North Korean forces fighting for Russia in Ukraine are experiencing severe losses, with about 4,000 soldiers killed or wounded, according to Western intelligence. This high casualty rate, affecting over a third of the 11,000 troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, is significantly impairing their combat capabilities. The losses include various ranks, even senior officers, and are attributed to interoperability issues and lack of prior combat experience. Despite these challenges, North Korean troops have only achieved limited tactical gains, raising concerns about their sustainability in the conflict. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 7:00 pm
Storm Eowyn hit Ireland and Northern Ireland with record winds, causing widespread power outages and disruptions. Nearly one-third of Irish homes and businesses lost power, with 715,000 affected in Ireland and 93,000 in Northern Ireland. Schools, public transport, and non-urgent hospital procedures were canceled, and 230 flights at Dublin Airport were disrupted. Met Eireann recorded a gust of 182 kph, breaking an 80-year record. The storm prompted a nationwide red wind warning, the first since 2017. Climate scientists remain uncertain about the link between climate change and storm frequency. Noah Prescott 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
Hamas plans to release four Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—on Saturday under a Gaza ceasefire deal, in exchange for 180 Palestinian prisoners. This follows a previous exchange involving three hostages and 90 prisoners. The ceasefire, brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, halted a conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. Hamas will also provide information on 26 remaining hostages, including the Bibas family. The prisoners to be released are of a more serious category than those in the first exchange. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
In Jenin, Israeli forces’ assault has led to forced displacement, mass arrests, and reports of field executions. Palestinians face severe hardship with damaged infrastructure and restricted medical access. Israeli troops have imposed a siege, using drones and biometric systems to monitor residents. Salah, a local, described the use of technology to target young men for arrest. At least 13 Palestinians have been killed, and medical staff face restrictions. Residents endure mass arrests and interrogations, with reports of collective punishment. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
Hugh Grant is urging a police investigation into News Group Newspapers (NGN) following Prince Harry’s settlement and apology from NGN. Grant, a Hacked Off campaign director, aims to spark a new criminal investigation against NGN, despite legal challenges. NGN admitted to criminal activity by private investigators, not journalists, and issued an apology. Grant and others, including Harry, call for further investigation into unlawful activities and cover-ups. The Metropolitan Police await correspondence to consider reopening investigations, previously closed after extensive probes and prosecutions. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
Jannik Sinner advanced to his second consecutive Australian Open final by defeating Ben Shelton in straight sets, 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2. Sinner, the world No. 1, saved two set points in the first set, which he described as crucial. He will face Alexander Zverev in the final, aiming for his third consecutive hard-court major title. Sinner, 23, is the youngest man to reach multiple Melbourne finals since Jim Courier. Despite a 4-2 losing record against Zverev, Sinner is on a 20-match winning streak on hard courts. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi returned early from the World Economic Forum due to escalating conflict with M23 rebels in the eastern region. The rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized more territory, including Masisi and Minova, and are advancing on Goma, displacing over 400,000 people. Over 200 civilians have been killed, and food shortages threaten Goma as roads are blocked. The fall of Goma would be significant for the rebels, who briefly held it in 2012. Urgent security meetings are underway. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
The Israeli government announced it will not meet the deadline to withdraw its military from Lebanon, citing Lebanon’s failure to deploy its army in southern Lebanon as per the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Israel insists its withdrawal is conditional on Lebanon’s compliance and is coordinating with the U.S. for a gradual pullout. Hezbollah warned that Israel’s continued presence would breach the agreement. Discussions with the Trump administration are ongoing to extend the withdrawal timeline, with Israel emphasizing its security needs. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
The National Zoo’s Panda Cam is back, coinciding with the debut of pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao. Launched in 2001, the popular video stream captures panda activities and is run by volunteers. It has been interrupted by government shutdowns but now streams daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 3:30 pm
The UK and Ireland are preparing for Storm Éowyn, a severe extratropical “bomb” cyclone with winds over 80 mph, heavy rain, and snow. Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have issued red wind warnings, indicating life-threatening conditions. Schools in Ireland and Northern Ireland will close, and public transport in Ireland will halt. Experts warn of dangerous driving conditions due to debris and fallen trees. Éowyn could rival past storms Eunice and Ciarán in severity. The storm is expected to move away by Saturday, but yellow wind warnings remain in northern UK. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 12:00 pm
