DAILY NEWS Stream – December 31, 2024

“I don’t want flowers, I want my Ukraine”: Women’s resistance group fights Russian occupation through sabotage and counter-propaganda, using humor while maintaining anonymity for safety, with hundreds of members from Crimea in the south to Luhansk in the east (The Guardian)

Russia says it will work with President Trump on Ukraine peace but US must make the first move, as both sides show readiness for talks (Fox News)

Germany urges new EU sanctions against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” calling Russia’s latest undersea cable cut between Finland and Estonia a “wake-up call” (The Moscow Times)

US President Trump’s team defends territorial expansion comments on Canada, Greenland, and Panama as part of a broader geopolitical strategy, citing Canada’s recently increased border security spending as an early indicator of the President’s success (The Washington Post)

President Trump says Microsoft founder Bill Gates asked to meet with Him at Mar-a-Lago [Florida] as tech leaders continue seeking meetings with incoming US administration (CNN)

US President Trump backs H-1B visa program for skilled workers, supporting tech leader Elon Musk’s stance that certain forms of immigration are critical to ensuring American companies can find highly skilled labor that may not be easily available domestically (New York Post)

Health Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commits to reinstating President Trump’s pro-life policies from His first term, including the Mexico City Policy blocking funds to pro-abortion nonprofits, and ending taxpayer funding for abortions, during meeting with Senator Josh Hawley [Republican-Missouri] (Live Action)

Ex-COVID response chief from President Trump’s first administration Dr. Deborah Birx warns the US is unprepared for a potential bird flu pandemic, citing insufficient testing and repeated mistakes from early COVID outbreak (CNN)

Analysis: Key warning signs about bird flu are all going in the wrong direction, with 65 US cases, wastewater detections, and mutations raising pandemic concerns (NBC)

Illinois [US]: Memorial hospitals restrict visitors to two per patient amid rise in respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, flu and RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] (WCIA.com)

New York City [US] health officials urge masking as RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] cases spike to 5,000 weekly, with flu cases also rising (Gothamist)

Medical experts warn ignoring urges to use the bathroom can lead to chronic constipation and that finding a restroom as soon as you feel the urge, even when in public or traveling, is key to good bowel health (EatingWell)

US doctors warn of winter carbon monoxide poisoning risks from indoor heaters, urging proper ventilation and awareness of symptoms like dizziness and nausea (News Channel 9)

Harvard University [US] study finds watching a lot of TV diminishes children’s creativity, weakens their concentration, and can make them more aggressive. Researchers recommend parents limit viewing time and closely monitor content (CafeF.vn)

Common pet deworming medicine fenbendazole shows promise in shrinking various human cancers as alternative treatment, study finds, though doctors urge caution without human clinical trials (Daily Mail)

Scientists predict undersea volcano Axial Seamount will erupt off Oregon [US] coast in 2025, based on monitoring data showing magma buildup similar to 2015 eruption, though risk of damage is low (Science News)

Analysis: The future of our food is not in vast animal factories but small organic family farms, which produce more food per acre, cool the planet, and boost biodiversity (CounterPunch)

Rising CO2 levels reduce plant nutrients worldwide, threatening grazing animals from beetles to elephants with malnutrition as climate change intensifies (The Conversation)

Eco-activists renew calls for drought agreement amid worsening global soil crisis after lackluster results at UN conference in Riyadh [Saudi Arabia] (Climate Change News)

US Sunbelt faces increased wildfire, drought and heat risks through 2070 as population grows in America’s vulnerable southern half (Inside Climate News)

India’s garbage pickers face deadly heat risks, with summer temperatures exceeding 43ºC in Jammu, as rising temperatures increase landfill emissions and fire risks, endangering workers’ health (AP)

Runners face increasing heatstroke dangers from climate change worldwide, with one race’s doctor documenting nearly 500 cases, but many events lack proper cooling equipment and expertise (AP)

Warming oceans threaten Galápagos Islands [Ecuador] wildlife as rising temperatures affect food sources, with marine iguanas struggling to find algae while sea turtles face nesting challenges (AP)

Conservation efforts aim to protect endangered Cát Bà langurs in Vietnam, with only 70 remaining worldwide, as tourism development and habitat destruction threaten the species (VTV4)

Taoyuan [Taiwan] officials investigate man caught on video abusing Golden Retriever dog, with police working to identify suspect through vehicle records (Taiwan News)

Oakland [US] Professor Eric Haas reduces his home’s water use by two-thirds through rainwater and greywater capture system, saving 85 gallons [320 liters] daily (The Guardian)

Scientists find fungi can break down plastic waste, with certain species digesting polyurethane within weeks, offering sustainable solutions for environmental cleanup (The Optimist Daily)

Hackers hijack Google Chrome web browser extensions on Christmas Eve, targeting companies like Cyberhaven to steal user data, after successfully tricking an employee into giving away their login credentials through a fake login page (Mashable)

German Shepherd mix Athena returns home to Florida [US] family on Christmas Eve after 9 days missing, marking ultimate Christmas gift (Sunny Skyz)

US chimpanzee Montessa and 22 others to move to sanctuary in Louisiana after decades in New Mexico lab, marking victory for animal welfare advocates (The Humane Society of the United States)

