At least 28 people were confirmed dead on Sunday after an airliner veered off the runway and crashed at South Korea's Muan International Airport, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The tragic accident involved a Jeju Air plane carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on a flight from Thailand. It occurred during the plane's landing at the airport, located in the southern part of South Korea.

Authorities reported that two survivors have been found, and rescue operations are ongoing to search for others, particularly in the tail section of the aircraft. An airport official told Reuters that efforts were continuing to pull people from the wreckage.

Photos shared by local media showed smoke and flames consuming parts of the aircraft, painting a harrowing scene of the disaster.

In response to the crash, Acting President Choi Sung-mok, recently named interim leader amid South Korea’s ongoing political crisis, has instructed authorities to focus all available resources on the rescue mission, according to a statement from his office.

A spokesperson for Jeju Air stated that the airline is currently verifying the details of the incident.

This devastating accident has shocked the nation and drawn attention to the importance of aviation safety, as emergency teams work tirelessly to provide aid and recover those still trapped.

Several airlines have announced the suspension of flights to Russian cities following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the Kazakh city of Aktau on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of 38 of the 67 people on board.

Among the latest to take action is Turkmenistan Airlines, which announced on Saturday that "regular flights between Ashgabat and Moscow" would be canceled from December 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025. The airline did not provide any explanation for the suspension.

Other airlines have also followed suit. flydubai, the UAE-based carrier, suspended flights between Dubai and the Russian cities of Mineralnye Vody and Sochi for the period between December 27 and January 3. Similarly, Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air has temporarily halted flights to Yekaterinburg in Russia's Urals region until the end of January.

Earlier in the week, Israeli airline El Al announced the suspension of its flights to Moscow for a week, further adding to the ripple effect in the aviation industry.

The tragic crash involved an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, which went down near Aktau, a western Kazakh city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The plane was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, to Grozny in Russia when the disaster occurred.

In a statement on Friday, Azerbaijan's transport minister cited preliminary investigation results suggesting that the crash resulted from physical “external interference.” Further reports from Azerbaijani officials indicate the belief that the plane might have been struck mid-air.

This incident has prompted heightened safety concerns and operational precautions, as airlines across the region reassess their flight routes and schedules to Russian cities.

A passenger plane burst into flames on Sunday after skidding off the runway at a South Korean airport, killing at least 120 people in what has become one of the country's worst aviation disasters.

The Jeju Air plane, carrying 181 people, crashed into a concrete fence at Muan Airport, approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Officials reported that the front landing gear appeared to have failed to deploy, leading to the tragic accident.

Rescue efforts were swift, with the National Fire Agency deploying 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the fire and save passengers. Emergency workers managed to pull out two crew members alive from the wreckage, though the majority of passengers could not be saved.

Footage aired by YTN television showed the plane skidding across the runway with its landing gear still retracted before colliding with a concrete wall on the outskirts of the airport at 9:03 a.m. local time. Black smoke billowed from the plane, which was engulfed in flames.

Emergency officials are investigating the cause of the fire and believe that a malfunction in the landing gear was likely responsible. The transport ministry confirmed that the plane had been returning from Bangkok, with its passengers including two Thai nationals.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed her condolences to the victims' families through a post on social platform X. She announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been ordered to provide immediate assistance to the affected Thai nationals.

This tragedy marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea’s history. The last major air disaster occurred in 1997, when a Korean Airlines plane crashed in Guam, claiming the lives of 228 people.

Some fraudsters have been exploiting fake farming area and packaging facility codes to export durian to China, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. This malpractice has sparked complaints from genuine exporters, as stated by Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association's general secretary.

To export durians to China, only fruits from farming areas and packaging facilities with approved area codes from Chinese authorities are permitted. However, cases of fraud have surfaced, undermining this system.

One notable incident involved the exporter Vina T&T. Fraudsters forged the stamp and signature of Vo Huu Truong, head of its office in Ben Tre Province, to authorize another company, Eureka Marketing, to use Vina T&T’s packaging facility code (VN-BTPH-036). Consequently, several shipments bearing this fraudulent code passed through customs.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, expressed concerns that such fraudulent activities could harm his company's reputation. Furthermore, misuse of farming area codes has resulted in Chinese customs revoking certain codes after detecting contaminated shipments. Legitimate owners of these codes have suffered financial losses, despite not being responsible for the violations.

The association has called on authorities to strengthen oversight and implement strict punishments for violators. It also suggested creating a database to manage farming area and packaging facility codes more effectively. Improved transparency and product traceability, along with publicizing lists of legitimate entities and violations, could help deter future fraud.

Additionally, the association emphasized the need for Vietnam to collaborate with importing countries to prevent such violations.

Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s durian exports are forecasted to exceed US$3.2 billion in 2024, a 40% increase from 2023. The upward trend is expected to continue as processed durian products, which have higher value than fresh fruits, penetrate the Chinese market.

Vietnam currently cultivates durians on approximately 154,000 hectares, producing 1.2 million tons annually.

On Friday, a Vietnam Airlines flight VN307, traveling from Tokyo, Japan to Ho Chi Minh City, made an emergency landing at Taoyuan Airport, Taiwan, to provide urgent medical assistance to a passenger.

Approximately two hours into the flight, a 32-year-old Vietnamese male passenger seated in seat 24G began experiencing health problems, including symptoms such as low blood pressure and cold hands and feet. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the flight crew requested medical assistance. A nurse on board assessed the passenger's condition and determined that immediate medical intervention was necessary to potentially save his life.

After consulting with the Vietnam Airlines operations center, the crew made the decision to divert the flight to Taoyuan Airport, landing at 1:27 p.m. The prompt decision ensured that the passenger received the necessary care as quickly as possible.

Upon landing, the Vietnam Airlines office in Taiwan quickly coordinated the transfer of the passenger to a local hospital. Fortunately, the passenger is now conscious and undergoing tests and health monitoring.

After the medical emergency was handled, Flight VN307 resumed its journey to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving three hours and ten minutes later than initially scheduled.

Vietnam Airlines has a history of making emergency landings to assist passengers facing critical health issues, even though such actions incur additional costs for fuel and ground services. The airline’s prompt response and focus on passenger safety highlight its commitment to ensuring the well-being of those on board.

The Hanoi People's Court on Friday sentenced more than a dozen officials to prison terms of up to 12 years for corruption related to repatriation flights and quarantine arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic. This ruling comes after a series of investigations into bribery that took place during one of the most challenging periods of the pandemic.

Last year, a total of 54 officials and businesspeople were convicted for their involvement in corrupt activities, with the total amount of bribes amounting to US$9.5 million. These individuals were found guilty of accepting or offering bribes, or acting as intermediaries to facilitate these illegal transactions. Among those convicted, four former senior officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, health, and public security received life sentences for their roles in the corruption scheme.

During the height of the pandemic, in early 2020, Vietnam had closed its borders to nearly everyone, except for its own citizens returning home. The officials involved in the corruption cases were accused of taking bribes to help people secure seats on repatriation flights and arrange medical quarantine stays. At that time, returning citizens faced complicated entry procedures, expensive flight costs, and high quarantine expenses, which created an opportunity for corruption.

One of the key defendants, Tran Tung, the former deputy director of northern Thai Nguyen Province's Department of Foreign Affairs, was found guilty of receiving around $300,000 in bribes. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for accepting bribes and abuse of power in his role as an official overseeing quarantine facilities.

In addition to Tung, sixteen other individuals, including officials from the transport ministry, provincial authorities, and employees of travel companies, were sentenced to up to three and a half years in prison for crimes including bribery and abuse of power.

The corruption cases that came to light are part of a broader anti-corruption campaign in Vietnam, which has targeted several instances of unethical deals made during the pandemic response. One high-profile case involved a Hanoi mother, who reported spending over $10,000 to bring her teenage daughter back to Vietnam from a boarding school in Europe at the height of the pandemic.

The government’s crackdown on corruption has intensified in recent years. According to the Public Security Ministry, in 2024, authorities have already investigated 825 cases involving 1,676 individuals on corruption-related charges. This marks an increase of more than 16% compared to the previous year, highlighting the government’s commitment to combating corruption across various sectors.

The Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) People's Court handed down death sentences to a Vietnamese drug lord and 26 of her accomplices on Friday. This case marks the largest number of individuals sentenced to death in Vietnam in the past decade, reflecting the severity of the crime.

The 35-member drug trafficking network was found to have smuggled a total of 626 kilograms of illegal drugs from Cambodia into Vietnam between March 2018 and November 2022. The court detailed the extensive nature of the operation, which involved a significant amount of drugs being transported across borders over a four-year period.

Vu Hoang Oanh, also known as Oanh Ha, was identified as the mastermind behind the operation. At 67 years old, she was convicted of illegal drug trafficking and fined VND 200 million (approximately US$7,855). Oanh Ha's leadership role in the network made her the central figure in the court's decision.

Along with Oanh Ha, 26 of her subordinates were sentenced to death. These individuals were convicted for their involvement in the trafficking, transportation, and storage of illegal drugs. The scale of their involvement in the operation led to their harsh sentences.

