DAILY NEWS Stream – December 19, 2024

Syria’s new rebel leadership seeks “good relations” with all countries, thanking Egypt, Iraq, Italy and Gulf states for maintaining their embassies’ operations in Damascus and welcoming promises from Czech Republic, Qatar, and Türkiye to reopen embassies soon (DPA International)

American Travis Pete Timmerman, detained in Syria for seven months after a Christian pilgrimage, is released amid Assad regime collapse, raising hopes for finding other missing foreign nationals, including journalist Austin Tice (TSP)

Russia suffers major setback as United Arab Emirates [UAE] banks begin blocking payments from Russian companies amid tightening sanctions enforcement (60 Giây | Tinh Hoa TV)

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn pledges full support to help Cuba achieve rice self-sufficiency during visit by Cuban Agriculture Minister Ydael Jesús Pérez Brito, strengthening traditional bilateral friendship (VTV24)

President Donald Trump gets big win as news network ABC publicly apologizes and agrees to pay US$16 million including US$1 million in legal fees to the President’s attorneys, thus settling lawsuit made over false defamatory claim against President Trump (VTC NOW)

Arizona [US]: Five animals including cheetah and mountain lion die from bird flu at Maricopa County zoo (ABC15)

University of Glasgow [Scotland] study reveals horses can carry bird flu without symptoms, raising concerns about undetected spread, as scientists find avian flu antibodies in Mongolian horses amid growing pandemic fears (Sky News)

California [US] reports at least 10 illnesses linked to raw milk consumption amid bird flu concerns, while investigating possible case in Marin County child who developed fever after drinking raw milk (CNN)

Idaho [US]: Thousands of wild birds, primarily geese, die from avian flu outbreaks in Treasure Valley region, prompting cleanup efforts at Fort Boise, Lake Lowell and Parma (Idaho Statesman)

EU: Listeriosis bacterial infection cases reach over 2,900 in 2023, the highest level since 2007, arising mainly from cold-smoked salmon, meat, and dairy products (EFSA)

World Health Organization [WHO] reports global malaria cases rise for fifth year to 263 million in 2023, killing 600,000 as drug resistance, climate disasters and US$4.3 billion funding shortfall hamper control efforts (The Guardian)

Poliovirus detected in wastewater across Tampere [Finland], Warsaw [Poland], Barcelona [Spain], and multiple German and UK cities, prompting urgent vaccination campaigns as Europe faces potential outbreak risks (The Conversation; Helsinki Times; CIDRAP)

European study finds TFA “forever chemical” contaminating mineral water across multiple countries, likely from pesticide use, with levels up to 32 times above regulatory thresholds (The Guardian)

Journal of Exposure Science study reveals transportation noise significantly damages one’s cardiovascular health through inflammation, oxidative stress, and circadian disruption, with greater risks during nighttime exposure (News Medical)

Study indicates air pollution killed 3.8 million Indian people over a decade, with every 10-microgram increase of PM2.5 fine particles causing 8.6% higher mortality, prompting calls for stricter regulations (The Independent)

Study finds two-thirds of children who smoked tobacco from age 10 through their mid-20s show increased risk of early heart damage, with 33-52% odds of cardiac injury and excessive heart mass growth (U.S. Right to Know)

Study links consumption of common seed oils like sunflower, canola, corn, and grapeseed to rising colon cancer in young Americans, with analysis of 81 tumor samples revealing high concentrations of inflammatory bioactive lipids from these oils (The Times of India)

17-year US study of more than 6,600 adults shows long-term exposure to air pollution significantly increases deep vein blood clot risk, with particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide posing greatest threats (SciTechDaily)

Study across 50 countries shows bowel cancer rates rising among under-50s, with England [UK] seeing 3.6% annual increase and poor diet and obesity identified as likely risk factors (BBC)

University of Edinburgh [Scotland] team develops breakthrough breast cancer test using laser screening and AI, achieving 98% accuracy in detecting stage 1a cancer through blood plasma analysis (Sky News)

University of Bonn [Germany] study reveals oregano’s active ingredient beta-caryophyllene reduces joint pain and inflammation, offering natural treatment option for osteoarthritis amid rising diagnosis rates (Earth.com)

Catastrophic 100-year cyclone called Chido devastates Mayotte [France], destroying homes, schools, and infrastructure, with thousands feared dead as search and rescue efforts face challenges due to communication outages and widespread destruction, which one resident likened to an atomic bomb (HTV)

Vũng Tàu [Vietnam]: Thousands of earthworms emerge after rain, climbing house walls and crossing streets. Experts explain they surface to breathe when rain fills soil air pockets (KÊNH VTC14)

