Finnish investigators discovered a 100km seabed trail near a damaged underwater electricity cable, suspected to be Russian sabotage. The Eagle S, a vessel linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, is believed responsible, with its anchor causing the damage. The incident affected the Estlink 2 cable between Finland and Estonia, potentially raising Estonian electricity prices. While intent is under investigation, an Estonian official suspects deliberate action, likely by Russia. The Eagle S crew comprised Georgian and Indian nationals, and the ship was carrying Russian oil products.

Penelope Kingsley 30/12/2024 4:30 pm

The German government accused Elon Musk of interfering in its election by endorsing the far-right AfD party. Government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann acknowledged Musk’s right to free speech but criticized his actions as troubling interference. Musk’s recent posts and an editorial in Welt am Sonntag supporting AfD sparked outrage. Politicians, including health minister Karl Lauterbach and conservative leader Friedrich Merz, condemned Musk’s actions as undignified and intrusive. Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, also warned against outside influence in the upcoming election.

Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 4:30 pm

Andrei Kotov, a 40-year-old Russian travel agency director, died in Moscow’s pre-trial detention. He was charged with organizing “extremist” activities related to LGBTQ+ tours. Rights group OVD-Info reported Kotov was accused of creating an “extremist community” and spreading banned propaganda. Authorities claimed he committed suicide, with reports of “cut wounds” on his body. Kotov allegedly organized LGBTQ+ tours, including a New Year’s trip to Egypt and a cruise on the Volga River. His death follows Russia’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ activism and dissent.

Penelope Kingsley 30/12/2024 1:00 pm

In northern China, two teenagers received lengthy prison sentences for murdering a classmate with a shovel, sparking national debate on juvenile crime. The suspects, aged 13 at the time, bullied and killed their classmate Wang in March. Zhang was sentenced to life, Li to 12 years, while Ma received “special correctional education.” The case highlighted China’s 2021 law lowering the criminal responsibility age to 12 for severe crimes. The incident drew attention to the challenges faced by “left-behind” children, whose parents work in distant cities.

Noah Prescott 30/12/2024 1:00 pm

Investigators in South Korea have sought an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol after he failed to appear for questioning regarding his brief declaration of martial law. Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection, was stripped of his duties by parliament, pending a constitutional court decision on impeachment. This marks the first attempt to detain a president before impeachment is finalized. Yoon’s lawyers argue the arrest warrant is unjustified, claiming it was requested by an unauthorized agency and that an incumbent president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power.

Noah Prescott 30/12/2024 1:00 pm

Elon Musk sparked controversy by endorsing Germany’s far-right AfD party in a Welt am Sonntag opinion piece, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor. This comes ahead of Germany’s early elections after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition. Musk argued the AfD could ensure economic prosperity and innovation, challenging its extremist image. Despite strong polling, AfD’s Alice Weidel is unlikely to become chancellor due to other parties’ refusal to collaborate. Musk’s comments ignited a debate on free speech in German media.

Penelope Kingsley 30/12/2024 9:30 am

Families mourned at Muan International Airport after a Jeju Air crash killed 179 of 181 onboard, marking South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster in nearly 30 years. As 146 victims were identified, relatives demanded more information. Investigators are probing the cause, with the pilot reporting a bird strike and declaring an emergency before the crash.

Noah Prescott 30/12/2024 9:30 am

The story of climate change is complex, but graphics can effectively convey its impact. In 2024, Inside Climate News published nearly 350 graphics illustrating climate trends. The Keeling Curve shows rising CO2 levels due to fossil fuel use, despite warnings and ongoing subsidies. While the U.S. and Europe have reduced emissions, developing countries’ emissions rose, and international shipping and aviation emissions soared. Developing nations urge wealthy countries to support clean-energy transitions, given their historical contributions to the crisis.

Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 6:00 am

South Korean authorities have requested an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of insurrection and abuse of power following his brief martial law declaration. The Joint Investigation Headquarters, including officials from the Corruption Investigation Office, police, and Ministry of Defence, sought the warrant after Yoon ignored three summonses. Yoon, impeached by the National Assembly, faces charges punishable by life imprisonment or death. His lawyer claims the investigation exceeds authority. The crisis deepened as acting President Han Duck-soo was also impeached, transferring power to Deputy PM Choi Sang-mok.

Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 6:00 am

South Korea has identified 141 of 179 crash victims using DNA or fingerprints. A seven-day national mourning period has begun, with flags at half-mast and memorials nationwide. The crash cause is unclear, but a bird strike warning was issued before the incident. Experts question if airport construction contributed, citing a solid structure violating safety standards.

Ava Sinclair 30/12/2024 6:00 am