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The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a deal to sign right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract. Ponce, 31, had a successful season with the Hanwha Eagles in South Korea, posting a 2.04 ERA and 252 strikeouts. He is expected to be a rotation option for the Blue Jays, who have also signed Dylan Cease to a $210 million contract. The Blue Jays are looking to strengthen their staff as they aim to hold off the Yankees in the American League East.

A Delta Airlines passenger, Vanessa, cried during a flight after seeing her seatmate send a body-shaming text about her to his friends. Vanessa, a TikToker with nearly 5,000 followers, shared her experience on TikTok, which went viral and garnered over 1 million views. The incident sparked a wave of support for Vanessa, with many users praising her for standing up against body-shaming. Vanessa later clarified that the man was taking up more space in her seat than she was in his, and that she didn't need two seats. The incident has restored Vanessa's faith in humanity and turned a negative experience into a positive one, spreading kindness and body positivity.

A Brooklyn middle school principal denied a request to have Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann speak to students about antisemitism, citing his pro-Israel views as not suitable for a public school setting. Steigmann and others have criticized the decision as censorship and discriminatory. The Department of Education defended the principal's decision, stating that they evaluate speakers to ensure political neutrality.

The article by Michael Goodwin discusses how New York has followed the lead of the Biden administration and Democrats in harboring illegal immigrant criminals. It highlights the issue of sanctuary provisions in New York that shield criminal illegal aliens from federal deportation, citing the release of nearly 7,000 illegals from criminal custody this year, including murderers and sexual predators. The author argues that this is a result of the radical left's influence on the state's politics and the demonization of Trump's policies. The Department of Homeland Security has demanded that New York state turn over over 7,100 illegals currently locked up in state jails and prisons after being convicted of serious crimes. The author criticizes New York's leaders, including Governor Hochul and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, for their stance on immigration and their refusal to cooperate with federal authorities.

The article discusses a scandal in Minnesota where Somali immigrants were involved in a large-scale fraud scheme, stealing over a billion dollars from the state by creating sham nonprofits and billing for services not provided. The author argues that officials failed to act due to fear of being labeled 'racist' when concerns were raised about the Somali scammers. The article suggests that this 'racism grift' is not only a problem in Minnesota but also a broader issue in the Western world, where accusations of racism are used to silence critics and cover up wrongdoing, even in cases of serious crimes like the 'grooming gang' scandal in the UK and the Manchester Arena bombing.

New York City has seen a significant decrease in crime rates, with shootings hitting an all-time low and retail theft dropping by 20%. The NYPD's precision policing strategy and initiatives targeting problematic areas have been credited for the decline. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has been critical of the NYPD, is set to take office and faces the challenge of maintaining the current trend. Experts warn that Mamdani's approach to policing could impact the city's crime rates, and some have advised him to continue the strategies that have been successful so far.

Ole Miss players are pushing back against Lane Kiffin's claims that they asked him to stay and coach them through the College Football Playoff after he left to take the head coaching job at LSU. Several players, including Brycen Sanders, Paris Wilkins, Jayden Williams, and Suntarine Perkins, took to social media to dispute Kiffin's version of events, stating that they did not ask him to stay. Kiffin's departure has been met with controversy, and his claims are seen as an attempt to shift the blame for his departure. The situation is likely to be a topic of discussion when Ole Miss players next speak to reporters.

Republican Matt Van Epps narrowly defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn in a special election for Tennessee's 7th District House seat. Van Epps, backed by President Trump, led by about 6 percentage points with 85% of ballots counted. The race was closely watched as Republicans sought to maintain their slim majority in the House. Behn, labeled the 'AOC of Tennessee' by Trump, ran a strong campaign but ultimately fell short. The victory is seen as a positive sign for the Republican Party.

A group of five men, including a 29-year-old Queens resident, were arrested and charged with operating a twisted online cult called 'Greggy's Cult' that targeted children as young as 11 on gaming platforms, coercing them into performing sexual acts on camera, and then urging them to commit suicide. The cult used Discord and gaming networks like Roblox to prey on victims, exploiting them for child pornography and forcing them to declare loyalty to the group.

China's first reusable rocket, Zhuque-3, launched successfully on its maiden voyage but failed to be recovered due to an anomaly during the landing phase. The rocket, designed by LandSpace, reached a low-Earth orbit but the first stage caught fire and crashed near the recovery site. LandSpace is investigating the cause of the failure.

