Home Blog Page 515

Bitcoin Falls Below $100,000 After Reaching Historic Milestone 

admin
-
0
Bitcoin Falls Below $100,000 After Reaching Historic Milestone 

Bitcoin investors celebrated a historic milestone late Wednesday as the cryptocurrency surged past $100,000 for the first time, marking a major achievement in its evolution. However, by Thursday afternoon, profit-taking caused bitcoin to retreat slightly, trading at $99,140, according to Coin Metrics. The cryptocurrency hit an all-time high of $103,844.05 before the pullback. 

The rise came amid optimism in the crypto industry following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to nominate Paul Atkins as the new chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The move is expected to reshape regulatory policies that many in the crypto space have criticized as overly restrictive. 

President-elect Trump addressed bitcoin’s milestone in a Truth Social post on Thursday, expressing his support for the cryptocurrency community. “You’re welcome,” Trump wrote, referring to his administration’s pro-crypto policies, and reiterated his commitment to “making America great again” by supporting innovative technologies like bitcoin. 

Trump’s campaign promises to replace outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose stringent enforcement actions have often clashed with the crypto industry, have fueled optimism among investors. 

For long-time bitcoin holders, often referred to as “HODLers,” the milestone is a testament to their patience through years of market volatility and skepticism from traditional financial institutions. 

Bitcoin’s origins lie in its anti-establishment ethos, born during the 2008 financial crisis. Its pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, envisioned a peer-to-peer digital currency independent of traditional financial institutions. However, recent years have seen increasing adoption by institutional investors, which has significantly influenced its growth. 

Major financial players like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Invesco launched spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) earlier this year, offering institutional investors a safer way to access the market. These ETFs are often referred to as bitcoin’s “IPO moment,” and their success has driven massive inflows into the cryptocurrency market. 

Rick Wurster, incoming CEO of Charles Schwab, hinted in November that the firm plans to enter spot crypto trading, contingent on expected regulatory changes under the Trump administration. 

Even Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell weighed in on bitcoin’s rise during the DealBook conference on Wednesday. Powell compared bitcoin to gold, stating, “It’s just like gold, only it’s virtual, it’s digital.” However, he clarified that bitcoin is not widely used as a payment method or store of value, emphasizing its role as a competitor to gold rather than traditional currencies. 

“This milestone represents a paradigm shift,” said Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital. “Bitcoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem are on the verge of entering the financial mainstream after years of skepticism.” 

Bitcoin’s path to $100,000 had been widely anticipated following the U.S. presidential election, with optimistic investors driving the cryptocurrency’s price upward. Expectations are high for Trump’s administration to deliver on promises such as establishing a national bitcoin reserve, eliminating taxes on crypto transactions, and facilitating public equity market access for crypto firms. 

Mike Novogratz remains optimistic about bitcoin’s long-term potential but advises caution. “It won’t be a straight line up. Investors should consider taking profits along the way,” he told CNBC. 

Despite Thursday’s slight pullback, bitcoin remains up more than 133% in 2024 and has risen 42% since the presidential election. 

Worshippers Forced to Flee Synagogue as Arson Attack Sparks Outrage

admin
-
0
Worshippers Forced to Flee Synagogue as Arson Attack Sparks Outrage

Worshippers inside Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue narrowly escaped harm during a deliberate arson attack early Friday morning, prompting widespread condemnation and a call for justice. 

Firefighters responded to the blaze just after 4:00 a.m. local time (17:00 GMT Thursday) in the Ripponlea suburb. The fire, which had already engulfed the building by the time emergency services arrived, caused significant structural damage. 

Community leaders reported that a small number of worshippers were inside the synagogue for morning prayers when firebombs were allegedly thrown into the building. One person sustained injuries, although details about the severity have not been disclosed. 

Victoria Police have launched an investigation, stating the fire is believed to have been deliberately set. While the exact motive remains unclear, authorities are treating the incident with the utmost seriousness. 

Detective Inspector Chris Murray confirmed that witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals entering the synagogue with accelerant. “We’re keeping an open mind on the motive, but this is a deliberate act,” he said. 

An arson chemist will examine the site to confirm the fire’s origin, while police are seeking assistance from the public. Local residents with CCTV or dashcam footage are urged to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly denounced the attack, labeling it as an “act of hate” meant to intimidate the Jewish community. 