In addition to those sentenced to death, six other members of the network were handed life sentences, while two others received 20-year prison terms. The court also ordered all of the defendants to return the illicit profits, which amounted to tens of billions of dong, to the state budget.

Vietnam is known for its strict stance on drug crimes, and the country’s legal framework includes some of the toughest drug laws in the world. Those convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or cocaine or 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine can face the death penalty. This case is a clear example of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking and its commitment to enforcing severe punishments for those involved in such criminal activities.

Green tea with lemon is more than just a refreshing beverage—it’s a health-boosting powerhouse packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Research highlights its numerous benefits, from aiding weight loss to protecting against chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Here’s an in-depth look at its remarkable advantages:

1. Promotes Weight Loss
Green tea contains caffeine and catechins, potent antioxidants that play a role in accelerating metabolism. According to Medical News Today, catechins help break down excess fat, while caffeine and catechins together increase energy expenditure.

Adding lemon to green tea enhances its fat-burning effect, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to shed extra pounds.

2. Protects Against Diabetes
Green tea may improve blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance and enhancing insulin efficiency, helping to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Lemon, with a low glycemic index (around 20), prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Rich in soluble fiber, lemon also helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, while its vitamin C content has been linked to lowering fasting blood sugar levels.

3. Enhances Heart Health
Both green tea and lemon are heart-friendly. They improve blood vessel function, reduce inflammation, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of green tea with lemon has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

4. Supports Brain Health
Lemon’s bioactive compounds, as shown in studies from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, provide protective effects against oxidative stress, aging, and cognitive decline. These compounds may enhance brain function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

The catechins in green tea also play a role in safeguarding neurological health, offering protection against disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

5. Protects Against Cancer
Green tea’s EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), one of its most powerful antioxidants, has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential. It may prevent the development of various cancers.

Similarly, citrus fruits like lemon are linked to a lower risk of several types of cancer. Together, green tea and lemon form a formidable duo in protecting against cellular damage and inflammation that could lead to cancer.

Conclusion
The combination of green tea and lemon offers a multitude of health benefits, making it a valuable addition to a daily routine. From promoting weight loss and enhancing heart and brain health to reducing the risks of diabetes and cancer, this drink is a simple yet powerful way to support overall well-being.

Certain morning beverages, such as apple cider vinegar and lemon water, can complement your weight loss journey when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, according to health experts. These drinks not only aid in metabolism but also support digestion and detoxification, helping to kickstart your day on a healthier note. Dr. Rohini Patil, a nutritionist, highlights four such beverages that can be incorporated into your morning routine.

1. Herbal Detox Tea
Herbal detox tea is an excellent way to boost your metabolism in the morning, supporting weight loss and digestion. Using green tea as a base is recommended, as it contains catechins, compounds that promote fat burning during exercise.

Additional ingredients like dandelion, ginger, and licorice root further enhance the drink's benefits. These ingredients help reduce water retention, improve digestion, and curb appetite, making the tea a powerful morning elixir for detoxification and weight loss.

2. Lemon Water
Lemon water is a hydrating and revitalizing beverage that can enhance your metabolism and suppress appetite. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and pectin fiber, which support digestion and detoxification. Additionally, they help alkalize the body, maintaining a balanced pH level.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the acidity in lemons mirrors the natural environment of the stomach, aiding in breaking down food and boosting stomach acid levels, which often decline with age. This makes lemon water a simple yet effective drink to jumpstart digestion.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar
A mixture of apple cider vinegar with water, honey, and lemon serves as another effective morning drink. It helps in alkalizing the body, breaking down fats, and reducing blood sugar levels. It is also known to combat bloating and suppress appetite while increasing metabolism.

Apple cider vinegar’s unique properties make it a great addition to your morning routine, especially for those aiming to reduce bloating and burn fat more efficiently.

4. Turmeric Water
Warm water infused with turmeric and a dash of honey or lemon can provide a multitude of benefits, from boosting digestion to reducing inflammation. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help combat body inflammation, which is often linked to weight gain.

The curcumin in turmeric has thermogenic properties, which increase body heat and promote fat burning. Additionally, turmeric aids in the production of bile, essential for fat digestion, and helps maintain a healthy gut. Drinking turmeric water in the morning can alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion, contributing to overall weight management.

Incorporating these drinks into your morning routine can provide a natural and refreshing way to support weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Each drink offers unique benefits that not only enhance metabolism but also aid in digestion and detoxification, making them a valuable addition to your daily habits.