In-depth report outlines global climate impacts including air pollution deaths, extreme weather, rising food prices, shifting ocean currents, health risks, water scarcity, worsened allergies, higher energy costs, and altered animal migration patterns (Climate Cosmos)

The heat is on: Top destinations worldwide experiencing record temperatures from climate change include Antarctica; Athens, Greece; Baghdad, Iraq; Beijing, China; Death Valley, US; Delhi, India; Phoenix, US; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rome, Italy; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; and Zurich, Switzerland (Climate Cosmos)

Malaysian rainforests support global biodiversity and weather patterns through moisture regulation, carbon storage and ecosystem services, though are facing conservation challenges amid environmental pressures (Weather-Fox)

Scientists warn Earth is “overdue” for dangerous solar superflares with 100 times more energy than 1859’s Carrington Event, threatening satellites and power grids worldwide (The Telegraph)

UK Meteorological Office forecasts 2025 to be among three warmest years on record at 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, as the cooling effects of La Niña over the Pacific are expected to do little to offset the past two years’ record-breaking temperature increases (Bristol Live)

Scientists warn Sun entering dangerous “battle zone” phase, where the Sun’s magnetic bands confront each other, in 2025, earlier than expected, threatening satellites with intense solar storms and coronal holes that will continue until at least 2028 (Tagtik)

Research reveals animals adapting to climate change: polar bears altering diets, coral reefs developing heat resistance, birds migrating earlier, and trees moving to higher elevations amid global warming (Climate Cosmos)

Animal welfare experts urge anyone who witnesses animal abuse to document incidents safely and report to authorities, emphasizing connection between animal cruelty and other criminal behavior (Kinship)

Yucatán [Mexico]: Between 500-800 mega pig operations have appeared in the past 20 years, destroying rainforest and contaminating water supply with waste and hormones, as environmental lawyer reveals 90% of pig raisers operate without permits or Indigenous people consultation (Vegan FTA)

Screaming pigs stabbed in first-ever undercover footage of a Canadian pig slaughterhouse, with Johnston’s Packers horrifically kicking and abusing animals despite welfare claims (Mercy for Animals)

“Silent enablers”: Five major European shipping companies transport over 500,000 metric tons of beef linked to Amazon deforestation from 2022 to 2023, with a lack of rules or restrictions on beef and leather from deforested land leading to uncontrolled environmental destruction (Euronews)

Chile introduces its first hydrogen-powered bus capable of 600-kilometer range, emitting only water instead of greenhouse gases, to begin operation trials in 2025 (HTV)

South Korean startup Ecopeace’s solar-powered Healing Boat uses AI to filter 2.5 million liters of water daily while carrying tourists, winning Consumer Electronics Show [CES] 2025 Innovation Award for sustainability (VnExpress)

Study from Institute of Science and Technology Austria reveals the brain’s CA3 region, crucial for memory, is organized differently from other parts of the brain, using sparse but precise, reliable neuron connections, allowing for efficient memory storage and recall (StudyFinds)

NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography [SWOT] satellite maps ocean floors in unprecedented detail, revealing underwater hills, volcanoes and tectonic boundaries through surface height measurements, surpassing 30 years of previous data (Live Science)

New study in the Journal of Maritime Archaeology reviews the 2013 discovery of a Portuguese shipwreck off Kenya’s coast, believed to be linked to explorer Vasco da Gama’s final 1524 voyage, which if proves true would make it the oldest European shipwreck in the Indian Ocean (Good News Network)

Animal advocacy group PETA celebrates major 2024 victories including halting Charles River Laboratories’ planned 43,000-monkey facility in Texas [US], ending pharma giant Sanofi’s near-drowning tests, and advancing non-animal research methods (PETA)

UK quick-service restaurants report 56% increase in vegan orders and 64% rise in vegetarian orders during 2024, while reusable coffee cup usage surges 111%, highlighting increasingly conscious consumer choices (Vegconomist)

Albuquerque [US] Animal Welfare Department launches “Operation Silent Night” holiday donation drive through December 31, 2024, seeking toys and supplies for shelter pets (City of Albuquerque)

Zimbabwe [Africa]: Orphaned elephant Zhou bonds with buffalo herd at Imire sanctuary since 1970s, adapting her behaviors and communication methods to become the matriarchal leader of the group, while the buffalo have learned to understand her deep rumbling vocalizations (Sunny Skyz)

Italian photographer Milko Marchetti wins 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards with diving red squirrel photo, chosen from record 9,000 entries across 98 countries (Euronews)

Health guide reveals unexpected benefits of pomegranates, including anti-inflammatory properties, improved joint pain and inflammation, prevention of prostate cancer, more stable blood pressure, enhanced heart health, and boosted overall immunity (Lê Hữu Ân | Sống Khoẻ Sống Thọ) SupremeMasterTV.com/NWN

Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu discusses Syria with US President Trump, says Israel seeks no conflict (DPA International)

Syria’s new transitional government urges Russia to “reconsider” its military presence following Assad’s overthrow, as Western analysts report large-scale Russian withdrawal from strategic Mediterranean bases (Euronews)

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz reports hostage deal with Hamas is “closer than ever” as US President Trump warns Hamas of serious consequences if hostages aren’t released by His January 20 inauguration (The Independent)

President Trump says He’s made progress on Ukraine peace talks and blames Biden for escalating the war, thus getting North Korea involved (New York Post)

US President Trump suggests reversing Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to use American missiles in Russia, saying it was a “big mistake,” and plans talks with Putin and President Zelenskyy to end the war (The Telegraph)

Russia is pleased with US President Trump’s opposition to Ukraine using US weapons against Russian territory, while top Ukrainian officials say a rapid end to the conflict is possible under President Trump’s leadership indicating His growing diplomatic leverage on both sides of the conflict (Nghệ An TV)

Austrian energy giant OMV terminates 34-year contract with Russia’s Gazprom amid Europe’s push to reduce Russian gas dependence, marking significant shift from Europe’s historical ##40% import reliance on Russia (Tin nhanh 24h)

EU imposes first-ever sanctions targeting Russia’s foreign interference operations, including a Russian military intelligence unit involved in European assassinations and cyberattacks, while expanding Ukraine- related sanctions (DPA International)

US tests Dark Eagle hypersonic missile reaching over 6,100 kilometers/hour, advancing capabilities beyond Russia’s Oreshnik missile (TOÀN CẢNH 24H)

Ukrainian intelligence reports heavy North Korean casualties in Russian-led attacks, with 200 soldiers lost and friendly fire incidents due to language barriers (DAN VIET NEWSPAPER)

Ukraine’s military intelligence reports at least 30 North Korean soldiers killed or wounded fighting for Russia in Kursk region over the weekend, with fresh troops being sent to replace losses (Reuters)

President Trump says Türkiye orchestrated Assad’s overthrow in Syria through controlled militants, praising President Erdoğan’s military strength while discussing US troop withdrawal from Syria (Politico)

Ukraine’s Security Service says it was behind the assassination of a senior Russian general in Moscow, who was killed by an exploding scooter in major “embarrassment” for Putin (Sky News)

US President Trump says Putin and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy have “got to make a deal” to restore peace, saying the war “has to stop,” that people are “dying at levels nobody has ever seen,” and that the conflict would not have happened during His presidency (Sky News)

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expresses confidence in achieving peace with Russia after US President Trump takes office January 20, 2025, while emphasizing the need for fair peace conditions for Ukraine (Báo Hà Tĩnh)

President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner brokered the Abraham Accords normalizing Israel’s relations with UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco during President Trump’s first term, marking historic Middle East breakthrough, and laid out a US$50-billion Palestine economic program to further facilitate lasting peace in the region; Mr. Kushner is expected to play a key role as in the President’s second administration as adviser on Middle East policy (Giới Thượng Lưu)

President Trump proudly shares that He accomplished more in two weeks after His post-election victory than Biden did in his entire term (Tạp chí VietTimes)

Public outrage erupts over Biden’s prisoner pardons, the largest single day of such orders in US history, as victims’ families condemn his decision to release officials convicted of serious crimes including an ex-judge jailed for corruption and a former auditor who embezzled millions of dollars (Truyền Hình Hà Tĩnh)

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn pledges full support to help Cuba achieve rice self-sufficiency during visit by Cuban Agriculture Minister Ydael Jesús Pérez Brito, strengthening traditional bilateral friendship (VTV24)

EU launches €10 billion space program with 290-satellite “constellation” similar to tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink network, aiming to boost European security and sovereignty while subleasing high-speed Internet connection for commercial use, with first communications expected by 2030 (The Guardian)

Asian Development Bank [ADB] assesses Vietnam a global economic “bright spot,” with forecasted 6.0% growth in 2024 and 6.2% in 2025, driven by strong manufacturing exports (CAFELAND)

Russian cargo ship breaks in half during heavy storm, spilling oil before sinking into Kerch Strait near Crimea (CNN)

Delhi [India]: Pets including dogs and cats suffer severe health effects from toxic polluted air, such as breathing issues, eye infections, and lethargy, as owners limit outdoor activities to protect their animal companions (The i)

Reflective quote of the day: “We are not at peace with others because we are not at peace with ourselves, and we are not at peace with ourselves because we are not at peace with God.” – Reverend Thomas Merton (vegetarian)

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