China has introduced a new regulation that will seal records of minor offences, including drug use and soliciting prostitutes, from January 1. The move has sparked public backlash, particularly regarding drug users, despite being welcomed by legal experts. The new rule means that these offences will no longer be attached to a person's identity information, potentially impacting their job prospects and lives. The regulation is part of the amended Public Security Administration Punishments Law, introduced in 2006. While violations are not considered criminal offences and typically result in fines and administrative detention, the record of the offence currently follows the person and can affect their life. The new regulation states that records will not be provided to organisations or individuals, nor disclosed publicly, except for investigation needs or queries by relevant units.

The article highlights seven recent science-related stories from South China Morning Post's coverage, focusing on China's technological advancements and challenges. It discusses a new scheme at China's top defence university allowing PhD students to graduate with a product or design instead of a thesis, the detention of a chief scientist at a warship-building research institute due to alleged academic misconduct, and a Chinese team's simulation of large-scale electronic warfare against Elon Musk's Starlink satellite constellation. These stories reflect China's efforts to innovate and address 'bottleneck' engineering problems amidst its tech race with the United States.

The Chinese military has introduced new rules to strengthen political discipline and party loyalty, aiming to eliminate 'erroneous political views and inappropriate remarks' and 'fake combat capabilities.' The revisions to the supplementary rules to the implementation of the Communist Party's disciplinary regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2026. This move is part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has led to the downfall of several top generals in recent months. The new rules explicitly include disciplinary violations such as expressions of 'erroneous political remarks,' failure to comply with Central Military Commission (CMC) orders, and failure to implement the CMC chairman responsibility system.

French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting China with a large delegation of over 80 people, including ministers and CEOs, to explore business opportunities despite rising trade tensions between China and Europe. The key areas to watch for potential deals include energy cooperation, particularly nuclear power, and other sectors. Macron's visit aims to strengthen France's economic ties with China, with a focus on achieving carbon neutrality goals.

The article examines the 50-year journey of Chinese businesses expanding globally, from state-backed infrastructure projects in developing countries to becoming visible players in international markets with brands like Pop Mart's Labubu figures. Chinese companies have had to adapt to changing global markets, policies, and technologies. The article charts the history of China Inc.'s global expansion, highlighting the evolution of their motives, business models, and strategic priorities over the decades.

A rare tropical cyclone in Indonesia's Sumatra region has caused widespread destruction, killing over 700 people and displacing thousands. Environmental groups blame decades of ecological destruction, including deforestation and mining, for exacerbating the disaster. Climatologists warn that such extreme weather events may become more frequent due to climate change. The Indonesian government faces renewed calls to curb deforestation and tighten oversight of forest concessions.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has praised the citizens who confronted martial law troops a year ago, saying their collective defense of democracy made them worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. The incident occurred when impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol attempted to impose military rule, but was met with resistance from hundreds of ordinary citizens who rushed to the National Assembly, forming barricades and helping lawmakers. Lee described the incident as an unprecedented test of South Korea's democracy that the public overcame peacefully. He believes that if the Korean people were to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for saving democracy, it would serve as a major turning point for all nations shaken by conflict and division.

Thailand and Cambodia are clashing at a UN meeting in Geneva over their border dispute, with Cambodia demanding the release of 18 detained soldiers and Thailand accusing Cambodia of a landmine blast that injured a Thai soldier. The tension between the two countries is escalating, with both sides leveraging international law to gain support. The border truce is considered 'fragile' and analysts warn that relations are in a 'fragile place'. The dispute has been ongoing, with both countries trading barbs and accusations.

The Indian capital, Delhi, has seen over 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses in six state-run hospitals between 2022 and 2024 due to rising pollution levels. The government reported that more than 30,000 people with respiratory illnesses were hospitalized during this period. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been over 20 times the World Health Organization's recommended limit, attributed to factors like industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and crop stubble burning. The Delhi high court is set to hear a petition on urgent measures to curb hazardous air pollution. The issue has been a recurring problem, especially during winters, and has prompted concerns from India's top court.

Nigeria has granted asylum to Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa after a military coup prevented the announcement of election results. Dias, who was the main challenger to incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, claimed victory in the November 23 presidential poll. The military suspended the electoral process, citing a plot to destabilize the country, and has since sworn in a new transitional leader. The West African bloc Ecowas has suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies and urged the military to step aside. The true motives behind the coup remain unclear, with some speculating it may have been staged.

A 32-year-old New Zealand man has been charged with theft after allegedly swallowing a diamond-studded Fabergé egg locket valued at NZ$33,585 ($19,300; £14,600) from a jewellery store in central Auckland. The man was arrested in the store minutes after police were called last Friday afternoon. He has undergone a medical assessment and remains in custody. The Fabergé egg, known as the Octopussy egg, is set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires and opens to reveal an 18K gold miniature octopus. The suspect is due to appear in court again on 8 December and has also been charged with other alleged thefts. The ingested loot has not yet been recovered by police.

The Indian government has mandated that all new smartphones sold in the country come pre-loaded with a state-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi. The app allows users to check a device's IMEI, report lost or stolen phones, and flag suspected fraud communications. However, the move has sparked concerns among cyber experts and advocacy groups about privacy and surveillance, as the app requires broad permissions to access phone data. The government claims the app is necessary to help citizens verify the authenticity of handsets and prevent the misuse of telecom resources. Despite criticism, the Minister of Communications has stated that users can delete the app if they don't want to use it, although it is unclear how this can be done if the app's functions cannot be disabled or restricted.

Thousands of rounds of German army ammunition were stolen from a delivery lorry in the eastern town of Burg. The shipment, which was being transported by a civilian company contracted by the military, was left unattended in an unguarded parking lot overnight on November 25. The exact amount stolen is unclear, but reports suggest it was around 20,000 rounds, including live ammunition for pistols, blank bullets for assault rifles, and smoke grenades. The German army has launched an investigation alongside police, and authorities are concerned that the stolen ammunition could fall into the wrong hands. This incident is the latest in a series of similar thefts in the Saxony-Anhalt region.

US President Donald Trump has expressed his opposition to Somali immigrants in the US, stating that they should 'go back to where they came from' during a cabinet meeting. This comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to conduct an enforcement operation in Minnesota's large Somali community. Local leaders have condemned the plan, arguing it could unfairly target American citizens. The operation is expected to target hundreds of people, with the majority of those affected being US citizens. Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Senator Zaynab Mohamed, have spoken out against the plan, calling it a 'PR stunt' that won't solve any real problems.

The Israeli government is facing a crisis over a bill to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, a move that has sparked widespread protests and opposition from the ultra-Orthodox community. The bill aims to end the exemption granted to ultra-Orthodox men enrolled in full-time religious study, which was established in 1948. The issue has become increasingly contentious after two years of war, with public opinion shifting in favor of conscription. The government has proposed drafting 10,000 yeshiva students within two years, but ultra-Orthodox parties, crucial allies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, are opposed to the move.

The article discusses how large language models (LLMs) are posing a new challenge to pollsters by being able to answer surveys as humans would, often undetected. This development comes after pollsters have faced several challenges, including declining response rates due to caller ID and political polarization. The article highlights the potential for LLMs to turn opinion polls into gibberish, further complicating the already difficult task of accurately gauging public opinion.

The Checks and Balance newsletter discusses a leaked phone call between American and Russian officials, while also touching on various US domestic issues such as lawmakers demanding answers about a boat-bombing campaign, the impact of AI on opinion polls, and a budget crisis in Chicago. The newsletter highlights the complexities of US politics and foreign relations.

The city of Chicago is facing a significant budget crisis, with Cook County sending out tax assessments to 1.8 million property owners, resulting in an average residential property bill increase of 17%. The crisis has sparked debate over whether the city should reduce spending or increase taxes on businesses. The article highlights the challenges faced by Chicago and the difficult decisions that need to be made to address the budget crisis.

A Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, GTG-1002, used Anthropic's AI model Claude to launch sophisticated cyberattacks on major technology firms and government agencies. The group exploited vulnerabilities, stole information, and deployed malware within hours. The attacks were characterized by their speed, persistence, and skill, leaving victims feeling like they were under attack by an 'army of skilled operators'.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's presidential campaign is being driven by emails soliciting donations and shaping the MAGA narrative. It highlights the numerous emails Trump sends asking for political donations in exchange for various honors and titles, such as joining the Trump Advisory Board. The article critiques Trump's approach to his presidency and campaign, suggesting that his focus on fundraising and narrative-building is defining his political strategy.

