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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Finalize Divorce Settlement After Eight-Year Legal Battle

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Finalize Divorce Settlement After Eight-Year Legal Battle

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have officially reached a divorce settlement, concluding one of the longest and most high-profile legal disputes in Hollywood history. However, some legal matters between the two remain unresolved.

The agreement, filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, states that Jolie and Pitt have finalized terms regarding their marital and property rights. The settlement was first reported by *People* magazine.

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt,” said Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, in a statement. “She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”

The filing indicates that both parties have waived the right to future spousal financial support. Further details of the agreement have not been disclosed. A judge must still approve the terms of the settlement. Late Monday, Pitt’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, were among Hollywood’s most recognized couples during their 12-year relationship, which included two years of marriage. The Oscar-winning actors share six children, though only two—16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne—are still minors.

The divorce proceedings began in 2016 when Jolie filed for divorce following an incident aboard a private jet traveling from Europe. Jolie alleged that Pitt physically abused her and their children during the flight. Subsequent investigations by the FBI and child services officials did not lead to criminal charges. Two months after the incident, the FBI stated it would not pursue further action.

An FBI report, obtained by The Associated Press in 2022, revealed that an agent had prepared a probable cause statement for prosecutors against Pitt. However, after discussions, it was determined that criminal charges would not be filed.

Jolie reportedly struggled with whether to press charges. Court documents later revealed that she chose not to proceed in an effort to protect the family.

In 2019, a judge declared Jolie and Pitt legally divorced and single, but disputes over property and custody persisted. A private judge initially awarded joint custody of their children, but Jolie successfully petitioned to remove the judge, citing a conflict of interest. The ruling was vacated, and the custody battle resumed.

While the divorce settlement resolves marital and property issues, separate legal battles continue. Pitt has filed a lawsuit over Jolie’s sale of her share of their jointly owned French winery, Château Miraval. Pitt alleges the sale to Tenute del Mondo was unlawful and damaged the property’s value. Jolie’s legal team has countered that Pitt demanded she sign a non-disclosure agreement as part of the sale, which she claims was an attempt to silence her allegations of abuse.

Both Jolie and Pitt have largely avoided public commentary on their split. Pitt has previously acknowledged a drinking problem at the time of their separation but has since pursued sobriety and therapy. The couple’s divorce marks the end of a Hollywood power pairing that began in 2004 when they co-starred in *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*. Both actors have since continued their successful careers, with Jolie focusing on film direction and advocacy, and Pitt earning an Academy Award for his role in *Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood*

Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Team Jet Ordered to Halt to Avoid Collision at LAX

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Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Team Jet Ordered to Halt to Avoid Collision at LAX

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating an incident at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) involving a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team. The jet, operated by Key Lime Air, was ordered to stop to avoid a potential collision with a departing Delta flight on Friday.

Air traffic controllers instructed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to halt before crossing a runway as a Delta aircraft was taking off. The jet, an Embraer E135, was close to crossing the runway when controllers instructed the pilots to stop. No injuries were reported, and the jet did not cross the runway edge line.

“Air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway because a second aircraft was taking off,” the FAA said in a statement. “When the jet proceeded to cross the hold bars, controllers ordered the pilots to stop. The aircraft did not cross the runway edge line.”

The incident, captured on a plane-spotting livestream, shows an air traffic controller urgently telling the flight crew to “stop, stop, stop.” The plane came to a halt and then proceeded after a brief delay.

The Gonzaga basketball team was in Los Angeles for a game against UCLA on Saturday. Gonzaga, ranked 19th, lost to the 15th-ranked Bruins 65-62 in the first college basketball game at the Intuit Dome, the new venue for the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.

Gonzaga University responded to the incident, saying, “We understand that the incident at LAX is under investigation and we will review this information as it becomes available. Our team members aboard the aircraft were unaware of the situation as it occurred, and we are grateful that the incident ended safely for all.”

Key Lime Air has not yet responded to a request for comment. Los Angeles World Airports referred inquiries to the FAA, while a Delta spokesperson confirmed there were no issues with its flight, saying, “Delta flight 471 operated as normal, and we are not aware of any communication from the FAA regarding this flight. We are cooperating with aviation officials on their investigation.”

Migrant Who Murdered Family Allowed to Stay in UK Due to ‘Anxiety’ Over Deportation

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Migrant Who Murdered Family Allowed to Stay in UK Due to ‘Anxiety’ Over Deportation

A migrant who murdered his mother and brother in Bulgaria was allowed to remain in the UK after claiming anxiety over deportation. Dzhuneyt Shefket, 31, was convicted of killing his 36-year-old mother Nevdzhin and his six-year-old brother Yeniz in 2012. He served five years in prison in Bulgaria for the brutal murders.

Shefket, 18 at the time of the killings, moved to the UK in 2017 under EU free movement rules, failing to disclose his criminal convictions. A tribunal heard the murders were carried out with extreme violence and described the victims as “entirely defenceless.”

