December 2024 – Page 5

Putin’s comments on the Ukraine war worsened tensions.

Putin’s stubborn presser on the war in Ukraine, ties with Trump’s U.S., and the missing American journalist—heavy on angry language.

Putin says that Russia is not in a “weaker position” and is ready to meet with Trump.

Says its missiles can’t be stopped and gives Ukraine a “duel” test.

Russia’s war on Ukraine took up most of the first part of President Vladimir Putin’s yearly long press conference, which showed how stubborn he is about the conflict and how he plans to work with the new U.S. government.

Putin said, “You would very much like Russia to be in a weakened position, but I hold a different point of view” when asked about dealing with President-elect Donald Trump when Russia was in a “weaker position.”

• Putin is ready to meet with Trump, even though they haven’t talked in four years, and he said that Western defenses can’t stop Russia’s Oreshnik rocket.

• A “duel” to test a rocket against Ukraine’s air defenses was suggested.

When Putin talked about the current war in Ukraine, his angry comments made things even worse. He talked a lot about how powerful the Oreshnik rocket was and said that Western technology “stands no chance” against it.

• A planned target for attack in Kyiv to see how well Ukraine’s air defenses work

• Says the possible test is “interesting for us.”

Along with his angry words, Putin talked about the case of Austin Tice, a missing American writer who went missing in Syria 12 years ago.

Putin promised to bring up the problem since Bashar Assad, the former president of Syria, is now living in exile in Russia.

“I promise that I will definitely ask this question,” he said. People who control the situation and can affect the outcome can also answer my questions about a variety of topics.

Putin’s Extended Press Conference on Domestic and Global Tensions

Putin’s lengthy news conference addresses economic growth, the Ukraine war, and global issues, primarily focusing on internal matters.

Putin talks about economic growth and the war in Ukraine

The long presser is mostly about family problems.

The goal of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s yearly long news conference and call-in show was to show how much power and control he has over the country’s politics.

The carefully planned event, which is shown live in all 11 time zones in Russia, has usually been about issues in Russia.

Putin began by bragging about how well Russia’s economy was doing and saying that he thought it would grow by almost 4% this year.

He said that even though consumer inflation is high (9.3%), the economy as a whole is still “stable.”

• More than 2 million questions from people

• Journalists hold up signs to get Putin’s attention.

• There are a lot of problems at home, but the war in Ukraine is a big one.

Russia’s military action in Ukraine and rising tensions with the West are likely to be at the center of the conversation in Russia.

Putin has promised that what he calls the “special military operation” will end “victoriously.”

• The killing of a Russian general with ties to the Ukraine war

• Attacks with hypersonic missiles on Ukraine were talked about

• Calls for Ukraine to drop its bid to join NATO were made again

Ukraine says that Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was killed in Moscow in a bold act, which has brought the almost 3-year war back to the streets of the Russian city.

People will pay close attention to what Putin says about possible changes in bargaining positions before the new U.S. government takes office.

The Russian leader could also talk about the fall of Bashar Assad, the president of Syria, to whom he had offered refuge.

Moscow’s military involvement in Syria suffered a setback with the death of Assad, prompting efforts to safeguard political and military assets, as well as to extend leases on air and navy bases.

France’s main suspect in a rape gets the maximum 20-year sentence

A French rapist boss was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while hundreds faced conviction. The ten-year-abused wife became a feminist hero.

A ringleader in a huge French rape case gets up to 20 years in prison.

About 50 convicts, and the wife becomes a feminist voice.

In France, a shocking case involving dozens of men raping a woman over and over by her husband has come to an end. The head of the group was given the maximum 20-year prison term.

The 72-year-old Dominique Pelicot admitted that he drugged his wife Gisèle and let at least 50 men sexually abuse her at their home in Provence from 2011 to 2020, which is almost ten years.

Gisèle gave a moving statement during the three-month trial, which was one of the largest of its kind in French history.

She is now praised as a female hero for her bravery in coming out. Because the acts were so horrible, prosecutors wanted the toughest punishments.

49 of the 50 co-defendants were charged with repeat rape or attempted rape.

One was charged with sexual assault and could spend up to four years in jail.

Dominique admitted that she put sedatives in Gisèle’s food and drink to make her unconscious.

He found the guys online and brought them to his house to beat his wife.

Dominique didn’t feel bad about what he did, even though he was old. He just told his family to “accept his apologies.”

The detailed proof he gathered, which included 20,000 photos and videos, was very helpful in naming the people who were accused of rape.