The article discusses how leaf blowers have become a divisive issue in the United States, with many municipalities enacting ordinances to restrict or ban their use. Over 160 cities have banned petrol-powered garden tools, according to a consumer watchdog group. The politics surrounding these bans can be complex, and places that implement them should be prepared for backlash. The article highlights the growing trend of local governments taking action to regulate leaf blowers, which has become a contentious issue pitting neighbor against neighbor.

The US federal government has started covering traditional Native American healing practices under Medicaid, the health program for low-income individuals. Carolyn Morris, a Navajo clinical psychologist, has been working to adapt billing and evaluation procedures for traditional healing rituals like sweat lodges and smudging. This development aims to integrate Native American healing practices into mainstream healthcare.

The article discusses the devastating floods in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed over 400 lives and left hundreds missing. The disaster has affected not only coastal areas but also the city and mountainous regions. The government has faced criticism for its slow response to the emergency. International aid has arrived, with India and Pakistan sending helicopters and cargo planes to assist in the rescue efforts. The article highlights the personal stories of those affected, including Asiri, who had to take refuge upstairs in his home as floodwaters rose.

FIFA has backed away from using dynamic pricing for all 2026 World Cup tickets due to concerns about affordability. The governing body will instead offer ring-fenced allocations at fixed prices for specific fan categories, including supporters of participating teams. The decision comes ahead of the tournament draw in Washington DC, which Donald Trump plans to attend. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Ticket prices will vary, with the cheapest starting at $60 and the most expensive at $6,730 for the final. FIFA defended its pricing model, stating it reflects existing market practices for major entertainment and sporting events.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is reported to be healthy but isolated in jail by his sister, Uzma Khanum. Khan has been in jail since August 2023 on corruption charges, which he claims are politically motivated. His family says he is facing isolation and psychological strain after being denied access to relatives for weeks. Khan's sisters, Uzma and Aleema, have spoken out about his condition, with Aleema stating that the authorities are trying to suppress the people of Pakistan by isolating him. The authorities deny any mistreatment, saying Khan is receiving all entitlements available to prisoners.

The UK government has delayed its decision on whether to approve a Chinese 'super embassy' in London until January 20, 2026, citing the need for more time to consider new representations from the Foreign Office and Home Office. The embassy, which would be Europe's largest, has been met with large-scale protests over concerns it will become a Chinese spy hub. Despite multiple delays, the government is expected to approve the plans, with both MI5 and MI6 said to have given their blessing. The Chinese embassy has condemned the postponement, urging the UK to approve the planning application quickly to avoid undermining mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides.

The article discusses the current political situation in Pakistan, focusing on the conflict between former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military. It highlights concerns that Pakistan may be slipping into military rule due to new constitutional changes. The UN has sounded an alarm regarding these changes. The article also mentions that Imran Khan remains imprisoned and questions whether he will ever be released. The situation is analyzed through a podcast discussion involving Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel, who speak with one of Imran Khan's close advisors, Zulfi Bukhari. The broader geopolitical context is touched upon, including ongoing negotiations between America, Ukraine, and Russia regarding a peace plan, and the stance of Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A coroner's report has revealed that mortuary workers in the UK were exposed to 'dangerously high' levels of toxic substances from preserved bodies repatriated from the Air India plane crash in June. The bodies were wrapped and saturated in high concentrations of formalin, a substance used to preserve human remains, which can cause severe respiratory irritation and potentially lead to cancer with long-term exposure. The coroner has called for mortuaries to be better prepared and equipped to handle such situations, and the report has been sent to the Department of Health and Social Care and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

A raccoon broke into a liquor store in Virginia, got drunk, and was found sleeping in the toilet by an officer. The animal was taken into custody, allowed to sober up, and then released back into the wild. The incident was reported by Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter, who described the raccoon as 'very intoxicated'.

A Chinese private space firm, LandSpace, conducted a historic first orbital test of its reusable rocket, Zhuque-3, but failed to land the booster, crashing it during the recovery attempt. Despite the failure, the test was considered 'impressive' by space experts and marks a significant step in China's commercial space sector's development. The sector is rapidly growing, with multiple firms working on reusable rocket technology, and is seen as crucial for China's goal to become a 'strong aerospace nation.'

A Colombian family has filed a formal complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) against the United States for the alleged extra-judicial killing of their relative, Alejandro Carranza, a fisherman who was killed in a US military strike on a boat in the Caribbean on September 15, 2025. The complaint, filed by US human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, claims that Carranza was innocent and was simply fishing when he was killed. The US has carried out at least 22 strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since early September, killing at least 83 people. The US claims its actions comply with the Law of Armed Conflict, but human rights groups and the Colombian government dispute this, saying the strikes are extra-judicial killings. The complaint seeks compensation for Carranza's family and an end to such killings.

