Trending World

Listen as Radio

Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision Founder, Dies at 98

Charles Dolan, the influential pay-television pioneer and founder of Home Box Office Inc., has passed away at the age of 98 due to natural causes. Known for his maverick approach, Dolan transformed Cablevision Systems Corp. into the fifth-largest cable company in the U.S. after securing the first cable franchise in Manhattan in 1965. He famously outmaneuvered larger rivals to acquire key assets, including Madison Square Garden and its associated sports teams. Despite losing control of his initial ventures, Dolan's vision led to the establishment of groundbreaking services like the first 24-hour local news channel. After selling Cablevision to Altice NV in 2015, he remained active in the media industry until 2020. Born in Cleveland, Dolan served in the U.S. Army Air Forces before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, ultimately amassing a fortune of $5.6 billion by 2021. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and their six children. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2024, 3 pm

Two Teenagers Stabbed Celebrating New Year's in Sydney, Melbourne

Two teenagers were hospitalised following stabbings during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, police responded to a park in Guildford at 10:40 p.m. local time, where a 17-year-old was stabbed in the back while allegedly watching a group set off illegal fireworks. He was treated on-site before being taken to hospital in serious but stable condition, while his attacker fled. Police made 36 arrests in Sydney's central business district for various offences during the celebrations, which drew over a million attendees. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, a teenager was stabbed in Blairgowrie around 5:45 p.m. and sustained non-life-threatening injuries; two suspects were arrested. Authorities reported 52 assaults and 14 weapon-related arrests in Melbourne, while illegal fireworks sparked small fires without injuries. Police assured the public of their commitment to safety throughout the festivities. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 9 am

Macron Acknowledges Early Elections Misstep on New Year

French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged on Tuesday that his decision to call early parliamentary elections in June 2024 has resulted in increased political instability, marking a rare moment of contrition. In a televised address, he admitted that the move, intended to clarify the political landscape after disappointing European election results, led to a hung parliament with a surge of far-right lawmakers, undermining his authority. Macron's minority government, the first of its kind since 1962, collapsed in December, preventing the approval of France's 2025 budget. He also hinted at potential referendums on "decisive" issues, emphasizing the need for France to make strategic choices for the future. On international matters, he urged the European Union to adopt a more assertive stance on trade and security, stressing the importance of European self-reliance amidst global challenges, including the war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 7 am

India Celebrates 2025 with Fireworks and Festivities Nationwide

As the world welcomed 2025, celebrations erupted globally amid a backdrop of political upheaval and conflict. Major cities, including New Delhi, New York, and Tokyo, were alive with festivities, featuring spectacular fireworks and cultural events. In India, crowds flocked to iconic locations such as India Gate and Marine Drive, while the Delhi Police humorously warned against drunk driving, promising a "cell block party" for offenders. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their New Year greetings, emphasizing hope and unity for the year ahead. Internationally, Times Square in New York attracted nearly a million revelers for its iconic ball drop, while Japan showcased the world's largest fireworks display. Celebrations also lit up Cairo's Great Pyramids and the streets of Taipei, highlighting a collective spirit of optimism as people bid farewell to a tumultuous year. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 8 am

China's 5G Military Advancements: A Game Changer for Warfare?

China has unveiled the world's first mobile 5G base station designed for battlefield conditions, capable of supporting high-speed, ultra-secure communications for up to 10,000 users within a three-kilometre radius. Developed in collaboration with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), this military-grade technology aims to transform modern warfare by facilitating the operation of unmanned systems such as drones and robotic units. The base station, led by PLA engineer Hou Jie, employs a novel design featuring drones that function as aerial base stations, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in challenging environments. Tests have demonstrated its effectiveness at speeds of 80 km/h, achieving data throughput of 10 gigabits per second and latency under 15 milliseconds. This initiative is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities, following recent advancements in drone technology that enable them to emit powerful laser beams for precision strikes. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 8 am

Ukraine Stops Russian Gas Transit to EU: Next Steps?

