The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) has fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for operating four flights with chronic delays on domestic routes, marking the first time such a fine has been imposed on an airline for this prohibited scheduling practice. On Friday, the department announced that as part of a consent agreement, JetBlue will pay $1 million of the fine, while the remaining amount will be used to compensate passengers affected by the airline's chronic delays or any future disruptions within the next year.

Additionally, JetBlue has agreed to provide vouchers worth at least $75 to passengers for future cancellations or delays of three hours or more caused by the airline within the next 12 months. USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the action signals to the airline industry that flight schedules must reflect realistic expectations and ensure reliable service.

While JetBlue did not admit liability, the airline expressed its commitment to timely arrivals and acknowledged the importance of on-time performance for its customers. The airline also criticized USDOT for what it described as a persistent lack of sufficient air traffic control staffing. JetBlue argued that accountability for reliable air travel should also lie with the U.S. government, which manages the nation’s air traffic control system.

USDOT outlined that JetBlue had operated chronically delayed flights between New York and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, as well as a route between Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut, during 2022 and 2023. Despite the various factors contributing to these delays, including weather and airspace issues, USDOT noted that JetBlue had adequate time to act and avoid the chronic delays.

In response, JetBlue said it had invested tens of millions of dollars in improving air traffic control, especially in the U.S. Northeast corridor, to prevent such disruptions. The airline also reported significant improvements in reducing travel disruptions over the past year.

USDOT identified 395 delays and cancellations involving the four chronically delayed flights, which are defined as flights that are either cancelled or arrive more than 30 minutes late over 50% of the time within a month. The department estimated that JetBlue was responsible for over 70% of the disruptions for these flights.

This comes after USDOT sought public feedback on whether airlines should be required to provide cash compensation for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by the airline. In a similar case, Southwest Airlines agreed to a settlement with USDOT in December 2023, providing $90 million in travel vouchers to passengers who experienced delays of three hours or more due to airline-caused issues.

Motorcyclists caught running red lights, riding in the wrong direction, or encroaching on sidewalks (except when accessing a specific address) in Vietnam now face fines of VND4-6 million (US$157-236 million), a 10-fold increase from the previous penalty.
Starting Jan. 1, Decree 168 introduces stricter penalties for motorcyclists riding on sidewalks, going against traffic on one-way streets, or ignoring no-entry signs. In addition to the fines, violators will lose 2 points on their driving license, which has a total of 12 points.

To regain a full 12 points, they must go 12 months without any further violations from the date of their last point deduction. Drivers who lose all points on their licenses will be prohibited from driving. If all points are lost, drivers must wait at least six months after losing the last point to retake the driving test.

The decree also increases fines for failing to wear helmets or improperly fastening helmet straps. Motorcyclists or passengers without properly secured helmets will face fines of VND400,000-600,000, up from the previous VND300,000-400,000. Exceptions apply for medical emergencies, children under six, or transporting criminals. Both drivers and passengers will be fined equally for helmet violations.

Public road misuse is also targeted under the decree. Activities such as playing football, badminton, or drying grains and agricultural products on roads will incur fines of VND200,000-250,000. Occupying central dividers for selling goods, storing construction materials, or parking vehicles will result in fines of VND500,000-1 million, with penalties doubled for organizations.

More severe violations carry harsher fines. Reckless driving, such as zigzagging or scraping kickstands along the road, will result in fines of VND8-10 million and a 10-12 month suspension of driving licenses, up from the previous VND2-3 million.

The VND8-10 million fine also applies to motorcyclists engaged in illegal racing, speeding, failing to stop after causing an accident, tampering with accident scenes, refusing alcohol tests, leaning on other drivers while moving, or persistently honking or revving engines in densely populated or hospital areas.

A new regulation under Decree 168 permits immediate vehicle confiscation for dangerous behaviors, such as riding hands-free, sitting sideways or lying on the motorbike's seat while driving, steering with feet, switching drivers mid-motion, blindfolded driving, or performing wheelies.

Professor Duong Quang Trung has made history by becoming the first Vietnamese editor-in-chief of IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, one of the most prestigious journals under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Trung, a full professor at Memorial University in Canada and Chair Professor at Queen's University Belfast in the U.K., took on this important role on January 1. His tenure will last for two years, during which he will oversee the content of the journal and make final decisions on submitted articles.

IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, known as IEEE COMST, is the largest journal among the 336 publications within the IEEE system. It is highly regarded in the field of electrical and electronics engineering and stands out as one of the top technical science journals worldwide. Trung's appointment as editor-in-chief marks a significant achievement not only for him but also for Vietnam, as he is the first Vietnamese to hold this position.

Trung is a leading scientist in telecommunications and computing engineering, with particular expertise in 5G and 6G networks. He has authored over 550 research publications, with 350 of them indexed in the ISI database. His work has earned him widespread recognition, including prestigious awards from the Royal Academy of Engineering and accolades from IEEE Globecom, the world’s largest mobile information conference.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Trung has secured substantial research funding, including over $40 million to support his groundbreaking work. His research team received £12 million (US$15.2 million) from the U.K. government in 2022 to develop scalable technologies beyond 5G and 6G. His leadership in next-generation wireless mobile technology research has also earned him the Canada Excellence Research Chair from the Canadian government, along with $5.9 million in funding.

Trung’s path to success began in his hometown of Hoi An, Vietnam, and his academic journey took him to prestigious institutions across the globe. After earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, he went on to complete his master's degree at Kyung Hee University in South Korea and a PhD in Telecommunications from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, all on full scholarships.

The Army veteran who drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans acted alone, the FBI confirmed Thursday, reversing its earlier position that suggested he may have had accomplices in the deadly attack. The FBI revealed that the driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an American citizen from Texas, posted five videos on his Facebook account hours before the attack, proclaiming his support for the Islamic State group and previewing the violence he was about to unleash in the French Quarter.

"This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act," said Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division, calling Jabbar "100% inspired" by the Islamic State. The attack along Bourbon Street killed 14 revelers and Jabbar, 42, who was fatally shot in a firefight with police after steering his speeding truck around a barricade and plowing into the crowd. About 30 people were injured.

This was the deadliest IS-inspired assault on U.S. soil in years, highlighting the resurgent international terrorism threat federal officials have been warning about. It occurred as the FBI and other agencies prepared for potential leadership changes and policy shifts following President-elect Donald Trump's administration.

Raia emphasized that there was no connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck filled with explosives outside Trump’s Las Vegas hotel on Wednesday. The person inside the truck, a decorated U.S. Army Green Beret, shot himself in the head just before detonation.

The FBI continued to investigate Jabbar’s actions but confirmed that he acted alone in the attack. The attack plans also included the placement of crude bombs in the neighborhood in an apparent attempt to cause further destruction. Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered in coolers several blocks apart and were safely rendered non-functional at the scene. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage of people near one of the coolers but concluded they were not connected to the attack, though they were seeking to speak with them as potential witnesses.

Authorities are also working to understand more about Jabbar's path to radicalization. Investigators say he rented the truck in Houston on Dec. 30 and drove it to New Orleans the following night.

As New Orleans recovered from the attack, the city began returning to normal. Authorities finished processing the scene early in the morning, and Bourbon Street reopened by early afternoon. The Sugar Bowl college football playoff game between Notre Dame and Georgia, initially postponed due to national security concerns, was played Thursday evening. Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed confidence in the city's readiness to continue hosting large-scale events, including the upcoming Super Bowl.

Millions of Americans, stretching from the Plains to the East Coast, faced the threat of blizzards, heavy snow, dangerous ice, and freezing rain through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. In anticipation of the winter storm, governors in Kentucky and Virginia declared states of emergency.

"The storm is still taking shape," meteorologist Rich Bann of the NWS Weather Prediction Center stated on Saturday evening. "But this thing has multiple hazards, from heavy snow in the Plains to significant icing that will impact roads further south."

More than 60 million people across the U.S. were under winter weather warnings, watches, or advisories over the weekend. The storm's path stretches eastward from Nebraska and Kansas, through Ohio, Indiana, southwestern Pennsylvania, and northwestern Virginia, potentially bringing anywhere from 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 1 foot (30 cm) of snow. Additionally, ice could cause power lines to break, leading to widespread outages.

A mix of freezing rain and ice is expected to hit southern Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee on Sunday, making roads hazardous and potentially bringing down power lines. Bann warned, "It'll be nearly impossible to drive in some areas."

The Kansas City International Airport in Missouri temporarily closed on Saturday afternoon due to rapid ice accumulation, as officials posted updates on social media.

