An estimated one million people are expected at Times Square to celebrate New Year's Eve. The NYPD, citing the heightened global threat environment and recent Israel-Hamas tensions, is implementing extensive security measures including drones and a large officer presence to ensure safety, despite no specific threats.
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US national security advisor Michael Waltz took responsibility for a leaked Signal chat involving senior Trump officials discussing a strike on Yemen. Waltz admitted the mistake, criticized journalist Jeffrey Goldberg for exposure, and asserted no classified information was shared. President Trump and White House press secretary confirmed the operation’s success, emphasizing improved security measures and decisive leadership.
The White House trolled recently deported Dr. Rasha Alawieh on social media. Despite holding a valid visa and a court order blocking her deportation, she was returned to Paris while re-entering the US, alleging her ties to Hamas. This incident has raised concerns about US Customs and Border Protection's actions and judicial authority.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro faced a diplomatic clash with the US after refusing to allow planes carrying deported Colombians to land. The crisis saw President Trump threatening tariffs on Colombian goods, but Petro eventually relented. Petro, a former guerrilla, has had a controversial political career, including his time as Bogotá’s mayor and fluctuating approval ratings since taking office as Colombia's first left-wing president.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken bid farewell to the State Department staff, urging them to continue advancing US foreign policy despite the uncertainty of the incoming Trump administration. He praised their resilience and dedication to making the world a better place, encouraging them to persist in their mission as custodians of American diplomacy under new leadership.
The probability of a "megaquake" in Japan in the next 30 years has marginally increased, a government panel said Thursday, with a 75-82 percent chance of it happening. The Earthquake Research Committee said it has increased its estimate of the probability to between 75 and 82 percent from between 74 and 81 percent previously.
Nasa employees have been directed to remove all pronouns from emails and other applications following an executive order from the Trump administration. In response, Nasa disabled the ability to add pronouns in user displays and mandated uniform signature blocks. Public materials referencing gender identity were also affected.
Social media posts claimed the Delta flight that crash-landed was operated by Endeavor Air which is a "small airline obsessed with all-female unmanned flights". Old posts from Endeavor Air's social media handle are being shared with malicious claims that the female pilots shown in these old posts were the pilots of the fateful plane.
Donald Trump's transition team is planning for the U.S. to withdraw from the WHO on the first day of his potential second term. This move aligns with Trump’s longstanding criticism of the agency, suggesting it failed to hold China accountable for COVID-19. Critics warn this could undermine global health efforts and increase China's influence.
The White House appoints veteran FBI agent Brian Driscoll as acting director after deputy director Paul Abbate steps down, with Trump's nominee Kash Patel set for Senate confirmation hearings. Driscoll aims to maintain stability during the transition after Christopher Wray's retirement.
Vietnam's new "decree 147," implemented in December, tightens regulations on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, granting authorities increased control over online content. The decree mandates user account verification, data storage within Vietnam, and swift removal of posts deemed illegal. Critics argue it will further stifle free speech and dissent, as the government intensifies its crackdown on political content and citizen journalism, with social media companies facing... Expand