DAILY NEWS Stream – December 13, 2024

Türkiye reopens Yayladagi border checkpoint with Syria after 11-year closure to facilitate voluntary return of 3 million Syrian migrants, announces Türkiye’s President Erdoğan (RBC Ukraine)

Seven European nations – Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden and the UK - suspend Syrian asylum applications following Assad regime’s fall, with some considering deportation programs to send current Syrian migrants back to their homeland (RBC Ukraine)

Russian forces conduct emergency evacuation from Syria using military aircraft and naval ships after their bases are surrounded, with troops expressing frustration over chaotic withdrawal (Dân Trí)

President Zelenskyy rejects Western pressure to draft 18-year-olds to solve Ukraine’s soldier shortage, standing by the current conscription age of 25 with emphasis on Ukraine’s need to preserve the lives of its youth (The Independent)

Ukrainian forces successfully repel Russian attack near Krusli Kipa in Kharkiv province [Ukraine], exploiting foggy conditions and inflicting significant losses on Russian troops (60 Giây)

Ukrainian special forces conduct successful rear ambush operation against Russian positions in Kursk region [Russia],

capturing 12 prisoners of war (60 Giây)

Vietnam and China agree to build three key railway lines connecting the two countries, marking a new phase in their comprehensive partnership (VietNamNet)

President Trump’s transition shifts from Mar-a-Lago [Florida, US] to Washington DC as staff relocate, prepare for inauguration, and shepherd Cabinet picks through Congress amid growing focus on the capital (CNN)

President Trump’s Defense Department Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth gains momentum after key Senator Joni Ernst signals support – a good sign that Republicans will support President Trump’s other non-establishment nominees as well including Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard (vegan) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Daily Mail)

President Trump names former prosecutor Kimberly Guilfoyle and investor Tom Barrack as US ambassadors to Greece and Türkiye, respectively, while Federal Trade Commissioner Andrew Ferguson is picked for Federal Trade Commission chair, with the President citing his “proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech” in America (Forbes)

President Trump pledges expedited approvals and permits for companies investing US$1 billion or more in the US, promising major deregulation in contrast to Biden’s record-breaking regulation (Fox Business)

US: House of Representatives task force reveals Secret Service security failures in President Trump assassination attempts, recommending the small but crucial agency tasked with protecting the President be removed from the Department of Homeland Security to better manage its needs and calling for a golf course protocol review to improve President Trump’s security (Fox News)

“The image of my child excitedly watching me slaughter dogs terrifies me”: Restaurant owner in Thái Nguyên [Vietnam] who served dog and cat meat closes business after haunting experiences affect him emotionally. He now runs an agricultural supply store instead (VTC Now)

AI [artificial intelligence] assists Vietnamese neurosurgery via intraoperative imaging, robot-guided operations, and surgical planning at 23rd Vietnam Neurosurgery Congress

in HCM CT, demonstrating world-class capabilities (Báo Thanh Niên)

US sets Thanksgiving record for whooping cough cases with 364 reported by end of Thanksgiving week, surpassing the 2010 record (CBS)

Minnesota [US] reports 2,324 whooping cough cases in 2024, highest since 2012, with median age of 14 years. Officials cite waning vaccine immunity and declining kindergarten vaccination rates (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Doctor identifies three visible signs of high cholesterol: bumps on hands and feet, yellowish growths around the eyes, or white rings around the colored iris of the eyes. Regular blood tests and medical checkups are recommended for early detection and management (Mirror)

Study reveals carrageenan, a common food additive, may damage gut lining and increase type 2 diabetes risk, particularly in overweight individuals, through inflammation and insulin resistance mechanisms (U.S. Right To Know)

Kansas [US] biologists monitor widespread deaths of wild migratory geese across multiple reservoirs, with bird flu suspected as primary cause. Officials warn about human virus transmission risk (KSNT)

Study from Monash University [Australia] finds daily consumption of nuts, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, in adults over 70 reduces risk of 17 cancer types including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers (The Times of India)

Study from University College London [UK] reveals 30 minutes of moderate morning exercise improves working memory for the rest of the day and into the next, with participants aged 50-83 showing 2-5% increase in cognitive scores (The Guardian)

Arizona State University [US] research shows daily vinegar consumption reduces depression symptoms by 42% in study participants, potentially linked to increased vitamin B3 levels (Earth.com)

Clear skies over the Atlantic: Climate change likely to blame for the alarming absence of clouds as study reveals Atlantic low-altitude clouds are vanishing, contributing to unexpected 0.2ºC warming and threatening to push global temperatures past 1.5ºC threshold faster than predicted (Euronews)

Kanlaon volcano [Philippines] erupts sending ash 3,000 meters high, prompting evacuation of villages within 6-kilometer radius as officials warn of potential further explosions (AFP)

Brazilian Amazon records 135,000 fires through November 2024, destroying an area the size of Italy as World Wildlife Fund [WWF] reports 44% increase over 2023, primarily due to torching to make way for intensive animal-raising operations and soy plantations, which mostly feed the animals raised for milk and slaughter (DPA International)

