AMERICA
Settlements, Drones, and Birthright Citizenship
1. ABC News Settles Defamation Suit, against whom?
ABC News has reached a $16 million deal to end a defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos’ false allegation that Donald Trump was held civilly responsible for raping E. Jean Carroll. The settlement includes $1 million for legal expenses and $15 million for Trump’s presidential library. The settlement, which was made public on Saturday, includes an editor’s statement on ABC’s website expressing regret for the mistake that occurred on March 10 on Stephanopoulos’ program “This Week.” The gift is designated as a “charitable contribution” to a nonprofit organization associated with the future library. ABC expressed pleasure with the outcome, bringing the high-profile disagreement to an end.
2. Mysterious Drones Over New Jersey Spark UFO Buzz, Officials Dismiss Foreign Involvement
Residents of New Jersey were wondering about UFOs or possibly an Iranian “mothership,” as suggested by Rep. Jeff Van Drew, after recent mysterious drone sightings over the state’s sky. There is no proof that the drones are connected to coastal boats or national security concerns, according to White House spokesperson John Kirby, who vehemently denied any foreign participation. Using cutting-edge detection technology, federal organizations such as the FBI and Homeland Security are aggressively conducting investigations. Initial reports indicate that legal manned aircraft, not drones, were responsible for the majority of sightings. To ascertain the reports’ actual source, officials are still collaborating closely with state and local authorities.
3. Man Receives 100-Year Sentence for Deadly Nevada-Arizona Shooting Spree
Christopher McDonnell, 32, was sentenced to a minimum of 100 years in prison on Friday for his role in an 11-hour shooting rampage across Nevada and Arizona that left one man dead. McDonnell, along with his brother and sister-in-law, carried out a series of random shootings that resulted in over 20 felony charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and multiple weapons violations. Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones handed down the sentence, making McDonnell eligible for parole in 2120, provided he is still alive, with credit for time already served. The case highlights the severity of the crimes, which left a trail of devastation across state lines.
4. Trump’s Push to End Birthright Citizenship Could Gain Traction in Second Term
Legal experts believe that if Donald Trump returns to the White House, his plan to end birthright citizenship in the United States may become more possible. Regardless of the immigration status of their parents, anybody born in the United States is guaranteed citizenship under the US Constitution. Trump had promised to abolish this privilege during his first administration, but his attempts had failed. He recently restated his goal, saying he might do it by enlisting the help of the public or by taking administrative action. Some experts think that since the Supreme Court now has a conservative majority, there may be more space in the law for such an extraordinary action than there was during his last tenure.
ASIA
Coal mine, South Korea, Electric trucks
1. Daring Rescue in Afghanistan: 22 Miners Freed After Coal Mine Collapse
In a tense and prolonged operation, Afghan rescuers successfully freed 22 miners who had been trapped for hours after a coal mine collapsed in the Dara-i Sof Payin district of northern Samangan province. The incident occurred late Saturday, initially sparking fears as reports suggested 32 miners were trapped underground. However, the number was later revised to 22, all of whom were rescued without any serious injuries. Rescue teams, equipped with excavators, worked relentlessly from early morning and managed to open the mine’s entrance after nightfall on Sunday, according to Samangan governor spokesperson Esmat Muradi. The successful operation brought relief to the miners’ families and highlighted the resilience of local emergency teams.
2. Acting President Han Vows Stability as South Korea Faces Leadership Crisis
Following the impeachment and suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol over a martial law attempt, South Korea’s acting president, Han Duck-soo, sought to reassure allies and stabilize financial markets on Sunday. In a phone call with US President Joe Biden, Han pledged that South Korea’s foreign and security policies would remain steady, emphasizing the unwavering strength of the South Korea-US alliance. Meanwhile, the main opposition party announced it would not pursue Han’s impeachment for his involvement in Yoon’s controversial December 3 martial law decision, signaling efforts to maintain leadership stability during the political turmoil
3. China’s Electric Truck Dominance Grows, but Global Expansion Faces Hurdles
Building on its success in the electric car industry, China has been quietly solidifying its leadership in the electric trucking market, leveraging its robust domestic supply chain and low-cost production strategies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China accounted for 70% of global electric truck sales in 2023, though electric trucks still represent less than 1% of total truck sales worldwide. Experts believe China’s established automakers and innovative start-ups are poised to transform the trucking sector much like they did with electric cars. The IEA remains optimistic about significant growth in the next decade, driven by advancements in technology and supportive policies. However, foreign tariffs and concerns over a perceived quality gap in Chinese-made trucks are seen as potential obstacles to China’s efforts to expand its global footprint in this emerging market.
4. Dhaka in Turmoil: Commission Calls for Disbandment of Notorious Armed Police Unit
The Bangladesh inquiry commission, investigating abuses under the ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, has recommended the dissolution of a feared armed police unit, a senior member revealed on Sunday. Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled to India on August 5 amidst a massive student-led uprising that breached the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.
