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The article argues that Brazil's President Lula should not run for re-election in October due to his advanced age and the associated risks, citing Joe Biden as an example. Lula has been a strong leader, standing up to Donald Trump and persuading him to back down from punitive tariffs on Brazilian goods. However, the article suggests that it is time for fresh faces in leadership, particularly in Latin America's biggest country, which had a tumultuous 2025.

The article argues that Britain and the EU should be bolder in getting closer, nearly a decade after Britain's vote to leave the EU. The years following Brexit have been marked by tortuous negotiations and a damaging Brexit deal that has hurt Britain's economy. Most Britons now think Brexit was a mistake and favour closer ties with the EU. Some voices in Britain's governing Labour Party are even considering rejoining the customs union.

The Chinese property market has been in crisis since 2021, and analysts are finding it increasingly difficult to track its woes due to government censorship. The government has been suppressing negative information on social media and pressuring estate agents to keep unfavorable data under wraps. Two major private sources of property data stopped providing monthly home-sales figures in November, reportedly at the government's command. The article suggests that China's property woes could last until 2030.

The article argues that Europe is facing an availability crisis rather than just an affordability crisis. Tight regulation is largely to blame for this issue. While high prices are a concern, the root cause lies in the lack of availability of goods and services due to stringent regulations. The article highlights that respondents from across the EU prioritized tackling inflation above other issues like defense, poverty, and jobs. The author suggests that the focus should shift from just addressing affordability to also considering the availability of goods and services.

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The article discusses RedBird, a relatively small investment firm with $12 billion in assets under management, which has been involved in significant media deals. RedBird backed Paramount's hostile $108 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery, alongside other major investors such as Apollo and Gulf sovereign-wealth funds. The firm's involvement in such large-scale transactions highlights its growing influence in the media industry, with interests spanning from Hollywood to European football clubs like AC Milan.

The article 'Seven conflicts to watch in the coming year' by The Economist highlights potential and ongoing global conflicts that could escalate or have significant impacts in 2026. It covers seven key conflicts: China v Taiwan, India v Pakistan, Russia v Ukraine, Israel v Hamas, Congo v Rwanda, Sudan's internal conflict, and Venezuela's claim on Guyana's territory. The article analyzes the military capabilities, historical context, and potential outcomes of each conflict, emphasizing their global implications.

The Economist's annual tradition of naming a 'country of the year' for 2025 is highlighted in this article. The selection is not based on the country being the happiest or most influential but rather on which country has shown the most improvement in various aspects such as economy, politics, or other significant areas. The article discusses the criteria behind this selection and teases the announcement of the country chosen for 2025.

The article discusses the future of space exploration and argues that it depends on advancements in biology rather than just technological advancements like rockets. The number of people in space is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, with predictions ranging from a million to settling on Mars. The article highlights the importance of addressing biological needs such as sewage treatment for long-term space missions.

The article discusses the growing concern about affordability in rich countries, particularly among voters. The term 'affordability' is becoming increasingly popular among politicians and pollsters, with Democrats in the US and Europeans talking about a cost-of-living crisis. However, the article questions whether prices are truly out of whack, suggesting that the narrative may be exaggerated or misguided. The article is a commentary on the political use of the term 'affordability' and the potential consequences of perpetuating a crisis narrative.

The article discusses the trend of cinematic remakes in the film industry, highlighting that remakes have been a part of filmmaking since its inception. It mentions early examples of remakes, such as those by Georges Méliès and Cecil B. DeMille, and notes that many remakes are expected in the future. The article is part of The Economist's 'The World Ahead' series, which provides analysis and predictions for the coming year.

The article discusses the evolving music industry in 2026, highlighting the rise of AI-generated music, the continued popularity of K-pop, and the emergence of new genres like 'dark country'. It notes that AI-generated music is becoming increasingly prevalent, with artists like The Velvet Sundown releasing multiple albums in quick succession, generating significant revenue despite being non-existent. The article suggests that this trend will continue into 2026, with more AI-generated music and changing consumer preferences shaping the industry.

