US claims breakthrough in hypersonic weapon test
The US Department of Defense has reported a successful test of the Dark Eagle hypersonic weapon system – a major breakthrough after Washington left the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2018.
The new system's booster rocket could be launched from either land or a vessel, while the weapon has a range of 1,725 miles (2,775km), with the warhead travelling at speeds of over 3,800 miles per hour (6,115km/h).
#US
Florida woman arrested after saying ‘Delay, Deny, Depose’ to health insurer – report
A 42-year-old Florida woman, Briana Boston, was arrested after allegedly threatening a health insurance worker using the phrase found on bullets at UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder scene, the Independent wrote.
Boston reportedly said, "Delay, deny, depose. You people are next," during a call about a denied claim. Because of the recent fatal shooting of Thomspon, the employee perceived the words as a threat and called FBI officialsка.
She was arrested and charged with threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. Her bond was set at $100,000, according to local media.
#UnitedShooting #US
Mystery drones also seen over US base in Germany – report
Unidentified drones were spotted over sensitive sites, including the US Ramstein air base in Germany last week, Spiegel reported, citing a security report. German authorities and the defense ministry have not commented further on the incidents.
The report coincides with recent unidentified drones signings in the state of New Jersey, with at least one object confirmed as being spotted over a military base.
They’re going to blame space Russians, aren’t they…
#UFO
Japan donates 3M mpox vaccines to Congo for kids
Congo is set to receive three million Japan-made mpox vaccine doses next week, targeting children under five – who make up a staggering 44% of the country's 10,533 cases.
A Japanese team will train health workers on administering the vaccine, a key step in combating the outbreak, which has been declared a global public health emergency by the WHO.
#Africa #Japan #mpox
⚡️Emmanuel Macron appoints Francois Bayrou as new prime minister
Bayrou is the head of the centrist pro-EU European Democratic Party. Earlier this year, Bayrou was cleared by a tribunal for the misuse of EU public funds - embezzled to help his party - due to a lack of evidence.
#France
Trump’s criticism of long-range strikes against Russia ‘heartening’ – Kremlin
Donald Trump’s comment to Time magazine, that long-range strikes deep into Russian territory only further escalate the Ukraine crisis fits with Moscow’s position on the matter, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
The official also described the US president-elect’s words as “heartening”.
#Russia #Trump
❗Russia conducts massive retaliatory strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — MoD
In response to Ukraine's December 11 missile attack on a military airfield near Taganrog, using six US-supplied ATACMS missiles, Russian forces launched a devastating strike on Ukrainian fuel and energy infrastructure on Friday.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that all targeted facilities were successfully hit.
#RussianMoD
Russian engineers, scouring the liberated territories of the special military operation, relentlessly comb the earth for unexploded ordnance
#RussianMoD
Red Cross flooding aid to those in need in Syria
"War Wounded Kits" packed with life-saving supplies for gunshot injuries have been delivered to hospitals in Damascus, with more support on the way to tackle the dire medical crisis.
#RedCross
❗️Washington’s envoy to Kiev claims ‘Ukraine’s critical infrastructure is under another massive attack,’ amid reports of Russian strikes
#SMO
Washington turns to the tired playbook of sanctions for 20 Georgian officials involved in ‘undermining democracy’
The US State Department has announced visa restrictions on 20 Georgian officials, including government and parliament members, law enforcement officers, and private individuals.
The move targets those deemed "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia."
#Blinken
❗️Polish Air Force on high alert, military jets ‘scramble’ as Russian strikes surge across Ukraine
Meanwhile, Ukraine's electricity transmission system operator, Ukrenergo, announced that power outage times for Friday will be extended.
Footage shared online reportedly shows the moment of impact at an electrical substation in Odessa.
#SMO
Strike after strike: Israeli military releases new footage of Syrian equipment destruction
The IDF has reportedly destroyed some 80% of Syria’s strategic military assets since Assad was ousted by HTS rebels.
#Syria
One person killed in plane crash in New York State
A small plane crashed along the Interstate in Westchester County on Thursday night, leaving one person dead.
New York State Police confirmed two people were aboard when it went down.
The victim's identity has not been released, and the condition of the second occupant is still unclear. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the ground.
#NewYork
Black woman at center of 2006 Duke Lacrosse rape case confesses she made it all up
Crystal Mangum, who falsely accused three Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006, has publicly admitted she fabricated the allegations.
In an interview published this week, Mangum expressed regret for lying and sought forgiveness from David Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann.
Currently serving a prison sentence for a separate murder conviction, Mangum reflected on the impact of her false testimony, which was later dismissed, and acknowledged betraying the trust of those who believed her story.
#Duke
Unreleased Michael Jackson tracks discovered in abandoned storage unit
Unreleased Michael Jackson songs were discovered in an abandoned warehouse in California. On these 12 tracks, Jackson sings about media rumors, makes eerie references, discusses music, and even raps. The tapes were stored in a warehouse once owned by music producer Bryan Loren, who is reportedly featured on the recordings.