Her regime faced accusations of rampant human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings of hundreds of political opponents and the forced disappearances of countless others
MENA
Rebellious Syria, Israel Embassy, journalist killed
1. Turkiye Offers Military Support to Syria’s Rebel-Led Transitional Government
Turkiye’s Defence Minister Yasar Guler announced readiness to provide military support to Syria’s new rebel-led government, formed after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, if requested. Speaking to Anadolu and other Turkish media on Sunday, Guler emphasized the need to give the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, which leads the new administration, “a chance” to prove itself. While HTS has roots in Al-Qaeda and is labeled a terrorist group by many Western nations, its transitional government has pledged to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all Syrians, signaling efforts to moderate its stance.
2. UN Envoy Urges Justice Over Revenge in Post-Assad Syria
Following the dramatic overthrow of Bashar al-Assad after an 11-day rebel offensive, UN special envoy Geir Pedersen called for “justice and accountability” in Syria, emphasizing the need for a credible justice system to prevent acts of revenge. Speaking in Damascus on Sunday, Pedersen acknowledged the profound transformation after the fall of the Assad regime, which ended over 50 years of rule by the Assad family. While expressing hope for Syria’s future, he cautioned about the challenges ahead, urging the global community to ensure the transition is handled carefully to build a foundation for lasting peace and justice.
3. Israel Shuts Dublin Embassy Amid Tensions Over Ireland’s Stance on Palestine
Israel announced on Sunday that it would close its embassy in Dublin, citing what it called Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.” The decision follows a series of actions by the Irish government that have deeply angered Israel, including Dublin’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its support for international legal action against Israel over its military actions in Gaza. Tensions first flared in May when Israel recalled its ambassador following Ireland’s move to officially recognize Palestine as a state. Last week, the situation worsened when Ireland backed South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide. In a statement, Israel’s foreign ministry emphasized that the embassy closure was a direct response to Ireland’s policies, which it views as hostile and unfair.
4. Israeli Strikes Kill 48 in Gaza, Including Al Jazeera Journalist and Rescue Workers
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza claimed the lives of at least 48 Palestinians on Sunday, including children, rescue workers, and an Al Jazeera journalist, according to local medics. The attacks began with the bombing of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, where Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed al-Louh was killed. The strikes continued, targeting a school in Khan Younis, southern Gaza’s main city, that was being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported widespread fatalities across the region, including three rescuers attempting to aid victims of the bombings. The Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera confirmed and condemned the death of their journalist, describing it as part of the growing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. These latest airstrikes add to the mounting toll of civilian casualties as the conflict continues to intensify.
EUROPE
Deadly storms, emergency Aids
1. Ukraine Downs Over Half of Russian Drones in Massive Overnight Attack
Ukraine’s air defenses successfully intercepted 56 out of 108 drones launched by Russia in an overnight assault, while another 49 were disrupted through electronic jamming, Kyiv’s military reported on Sunday. Despite the defensive efforts, debris from the destroyed drones caused damage to residential buildings, homes, and an unspecified piece of infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones during the same period, marking another night of intense aerial warfare in the ongoing conflict.
2. Britain Joins Trans-Pacific Trade Bloc in Post-Brexit Milestone
Britain officially became the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on Sunday, marking its largest trade deal since Brexit. The accession allows Britain to apply CPTPP trade rules and lower tariffs with eight member nations—Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam—starting immediately, with provisions for Australia beginning December 24 and Canada and Mexico following ratification. This membership also marks Britain’s first free trade agreements with Malaysia and Brunei, offering expanded opportunities for businesses under advanced “rules of origin” provisions that simplify trade within the bloc.
3. Deadly Storm Wrecks Two Russian Tankers, Triggers Black Sea Oil Spill
Russia launched a rescue operation on Sunday after two oil tankers, the Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, were wrecked in a fierce storm in the Kerch Strait near Moscow-annexed Crimea. One tanker broke apart, resulting in the death of at least one sailor and causing a significant oil spill in the Black Sea. The tankers were carrying thousands of tonnes of fuel oil, with varying reports on crew numbers—15 and 14, according to Rosmorrechflot, while the emergency ministry stated 13 and 14. Rescue teams are working to contain the environmental damage and ensure the safety of the remaining crew.
4. UK Pledges £50m in Emergency Aid for Syrians After Assad’s Overthrow
The UK has announced £50m in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable Syrians and refugees in Lebanon and Jordan following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The funds will be delivered through the UN and NGOs to address urgent needs across the region. The Foreign Office also emphasized its commitment to fostering better governance in Syria, urging the transitional government to establish a non-sectarian and representative administration, protect human rights, ensure humanitarian access, and combat terrorism. On Saturday, UK officials joined international talks in Aqaba with representatives from the US, EU, and Middle Eastern nations to discuss the path forward for a peaceful and secure Syria, including the destruction of chemical weapons.
