Daily Hot News: Recent Episodes
Phu Pham Cong
Breaking news channels are dedicated media outlets that provide immediate coverage of important and significant events happening around the world. These channels use various media platforms, such as television, online, and social media, to deliver breaking news and updates to audiences in real-time. They offer 24-hour coverage of events as they unfold, delivering in-depth analysis and expert opinions from journalists and analysts. The aim of breaking news channels is to provide up-to-date and accurate information to the public and to keep them informed of critical news that may impact their lives. These channels cover a wide range of topics such as politics, economics, social issues, natural disasters, and conflicts. Breaking news channels often work closely with news agencies and correspondents around the world to gather and report on events as they happen, and to provide the most comprehensive and accurate coverage to their audiences.
Two former Israeli intelligence operatives have revealed new details about a covert operation that involved rigging communication devices used by Hezbollah in Lebanon with explosives—a mission that spanned over a decade.
In an exclusive interview with CBS, the operatives, disguised with masks and voice changers, recounted how Israel’s Mossad meticulously planned and executed the operation. Beginning ten years ago, the campaign aimed to infiltrate Hezbollah’s supply chain and discreetly deliver booby-trapped radio devices.
A Decade-Long Strategy:
The operation began with Mossad crafting a plan to embed explosives into the batteries of radios intended for Hezbollah. The agency established several fake companies to conceal the origin of these devices. Pricing was deliberately set at competitive levels to avoid raising suspicions. Over the years, Hezbollah reportedly acquired 16,000 of these rigged devices.
A tragic aviation incident unfolded today as a commercial aircraft carrying over 70 passengers and crew members crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The full extent of casualties is still being determined, with conflicting reports about the number of survivors.
The Embraer E190 aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was initially scheduled to fly from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, the capital of the Chechen Republic in Russia. However, adverse weather conditions in Grozny forced the flight to alter its course. The plane was attempting to land when it crashed under unclear circumstances.
Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed that 72 individuals were aboard the flight, comprising 67 passengers and 5 crew members. Initial reports from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations indicate that 25 people have been transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida is part of a decades-long tradition of tracking Santa Claus’ Christmas Eve journey, a mission led by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) for nearly 70 years.This year, NORAD confirmed that its Santa-tracking program will once again follow St. Nick and his reindeer as they deliver gifts worldwide. Santa is expected to depart the North Pole at 4 a.m. UTC on December 24 (4 p.m. Hanoi time), embarking on his globe-trotting journey.The tradition dates back to 1955, when a misprinted advertisement listed the phone number of NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CADC), as Santa’s hotline. Colonel Harry Shoup, then head of CADC, received numerous calls from children asking if he was Santa Claus. While denying he was the man in red, Shoup told the kids that CADC was monitoring Santa's flight using radar.
Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to direct the U.S. Department of Justice to rigorously pursue the death penalty, aiming to protect Americans from “rapists, murderers, and violent monsters.”
"President Biden has just commuted the sentences of 37 of the worst murderers in America," Trump stated on Truth Social on December 24. "When you hear about their crimes, you won’t believe Biden did this. It’s outrageous. Families and friends of the victims are devastated—they can't comprehend this happening."
On December 23, President Biden announced the commutation of death sentences for 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates, converting their punishments to life imprisonment without parole. Among those commuted were nine individuals convicted of killing fellow inmates, four sentenced for murders during bank robberies, and one inmate who killed a prison guard.
In a rapidly shifting global landscape, the dynamics between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are poised to redefine U.S.-Russia relations over the next four years. Both leaders are carefully weighing each other's strengths and vulnerabilities to shape their strategies moving forward.
Trump, eager to craft a legacy as a global peacekeeper, is eyeing a breakthrough deal to end the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Putin seeks a broader European security agreement that entrenches Ukraine’s dependence on Russia, weakens NATO, and solidifies Moscow’s standing as a global powerhouse.
Before any potential negotiations, the Kremlin is analyzing Trump’s signals, ambitions, and perceived weaknesses, all while remaining wary of his unpredictable nature. Analysts in Moscow point out that Trump’s limited geopolitical knowledge and reliance on intuition over expert advice could shape his approach.
