Cargo shipping giant Maersk announced on Tuesday a pause of transits through the Red Sea “until further notice” after one of its container vessels got attacked over the weekend by what the United States identified as Iranian-backed Houthi boats. In a statement‚ the Danish company noted trips through the nearby Gulf of Aden would also be suspended and said vessels would be rerouted to travel around the Cape of Good Hope in “cases where it makes most sense for our customers.” The ship that was ambushed‚ the Maersk Hangzhou‚ was hit by an “unknown object” after it passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait en route from Singapore to Port Suez‚ Egypt‚ Maersk said in a prior statement announcing a temporary pause until January 2. Following the initial attack‚ four boats approached the Maersk Hangzhou and opened fire in an attempt to board the ship‚ according to the company. The Maersk Hangzhou’s security team and a helicopter deployed from a nearby navy vessel “successfully thwarted the attempt‚” the company added. The crew aboard the merchant ship were reported to be safe. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday that U.S. Navy helicopters destroyed three of four Houthi small boats that were attacking the container vessel after the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and USS Gravely guided missile destroyer responded to a distress call. The helicopters returned fire in self-defense after the Houthi boats fired upon the U.S. aircraft with crew-served weapons and small arms‚ CENTCOM said. No damage to U.S. personnel or equipment was reported. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP The Houthis have warned ships not to head toward Israel in what the group claims is a show of solidarity with the Palestinians as Israel fights Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Other major shipping carriers‚ MSC and Hapag-Lloyd‚ said they would pause transits through the Red Sea as Houthi militants wreak havoc. Maersk said the Maersk Hangzhou was one of the first ships to travel through the Red Sea after “confirmation” that ships from the multi-national Operation Prosperity Guardian‚ meant to protect vessels in the Red Sea‚ had deployed in the area. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the operation in mid-December with a statement citing an “escalation” in Houthi attacks coming from Yemen in recent weeks. In its latest statement‚ Maersk said an investigation into the December 30 incident is “ongoing and we will continue to pause all cargo movement through the area while we further assess the constantly evolving situation.” The company added‚ “We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers’ supply chains and will continue to keep you updated on the situation.”

Dozens of people have been confirmed dead in Japan as rescuers continue to search for survivors after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan on New Year’s Day.  Authorities in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture‚ the nearest region to the quake’s epicenter‚ confirmed that at least 48 people had died in the disaster‚ Tokyo-based news outlet NHK reported. Fire department officials in Wajima City said that at least 25 buildings had collapsed‚ and firefighters were attempting to rescue people still trapped inside 14 of the buildings. Additionally‚ officials believe around 200 buildings burned down on a popular tourist street in Wajima City after fires broke out as a result of the earthquake.   Footage captured by a helicopter flying over the devastation showed numerous buildings leveled and some on fire. Many of the roads leading into the city were reportedly left impassable after the quake‚ making it difficult for officials and relief workers to get to the affected areas.  NHK staff flew over central Wajima City in a helicopter at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Flames were coming out from several places. For more news from Japan visit our live page: https://t.co/gWrQ60IXoF pic.twitter.com/DgzCH0YzMl — NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) January 2‚ 2024 More than a dozen earthquakes were reported in the Sea of Japan late Monday night local time‚ the largest of which collapsed buildings and started a fire in Wajima‚ the city closest to the earthquake’s epicenter. Following the earthquakes‚ Japanese authorities issued a “major tsunami warning” — the highest-level warning before downgrading the alert to a “tsunami warning” and later a “tsunami advisory.” Japanese authorities have now lifted all tsunami advisories.  Rescuers are now rushing to save any survivors as the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that more earthquakes — potentially reaching around magnitude 7 — could hit the Japanese coast in the coming days.  Nearly 60‚000 people have been evacuated from their homes‚ according to Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi. Around 30‚000 households lost power following the earthquake and 20‚000 homes don’t have running water‚ Hayashi added‚ according to The New York Times.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP After the earthquakes‚ a fire reportedly broke out at a nuclear power plant in Ishikawa‚ but plant operators quickly extinguished it and said there was no impact on the plant‚ according to Hayashi. No nuclear facilities have reported any increases in radiation levels since the quake.

