Northern Thailand faces worsening wildfires, with Chiang Mai experiencing severe air pollution as PM2.5 particles exceed WHO's safe limit. Fires in Chiang Dao, fueled by dry conditions and illegal crop burning, have led to 2,465 heat points across 17 provinces. Emergency measures are in place, with Chiang Mai governor designating disaster zones in affected areas.
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Yemen's Houthi rebels announced limiting their Red Sea attacks to only Israeli-affiliated ships as a Gaza Strip ceasefire takes hold. The Houthis have targeted roughly 100 merchant vessels since November 2023, resulting in seizures and casualties. They have intercepted missiles and drones aimed at Western military vessels.
President-elect Trump's team asserted his leadership within the Republican Party, contradicting claims that Elon Musk influenced the stalled government funding bill. Trump and his Vice President-elect, JD Vance, advocated for a more focused bill alongside raising the debt ceiling. This stance diverges from Musk's suggestion of delaying the bill until Trump's inauguration.
Starbucks announced reversing its open-door policy, initially introduced in 2018 to promote inclusivity. From January 2025, non-paying visitors will no longer have automatic access to its spaces. This change aims to prioritize paying customers and address safety issues, prompting discussions on the evolving role of third spaces in society and balancing inclusivity with practicality.
Russia praised the new US administration's decision to close USAID, calling the agency a "machine for interfering" in global affairs. The move followed Trump advisor Elon Musk's announcement to shut down the agency as part of efforts to reduce government size. USAID, which funded global health, development, and democracy initiatives, was accused by Russia of meddling in domestic politics, particularly in ex-Soviet states. The closure has faced criticism, especially from aid groups, who warn of... Expand
A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York was evacuated after the plane caught fire on the runway due to an engine issue. Passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The flight was rescheduled for a later time, and a replacement aircraft was arranged. The FAA is investigating the incident.
Southern California's first major storm of the season brought rain and snow, helping to extinguish wildfires but causing mudflows and road closures. Emergency crews worked to clear debris, and the storm disrupted schools and transport routes. Officials continue cleanup efforts, cautioning residents about toxic ash left by the fires. Despite the rains, drought conditions persist.
DOGE staffers, inspired by Elon Musk, have converted federal office spaces into sleeping areas at the GSA headquarters to work long hours. Ethical concerns are raised due to the unusual practice of staying overnight in non-emergency situations, drawing scrutiny from legal experts and members of Congress.
Norwegian royal Marius Borg Hoiby is under investigation for multiple sexual assaults and drug offences. Accused of raping TV presenter Linni Meister during a basement party in 2018, evidence including videos and photographs were found on his laptop. Hoiby claims to suffer from mental disorders and substance abuse. He is also being probed for another nearby offence.
Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli stressed the need for international cooperation to control digital crime. He highlighted the role of electronic technology in crime investigation and emphasized the government's commitment to democracy without restricting social media use. He noted new laws would be made to combat indecency and aimed for a 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.
US special counsel Jack Smith determined Donald Trump engaged in a criminal effort to stay in power post-2020 election defeat, but Trump's impending return to office hindered the trial. Smith defended his unbiased investigation, while the report revealed additional details regarding the January 6 Capitol attack and sensitive document retention charges.