While the storm is expected to move past the East Coast and into the Atlantic Ocean by late Monday, Bann added that a new wave of Arctic air will bring extremely cold temperatures to the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. by mid-week.

The chief of security for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on Sunday that he could not cooperate with efforts to arrest the impeached leader, potentially escalating the political crisis. Park Chong-jun, the official, cited the legal debate surrounding the arrest warrant as the reason for his lack of cooperation.

"Please refrain from insulting remarks that the presidential security service has been reduced to a private army," Park said in a statement. He emphasized that the service had provided security to all presidents for 60 years, regardless of their political affiliation.

These comments came after a Seoul court rejected a complaint from Yoon's lawyers that the arrest warrant was illegal and invalid. The court did not respond to phone calls for comment.

"Judging the legitimacy of any legal interpretation and execution is difficult," Seok Dong-hyeon, a lawyer advising Yoon, posted on Facebook. "If there is an error in the legality of law enforcement against the incumbent president, it will be a big problem."

Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest for his attempted declaration of martial law on December 3, which led to political turmoil. The president was impeached by parliament and is currently suspended from official duties while the Constitutional Court decides whether to reinstate or remove him.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Sunday for talks with senior officials.

On Friday, Yoon's presidential security service and military blocked criminal investigators from arresting him, resulting in a six-hour standoff.

In his statement on Sunday, Park dismissed as "preposterous" an accusation by the opposition Democratic Party that he had ordered security officers to use live ammunition if they were "caught short" during the standoff.

Yoon's lawyers argued that the arrest warrant was unconstitutional because the anti-graft force leading his criminal investigation lacked the authority to investigate cases involving insurrection accusations under South Korean law. They also threatened to report the chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) and the investigators to prosecutors for their alleged illegal efforts to execute the warrant.

The CIO did not respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, rallies were held in heavy snow near Yoon's official residence in Seoul, with thousands of protesters demanding his arrest while others opposed it. "We have to re-establish the foundation of our society by punishing the president who has denied the constitution," said Yang Kyung-soo, leader of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), a major labor group involved in the protests. "We must bring down the criminal Yoon Suk Yeol and arrest and detain him as soon as possible."

In response, security officials set up barbed wire and barricades, and protests continued despite the cold temperatures, with some demonstrators camping overnight in downtown Seoul as more than 6 cm (2.4 inches) of snow accumulated. Police detained two protesters accused of assaulting officers during similar rallies on Saturday.

On the same day, the CIO once again requested acting President Choi Sang-mok, South Korea's finance minister, to order the security service to comply with the arrest warrant. A finance ministry spokesperson declined to comment but issued a statement urging authorities to ensure no one was harmed in the enforcement of the law.

Poaching and boiling are two methods that best preserve the nutritional value of eggs, which include proteins, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and various trace nutrients.

Healthline reports that cooking eggs makes proteins more digestible due to structural changes that occur when heated. Cooked eggs allow the body to utilize up to 91% of the protein, compared to just 51% from raw eggs. Additionally, cooking reduces the effect of avidin, a protein in egg whites that binds to biotin (vitamin B7), making biotin more available to the body.

However, the nutritional content of eggs can change depending on the cooking method. Cooking eggs at high temperatures for extended periods can reduce their vitamin A and antioxidant content. It may also lead to the oxidation of cholesterol in the yolks, forming oxysterols, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Despite these factors, eggs remain a highly nutritious food, and moderate cooking is unlikely to significantly diminish their health benefits.

Here are three ways to cook eggs that preserve their nutrients most effectively:

Boiling
Boiling eggs involves cooking them in their shells in boiling water for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on how firm you prefer the yolks. WebMD notes that hard-boiled eggs are filling and low in calories, making them ideal for weight management.

Poaching
This gentle cooking method involves simmering eggs in water at temperatures between 160–180°F (71–82°C) for about 2.5 to 3 minutes. According to The Times of India, poached eggs maintain the natural flavor and nutritional content of the eggs while minimizing calorie and fat intake. They are also easier to digest, making them a good choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Frying
Frying eggs is another popular method, where the eggs are cracked into a hot pan coated with a thin layer of cooking fat, allowing for various styles such as "sunny side up" or "over easy." Although it’s quick and convenient, frying can introduce additional fats into the diet and may affect the cholesterol levels in the egg yolks when cooked at high temperatures. For a healthier option, use oils that are stable at high temperatures, like avocado or sunflower oil, when frying.