In 2019, Shefket applied to stay permanently in the UK, but the Home Office rejected his application and began deportation proceedings. The tribunal revealed Shefket deliberately withheld details of his past to improve his chances of remaining in Britain. He argued that the prospect of returning to Bulgaria, where he was known as a convicted criminal, made him “anxious.”

In 2023, Immigration Judge Moffat ruled Shefket was not a serious threat and allowed him to stay. However, that decision was overturned on appeal, and Shefket is now set for deportation.

12-Year-Old Girl Suspected in Fatal Stabbing of Father After Discipline Dispute

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12-Year-Old Girl Suspected in Fatal Stabbing of Father After Discipline Dispute

A 12-year-old girl has been detained on suspicion of fatally stabbing her 55-year-old father following a disciplinary disagreement at their North Las Vegas apartment Friday night. Police discovered the victim’s bloodied body after responding to a welfare check at the Mercury Street residence around 9:30 p.m.

Though the girl initially claimed her father’s death resulted from a break-in, investigators found no signs of forced entry or significant injury to the child. North Las Vegas Police had previously responded to the address in December regarding a runaway child and domestic disturbance.

The juvenile suspect has been booked into Clark County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of murder with a deadly weapon. Authorities, who identify her as the sole suspect, note they had responded to the residence in December for a runaway child report and domestic disturbance.

Police have not released the identities of either the victim or the suspect as the investigation continues. The incident preceded an unrelated case where a 15-year-old boy allegedly shot his father Saturday evening in northwest Las Vegas after having his electronic devices confiscated.

Source: independent.co.uk

Gaza Babies Die from Cold as Winter Temperatures Plummet

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Gaza Babies Die from Cold as Winter Temperatures Plummet

As temperatures in Gaza drop, newborns are succumbing to the bitter cold, with at least six infants dying from hypothermia in just two weeks. The victims, including 20-day-old Sila, are among the most vulnerable of Gaza’s population, suffering from the harsh conditions of overcrowded refugee camps and damaged infrastructure amid ongoing conflict.

Sila’s father, Mahmoud, described the extreme cold: “All night, we huddle together, curling up next to each other,” he said. “Our life is hell. It’s hell because of the effects of the war, and our situation is unbearable.” Sila died at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis after developing severe hypothermia. Her mother, Nariman, recalled the difficulty of caring for her newborn in freezing temperatures, with water leaking into their tent and no proper shelter.

The region, facing deteriorating conditions due to Israeli military operations, has seen an increase in premature births, and many mothers are unable to breastfeed because of malnutrition. The scarcity of infant formula has exacerbated the crisis.

Gaza’s health authorities reported that babies, particularly premature ones, are at high risk for hypothermia, a condition exacerbated by the cold and lack of proper care. Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, a pediatrician at Nasser Hospital, confirmed the rise in hypothermia-related deaths, with another three-day-old baby and an infant under a month old dying from similar conditions.

“Touch him with your hand, he’s frozen,” said Yehia al-Batran, who lost his 20-day-old son, Jumaa, to the cold. His family struggles with limited resources, including only a few blankets for all eight members.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the worsening situation. Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s regional director, warned that with temperatures expected to drop further, more children are likely to perish due to the inhumane conditions.

In Khan Younis, Mahmoud buried his daughter in a makeshift grave, while his family suffers from illness and exhaustion. “If we don’t die from the war, we’re dying from the cold,” Nariman said.

A bbc story

National Day of Mourning Declared for Jimmy Carter on January 9 

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National Day of Mourning Declared for Jimmy Carter on January 9 

 The United States will observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter on January 9, highlighted by a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, was the longest-lived president in U.S. history. 

President Joe Biden ordered U.S. flags on federal properties to be flown at half-staff for 30 days, a traditional tribute to honor the life and legacy of the 39th president. Carter’s body will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda ahead of the funeral, allowing the public and officials to pay their respects. 

Funeral Details and Tributes 

Carter’s state funeral will include a eulogy originally intended to be delivered by his vice president, Walter Mondale, who died in 2021. Mondale’s son will read the eulogy. Public ceremonies are also scheduled in Atlanta before Carter is interred beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023. 

Biden praised Carter in a statement, calling him “a humble servant of God and the people.” The president has encouraged the nation to use January 9 to reflect on Carter’s contributions to the country and the world. 

Former President Donald Trump described Carter as “a truly good man” despite political differences, while former President Barack Obama said Carter “taught us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, and service.” 

All living former presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump — are expected to attend Carter’s services. 

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter attends an interview with Reuters in Cairo, Egypt, January 12, 2012. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo

Legacy of the 39th President 

Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, where he prioritized global peace, environmental policies, and human rights. He is perhaps best remembered for brokering the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. 

Despite his achievements, Carter’s presidency was marked by economic struggles and what he described as “a crisis of confidence.” After losing his 1980 reelection bid to Ronald Reagan, Carter became a symbol of humanitarian work in his post-presidential years. 

He founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit dedicated to global health, democracy, and conflict resolution. Carter also worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need well into his later years. 

The National Day of Mourning will include the closure of stock markets, along with memorial events honoring Carter’s life and service to the nation. 