The U.S. Navy cruiser USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a mission over the Red Sea, forcing both pilots to eject.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing American military operations in the Middle East, confirmed the incident today. The downed aircraft belonged to the USS Harry S. Truman’s carrier strike group. Specific details regarding the time and location remain undisclosed.
"Both pilots safely ejected and were rescued. Preliminary assessments indicate one suffered minor injuries. The aircraft was not downed by hostile fire, and a comprehensive investigation is underway," CENTCOM stated.
The U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) later cited military officials reporting the incident occurred at 3 a.m. local time (7 a.m. Hanoi time). Although the squadron operating the aircraft was not explicitly mentioned, the jet likely belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron 11, the only unit aboard the USS Harry S. Truman equipped with F/A-18F fighters.
Despite being the world’s foremost military power, the U.S. has faced numerous incidents of friendly fire. The latest occurred on December 22, when the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired at an F/A-18F Super Hornet over the Red Sea.
The mishap unfolded at 3 a.m., according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). After the missile struck, both pilots ejected safely and were rescued. The USS Gettysburg and the Super Hornet are part of the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group. U.S. forces are now considering retrieving the downed aircraft.
This isn’t the first time the U.S. military has experienced such tragic errors, even with advanced friend-or-foe identification technologies.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has released footage of the raid and arrest of Akhmad Kurbanov, the suspect in the assassination of chemical corps commander General Igor Kirillov in Moscow.On December 20, the FSB published a video showing armed officers storming an apartment in the Moscow region where Akhmad Kurbanov was residing. The footage later cuts to Kurbanov, dressed in a black coat, handcuffed and kneeling in the snow outdoors.The FSB, in coordination with the rapid response unit of the Russian National Guard, apprehended Kurbanov, a 29-year-old Uzbek national, in connection with the December 17 bombing that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his aide, Major Ilya Polikarpov, in Moscow.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a new budget bill to avert a government shutdown, just hours before the deadline. However, the Senate must still approve the measure.
The Republican-led bill was passed on December 20 with 366 votes in favor and 34 against. Most Democrats supported the legislation, while all opposing votes came from Republicans.
"Democrats have remained steadfast in our commitment to cooperation over division. The American people deserve a government that works for them," Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson wrote on social media.
Billionaire Elon Musk has suggested that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz should step down following a car attack that killed two people at a Christmas market in the country.
On December 20, Musk, a tech tycoon selected by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as co-chair of the Government Efficiency Team in the new administration, posted critical comments targeting Chancellor Scholz. The remarks came after a car rammed into a Christmas market in the central square of Magdeburg, a city in eastern Germany.
Musk described the attack as “a direct consequence of uncontrolled mass immigration.” The suspect in the incident is a 50-year-old physician originally from Saudi Arabia, residing in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.
“Scholz should resign immediately. He is utterly incompetent,” Musk wrote on social media platform X.
Germany faces heightened political uncertainty after Chancellor Olaf Scholz was ousted following a failed confidence vote on December 16. The loss, stemming from Scholz’s own request for the vote, fell short of the majority needed to maintain his position. With his departure, Germany is now gearing up for early elections set for February 23, 2025.This development comes amid significant economic and geopolitical challenges, further deepening the country’s political instability.Scholz’s governing coalition, composed of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the Greens, collapsed on November 6 due to budget disagreements. This left Scholz heading a minority government, struggling to push through key policies.“A failed project,” said Andrea Rommele, professor of political communication at Hertie School, Berlin, describing the breakdown of the three-party alliance.
The collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government has sparked a fierce scramble for influence and strategic interests in Syria among global powers, jeopardizing efforts to stabilize the war-torn nation.In the week following Assad's ousting, Syria has been struck by airstrikes from three foreign powers, each pursuing its own agenda: the U.S. targeting Islamic State (IS) remnants in the east, Turkey pressuring Kurdish militias in the northeast, and Israel attacking strategic assets within Syria.Meanwhile, Russia and Iran, Assad's key backers, have been rapidly repositioning or withdrawing their forces. Iran has evacuated 4,000 troops from Syria since Assad's fall, while Russia has pulled troops from central Syria to its coastal base in Hmeimim. It remains unclear whether this marks a complete withdrawal or a tactical redeployment.
