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A comprehensive report released Wednesday by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reveals 2024 was the deadliest year for journalists since record-keeping began over three decades ago, with 124 media workers killed across 18 countries. The death toll surpassed the previous record from 2007, when 113 journalists died, largely due to the Iraq war. CPJ Chief Jodie Ginsberg emphasized that current conditions represent "the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ's history." The Israeli military was responsible for 85 journalist deaths during the Gaza war, with Palestinians comprising 82 of these casualties. The CPJ criticized Israel for allegedly impeding investigations into these deaths, attempting to deflect responsibility onto the journalists themselves, and failing to hold military personnel accountable. Sudan and Pakistan shared the position of second deadliest countries for journalists, each recording six fatalities. The report highlighted a […]

A powerful explosion at a major department store in Taichung, Taiwan's second-largest city, has claimed four lives and left 24 people injured, according to official reports. The National Fire Agency reported that the blast occurred on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, located approximately 160km southwest of Taipei. The affected area was reportedly under construction and closed to the public at the time of the incident. Emergency response was substantial, with the local fire department deploying 56 vehicles and 136 personnel for search and rescue operations. Footage broadcast by TVBS Taiwan captured the moment of explosion, showing building cladding and debris propelled outward while clouds of dust erupted from the structure. Street-level photographs revealed debris scattered across surrounding areas. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who experienced the blast's impact from the nearby city government building around 11:30am, […]

A devastating fire has consumed over half of Amsterdam Island, a remote French territory in the southern Indian Ocean, forcing the evacuation of 31 researchers. The blaze, discovered on January 15 by an atmospheric scientist, originated near the Pointe Bénédicte observatory. Despite containment efforts, strong winds and dry conditions helped the fire spread toward the Martin-de-Viviès research base. The researchers were evacuated by a fortuitously present lobster fishing vessel, the Austral. The fire has affected critical infrastructure, including solar panels, food supplies, and communication lines. The 54-square-kilometer island, which lacks rivers and experiences winds up to 40 km/h, saw the fire spread through its peat bog network. The island's unique biodiversity faces significant threat. It hosts the exclusive breeding ground for Amsterdam Albatross, 84% of the world's yellow-nosed albatross population, and various seal species. The location's pristine environment has made […]