The article discusses the decline in charitable giving among Americans in 2025, challenging the common assumption that this trend is solely attributed to President Donald Trump's influence. While Trump's policies and rhetoric may have contributed to a decrease in philanthropy, the reality is more complex. The article suggests that the decline in charitable giving is a multifaceted issue, not solely caused by Trump's assault on 'do-goodery.' It highlights that Americans typically engage in charitable activities during the year-end holiday season, but this trend appears to be waning. The article invites readers to look beyond the simplistic blame on Trump and consider other factors at play.

The article 'Your Well Informed guide to surviving Christmas' provides evidence-based advice on how to cope with the perils of Yuletide feasting. The Economist's Well Informed column has analyzed hundreds of studies on health and well-being in 2025, offering guidance on surviving Christmas. The article suggests drinking slowly, eating cake, and remembering that having fun is beneficial for one's health. It is part of a series that has covered various health-related topics throughout the year.

China's service sector is experiencing growth in the holiday economy, driven by demand for personalized travel itineraries and winter sports. Travelers are increasingly seeking bespoke adventures, including pet-friendly trips and niche experiences like aurora-viewing expeditions. Online travel platforms and boutique agencies are capitalizing on this trend, with searches for specific niche trips surging by 200% year on year. The growth in demand for personalized travel is seen as a positive sign for the holiday economy, despite broader economic gloom.

A viral video has sparked a debate on Singapore's elite schools, with the video's creator, Erica Lee, sharing her experiences of growing up in a privileged environment. Lee recounts how her classmates were shocked to learn that most Singaporeans lived in public flats, and how they were insulated from the realities of Singaporean society. The video has reignited a discussion on whether elite schools exacerbate social segregation and whether they foster insular views among students. Experts have weighed in, stating that while policies have been implemented to encourage social mixing, elite schools are still viewed as a marker of success. The debate highlights the ongoing issue of social segregation in Singapore's education system.

A 30-year-old Filipino woman was found dead in her Hong Kong flat, while her 48-year-old French husband, an associate professor at City University, was arrested on suspicion of possessing dangerous drugs. The couple had an argument over their resting time, and the man called police after finding his wife unresponsive. The cause of death is pending an autopsy, and no one has been arrested in connection with the death.

Hong Kong's new smoking rules, which ban smoking at designated public transport boarding points when queuing with two or more people, have taken effect. However, observations on the first day revealed that not everyone is adhering to the new regulations, with some smokers still lighting up at bus stops. Authorities have increased inspections at tourist areas and promotional efforts to raise awareness about the new rules.

Small restaurants in China are struggling due to consumers reducing their spending on dining out amid economic uncertainty. Per-capita spending per meal has dropped nearly 24% since 2023. Restaurant owners are facing significant losses, with some establishments at a make-or-break point. The catering sector, which provides over 20 million jobs, is being severely impacted by persistent deflationary pressure.

The US government has granted Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) an annual licence to import American chip manufacturing equipment to its fabrication facility in Nanjing, China. This approval ensures uninterrupted operations and product deliveries for TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker. The licence is part of a broader effort by the US to regulate semiconductor exports to China, with other Asian companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix also receiving similar licences. The licence replaces the previously held validated end-user status, which expired on December 31, 2025.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned officials that there will be no let-up in the country's anti-corruption campaign, stating that corrupt officials will have nowhere to hide. Xi made the comments at a key political meeting in October, according to excerpts from his speech released on Wednesday. He emphasized that corruption is the greatest threat facing the Communist Party and that the fight against it remains 'grim and complex'. The party's Central Committee reviewed and approved an investigation report on 14 senior officials and military generals accused of corruption, who were subsequently removed from their posts and expelled from the party. Xi's warning comes as part of the party's ongoing efforts to maintain a high-pressure stance against corruption and to severely punish those found guilty.

