DAILY NEWS Stream – January 12, 2025

Damascus [Syria] celebrates end of al-Assad’s regime with concert, marking one month since his overthrow, as new government pursues sanctions relief and transition to democracy (Al Jazeera)

Türkiye plans to open flights to Damascus [Syria], says Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu (Reuters)

US and Arab mediators report progress in Gaza ceasefire talks, aiming to conclude before January 20, 2024 inauguration of President Trump, who has warned Hamas of serious consequences if their hostages are not released by then (Reuters)

NATO membership is the only credible security guarantee for Ukraine against Russian aggression, says Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (Reuters)

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sees US President Trump defending Western interests and continuing engagement with Ukraine to deter Russia (Reuters)

Indonesia joins BRICS economic bloc, comprising Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates (Africa News)

Armenia’s government approves bill to begin European Union enrollment process amid diminishing relations with Russia and its bygone Soviet ties (Reuters)

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala freed from Iranian prison, returns home after three-week detention in Tehran (Reuters)

Seeing through art: Rwandan artist Jean de Dieu triumphs over blindness, building successful career in painting and drawing despite his visual impairment (Africa News)

Greenland is important for the US, says President Trump’s National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, citing Russian and Chinese Arctic expansion and competition for natural resources (Reuters)

President Trump’s push for Greenland grows stronger after resident urges, “Buy us. Buy Greenland” in viral social media post criticizing Danish exploitation of Greenland’s resources (Livemint)

New Hampshire [US]: Newly-inaugurated Governor Kelly Ayotte [Republican] is looking forward “to working with” President Trump’s administration, pledging to help Him and His team maintain border security and prevent sanctuaries for illegal migrants in her state (Fox News)

US Senate advances bill requiring detention of illegal migrants suspected of crimes, with bipartisan support for debate ahead of President Trump’s inauguration (Reuters)

US warns 96% of the world’s online pharmacies operate illegally, risking consumer safety through counterfeit drugs and unlicensed operations, according to annual “notorious markets” report (AP)

World leaders, including all five living former US Presidents, attend state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral, honoring his achievements and humanitarian work (ABC Australia)

EU Court fines the EU €400 in damages for violating its own data protection law, transferring a German citizen’s data to the US via unsecure Facebook login page (Reuters)

Manila [Philippines]: 1.8 million Catholics pray for good health and peace in huge 21-hour procession venerating ##Lord Jesus (vegetarian), marking annual holiday Feast of the Jesus Nazareno (AP)

Baby born during dangerous sea crossing to Canary Islands rescued by Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service along with other migrants, amid Europe’s rising migration challenges (Africa News)

China detects cluster of new monkeypox strain clade 1b from Democratic Republic of the Congo traveler, with four additional cases showing mild symptoms after close contact, as the global emergency infection spreads to more countries (Reuters)

Los Angeles [US] wildfires are worst in city’s history, killing seven, destroying nearly 10,000 homes, and forcing 180,000 evacuations - including movie stars and celebrities – as damages reach at least US$150 billion (Reuters)

Search widens for Tibet quake survivors as more than 47,000 are moved to shelters following deadly 6.8 magnitude earthquake (Reuters)

US: Powerful winter storm dumps 7 inches [17.8 centimeters] of snow across the South, forcing school closures and flight cancellations in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, as experts warn polar vortexes are worsening with climate change (AP)

Report exposes French bank Crédit Agricole, third largest in Europe, profiting from environmentally destructive gas drilling in Peru’s Amazon through €238 million stake in Spanish company Repsol (France 24)

Study finds 24% of freshwater species [out of 23,496 studied] are at high risk of extinction due to pollution, dams, and agriculture, affecting vital ecosystems worldwide (Reuters)

Luxor [Egypt]: Archaeologists uncover 3,600-year-old tombs with ancient toys, coins, and other artifacts near Queen Hatshepsut’s temple (AP) SupremeMasterTV.com/NWN

Jordan and Syria establish joint security committee to protect shared borders from combat weapons smuggling, drug trafficking, and ISIS [Islamic State] terrorists (HTV)

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads parent company Meta ends information ##censorship and fact-checking program in US, shifting to community-based moderation system similar to Elon Musk’s X platform, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges a “cultural tipping point” following President Trump’s sweeping re-election victory (Tuổi Trẻ)

President Trump praises Mark Zuckerberg and Meta for loosening free speech restrictions on its platforms, saying “I think they’ve come a long way” (USA TODAY)