Prosecutors said that about 20 other people involved have not yet been named from the evidence. Gisèle’s brave choice to go public with her terrible story shocked people all over the world.

She spoke out strongly in court, “It’s not for us to feel ashamed; it’s for them.” This made her a voice for all rape survivors.

After ten years of hellish abuse at the hands of her husband and his evil friends, the landmark case and important penalties are a small step toward justice for Gisèle.

North Korea may send more troops to Russia in spite of deaths

South Korean intelligence says that North Korea may send more troops to Russia, even though a lot of its fighters have died in the Kursk area.

In Kursk, at least 100 North Korean forces were killed and more than 1,000 were hurt.

The Russian army is upset that North Korean troops can not use drones.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers on Thursday that Pyongyang may send more troops to help Moscow’s war efforts, even though North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia have suffered a lot of deaths.

South Korean politician Lee Sung-kwon says that during the fighting in Kursk, at least 100 North Korean troops have died and more than 1,000 have been hurt.

• The US and Ukraine say that there are between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia right now, mostly in the Kursk area.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said this week that at least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed and hurt in Kursk. This adds to the evidence that the North Korean forces are losing a lot of soldiers.

• South Korea’s National Intelligence found proof that many North Koreans, including high-level officials, were killed in rocket attacks, drone strikes, and drills.

• Even though there weren’t many battles, a lot of people died because North Korean forces were sent as shock troops to unknown open fields and weren’t trained to fight back against drone attacks.

According to lawmaker Lee Sung-kwon, the Russian army has complained that North Korean troops are too much of a burden because they don’t know how to use drones.

• Both Ukrainian and American sources have reported that North Korean troops are fighting and maintaining losses.

• Even though they lost, North Korea may still send more troops to Russia, showing that the government is determined to help Moscow win the war.

As the conflict in Ukraine gets worse, the fact that North Korean troops are being sent there and are participating in combat activities makes people worry that tensions will rise even more and more people will die.

Adam Brody Celebrates “Hot Rabbi”‘s Golden Globe Nomination

Adam Brody is nominated for a Golden Globe for his role as “Hot Rabbi” in “Nobody Wants This” on Netflix.

Brody talks about his job options after the success of “Nobody Wants This.”

Talks about his hot on-screen chemistry with co-star Kristen Bell

Adam Brody is starting a new part of his career now that he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in the hit Netflix show “Nobody Wants This.”

The 45-year-old actor talked about the show’s effect at the First-Time Nominees Luncheon, saying that his email has been full of interesting job offers.

• “Some really cool stuff was sent to me. Brody told The Hollywood Reporter, “My email is fuller than it was.”

Brody plays a recently single rabbi who falls in love with Kristen Bell’s character, an atheist sex podcaster, in the Erin Foster-written show.

Brody hasn’t said anything about the second season yet, but he did say he was excited about the project and that shooting the first season was a lot of fun.

• The movie shoot was a lot of fun, even though it sounds corny. It was great to be with such a great group.”

• Brody also talked about his desire to try out different parts, being careful not to take on roles too close to his “Hot Rabbi” character.

Before he was nominated, Brody, who was in PEOPLE’s 2024 Sexiest Man Alive issue, thought about his steamy scenes with 44-year-old Bell and how popular their on-screen chemistry was.

• I thought what we had was good, but I didn’t believe so many people would like it.

Brody liked being called “Hot Rabbi” and said, “It feels good, though I’m really not called that much to my face.”

To make things even more exciting, Brody remembered a sly note in the season 1 script that called his kiss with Bell “the greatest of all time.”

With such a strong start, fans can’t wait to see what the duo can do next season.

Taylor Swift Celebrates 35th Birthday with Eras Tour Party

For her 35th birthday and the end of her record-breaking Eras Tour, Taylor Swift had a special party with her boyfriend Travis Kelce and their friends.

For the Eras Tour-themed party, Swift’s friends dressed in clothes from different eras.

The NFL recognized Swift with a love story film that showed her and Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift and her friends and boyfriend, Travis Kelce, threw a party with an Eras Tour theme to mark the end of an era and her 35th birthday.

Brittany Mahomes posted pictures of the party on Instagram, showing how much the group wanted to respect Swift’s famed records.

Brittany wore a silver minidress with fringe that sparkled and knee-high boots that harkened back to Taylor Swift’s Fearless era.

Swift’s outfit change from the Eras Tour for “I Can See It with a Broken Heart” resembled Patrick Mahomes’s.