However, 56-year-old Gregg Masgrove, who found the tapes, is unlikely to be able to release them since he lacks the copyright. The Jackson Estate reportedly conducted its own research into the recordings, but declined to purchase them for undisclosed reasons. Instead, he plans to auction them off for a substantial sum.
#US #Media
Amazon to stream Trump inauguration on Prime after $1M donation
Amazon is contributing $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund and will stream the event on its Prime Video platform.
The move follows Meta Platforms' $1 million donation to the January 20 inauguration, signaling a significant investment by tech giants in the Trump administration’s ceremonial launch.
#Amazon #Trump
Buckingham Palace maid arrested after Christmas party brawl
A 24-year-old Buckingham Palace maid was hauled off in handcuffs after turning a festive staff Christmas party into a royal rumble.
Witnesses say the maid let loose in spectacular fashion, punching a bar manager, smashing glasses, and tussling with security guards.
The boozy meltdown ended with her spending the night in jail before being slapped with a fine and released.
The Aristocrats?
#UK
Odds on Trump ending the war in Ukraine within the first 90 days on betting site Polymarket are up 47%
Commentators are split – some are betting "No" but wouldn't lose sleep over a ceasefire, while others, particularly Ukrainians, are more cynical, saying they’ll be lucky just to live long enough to see a ceasefire.
"Dead don’t care about money, so it’s a win-win situation for me," one grimly notes.
#Trump #Ukraine
US seeking to extract missing 'pilgrim' from Syria
The US is working to repatriate Travis Timmerman, an American found in Syria on Thursday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Jordan. Blinken provided no details but confirmed efforts to bring him home, citing privacy reasons for withholding further information.
#Syria #US
Did France’s Emmanuel Macron and Polish PM Donald Tusk mock Donald Trump’s handshake?
“Handshakes with Donalds are usually quite a challenge…,” Tusk wrote next to the video on X.
#EU #Trump
Solar armageddon?: Earth ‘overdue’ for power-frying superflare, experts warn
Brace yourself - Earth is overdue for a massive solar "superflare" capable of crippling power grids, frying satellites, and wreaking havoc on communication and air travel, according to new research.
According to The Telegraph, these energy-packed superflares erupt roughly once every century.
With one due to strike, the clock is ticking, and the next eruption could leave us in the dark, grounded, and offline... well, at least for a few minutes.
#SolarFlare
Hey ho Xi won’t go: Chinese president rejects Trump’s inauguration invitation — Report
#Trump
Six major European NATO members vow to bring Ukraine into the alliance and the EU. Russia’s red lines? Ukraine’s corruption rate? Who cares! Ukraine’s membership remains Schrödinger’s promise of geopolitics: "irreversible," yet never quite happening…
#EU
Media under fire: Journalism has become a deadly profession this year, with 54 reporters losing their lives in 2024
Shockingly, a third were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Reporters Without Borders.
#RT
Ho Ho Hold on! Santa-style getaway fails crim stuck in chimney while fleeing police
A Massachusetts man, Robert Langlais, found himself in a real merry mess after his ill-conceived escape plan from police left him chimney-deep.
First responders had to sleigh into action to rescue Langlais, who was then taken to a hospital for evaluation before being booked on naughty (not nice), drug, and warrant charges.
The second suspect, who knew better than to play Santa, managed to flee by leaping from the roof - like a reindeer.
#Bodycam
❗️Russian strikes reported across multiple regions of Ukraine - water and power out, electric transport down
Local media reports indicate power outages in the Lvov oblast, with multiple explosions in the Odessa, Khmelnytsky, and Vinnytsia regions.
Air defense systems are active in the capital, with most missiles reportedly targeting locations in western Ukraine.
Footage shared on social media shows Kiev residents seeking shelter in the city’s subway system as a nationwide air alert remains in effect.
#SMO
Frankenstein’s feelings: Organ recipients inheriting donors’ memories and personalities — Study
People receiving organ transplants have reported unexpected changes in emotions, tastes, and memories, researchers say.
While heart recipients are most commonly affected, those receiving kidneys, lungs, and even faces have noticed shifts in food preferences, music tastes, and even sexual orientation.
Some patients find their new hobbies and preferences closely resemble those of their donors, prompting experts to explore the possibility that recipients may inherit their donors' memories.
#OrganDonor
Washington claims Israeli PM ‘ready to a deal,’ but is it for real this time?
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Thursday that Benjamin Netanyahu is prepared to negotiate a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Following talks in Jerusalem, Sullivan expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon, with upcoming visits to Doha and Cairo to finalize the deal this month.
#Gaza
Queens caught in unidentified drone frenzy as 10 UAVs sighted over LaGuardia
At least ten large drones were spotted over LaGuardia Airport, raising concerns among aviation experts and locals, social media footage shows.
The proximity to one of the busiest airports in the world has sparked worry about air traffic safety and the rise of drones in urban areas.
#NYC