The article discusses the recent cancellation of Japanese concerts and cultural events in China due to a diplomatic row between the two countries. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion that Tokyo could respond militarily if China took control of Taiwan sparked outrage in China, leading to the cancellation of performances by Japanese artists, including pop star Ayumi Hamasaki. The cancellations have affected millions of Japanese culture enthusiasts in China, with many fans expressing disappointment and frustration. The article highlights the complex relationship between China and Japan, with a history of anti-Japanese sentiment in China. The situation has raised concerns about the impact on the entertainment industry and the potential for further escalation.

The article analyzes the recent special election in Tennessee's 7th congressional district, where Republican Matt Van Epps won by a nine-point margin over Democrat Aftyn Behn. Although Republicans avoided a potential upset, the close margin is part of a concerning trend for the party, as Democrats have over-performed in every special House election in 2025. The article examines various electoral indicators, including state legislative special elections and high-profile races, which have also swung in Democrats' favor. Despite the uncertainty of predicting midterm elections, the overall trend suggests that Democrats are performing better electorally than they did in 2017, potentially setting the stage for a strong showing in the 2026 midterms.

The article discusses how fans may be impacted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. CNN's Amanda Davies examines the potential challenges that soccer fans from around the world may face when traveling to the US for the event. The article is accompanied by a video that explores this topic further.

The article discusses the unlikelihood of the US striking Venezuela this week despite President Trump's escalating rhetoric. Caracas' aviation agency continues to receive communications from Washington about accepting deportation flights, suggesting that a strike is unlikely while US planes are in Caracas. The article also touches on other news stories, including Pope Leo's visit to Beirut, North Korea's modern capital, and the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on fans.

Boeing has implemented a new quality-control regimen after a part on a 737 Max blew away at 15,000 feet in January 2024, exposing passengers to potential catastrophe. The inspection is part of a 'war on defects' at the company's factory near Seattle, where workers search for defects in the empty central tube of the plane. This move is a response to a 'nightmarish episode' that prompted a reckoning for the company.

Chile's Parliament has approved a law banning the use of smartphones by pupils on school premises, effective March 2025, in both public and private primary and secondary schools. The ban aims to address concerns over children's mental and physical health, associated with excessive mobile phone use. The law allows exceptions for students with special educational needs, medical conditions, or emergencies. Chile joins other countries like Brazil, Finland, and France in restricting smartphone use in schools. Education Minister Nicolas Cataldo stated that the ban seeks to combat a 'scourge' affecting children and young people.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the introduction of the Laos-China Railway (LCR), a high-speed rail line connecting China's Yunnan province to Vientiane, Laos' capital. The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, investors, and businesses, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. While the railway has boosted tourism and trade, it has also raised concerns about the distribution of benefits, cultural heritage, and the impact on local businesses. The article highlights the dominance of Chinese culture and businesses in areas like Boten, a border town that has become a hub for Chinese investors and tourists. Local Laotians are questioning whether the influx of Chinese money and influence is beneficial for their country.

The article discusses how climate change is affecting the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions. Rising sea levels, recurring storms, and floods have crippled the livelihoods of many families, forcing them to migrate to other areas, including Singapore, in search of work. The article focuses on the story of Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old man who left his village in Bangladesh to work in a shipyard in Singapore. Emran's family, like many others, has been affected by the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, which have damaged their home and livelihood. The article highlights the growing issue of climate-induced migration in Bangladesh and the challenges faced by those who are forced to leave their homes.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has tightened his personal security and leaned on ally Cuba amid growing concerns of a US military intervention. Sources close to the government describe an atmosphere of tension and concern within Maduro's inner circle, but believe he remains in control and can weather the threat to his 12-year rule. Maduro has taken measures such as changing beds and restricting cellphone use to counter potential threats.

The article reports on the plea deal of Joaquín Guzmán López, son of 'El Chapo', who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in a US court. The plea deal revealed details about the abduction of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a leader of the Sinaloa cartel, who was ambushed, drugged, and flown to the US. Guzmán López's actions were part of an attempt to show cooperation with the US, but prosecutors said he would not receive cooperation credit. The arrests of Zambada and Guzmán López angered Mexico's government, which considered bringing treason charges against Guzmán López.