To maximize the health benefits of eating eggs, consider pairing them with vegetables to add fiber and extra nutrients to your meal. Opting for higher-quality eggs, such as pasture-raised or organic, can provide more nutrition, and avoiding overcooking helps minimize nutrient loss and reduces the formation of harmful cholesterol oxidation products.

The chief executive of South Korean airline Jeju Air, Kim E-bae, has been barred from leaving the country as police intensify their investigation into the fatal crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. The crash, which occurred last week in Muan city, South Jeolla Province, claimed 179 lives, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history.

Police announced Thursday that they imposed a travel ban on two individuals, including Kim, as part of their ongoing probe. The flight, carrying 181 passengers and crew from Thailand to South Korea, issued a mayday call before belly-landing and colliding with a concrete barrier. Tragically, only two flight attendants survived the crash.

Authorities have ramped up their investigation, conducting raids on Thursday at the Jeju Air headquarters in Seoul, Muan International Airport, and a regional aviation office in the southwestern city. The police emphasized their commitment to swiftly and thoroughly determining the cause of the crash and holding those responsible accountable in accordance with the law.

At the crash site, soldiers, police, and investigators in protective suits continued to search for evidence. Meanwhile, nearby, monks held prayer ceremonies, and grieving relatives left flowers, food, and heartfelt notes. Post-it messages filled the airport’s stairs, expressing sorrow and love for the victims. One note read, "Honey, I miss you way too much," while another said, "Even if you faced lonely and painful moments in death, may you now soar like a butterfly."

Volunteers, including chefs from Netflix's popular cooking competition show Culinary Class Wars, prepared meals for the victims' families. Across South Korea, citizens prepaid for coffee at the airport’s café to support mourning relatives who have been waiting there for updates since the tragedy. On Thursday, authorities began releasing more victims' bodies to families for funeral preparations.

The investigation is examining multiple factors, including the potential role of a bird strike and the controversial presence of a concrete barrier at the end of the runway. Dramatic video footage showed the plane colliding with the barrier before bursting into flames. Officials are scrutinizing the barrier, which housed an antenna array known as a localizer, for its role in the crash. Experts have speculated that a less rigid structure might have resulted in fewer fatalities.

The police are also analyzing communication records between the pilot and the control tower and gathering evidence regarding the legitimacy of the localizer’s installation. In response, the land ministry has begun inspecting similar structures at airports nationwide to prevent future disasters.

South Korea has also launched an inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by its airlines, focusing on potential issues with the landing gear, which appeared to malfunction in the crash. Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for "immediate action" if any problems are found during the investigation. Currently, 101 aircraft of the same model are in operation by six airlines in the country.

Data from the cockpit voice recorder has been successfully extracted, but the flight data recorder sustained damage and will be sent to the United States for analysis. As the investigation progresses, authorities are under pressure to uncover the causes of the crash and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Cambodia's Ministry of Environment has initiated a nationwide campaign aimed at keeping the country's national roads free of garbage and plastic waste. This initiative represents a significant step towards creating a green, clean, and aesthetically pleasing nation.

According to Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth, the campaign, which began on January 2, seeks to enhance the visual appeal of cities and towns located along national roads. By fostering a cleaner and more environmentally friendly atmosphere, the campaign aims to promote better air quality, improved urban order, and increased attractiveness for both tourists and investors.

To achieve these goals, the ministry has called for collective efforts from all segments of society, including local authorities, businesses, and individual citizens. Regular street-cleaning activities will be carried out over a broad scope to maintain clean and unobstructed roads. The campaign also emphasizes the reduction of plastic waste by encouraging the public to minimize the use of plastic bags and single-use plastics, instead adopting eco-friendly alternatives.

Minister Sophalleth further stressed the importance of enhancing waste management systems and continuing participation in the "Today I Will Not Use Plastic Bags" initiative. Launched in September 2023, this campaign has already garnered the involvement of over 9.7 million people, including students, in efforts to curb plastic consumption.

Through this combined approach, Cambodia seeks to not only preserve its natural beauty but also create a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.