“This violence, intimidation, and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage,” Albanese said in a statement. “I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. Those responsible must be caught and face the full force of the law.” 

The Prime Minister revealed that the Australian Federal Police would assist Victoria’s local authorities in the investigation. 

Synagogue board member Benjamin Klein described the terrifying moments leading up to the fire. “People inside heard banging on the door and windows, and then some liquid was thrown through, which was set alight,” Klein told *The Age*. 

“The whole thing took off pretty quickly,” he added, detailing how worshippers fled to safety. 

Inspector Murray reassured the public that significant resources would be allocated to ensure community safety. Additional patrols have been deployed to the area to prevent further incidents and restore confidence among residents. 

The attack has left Melbourne’s Jewish community shaken but resolute. Community leaders and local organizations have vowed to stand strong against acts of hate and intimidation. 

Inspector Murray acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized the importance of protecting the right to worship. “We’re going to do our best to ensure that worshippers can return to their synagogue without fear,” he stated. 

The incident underscores growing global concerns over antisemitism, with authorities and advocacy groups calling for heightened security at places of worship. 

Police are appealing to anyone in the Ripponlea area with CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the time of the attack to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with information related to the incident are urged to contact Victoria Police as the investigation intensifies. 

U.S House Votes to Withhold Ethics Report on Former Rep. Matt Gaetz 

admin
-
0
U.S House Votes to Withhold Ethics Report on Former Rep. Matt Gaetz 

In a contentious vote on Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected an effort to release a long-awaited Ethics Committee report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump. The decision followed a heated debate over the report, which details allegations of drug use, sexual misconduct, and obstruction of a House investigation involving the former congressman. 

The vote, initiated by Democrats, resulted in the matter being sent back to the bipartisan Ethics Committee. With this move, the possibility of the report becoming public remains uncertain. 

The Ethics Committee report stems from a years-long investigation into claims against Gaetz, including allegations of illicit drug use, sexual misconduct involving a 17-year-old, and obstruction of the committee’s probe. The report also scrutinized his behavior during his tenure in Congress. 

The bipartisan Ethics Committee convened privately for the second time in recent months to deliberate on whether the report should be made public. After over two hours of discussion, the committee issued a statement saying it is “continuing to discuss the matter.” 

Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., the committee chairman, emphasized that no final decision had been made but assured reporters that the committee would reconvene before the end of the year. The committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa., did not attend Thursday’s meeting, and her office declined to comment. 

Democratic Representatives Sean Casten of Illinois and Steve Cohen of Tennessee forced Thursday’s votes, introducing resolutions aimed at compelling the committee to release the Gaetz report and preserve its findings for the public. 

The Casten resolution sought the direct release of the Ethics Committee’s report, while Cohen’s resolution focused on preserving and making public the records related to the investigation. As both resolutions were introduced as “privileged,” they required action within two legislative days. 

However, Republicans blocked the resolutions by voting to refer them back to the Ethics Committee. The Casten resolution was referred to the committee in a 206-198 vote, with only one Republican, Rep. Tom McClintock of California, siding with Democrats. The Cohen resolution met a similar fate, being referred to the committee by a vote of 204-198. 

Democrats have intensified their efforts to release the report, particularly as Gaetz has hinted at a potential gubernatorial bid in Florida for 2026 or other roles in a future Trump administration. Democratic lawmakers argue that withholding the report undermines the Ethics Committee’s credibility and Congress’s integrity. 

Rep. Casten highlighted historical precedents to challenge Republican claims that the committee lacks jurisdiction over former lawmakers. For example, in 1987, the Ethics Committee released a report on former Rep. Bill Boner, D-Tenn., after he resigned. Similarly, in 2006, the committee published its findings on Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., after he stepped down amid allegations of sending explicit messages to a teenage congressional page. 

“Given the serious nature of the allegations against Representative Gaetz,” Casten’s resolution stated, “failure to release the report undermines the committee’s credibility and the integrity of the House.” 

Republicans pushed back, arguing that the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction ends when a member resigns. They further emphasized that publishing the report would set a problematic precedent. 