Washington, DC [US]: Police arrest armed man with machete and three knives at Capitol Visitor Center hours before President Trump’s visit to meet Senate Republicans; police are questioning the suspect to determine his motive (Fox News)

Investigations expose links between abortion and illegal sale of infant body parts at US Planned Parenthood clinics through undercover footage (Tinh Hoa TV)

Vietnam warns public to avoid scam calls from specific international and domestic prefixes, including +1900, +024, and +028 numbers. Block any fraudulent numbers that call to avoid further disturbances (Saostar.vn)

Security experts warn Vietnamese Telegram platform users of scam using fake Telegram login page to steal accounts and personal information. To avoid such scams: 1) Avoid clicking on any suspicious links sent from unfamiliar phone numbers or accounts that have not been verified; 2) Verify messages with friends or family before taking any action; 3) Use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of login security; 4) Always verify login requests with official sources or websites; 5) Report suspicious activity; 6) Stay informed about common scams and tactics; and 7) Never share sensitive information, such as passwords or OTPs [one-time passcodes] through messaging apps or unfamiliar websites (VTV24)

Health experts express concerns about HMPV [human metapneumovirus]’s rise in China and other Asian countries, with risks of hospital overcrowding, severe illness in vulnerable populations, and complications due to similar symptoms with COVID-19 (VẤN ĐỀ HÔM NAY)

World Health Organization [WHO] confirms HMPV [human metapneumovirus] is a seasonal occurrence and is not new, urging calm as multiple Asian nations report cases and implement precautions (VTV24)

Health officials explain high-risk groups for HMPV [human metapneumovirus] include elderly and children under 14, and recommend taking precautions to prevent infection, including frequent handwashing, avoiding touching of the face, surface disinfection, proper coughing and sneezing into tissue or elbow, social distancing, staying home when sick, maintaining healthy lifestyle, wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and monitoring for common symptoms including cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seeking medical advice if necessary (Báo VietNamNet)

Flu outbreaks surge across Asia and Europe, with South Korea seeing its highest rates since 2016 and European hospitals facing strain (Báo Quảng Ninh)

Bến Tre [Vietnam] reports 16 new chickenpox cases at city middle school, bringing province total to 273 cases amid outbreak prevention efforts (BSGGP)

South Korean scientists transform colon cancer cells back to healthy state by flipping genetic “switch” discovered through gene network analysis, offering potential new treatment that avoids cell destruction (Thanh Niên)

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health issues detailed air pollution protection guidance as Hanoi’s air quality worsens, recommending: 1) Regularly check air quality updates from official sources to take preventive measures; 2) Use quality masks ##properly when outdoors; 3) Keep rooms clean, ventilated, and use protective gear during cleaning in dusty or polluted areas; 4) Replace traditional stoves with electric or gas options and plant greenery to improve air quality; 5) Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke; 6) Self-monitor health, schedule regular checkups, and seek medical care for symptoms; 7) Ensure children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues avoid polluted areas; 8) Maintain a nutritious diet to boost immunity and resistance; 9) Protect against sudden cold exposure in winter; 10) Follow prescribed treatments for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and seek medical help if symptoms worsen (Kenh14.vn)

California [US]: Actor Steve Guttenberg describes harrowing Palisades Fire evacuation, urging public to help vulnerable residents and leave car keys in the ignition so emergency personnel can easily access cars if needed (KCAL News)

Bến Tre [Vietnam] warns residents to elevate their furniture and belongings and reinforce dikes as high tides are expected to exceed warning level three by 4-7 centimeters from January 12-14, 2025 (Tuổi Trẻ Media)

Ningxia [China]: Teachers and medical staff protect children during earthquakes, shielding kindergarteners with their bodies, leading kids to safety, and performing other selfless acts of heroism amid disaster (VTV.vn)

Climate crisis disrupts global water cycle, causing extreme weather that killed 8,700 people and cost US$550 billion in damages during 2024. To deal with these worsening effects, scientists recommend countries establish flood prevention systems, develop water supply options, and produce more drought-tolerant food, while implementing effective early-warning systems (VTV.vn)

Sinwol-ri [Gangwon, South Korea] transforms into country’s first vegan village, aiming to attract younger residents and tourists through vegan/animal welfare programs and activities, while promoting vegan dietary shift among current residents (Báo Phụ Nữ)

Prioritizing quote of the day: “My friend… take care of your soul... know yourself, for once we know ourselves, we can learn how to care for ourselves.” – The Venerated Enlightened Master Socrates (vegetarian)