Bulgaria has become the 21st member of the eurozone, despite being the poorest country in the EU. The adoption of the euro has been met with mixed reactions, with some Bulgarians seeing it as an optimistic and potentially lucrative move, while others fear and resent the change. The country has been preparing for the transition since August, with shops displaying prices in both lev and euros. The government has implemented measures to protect consumers, including watchdogs to prevent price rounding up. The impact of the euro adoption on Bulgaria's economy is uncertain, with some predicting a successful outcome like the 'Baltic model', while others fear stagnation like Italy's experience.

A Disney World cast member was injured while stopping a 180-kg fake boulder from hitting the audience during the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! show. The incident was caught on video and shows the cast member jumping into the path of the boulder and being knocked to the ground. Disney has confirmed that the cast member is recovering and that the show will be modified as part of their safety review. Witnesses described the cast member as having 'saved' the audience from being injured.

Israel plans to revoke the licenses of 37 international aid groups operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, citing failure to meet new registration requirements. The affected organizations include prominent aid agencies such as ActionAid, International Rescue Committee, and Médecins Sans Frontières. The move has been condemned by several countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, which argue that it will severely impact access to essential services in Gaza. The European Union's humanitarian chief and UN human rights chief have also criticized the decision, stating that it will block life-saving aid and make an already dire situation worse. The Israeli government claims that the aid groups failed to provide complete and verifiable information about their employees, which it says is necessary to prevent the infiltration of terrorist operatives into humanitarian structures.

The daughter of jailed Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai has expressed concerns about her father's deteriorating health in prison, citing issues such as rotting teeth and falling fingernails. Lai, 78, has been detained since December 2020 and faces life in prison after being convicted of colluding with foreign forces under Hong Kong's national security law. His family has repeatedly raised concerns about his health, which has declined significantly since his imprisonment. The UK has condemned Lai's conviction as 'politically motivated persecution' and is calling for his release.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Dhaka, Bangladesh to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80. Zia was the country's first female prime minister and a prominent leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The state funeral was attended by dignitaries from India, Pakistan, and Bhutan, and marked the end of Zia's extraordinary journey from a homemaker to a leading politician. Zia's legacy is complex, with supporters praising her resilience and commitment to democracy, while others saw her as an uncompromising leader who clashed with her rival Sheikh Hasina. The BNP is eyeing a return to power, with Zia's son Tarique Rahman expected to become the country's new leader.

The BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg explores the hopes and concerns of Russians for the year 2026, amidst the ongoing war with Ukraine and economic pressures. Russians are worried about the future, with the war and economic state being major concerns. The article highlights the impact of the war on ordinary Russians and the country's economic situation.

The year 2025 was one of the three hottest years on record, with the three-year temperature average breaking through the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Scientists attribute this to human behavior, particularly the continued burning of fossil fuels, which sends planet-warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The analysis by World Weather Attribution researchers identified 157 extreme weather events in 2025, including heat waves, droughts, and floods, which were made more likely by climate change. Experts stress that keeping the Earth below the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit is crucial to preventing catastrophic environmental destruction and saving lives. However, the geopolitical landscape is mixed, with some countries making progress in renewable energy while others continue to invest in fossil fuels.

Cecilia Giménez, a Spanish woman known for her botched restoration of a century-old fresco of Jesus Christ, has died at the age of 94. The restoration, which was done with the best of intentions, left the painting looking cartoonish and unrecognizable, sparking a global controversy and turning the small town of Borja into a tourist destination. Giménez had claimed that the parish priest had authorized the restoration, but the damage was widely criticized online. Despite the controversy, supporters helped Giménez put on an art exhibition featuring her own paintings.

