"President Biden was presented with options for a potential US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in the scenario that Tehran was deemed by the intelligence community as speeding toward a bomb.Per a Thursday Axios report citing several insider sources, the Biden admin discussions were based on "if the Iranians move towards a nuclear weapon before Jan. 20" and came in "a meeting several weeks ago that remained secret until now."
The internal Biden White House 'scenario planning' discussions were said to have taken place about a month ago. One source tried to caution that "there are currently no active discussions inside the White House about possible military action against Iran's nuclear facilities," Axios noted.
There is an international consensus that Iran has increased its Uranium enrichment to 60%, putting it within easy striking distance of being able to develop a bomb if it wanted to." ZeroHedge
"Renowned Ukrainian neuroscientist Ihor Zyma and his wife, biologist Olesya Sokur, werekilled when debris from a Russian drone struck their home in Kyiv’s Pechersk district during an overnight attack." NV
"The attack resulted in damage recorded in three districts, State Emergency Service (SES)reported. In Bila Tserkva district, four private residential buildings and one utility structure were damaged. A fire broke out in one of the houses, swiftly extinguished by rescuers. In Brovary district, a truck was damaged, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old driver. In Fastiv district, a 22-year-old woman was injured." NV
"On January 2, 2025, three local fishermen discovered a mysterious underwater drone off the coast of the Philippines, sparking serious concerns about national security. They found the drone, believed to be of Chinese origin, on Monday, December 30, in the waters near San Pascual, a town located in Masbate province, which lies in the central part of the Philippines.
The drone, marked with the code “HY-119,” was initially found floating in the water. The fishermen reported the finding to local authorities, who took the drone for further investigation. Experts believe that the drone serves reconnaissance and surveillance purposes, which could have serious implications for the national security of the Philippines.
The drone featured an antenna that could send or receive signals, and a camera, often referred to as an “eye” in this context. Experts believe the camera’s function is for monitoring and reconnaissance, enabling it to capture detailed underwater footage that could help gather intelligence or monitor the movements of vessels in the region." MS
"Despite nearly three years of war, Russian energy has continued to transit unimpeded through Ukrainian territory every day until now, with the taps being firmly closed on New Year’s Day.
Zero Russian gas is flowing to European customers through Ukrainian pipelines for the first time in decades today, confirmation there was to be no last-minute deal to keep the route open, sending energy prices spiking on Tuesday." Breitbart
"140 combat engagements took place at the front, 38 of which were in the Pokrovsk sector.
Kupiansk sector, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled seven enemy attacks near Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Lozova, and Nova Kruhliakivka.In the Lyman sector, 16 enemy attacks occurred near Novoserhiivka, Tverdokhlibove, Kopanky, Makiivka, Ivanivka, Zelenyi Hai, Torske, Terny, and the Serebrianskyi Forest.
In the Siversk sector, the Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian positions near Serebrianka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, 14 engagements were recorded near Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, and Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk sector, supported by aviation, the enemy carried out seven attacks near Toretsk, Dyliivka, and towards Shcherbynivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Ukrainian defenders repelled 38 assaults in areas near Vozdvyzhenka, Myroliubivka, Lysivka, Novyi Trud, Solone, Kotlyne, Pishchane, Pokrovsk, Novoielyzavetivka, Promin, Zelene, Novoolenivka, Shevchenko, Dachenske, and Novovasylivka.
In the Kurakhove sector, the Ukrainian forces pushed back 26 enemy attacks near Ukrainka, Petropavlivka, and Kurakhove.
In the Vremivka sector, 19 enemy offensives targeted the Ukrainian positions near Dachne, Kostiantynopil, Yantarne, Novosilka, Rozlyv, and Novyi Komar.
In the Orikhiv sector, despite heavy use of Russian bombing aviation, the Ukrainian forces repelled an attack near Novoandriivka.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the Russian invaders launched two unsuccessful assaults near Zabych Island.
In Russia’s Kursk region, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled five Russian attacks." Ukrin
"While New Year's Day is often home to a couple of rumbles and bangs, a rattling felt
throughout central Newfoundland on Wednesday was not caused by a firework.
Earthquakes Canada says a small earthquake occurred at 2:11 p.m. NT, off the coast of the island in Notre Dame Bay, between Fortune Harbour and Moreton's Harbour.
Though people throughout central Newfoundland reported feeling the quake, it would appear there are no major impacts." CBC