Avocados have become a powerful ally in managing high cholesterol, thanks to their rich content of monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and their ability to lower triglyceride levels. Cholesterol plays a vital role in building cells and producing hormones, but excessive levels—particularly "bad" LDL cholesterol—can increase the risk of severe cardiovascular issues, including heart disease.

Cholesterol is categorized into two types: HDL, or "good cholesterol," which helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood, and LDL, or "bad cholesterol," which can accumulate in arteries and lead to blockages. Individuals with high cholesterol, especially those with LDL levels above 190 milligrams per deciliter, are at a greater risk and can benefit significantly from incorporating avocados into their diet.

One of the primary benefits of avocados is their abundance of monounsaturated fats (MUFAs). These healthy fats help lower LDL cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol levels. A medium avocado contains 22 grams of fat, the majority of which is monounsaturated, with minimal saturated fats. Unlike the saturated fats found in dairy and meat, MUFAs in avocados are known to enhance heart health. Other sources of MUFAs include olive oil, nuts, and oily fish.

In addition to healthy fats, avocados are an excellent source of dietary fiber. A single medium avocado provides approximately 10 grams of fiber, which has been shown to improve HDL cholesterol and enhance the quality of LDL cholesterol. Studies, including those conducted by the American Heart Association, highlight the significant role fiber plays in reducing the risk of heart disease and coronary conditions.

Avocados also help lower triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood that, when elevated, can increase the risk of heart disease. Research, such as a 2015 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, indicates that replacing animal fats with avocados can significantly reduce both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, leading to improved cardiovascular health.

While avocados are highly beneficial for cholesterol management, they should be part of a comprehensive approach to heart health. This includes reducing the intake of saturated and trans fats, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. Replacing animal fats with avocados in meals is an effective and delicious way to promote a balanced diet and enhance overall well-being.

By adding avocados to their daily diet, individuals can take meaningful steps toward lowering harmful cholesterol levels and improving their heart health.

Heavy snow in Japan's northern region cancelled dozens of flights Tuesday as millions of families were returning home to spend the New Year holiday with their loved ones.

Japan Airlines announced the cancellation of 42 flights by early Tuesday afternoon, impacting 6,398 passengers, as rough weather gripped the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Similarly, its main competitor, ANA, canceled 14 flights, affecting 800 passengers, and cautioned customers about potential delays and additional cancellations.

At Hokkaido's main airport, passengers were seen forming long lines in hopes of securing alternative flights. Some resigned themselves to spending New Year’s Eve in the departure lounge. One traveler, trying to return to Okinawa in southern Japan, expressed his frustration to broadcaster HTB, saying, "It was great to see snow, but I didn't think I would be trapped here. I don't know what to do. I might have to stay at the airport tonight."

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Hokkaido and northern coastal areas facing the Sea of Japan were experiencing heavy snow and strong winds. Over 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) of snow had fallen in some parts of Hokkaido since Monday, most of it accumulating on Tuesday morning. Snowfall is expected to continue through New Year’s Day.

This winter’s harsh weather follows an extraordinary year of climate extremes in Japan. The summer of 2024 tied with 2023 as the hottest on record, with extreme heatwaves fueled by climate change affecting many regions globally. The autumn of 2024 was also the warmest in Japan’s 126 years of recorded history. Mount Fuji’s iconic snowcap appeared later than ever before, arriving in early November instead of its usual early October average.

As winter weather causes disruptions, it underscores the volatility of Japan’s climate in a year marked by record-breaking heat and late-season changes.

A U.S. citizen with an Islamic State flag and "hellbent" on carnage steered a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year revelers in New Orleans on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens, officials said.

The FBI has identified the perpetrator of the tragic New Orleans attack as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. Jabbar, an Army veteran who served from 2007 to 2020, held roles as a human resource specialist and IT specialist, including a deployment to Afghanistan. After leaving the military, he reportedly worked as a real estate agent in Houston. Authorities revealed that an ISIS flag was discovered in his vehicle, leading the FBI to investigate his potential connections to terrorist organizations. Officials believe Jabbar did not act alone and have launched a manhunt for possible accomplices.

The horrifying incident unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Day in New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife and historic charm. Jabbar drove a white Ford F-150 electric pickup truck at high speed into a crowd of revelers, intentionally targeting as many people as possible. The attack left 15 dead, including Jabbar, and numerous others injured. After the vehicle stopped, Jabbar exited and exchanged gunfire with police officers, two of whom were wounded but are expected to recover. Authorities later discovered and safely neutralized two homemade bombs in his vehicle.