Yuma [Arizona, US]: Eight-year-old Zayin Berry trades his skateboard to save abused kitten, and the two become best friends - then the community helped fund the kitten’s eye surgery, and retailer Zumiez gifted the boy a new skateboard (Good News Network)

Ontario [Canada] animal welfare investigators issue first-ever news release, marking important step toward increased transparency amid marine park investigation and animal cruelty cases (Global News)

US dietary guidelines committee endorses plant-based proteins and oils over butter and drops support for dairy milk as primary beverage (Farm Sanctuary)

New “Wicked” film explores animal rights themes, highlighting the exploitation and silencing of animals and the Wizard of Oz’s use of monkeys for surveillance, drawing real-world parallels (VeganFTA)

Norfolk [UK] cat shelter Venture Farm reports its best year ever, rehoming 200 cats while caring for elderly and special needs felines (BBC) SupremeMasterTV.com/NWN

UK scientists capture detailed image of single photon [particle of light] for the first time, advancing quantum physics and enabling new applications in sensors and computing (Tri Thức & Cuộc Sống)

Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing [China] to discuss military concerns and improve relations, with both sides agreeing to future visits (VTV.vn)

US President Trump vows “largest tax cuts” in US history in 2025 as He celebrates the seventh anniversary of His first administration’s tax cuts becoming law (RSBN)

US: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton blocks Biden administration from selling off more border wall materials, which President Trump intends to use after taking office on January 20, 2025; the President applauds Judge Drew Tipton for making the “right decision” in a “major, crucial WIN for America” (Washington Examiner)

Analysis: Make America Great Again movement’s sweeping mandate in 2024 signifies a decisive rejection of “woke” ideology – which overly fixates on “equity” and “diversity” at the expense of quality and freedom – with Donald Trump’s historic election victory overcoming unprecedented institutional opposition, underscoring a resurgence of constitutional values and self-rule (Paul Ingrassia)

Vietnamese canistel fruit [cây trứng gà/eggfruit] sells for pennies domestically but commands high prices abroad due to its highly sought-after nutritional benefits, including strengthened immune system and clearer skin (Kenh14.vn)

Dozens of waterfowl die in Illinois [US] from bird flu outbreak, prompting warnings against handling sick or dead birds (Chicago Tribune)

Ottawa County [Michigan, US] reports its second bird flu outbreak in two weeks at poultry operation amid nationwide crisis affecting 125 million birds (WoodTV)

New South Wales [Australia] issues alert after measles patient visits multiple locations, urging public to monitor for symptoms until January 5, 2025 (7NEWS)

Scientists find micro- and nanoplastic particles in human blood, organs and tissues, raising health concerns about widespread plastic pollution (Earth.com)

Studies show blueberry juice reduces cholesterol and cancer risk through polyphenols and flavonoids that protect blood vessels and cells (Thanh Niên)

Conservationists protect the world’s most majestic ancient trees, including California’s redwoods, Africa’s baobabs, and Mexico’s Tule tree – invaluable contributors to their ecosystems and symbols of nature’s resilience (Bí Mật Tạo Hoá)

Vegan food trends surge in 2024 as plant-based options expand to mainstream restaurants, airlines, and sports events globally (Portland Press Herald)

Aldi UK supermarkets bring back popular vegan croissants, launching December 29 as part of expanded Veganuary [Vegan January] 2025 range (Plant Based News)

US vegan startup Impossible Foods debuts Lion King nuggets at “Mufasa: The Lion King” movie premiere in Los Angeles [California], served to celebrities and guests (Green Queen)

UK vegan food producer Moving Mountains introduces superfood range featuring burgers, sausages, falafel, and more, available via Brakes wholesale from January 2025 (Green Queen)

UK vegan company The Tofoo Co launches Tofu Dippers, Sweet Chilli Cubes, and Italian-Style Veggie Balls ahead of Veganuary [Vegan January] 2025 (Green Queen)

French vegan chain Green Farmer’s partners with vegan influencer Mélanie en Véganie for a limited-edition Frosty menu (burger, fries, brownie and winter sauce) in Paris [France] and Amsterdam [Netherlands] (Green Queen)

Israeli vegan startup Better Pulse unveils allergen-free yogurt made from black-eyed peas (Green Queen)

Hong Kong-based vegetarian fast-casual chain Wow Burger announces plans to open 100 outlets across India in partnership with Asian market consultant FranGlobal (Green Queen)

Sterling Biotech, co-owned by US vegan company Perfect Day and Indian pharmaceutical firm Zydus Lifesciences, builds cow-free dairy protein facility in Gujarat [India], operational by 2026 (Green Queen)

Health tip: Dragon tongue beans [đậu rồng] contain high levels of nutrients and vitamins, giving them a wide range of potential benefits, including weight loss, eye health, diabetes control, boosted immunity, pregnancy support, asthma management, joint health, anti-aging, and various culinary applications (hải phương TV)

US vegan milk leader Califia Farms launches single-serve matcha and chai lattes with 40% less sugar than average coffee and tea blends (Green Queen)

Faith-strengthening quote of the day: “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” – Jonathan Edwards

For more relevant news from around our planet, please visit: