bring good fortune for the year. The top price for a tuna was 333.6 million yen in 2019.
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⚡️Ukraine Strikes Again in Russia's Kursk Region with New Offensive
Ukraine has renewed its push into the Russian Kursk region, launching a counter-attack on Russian defensive positions. This follows earlier incursions in the area in August, which saw Ukraine gaining control of certain territories.
Despite setbacks in the eastern front and manpower shortages, Ukraine's military continues to strike back at Russian forces. The offensive could be part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian control, although its scale and effectiveness remain to be seen.
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⚡️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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