Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted violently, sending ash clouds over 8 km high, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to its highest status. Flight disruptions followed, with cancellations by an Australian airline. Residents and tourists are advised to stay 7-8 km away, as heightened volcanic activity and ash pose risks to air travel, particularly to Bali.
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Social media users were shocked at California Guv Gavin Newsom's decision to sit for a podcast during this time of crisis. "Wait, Newsom did a podcast today? He couldn't find a better way to use his time?" one user wrote. "Going on a podcast while the fires are still burning? Guys this is embarrassing," another wrote.
A New York judge has rejected President-elect Donald Trump's bid to delay his sentencing in a hush-money case, scheduled just days before his inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan upheld his earlier decision despite Trump's legal team's appeals. Trump, convicted of falsifying business records in 2023, faces sentencing on January 10, 2025, though jail time is unlikely.
A Daily Mail report claimed that not everything is well between Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff as several allegations against Doug Emhoff came in the way of Harris' campaign. Though Harris brushed aside those allegations and put on a brave face with her husband by her side, the report said Kamala Harris considers her husband as 'dead weight'.
An 8-year-old boy named Tinotenda Pudu was found alive nearly a week after wandering into the dangerous Matusadonha Game Park in northern Zimbabwe. Rescuers followed fresh footprints and located him, thanks to efforts from park rangers and the local Nyaminyami community. The remarkable rescue has been hailed as a true miracle.
Ukrainian activist Demyan Ganul was shot and killed in Odessa on Thursday by an unidentified assailant. Ganul, known for his radical right-wing activities and involvement in the 2014 Odessa clashes, had recently been active in enforcing mobilization efforts. Authorities are investigating possible motives and pursuing the suspect.
Incoming Trump administration officials have been questioning career civil servants at the White House National Security Council about their political affiliations and social media activity, prompting some employees to pack up their belongings. Trump's pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, aims to replace nonpolitical appointees with Trump loyalists by Inauguration Day, potentially impacting US expertise on key global issues.
Israel has allowed Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip, which has been heavily damaged during the 15-month war with Hamas, under a fragile ceasefire. Thousands of Palestinians, who had been sheltering in camps, returned to find their homes, despite extensive destruction. Meanwhile, Israel arrested two citizens for allegedly conducting missions for Iran, and violence in southern Lebanon has escalated, resulting in 24 deaths from clashes with Israeli troops.
Delta Airlines flight DAL4 en route to New York from London declared an emergency due to a mechanical issue and diverted to Shannon, Ireland. All 129 passengers and crew landed safely. This incident follows a recent aviation tragedy involving a small aircraft crash in Honduras, resulting in 12 fatalities and 5 survivors.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation after Hamas returned the wrong body in a hostage deal, violating the ceasefire agreement. The Bibas family has become a symbol of the crisis, with Hamas claiming Israeli airstrikes killed them, while Israel says they were executed. The ceasefire’s future is uncertain, as more hostages and bodies are set for release. Rising tensions and US-backed proposals further complicate the situation.
US President Trump has paused all military aid to Ukraine, halting the delivery of billions in weaponry amid crucial defense needs against Russia. This decision alters US foreign policy and may embolden Russia as European allies struggle to fill the gap. Critics argue it undermines Ukraine, while supporters praise Trump's focus on peace negotiations.