Walking 10,000 steps a day can uplift your mood, support weight loss, and enhance your immune system, among other health benefits.
This daily step count, roughly equivalent to 8 kilometers, originated from a marketing campaign for an early pedometer before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, according to Eating Well. Despite its arbitrary beginnings, recent research confirms the numerous benefits of achieving this daily step count:

Enhances mood and cognitive function

Walking releases endorphins, which improve mood and alleviate stress and anxiety, benefits that are heightened when walking outdoors. A 2022 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found significant mental health improvements, offering relief from depression and anxiety symptoms.

Additionally, a 2023 study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports shows that regular walking enhances cognitive functions and memory.

Improves mobility and joint health

Walking benefits joint health, particularly for those with knee osteoarthritis, as shown by data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative center. It can reduce knee pain without increasing the risk of knee replacement.

Rachel MacPherson, a certified personal trainer with Garage Gym Reviews, notes: "Walking, a natural human movement, enhances joint health and increases circulation without the impact of more intense exercises like running."

Supports for healthy weight loss

Walking, though less vigorous than running, effectively increases caloric burn, aiding weight management and loss. A 2022 study in the Nutrients journal reported that walking at various speeds led to fat loss among postmenopausal women, highlighting its role as a practical, low-impact exercise suitable for all fitness levels.

Enhances lung function

Regular walking improves lung function by increasing lung capacity, allowing for more oxygen intake with each inhalation, according to The Times of India. The Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention indicates that walking strengthens respiratory muscles, boosts ventilation, and improves overall lung performance, contributing to enhanced endurance and health.

Enhances immune capabilities

Walking can boost the immune system, helping the body fight infections and diseases. Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that adults who walk at least 10,000 steps daily are 43% less likely to catch a cold than those who walk less. This improvement is due to increased movement of immune cells, better lymphatic system function, and reduced inflammation.

Promotes speedier recovery

Walking is an effective active recovery method, aiding muscle recovery and blood flow after intense exercise, preventing stiffness and enhancing overall recovery, as reported in a 2022 study in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology.

Vietnam’s birthrate in 2024 has dropped to an estimated 1.91 children per woman, the lowest in the nation’s history. This marks a significant departure from the traditional belief that the Year of the Dragon, considered auspicious, would lead to a rise in births. Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong revealed the figure during a population conference in Hanoi, noting that this is the third consecutive year the birthrate has remained below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.

The decline has been steady over recent years, falling from 2.11 in 2021 to 2.01 in 2022, 1.96 in 2023, and now 1.91 in 2024. Despite expectations of a birth surge during the Year of the Dragon, the record low reflects changing societal attitudes, with families moving away from traditional beliefs. It also highlights the limited effectiveness of current pro-natalist policies in reversing the downward trend.

Urban areas with higher levels of socioeconomic development continue to experience the lowest birthrates, averaging 1.7–1.8 children per woman over the past two decades. In 2024, the urban rate dropped further to 1.67, while rural areas recorded a higher rate of 2.08.

Regional disparities are also evident. Areas with fewer economic opportunities, such as the northern midlands and mountains (2.34 children per woman) and the Central Highlands (2.24), reported significantly higher birthrates. In contrast, the southeast region, which includes Ho Chi Minh City, recorded the country’s lowest rate at 1.48 children per woman.

The long-term implications of this decline are concerning. Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health's Population Department, Pham Vu Hoang, warned that if low fertility persists, Vietnam’s population could begin to shrink after 2054. Projections indicate an annual population decline of 0.04% between 2054 and 2059 and 0.18% between 2064 and 2069, equating to an average loss of 200,000 people per year. By contrast, maintaining the replacement-level birthrate of 2.1 children per woman would allow for slight annual population growth of 0.17%, adding approximately 200,000 people per year.

Experts caution that low fertility can have severe consequences, as seen in Japan, which has the world’s fastest-aging society. An aging population often leads to increased social, healthcare, and welfare costs, labor shortages, and reduced socioeconomic resources. Vietnam may face similar challenges if its birthrate continues to decline.

In response, the government has set a population strategy aiming to stabilize the birthrate at 2.1 children per woman and reach a population of 104 million by 2030. The Ministry of Health’s draft Population Law proposes several measures to address the issue. These include abolishing penalties for having a third child, encouraging women to marry before the age of 30 and have two children by age 35, and providing financial incentives to promote childbirth.

The record low birthrate in 2024 serves as a wake-up call for Vietnam. The country faces an urgent need to implement effective policies to counter the long-term impacts of declining fertility and ensure sustainable population growth.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a landmark bill on Thursday that will require major fossil fuel companies to pay fees aimed at addressing the effects of climate change. The new law, known as the Climate Change Superfund Act, establishes a fund to finance infrastructure projects designed to repair or prevent damage caused by climate change.