The French government has defended its decision to grant French citizenship to George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their twins, despite criticism from a junior French minister and former US President Donald Trump. The government argued that the Clooneys contribute to France's international influence and cultural outreach, and that their naturalization is in line with a French law that allows for the naturalization of foreign nationals who benefit the country. The decision was criticized by Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior minister at the Interior Ministry, who questioned the fairness of granting special treatment to the celebrity couple. Meanwhile, President Trump attacked the move on social media, mocking George Clooney's acting career and politics. The Clooneys have a history with France, having purchased an estate there in 2021, and George Clooney has expressed a desire to raise his children away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed a harsh response to any attack after US President Trump warned that the US would 'knock the hell out of them' if Iran resumes its nuclear program. Trump made the comment during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long pressed for a harder US line against Iran. The tension between the two sides has risen again after a 12-day air war in June that killed nearly 1,100 Iranians and 28 Israelis. Iran insists it is no longer enriching uranium, but US and Israeli intelligence agencies have differing assessments of Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Thieves broke into a German savings bank's vault in Gelsenkirchen by drilling from a parking garage, stealing cash, gold, and jewelry worth $35 million. The heist involved over 3,000 safe deposit boxes and was described as 'professionally executed.' Police are investigating, and customers are demanding information about their losses.

Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation. The number of women politicians rose in the last election, with 73 women elected to the lower house, but the parliament building's infrastructure has not kept pace. The building, finished in 1936, has only one lavatory with two cubicles near the main plenary session hall for the 73 women, compared to 12 men's toilets with 67 stalls. The petition highlights Japan's ongoing struggle with gender equality, with women under-represented in politics, business, and media. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has spoken about women's health struggles, has been criticized for her conservative stance on issues like married couples' surnames and imperial succession.

France is planning to ban children under 15 from social media and restrict cellphone use in high schools starting 2026, according to a report by Le Monde. The proposal aims to curb excessive screen time and shield minors from online risks. President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly cited social media as a contributing factor to violence among young people. The move follows Australia's lead in introducing a world-first ban on social media for children under 16 years old. Macron has previously taken steps to protect minors digitally, but technical challenges and EU regulations have limited the effectiveness of such measures.

Iran has launched three domestically designed satellites into orbit aboard a Russian rocket, highlighting the deepening military and space cooperation between the two countries. The launch was broadcast by Iranian state TV and marked the seventh time Iran has conducted a satellite launch with Russian assistance. Iranian officials claim the satellites are for civilian purposes, including environmental monitoring and agriculture, while Western governments have expressed concerns that Iran's space program could advance technologies applicable to ballistic missile development. The growing Russia-Iran alignment comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of a 'harsh and discouraging' response to any US attack.

The US has conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria, killing or capturing nearly 25 operatives, highlighting the group's continued threat to Americans despite losing control of large territories. Analysts warn that ISIS has adapted, using smaller cells to carry out attacks, and that Syria's chaotic security environment provides an ideal breeding ground for the group. The US has around 1,000 troops in northeastern Syria, where they support Kurdish-led forces guarding detention facilities holding thousands of ISIS terrorists and supporters.

The number of American citizens detained in Venezuela has increased in recent months as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to isolate President Nicolás Maduro's government. Several Americans, including dual nationals and U.S. citizens with no known ties to Venezuela, have been arrested by Venezuelan security forces. The U.S. is considering designating at least two Americans as 'wrongfully detained' to speed up diplomatic efforts for their release. The Trump administration has made the release of Americans held overseas a priority, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the U.S. will not rest until all Americans being held hostage or unjustly detained are brought home. The article highlights the cases of several detained Americans, including James Luckey-Lange, who went missing after crossing Venezuela's southern border, and Aidel Suarez and Jonathan Torres Duque, who remain imprisoned.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Evangelical Christian leaders in Florida, emphasizing the shared Judeo-Christian values and the need to counter threats from radical Islam. He described Israel's fight against terrorism as part of a broader battle for Western civilization, highlighting the historical bond between Christian Zionists and Israel. Netanyahu also discussed global threats, including persecution of Christians, and proposed cooperation to assist Christian communities under threat worldwide.