Russian gas supplies to the European Union (EU) via Ukraine ceased on Wednesday after Ukraine's Naftogaz refused to extend its transit agreement with Gazprom, which expired on January 1. This decision, influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is expected to impact countries like Austria and Slovakia, which rely heavily on gas from Ukraine. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the move, warning of significant financial repercussions amid a challenging economic climate. Conversely, Hungary remains largely unaffected as it receives gas through the TurkStream pipeline. Moldova faces a critical situation, having declared a state of emergency due to its reliance on Russian gas, which has already been reduced since the invasion. While Russian gas has plummeted from 35% of EU supply to just 8%, the EU is turning to alternative sources, including liquefied natural gas, to fill the gap left by Moscow. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 8 am

Zelenskiy: Trump Supports Ukraine's Fight Against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserted that peace will not be handed to Ukraine as a gift, emphasizing the need for a strong nation to secure it, in a New Year video message. He expressed confidence that the United States would continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's ongoing invasion, which has lasted 34 months. Zelenskiy highlighted the importance of military assistance from the U.S. and reiterated that any peace settlement must include security guarantees and NATO membership, a demand Russia opposes. He cautioned against trusting Russia, stating that any handshake could lead to renewed aggression. Reflecting on Ukraine's military advancements over the past year, including drone strikes and incursions into Russian territory, he urged his compatriots to remain resolute in their fight for a respected and strong Ukraine on both the battlefield and at the negotiating table. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 6 am

World Welcomes 2025 After Olympics, Turmoil, and Trump

As the world welcomed 2025, celebrations erupted across major cities, reflecting on a tumultuous 2024 marked by Olympic achievements, political upheavals, and climate crises. In Paris, over a million revelers gathered to bid farewell to a year that was likely the hottest on record, while in Georgia, protests against a pro-Russian government continued amid festive fireworks. Globally, elections shaped the political landscape, with Donald Trump poised for a dramatic return to the White House, raising concerns over U.S. foreign policy. The Middle East faced ongoing turmoil, with humanitarian crises in Gaza and Syria exacerbating civilian suffering. Meanwhile, hopes for peace lingered in Ukraine and Sudan as conflicts raged on. Looking ahead, 2025 promises cultural revivals, including the return of Oasis and BTS, against a backdrop of anticipated high temperatures and economic shifts influenced by Trump's policies. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 7 am

US Targets Houthi Sites in Yemen Threatening Shipping, Pentagon Says

The US military confirmed on Tuesday that it had targeted Huthi positions in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in response to attacks on American warships and commercial vessels by the Iran-backed rebels. The strikes, conducted by US Navy ships and aircraft, occurred on Monday and included the destruction of seven cruise missiles and several drones over the Red Sea, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). There were no reported injuries or damage to US forces. Witnesses in Sanaa described multiple strikes, including on the Defense Ministry, accompanied by powerful explosions. Huthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the attacks as "American aggression" and a violation of Yemen's sovereignty. Earlier, the Huthis claimed to have launched missiles at Israel, coinciding with reports of an intercepted projectile from Yemen. The Huthis, controlling much of Yemen, have intensified their missile and drone strikes in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. sources

Published:
Dec 31 2024, 8 pm

Putin Assures Russians: 'Everything Will Be Fine' This Year

In his New Year address, President Vladimir Putin assured Russians of a confident future in 2025, though he refrained from making specific economic promises amid rising prices and a high central bank interest rate. Emphasizing the nation's resilience, Putin framed current challenges as part of a historic mission, recalling Russia’s past triumphs, including its role in World War Two. He praised Russian soldiers in Ukraine as heroes, expressing pride in their bravery, yet did not address the ongoing conflict's status or potential resolution. As Russian forces advanced in Ukraine, they faced significant losses, with Ukraine having launched a counter-attack that captured part of Russia's western Kursk region. Analysts noted that Russia's handling of its territorial losses undermines its image as a great power. Putin, who has been in power for 25 years, claimed that under his leadership, Russia has rebuffed threats to its sovereignty. sources

Published:
Dec 31 2024, 8 pm

Sunita Williams to Experience 16 Sunrises in Space New Year

Astronaut Sunita Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is set to witness 16 sunrises and sunsets as 2024 begins, according to a post from the ISS on X. Williams, who arrived at the station in June aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft with fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore, has extended her stay through the holiday season, having originally anticipated a brief nine-day mission. In a festive video shared by NASA, she expressed her joy at celebrating Christmas in space with her crewmates, who donned Santa hats from holiday supplies sent via a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Williams and Wilmore are now expected to return to Earth in March 2025, following delays in NASA's schedule that have postponed their original February return due to the timing of the Crew-10 mission, which will relieve them at the ISS. sources

Published:
Dec 31 2024, 8 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!