The Pentagon announced on December 19 that the number of U.S. troops stationed in Syria has risen to approximately 2,000, up from the previously stated figure of 900. Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, confirmed that the additional troops had been deployed several months ago.Ryder stated that he only recently became aware of the updated troop count. He emphasized that the increase was unrelated to recent regional developments, including the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the resurgence of Islamic State (IS) activity, or ongoing operations against the group.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the United States of being complicit in the assassination of General Igor Kirillov, following what it described as a lack of condemnation from Washington.Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokesperson, criticized the U.S. response to the December 17 bombing in Moscow, which killed General Kirillov, head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops (RKhBZ), and his aide, Major Ilya Polikarpov."It’s absurd to see those who established the Kyiv regime, recklessly funded and armed it, claiming they are uninvolved. All evidence is clear—Washington has never condemned any terrorist or assassination act carried out by Kyiv," Zakharova stated.The U.S. government has denied involvement in the attack. A U.S. official remarked that Washington had "no prior knowledge" of the bombing and did not "assist or facilitate" such actions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting his annual end-of-year press conference today at 12 p.m. Moscow time (4 p.m. Hanoi time). This event serves as a platform for the president to address domestic and international issues while responding to questions from citizens and journalists worldwide.For the first time, Russia is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to manage the overwhelming volume of submitted questions. The GigaChat system, developed by Sberbank, has processed over 1.7 million inquiries, providing the president with a comprehensive overview of key topics before the conference begins. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that AI replaces the manual sorting process previously required throughout the year.The conference also takes place amid Russia’s unprecedented defense spending. On December 1, the Russian government announced a defense budget of 13.5 trillion rubles (approximately $126 billion) for 2025, approved by President Putin. This figure represents 32.5% of the total government expenditure of $378.5 billion, marking the largest defense budget in modern Russian history.
Elon Musk, leveraging his immense social media presence, disrupted U.S. politics by derailing a critical government spending bill in less than 12 hours.On December 17, the Republican-led House introduced a short-term spending bill, also known as a “continuing resolution,” to maintain the $6.2 trillion federal budget through March 14. These resolutions are often used to buy time for lawmakers to draft comprehensive year-long budget legislation, which funds the government through the fiscal year ending September 30. Without it, a government shutdown looms when the current short-term budget, passed on September 25, expires at midnight on December 20.Musk, newly appointed head of the Government Efficiency Board (DOGE) by President-elect Donald Trump, posted over 60 times on X (formerly Twitter), urging his 200 million followers to oppose the bill. His first post at 4:15 a.m. declared, "This bill should not pass," triggering a wave of calls to congressional offices.
Ukraine has announced its development of laser weapons capable of targeting aircraft at altitudes exceeding two kilometers, according to Vadym Sukharevskyi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces."If I'm not mistaken, Ukraine has become the fifth country to claim possession of laser weapons. With this technology, we can shoot down aircraft flying above two kilometers," Sukharevskyi declared on December 16.The weapon, named "Tryzub" (meaning "trident" in Ukrainian), shares its name with Ukraine's national emblem, suggesting it is likely a domestically developed technology. While Sukharevskyi confirmed the weapon’s operational status, he did not provide images or further technical details.Laser weapons are a form of directed-energy weapon that uses focused beams to destroy targets. They are considered an efficient and cost-effective solution against drones, which have been widely deployed in the conflict in Ukraine.
Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit the French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte in nearly a century, has left devastating destruction, with officials fearing that thousands may have perished.
"I believe hundreds, possibly a thousand or even thousands of people may have died," François-Xavier Bieuville, the head of the Mayotte archipelago, told local media on December 15. He added that it remains extremely difficult to assess the full scale of casualties caused by Cyclone Chido.
The storm made landfall on the night of December 14 with winds exceeding 200 km/h (124 mph), tearing through homes, government buildings, and a hospital.
In his first comments regarding Turkey's role in Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump described the anti-government movement’s success as a “forced takeover” orchestrated by Turkey.
