Finnish investigators found an anchor drag mark on the Baltic Sea seabed linked to the Russia-linked vessel Eagle S, suspected of damaging the Estlink-2 power cable and data cables. The vessel, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” evading Western sanctions, was seized and is under investigation for aggravated interference and vandalism. The damage, considered potential sabotage, follows similar incidents involving Nord Stream pipelines. Finnish authorities are probing the intent behind the anchor mark, which extends nearly 100 kilometers. The Eagle S is flagged in the Cook Islands. Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 11:30 pm
During his presidency, Jimmy Carter made impactful decisions that continue to shape the US, despite their unpopularity at the time. Notably, he doubled the monthly refugee intake from Southeast Asia in 1979, addressing a dire humanitarian crisis. This decision, made against public opinion, allowed hundreds of thousands fleeing persecution to resettle in the US. Carter’s biographer, Kai Bird, highlights his willingness to tackle tough issues, prioritizing what he believed was right over political gain. Penelope Kingsley 30/12/2024 11:30 pm
Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the UAE. Russia swapped 150 Ukrainian soldiers for an equal number of Russian troops. Ukrainian President Zelensky said 189 Ukrainians returned, including defenders of Azovstal, Mariupol, Chernobyl, and Snake Island. This marked the 59th exchange since the invasion began. Released Ukrainians included soldiers and servicemen, some with serious illnesses. Russian troops returned to Belarus for medical assistance. Families awaited their loved ones amid emotional reunions. Noah Prescott 30/12/2024 8:00 pm
Dominique Pelicot, 72, will not appeal his conviction for drugging and raping his wife in France, avoiding further trauma for her. His lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, stated that Pelicot feared harsher penalties if he appealed. Seventeen of the 50 other men convicted in the case have appealed. Pelicot received a 20-year sentence, becoming one of France’s most notorious sexual predators. The case has sparked widespread discussions on spousal violence and rape culture. Noah Prescott 30/12/2024 8:00 pm
The German parliament’s interior committee questioned officials about security lapses before a deadly attack at Magdeburg’s Christmas market, where five were killed and 200 injured. Saudi psychiatrist Taleb A. was arrested at the scene. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser noted “striking signs of a pathological psyche” in the suspect but said the motive is unclear. A., who criticized Islam and Germany online, had a history of legal issues, and Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about him. Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 8:00 pm
The UN reports that 2024 concludes a “decade of deadly heat,” with the past 10 years being the hottest on record. António Guterres emphasizes the urgent need to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy by 2025 to avoid further climate breakdown. The World Meteorological Organisation highlights that 2023 was likely the warmest year, with extreme weather events like record rainfall, flooding, and cyclones causing widespread devastation. Greenhouse gas levels continue to rise, exacerbating climate extremes and locking in future heat. Noah Prescott 30/12/2024 8:00 pm
A concrete wall near the runway at Muan International Airport, South Korea, is under scrutiny after a plane crash killed 179 people. The wall, housing a navigation system, was 250m from the runway’s end. Experts argue its presence contributed to the fatalities, as the plane collided with it after an emergency landing. The wall’s design, intended to support a localiser, is considered “unusual” and not frangible, raising safety concerns. Authorities are investigating whether lighter materials should have been used to minimize impact damage. Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 8:00 pm
South Korean investigators have requested an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over a brief martial law declaration, marking the first such action against an incumbent president. Yoon, impeached by parliament, faces insurrection charges, which lack presidential immunity. His lawyer argues the arrest request is “unfair” and beyond the anti-corruption agency’s authority. The martial law, quickly overturned by parliament, shocked the nation and international allies. A Constitutional Court trial is underway to decide Yoon’s reinstatement or permanent removal, with a decision due in 180 days. Penelope Kingsley 30/12/2024 4:30 pm
Two survivors of South Korea’s deadliest plane crash, both flight attendants, are recovering in Seoul hospitals. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash killed 179 of 181 onboard. The survivors, Lee and Koo, are not critically injured. Investigators are probing the crash and broader aviation operations. Authorities have identified 141 victims, with 38 still unidentified. South Korea’s acting president ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country’s air fleet. The transport ministry will inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in South Korea, including 39 operated by Jeju Air. Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 4:30 pm
Northern Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital is out of service after an Israeli raid, endangering 75,000 Palestinians. The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, was arrested as a suspected Hamas operative. Critically ill patients were moved to the Indonesian Hospital, which is also non-functional, and Al-Shifa Hospital. The UN plans to transfer patients to southern Gaza. Al Awda Hospital is overwhelmed and low on supplies. The raid is part of Israeli operations targeting Hamas, worsening the humanitarian crisis with depleted resources and infrastructure. Penelope Kingsley 30/12/2024 4:30 pm