Rep. Michael Guest previously argued that Gaetz’s resignation and withdrawal from consideration for a potential Trump cabinet role “should end the discussion” about the report. Republicans used a similar argument to reject a Democratic resolution in 1996 that sought to release an Ethics Committee report on then-Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga. 

Gaetz, who resigned from Congress in November after being nominated by Trump to serve as attorney general, continues to deny all allegations. He withdrew his name from consideration for the position shortly after his resignation. 

With speculation about Gaetz’s political future growing, Democrats fear the suppressed report may allow him to reemerge unscathed in a high-profile role. 

Pakistani Court Indicts Former PM Imran Khan Over May 2023 Violence

admin
-
0
Pakistani Court Indicts Former PM Imran Khan Over May 2023 Violence

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with dozens of his party members, has been formally indicted by a Pakistani court on charges of inciting violence against military and government installations during widespread unrest in May 2023. The court proceedings took place Thursday in Rawalpindi, with charges filed under anti-terrorism laws carrying potential life imprisonment penalties. 

Khan, who remains imprisoned, pleaded not guilty to the allegations. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also confirmed the indictment, which stems from violent protests that erupted after his arrest on corruption charges last year. The PTI described the charges as politically motivated. 

The May 2023 unrest saw thousands of Khan’s supporters targeting key military sites, including the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and an air base in Mianwali, Punjab province. Protesters also set ablaze the building housing the state-run Radio Pakistan in the northwestern region. 

Authorities argue that the demonstrators were incited by Khan’s repeated accusations that the military, along with the United States, orchestrated his removal through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Both the U.S. government and Pakistan’s military have denied the allegations. 

The indictment of Khan is the latest in a string of over 150 criminal cases filed against him since his ouster. On the same day as the indictment, police arrested Omar Ayub Khan, a senior PTI official and opposition leader in Parliament, on separate charges of incitement to violence. 

In recent weeks, the government has intensified its crackdown on PTI members. Last week, clashes broke out in Islamabad as thousands of Khan’s supporters defied a police lockdown to march into the capital, demanding Khan’s release. 

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Khan announced plans for a rally in Peshawar on December 13 to honor PTI supporters who were allegedly killed by security forces during recent protests. He called for the formation of a five-member committee of senior PTI leaders to negotiate with the military for the release of what he described as political prisoners. 

Khan also demanded a judicial commission to investigate the violence of both May 2023 and the recent unrest in November 2023. He warned that failure to meet these demands would result in a civil disobedience campaign starting December 14, which would include urging Pakistanis abroad to cut back on remittances to the country. 

Authorities have intensified their search for Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who led recent protests but fled the scene during clashes in Islamabad on November 26. Police claim she is hiding in Peshawar, a PTI stronghold, and are seeking her arrest despite her recent release on bail in a corruption case. 

In a separate development, Pakistan’s military announced that eight militants were killed during operations in the restive northwest on Thursday. Raids were conducted in South Waziristan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions bordering Afghanistan. The military confirmed the militants were neutralized as part of ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in the area. 

Canadian Man Leaps on Polar Bear to Save Wife from Attack 

admin
-
0
Canadian Man Leaps on Polar Bear to Save Wife from Attack 

A man in northern Canada leapt onto a polar bear to save his wife from being attacked early Tuesday morning, sustaining serious injuries in the process, police reported. 

The couple, whose names were not disclosed, stepped out of their home around 5 a.m. local time (11:00 GMT) to locate their dogs when the polar bear suddenly charged at the woman in their driveway. 

“The woman slipped to the ground as her husband leapt onto the animal to prevent its attack,” the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service stated. The bear mauled the man, leaving him with serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arms and legs. 

A nearby resident intervened, firing multiple shots at the bear. The animal retreated into the surrounding forest, where it succumbed to its injuries. 

The injured man was transported to a local nursing station for medical treatment. Police confirmed that officers continued to patrol the Fort Severn First Nation area, a remote community of approximately 400 people in northern Ontario, to ensure no additional polar bears were in the vicinity. 

Alysa McCall, a scientist with Polar Bear International, told CBC News that such attacks are uncommon. Polar bears typically avoid human settlements, spending most of their time at sea hunting seals. 

