Sean Hannity at 62: A Shocking Revelation That Changes Everything
At 62, Sean Hannity, the commanding voice in conservative media, has made a startling confession that has everyone talking.
Known for his fiery commentary, staunch political opinions, and decades-long career as a top media personality, Hannity has finally offered a rare glimpse into the man behind the microphone. His candid revelations have left both his supporters and critics rethinking their perceptions of the media titan.
The Master of Media
For decades, Sean Hannity has dominated conservative media. From his nationally syndicated radio program The Sean Hannity Show to his long-running role as a Fox News host, his bold opinions and fierce debates have garnered a massive following.
He became a household name by championing conservative ideals and taking on opposing views with a sharp tongue and unyielding conviction. His influence has helped shape political discourse in America, and his ability to connect with everyday Americans has made him one of the most recognizable voices in the industry.
But even the most confident public figures have personal truths they rarely share, and Hannity is no exception. For years, rumors and whispers have followed him, hinting at vulnerabilities and struggles hidden beneath his polished public persona. Now, for the first time, Hannity is lifting the curtain to reveal a side of himself that has remained in the shadows.
Humble Beginnings
Born on December 30, 1961, in New York City, Sean Hannity grew up in Franklin Square, a working-class neighborhood on Long Island. His Irish Catholic upbringing instilled values of faith, discipline, and hard work. The youngest of four children, he often looked to his family for guidance while carving his unique path.
Hannity’s parents were hardworking and devoted to their family. His father, Hugh Hannity, was a World War II veteran who later worked as a family court officer, while his mother, Lillian, balanced careers as a stenographer and corrections officer. Their unwavering dedication inspired Hannity to strive for success and independence.
Despite attending a seminary for high school and briefly pursuing higher education at New York University and Adelphi University, Hannity realized that traditional academics were not his calling. He left college to follow a more dynamic path, one that allowed him to explore his passions and communicate with a broader audience.
A Risk-Taker in Media
Hannity’s entry into broadcasting was unconventional. His career began in 1989 as a volunteer host for KCSB, a college radio station in Santa Barbara, California. Though his stint was short-lived due to controversial remarks, it ignited his passion for media.
He quickly found new opportunities, landing his first paid radio job in Huntsville, Alabama. Despite facing criticism and even losing a job early on, Hannity refused to give up. His resilience led to his rise as a national figure, eventually earning him a spot at Fox News in 1996.
As co-host of Hannity & Colmes, Hannity became a vocal advocate for conservative values, engaging in heated debates with his liberal co-host, Alan Colmes. The show catapulted his career and cemented his reputation as a leading voice in American politics.
A Rare Glimpse of Vulnerability
At 62, Hannity’s recent confession reveals a more personal side of the man so often seen as unflappable. His hesitation, tone, and choice of words during a candid interview hinted at the weight of his journey—his struggles, doubts, and the sacrifices he made along the way.
Hannity’s story serves as a reminder that even the most prominent figures face challenges and carry untold truths. His honesty offers a new dimension to his persona, reminding his audience that behind the strong rhetoric lies a complex individual shaped by risk, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his beliefs.
As fans and critics alike digest this unexpected glimpse into Sean Hannity’s life, one thing remains clear: his influence on media and politics is undeniable, and his story is far from over.
The family of billionaire Bernard Arnault buys Paris FC
Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of the world’s largest luxury conglomerate LVMH, has officially entered the football industry with a significant investment in Paris FC. This unexpected move has captured attention not only in financial circles but also in the sports world, signaling the ambitions of the world’s richest man to expand his influence into a completely new domain
Paris FC, currently competing in Ligue 2, has long been considered the “younger sibling” compared to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). While it lacks PSG’s glamour and global fame, Paris FC boasts tremendous growth potential, especially given its location in Paris, a major economic and cultural hub in Europe.
Arnault’s decision to invest in Paris FC instead of PSG carries strategic significance. Firstly, it avoids direct competition with Qatar Sports Investments, the owners of PSG. Secondly, this investment positions Arnault to build a long-term project where Paris FC can grow from a modest foundation into a formidable force in French football.
