On December 24th, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe achieved a record-breaking close approach to the sun, reaching a mere 3.86 million miles from its surface. This unprecedented feat, the closest any human-made object has ever come to the sun, also saw the probe reach a new top speed of 430,000 mph. The mission, described as comparable in significance to the moon landing, will continue with two more similarly close solar passes planned for 2025. Mission controllers await confirmation of the probe’s survival following the close encounter.
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A report reveals that access to a pre-inauguration interfaith prayer service with President-elect Trump and Melania requires a minimum $100,000 donation or $200,000 raised for inaugural ceremonies. Higher donations grant access to additional events. The location and participants remain unconfirmed by the Trump transition team, which has not responded to requests for comment. This contrasts with previous inaugural services, some of which have drawn criticism for perceived political motivations and exclusionary practices.
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A UN report details the massacre of 207 people in Haiti between December 6th and 11th, perpetrated by the Wharf Jérémie gang. Victims, primarily elderly individuals accused of sorcery, were captured, interrogated, and executed at an execution site, with bodies subsequently burned or dismembered. This brutal act is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in Haiti, resulting in over 5,350 deaths and 2,155 injuries in 2023 alone. The report calls for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators, including potential complicity from Haitian authorities.
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On December 25th, Russia launched a widespread aerial assault on Ukraine, employing missiles and drones to target multiple cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Ivano-Frankivsk. The attacks primarily focused on energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts and damage to power plants, as reported by Ukraine’s Energy Minister and DTEK. Poland responded by scrambling fighter jets following the missile threat in western Ukraine. These attacks follow a pattern of intensified assaults on critical infrastructure and represent a significant escalation of the conflict.
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In a meeting with European leaders, concerns were raised about Slovak Prime Minister Fico’s dealings with Russia, which include securing discounted gas prices for Slovakia at the apparent cost of national sovereignty. These discounts, according to Zelenskyy, appear to serve Russia’s strategic interests by hindering European energy independence and potentially funding the war in Ukraine. Fico, despite public protests, reportedly secured assurances of continued gas supply from Putin, contingent on Ukraine’s actions. This situation highlights Russia’s ongoing efforts to exert influence within Europe.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu consulted Elon Musk regarding the existential threat of AI, likening Musk’s influence to that of a US president. Musk suggested that the significant resources required for advanced AI development would be detectable, analogous to uranium detection. This discussion occurred amidst heightened tensions between Israel and the US administration, stemming from disagreements over Iran, judicial reforms, and Israeli settlements. Despite these tensions, both leaders are expected to highlight the strong US-Israel relationship.
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Tahlequah (J35), the orca who famously carried her dead calf for 17 days in 2018, has given birth to a new female calf, J61. The calf, initially observed on December 20th, was confirmed as J35’s offspring by researchers on Monday. While the birth is celebrated, concerns remain regarding J61’s health and the overall endangered status of the Southern Resident killer whale population, whose numbers have significantly declined from a peak of 98 to 73 this year. The Center for Whale Research emphasizes the critical need for increased salmon stocks to support the population’s survival and the survival of new calves.
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Texas congressional candidate Valentina Gomez sparked outrage with a video depicting the simulated execution of an undocumented immigrant, advocating public executions for those committing violent crimes against Americans. This followed a recent high-profile subway murder in New York City allegedly committed by an undocumented immigrant. Gomez, known for controversial statements and far-right views, claims the video serves as a deterrent. The video, subsequently limited by X for violating its rules against violent speech, has ignited a fierce debate regarding political discourse on immigration and crime.
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Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants and offered substantial rewards for information leading to the arrests of six pro-democracy activists now residing in the UK and Canada. These activists, including former district councillor Carmen Lau, actor Joseph Tay, and YouTuber Victor Ho, face charges under the city’s national security law for actions such as lobbying for sanctions against China and advocating for greater democracy in Hong Kong. The UK government has strongly condemned these actions, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Hong Kong residents who have relocated there. Among those targeted is Tony Chung, a former pro-independence group leader who fled to the UK and has since been charged twice under the National Security Law.
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John Q. Hosedrinker