Speaking on December 16, Trump referred to Turkey as "a significant military force, untouched by the wear of war," and claimed Ankara had carried out a strategic maneuver that required "very few lives lost" by supporting the anti-government factions during Assad's removal.
"They have wanted this for thousands of years, and they’ve got it. The ones taking power are under Turkey’s control. But that’s okay—it’s one way to fight," Trump stated, seemingly alluding to the historical Ottoman Empire, which once ruled territories encompassing modern-day Syria.
Trump further suggested that the situation in Syria remains highly fluid, but Turkey now "holds the key" to determining the nation’s future.
A tragic shooting took place at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 16, 2024, leaving three individuals dead, including the suspected shooter. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about gun violence in U.S. schools.According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, the shooting occurred around 11 a.m. at the private Catholic school, which serves students from ages 5 to 18. The school has an enrollment of about 400 students. The suspect, a student enrolled at the school, carried out the attack, which resulted in the deaths of one teacher, one student, and the suspect themselves.In addition to the fatalities, six individuals were injured during the incident. Among the injured, two students are reported to be in critical condition, while the others are receiving medical treatment for less severe injuries. The police department confirmed that a 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene. However, authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting, and investigations are ongoing.
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City footballer with an anti-Western stance, has been elected President of Georgia in a vote boycotted by opposition parties.On December 14, Georgia’s Electoral College confirmed Kavelashvili as the country’s new president with 224 votes in favor. This marks the first time Georgia has utilized an electoral college system for its presidential election, following constitutional amendments in 2017.The Electoral College comprises 300 members, including parliamentarians, representatives from the Supreme Councils of the Autonomous Republics of Adjara and Abkhazia, and local government officials. However, only 225 members participated in the vote.The opposition, including 61 lawmakers, boycotted the process, refusing to recognize the October 26 parliamentary election results, where the ruling Georgian Dream party secured nearly 54% of the vote—a victory the opposition claims was achieved through electoral fraud.
"The Middle East has witnessed a year of unprecedented chaos, with the Gaza conflict intensifying, Israel-Iran tensions escalating, and the sudden overthrow of Syria's government."The crisis erupted in late 2023, as simmering tensions in Gaza escalated into a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hamas. This event set off a chain reaction of crises across the region throughout 2024, plunging the Middle East deeper into turmoil and widespread violence.When the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched their offensive in Gaza in October 2023, Mohammed Shakib Hassan, a Palestinian civil servant from northern Gaza, expected the war to last no more than two months, envisioning a peaceful start to 2024.
Good morning, listeners! Today, we dive into a major political crisis in South Korea that’s raising alarms for its implications on the nation’s critical alliance with the United States. Let’s explore how the turmoil could shake regional stability and reshape the diplomatic landscape.
South Korea Faces Political Crisis Amid Alliance Uncertainty with the U.S.
South Korea’s political paralysis has cast a shadow over its vital alliance with the United States as Seoul braces for the unpredictable presidency of Donald Trump.
A month ago, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was fine-tuning his golf game, aiming to foster a personal rapport with President-elect Trump during potential rounds of golf. This was part of an effort to ensure smooth bilateral ties. But as Yoon now struggles for political survival, facing impeachment for declaring martial law on December 3, hopes for a stable alliance appear increasingly uncertain.
President-elect Donald Trump has called on authorities to take decisive action against unidentified drones spotted in New Jersey and across the United States. Trump emphasized the need for transparency or immediate action to neutralize the potential threat posed by these drones."There have been numerous sightings of mysterious drones across the country. Does the government really not know what’s going on? I don’t think so! Explain it to the people immediately. If not, shoot the drones down!" Trump posted on Truth Social on December 13, amplifying growing public concerns about the issue.
In a recent interview with TIME on December 12, President-elect Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would impose heavy tariffs and halt trade with countries that refuse to accept the return of illegal immigrants deported by the United States."I will send them back to their countries, or we will stop doing business with those countries," Trump stated, explaining his plan for mass deportation. His remarks came as he was named TIME's Person of the Year 2024.Border security and immigration are set to be two key issues for Trump’s second term in office. Throughout his campaign, he repeatedly referred to illegal immigration as an "invasion" of the U.S. and criticized other countries for "releasing criminals" and allowing individuals with questionable backgrounds to make their way to America.