Under the law, companies responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions will be required to contribute to the fund. The money will be used for resiliency projects, such as restoring coastal wetlands and upgrading roads, bridges, and water drainage systems to withstand extreme weather events.

State Senator Liz Krueger, who sponsored the bill, called it a major step toward holding polluters accountable. "The planet’s largest climate polluters bear a unique responsibility for creating the climate crisis, and they must pay their fair share to help regular New Yorkers deal with the consequences," Krueger said.

The legislation targets the largest greenhouse gas emitters between 2000 and 2018, although penalties won't be enforced immediately. The state first needs to create rules for identifying responsible companies, notifying them of fines, and deciding which projects will receive funding.

The measure is likely to face legal challenges. The American Petroleum Institute, the oil industry’s leading lobbying group, criticized the law, describing it as "a punitive new fee on American energy" and stating that it is "evaluating its options moving forward."

New York's legislation follows Vermont's adoption of a similar law earlier this year, signaling a growing trend among states to compel fossil fuel companies to shoulder the costs of climate adaptation.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed eagerness on Friday to move into the historic official residence despite its long-standing reputation for hauntings. The residence, a site of military rebellions and political assassinations, has been surrounded by ghostly rumors for decades.

Ishiba, who took office in October following the resignation of Fumio Kishida, has delayed moving into the residence pending inspections and repairs. While he refrained from specifying a move-in date for security reasons, he indicated his intention to relocate soon.

"I'm not particularly afraid," Ishiba remarked during an impromptu press conference when questioned about the hauntings. "It might be scary to actually see something, but it's not something we're worried about."

Constructed in 1929 and originally serving as the prime minister's office, the residence has witnessed several historical incidents, including the 1932 assassination of Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai during a military uprising. Over the years, rumors of ghostly apparitions have persisted, fueled by eerie accounts such as those from Yasuko Hata, the wife of former Prime Minister Tsutomu Hata. In her 1996 memoir, she described experiencing an oppressive presence and noted claims of military officers being spotted in the garden late at night.

The structure underwent extensive remodeling in the early 2000s and has been designated as the official prime ministerial residence since 2005. Despite this, several leaders, including Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga, opted not to live there, with Abe's delayed move in 2013 sparking government denials of haunting rumors.

Kishida, Ishiba's predecessor, moved into the residence in December 2021. When asked about ghostly encounters, Kishida reassured reporters that he had experienced no such phenomena and had slept peacefully during his stay.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief on Friday urging the Supreme Court to delay enforcement of a law that would ban TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance. The law is set to take effect the day before Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025, inauguration.

Trump’s legal team argued that the court should pause the statutory deadline to allow time for further deliberation. The brief stated, “In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues.” This pause, the team wrote, would give the incoming Trump administration an opportunity to pursue a political resolution to the issue.

During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump strongly opposed TikTok, citing national security concerns. He attempted to ban the app, arguing that its Chinese ownership posed risks of data misuse or propaganda manipulation by the Chinese government. These claims were denied by both ByteDance and Beijing.

U.S. officials expressed unease over TikTok's immense popularity with younger users and its alleged potential for spreading propaganda. Trump had previously advocated for a U.S. company to purchase TikTok, with a portion of the sale benefiting the U.S. government. His successor, President Joe Biden, signed a law to ban the app over similar concerns.

Trump’s Reversal on TikTok
In a surprising turn of events, Trump has since softened his stance on TikTok. At a recent press conference, he expressed a newfound openness to the app, saying his administration would reconsider the potential ban. Earlier this month, Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Trump explained his change of heart, stating, "Now (that) I'm thinking about it, I'm for TikTok, because you need competition." He pointed out that without TikTok, platforms like Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, would dominate the social media landscape.

Trump’s critique of Facebook comes against the backdrop of the platform banning him after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Although these bans were later lifted, they left a lasting mark on Trump’s relationship with major social media platforms.

The Legal Battle
In the brief filed Friday, Trump’s lawyer, John Sauer, clarified that the president-elect was not taking a position on the legal merits of the case. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute,” Sauer wrote. Instead, the brief urged the court to delay the divestment deadline, set for Jan. 19, 2025, to allow the incoming administration time to seek a political resolution.

The case has also drawn the attention of free speech advocates. A coalition of rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, submitted a separate brief to the Supreme Court, opposing the enforcement of the ban. They argued that such a move would infringe on Americans’ free speech rights and disrupt their ability to access diverse online content.

“Such a ban is unprecedented in our country and, if it goes into effect, will cause a far-reaching disruption in Americans’ ability to engage with the content and audiences of their choice online,” the rights groups’ filing stated.