Bernard Arnault’s Vision for Football
Arnault is not the first billionaire to enter football, but his presence is likely to make a substantial impact. As the leader of LVMH, which owns iconic luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moët Hennessy, Arnault has a reputation for transforming mid-tier brands into global symbols of prestige.
His investment in Paris FC is not solely about football; it’s an opportunity to fuse sports with luxury. In the future, Paris FC could become a premium football brand, appealing to both football fans and the elite class.
This move reflects Arnault’s ability to think beyond immediate returns, focusing on the creation of a long-term value proposition. By aligning Paris FC with the reputation and resources of LVMH, he aims to set a new benchmark for luxury branding in the football world.
Paris FC’s Ambitious Journey
The involvement of Bernard Arnault injects new momentum and optimism into Paris FC. With robust financial backing, the club can invest in upgrading facilities, improving the squad, and pursuing a competitive path toward promotion to Ligue 1.
Additionally, Arnault’s influence is expected to bring commercial benefits to the club. LVMH brands could be strategically integrated into the team’s image, creating a seamless link between football and luxury. Imagine Paris FC jerseys featuring exclusive branding partnerships with Louis Vuitton or Hennessy, making them as desirable as they are functional.
The Convergence of Sports and Luxury
Arnault’s entry into French football marks a pivotal moment for the sport. He brings not only financial strength but also a refined approach to brand-building. If Paris FC succeeds, it could serve as a case study in how sports and luxury can combine to generate unparalleled value.
This investment also reflects the growing trend of high-profile individuals and organizations recognizing football’s potential to reach global audiences. For Arnault, Paris FC offers a platform to blend his expertise in luxury branding with the passion and reach of sports.
Mark Zuckerberg fired an employee for misusing the $25 meal allowance
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, formerly Facebook, is making headlines once again, this time for terminating several employees who allegedly abused the company’s meal subsidy program. The program, which offers a $25 Grubhubcredit for employees working late at the office, was intended to cover the cost of dinner delivered directly to Meta offices. However, reports suggest that some employees misused this perk, using it for non-food items or redirecting meal deliveries to their homes, violating the company’s policies.
How the Grubhub Meal Subsidy Works
Meta offers a $25 Grubhub credit to employees working past 6 PM at smaller offices that lack in-house cafeterias. The credit is meant to cover dinner ordered and delivered directly to the office. However, Business Insider reports that some employees at Meta’s Los Angeles office used the credit for personal purchases, such as wine glasses, acne treatments, and other non-food items. Some even redirected meal deliveries to their homes or other locations, violating the intended use of the subsidy.
Meta’s Decision to Terminate Employees
In response to the misuse, Meta reportedly fired about 20 employees, many of whom were earning six-figure salaries. The firings have caused controversy, with some of the dismissed employees claiming they didn’t receive proper warnings before being terminated. According to an anonymous post on the Blind forum, one fired employee, who earned $400,000 annually, stated that they didn’t realize using the credit for non-food items was a violation. The employee added that they thought it was normal, as some colleagues suggested it, and many were doing the same.
Meta had issued a warning in early 2024 to stop using the credits for non-food items. Despite this, a subsequent investigation revealed the violations, leading to the firings. While Meta faced criticism for the strict enforcement of this policy, the company emphasized the importance of fairness and integrity across its workforce.
The stowaway identified by French authorities as Svetlana Dali prepares to disembark a flight that arrived in New York on Wednesday. CNN has blurred a portion of this image.
The extraordinary journey of a stowaway who made it all the way to Paris on a Delta Air Lines flight from New York last week has alarmed both aviation experts and travelers.
Russian national Svetlana Dali, 57, was identified as the rogue passenger, according to French authorities. She was arrested by the FBI Wednesday upon her deportation to the US. Her initial court appearance is due Thursday, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York said.
Dali is expected to be charged with being a stowaway on a vessel or aircraft without consent and could face up to five years in prison.
