Paul Whelan Shares His Emotional Reunion with Brittney Griner After Freedom from Russian Prison

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Paul Whelan,** an American Marine veteran who was imprisoned in a Russian labor camp for nearly six years, has given his first interview since being released in a prisoner swap this summer. In the interview, Whelan shares his emotional reaction to seeing Brittney Griner on television upon his arrival in the US after her release before him. Griner, who was also detained in Russia and released in December 2022, has been actively advocating for other Americans detained in foreign countries, including Whelan. Since his release, Whelan has been battling post-traumatic stress disorder, but he remains hopeful for the future. **Read the full article here.

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Jimmy Carter's State Funeral: A Final Salute to the 39th President

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Jimmy Carter's state funeral began with a procession in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, and will continue in Atlanta. The former president passed away at 100 and was honored with a National Park Service salute and a farm bell ringing 39 times. Carter spent most of his life in Plains with his wife, Rosalynn.

The Dramatic Win of House Speaker Mike Johnson: An Inside Look

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Mike Johnson Wins House Speaker Race
Louisiana's Mike Johnson secured a win for House Speaker with the help of Reps. Keith Self and Ralph Norman. In a surprising turn of events, Self and Norman switched their votes at the last minute, giving Johnson the majority he needed to win.

Norman's Role in Johnson's Victory
South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, one of the lawmakers who switched votes, spoke to President-elect Donald Trump about his priorities. Norman's decision to switch his vote played a crucial role in Johnson's victory.

A Dramatic Turn of Events
The race for House Speaker was filled with drama and uncertainty. But in the end, Mike Johnson emerged as the winner, thanks to the last-minute support of two key lawmakers.

Can Trump Be the Key to Ending the Ukraine War?

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that US President-elect Donald Trump could be crucial in ending the war and stopping Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In a recent interview, Zelenskyy praised Trump's strength and unpredictability, and expressed his hope that Trump would use these qualities to help Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. However, the specifics of Trump's policy towards Ukraine are still unclear, and it remains to be seen whether he will follow through on Zelenskyy's hopes. In the meantime, Ukraine continues to fight for its future, and the world waits to see what role Trump will play in the conflict.

EXPLOSIVE START TO NEW YEAR IN UKRAINE: Two explosions rock Zaporizhzhia during air-raid warning, causing a fire and killing one person in Stepnohirske village

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New Year's Eve Chaos in Zaporizhzhia:** At least two explosions were heard in Zaporizhzhia during an air-raid warning, causing a fire in a residential area and killing one person in Stepnohirske village. The attack was launched by Russian forces using attack drones and Grad multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). This marked the sixth air-raid warning in the oblast on 31 December. Continued Attacks in 2025: The attack in Stepnohirske village is the latest in a series of ongoing attacks in the region, with residential buildings destroyed and civilians injured. Ukraine's Resilience: Despite the continued attacks, Ukraine remains resilient, with rescue workers managing to save a woman in Stepnohirske village.

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Pravda UAhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/01/1/7491553/

Ukraine's Military Success: Over 1,600 Russian Troops Killed and Wounded in a Day

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In a significant blow to the Russian forces, Ukraine has reported that over 1,600 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in just one day, along with the loss of 34 artillery systems and 27 armored combat vehicles. This brings the total combat losses of the Russian forces since February 24, 2022, to approximately 787,550 military personnel, 9,668 tanks, 20,030 armored combat vehicles, 21,528 artillery systems, and more. Russian forces have also lost over 21,000 tactical and strategic UAVs and 3,003 cruise missiles. These figures are still being confirmed.

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Pravda UAhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/12/31/7491455/

House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy

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House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy
House Speaker Mike Johnson is gearing up for a tough re-election battle against Republican holdouts, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas. Johnson has the backing of President-elect Donald Trump, but Roy has yet to make a decision on who to support. The Freedom Caucus has been vocal in their demands for concessions from the speaker, causing tension within the party. The House will vote for a speaker on Friday, and Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote.

  • *Trump and advisers working to strike a deal with Roy
  • *Johnson confident in re-election, but faces opposition from hardliners
  • *House cannot conduct business until a speaker is elected

President Biden Honors Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson with the Presidential Citizens Medal

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In a ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden honored 20 Americans with the Presidential Citizens Medal, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, the leaders of the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Biden praised Cheney and Thompson for their 'steadfast commitment to truth' and 'exemplary deeds of service for their country.' The medal is the country's second-highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Ukraine's Defenders Repel Russian Attacks on Multiple Fronts

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Ukraine's military has been busy repelling numerous Russian attacks on various fronts. The heaviest fighting has been on the Pokrovsk front and in Russia's Kursk Oblast. The Russians have conducted over 100 attacks on the frontline since the morning of December 30th, with the greatest activity on the Pokrovsk front. Ukrainian troops have successfully repelled many of these attacks, inflicting heavy losses on Russian manpower.

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Pravda UAhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/12/29/7491244/

Ukraine's Air Defenses Repel Russian Attacks, Destroying Missiles and Drones

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Ukrainian air defenses had a busy night on December 30-31, successfully repelling a combined Russian attack and destroying 6 Russian missiles and 16 drones. However, 24 decoy drones disappeared from radar and ballistic missile strikes still took place in Sumy and Kyiv oblasts. The Russians launched 61 aerial assets, including 6 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 1 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile, 6 Kh-69 air-to-surface missiles, 8 Kh-22 cruise missiles, and 40 Shahed-type loitering munitions and decoy drones from the directions of Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Bryansk and Millerovo.