Two West African nations, Mali and Burkina Faso, have imposed a travel ban on American citizens in response to the Trump administration's travel restrictions on citizens from over 20 countries, including several African nations. The move is seen as a diplomatic tit-for-tat amidst heightened tensions between the US and these countries. Both Mali and Burkina Faso are currently ruled by military juntas and have been experiencing rising violence and instability due to Islamist terrorist groups. They have also deepened their relationships with Russia, which has pledged to assist them in fighting these rebels. The travel ban reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with the US, Europe, and Russia vying for influence.

An 80-year-old artist, Danielle Cuvillier, her two sons, and her daughter-in-law were found dead in a suspected triple murder-suicide in Seattle suburbs. The incident occurred after a prolonged conflict between Danielle and her son Mackenzie Williams over the care of her younger son Dominick, who has Angelman syndrome. The conflict escalated to the point where both parties accused each other of abuse and filed court documents against each other. The police found four firearms at the Mercer Island home and a fifth in a car on site.

The article discusses how Paul McCartney 'got rid' of Kevin Nealon at the 'SNL' 50th anniversary party. Nealon, a former 'SNL' cast member, revealed that McCartney skillfully ended their conversation by pretending to introduce him to his nephew, who was not actually there. Nealon praised McCartney's live performance at the event. The article also mentions a past incident where McCartney allegedly sent a critic a package containing his daughter's feces after receiving a negative review.

The 10th-ranked Miami Hurricanes stunned the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals. Keionte Scott's 72-yard interception return and Carson Beck's touchdown pass were key plays in the upset victory. Miami's win marked their second playoff victory after being selected as an at-large team. The Hurricanes will face either Georgia or Ole Miss in the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8. Coach Mario Cristobal, a former Miami player, expressed his pride in the team, stating that it's not about him but about providing opportunities for the players.

Thousands of revelers braved sub-freezing temperatures and potential snow to witness the iconic Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop, celebrating the start of 2026. Despite the cold, many dedicated partygoers wore multiple layers and took measures to endure the long wait. Some, like Yecemia Sanchez, had special reasons to be there, planning to propose to her boyfriend at midnight. The event featured a performance by Diana Ross and was attended by people from all over the world, with some arriving as early as 10 a.m. to secure a spot. Mayor Eric Adams pushed the crystal button to signal the ball drop, accompanied by fireworks and confetti.

President Trump attended a New Year's Eve celebration at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he called for 'peace on Earth' and vowed to investigate allegations of welfare fraud in Minnesota. The event was attended by several high-profile guests, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and various Trump administration officials. Trump also participated in a charity auction, signing a painting by artist Vanessa Horabuena that was later sold for $2.5 million.

Melissa Joan Hart recently shared that the premiere of her 1999 film 'Drive Me Crazy' was 'one of the worst days' of her life. She revealed that she had to leave early to film 'Scary Movie' but was fired from the project due to her breast size. Upon returning to the premiere, she was falsely told she was being fired from 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' due to her Maxim magazine cover. Despite the drama, Hart continued to star in 'Sabrina' until its conclusion in 2003. The backlash from the cover actually helped 'Drive Me Crazy' become a huge success, grossing nearly triple its budget.

President Donald Trump hosted a New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, featuring a live painting of Jesus Christ by artist Vanessa Horabuena, which was auctioned off for $2,750,000. The event was attended by high-profile guests, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani. Trump used his speech to address various topics, including a scandal over alleged fraud at taxpayer-funded child care centers in Minnesota's Somali community. The tone of the event was described as unconventional and charitable, with half of the auction proceeds going to St. Jude's and the rest to the local sheriff's department.

Anderson Cooper reads the lyrics to Taylor Swift's viral song 'Wood' for the first time on CNN, reacting to the content. The article is accompanied by various other news snippets about different topics such as New Year's Eve preparations, a flood threat in Southern California, the death of JFK's granddaughter, and several other news stories.

The article reports on the reopening of the Mariupol Drama Theatre in Ukraine, which was bombed by Russia in 2022, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths. Despite Russia's denial of involvement in the attack, the theatre has been reopened to the public in the Russia-controlled Donetsk region. The article also touches on other news stories, including Denmark's postal service ending letter delivery, New Year's Eve preparations, a deadly train collision near Machu, and protests in Iran due to economic crisis.

