Former defense minister Yoav Gallant announced his resignation from the Knesset, ending 45 years of public service. He cited his removal over insisting on drafting haredim into the IDF. Gallant reaffirmed his loyalty to the Likud party, despite missing a crucial Knesset vote, which led to calls for him to be declared a “resigning MK.” This designation would prevent him from running in the next elections with any current Knesset parties but allows him to run with a new party. Penelope Kingsley 01/01/2025 9:00 pm
2024 was eventful with Biden dropping out, Harris’s rise, two Trump assassination attempts, ongoing wars, Assad’s fall, and Trump’s reelection. Highlights included breakdancing at the Paris Olympics, SpaceX’s spacewalk, and Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah. As 2025 begins, the “Honestly” podcast features predictions from experts like Sarah Isgur on Trump’s White House, John McWhorter on language, Suzy Weiss on culture, Leandra Medine Cohen on fashion, and Niall Ferguson on global conflict. The discussions offer both optimism and concern for the year ahead. Noah Prescott 01/01/2025 5:30 pm
Authorities have identified all 179 victims of the Jeju Air crash in South Korea. Families will visit the crash site to pay respects. The U.S. is aiding the investigation with experts from the FAA, Boeing, CFM International, and the NTSB. The crash involved a Boeing 737-800, prompting a review of 101 similar aircraft in local airlines. Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed after a bird strike warning and distress call during landing. The plane had 175 passengers and six crew members, departing from Bangkok. Noah Prescott 01/01/2025 5:30 pm
Puerto Rico experienced a near island-wide blackout on New Year’s Eve, affecting about 90% of 1.5 million customers. Luma Energy reported that over 700,000 clients, including essential services, regained power by late Tuesday. The blackout, caused by a failure at Costa Sur power plant, reignited calls to address ongoing power issues since Hurricane Maria in 2017. US officials, including President Biden, have been briefed, and assistance has been offered. Residents expressed frustration over frequent outages, impacting the economy and quality of life. Noah Prescott 01/01/2025 5:30 pm
Romania and Bulgaria have joined the Schengen zone, expanding it to 29 members and ending a 13-year wait. Austria and others dropped objections, allowing the expansion. Land border checks between Bulgaria, Romania, and neighboring EU countries ceased, enabling free travel. Previously, open travel was limited to air and sea. Ceremonies marked the occasion at key border crossings. Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 but faced opposition, mainly from Austria, over migration concerns. The expansion followed efforts by Hungary during its EU presidency. Noah Prescott 01/01/2025 5:30 pm
Ukraine has ended a 60-year agreement allowing Russian gas to transit its territory, halting the flow to Europe. Gazprom confirmed the suspension due to Ukraine’s refusal to renew the deal. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine had allowed gas transit, benefiting both nations financially. European leaders assert they can manage without this route, having reduced Russian gas imports significantly. The EU claims its gas system is resilient, with alternatives like LNG and non-Russian pipelines ready to replace the Ukrainian transit route. Penelope Kingsley 01/01/2025 5:30 pm
The damaged flight data recorder from the Jeju Air crash in South Korea will be analyzed in the U.S. by the National Transportation Safety Board, with South Korean investigators involved. The crash, which occurred at Muan International Airport, killed 179 of 181 onboard, marking South Korea’s deadliest aviation accident in nearly 30 years. Initial data from the cockpit voice recorder is being processed in South Korea. Families of victims have visited the crash site, and an altar has been set up at the airport for mourners. The crash’s cause remains under investigation. Ava Sinclair 01/01/2025 2:00 pm
Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan have heightened regional tensions, straining ties with the Afghan Taliban. The strikes targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants after 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Pakistan claims several TTP leaders died, while the Taliban reported civilian casualties, condemning the strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty. The Taliban retaliated with attacks inside Pakistan. This marks Pakistan’s third major operation in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power, and the second in 2023. Penelope Kingsley 01/01/2025 2:00 pm
An Ecuadorean judge ordered the arrest of 16 soldiers linked to the disappearance and murder of four children in Guayaquil. The children, aged 11 to 15, went missing after playing soccer. Security footage showed a military patrol taking two children. The military admitted detaining them but claimed they were released. Charred bodies found near a military base were identified as the children. Prosecutors plan to seek murder charges. The case has sparked protests and highlighted Ecuador’s struggle with violence and human rights issues. Ava Sinclair 01/01/2025 2:00 pm
Ukraine has halted Russian gas transit to Europe after a key deal expired, citing national security. This symbolic move follows Europe’s reduction of Russian gas imports amid the ongoing war. Gazprom, Russia’s gas giant, faces significant financial losses, while Ukraine loses transit fees. The expired deal accounted for 5% of the EU’s gas imports, mainly affecting Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. Europe now relies on the Turkstream pipeline and has prepared alternative routes and increased LNG import capacities to mitigate the impact. Ava Sinclair 01/01/2025 2:00 pm