As her case raises serious questions about airport security, here’s what we know:
What happened?
Dali snuck onto Delta flight 264 from New York’s JFK International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on November 26.
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Attempting to stay undiscovered, she hid in the bathroom to remain out of the crew’s sight, according to one passenger account.
“I overheard the flight attendants talking about it with the pilots,” New York City real estate broker Rob Jackson told CNN. “They said this person was in one lavatory and then would exit and walk to a different lavatory and go in there for a long time.”
Related article‘Not much went right’: How a stowaway avoided identity and boarding pass checks on a flight from New York to Paris
Crew members did not alert passengers to the stowaway in their midst until the flight landed in the French capital, Jackson said.
“The first announcement to passengers that there was a problem was when we parked at the gate and they instructed us all to remain seated because French police were going to board the aircraft to deal with ‘a serious security issue,’” he said.
In a video recorded by Jackson, a voice on the plane’s intercom says, “Folks, this is the captain, we are just waiting for the police to come on board. They may be here now and they directed us to keep everyone on the airplane until we sort out the extra passenger that’s on the plane.”
Dali was detained by French police, who found she was ineligible to enter the country and ordered her to be sent back to the US.
Who is Svetlana Dali and what do we know about her?
Records indicate Dali once lived in the Philadelphia area.
Authorities have not said whether she had tried to sneak onto a plane before, or if she was previously known to law enforcement. It is unclear how long she had been in the United States.
video
Related videoVideo shows Delta employee confronting stowaway over boarding pass
Dali had applied for asylum in France a few years ago, a Paris airport official told.
Following her detention at the Paris airport, she was scheduled to return to the US on Saturday – but was removed from a Delta flight to New York after creating a disturbance before takeoff.
She eventually took off on Wednesday. Wearing a black jacket, pale gray beanie and a pink scarf, Dali sat quietly in the middle aisle at the back of the plane, flanked by two French security officials.
During the flight, she occasionally leaned her head against the seat in front of her and stared at the floor or closed her eyes and listened to music.
Dali declined to speak with CNN after landing.
CNN has attempted to contact Dali’s family and friends to find out more about her.
How did she get past security?
Dali bypassed an employee in charge of the Known Crewmember checkpoint at JFK Terminal 4, then got through checkpoints where her ID and boarding pass should have been verified, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson told.
At the gate, she placed herself in the middle of what appeared to be a family traveling together, according to a senior law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. She was not carrying any prohibited items, according to a TSA spokesperson.
Related articleTSA has reviewed JFK airport video as they await return of stowaway from Paris
Asked repeatedly to describe what took place at the gate, Delta has not commented.
The airline said it had reviewed its own security after the incident and insisted its infrastructure “is sound.”
Delta blamed the breach on a “deviation from standard procedures,” but did not specify how it strayed from its usual security practices.
“We are thoroughly addressing this matter and will continue to work closely with our regulators, law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders,” Delta said in a statement. “Nothing is of greater importance than safety and security.”
CNN has reached out to Delta to ask whether Dali will be banned by the airline.
TSA inspectors are also preparing a civil case against Dali after reviewing security video from inside JFK Airport, an agency spokesperson told CNN. The TSA cannot bring criminal charges, though it can refer them to the Justice Department.
The incident should serve as a “wake-up call” for the airline industry, according to a CNN aviation analyst.
Mary Schiavo, a former inspector general for the US Department of Transportation, said, “It’s a really big deal and it leaves our vulnerabilities exposed to the world.”
Did Elon Musk Announce a Tesla Phone with Satellite Connectivity?
Recently, a rumor about a Tesla-branded smartphone priced at $299 has been making waves on social media. This phone is said to feature advanced technologies like satellite connectivity and solar charging, capturing widespread attention. While many have expressed excitement about this concept, others remain skeptical about its authenticity. Let’s break it down and separate fact from fiction.