Supreme Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok’s appeal against Biden’s law, formally known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. TikTok claims that the act violates its First Amendment free speech rights. With oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10, the case will move forward on an expedited timeline.

AFP, along with other fact-checking organizations, has been contracted by TikTok in several countries to verify videos containing potential misinformation. This partnership underscores TikTok’s efforts to counter criticism and maintain credibility as the legal battle intensifies.

Dec 23, 2024
It's my first time in Vietnam and our first stop is Hanoi. We're spending the day exploring Hanoi and visiting some of the must-see places including Train Street, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter! We're also going to try some Vietnamese food including a Bánh mì and we also try some Vietnamese coffee. I'm so excited to share with you my honest first impressions of Vietnam.

Tens of millions of social media accounts such as Facebook, Youtube, Tiktok ... will be deleted, locked in the new decree issued by the Hanoi government. Overseas pages will be blocked. This means that pages like BBC, RFA ... on Facebook, Youtube will not be displayed to users in Vietnam. Livestream pages selling products, Youtubers reporting news, making money from advertising on similar platforms, Tiktokers will have their accounts locked, or must verify their identity, pay taxes. Pages that the government "does not like" will be permanently deleted. According to an IT expert, this new management move by the government will force Facebook, Youtube, Tiktok to lock, delete, and block tens of millions of accounts in exchange for continuing to operate in Vietnam to make money.

CSVN: Officially from December 25, cases will have their FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE social network accounts permanently locked

According to Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP of the Government, from December 25, 2024, users will have their social network accounts permanently locked if they post the following content.

According to Point e, Clause 3, Article 23; Point b, Clause 3, Article 27 of Decree 147/2024/ND-CP, the regulations on account authentication of social network service users are as follows:

- Verify the account of social network service users using a mobile phone number in Vietnam. Only in the case where the user confirms that he/she does not have a mobile phone number in Vietnam, the organization or enterprise providing social network services shall authenticate the account using a personal identification number in accordance with the provisions of law on electronic identification and authentication.

- In case the service user uses the livestream feature for commercial purposes, the organization or enterprise providing the social network service must authenticate the account using a personal identification number in accordance with the provisions of law on identification and electronic authentication.

- Ensure that only authenticated accounts are allowed to post information (write articles, comment, livestream) and share information on social networks.

In addition, Clause 7, Article 35 of the Decree stipulates cases where social network accounts and community pages will be temporarily or permanently locked. Specifically as follows:

- Temporarily lock accounts, community pages, community groups, and content channels that regularly post content that violates the law. Specifically, within 30 days, there are at least 5 times of providing content that violates the law or within 90 days, there are at least 10 times of providing content that violates the law and the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Public Security request to block and remove it.

The maximum locking time is 24 hours upon request by phone, in writing or via electronic means from the Ministry of Information and Communications (Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information), the Ministry of Public Security (Department of Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control), the local Department of Information and Communications and competent agencies according to specialized laws or when detecting violations themselves. The temporary locking time is from 7 days to 30 days, depending on the level and number of violations.

- Permanently lock social network accounts, community pages, community groups, content channels posting content that violates national security or accounts, community pages, community groups, content channels that have been temporarily locked 3 times or more upon request by phone, in writing or via electronic means from the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Public Security, the local Department of Information and Communications and competent agencies according to specialized laws.

Thus, from December 25, 2024, when Decree 147/2024/ND-CP officially takes effect, personal social network accounts, community groups/associations or content channels on social networks may be permanently locked if they post content that violates national security or have been temporarily locked 3 times or more.

In case agencies, organizations and enterprises providing social network services do not handle content and services that violate the law, do not temporarily lock or permanently lock the activities of accounts that violate the law upon request, the Ministry of Information and Communications will suspend the provision of social network services or revoke the License/Certificate of notification of provision of social network services granted to agencies, organizations and enterprises according to the provisions of Article 33 of this Decree.

Account owners, content channel owners, community page owners, and community group administrators on social networks must not name their accounts, pages, channels, or groups similar to or identical to the names of press agencies; Do not use social networks to produce content in the form of reports, investigations, or press interviews.

Donald Trump's interview with Time, accompanying the magazine naming him its 2024 Person of the Year, was replete with a wide selection of falsehoods and misleading claims from the president-elect.
By Tom Norton

Attachment 2468476

The interview included significant admissions, including toning down claims that he could make groceries cheaper, playing down rhetoric against the transgender community, and hailing parts of the Project 2025 policy agenda as "very conservative and very good."

The incoming president also used the interview to double down on mistruths about immigration, his record, and his mandate from the 2024 election. Newsweek has assessed some of the key claims and reached out to his media representatives via email for comment.