Luigi Mangione, 26, does not appear to have been a customer of UnitedHealthcare but may have targeted the company's CEO due to its size and influence, according to police.“We have found no evidence indicating that Luigi Mangione ever used UnitedHealthcare's health insurance services. However, he had previously referred to it as the fifth-largest corporation in the United States, which also makes it the largest health insurer in the country. That may explain why he chose this company as his target,” said Joseph Kenny, lead investigator at the New York Police Department (NYPD), on December 12.Kenny's statement followed Mangione's arrest on charges of murdering Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in a street ambush in New York City earlier this month. Authorities are questioning Mangione to uncover his motives.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the President-elect, has proposed a bold plan involving European troops to supervise a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal on December 12. This proposal signals a potential shift in the international approach to the ongoing conflict.During a meeting in Paris on December 7 with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump reiterated his stance against Ukraine joining NATO. However, he emphasized his commitment to a "strong and well-armed Kyiv" after the war concludes. Trump suggested that European nations, rather than the United States, should take the lead in safeguarding Ukraine’s post-conflict stability. He proposed deploying European soldiers to Ukraine as part of an international peacekeeping force to oversee and enforce a potential ceasefire agreement.
The Kremlin labeled recent remarks on Ukraine by France’s Macron and Britain’s Cameron as ‘dangerous’.
In Kyiv, Ukraine, the Kremlin's spokesman criticized recent comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron regarding the conflict in Ukraine, stating they will exacerbate international tensions.
Macron's suggestion of the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine was described by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as "a very important and very dangerous statement." Peskov expressed concern over the potential direct French involvement in the conflict, calling it "a very dangerous trend."
Hope Hicks, one of Trump's closest aides, took the stand on Friday, offering damaging testimony against her former boss. Throughout her tenure, Hicks had been a constant presence by Trump's side, serving as one of his most trusted advisors from the early days of his political career to the end of his presidency.
Appearing under subpoena at his trial, Hicks seemed visibly uncomfortable and nervous about testifying. When asked to speak more clearly into the microphone, she admitted to being "really nervous" to be there. As Trump's lawyer began cross-examining her, Hicks broke down in tears, prompting Judge Juan Merchan to grant a recess to allow her to regain composure.
BF Borgers and its owner, Benjamin Borgers, have agreed to settle civil charges brought forth by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with a total penalty of $14 million. The SEC accused the auditing firm, which includes Trump Media among its clients, of engaging in fraudulent activities that impacted over 1,500 SEC filings. Benjamin Borgers will pay $2 million, and BF Borgers will pay $12 million as part of the settlement. Additionally, both parties have agreed to permanent suspensions from practicing as accountants on SEC filings.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded on Monday to accusations made by US officials that Beijing is considering providing “lethal support” to Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The ministry accused the US of “shoving responsibility, shifting blame and spreading false information” and argued that the US, not China, is the one supplying weapons to the battlefield. The ministry spokesperson stated that the US is “not qualified to lecture China” and warned against any attempts to dictate or coerce pressure on Sino-Russian relations. The accusations, if true, would mark a significant escalation in China’s support for Russia and could lead to a dangerous and unpredictable new phase in the war. While China has claimed impartiality in the conflict and denied advance knowledge of Russia’s intentions, it has also refused to condemn Moscow and has repeated Kremlin lines blaming NATO for provoking the conflict. China’s annual trade, diplomatic engagements and joint military exercises with Russia have increased in the past year, despite a recent softening of its pro-Russian rhetoric. CNN reported that US officials have shared the intelligence on China’s potential support for Russia with allies and partners at the Munich Security Conference. During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also raised the issue and warned Wang about its “implications and consequences”. The international community is closely watching for any support China lends to Russia, particularly assistance that could help Russia on the battlefield. The concern is that China’s partnership with Moscow could deepen, exacerbating the geopolitical fault lines between the US and China.