An Australian former Olympic track cyclist died just before the new year after being hit by a vehicle driven by her husband‚ who has now been charged in connection to her death. Melissa Hoskins‚ 32‚ died Saturday in Adelaide‚ Australia‚ after she reportedly jumped onto the hood of a $50‚000 Volkswagen driven by her husband‚ Rohan Dennis‚ according to the Daily Beast. It is unclear why Hoskins jumped onto the hood‚ but police who reviewed security footage told the Adelaide Advertiser that she attempted to grab the door handle. Dennis allegedly did not stop and continued to drive until Hoskins fell to the ground‚ severely injured. She died of her injuries at a local hospital. Dennis has been arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving‚ driving without due care‚ and endangering life‚ according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He has not entered a plea but has been released on bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 13. Hoskins‚ a mother of two‚ competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games‚ missing a medal by just 0.181 seconds in 2012‚ CNN reported. Hoskins was also a track cycling world champion and set a world record in 2015 while competing with Australia’s women’s team pursuit quartet‚ the outlet noted. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Dennis is a professional road racing cyclist who won the UCI men’s individual time trial world championships in 2018 and 2019. He has also competed in the Tour de France and won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In early 2023‚ he announced he would retire by the end of the season. The couple was married in 2018 – the year after Hoskins announced her retirement from cycling. A recent social media post from Dennis featured Hoskins and their two children along with the comment‚ “Merry Christmas from our family to yours‚” according to the ABC. Hoskins’ parents and sister released a statement through Australia Cycling‚ the country’s national federation for the sport. “Words cannot convey our grief‚ sadness and the tragic circumstances of Melissa’s passing‚” the statement said. “Not only have we lost a daughter and sister‚ her children have lost their mum‚ a freewheeling spirit‚ a giver with a big heart‚ patience and zest for life. She was the rock of their life and ours and we need to honour her memory so they can grow up knowing who she was‚ what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched.”

There’s nothing like ending and starting the year by welcoming a little one into the world — just ask this New Jersey family! Eve and Billy Humphrey likely thought nothing could shock them quite like the news of having twins‚ but that was quickly proven wrong when their little ones were born in different years. This happened despite the fact that Eve was due at the end of January. When the couple arrived at the hospital on New Year’s Eve‚ the two of them were sure that Billy would be getting two sons on his birthday — that’s right‚ Dad’s own birthday is January 31! YouTube “I’m like — what a great birthday gift!” Billy says. “I get two boys on my birthday. We came in early enough on that day that I was thinking‚ ‘Okay‚ maybe this is going to happen?'” Of course‚ Billy turns out to be half right about that! By the time 11:48 p.m. rolled around‚ the Humphrey’s first little one made his grand entrance into the world‚ weighing 6 pounds — his name is Ezra. New Jersey Twins Born in Different Years Facebook “Once he was born you know‚ thinking of the tax write-off‚ I was like‚ ‘Maybe we can get another tax write-off!'” Evie says. But Ezra’s brother‚ Ezekiel‚ took time in joining him‚ opting to wait until 12:28 a.m. on New Year’s Day to enter the world. At 4 lbs.‚ 15 oz.‚ he’s smaller than his brother. “I was still pushing when everyone’s doing the countdown and we just all said‚ ‘Happy New Year’ in the middle of me trying to push out Baby B [Ezekiel]‚” Eve shares with a laugh. YouTube Turns out‚ the Humphrey family has quite a lot of reasons to celebrate at the end of December and start of January. In addition to this being the time of year when Dad‚ Ezra‚ and Ezekiel have their birthdays‚ the twins’ older brother‚ Hezekiah‚ turns 3 on January 3! “I just know they’re going to be world changers‚” Billy says. “And they couldn’t share the same day‚ right? They needed their own spotlight.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Family Rings In 2024 By Welcoming Twins… Born In Different Years! appeared first on InspireMore.