“An existential threat affecting billions”: Over three-quarters of Earth’s land became permanently drier since the 1990s, with up to 5 billion people potentially living in drylands by 2100 as climate change transforms ecosystems, warns landmark United Nations report (Live Science)

Study reveals Earth’s permafrost stores 1,600 billion metric tons of carbon, nearly double atmospheric levels, as thawing releases greenhouse gases and threatens global ecosystems through runaway feedback loops (Climate Cosmos)

Study shows polar vortex disruptions increased from 3 to 7 days annually between 1979-2015, as Arctic warming weakens temperature gradients and destabilizes weather patterns (Climate Cosmos)

November 2024 recorded as second hottest on record at average 14.1°C globally, with scientists virtually certain 2024 will be the warmest year ever as temperatures exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (Daily Mail)

Boston [US]: Wildlife rescuers rush to save dozens of geese and ducks soaked in oil after mysterious spill in Muddy River, with treatment expected to take up to a month (The Independent)

Iowa [US]: Food & Water Watch reports 179 illegal manure discharges from animal factories into waterways over past decade, with inadequate penalties totaling under a meager US$750,000 (The New Lede)

Pakistan: Wildlife experts warn of elephant welfare crisis in zoos, citing lack of trained caregivers and proper nutrition after recent deaths (The Express Tribune)

UK universities achieve major climate victory as 77% commit to fossil fuel divestment, representing £17.7 billion in endowments, following decade-long campaign by students and faculty (The Optimist Daily)

Indigenous Mayan group Kana’an Ts’onot files lawsuit seeking personhood status for Mexico’s Ring of Cenotes sacred water system, aiming to protect hundreds of subterranean lakes from industrial pollution (The Independent)

The Gambia launches bold national plan to cut plastic waste 86% over next decade through improved infrastructure and legislation, though implementation challenges and US$6 million cost raise questions (The Guardian)

Research shows small acts of kindness create broader social change by challenging people’s preconceived notions of “good” and “bad,” helping them to resolve these into a state of greater awareness and understanding, with positive interpersonal connections shown to reduce political and ethnic tensions (The Optimist Daily)

Argentina activists liberate chickens destined for slaughter, calling for continued direct action against animal exploitation through organization Frente de Liberación Animal [Animal Liberation Front] (Unoffensive Animal)

Buckinghamshire [UK]: Activists rescue three Cornish cross chickens from meat industry, citing concerns over genetic breeding causing rapid growth and mobility issues in chicken individuals (Unoffensive Animal)

Animal rights group PETA leads 150-mile [241 kilometer] relay from Los Angeles to San Diego [US] called “Run for Corky’s Freedom” protesting marine park SeaWorld’s 55-year captivity of Corky, the longest-held captive orca in the world, demanding her release to seaside sanctuary (PETA)

Global candy maker Ferrero International and North American dairy giant Agropur Cooperative sign PETA’s Eat Without Experiments pledge, ending the practice of force-feeding and starving mice and rats for research, thus joining 400+ companies abandoning non-legally required animal testing (PETA)

New Zealand’s government announces closure of greyhound dog racing industry by August 2026, responding to widespread public sentiment and animal welfare concerns, while introducing bill banning unauthorized euthanasia during 20-month transition to rehome around 2,900 dogs used for racing (Chris Lynch)

Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud (vegan) receives PETA India’s “Most Influential Vegan” award for 2024, recognizing his championing of animal rights and cruelty-free living inspired by his daughter (The Logical Indian)

US: Older Hispanic women and budget-conscious shoppers are reducing red meat consumption the most, new research finds, with cost and health concerns as primary motivators (VegNews)

5 Reasons 2025 is the Perfect Year to Choose Vegan: 1) To mitigate climate change, 2) To avoid another pandemic, which can easily be bred in animal factories, 3) To take a stand against the corporate meat industry’s lives-crushing influence, 4) To enjoy new delicious vegan products that make vegan eating easy, 5) To protect animal individuals, who are thinking-feeling beings, by leaving them off your plate (Mercy for Animals)

International nonprofit Mercy For Animals offers vegan holiday gifts including hoodies, candles, yoga mats and throw pillows, with all proceeds supporting animal welfare work – more info at MercyForAnimals.org (Mercy For Animals)

Experts share tips for making dishwashing more enjoyable: using essential oils for pleasant scents, practicing mindfulness, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, and rewarding yourself afterward (The Optimist Daily)

Studies show garlic boosts immunity and fights colds, with trial finding 63% lower cold risk and shorter illness duration in garlic supplement users (Newsmax)

Vietnamese doctor warns certain groups should avoid cabbage despite health benefits: those with thyroid disorders, kidney disease and constipation (VTC News)

God-absorbed quote of the day: “Love Him totally, who gave Himself totally for your love.” – The Venerable Saint Clare of Assisi (vegetarian)

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