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, expressed condolences to the Carter family, saying, “We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing.” 

As the country prepares to bid farewell, Carter’s enduring contributions to peace, diplomacy, and public service remain at the forefront of his legacy. 

US Treasury Confirms Hack by Chinese State-Sponsored Actor 

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US Treasury Confirms Hack by Chinese State-Sponsored Actor 

The U.S. Treasury Department has confirmed a “major cybersecurity incident” involving a breach by a Chinese state-sponsored hacker, officials said Monday. The breach allowed access to employee workstations and unclassified documents within the department. 

The incident, which occurred in early December, was revealed in a letter sent by the Treasury Department to lawmakers. The agency disclosed that the hackers exploited a security key used by BeyondTrust, a third-party service provider offering remote technical support. 

The compromised service has since been taken offline, and officials stated there is no evidence of continued access to Treasury information since the breach. The department has been working with the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and third-party forensic investigators to assess the extent of the intrusion. 

Details of the Breach 

Officials identified the attacker as a “China-based Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor.” The hacker reportedly gained remote access to multiple user workstations and unclassified documents. The Treasury has not disclosed the nature or sensitivity of the compromised files or the level of confidentiality of the affected systems. 

BeyondTrust, the third-party provider, first detected suspicious activity on December 2 but took three days to confirm the hack. The Treasury Department was informed on December 8. During this period, the hackers may have created accounts or altered passwords, though their primary objective appears to have been information gathering rather than financial theft. 

Response and Investigations 

Treasury officials stated that they are treating the incident with the highest level of urgency, working closely with federal agencies to secure systems and determine the full scope of the breach. A supplemental report will be provided to lawmakers within 30 days, the letter noted. 

The Chinese embassy in Washington denied the allegations, calling them a “smear attack” without factual basis. Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu criticized the U.S. for making accusations without evidence and urged a professional and evidence-based approach to attributing cyber incidents. 

Context and Implications 

The breach is the latest in a series of high-profile cyberattacks attributed to Chinese state-sponsored actors, including a December attack on U.S. telecommunications companies that may have exposed phone records. 

Cybersecurity experts warn that such incidents highlight vulnerabilities in third-party service providers, often targeted as entry points for attackers. The Treasury Department emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its systems and the sensitive data they contain. 

Trump Endorses Mike Johnson for House Speaker Despite GOP Divisions 

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Trump Endorses Mike Johnson for House Speaker Despite GOP Divisions 

President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to remain Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, despite backlash within the Republican Party over Johnson’s recent actions as leader. 

In a post on his Truth Social platform Monday, Trump urged his supporters to back Johnson, describing him as a “good, hardworking, religious man” and pledging his “Complete & Total Endorsement.” Trump’s message comes as Republicans prepare for a leadership vote when the new Congress convenes on January 3. 

“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hardworking, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!” Trump wrote. 

However, Johnson faces challenges to maintaining his position. His passage of a bipartisan budget bill earlier this month, aimed at averting a government shutdown, exposed deep divisions within the Republican caucus. Some members criticized the deal as a concession to Democrats, fueling speculation of resistance to Johnson’s leadership. 

Johnson, a Louisiana congressman known for his socially conservative policies, will need near-unanimous support from his party to retain the speaker’s gavel. The endorsement from Trump, a key figure among the GOP base, is seen as an effort to solidify support ahead of the contentious vote. 

South Korean Court Issues Arrest Warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol Over Declaration 

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South Korean Court Issues Arrest Warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol Over Declaration 

In a historic move, a South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over his controversial declaration of martial law, marking the first time authorities have sought to detain a sitting president in the country. 

The Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant on Tuesday following a request by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, which is probing Yoon for alleged insurrection and abuse of power. 

Yoon, who has been suspended from office since December 14 after the National Assembly impeached him in a 204-85 vote, faces charges related to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. The move has plunged South Korea into one of its most severe political crises in decades. 

The conservative leader could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted. The investigation and warrant have sparked nationwide debate as South Korea grapples with the fallout from the martial law decree and its impact on the country’s democratic institutions. 

Maysaa Sabrine Becomes First Woman to Lead Syria’s Central Bank

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Maysaa Sabrine Becomes First Woman to Lead Syria’s Central Bank

Maysaa Sabrine has been appointed as the governor of Syria’s central bank, making history as the first woman to hold the position in the institution’s over 70-year existence, a senior Syrian official confirmed.

Sabrine, who previously served as deputy governor, brings over 15 years of experience in banking oversight and financial regulation. She holds a master’s degree in accounting from Damascus University and is a certified public accountant. Since December 2018, she has represented the central bank on the board of directors at the Damascus Securities Exchange, in addition to serving as deputy governor and head of the Office Control Division.

Her appointment follows the removal of Mohammed Issam Hazime, who was named governor in 2021 by former President Bashar al-Assad. Hazime’s tenure ended after al-Assad was ousted in a rapid rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on December 8.

Sabrine’s leadership comes during a challenging period for Syria’s economy, as the new administration seeks to stabilize the country’s financial institutions amid ongoing political and economic turmoil.

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