MicroWave

Summary

The UK government announced new laws targeting suspected people smugglers, including travel bans, social media restrictions, and limits on phone use, to combat illegal migration and dismantle smuggling networks.

Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said these measures are part of a broader "plan for change" under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has prioritized curbing Channel crossings.

In 2024, over 36,800 migrants made the dangerous journey, with 69 fatalities marking the deadliest year on record.

Critics, including the Refugee Council, argue enforcement has worsened risks and call for safer alternatives.

Summary

Fiji police are investigating the alleged rape and robbery of two Virgin Australia crew members in Nadi on New Year's Day.

The incident occurred after the crew, on a layover, visited a nightclub and were reportedly attacked while trying to return to their hotel.

Virgin Australia has dispatched support teams to Fiji but withheld further details.

Fiji, a popular tourist destination, is now under scrutiny following this high-profile case. The investigation is ongoing, and no further comments have been made by Australian authorities.

Summary

38% of Gen Z adults, under 27, report experiencing a "midlife crisis" due to financial instability, mental health struggles, and career uncertainty.

Financial stress, cited by 30%, stems from rising living costs, stagnant wages, and unattainable milestones like homeownership.

Mental health challenges and career difficulties further compound the crisis. Many turn to "doom-spending" on non-essentials for escapism, worsening financial pressures.

Experts urge older generations to provide practical financial guidance to empower Gen Z and help them achieve long-term stability and growth.

Summary

Minimum wage increases in 21 states and 48 localities starting January 2025 will benefit 9.2 million workers, adding $5.7 billion in wages, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).

States like California are adjusting for inflation, while others, such as Nebraska and Montana, implemented voter-approved hikes. Women, Black, and Hispanic workers will see the most impact.

Despite the raises, many wages still lag behind rising costs of living, with EPI citing a "true living wage" as $20–$26/hour.

Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage remains unchanged at $7.25 since 2009.

Summary

Over 250 branded drugs in the U.S. will see price increases starting Jan. 1, 2025, with most hikes below 10% and a median increase of 4.5%.

Key companies like Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Sanofi are raising prices on treatments for COVID-19, cancer, and vaccines, citing R&D costs and inflation.

Some prices, such as Merck’s diabetes drugs, will be reduced.

Critics highlight that U.S. drug prices remain the highest globally, while manufacturers face pressure to moderate year-over-year price hikes.

Summary

Romania and Bulgaria fully joined the EU's Schengen free-travel zone on January 1, 2025, ending land border controls with other member states.

While air and sea border checks were removed in March 2024, Austria's veto had delayed the lifting of land checks until last month.

The Schengen zone now includes 25 EU nations and four non-EU countries, allowing passport-free travel, with Ireland and Cyprus remaining outside the area.

Summary

Yoon's chief of staff, policy chief, national security adviser, special adviser on foreign affairs and security, and all senior secretaries tendered their resignation.

Their decision followed Acting President Choi Sang-mok's approval of two new judges to the Constitutional Court, which is set to rule on Yoon's impeachment.

The move drew criticism from Yoon's People Power Party, calling the decision "dogmatic."

Yoon, impeached over allegations of leading an insurrection, became the first sitting president to face an arrest warrant.

Acting President Choi rejected the resignations.

Summary

Drugmakers plan to raise U.S. prices on over 250 branded medicines starting Jan. 1, 2025, including Pfizer's Paxlovid and Bristol Myers Squibb's cancer therapies.

Most hikes are under 10%, with a median increase of 4.5%, consistent with recent years. Companies like Merck are cutting prices on select drugs.

Critics highlight high U.S. drug costs, as new drugs launched in 2023 were priced 35% higher than in 2022.

Pfizer cited inflation and R&D costs for its adjustments, while Bristol Myers defended high prices for transformative cancer treatments. Additional price hikes are expected in January.

Summary

Aviation analysts are investigating the deadly crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 at Muan Airport, South Korea’s worst aviation disaster, killing 179 of 181 aboard.

The plane skidded on its belly and struck a concrete barrier housing a localizer antenna, leading to a fireball explosion.

Experts highlight the rigid structure’s role, contrasting it with softer, frangible barriers designed to minimize impact in runway safety areas.

Investigators will assess compliance with international safety standards and whether the airport’s infrastructure contributed to the crash.

Preliminary findings are expected in the coming month.

Summary

The U.S. announced $5.9 billion in additional aid to Ukraine, including $2.5 billion in military support and $3.4 billion in budget assistance, as President Biden finalizes his term.

This brings total U.S. military aid since 2022 to $61.4 billion and budget aid to over $30 billion, supporting Ukraine’s government and military amid intensifying Russian attacks.

Biden emphasized the importance of continued support, though uncertainty looms under Trump, who has questioned U.S. involvement.

Treasury Secretary Yellen warned against cutting aid, calling Ukraine’s success vital to U.S. interests.

Summary

A record 3.4 million young Chinese applied for civil service jobs in 2024, attracted by job stability and benefits amid high youth unemployment and an economic slowdown.

The “iron rice bowl” appeal persists despite wage cuts, unpaid salaries, and austerity measures affecting many civil servants.

Local governments, facing fiscal crises, have reduced bonuses and merged departments, while salaries in some regions are delayed.

Critics call for reform of China’s bloated state sector, but high demand for these jobs reflects disillusionment with private-sector prospects and enduring economic uncertainty.

Summary

Russian billionaires under Western sanctions own chemical companies supplying materials to crucial munitions plants for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, according to a Reuters investigation.

Railway and tax data show firms tied to Roman Abramovich, Andrey Melnichenko, and others provided chemicals like nitric acid and ammonium nitrate used in explosives manufacturing.

These companies, which mostly produce fertilizers exempt from sanctions, highlight loopholes in Western policies.

Experts suggest stricter measures, though concerns remain about global food security impacts.

The findings underscore challenges in curbing Russia’s military production amid ongoing conflict.