Category: Uncategorized
-
What’s behind the attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea?
Yemen-based Houthi rebels are being held responsible for repeated attacks on shipping vessels traveling to and from the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, resulting in the U.S. and several allies sending a naval task force. Who’s behind the attacks: Houthi rebels based in Yemen are known to be responsible for the vessel attacks in […]
-
A volcano in Iceland erupts weeks after thousands were evacuated from a nearby town
A volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula erupted Monday night, weeks after nearby town Grindavík was evacuated due to seismic activity. The eruption details: The eruption illuminated the sky and turned it orange at about 10 * The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the eruption occurred approximately 2.4 miles from Grindavík. * Magma, or semi-molten rock, […]
-
A look back at Putin’s year
The year 2023 started with challenges for Russian President Putin due to stagnation in his war in Ukraine, but ended with the death of his critic and possible exhaustion of Ukraine’s aid. The backstory: 2023 started with difficulties for Putin as the war he waged on Ukraine was at a standstill. * Putin faced criticism […]
-
U.S. defense secretary arrives in Israel as pressure mounts to end the war in Gaza
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has arrived in Israel amidst mounting pressure for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza that has seen a high death toll among Palestinian civilians. Current situation: Austin is set to meet with Israel’s Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and war cabinet to discuss the operational dismantling of Hamas and […]
-
Up First briefing: Defense Secretary visits Israel; Southwest to pay $140 million fine
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Israel amid escalating conflict, protests arise in Tel Aviv, a major change in U.S. immigration policy looms, Southwest Airlines faces a hefty fine and a landmark trial opens in Hong Kong. Middle East tensions: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Israel amidst increased pressure by the Biden administration on Israel […]
-
Landmark national security trial opens in Hong Kong for prominent publisher Jimmy Lai
A landmark national security trial for prominent activist publisher Jimmy Lai opened on Monday in Hong Kong, which is viewed as a significant test for press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong. Key details: This trial is Hong Kong’s first on charges of collusion with foreign forces and is tied to the closed pro-democracy […]
-
Disagreements emerge over who should be in control of Gaza when the war ends
There are disagreements between the U.S., Israel, Palestinian and Gulf leaders, and activists about who should take control of Gaza after the war’s end. Emerging dispute: The question of who should be in charge of Gaza after the war has led to disagreements. * Various actors such as the U.S., Israel, Palestinian and Gulf leaders, […]
-
The accounts of freed Israeli hostages add pressure to save those still in captivity
Former Israeli hostages’ accounts are pressuring authorities to save the ones still in captivity by Hamas. The incident: Danielle Aloni and Sharon Aloni Cunio, along with their husbands, daughters, and other family members were kidnapped by Hamas fighters on October 7th, during a raid on their kibbutz in southern Israel. * The hostages were released […]
-
Ukraine gets a EU membership boost, but Hungary blocks an aid deal
The European Union will start accession negotiations with Ukraine, however, a proposed financial aid package for Ukraine was derailed by a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The big picture: The EU decided on Thursday to begin discussions regarding Ukraine joining the Union, marking a key milestone for the war-torn country’s EU aspirations, which […]
-
This is ‘Whamageddon’ — the game where you avoid a certain Christmas song
‘Whamageddon’ is a seasonal game where players are eliminated upon hearing the original version of Wham’s “Last Christmas.” The big picture: “Whamageddon” is a game enjoyed during the holiday season with the objective of avoiding the song “Last Christmas” by 1980s pop duo Wham. * Its popularity has led to a DJ apologizing for playing […]