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The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, released a video on Saturday featuring Israeli soldier Liri Albag, who has been held hostage in Gaza since the group's October 2023 attack. In the three-and-a-half-minute undated clip, the 19-year-old appeals in Hebrew for her government's intervention for her release. Albag's family, represented by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, has not authorized the video's release, urging leaders to act as if their own children were involved. Captured at the Nahal Oz base alongside six other women, five of whom are still missing, Albag's situation highlights the ongoing crisis, with 96 hostages remaining in Gaza out of 251 taken during the initial assault. Negotiations for a truce and hostage release are reportedly set to resume in Qatar, amid ongoing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from critics and families of those abducted.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 7 ameznews.inNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that a new hypersonic missile system tested on Monday would bolster the country's defense against rivals in the Pacific, according to state news agency KCNA. Kim claimed the missile, which reportedly flew 1,500 kilometers at speeds of up to 12 times the speed of sound, would effectively counter threats to national security. This test coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea, highlighting ongoing tensions as the two nations remain technically at war. Kim characterized the missile's development as a defensive measure, asserting it could deliver significant military strikes while overcoming defensive systems. In response, Blinken and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul condemned the launch, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening trilateral ties with Japan. This marks North Korea's first missile test since Donald Trump was elected US President in November.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 4 ameznews.inA New York judge has denied President-elect Donald Trump's request to postpone his sentencing in a hush money case, which is scheduled for January 10, 2025. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that the sentencing should proceed despite Trump's recent election victory, stating that the arguments presented by Trump's attorneys were largely repetitive. Trump, who was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, has the option to attend the sentencing either in person or virtually. Although he faces a potential four-year prison sentence, legal experts do not anticipate incarceration, and Merchan indicated he may grant Trump an unconditional discharge, allowing him to enter the White House as a convicted felon. Trump's legal team has sought to appeal the conviction, citing a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, but the judge noted that Trump would be immune from prosecution only after his inauguration on January 20.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 5 ameznews.inHealth authorities in Louisiana have confirmed the first human death linked to bird flu in the United States, involving an elderly patient over 65 years old who had pre-existing health conditions. The individual was hospitalized for a respiratory illness and was the first serious case of H5N1 virus infection detected in the country. Despite this tragic development, officials have reassured the public that the overall health risk from bird flu remains "low." The case highlights ongoing concerns about avian influenza, but health experts emphasize that the virus has not shown significant ability to spread among humans.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe White House has praised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a "stalwart friend" of the United States, following his announcement to step down after nearly nine years in office. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the close collaboration between Trudeau and the U.S. on a wide array of issues during his tenure. Trudeau's leadership has been characterized by a strong partnership with the U.S., reflecting the deep ties between the two nations. As he prepares to leave office, the acknowledgment from Washington underscores the significance of his role in fostering bilateral relations.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation announcement, former President Donald Trump reiterated his controversial suggestion that Canada should merge with the United States. Trump claimed that such a union would eliminate tariffs, significantly reduce taxes, and provide enhanced security against perceived threats from Russian and Chinese naval forces. He expressed his vision for a united North America, stating on social media, "Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!" Trump's remarks come as Canada faces political uncertainty, with Trudeau's departure marking a significant shift in the country's leadership landscape.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 1 ameznews.inA sleepover prank in Tifton, Georgia, has left a 12-year-old boy with severe second-degree burns after friends accidentally poured scalding water on his face. The incident occurred while the boy was sleeping at a neighbor's apartment, where other boys aged 12 to 15 were playing video games. His mother, Tiffany West, expressed her distress and anger over the incident, which required her son to undergo surgery at an Augusta burn center. The three boys involved have been arrested but were released to their families pending court hearings next month. The victim's family is facing financial difficulties due to mounting medical bills and the need for both parents to take time off work for his recovery. Ms. West has received an outpouring of support and donations, expressing gratitude on social media, while also acknowledging her son's need for counseling to cope with the trauma.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 9 pmeznews.inJustin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and Prime Minister, ending a nearly nine-year tenure amid growing dissent within his party. Speaking from his residence in Ottawa, Trudeau stated he would step down once a successor is appointed, while proroguing Parliament until March 24 to facilitate the leadership transition. This decision comes as opinion polls indicate a significant rise in support for the opposition Conservative Party ahead of elections scheduled for later this year. Trudeau's leadership has faced mounting pressure, particularly following a recent vote of no-confidence and the resignation of his finance minister over policy disagreements. The Canadian dollar has begun to recover since the announcement, reflecting market reactions to his departure. As Canada grapples with economic challenges, including high inflation and stagnant growth, the political landscape remains uncertain with Donald Trump threatening tariffs.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 9 pmeznews.inElon Musk, the US billionaire and prominent ally of Donald Trump, has launched a scathing attack on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, branding him "utterly despicable" amid a growing controversy over child rape crimes in northern England. Musk's comments, made on social media platform X, accused Starmer of neglecting the pleas of numerous victims and their families for political gain. The remarks highlight a deepening rift between the tech mogul and the UK leader, as Musk's criticism underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding child protection and political accountability in the UK. The situation reflects broader concerns about how political figures respond to serious social issues, particularly those involving vulnerable children.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 8 pmeznews.inDuring his two-day visit to New Delhi, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that the US government is finalizing measures to eliminate barriers hindering civil nuclear cooperation with India, aiming to revitalize a significant agreement between the two nations. Sullivan highlighted the long-standing discussions since the mid-2000s regarding the supply of US nuclear reactors to India, following the landmark civil nuclear deal signed in 2007 under President George W. Bush. A key obstacle has been India's stringent nuclear liability laws, which have deterred foreign investment in the sector. Sullivan's visit, which precedes President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, included discussions with India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who praised Sullivan's role in enhancing the India-US partnership over the past four years. The agenda also covered concerns related to Chinese activities in various sectors, including military and economic challenges.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 8 pmeznews.inHighly-skilled professionals in the United States, particularly from India, will soon benefit from a new process allowing H-1B visa renewals without leaving the country. Following a successful pilot program involving 20,000 participants, the US Department of State announced that applicants can now renew their visas domestically, addressing long-standing concerns about the inconvenience and costs associated with international travel for renewal. While the official start date of this new process is yet to be confirmed, it aims to streamline and expedite the renewal experience. This development comes amid ongoing debates regarding the H-1B visa's impact on the US job market, with some calling for its termination, while supporters, including figures like Elon Musk, emphasize the necessity of attracting global talent to maintain the US's competitive edge. Notably, Indian nationals represent the majority of H-1B visa holders, constituting over 72% of applications in 2023.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 8 pm
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