Triggering concerns for Israel’s already struggling tourism industry, the government has announced that, as of January 1, 2025, all foreign visitors must now apply online for digital authorization to enter the country, even those from countries such as the US and UK that were once visa-exempt, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Israeli archaeologists digging in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) on Friday unearthed a rare collection of ancient coins they believe belonged to King Alexander Jannaeus, a Hasmonean high priest who ruled over Judea from around 103–76 BC, CBS News reports.
With just three weeks remaining of his presidency, US President Joe Biden has re-emphasized his commitment to helping Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion: on Monday, December 30 he announced the provision of nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine.
The U.S. Supreme Court has released a string of landmark rulings recently, from sending the abortion issue back to the states to granting a measure of presidential immunity to the overturning of Chevron deference, significantly weakening federal rulemaking power.
At Qatar’s main international airport in Doha, waiters hurried to open champagne bottles for passengers stranded in a lounge. A Worthy News reporter noticed migrants from many nations and tourists celebrating what they hope will be a more peaceful 2025.