The attack caused chaos in the bustling French Quarter, as witnesses described scenes of terror, with bodies and blood scattered across the area. Police, who were already out in full force due to the holiday celebrations, responded swiftly. Despite their efforts, the carnage shook the city, which is a popular tourist destination and host to major upcoming events like the Super Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. These events are now under heightened security concerns.

Acting Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick labeled Jabbar a "terrorist," stating that his actions were deliberate and meant to cause maximum destruction. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack, affirming that such violence would not be tolerated, while incoming President Donald Trump controversially linked the incident to illegal immigration, despite Jabbar being a U.S. citizen. As investigations continue, authorities are working to understand the full scope of the attack, Jabbar’s motivations, and whether additional threats remain.

South Korean investigators entered the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday to execute an arrest warrant over his failed martial law declaration, marking the first time in the country’s history that a sitting leader faces arrest.

Yoon’s declaration on December 3 briefly thrust South Korea back to the dark days of military rule, resulting in his suspension by lawmakers. The 62-year-old leader now faces potential imprisonment or, in the most extreme scenario, the death penalty.

"The execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol has begun," announced the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is spearheading the probe into Yoon's martial law attempt. Investigators, including senior prosecutor Lee Dae-hwan, were allowed past security barricades but were reportedly blocked by a military unit inside the residence, according to Yonhap news agency.

It remains unclear whether the Presidential Security Service, still tasked with protecting Yoon, will comply with the arrest order. Yoon’s legal team has fiercely opposed the warrant, calling it "illegal and invalid."

"The execution of a warrant that is illegal and invalid is indeed not lawful," said Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kap-keun, in a statement.

Heavy security surrounded the compound in central Seoul, with 2,700 police officers and 135 police buses deployed to prevent clashes between Yoon’s supporters and anti-Yoon demonstrators.

Supporters Rally Around Yoon
Yoon’s most ardent supporters, including far-right activists and evangelical preachers, camped outside his residence overnight, holding prayer sessions and chanting slogans.

"Illegal warrant is invalid," they shouted early Friday, waving red glow sticks and chanting Yoon’s name. Rhee Kang-san, a pro-Yoon protester, expressed hope for the president’s survival, saying, "We are rooting for him to fight through this."

Legal and Political Turmoil
The CIO has stated its intent to detain Yoon and bring him to their Gwacheon office near Seoul for questioning. Under the existing warrant, Yoon can be held for 48 hours, after which a fresh warrant would be required to extend his detention.

Yoon’s legal team has filed for an injunction with the constitutional court to block the arrest and submitted an objection to the Seoul court that approved the warrant. However, CIO head Oh Dong-woon has warned that anyone obstructing the arrest could face prosecution.

The arrest attempt highlights South Korea’s turbulent political landscape, which has seen previous instances of arrest warrants for lawmakers failing due to resistance from supporters. As of now, Yoon remains inside the presidential residence, vowing to "fight" the authorities.

Ride-hailing motorbike driver Le Ngoc Son, 67, fears he may have to quit his job due to new traffic regulations introduced on New Year’s Day that impose fines of up to VND6 million ($235.71) for running red lights.

The decree, aimed at reducing traffic violations, introduces significantly higher penalties for offenses such as ignoring traffic signals and driving against the flow of traffic.

At the bustling Nguyen Trai-Khuat Duy Tien-Nguyen Xien intersection in Hanoi on Wednesday, traffic was heavy despite the holiday, with five traffic police officers stationed in the area to ensure compliance.

Son, who was stopped for running a red light, acknowledged his mistake but broke down upon learning of the heightened fines.

"If the fine is this high, I may have to abandon my vehicle," Son said, explaining that his demanding schedule had left him unaware of the new rules. "I only managed to deliver five orders today. After deducting fuel costs, I earned about VND63,000. If I’m fined this much, I may not be able to continue this job."

Another motorcyclist, a woman who stopped past the designated traffic line, was also pulled over. She explained that during peak hours, officers had sometimes instructed her to park slightly ahead of the crossing while waiting for the light to change. However, the officer clarified that unless directed otherwise, drivers must strictly follow traffic signals.

Nguyen Quang Nhat, head of the traffic police department’s division for propaganda and accident investigation, emphasized the necessity of stricter fines to deter violations.