The claim that Elon Musk announced a Tesla phone has been thoroughly investigated by PolitiFact, a renowned fact-checking website. According to their findings, the information about a $299 Tesla smartphone is completely false. PolitiFact stated: “We found no credible sources to support the claim that Musk made such an announcement. It does not appear in any reliable news reports or official statements from Musk or Tesla.”
Additionally, PolitiFact confirmed that no such phone is listed on Tesla’s official website. Their conclusion is clear: Elon Musk has not announced a Tesla phone.
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They noted that Musk himself previously stated that Tesla has “too many priorities” and is not planning to develop a smartphone. Conducted an extensive search across reliable media sources and found no evidence of Tesla working on a phone, let alone one priced at $299.
Why the Rumor is Unrealistic
The idea of a smartphone with satellite connectivity and solar charging priced at just $299 raises eyebrows. Such features would require cutting-edge technology and significant resources, making it highly unlikely that a phone with these capabilities could be offered at such a low price.
Given Tesla’s focus on its electric vehicles, energy solutions, and other major projects, the likelihood of the company diverting resources to create a smartphone is slim. Even if Tesla were to enter the smartphone market, producing a device with advanced features at such a low price point seems implausible.
PolitiFact and Social Media’s Role in Debunking Myths
PolitiFact works in partnership with major platforms like Meta (Facebook) and TikTok to verify information and combat fake news. They’ve emphasized that claims about a Tesla phone are among the many internet rumors that lack any basis in fact.
As of now, Tesla has not announced any smartphone, and the company’s official communications have not hinted at any plans to do so in the future.
How to Avoid Falling for False Information
Rely on credible sources: When encountering sensational news, verify the information through reliable media outlets or fact-checking platforms like PolitiFact.
Avoid spreading unverified rumors: Sharing unverified information can lead to widespread confusion and damage the reputation of individuals or companies.
Be cautious with social media posts: Social media is a common breeding ground for misinformation. Always cross-check before believing or sharing.
The claim that Elon Musk or Tesla announced a $299 smartphone with advanced features like satellite connectivity is false. Trusted sources, including PolitiFact and VietTimes, have debunked this rumor, emphasizing the lack of evidence or official confirmation. While the idea of a Tesla phone might sound exciting, for now, it remains nothing more than a fabricated internet rumor. To avoid being misled, it’s essential to verify any claims from reliable sources and think critically before engaging with such news.
Teen left hanging from power line by broken leg speaks out on gruesome way she survived
This story really isn’t one for people who get squeamish about injuries
Warning: This article contains graphic images and video which some readers may find distressing.
In what sounds like the most horrific crash, a teenager managed to survive despite being flung 30 feet in the air with broken limbs.
Kennedy Littledike was only 16 years old when she was in a life changing car crash and has spoken out about how she managed to live to tell the tale.
Kennedy, from Nampa, was in the crash back in May 2021, and ended up hanging from a power line with a broken leg.
She ended up losing the leg as doctors were forced to amputate parts of the limb five times following the crash.
The teenager had recently gone through a breakup ahead of the crash and was with her friends who had encouraged her to do something fun in hopes of taking her mind off the heartache.
With her friends, Kennedy drove to the mountains near her house to watch the sunset.
Because of the breakup, Kennedy became emotional while driving back and realized the car had veered to the left.
The teen was flung 30 feet into the air and was hung from a power line(KTVB)
In an interview with Inside Edition earlier this year, she admitted that she probably should have pulled over, but everything ‘happened so quickly’.
Having pulled the wheel to try and get it back on the road, the teen’s plan backfired and she overcorrected.
All three of those in the car were ejected from the vehicle, with Kennedy being flung 30 feet in the air.
“We didn’t have our seat belts. So when we were flipping, and I was the first one out, I wasn’t on the ground. I was actually hanging in the power line by my broken leg,” she said.
As Kennedy was thrown into the air, her arm was ripped backwards and was ‘hanging on by the skin on [her] back’.
Meanwhile, her femur – the upper thigh – had snapped over the wire, and was hanging in front of her face.
