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US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed television executive Mark Burnett, best known for producing "The Apprentice," as special envoy to the United Kingdom. Announcing the appointment via his social media platform Truth Social, Trump praised Burnett's extensive background in television production and business, highlighting his potential to enhance diplomatic relations between the US and the UK. Burnett's role, distinct from that of an ambassador, does not require Senate confirmation and will focus on trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges. Born in London, Burnett is also credited with creating popular shows like "Survivor," "Shark Tank," and "The Voice," and previously served as chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group. His work on "The Apprentice" significantly boosted Trump's public profile, establishing him as a prominent figure in American culture prior to his presidential campaign in 2015. 
Published: Dec 22 2024, 6 ameznews.inA black backpack caught fire at Berlin Airport, triggering panic among passengers and staff. The incident occurred at a terminal, with security personnel swiftly extinguishing the flames using a fire extinguisher. A nearby woman narrowly escaped harm after slipping while fleeing, while the backpack's owner sustained a mild burn. The alarming scene was captured on video by a fellow traveller, who expressed relief that the incident did not occur shortly before boarding. Reactions online highlighted concerns over the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electronic devices, which are banned from checked luggage due to their potential to ignite. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has documented 481 incidents of lithium battery fires from 2006 to 2023, with an uptick since 2014. To mitigate risks, the FAA advises passengers to check devices for damage and pack electronics safely.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 11 ameznews.inA French court has sentenced eight individuals to prison terms ranging from one to 16 years for their involvement in a hate campaign that led to the murder of teacher Samuel Paty in October 2020. Paty, 47, was attacked and beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen man after showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in class. Among those convicted is Brahim Chnina, the father of a student, who received a 13-year sentence for inciting hatred through false accusations against Paty. Abdelhakim Sefrioui, the leader of a hardline Islamist group, was sentenced to 15 years for similar charges. Two associates of the assailant received 16-year sentences for complicity in the murder. The case has highlighted deep divisions in French society regarding freedom of expression and religious sensitivities. Sefrioui plans to appeal his conviction, while the court previously found Chnina's daughter guilty of making false claims about Paty.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 11 ameznews.inA New Jersey influencer, Sophie Greene, was shocked to receive a $321 bill for a 5.5-km Uber XL ride from Manhattan to Weehawken, nearly four times the initial quote of $89. Following a birthday celebration, Greene and her friends faced severe traffic congestion exacerbated by SantaCon festivities, resulting in a nearly two-hour journey. Despite receiving messages from Uber inquiring about their safety during the lengthy wait, Greene was not informed of the fare surge. After attempting to dispute the charge without success, she took to social media, prompting an Uber refund to the original price within half an hour. Greene criticized the lack of fare transparency, suggesting that the company may rely on riders not noticing such price hikes during the busy holiday season. Uber acknowledged the fare increases due to delays and stated they are issuing partial refunds to affected riders.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 11 ameznews.inResearchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method for robots to interpret human emotions through skin contact, as detailed in a study published in _IEEE Access_. By measuring skin conductance—the skin's ability to conduct electricity, which varies with sweat and nerve activity—scientists assessed emotional responses in 33 participants exposed to evocative videos. The results revealed distinct patterns for different emotions: fear responses were prolonged, family bonding emotions exhibited gradual changes, and humour elicited quick, transient reactions. Unlike traditional methods like facial recognition, which can falter under poor conditions, this non-invasive technique shows promise for real-time emotion detection. The researchers advocate for integrating skin conductance with other physiological metrics, such as heart rate, to enhance accuracy. This advancement could enable future robots to not only interact with humans but also empathize by recognizing subtle emotional cues, heralding a new era in human-robot interaction.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 12 pmeznews.inIsrael has accused Pope Francis of "double standards" following his condemnation of the bombing of children in Gaza, which he described as "cruelty." This statement came after an Israeli air strike killed ten members of a family, including seven children, in northern Gaza. The Israeli foreign ministry expressed disappointment, claiming the Pope's remarks fail to acknowledge the context of Israel's ongoing conflict against jihadist terrorism, which escalated after the October 7 attacks by Hamas. The ministry criticized the Pope for not addressing the "cruelty" of terrorists using children as shields and holding hostages, including infants, since the conflict began. In response, the Pope emphasized the humanitarian tragedy, stating that the bombing of children is not a legitimate act of war, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and understanding in the face of violence.