"Most intersections are now equipped with surveillance cameras. If people believe they have been wrongly fined, they can file a complaint," Nhat said.

Traffic accidents remain a serious concern in Vietnam. The country reported over 21,500 traffic accidents in 2024, resulting in more than 9,950 fatalities and 16,000 injuries, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

At least 28 people were confirmed dead on Sunday after an airliner veered off the runway and crashed at South Korea's Muan International Airport, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The tragic accident involved a Jeju Air plane carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on a flight from Thailand. It occurred during the plane's landing at the airport, located in the southern part of South Korea.

Authorities reported that two survivors have been found, and rescue operations are ongoing to search for others, particularly in the tail section of the aircraft. An airport official told Reuters that efforts were continuing to pull people from the wreckage.

Photos shared by local media showed smoke and flames consuming parts of the aircraft, painting a harrowing scene of the disaster.

In response to the crash, Acting President Choi Sung-mok, recently named interim leader amid South Korea’s ongoing political crisis, has instructed authorities to focus all available resources on the rescue mission, according to a statement from his office.

A spokesperson for Jeju Air stated that the airline is currently verifying the details of the incident.

This devastating accident has shocked the nation and drawn attention to the importance of aviation safety, as emergency teams work tirelessly to provide aid and recover those still trapped.

Several airlines have announced the suspension of flights to Russian cities following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the Kazakh city of Aktau on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of 38 of the 67 people on board.

Among the latest to take action is Turkmenistan Airlines, which announced on Saturday that "regular flights between Ashgabat and Moscow" would be canceled from December 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025. The airline did not provide any explanation for the suspension.

Other airlines have also followed suit. flydubai, the UAE-based carrier, suspended flights between Dubai and the Russian cities of Mineralnye Vody and Sochi for the period between December 27 and January 3. Similarly, Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air has temporarily halted flights to Yekaterinburg in Russia's Urals region until the end of January.

Earlier in the week, Israeli airline El Al announced the suspension of its flights to Moscow for a week, further adding to the ripple effect in the aviation industry.

The tragic crash involved an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, which went down near Aktau, a western Kazakh city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The plane was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, to Grozny in Russia when the disaster occurred.

In a statement on Friday, Azerbaijan's transport minister cited preliminary investigation results suggesting that the crash resulted from physical “external interference.” Further reports from Azerbaijani officials indicate the belief that the plane might have been struck mid-air.

This incident has prompted heightened safety concerns and operational precautions, as airlines across the region reassess their flight routes and schedules to Russian cities.

A passenger plane burst into flames on Sunday after skidding off the runway at a South Korean airport, killing at least 120 people in what has become one of the country's worst aviation disasters.

The Jeju Air plane, carrying 181 people, crashed into a concrete fence at Muan Airport, approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Officials reported that the front landing gear appeared to have failed to deploy, leading to the tragic accident.

Rescue efforts were swift, with the National Fire Agency deploying 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the fire and save passengers. Emergency workers managed to pull out two crew members alive from the wreckage, though the majority of passengers could not be saved.

Footage aired by YTN television showed the plane skidding across the runway with its landing gear still retracted before colliding with a concrete wall on the outskirts of the airport at 9:03 a.m. local time. Black smoke billowed from the plane, which was engulfed in flames.

Emergency officials are investigating the cause of the fire and believe that a malfunction in the landing gear was likely responsible. The transport ministry confirmed that the plane had been returning from Bangkok, with its passengers including two Thai nationals.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed her condolences to the victims' families through a post on social platform X. She announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been ordered to provide immediate assistance to the affected Thai nationals.

This tragedy marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea’s history. The last major air disaster occurred in 1997, when a Korean Airlines plane crashed in Guam, claiming the lives of 228 people.

Some fraudsters have been exploiting fake farming area and packaging facility codes to export durian to China, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. This malpractice has sparked complaints from genuine exporters, as stated by Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association's general secretary.

To export durians to China, only fruits from farming areas and packaging facilities with approved area codes from Chinese authorities are permitted. However, cases of fraud have surfaced, undermining this system.