You’d think Kennedy’s collision would have been fatal, but it was actually her painful landing that saved her life.
“A lot of people ask, ‘How did you not bleed out?’ Well, the main artery in my leg was pinched off by the power line, and then the main artery in my arm was actually cauterized when I got electrocuted,” she said.
The vehicle was completely wrecked after the crash (KTVB)
“I remember I was drowning in my blood because it was running from my leg, it was running from my arm, and it was going in my nose, and I was just wiping it out because it was literally drowning me.”
After being rushed to hospital, Kennedy was forced to undergo 21 different surgeries.
Ultimately doctors were forced to amputate parts of her leg an incredible five different times.
However, Kennedy has been determined to maintain a positive outlook.
On the advice she’d give to someone else in her situation, she said: “Don’t feel bad for yourself. That’s the worst thing you can do is sit and feel bad for yourself and be like, ‘Why me? Why?’ Because you’re not going to get an answer.
“You have your whole life ahead of you. Getting up, working for what you want, having goals, pushing yourself, and not feeling bad for yourself, that’s going to be hard too. But at least you’re going to be happier that way.”
Elon Musk Launch New Chatbot in December, Directly Competing with ChatGPT
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, is set to release a new chatbot application this December, marking a clear effort to challenge the dominance of OpenAI, the company he co-founded but left in 2018. This launch represents a significant step in Musk’s broader ambitions to make a mark in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
A Competitive Move Against OpenAI
The upcoming chatbot will be xAI’s first consumer-facing product, according to The Wall Street Journal. Musk’s intention to compete with OpenAI is evident, particularly given his history with the company. After leaving OpenAI in 2018, Musk has twice sued the organization and its CEO, Sam Altman, accusing them of breaching initial agreements.
Since its establishment last year, xAI has been working on integrating AI into Musk’s other ventures. These include customer support for Starlink and the development of Grok, a chatbot exclusively available to paid subscribers of X (formerly Twitter). The new chatbot, however, aims to compete directly with ChatGPT, OpenAI’s flagship product.
Valuation and Revenue Challenges
Despite its rapid growth, xAI’s valuation and revenue still lag behind OpenAI’s towering numbers.
xAI Valuation: Estimated at $50 billion, surpassing the $44 billion Musk spent to acquire X.
OpenAI Valuation: Recently valued at an impressive $157 billion during its latest funding round.
Revenue Comparison: While xAI generates over $100 million annually, OpenAI’s projected revenue for 2024 stands at $3.7 billion.
These figures highlight the significant gap between the two companies, underscoring the uphill battle chatbox xAI faces to close the gap.
Investor Strategy and Financial Maneuvering
To strengthen Elon Musk xAI’s financial foundation, Elon Musk has implemented a strategic approach by allocating 25% of xAI shares to the investors who backed his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter). This maneuver serves two key purposes: it helps offset the paper losses those investors have faced since Musk’s high-profile purchase of the social media platform, and it works to rebuild and reinforce their confidence in his ambitious vision for the future of AI and technology.
Elon Musk’s Ambitions in AI
The planned chatbot release underscores Musk’s ambitious vision in the AI industry. By integrating cutting-edge AI tools into his ecosystem of companies and directly challenging industry leaders like OpenAI, Musk seeks to revolutionize the sector.
While xAI faces significant challenges in valuation, revenue, and user adoption, the launch of this chatbot signals Musk’s determination to create innovative, disruptive products in the AI space. If successful, the December release could mark a pivotal moment in reshaping the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence.
As the AI race heats up, Elon Musk’s xAI is gearing up to make its mark with the launch of a new chatbot application. By directly competing with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, xAI is stepping into a crowded field dominated by established players. With a unique combination of vision, strategic maneuvering, and integration across Musk’s ventures, this upcoming release could redefine the way consumers engage with AI. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on Musk and his team as they roll out this ambitious product.