The article discusses Pakistani actress Mahira Khan's career and personal life, highlighting her achievements in 2025, including blockbuster films and a delayed Netflix debut. Khan reflects on her journey from California to global stardom and her role as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, championing Afghan refugees, women's rights, and mental health awareness. The article also touches on her conversation with CNN's Kristie Lu Stout about her experiences and lessons learned.

The article discusses the tradition of singing 'Auld Lang Syne' on New Year's Eve, explaining its origins and significance. Scottish poet Michael Pedersen shares insights into how the 200-year-old song became a global ritual of reunion, friendship, and shared memory. The article also includes other news stories from around the world, such as Denmark's postal service ending letter delivery, a train collision near Machu, and protests in Iran.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has been placed in an induced coma after contracting meningitis. Martyn, 54, became unwell on Boxing Day and is being treated in a Brisbane hospital. Cricket Australia confirmed the news, with CEO Todd Greenberg expressing the organization's best wishes. Martyn's friends and former teammates, including Adam Gilchrist and Darren Lehmann, have also sent their well-wishes. Martyn played 67 Test matches for Australia between 1992 and 2006 and won two World Cups. He was admitted to hospital after falling ill on December 26.

Finnish police have seized a cargo vessel, the Fitburg, suspected of damaging an undersea telecoms cable running from Helsinki to Estonia's capital Tallinn. The vessel, which sailed under the flag of St Vincent and the Grenadines, had departed from Russia and was en route to Israel when it was detained by Finnish authorities. Fourteen crew members of various nationalities are being held. The incident has raised concerns among NATO states bordering the Baltic Sea, which have been on high alert since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage and interference with telecommunications.

US authorities are hunting for Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, accused of running a multinational drug trafficking network and murdering a federal witness. Mexican officials have seized dozens of motorcycles worth $40m believed to be owned by Wedding, who is believed to be living in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel. A $15m reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.

Thousands of Eurostar passengers faced travel disruptions on December 31, 2025, due to cancellations and technical issues with the train service between London and Europe. Francis Collings, a passenger on a stranded train, described the experience to Sky News, highlighting the lack of communication from Eurostar staff and the challenges faced by passengers. Despite the ordeal, passengers remained relatively calm, with some considering themselves 'lucky' that their train wasn't cancelled. Eurostar acknowledged the disruption and warned of potential further delays and cancellations.

The article discusses the severe air pollution in Delhi, India, which is considered the world's most polluted capital. The pollution is caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, farm fires, industrial pollution, and other factors, resulting in a 'lethal cocktail of toxic gases' that blankets the city. The article highlights the health impacts of air pollution, including respiratory problems, heart issues, and reduced life expectancy. Despite the severity of the issue, the government has been criticized for inadequate measures to address the problem, and activists are calling for more stringent intervention. The article notes that air pollution is not just a local issue, but affects the entire Indo-Gangetic plain, with hundreds of millions of people breathing toxic air.

The article discusses China's growing influence in Laos through its Belt and Road Initiative, specifically the Laos-China Railway. The railway has brought Chinese tourists, investors, and workers to Laos, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. However, the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many Laotians feeling left out as Chinese businesses dominate the tourism industry. The article highlights concerns about Laos' heavy debt burden and the potential risks of relying too heavily on Chinese investment.

The article discusses how climate change is affecting Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, leading to increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods and storms. This has resulted in many young people, like 24-year-old Md Emran Hosain, being forced to migrate to other countries, including Singapore, in search of work to support their families. The article highlights the devastating impact of climate change on the livelihoods of people in Bangladesh, with many losing their homes, land, and livelihoods due to rising sea levels, saltwater incursions, and increased frequency of cyclones. The government predicts that by 2050, one in every seven Bangladeshis will be displaced due to climate change, with 28 million refugees expected. Many are migrating to cities or abroad, with the number of workers taking up overseas employment increasing significantly in recent years.