The art of dance is such a beautiful way to communicate stories and feelings that are difficult to do in any other way. Even the simplest dance has the power to move someone. Still‚ Another Kind Of Blue takes this art form to another level in their audition for Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) in 2016. The group is made up of five talented folks‚ and it’s clear how hard they work to perfect their craft. For this BGT audition‚ only two of them take center stage. The rest work behind the scenes to make this stunning performance go as smoothly as possible. If the two dancers‚ Nino and Violet‚ are nervous‚ it certainly doesn’t show. YouTube Right away‚ there performance stands out with unique visuals. There’s a screen behind them‚ but it also looks as though the same image on this screen is projected onto the floor. At first‚ the inside of a house is on display with a dining room table and a fireplace in the distance. Another Kind Of Blue Delivers Breathtaking BGT Performance When We Were Young by Adele starts to play‚ and their breathtaking performance officially starts. At first‚ they dance as you’d expect. Soon‚ though‚ they take advantage of the space on the floor‚ making it seem as though they’re actually interacting with the dining room space on the wall. YouTube Suddenly‚ the house disappears‚ and the couple are falling through the clouds‚ large hands intercepting to bring them closer or further apart. Then‚ instead of falling‚ it’s like they’re flying through the sky. When they continue their decent‚ they get help in the form of hands and birds. Needless to say‚ the crowd goes wild over their performance! YouTube “It’s absolutely stunning‚” Simon Cowell says. “I mean‚ there are moments where you actually believe that you are in the air with them — I mean‚ it’s unbelievable.” Watch Another Kind Of Blue deliver a breathtaking performance for BGT in the video below. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Dancers Combine Art And Technology For One Unforgettable “BGT” Audition. appeared first on InspireMore.

There are certain performers that stand out from the rest‚ and Kodi Lee from America’s Got Talent is certainly one of them. This talented singer‚ writer‚ and musician first took the AGT world by storm with his audition in 2019. He quickly became a fan favorite‚ and he went on to become the first blind and autistic person to win the competition. Now‚ he’s back again in a brand new spin-off of the beloved show: America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. This version has the judges (Mel B.‚ Simon Cowell‚ Heidi Klum‚ and Howie Mandel) serving as mentors for the top 40 competitors from over the years. As usual‚ though‚ there can ultimately only be one winner. With a $250‚000 grand prize‚ a lot is at stake. Still‚ Kodi seems to be full of excited energy when he takes the stage to perform an original song called Change. YouTube Kodi has performed both covers and original songs before‚ but this one in particular holds special meaning for him. According to his mom‚ Tina‚ it’s all about dealing with negativity and bullying‚ something he felt inspired to do after his own experience of being in the public eye. “The song means so much to Kodi‚” Tina shares. “He only knows goodness and giving everyone a chance. He wants people to know they have a voice and a chance to stand up against hate and cyber bullying. Nobody is alone and he wants everyone to speak up and be heard‚ and stand together in this fight.” Kodi Lee Calls for Change in Powerful AGT Performance YouTube Kodi couldn’t have written a better song to deliver this message. During his performance‚ Kodi captivates the audience with his booming voice and powerful lyrics. Judges have an ability to steal contestants from their fellow judges‚ something both Mandel and Mel B. say they would do if they still could. So‚ instead‚ he remains on Cowell’s team. “It shows what a great‚ great‚ great artist and person you are‚” Cowell says of his performance. “And I’m very proud to have you on my team.” Watch Kodi Lee deliver a powerful performance on AGT of his original song Change in the video below. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Kodi Lee Kicks Off “AGT: Fantasy League” With Original Song And Does Not Disappoint! appeared first on InspireMore.