The party was a real celebration of Swift’s musical journey. People dressed in outfits from her different albums, from Lover’s bright pink dresses to Reputation’s snake patterns.

• The venue was decorated with friendship bands and light-up items that made the Eras Tour theme feel more personal.

• Swift looked stunning in a black dress and her signature red lipstick, and she posed with her friends’ looks that were influenced by the era.

Just when the party wasn’t enough, the NFL celebrated Swift’s birthday by posting a sweet video of her and Kelce dancing to John Legend’s “All of Me.”

The video showed sweet times in their relationship, like Kelce going to Swift’s shows and their parties after games.

• Swift’s custom-made “87” jacket by Kristin Juszczyk was shown off in the video, showing how much she supports her boyfriend’s football career.

• Ed Kelce talked about how he looked for the right birthday present for Taylor Swift with a personal approach, focusing on feeling over luxury.

This year has been a blur of success for Swift. According to the New York Times, her Eras Tour sold an amazing $2,077,618,725 worth of tickets.

One more thing: for the second year in a row, she was named the most-streamed world-top artist on Spotify. She said it was “unbelievable.”

Taylor Swift Relives Her Debut in Balmain LBD at Eras Tour Afterparty

Swift wore a Balmain LBD to a Kansas City party with friends to celebrate her record-breaking Eras Tour. She was channeling her debut album style.

Swift wore a $4,290 Balmain minidress with crystals to the Eras Tour afterparty.

Fans said she looked a lot like she did when she first started the Fearless tour.

The record-breaking Taylor Swift Eras Tour may be over, but the partying went on in Kansas City with friends like Travis Kelce, Patrick, and Brittany Mahomes.

The singer of “Fortnight” looked stylish when she went out in a beautiful Balmain halter-neck minidress with crystals running down the middle.

• DeBeers diamond earrings and fun friendship bands were worn with the $4,290 Balmain dress, which went wonderfully with the Eras theme.

• Swift’s signature golden hair was swept back, her eyes were lined with winged makeup, and her lip color was pink.

Fans on X quickly made connections between Swift’s outfit and an LBD she wore during her Fearless tour.

One highly excited fan went so far as to say, “I’m definitely calling this a debut representation!” That dress from the Fearless show should not have been allowed.”

Taylor Swift sang a song from her album Taylor Swift while dressed as herself. “Hehe!”

• There was no denying the similarity, which showed how Swift can honor her roots while accepting her constantly changing style.

During the last show of her Eras Tour in Vancouver, Swift thanked her fans for being a part of “the most thrilling chapter” of her life. She did this by talking about her journey.

Even though Swift’s tour is over, her famous fashion moments continue to captivate her fans. No one knows how she celebrated her 35th birthday yet, but she still remembers spending her 34th birthday in New York City with Blake Lively. The two of them wore matching little black dresses to The Box Bar.

• Swift wore a $2,335 Clio Peppiat dress with star-shaped embellishments along with a bag covered in Aquazzura jewels, a faux-fur jacket by Anine Bing, and Messika earrings.

• The “Cruel Summer” singer showcased her fashion sense with a tennis necklace, a statement ring, and Aquazzura shoes.

Boyz II Men Win as the First Group Winner on “The Masked Singer”

It was the first time in history that an R&B group won “The Masked Singer.” Boyz II Men beat Mario in an exciting season 12 finale.

Boyz II Men were named the winners of season 12 of “The Masked Singer.”

Mario was named the runner-up Wasp after a great show.

Nick Cannon, who hosts “The Masked Singer,” said that the end of season 12 was “legendary.” After weeks of amazing performances, the Golden Mask award went to Buffalos and Wasp. Both fans and judges were glued to their seats.

Nick Lachey (a.k.a. Piglet), winner of season 5, sang “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to start the big finale. Cannon, dressed as Santa Claus, then gave the judges gifts.

Wasp honors his late mother with moving performances of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” and Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” He had been “craving recognition” for his amazing skills.

The band with three members The Buffaloes had “fought their way out of the hood” and gotten through a lot. They sang hit songs by Gotye and Sam Smith together, like “Somebody That I Used to Know” and “Too Good at Goodbyes.”

At the end of the night, Cannon announced that the Buffalos had won, making history. They were the first group to win “The Masked Singer.” Wasp, the runner-up, then took off his mask to reveal that he was Mario, the R&B singer.

Then Buffalos finally told everyone who they were: Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman, better known as Boyz II Men. The crowd was shocked.

For some reason, one of them suddenly got loud and said, “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done!” Their sounds still worked well together after 30 years in the business.

