International

Ukraine ended the flow of Russian gas to some European nations after refusing to renew its transit agreement with Russia.

Kyiv ends flow of Russian gas to Europe after denying transit agreement

Kenyan authorities are investigating a large metallic object that fell from the sky into Mukuku Village in Makueni County on Dec. 30. The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) identified the debris as a separation ring from a rocket, a component usually designed to burn up during re-entry or land in uninhabited areas.

Investigation opened after 1,100-pound rocket debris crashes in Kenya

Fiji police investigate Virgin Australia crew members' alleged theft and sexual assault on New Year's Day in Nadi tourist area.

Virgin Australia crew attacked in Fiji on New Year’s Day: Police

This week on Weapons & Warfare, the team examined the evolving landscape of wargaming through the lens of female participation.

Women and the world of wargaming: Weapons and Warfare

A new report finds Hamas monitored Israeli border communities for at least seven years before the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.

Hamas gathered intel on Israeli border towns for 7 years: Israeli report

Russian President Vladimir Putin is cracking down on illegal migrants in Russia but will allow them legal status if they join the military.

Russia issues ultimatum to migrants, offers legal status for military service

The Pentagon revealed it is releasing one of the longest held prisoners at the U.S. military prison at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba.

US releases Guantánamo prisoner held without charge for more than 20 years

A new U.N. report claims Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war has brought the Palestinian healthcare system to the brink of collapse.

UN says Israel attacks put Gaza health care system on ‘brink of collapse’

The World Health Organization is asking China once again to share data on the origins of the Covid-19 virus that changed society.

WHO urges China to share COVID origin data 5 years since pandemic began

A new study in the UK is offering new statistics about smoking ahead of 2025, as many plan to quit for the new year.

Smoking one cigarette takes 20 minutes off a person’s life: Study

Russia and Ukraine carried out their 59th prisoner exchange since the full-scale invasion began, with 189 Ukrainians and 150 Russians released in a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The exchange highlights one of the few direct avenues of relief in a conflict now approaching its third year. Thousands of captives remain on both sides.

Hundreds of Ukrainian, Russian soldiers return home in largest prison swap

The parents of a suspected teen school shooter have been convicted and sentenced in connection with their son's alleged murders.

Parents of alleged school shooter in Serbia sentenced to prison

The U.S. announced it is sending another $6 billion in aid to Ukraine in the Biden administration's final days.

US to send nearly $6B to Ukraine in Biden administration’s final days

Venezuela’s Supreme Court fined TikTok $10 million on Monday, Dec., 30, alleging the platform failed to prevent the spread of viral challenges that have been linked to the deaths of three children in recent months. The court accused the platform, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, of negligence and ordered it to establish an office in Venezuela to oversee content compliance with local laws.

Venezuela fines TikTok $10M after viral challenges allegedly kill 3 children

Former One Direction member Liam Payne’s death in Buenos Aires has led to charges against five individuals, with allegations ranging from manslaughter to drug trafficking, according to Argentine judicial officials. Payne fell from the balcony of his hotel room in October 2024.

5 people charged in connection with singer Liam Payne’s death

The U.S. Treasury Department says it was hacked by Chinese actors.

Chinese-sponsored hackers behind ‘major’ breach: Treasury Department

A CIA agent-turned-whistleblower forced into retirement by a mysterious set of symptoms often dubbed “Havana Syndrome” is speaking out.

CIA covering up foreign link to ‘Havana Syndrome’: Whistleblower

In 2024, the world’s population added 71 million people, meaning 8.09 billion people will call the planet home on Jan. 1, 2025.

World population increased 71M in 2024 to reach 8.09B for start of New Year

Indian officials are investigating a link between Canadian colleges and two Mumbai entities accused in a human trafficking scheme.

India investigates Canadian colleges, alleged human trafficking: Report

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency after a rise in gang violence in the countries.

State of emergency declared in Trinidad and Tobago after rise in gang violence

Ukraine is strapping shotgun-style cannons to FPV drones in order to counter the unmanned aerial threat from Russia.

Ukraine drones now carry small cannons, fiber-optic cables

A Russian-linked tanker suspected of cutting a Baltic Sea cable linking Finland and Estonia was reportedly loaded with "spy equipment."

Kremlin’s Baltic Sea sabotage ship was reportedly loaded with spy gear

Chinese President Xi Jinping's alleged anti-corruption efforts across China are widening with more detention centers going up to hold suspects at the center of his crackdown.

China builds more detention centers as Xi Jinping ups anti-corruption drive

Azerbaijan's president says Russia unintentionally shot down a jetliner over Kazakhstan.

Azerbaijan’s president says Russia unintentionally shot down jetliner