Woman dances next to elderly boyfriend’s hospital bed while claiming she’s been named in his will
Her actions really didn’t sit well with people on social media
A model has been facing the wrath of the internet after posting a video dancing by her boyfriend’s hospital bed, after she found out he was in the will.
Not quite sure whether this is a skit or not but people online have been up in arms over a new TikTok video shared by a Canadian model.
The 22-year-old Bronwin Aurora has gone viral with a rather simple video and people on social media really aren’t happy with it.
The model has previously been pretty open about her relationship with a significantly older man, reportedly in his mid 80s, and have often poked fun at their difference in age.
However, in one of her videos, the man is seen lying in a hospital bed, with Aurora dancing for the camera with the caption ‘Guys I got on the will’.
People on social media raged at the video of Bronwin dancing by the hospital bed (Bronwin Aurora/Instagram)
One person commented: “This is what happens when kids are raised by peers & the internet instead of adults. Forever acting like fools for attention.”
Another said: “Hope family sees this and adjusts the will. 1 cent sounds appropriate.”
With a third writing: “What in the actual f***… Can someone stop the f****** world because I want off!”
And another adding: “This is what social media does to people. The good thing is that the internet is forever, and she showed her true colors, and everyone can see her for the heartless person she is. I hope he removed her from the will after that.”
However, there is hope yet that this might be quite an elaborate bit designed to get people raging. So, no need to lose faith in humanity just yet.
Aurora has also posted similar videos of her dancing by her boyfriend’s hospital bed, one with the caption: “My boyfriend is in the hospital :(” as well as another that said “I found out he’s banging the nurse.”
Regardless of whether the relationship is genuine, or the video is simply meant as a joke, Aurora has previously defended her relationship online as it has received considerable criticism.
Bronwin has defended her relationship in previous videos (Bronwin Aurora/Instagram)
In another video she has simply said: “Age is literally just a number.
“I love him for who he is as a person, and he loves me for who I am as a person…obviously.”
She has not revealed how long the pair have been dating and not a lot is actually known about her partner. But whether it’s a joke or not, people on online aren’t really laughing.
Belarus’ opposition say Russian strike UAVs are overflying the country nightly.
LONDON — “Europe’s last dictator” — as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has often been termed — thus far appears to have kept his nation out of the worst of the spiralling war engulfing his neighbors to the east and south.
The 70-year-old provided invaluable material and political support for Russian ally President Vladimir Putin in his war on Ukraine, even offering Belarus as a launchpad for the doomed Russian drive towards Kyiv in the early stages of the full-scale invasion.
Since then, Russian forces have used Belarusian territory to launch ballistic missiles into Ukraine. Belarus houses bases at which Russian troops train for battle and hospitals where they recover.
Minsk even now hosts Russian nuclear warheads and Lukashenko brokered the short-lived settlement between the Kremlin and Wagner financier Yevgeny Prigozhin after the latter’s ill-fated 2023 mutiny.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attends the COP29 opening ceremony in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Nov. 12, 2024.
As the war in Ukraine escalated and the enmity between Moscow and its Western rivals deepened, Lukashenko’s apparent hesitance to fully commit to the conflict seems to have bought him some level of freedom from retaliation.
But with Moscow’s drone and missile barrages into Ukraine growing in scale and regularity, Belarusian opposition groups say the danger to their country is increasing.
The Belarusian Hajun Project — an open-source intelligence group banned as an “extremist” organization by Minsk — said a record-high total of 151 drones entered Belarus during November. At least three were shot down by Belarusian air defenses, it added.
One Russian attack in late November saw a record 38 strike drones cross into Belarus, the group said. ABC News could not independently verify the drone flights.
Neither the Belarusian Defense Ministry nor Foreign Ministry replied to ABC News’ requests for comment.
MORE: Russia increases Ukraine drone attacks by 44% since Trump election
Russian drones were first reported over Belarus in mid-July, their appearance then relatively sporadic. In October, the Hajun Project said it tracked a total of 49 Russian drones flying into Belarusian airspace across the month. The monthly total trebled by the end of November.