One notable incident involved the exporter Vina T&T. Fraudsters forged the stamp and signature of Vo Huu Truong, head of its office in Ben Tre Province, to authorize another company, Eureka Marketing, to use Vina T&T’s packaging facility code (VN-BTPH-036). Consequently, several shipments bearing this fraudulent code passed through customs.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, expressed concerns that such fraudulent activities could harm his company's reputation. Furthermore, misuse of farming area codes has resulted in Chinese customs revoking certain codes after detecting contaminated shipments. Legitimate owners of these codes have suffered financial losses, despite not being responsible for the violations.

The association has called on authorities to strengthen oversight and implement strict punishments for violators. It also suggested creating a database to manage farming area and packaging facility codes more effectively. Improved transparency and product traceability, along with publicizing lists of legitimate entities and violations, could help deter future fraud.

Additionally, the association emphasized the need for Vietnam to collaborate with importing countries to prevent such violations.

Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s durian exports are forecasted to exceed US$3.2 billion in 2024, a 40% increase from 2023. The upward trend is expected to continue as processed durian products, which have higher value than fresh fruits, penetrate the Chinese market.

Vietnam currently cultivates durians on approximately 154,000 hectares, producing 1.2 million tons annually.

On Friday, a Vietnam Airlines flight VN307, traveling from Tokyo, Japan to Ho Chi Minh City, made an emergency landing at Taoyuan Airport, Taiwan, to provide urgent medical assistance to a passenger.

Approximately two hours into the flight, a 32-year-old Vietnamese male passenger seated in seat 24G began experiencing health problems, including symptoms such as low blood pressure and cold hands and feet. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the flight crew requested medical assistance. A nurse on board assessed the passenger's condition and determined that immediate medical intervention was necessary to potentially save his life.

After consulting with the Vietnam Airlines operations center, the crew made the decision to divert the flight to Taoyuan Airport, landing at 1:27 p.m. The prompt decision ensured that the passenger received the necessary care as quickly as possible.

Upon landing, the Vietnam Airlines office in Taiwan quickly coordinated the transfer of the passenger to a local hospital. Fortunately, the passenger is now conscious and undergoing tests and health monitoring.

After the medical emergency was handled, Flight VN307 resumed its journey to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving three hours and ten minutes later than initially scheduled.

Vietnam Airlines has a history of making emergency landings to assist passengers facing critical health issues, even though such actions incur additional costs for fuel and ground services. The airline’s prompt response and focus on passenger safety highlight its commitment to ensuring the well-being of those on board.

The Hanoi People's Court on Friday sentenced more than a dozen officials to prison terms of up to 12 years for corruption related to repatriation flights and quarantine arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic. This ruling comes after a series of investigations into bribery that took place during one of the most challenging periods of the pandemic.

Last year, a total of 54 officials and businesspeople were convicted for their involvement in corrupt activities, with the total amount of bribes amounting to US$9.5 million. These individuals were found guilty of accepting or offering bribes, or acting as intermediaries to facilitate these illegal transactions. Among those convicted, four former senior officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, health, and public security received life sentences for their roles in the corruption scheme.

During the height of the pandemic, in early 2020, Vietnam had closed its borders to nearly everyone, except for its own citizens returning home. The officials involved in the corruption cases were accused of taking bribes to help people secure seats on repatriation flights and arrange medical quarantine stays. At that time, returning citizens faced complicated entry procedures, expensive flight costs, and high quarantine expenses, which created an opportunity for corruption.

One of the key defendants, Tran Tung, the former deputy director of northern Thai Nguyen Province's Department of Foreign Affairs, was found guilty of receiving around $300,000 in bribes. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for accepting bribes and abuse of power in his role as an official overseeing quarantine facilities.

In addition to Tung, sixteen other individuals, including officials from the transport ministry, provincial authorities, and employees of travel companies, were sentenced to up to three and a half years in prison for crimes including bribery and abuse of power.

The corruption cases that came to light are part of a broader anti-corruption campaign in Vietnam, which has targeted several instances of unethical deals made during the pandemic response. One high-profile case involved a Hanoi mother, who reported spending over $10,000 to bring her teenage daughter back to Vietnam from a boarding school in Europe at the height of the pandemic.

The government’s crackdown on corruption has intensified in recent years. According to the Public Security Ministry, in 2024, authorities have already investigated 825 cases involving 1,676 individuals on corruption-related charges. This marks an increase of more than 16% compared to the previous year, highlighting the government’s commitment to combating corruption across various sectors.