Boyz II Men’s win showed how good they are as a group and how close they are; during the competition, they talked about how they found themselves and their friendship.

The trip they took for “The Masked Singer” wasn’t just for them; it was also for their family and friends who had always been there for them.

Alberta’s Premier backs Canada’s trade surplus despite Trump’s tariff threats

Danielle Smith, the premier of Alberta, says that exporting raw materials worth billions of dollars makes American companies trillions of dollars rich.

Trump said that he would put a 25% tax on Canadian goods. Smith replied.

Brings attention to Canada’s important role in sending raw products to the U.S.

In a strong response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to put a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has defended Canada’s trade surplus with the US, saying that it is due to the billions of dollars worth of raw materials that are sent south, which makes American companies and workers rich.

On Wednesday, Trump made some controversial comments on Truth Social. He asked why the U.S. “subsidizes” Canada and said that many Canadians want their country to become the 51st state to get armed security and lower taxes.

Smith, on the other hand, decided to talk about the key problem of the trade imbalance instead of Trump’s rude comments.

“That’s a good question about the trade imbalance with Canada. Dear President Trump (@realDonaldTrump): What’s the reason for this? “Canada, especially Alberta, sends billions of dollars worth of raw materials to your U.S. refineries and factories.

Your great American companies and workers refine these materials and sell them all over the world, including back to Canada (we are by far your biggest customer),” Smith wrote on Twitter.

About 4.3 million barrels of oil and gas are sent to the U.S. every day from Alberta alone.

The United States gets 60% of its crude oil and 85% of its power from Canada.

Canada also sends the most steel, metal, and uranium to the United States of any country. 34 important metals and minerals that the Pentagon wants to get.

Smith said that these cheap raw materials from Canada are important for millions of American jobs and businesses that make trillions of dollars for the US economy.

After Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the day before that Trump’s planned tariffs would be a “disaster” that could hurt U.S. stock markets, she said the same thing.

Every day, goods and services worth approximately $2.7 billion ($3.6 billion) cross the border.

For 36 U.S. states, Canada is their main trading market.

Even though Trump’s words may be hurtful, Smith’s calm reaction shows how the economies of the two countries are connected and how Canada’s natural resources greatly contribute to American wealth.

Kai Trump lauds “Outer Banks” star Drew Starkey in an honest Q&A

In an honest Q&A video, Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, says she has a crush on Drew Starkey, the star of “Outer Banks.”

Kai Trump tells Drew Starkey, who plays Outer Banks, that she loves him.

Talks about thoughts of Trump’s re-election and her speech at the RNC

In a candid Q&A video on her YouTube page, Kai Trump, the granddaughter of President Donald Trump, revealed her famous crush: Drew Starkey, the hero from “Outer Banks.”

The 17-year-old girl blushed a lot when she told the 31-year-old actor, who plays the mysterious Rafe Cameron on the popular Netflix show, that she admired him.

“Oh my God, I know.” Why do I need my phone? His name is Drew Starkey. Do you know him? His name is Outer Banks.

Kai gushed, and her cheeks turned a deep red color. “Okay, my secret crush is Drew Starkey from ‘Outer Banks.'” “He’s my celebrity crush because I love him.”

Fans went crazy over the high school junior’s honest statement, which she made while fanning herself in an attempt to hide her shame.

During her Q&A, Kai talked about a lot of different things, from how much she loves golf to her grandfather’s historic return as President of the United States.

Kai joked that she and her grandpa, who is also a big golf fan, are about even on the course, saying, “Every time we’re pretty 50/50; I mean, it depends on the day.”

• She told a funny story about how Trump thought her friend was her boyfriend, which made her feel so embarrassed.

Kai said that the most memorable thing that happened to her was when her grandpa won the presidential race in 2024.

She was filled with such a strong sense of pride that she started crying because she couldn’t hold back her feelings.

The teen also thought about the moving speech she gave at the Republican National Convention after Trump’s almost fatal attempt on his life.

“I felt like after my grandpa got shot, I felt like I had to do it,” she said. “I spoke from the heart.” It’s easy when you talk from the heart.

Trump chose Elon Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. He asked Kai a joke question about the game term “PvP,” which made her think for a moment.

Trump Jr. couldn’t help but make fun of his daughter by asking, “How cool is your dad?” “Love, Dad.” Kai’s answer?

That sneaky answer, “He’s fine,” comes out of my mouth. At that point, I don’t know what to say. I keep saying, “He’s fine,” because I don’t know what else to say.