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 9 ameznews.inUS President-elect Donald Trump has accused Panama of imposing excessive fees for the use of the Panama Canal, threatening to demand its return if the country fails to manage it properly. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the canal, insisting it should not be under their control. This statement marks a significant shift in US diplomatic rhetoric, as it is rare for a leader to suggest a sovereign nation relinquish territory. Trump criticized Panama's charges as "ridiculous," asserting that the canal's control was a gesture of US generosity that must be respected. He warned that if Panama does not adhere to the principles of this agreement, the US would seek the canal's full return. The Panamanian embassy in Washington has yet to respond to his comments.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 10 ameznews.inA magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Vanuatu's main island of Efate early Sunday, causing minor disturbances but no major damage, just days after a devastating 7.3-magnitude quake that killed 12 people and destroyed buildings in the capital, Port Vila. The latest tremor, which occurred at a depth of 40 kilometers (25 miles) and 30 kilometers west of Port Vila, did not trigger tsunami alerts. Local businessman Michael Thompson described it as a significant aftershock, noting it rattled windows but caused no additional harm. The earlier quake had already disrupted communications and damaged water supplies, prompting a seven-day state of emergency. Rescue teams from Australia and New Zealand are actively searching for survivors and assessing damage across the archipelago, where over 1,000 people have been displaced. Vanuatu's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, is facing challenges as businesses struggle to reopen.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 10 ameznews.inKing Charles and Queen Camilla attended a reception at Waltham Forest Town Hall on December 20, celebrating community cohesion in East London. Engaging with a diverse group of attendees, including young people, emergency service workers, and faith representatives, the royal couple fostered a sense of connection. A humorous exchange occurred when Harvinder Rattan, an attendee of Indian origin, asked the King how he was, to which Charles quipped, "I'm still alive," drawing laughter from the crowd. This event followed a pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace for the extended royal family. Amidst ongoing health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis disclosed earlier this year, King Charles's treatment has reportedly been progressing well. Queen Camilla also contributed to the festive spirit by donating toys to children in asylum hotels, while the King lightened the mood by joking about the children's choir's "poor teachers." Highlights from the reception were shared on The Royal Family Channel's YouTube.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 10 ameznews.inTwo US Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea on Sunday in what the American military described as an "apparent case of friendly fire." Both pilots were rescued alive, although one sustained minor injuries, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The incident occurred when the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired on the F/A-18 fighter aircraft, which was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman. CENTCOM confirmed that the incident was not due to hostile fire and announced a full investigation. This mishap highlights the risks involved in the ongoing US military operations in the region, particularly amid heightened tensions with Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have been targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea. The US recently conducted strikes in Yemen and intercepted multiple Huthi drones and missiles, as the rebels express solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 10 ameznews.inA spontaneous memorial at a church in Magdeburg, set up by grieving families and local residents following a deadly car-ramming attack on Friday that killed five and injured over 200, took on a politically charged atmosphere on Saturday. The arrested suspect, a Saudi man with a history of anti-Islamic rhetoric, has left authorities puzzled over his motives. Initial mourning quickly turned to political tension, reflecting Germany's ongoing debates over immigration and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. While politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, paid their respects, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla attracted a crowd of young supporters, some adorned with symbols of far-right mysticism. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed concern about the potential exploitation of the tragedy by far-right groups, emphasizing the need to balance freedom of assembly with preventing the misuse of the attack's aftermath.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 7 am
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