At least one drone landed and exploded in the southeastern Gomel Oblast, according to Ukrainian and opposition Belarusian media reports.
According to Ukrainian air force after-action reports, Russian drones enter Belarus near-nightly. The air force has noted that its evolving electronic warfare countermeasures play some role in the increasing number of Russian strike drones going off course.
Minsk has complained of Ukrainian drones violating its airspace. In July, Lukashenko himself demanded that Kyiv ensure “comprehensive measures be taken to rule out any such future incidents in the future which could lead to further escalation of the situation in the region.”
In September, Belarus’ military said it had downed foreign drones.
Chief of the General Staff Col. Sergei Frolov said drones were shot down without specifying their nation of origin. “Timely actions by the air defense forces on duty destroyed all the violators’ targets,” he said in a statement quoted by the state-run Belta news agency.
A Ukrainian officer examines a downed Shahed drone with a thermobaric charge launched by Russia in a research laboratory in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Nov. 14, 2024.
Efrem Lukatsky/AP
Jonathan Eyal of the Royal United Services Institute think tank in the U.K., told ABC News that Lukashenko “has always been very careful to calibrate the policy in a way that allows implausible deniability of any involvement in the Ukraine war — and at the same time makes himself useful to the Russians.”
“He also knows that most of the Belarusian population has no interest in being dragged into the war at all,” Eyal added, describing a “balancing act” in which the Belarusian leader has to at least pretend to be defending the nation’s airspace.
“It’s not a great secret that the Russians can do more or less what they want with Belarusian airspace,” Eyal added. “The idea that somehow the Belarusian military is determined to defend its sovereignty is a bit far-fetched.”
“These are very calibrated messages from Lukashenko trying to persuade people — both at home and overseas — that somehow he remains a complete master of his own destiny,” Eyal said.
For Belarus’ pro-Western opposition — many now living in exile following Lukashenko’s crackdown on the mass protests that followed the 2020 presidential election — the drone flights are a sign of Minsk’s weakness.
MORE: Zelenskyy says Ukraine facing Russian ‘aerial terror’ after night of drone strikes
Franak Viacorka, the chief political adviser to Belarusian opposition leader-in-exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, told ABC News that drones “are flying over Belarus practically every single night.” An average week sees 40 or 50 UAVs transit border areas, he said.
Viacorka said Lukashenko’s government is working hard to hide any evidence of errant Russian munitions. “It’s very uncomfortable for them to say that the Russians are using our airspace,” he said. “It happens with the agreement of Lukashenko, or perhaps Russia doesn’t even ask Lukashenko for permission.”
Aliaksandr Azarau — a former police investigator who defected and now leads the opposition BYPOL group made up of former Belarusian security employees — said government propaganda seeks to hide the problem while framing all intruding drones as Ukrainian.
“The concern is only for the people who see these drones above their heads near the Ukrainian border,” Azaru said. “The rest of Belarusians don’t think about the drones — it’s not their problem.”
Official Belarusian reports of drones being intercepted, he added, are part of “a political game.” Azaru even claimed that Belarusian military aircraft have held fire and flown alongside Russian drones, effectively escorting them into Ukrainian airspace
When a drone does fall on Belarusian territory, Viacorka said, “the place is cleared immediately” and any witnesses are pressed by security services not to reveal any details.
The issue, he added, is politically sensitive for Lukashenko. “His narrative is that, thanks to him, Belarus has not gotten involved in war,” Viacorka said. “But when people see drones and shells flying over their territory, they see that Belarus is already involved in war.”
Ukrainian service personnel use a searchlight as they search for drones in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Nov. 7, 2024.
Gleb Garanich/Reuters
“It’s very worrying that Belarus is getting more and more involved,” Viacorka said.
Lukashenko and his Russian allies, he added, are “putting more and more people in Belarus in danger.”
Russia’s access to Belarusian airspace may also pose a threat to eastern NATO nations, three of whom — Poland, Lithuania and Latvia — border the country.