However, climate change has disrupted sea ice patterns, sometimes forcing bears inland in search of food. McCall noted that polar bears involved in human attacks are often young, hungry, or unwell. 

She also provided crucial advice: “If you’re attacked by a polar bear, do not play dead — that is a myth. Fight back as long as you can.” 

As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency of human-polar bear interactions may increase due to diminishing ice habitats. Residents of polar bear territories are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential encounters. 

7.0 Earthquake Off Northern California Triggers Brief Tsunami Warning

admin
-
0
7.0 Earthquake Off Northern California Triggers Brief Tsunami Warning

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook Northern California on Thursday morning, causing widespread tremors, minor property damage, and a brief tsunami warning for over 5 million people along the U.S. West Coast.

The earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m., approximately 84 miles (135 km) west of Ferndale in Humboldt County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors were felt as far south as San Francisco, about 270 miles (435 km) away. While the quake caused items to topple from shelves and startled residents, there were no immediate reports of major injuries or fatalities.

A tsunami warning was issued shortly after the quake, spanning nearly 500 miles (805 km) of coastline from California’s Monterey Bay into Oregon. Emergency alerts advised residents to evacuate coastal areas and move to higher ground.

“Phones were buzzing everywhere with the warning,” said Valerie Starkey, a Del Norte County supervisor. Coastal towns like Eureka and Crescent City enacted precautionary evacuations, while Santa Cruz police cordoned off beach areas.

The warning was lifted within an hour after the National Weather Service confirmed no tsunami threat based on wave monitoring systems and seismic models.

Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal reported minor structural damage, including cracked foundations and shattered windows, but no significant injuries or infrastructure failures. “We’re used to this—it’s earthquake country,” Honsal remarked. “This quake was a slow roller but significant.”

Ferndale’s Golden Gait Mercantile owner Julie Kreitzer said, “It was a strong quake. Our building shook, and we lost a lot of inventory. It’s worse than the quake two years ago.”

Schools and public spaces implemented emergency protocols. In Eureka, Mayor Kim Bergel described middle school students taking cover under desks. “The kids were frightened, but they followed procedures perfectly,” she said. Classes were dismissed early as a safety measure.

The earthquake was a strike-slip event, where tectonic plates move horizontally. Unlike vertical thrust earthquakes, which are more likely to trigger tsunamis, this type posed minimal risk. Dave Snider of the Tsunami Warning Center stated, “Data confirmed it was unlikely to generate dangerous waves.”

California’s coast has experienced over 150 tsunamis since 1800, according to the California Geological Survey. Notable events include the 1964 Crescent City tsunami, which killed 12 people, and the 2011 Japan earthquake-induced tsunami, causing $100 million in damages to California’s coastline.

bbc.com

Nigerian Troops Kill 8,034 Terrorists, Arrest 11,623 in 2024 – Defence Headquarters

admin
-
0
Nigerian Troops Kill 8,034 Terrorists, Arrest 11,623 in 2024 – Defence Headquarters

Nigerian troops neutralized 8,034 terrorists and arrested 11,623 during various military operations across the country in 2024, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said Thursday.

Crude oil worth ₦57.05 billion was recovered, and 6,376 kidnapped victims were rescued between January and December, according to Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.

“Troops’ aggression across various theatres of operation this year culminated in 8,034 neutralized terrorists, 11,623 arrests, and the rescue of 6,376 hostages,” Buba said during a biweekly update on military operations in Abuja.

The operations led to the recovery of 53,101,430 liters of stolen crude oil and 9,179,181 liters of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO). Additionally, troops confiscated 90,595 liters of dual-purpose kerosene (DPK) and 156,095 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), alongside other items.

A total of 8,216 weapons and 211,459 rounds of ammunition were seized. The recovered arms include 4,053 AK-47 rifles, 1,123 locally-made guns, 731 Dane guns, and 240 pump-action guns.

Buba said the military continues to intensify pressure on insurgents, creating conditions that make it increasingly difficult for terrorists to carry out attacks or threaten citizens.

“The armed forces are consistently reviewing strategies to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure public safety,” Buba added.

Despite progress, challenges persist. On Monday, three soldiers from Operation Hadin Kai were killed while repelling a Boko Haram attack in Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State. A statement from DHQ on Tuesday confirmed the incident, with Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede commending the troops for their bravery and urging them to maintain momentum.