"The country was angry because of immigration, because of the people, you know, millions and millions of people. I was saying it could be 21 million people. They were saying a much lesser number, but it wasn't a much lesser number. But even if it was, it was irrelevant."

Trump told Time that the Democrats had not effectively understood public feeling about immigration, claiming that 21 million undocumented migrants had entered the country.

This has been repeatedly debunked by Newsweek.

The president-elect said this recently during his Fox Nation "Patriot of the Year" speech. As of September 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded 8.2 million encounters on the Southwest border since January 2021. Including national border encounters and "gotaways," referring to estimates of undocumented migrants that evaded authorities, does not bring that figure close to 21 million people.

These "encounters" included people who crossed the border more than once and those who were detained or turned away by border enforcement. The highest estimates of the number of people living in the United States with undocumented status, which would include people who entered the country during Trump's last administration, are around 16 million.

"...I fixed the border, and it was really fixed."

This is subjective, but if Trump is judging it by the number of monthly border patrol encounters it was not "fixed" by the end of his presidency.

According to official figures, in January 2021, Trump's final month of his first presidential term, there were around 75,000 encounters on the Southwest border, a 77 percent increase from the 42,463 encounters the month he entered office.

While encounters fell during that first year in office, it moved significantly during his presidency, hitting a peak of 132,856 in May 2019, a more than 700 percent increase from its lowest point in April 2017.

"[Trump] was the one that ended the Russian pipeline, Nord Stream 2."

As reported by FactCheck.org, Trump did not end the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.

He did approve sanctions against companies building the pipeline, leading to the suspension of its construction. However, the pipeline was reportedly 90 percent completed by this point. It resumed construction while Trump was in office.

"Look, if you look at the 13,000 plus, 13,099 which was issued by border patrol, they said those people were murderers, and they allowed them into our country. "

Here, Trump cites false claims that 13,099 "murderers" had been allowed into the U.S. The context of the conversation made it sound as if that had happened during the Biden administration.

Although 13,099 noncitizens on the ICE docket have been convicted of homicide, the data spans 40 years and does not cover only the Biden administration. The figures include individuals who are in jails and prisons serving a criminal sentence.

"[Separating families] wasn't my policy. It was Obama's policy."

This came up as Trump answered questions about his mass deportation plans.

As Newsweek has previously reported, while under Obama, large numbers of children were indeed housed without their parents, it was in large part driven by an influx of children arriving unaccompanied to the U.S. The Obama administration tried to keep families who entered the country together in special family centers.

Under the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy, officials referred everyone illegally crossing the border—adult or child—for criminal prosecution. Because children cannot be housed in jail with their parents, they were moved to separate shelters and placed with legal guardians where possible.

"By the way, when you talk about separation, we have 325,000 children here during Democrats—and this was done by Democrats—who are right now slaves, sex slaves or dead, and they were allowed."

Trump has repeatedly made this false claim that misuses audit figures combining the number of unaccompanied migrant children who had not appeared for court proceedings after issuing orders with those who had not been issued orders at all between 2019-2023.

The audit did not state that the 291,000 without court orders were missing, nor did it say that all 32,000 children who didn't appear in court could not be located. The audit included data from the Trump and Biden administrations.

His claims that these children are "slaves, sex slaves, or dead" is unsubstantiated.

"And I say, why is it that in Portland and in many other places, Minneapolis, why is it that nothing happened with them?"

Trump rebuffed questions about pardoning January 6 rioters by bringing up a misleading claim regarding the arrest and charges of those who took part in nationwide riots in 2020.

As assessed by Newsweek's Fact Check team in 2023, while many charges against protesters arrested at demonstrations following George Floyd's death were dropped, this was often due to prosecutors deciding there was a lack of evidence or that the offenses, such as curfew-breaking, were too minor to pursue; some arrests were made primarily to disperse crowds; and a low likelihood of some charges succeeding in court.

Investigations into the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, were aided by far more documentary evidence. The January 6 riot took place in one central location during the day, and its events were closely recorded by legacy media, social media, police, security and other footage.

"We had 107,000 when we had the memorial a few weeks later."

One of Trump's frequent false crowd size claims is about his second rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after he was targeted in an assassination attempt at the first event.

The 107,000 figure appears to be a mix-up with another false figure he used describing the numbers who attended a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, in May 2024.

As Newsweek found, the unobstructed capacity at the rally site in Butler, with a crowd size of 2.5 people per square meter, was 57,000. Photos from the event show the whole site was not packed out throughout, with much of the site occupied by infrastructure, seating, facilities, and other necessary obstructions.