The article discusses the growing trend of young Vietnamese migrating to Germany for vocational training, but highlights the risks of exploitation by unscrupulous brokers who charge inflated prices. The number of Vietnamese citizens signing new vocational contracts in Germany has increased by 61% in 2024, but many are being fleeced by middlemen. Advocates are sounding the alarm, and efforts are being made to bypass these brokers and direct young Vietnamese towards legal pathways for migration. Germany needs to plug labor shortages, while Vietnam sees labor exports as a tool for job creation and economic development. However, Vietnam's development model relies heavily on low labor costs, and the country suffers from a mismatch of skills required by the job market.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs. Despite initial assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, tariffs on Chinese goods climbed to 145%, forcing Bergman to raise prices and eventually close her store. The article highlights the uneven impact of tariffs on the toy industry, with big-box retailers like Walmart and Target able to absorb costs and maintain low prices, while small businesses suffered. The trade war has resulted in a 'Christmas economy split' between large retailers and small shopkeepers.

Novo Nordisk faces a critical year in 2026 as it battles to regain investor confidence in its weight loss business, particularly in the U.S. market. The company has faced headwinds including lower pricing, patent expiries, and competition from Eli Lilly. However, the recent approval of its oral weight loss pill, Wegovy, has given investors hope. Analysts believe that the pill's approval could help Novo recapture market share and increase growth. The company's leadership and U.S. operations will be under scrutiny as it navigates the changing landscape of the weight loss pharmaceutical market.

The article discusses the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure in the United States, driven by tech giants such as Meta, Google, xAI, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Amazon. These companies are investing billions of dollars in building hyperscale data centers across the country, transforming farmland and factory shells into compute factories. The buildout is being funded largely through debt, with credit markets showing signs of unease. The article highlights the massive scale of these projects, with OpenAI's Stargate project in Abilene, Texas, expected to cost around $850 billion. The AI boom is driven by the belief that intelligence can be manufactured at industrial scale, and whoever builds the biggest factory wins.

The article discusses Jack Smith's defense of his decision to indict former President Trump for his alleged role in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. In a transcribed interview with the House Judiciary Committee, Smith rebutted Republican claims that he had improperly obtained metadata on phone calls involving Trump-allied lawmakers and defended the Justice Department's investigation into Trump's actions. Smith stated that his investigation found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the election results and prevent the lawful transfer of power. The article highlights Smith's testimony, where he pushed back against Republican suggestions that Trump's public statements after the 2020 election were protected under the First Amendment, and emphasized that Trump's actions were not free speech but rather a violation of federal law.

A federal appellate court has ruled that President Trump must return control of hundreds of California National Guard troops to Governor Gavin Newsom. The troops were deployed to Los Angeles in response to protests over immigration raids, but the court found that the Trump administration's actions were unlawful. The decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that limited the president's power to deploy National Guard troops in other cities. Governor Newsom welcomed the decision, while President Trump suggested that the administration may deploy the Guard again in the future.

A Rose Parade float, 'Rising Together,' symbolizes hope and recovery for survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles. The float, decorated entirely by fire survivors using natural materials, features a phoenix rising from the ashes. The project brings together the community, providing a sense of healing and pride as they represent their neighborhoods. The float also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for assistance and support for those affected by the fires.

The K-pop band NewJeans' member Danielle Marsh is being sued by their record label Ador for millions in damages after a year-long dispute. Ador terminated Danielle's contract, alleging she had been exposed to 'distorted and biased information' leading to 'significant misunderstandings'. The dispute began after allegations that Hybe, Ador's parent company, forced out the band's producer Min Hee-jin, leading to the band demanding her reinstatement. The band members alleged mistreatment, including 'deliberate miscommunications and manipulation' while working with the label. The lawsuit against Danielle, a family member, and Min Hee-jin seeks nearly 43.1bn won (US$30m) in damages.