South African Airways Cancels International Flights Amid Pilot Strike

admin
-
0
South African Airways Cancels International Flights Amid Pilot Strike

South African Airways cancelled flights to Perth and Sao Paulo Thursday after the SAA Pilots Association confirmed plans to strike following failed pay negotiations.

The airline made the decision Wednesday night after unsuccessful attempts to rebook passengers with partner carriers, according to Khaya Buthelezi, SAA’s senior manager of corporate relations. “That’s the decision we took last night since we could not find partner airlines that we can transfer our customers to,” he told Reuters.

Domestic flights and African routes continued operating under contingency plans, while pilots gathered to picket outside the carrier’s offices at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

Pilot Sibusiso Nxumalo, representing both the SAA Pilots Association and the National Transport Movement Pilots Forum, told state broadcaster SABC the strike focused on improving working conditions rather than purely financial demands. “The company has made a profit in the past couple of months. It’s not like we want a piece of that pie, we just want to have better working conditions,” he said.

The labor action marks a significant challenge for the national carrier, which narrowly avoided liquidation in 2019 through bankruptcy protection measures. The airline has been working to rebuild operations since emerging from restructuring.

Indian State Expands Beef Ban, Prohibits Public Consumption

admin
-
0
Indian State Expands Beef Ban, Prohibits Public Consumption

The northeastern Indian state of Assam announced Wednesday a ban on beef consumption in public places, including restaurants and events, expanding earlier restrictions that prohibited beef sales near temples and religious sites.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the measure while noting that residents can still purchase and consume beef in private homes and establishments. The decision extends a 2021 law that banned beef sales in areas populated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs.

The ban intensifies India’s complex relationship with beef consumption, particularly significant in a country where Hindus, who comprise 80% of the population, consider cows sacred. Approximately two-thirds of India’s 28 states have implemented partial or complete bans on cattle slaughter and beef consumption, though some permit buffalo meat.

The announcement follows political controversy after opposition Congress party alleged Sarma used beef to win support in Samaguri, a Muslim-majority constituency. Sarma responded by suggesting he would consider a complete beef ban if Congress desired it.

Critics, including All India United Democratic Front member Hafiz Rafiqul Islam, questioned the selective implementation: “If they cannot ban beef in Goa or other northeastern states, why in Assam?” Some BJP-ruled states, including Goa and Arunachal Pradesh, still permit beef sales and consumption.

In recent years, cow protection has become increasingly politicized, with vigilante groups in many states accused of violently targeting Muslim meat sellers, cattle traders, and Dalits, for whom beef provides an affordable protein source.

Finnish Court Opens War Crimes Trial of Russian Commander in Ukraine Conflict

admin
-
0
Finnish Court Opens War Crimes Trial of Russian Commander in Ukraine Conflict

Finnish prosecutors launched a landmark war crimes trial Thursday against Russian ultranationalist Voislav Torden, former commander of the Rusich sabotage group, for alleged atrocities committed during Ukraine’s 2014 conflict.

The Finnish Prosecutor-General’s Office charged Torden, also known as Yan Petrovsky, with five counts related to his activities in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Deputy Prosecutor-General Jukka Rappe said the charges involve the deaths of 22 Ukrainian soldiers and injuries to four others.

According to Finnish broadcaster Yle, prosecutors accuse Torden of violating laws of war and committing acts of cruelty against both injured and deceased enemy combatants. A notorious September 2014 incident involved Rusich’s ambush of Ukraine’s Aidar battalion near Shchastya, where group members allegedly mutilated soldiers’ remains.

Torden, born in St. Petersburg in 1987, moved to Oslo in 2004 before joining former Russian paratrooper Aleksandr Milchakov in supporting separatist forces in Donbas. After deportation from Norway to Russia in 2016, he changed his name and entered Finland in 2023 as a family member of his student visa-holding wife.

Finnish authorities arrested Torden at Helsinki Airport in July 2023 as he attempted to board a flight to Nice. While Ukraine sought his extradition, Finland’s Supreme Court denied the request over prison conditions concerns. The United States sanctioned Torden in 2022 for alleged extreme cruelty during combat in the Kharkiv region.

1...514515516...970Page 515 of 970