Senators Propose Bill to End Clock Changes A group of U.S. Senators has introduced legislation aimed at making daylight saving time permanent across the country. If passed, the measure would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep the nation on daylight saving time year-round. Advocates argue that the change would boost productivity, improve public health, and reduce energy consumption. However, critics express concerns about darker mornings in some regions. The proposal reignites a long-standing debate over the best way to handle timekeeping in the modern era. https://www.newsnationnow.com/politics/daylight-saving-time-bill/

Zeker 2000 gebouwen getroffen door natuurbranden in Los Angeles Los Angeles, 1 januari 2025 – Hevige natuurbranden hebben de afgelopen dagen enorme schade aangericht in de regio Los Angeles. Meer dan 2000 gebouwen zijn volledig in as gelegd of zwaar beschadigd geraakt door de snel uitbreidende vuurzee. De branden, aangewakkerd door harde wind en extreme droogte, hebben duizenden inwoners gedwongen hun huizen te verlaten. Hulpdiensten zijn met man en macht bezig om de branden onder controle te krijgen en evacuaties in goede banen te leiden. Volgens de autoriteiten blijft de situatie kritiek. De verwachting is dat het bluswerk door de weersomstandigheden nog dagen kan duren. Gouverneur Gavin Newsom heeft de noodtoestand uitgeroepen en roept bewoners op waakzaam te blijven en aanwijzingen van de autoriteiten strikt op te volgen. https://nos.nl/artikel/2551032-zeker-2000-gebouwen-in-as-of-beschadigd-door-natuurbranden-los-angeles

Houthis Pledge to Persist in Actions Against Israel Amid Yemen Strikes The Houthi movement in Yemen has vowed to continue its attacks on Israel despite intensified airstrikes on their positions in Yemen. The group, which has claimed responsibility for recent drone and missile launches targeting Israel, reiterated its stance, framing its actions as support for the Palestinian cause. The escalation raises concerns about the broader regional implications of the ongoing conflict. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27rnjg3qvo

Azerbaijani Plane Crash Attributed to Interference, Says Airline An Azerbaijani airline has attributed the recent crash of one of its planes to "physical and technical interference." The company has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the interference but stated that an investigation is underway. The crash has prompted increased scrutiny of aviation safety measures in the region. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their inquiry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBdgD6yOzRE

Slovak PM Holds Surprise Talks with Putin in Moscow In a surprising diplomatic move, Slovak Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an unannounced visit to Moscow. Details of the meeting remain scarce, but sources suggest discussions focused on regional security and economic relations. The visit marks a rare instance of high-level engagement between a NATO member state and Russia amidst ongoing tensions due to the conflict in Ukraine. Slovak officials have yet to release an official statement on the outcomes of the talks. Observers are closely watching the visit for its potential impact on Slovakia's foreign policy and broader European dynamics. https://news.yahoo.com/news/slovak-pm-meets-putin-surprise-220021933.html

Missile Fired from Yemen Strikes Tel Aviv Amid Escalating Regional Tensions Tel Aviv was struck by a missile launched from Yemen, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Both Israeli authorities and the Houthi movement in Yemen have confirmed the attack, which occurred amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region. The missile reportedly caused widespread alarm in the Israeli city, though details regarding casualties or damages remain unclear. Israel's defense systems were activated in response, and authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant. The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the launch, stating it was a response to Israeli actions in Gaza. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/20/middleeast/tel-aviv-hit-by-projectile-from-yemen-intl-hnk/index.html

US Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Red Sea in Disastrous 'Friendly Fire' Incident A US fighter jet was shot down over the Red Sea in what military officials are calling a tragic case of "friendly fire." The incident, which occurred late Friday, involved a mix-up between US forces and allied troops during a routine mission. Initial reports suggest that miscommunication and a failure to properly identify the aircraft led to the deadly strike. The pilot of the downed jet is confirmed to have ejected safely and was later rescued by US Navy personnel. The Pentagon has launched an immediate investigation into the event and has pledged full cooperation with allied forces to prevent such a tragedy from recurring. The incident underscores the risks of complex, multi-national military operations and raises new concerns about communication protocols between coalition forces operating in the region. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-fighter-jet-shot-down-over-red-sea-disastrous-friendly-fire-incident

Huurprijzen flink omhoog in 2025: Middenhuur stijgt het meest In 2025 gaan de huurprijzen in Nederland fors omhoog, waarbij de middenhuur het hardst geraakt wordt. Dit betekent dat huurders in het middensegment aanzienlijk meer zullen betalen voor hun woning. De exacte percentages en impact verschillen per regio, maar de verwachting is dat dit vooral huurders met een modaal inkomen zwaar zal treffen. Het is nog niet duidelijk of er compenserende maatregelen komen vanuit de overheid. Huurdersorganisaties roepen op tot meer betaalbare woningen en strengere regulering van de huurstijgingen. https://nos.nl/artikel/2548719-huren-volgend-jaar-flink-omhoog-middenhuur-mag-het-hardst-stijgen

#Regio Meerdere woningen ingestort na explosie, brandweer zoekt mensen onder het puin https://www.omroepwest.nl/nieuws/4915680/meerdere-woningen-ingestort-na-explosie-brandweer-zoekt-mensen-onder-het-puin/

#Regionaal Schade door storm Conall: bomen omgewaaid, boot losgeslagen https://www.omroepwest.nl/nieuws/4912896/schade-door-storm-conall-bomen-omgewaaid-boot-losgeslagen