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Pravda UAhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/01/1/7491583/

Russia's Troop Losses Continue to Mount

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Russia's losses continue to rise, with another 1,250 soldiers killed or wounded and 13 armored combat vehicles lost in just one day.** Over the course of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has suffered significant casualties, with over 790,800 military personnel and 9,672 tanks lost. Russia has also lost over 2,000 soldiers and 44 artillery systems in just the past day. These mounting losses are a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the heavy toll it is taking on both sides.

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Pravda UAhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/01/1/7491574/

The End of Russian Gas Transit Through Ukraine: A Historic Shift and Its Implications

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As of January 1, 2025, Russian gas stops flowing to Europe via Ukraine, marking a historic shift in energy relations. Ukraine faces the loss of $800 million in transit fees, and the EU's gas imports from Russia will be significantly reduced. Central European countries, including Hungary and Serbia, receive gas from Russia via a different pipeline and are largely unaffected. The end of the transit deal could mean that eastern European countries will import more gas from north-western European markets. Ukraine is expected to meet its own gas demand but may need to import more from the EU during a colder-than-average winter. Europe's gas reserves have fallen, and the cold snap could increase demand for gas for heating, leading to further withdrawals from backup supplies.

Secret Deployments and Older Doctors: Key Revelations in Australian Cabinet Records

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Secret Deployments:** Cabinet records from 2003 and 2004 reveal that the Howard government sent military forces to the Middle East months before officially authorizing Australia's involvement in the Iraq war. The national security committee met to ensure the advance deployment was not disclosed, even as the government remained convinced of the presence and potential of weapons.

Older Doctors' Health Checks:** Almost 10% of Australia's GPs are aged over 70, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has expressed concerns about a proposal by the national regulator to introduce health checks for doctors aged 70 and older, fearing it may worsen workforce shortages.

Ukraine and Russia Complete Large-Scale Prisoner Swap

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Ukraine and Russia just completed a significant prisoner swap**. 189 Ukrainians, including military personnel and two civilians, were released from Russian captivity. The exchange took place in Belarus and involved prisoners captured in various locations such as Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Zmiinyi Island, and other frontline areas. The released individuals include soldiers, sergeants, officers, national guardsmen, border guards, Navy personnel, and Armed Forces members. This exchange is the result of the 11th negotiation conducted by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which has brought back a total of 3,956 people from Russian captivity since the full-scale invasion.

Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker Despite GOP Frustrations

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Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker**: Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson for re-election, just days before the House will vote for a new leader. Johnson's speakership is in jeopardy after some Republicans expressed frustration with his decision to reach a government funding agreement that had overwhelming Democratic support. But with Trump's endorsement and a slim GOP majority, Johnson's chances of re-election look good. However, the majority is set to become even smaller as several Republican members of Congress are set to be nominated for positions in the Trump administration.

Russian Aggression in Ukraine: Drone Attack in Kherson Oblast and Multiple Strikes in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

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Restoration of Heating in Kharkiv Amid Ongoing Attacks

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Kharkiv Heating Restoration Amid Attacks
Good news and bad news from Kharkiv, Ukraine. On the one hand, local authorities have announced that heating supply to the city and surrounding districts is being restored. On the other hand, apartment buildings are still without heat, and some residents have been injured in Russian attacks. In fact, a woman was killed while walking down the street in the village of Kivsharivka. More than 8,000 people in the region are subject to evacuation. The restoration of heating is a small step towards normalcy in a region that has been under attack for months. The situation remains dire, and the people of Kharkiv need our support now more than ever. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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Pravda UAhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/12/28/7491081/

Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Service and Compassion

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The world is mourning the loss of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States who passed away at the age of 100. Carter was known for his tireless advocacy for global health and human rights, and his legacy will live on as a testament to the power of service, decency, and compassion. President Biden has declared a national day of mourning for January 9th, and world leaders including King Charles and President Emmanuel Macron have paid tribute to Carter's life and legacy. In this summary, we take a look at the key events surrounding Carter's passing, and the impact he had on the world.

Farewell, Jimmy Carter: The 39th President's Lifelong Sports Fandom & Legacy Remembered

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at 100.
Sports world honors Carter's lifelong fandom:

  • Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank: "He was a great American, a proud Georgian, and an inspirational global humanitarian."
  • Atlanta Braves: "He served both his country and home state with honor his entire life."
  • Atlanta Hawks: "President Jimmy Carter represented all the best of Georgia."

Carter's sports legacy:

  • First president to invite Super Bowl champs to the White House
  • Sports fan: Georgia native, supporter of Atlanta's pro teams

World leaders' tributes: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Royals

Kemi Badenoch vs Nigel Farage: A Feud Escalates

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Kemi Badenoch's feud with Nigel Farage has escalated, with reports of Badenoch urging GB News to cut airtime for Farage. Farage has hit back, demanding an apology from Badenoch for accusing him of lying about his party's membership. This comes after Farage claimed that Reform UK has more members than the Tories, which Badenoch has branded fake. The row has sparked concerns over regulatory action and the broadcaster's role in offering a platform to critics.

South Korea: Political Turmoil and a Deadly Plane Crash

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South Korea is grappling with political turmoil and a tragic plane crash. The country's parliament has seen intense battles, leading to the impeachment of two leaders in a month. Meanwhile, a deadly plane crash has taken the lives of 179 people. As investigations continue, families mourn their loved ones, and the world expresses condolences. Amidst the chaos, South Koreans hope for stability and justice.