An animal refuge in Arizona has received an unusual stocking stuffer this holiday season: a rescued bear cub who is way‚ way smaller than he should be. In fact‚ according to a Facebook post from Bearizona Wildlife Park‚ officials from the Arizona Game and Fish Department are “stumped” by the little guy! Not only is he tiny for his age‚ but he also seems to be very comfortable around humans. In fact‚ his rescuers found him wandering a neighborhood in Tuscon. Experts have a lot of questions! “The bear weighs 15 pounds‚ a 15-pound bear should be about four or five months old‚” said Mark Hart from Arizona Game and Fish. “The math doesn’t work.” Bearizona/Facebook He continued‚ “If it got separated from its mother‚ regardless of why in the backcountry‚ how did a bear that small get all of the way off the mountain? We would have thought that a bear that size would have been picked off by a predator. A coyote‚ a mountain lion‚ or even another bear.” It looks like humans may have been feeding the small bear cub. Dave O’Connell‚ CEO of Bearizona Wildlife Park‚ is also curious about the small bear cub. He believes human interference might have played a key part in the tiny animal’s backstory. Bearizona/Facebook “Bear cubs in the United States are all born close to January or February‚ so this little fella should be around 70 pounds this time of year‚” he said‚ adding‚ “We will never know the whole story‚ but if someone illegally fed this cub for months‚ it could explain his comfort around humans. It might also explain why he is so small.” Although feeding a small bear cub might not sound that bad‚ it could have spelled disaster for the lost animal. When bears become too comfortable around humans‚ they often end up being euthanized to prevent them from becoming a threat. Thankfully‚ Bearizona Wildlife Park has adopted the little cutie instead! They named him Buddy‚ after the main character from the holiday film‚ Elf. Bearizona/Facebook We’re hoping Buddy makes lots of friends in his new home‚ just like these rescues did! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Abnormally Small Year-Old Bear Cub In Arizona Has Wildlife Officials “Stumped.” appeared first on InspireMore.

Fiddy the flower cat earned her nickname with the sweetest gesture. This adorable kitty wandered into a New Zealand woman’s house and dropped off a beautiful array of fresh flowers! Since that first visit‚ Fiddy has found a permanent home with her new mom. Even though the cat has clearly already won over her new owner‚ the grateful pet continues to bring her flowers every day! When Fiddy the flower cat’s mom told her story on TikTok‚ she revealed that the poor kitty wasn’t in the best shape at first. However‚ after getting treated for fleas and worms at the vet’s office‚ she was doing a lot better! According to The Dodo‚ Fiddy’s owner managed to track down the cat’s former family at one point. However‚ they weren’t able to take her back‚ so everything worked out for the best. Here are some of the cutest videos of Fiddy the flower cat bringing her new mom presents! 1. It all started with a spontaneous visit and a thoughtful gift. @aalishelise How our story began many have asked how we found each other – i havent gone in to too much detail in some areas about why and how but rest assured everything was done for Fiddys best interest #adopt #catsoftiktok #catlover #fyp #viral #cattok #adoptdontshop ♬ Love Story – Frozen Silence 2. Apparently‚ Fiddy the flower cat picks only the most beautiful blooms for Mom. @aalishelise HERE IT IS FOLKS im so excited to have captured this. Her sniffing all of them to get the one she wants is too cute #cat #catsoftiktok #flowercat #fyp #viral #viraltiktok2023 #cats #flowertok ♬ my love mine all mine sped up – ✰ 3. She frequently climbs into the bedroom through the window. @aalishelise I almost cried #catsoftiktok #fyp #littlelife #cat #flowercat #viral ♬ Little Life – Cordelia 4. Sometimes Fiddy even brings her owner flowers in bed! @aalishelise Another hard days work for Fiddy the flower fairy #flowercat #florist #fairy ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris 5. Fallen flowers are easier to collect‚ but fresh ones are more fun to pick. @aalishelise SO PURE. I had the biggest smile on my face editing this so i hope it reaches many of you #viral #fyp #flowercat #catsoftiktok #newzealand #adoptdontshop #cattok #nz #camellia #ghibli ♬ Ghibli-style nostalgic waltz(806744) – MaSssuguMusic It warms our hearts to see just how much Fiddy the flower cat loves her owner. What a pure and giving soul this kitty has! You can find the source of this story’s featured images here. The post Stray Cat Sneaks Into House To Leave Behind Gifts‚ Woman Thanks Her In Purrfect Way. appeared first on InspireMore.

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'it's just dead wrong'