Cuba is experiencing a severe outbreak of mosquito-borne illnesses, including chikungunya and dengue viruses, resulting in 33 deaths, including 21 children, since July. The outbreak is attributed to poor hygiene, accumulated garbage, and water storage practices. The country's economic crisis and US sanctions have weakened its medical services and prevention programs. The CDC has issued travel notices for Americans visiting Cuba and other affected countries.

Scientists have discovered that young ants, when infected with a deadly disease, release a chemical signal that alerts worker ants to destroy them, thus protecting the colony from infection. This altruistic act is a deliberate signal, as the sick ants only produce the smell when worker ants are nearby. The study found that queen pupae, however, do not send out this signal, likely due to their stronger immune systems. The research sheds light on the complex social behavior of ants and their ability to communicate with each other to ensure the survival of the colony.

The US and Venezuela have agreed to continue flights returning deported migrants to Venezuela despite President Trump's assertion that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed. The Venezuelan government announced that the twice-weekly flights will continue following a request from the Trump administration. The flights have been a point of contention, with human rights organizations scrutinizing the repatriation deal. Trump administration officials claim the flights are part of a multi-pronged strategy to disrupt transnational criminal gangs. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to escalate, with Trump threatening military strikes on drug traffickers and Pope Leo XIII calling for dialogue and economic pressure instead.

The article discusses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's appeal to OPEC allies for support amid increasing pressure from the US, led by President Donald Trump. Maduro claims US 'direct aggression' is undermining Venezuela's energy sector and threatening global oil stability. However, experts say OPEC is unlikely to get involved, and Maduro's appeal is largely symbolic. The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela due to concerns over corruption, trafficking, and human rights abuses. The article highlights the potential for Venezuela to increase oil production if the sector is opened to private foreign investment, which would require regime change.

A Palestinian militia leader, Shawqi Abu Nasira, has warned that the current ceasefire in Gaza is giving Hamas a 'kiss of life' to rebuild and reassert control. Abu Nasira, a former senior Palestinian Authority police official, has defected from Hamas after they killed his son and is now operating with a small band of fighters in territory under Israeli military control. He claims that many Gazans share his view against Hamas and that his faction is working to unite with other anti-Hamas groups to form a national guard. Abu Nasira is calling for international support to defeat Hamas, which he sees as part of a broader terrorist network involving Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Pope Leo XIV has urged dialogue and diplomatic pressure over military action in the Venezuelan political crisis, amid rising tensions between the US and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Pope expressed concern about the danger of military operation in Venezuela and the suffering of the people. He suggested that the US should prioritize dialogue and economic pressure to bring about change in Venezuela. The US has deployed a large military presence in the Caribbean, including strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking, and President Trump had delivered an ultimatum to Maduro in a phone call, demanding that he surrender power immediately.

UK local authorities have increased their use of drones, sparking concerns about surveillance and civil liberties. More than 60 councils have hired staff certified to operate aerial drones, with at least a dozen others seeking guidance to launch similar programs. Critics warn that the technology could be used for 'spies in the sky' tactics, eroding civil liberties in a nation already heavily surveilled by CCTV cameras. While some councils use drones for legitimate tasks like flood monitoring and land surveys, others plan to use them to combat antisocial behavior and supplement police manpower.

Anthropic, the AI startup behind the Claude chatbot, is reportedly preparing for a massive initial public offering (IPO) as early as next year, potentially valuing the company above $300 billion. The startup has engaged law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and discussed a potential IPO with major investment banks. This move positions Anthropic in a race with rival OpenAI, which is also considering a public listing. Anthropic has been expanding aggressively, announcing a $50 billion AI infrastructure build-out and tripling its international workforce. The potential IPO would test investor appetite for high-burn AI firms amid bubble fears and surging valuations.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget has dismayed investors with a cut in tax relief for Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) from 30% to 20%, despite increasing the annual and lifetime investment limits for companies qualifying for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and VCTs. The move has been criticized by industry leaders, who warn it could undermine investor confidence and slow fundraising for UK startups and scale-ups. The Treasury expects to save £125 million in 2027-28 as a result of the tax relief cut.

CrowdStrike reported better-than-expected fiscal Q3 2026 results, with revenue increasing 22% year-over-year to $1.23 billion and adjusted EPS of 96 cents. The company's Falcon Flex subscription model drove growth, with ARR tied to these accounts surging over 200% year-over-year. CrowdStrike's CEO, George Kurtz, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in the 'agentic era' and the company's mission-critical role. The article concludes that the results and strong outlook justify a price target increase to $550 per share from $520, reiterating a 1 rating on the stock.