Mr. President,
I have heard that you won't accept your salary. You will work FREE. All you care is working for a GREAT AMERICA, but please Mr. President do accept that salary. At least use that money to give to some honest homeless people all around our nation. There are so many poor people that need help, so please take your salary that you so deserve. Thank you for listening to me.

The man suspected of killing UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson was arrested and arraigned on Monday, marking the end of a five-day manhunt. Luigi Mangione, 26, was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being recognized at a McDonald’s by a customer and an employee who thought he resembled the gunman, officials announced at a press conference.

Mangione was approached by two police officers inside the restaurant, who asked if he had recently been in New York. He reportedly became visibly nervous and remained silent. A search of his backpack at the police station revealed a loaded, untraceable "ghost gun" equipped with a silencer, along with a mask and clothing matching those used in the Manhattan shooting.

Authorities also discovered multiple fraudulent IDs, a significant amount of cash, and electronic devices in Mangione’s possession. A handwritten document was found among his belongings, shedding light on his motivations and mindset. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch indicated that while the document did not name specific targets, it reflected Mangione's animosity toward corporate America.

Mangione, a Maryland native, graduated as valedictorian from a private school in Baltimore in 2016 and later earned dual engineering degrees from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. His last known residence was in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to officials.

The brazen murder of Thompson occurred early Wednesday morning outside a Manhattan hotel. The masked gunman appeared to lie in wait before shooting Thompson in the back and fleeing the scene on a bike. Surveillance footage showed him later entering a bus station, leading investigators to believe he used a bus to leave New York City.

During Mangione's arraignment at the Blair County courthouse in Pennsylvania, he faced gun and forgery charges. Prosecutors argued that his possession of fake IDs and cash made him a flight risk, leading the judge to deny bail. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that Mangione would face charges in New York soon.

Investigators are working to determine whether Mangione had accomplices or additional targets. Shell casings found at the scene bore the words "deny," "defend," and "depose," possibly referencing a critical book about the insurance industry. This detail has fueled speculation about Mangione’s motives, particularly his reported resentment toward corporate America.

Brian Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two and the CEO of UnitedHealth Group's insurance unit since 2021, had been in New York for the company’s annual investor conference. His death has sparked outrage and frustration among Americans discontented with rising healthcare costs and insurance practices. However, Governor Shapiro condemned any glorification of the suspect, emphasizing that policy disagreements must never justify violence.

UnitedHealth expressed its hope that Mangione’s apprehension would provide some solace to Thompson’s loved ones and colleagues, mourning the loss of a dedicated leader and family man.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened after five years of intensive restoration, following the devastating fire in April 2019. The reopening is a significant milestone for France and the global Catholic community, as the beloved landmark returns to its place as a center of worship and cultural heritage.

The first mass was held on Sunday, led by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. It was attended by 150 bishops, over 100 priests, and French President Emmanuel Macron. During the service, Archbishop Ulrich consecrated a new altar, which replaced the one destroyed in the fire. Addressing the congregation, he expressed "intense emotion" and extended prayers for France, which he acknowledged is facing an uncertain future.

A second mass took place in the evening, allowing approximately 2,500 ticketed visitors to witness the magnificently restored interior. Outside the cathedral, crowds braved cold and rainy weather to watch the ceremony on large screens, demonstrating the deep reverence and attachment people have for the historic site.

The reopening celebrations began on Saturday with a special ceremony attended by world leaders, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. French President Macron took the opportunity to express the nation's gratitude for the monumental restoration effort. Highlighting the resilience and determination that led to this moment, Macron stated, "We have rediscovered what great nations can do — achieve the impossible."

One of the most moving moments during the reopening came when firefighters, whose heroic efforts saved the structure during the 2019 blaze, walked through the congregation. They received a standing ovation as the word "Merci" ("Thank you") was projected onto the cathedral’s iconic facade and belltowers.

The cathedral will open fully to visitors on December 16, with access managed through an online reservation system. For many, this reopening is a long-awaited opportunity to reconnect with a symbol of Parisian and global heritage.

Visitors shared their reflections on the historic day. Jacques, a 21-year-old engineering student, emphasized the symbolic role of the church in modern France. He remarked, "Beyond the reconstruction work, it’s beautiful because it shows that the church still has a role, discreet and small, but it still has a role to play in France."

Monique Kashale, a 75-year-old visitor from the Democratic Republic of Congo, echoed the sentiment of devotion. Despite the cold, she expressed her joy at witnessing the reopening, saying, "For Jesus Christ I can put up with it, for the Virgin Mary it is bearable."

The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral is a testament to the extraordinary skill and dedication of the teams involved. As a cultural and spiritual beacon, the cathedral’s revival underscores the enduring power of unity and resilience, ensuring its legacy for future generations.