Russian freedom to act throughout Belarusian airspace has “many implications” for regional NATO states, Eyal suggested, as well as for western Ukrainian regions that will be more accessible for Moscow’s Shaheds.
In September, Latvia’s Defense Ministry reported that a Russian strike UAV crashed in the Rezekne region in the east of the country after flying across Belarus.
MORE: Russia sets new drone attack record in overnight Ukraine barrage
Since then, “improvements in all levels of Latvian airspace surveillance have been made, as well as in decision-making and information exchange algorithms,” a ministry spokesperson told ABC News. This includes the deployment of mobile air defense battle groups to the eastern Latgale border region, they said.
The procedures for NATO’s Baltic air policing mission “have also been clarified, allowing allied fighters to destroy aggressor drones entering Latvian airspace if necessary,” the spokesperson added.
“Russia has control over Belarusian foreign and domestic policies,” they continued. “Belarus is an additional Russian military district, so the threat coming from Belarus is orchestrated by Russia. Unfortunately, it is not up to Belarus and its citizens to decide how Russia uses Belarusian airspace to achieve its aggressive foreign policy goals.”
“Hybrid warfare is already happening between Russia and the West,” the ministry spokesperson said. “Belarus is just a tool for Russian aggressive foreign policy. In the short term, Russia will continue to use a wide range of hybrid warfare tools to weaken Western countries and divide their unity.”
“The Belarusian regime’s hybrid attack on the Latvian border with artificial migration demonstrates that we must prepare for all possible scenarios including violation of our airspace,” they said.
Two German Eurofighter jets — part of NATO’s Baltic air policing mission — take off at from an air base in Neuburg, southern Germany, on Feb. 26, 2024.
People spot major difference between Spotify Wrapped in 2023 and 2024 that explains why it’s ‘ruined’ this year
Spotify Wrapped 2024 is being dragged by music lovers as a ‘flop’ compared to 2023
Spotify users are speaking out about the ‘downgrade’ of Spotify Wrapped from 2023 to 2024.
Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped has come under fire from music lovers who can’t help but compare it to last year’s experience.
Spotify’s announcement for 2024 Wrapped
Spotify advertised this year’s Wrapped as offering ‘an even richer experience’ giving users ‘new ways to connect with listeners on a more personal level – right where they’re already streaming [their] music’.
It’s website adds: “With hundreds of millions of fans sharing their Wrapped stories every year, your music becomes part of a global phenomenon. It’s your opportunity to stand out, connect more deeply with your biggest fans, and drive profile visits and streams.”
However, not everyone’s felt quite the same way after seeing their 2024 Wrapped.
A Twitter user took to the platform to share a screenshot of just the top part of the Spotify Wrapped screens, comparing how the one from 2023 looked opposed to the one this year.
And the difference is clear – Spotify Wrapped 2023 came with 20 different pages breaking down your music tastes, including insights into not just your favorite artists and genres, but moods.
This year’s Spotify Wrapped only gave users 10 pages of insights into their listening habits.
And it’s not left users amused.
Spotify Wrapped 2024 – spot the difference (Spotify/ Twitter/ @cherryatt_)
Reactions
One Twitter user said: “I had too high expectations for this year’s wrapping.”
“They made it seem like this year would be worth the wait. They should’ve stopped tracking on Christmas if this was the case,” another added.
A third commented: “A downgrade, we lost.”
“2023 is clearly the winner here,” a fourth said.
A fifth said: “Year after year everything in this world tends to be worse than the year before..”
“Spotify wrapped flopped this year so bad like where are the music cities, the playlists, the top genres or the listening auras… all that wait for WHAT #SpotifyWrapped2024,” a sixth commented.
And that’s not the only issue users had with this year’s Spotify Wrapped either with many commenting on the visuals alongside the lack of categories.
A user said: “Spotify making us wait all that time and wrapped has the most boring visuals and slideshow in years.”
“Spotify really made us wait just to serve PowerPoint 2010 vibes – like, this is what took so long?” a second wrote.
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