South Korea and the US have agreed to form a joint venture to help South Korea secure enriched uranium fuel for its nuclear power plants. The agreement was announced after a meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. South Korea has long wanted to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel to reduce nuclear waste and gain 'nuclear latency,' but a bilateral treaty with the US has prevented it from doing so. The joint venture will be 50-50 and will help South Korea achieve its goal of securing fuel for its nuclear reactors and potentially for nuclear-powered submarines. South Korea has reaffirmed its commitment not to build nuclear weapons.

Admiral Frank Mitchell Bradley, a highly respected Navy SEAL officer, is facing potential legal jeopardy after ordering a second strike on a boat in the Caribbean that was smuggling drugs, killing two survivors who were clinging to the burning wreckage. The Trump administration has argued that the strikes were lawful because President Trump has determined that the US is in a formal armed conflict with drug cartels. However, lawmakers and experts have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes and the administration's attempt to distance itself from the decision. Admiral Bradley is set to testify before Congress, and his case has sparked a debate about the ethics of following orders and the accountability of military leaders.

A recent survey of U.S. diplomats reveals widespread dissatisfaction and demoralization within the State Department under the Trump administration. The survey, conducted by the American Foreign Service Association, found that 98% of respondents reported a decline in workplace morale since January. Diplomats cited increased workloads, budget cuts, and a more politicized work environment as major concerns. Many are leaving or considering leaving the Foreign Service, with 75% of those considering departure citing declining morale as a factor. The report criticizes Secretary of State Marco Rubio for not valuing the expertise of career diplomats and for allowing Trump insiders like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to conduct sensitive diplomacy without their input. The State Department has disputed these findings, claiming that Rubio values the insights of career diplomats and that the department is maintaining a healthy Foreign Service.

Tensions between Lithuania and Belarus have escalated due to weather balloons launched from Belarus that have repeatedly disrupted operations at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania. The balloons, suspected of being used for smuggling cigarettes, have been deemed a 'cynical hybrid attack' by Lithuanian authorities, who accuse Belarus of deliberately targeting their aviation security. The situation has led to the shutdown of the airport for 11 hours on one occasion and has stranded thousands of people. Lithuania has retaliated by considering harsh punishments for smuggling activities and developing an Intelligent Airspace Security System to detect and counter the balloons. The incident has heightened tensions between the two countries, with Belarus accusing Lithuania of sending a drone into its airspace for espionage.

The city of San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against top food manufacturers, including Coca-Cola and Nestle, alleging that their ultraprocessed foods are responsible for a public health crisis. The lawsuit claims that these foods are linked to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu named 10 companies in the lawsuit, including makers of popular foods like Oreo cookies and Lunchables. The lawsuit argues that the companies have engineered a public health crisis, profited from it, and now need to take responsibility. The city is seeking a court order to prevent deceptive marketing, require consumer education, and limit advertising to children. The lawsuit also seeks financial penalties to help local governments with healthcare costs caused by ultraprocessed foods.

The UK Parliament's security committee has concluded that the handling of a high-profile espionage case against two men accused of spying for China was 'shambolic' due to 'systemic failures' and 'inadequate' communication between the government and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The committee found no evidence of UK government interference in the case, but criticized the CPS for pulling charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, citing insufficient evidence from the government. The report calls for reforms to improve communication between the government and CPS and to formalize principles for handling sensitive cases.

The UK government has delayed its decision on China's proposed 'super-embassy' in London until January 20, coinciding with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's planned visit to Beijing. The embassy would consolidate China's seven existing diplomatic sites in London into a single location near Tower Bridge. Despite concerns from local residents and campaigners regarding China's human rights record, ministers are expected to approve the plans as the security services have indicated they can manage the security risks. The decision has been postponed three times, with the Chinese government expressing frustration over the delays.

French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting China for a three-day state visit, where he is expected to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and discuss trade relations. The European Union is facing a massive trade deficit with China, and Macron is likely to raise this issue during his visit. The Ukraine war has been ongoing for nearly four years, and Western governments are accusing China of providing economic support to Russia, which has been condemned by the international community. Macron's visit follows a trip to Paris by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who urged Europe to stand by Kyiv in the face of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war, which European countries fear may force Kyiv to cave in to Russian demands.