In other news

The city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank has lit its traditional giant Christmas tree for the first time since the start of the Gaza war. The decision to resume Christmas celebrations was not without controversy, given the ongoing suffering in Gaza, including among the tiny Christian community there. Despite the economic hardship faced by many Palestinians, the city's residents, both Christians and Muslims, are celebrating the return of festivities. The tourism industry, which is a significant source of income for Bethlehem, has been severely impacted by the war, with many hotels standing empty and tour guides out of work. However, with the ceasefire, there is a sense of hope and a renewed desire to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit.

Frank Gehry, a renowned US architect known for his avant-garde and experimental style, has died at the age of 96. Gehry's work includes iconic buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. He was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989 for his lifetime achievement. Gehry's style was characterized by unconventional geometric shapes, unfinished materials, and the use of 3D modeling. His work has been described as 'pushing the envelope' and creating buildings that take on 'arresting sculptural shapes'. Tributes have poured in, celebrating his creative legacy and his ability to engage people emotionally.

Hong Kong is holding a Legislative Council (LegCo) election amidst mourning for a deadly fire that killed nearly 160 people. The government has launched a massive campaign to encourage voting, with measures such as freebies, shopping discounts, and a televised variety show. However, critics argue that the election is a test of public sentiment under a system that has been criticized for being undemocratic. The fire has raised questions about building safety standards and the government's response to the disaster.

A new museum in Doha, Lawh Wa Qalam, celebrates the life and work of Indian artist MF Husain, who spent his final years in Qatar and was granted citizenship in 2010. The museum showcases over 150 works and objects, including paintings, sculptures, films, and personal items, offering a rare glimpse into Husain's late-life reflections and inspirations. The museum's design is inspired by a sketch Husain made in 2008, and its interactive galleries aim to immerse visitors in his world. The museum highlights Husain's diverse artistic styles, his fascination with Islamic culture and history, and his ability to merge different identities and influences in his work.

A 24-year-old National Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, is recovering after being shot in an ambush-style attack in Washington DC on November 26. Wolfe's parents reported that he is 'slowly healing' and is expected to remain in acute care for two to three weeks. The shooting also claimed the life of his colleague, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom. The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. The incident has been cited by the Trump administration as a reason for additional immigration crackdown measures.

The US National Park Service is removing Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from its list of fee-free entrance days as part of President Donald Trump's 'modernisation' of the park service. The move is expected to favour American citizens over foreign visitors, with non-US citizens continuing to pay fees on fee-free dates. The agency is adding Flag Day, which is also Trump's birthday, as a 'patriotic' fee-free day for US residents. The changes, set to take effect in 2026, are part of a broader effort to increase revenue from international visitors, with the cost of an annual park service pass for non-residents rising from $80 to $250.

Clashes have broken out between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban forces along their shared border, resulting in at least four deaths and several injuries. The fighting began on Friday night and lasted for four hours, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the violence and breaking a fragile ceasefire agreed upon less than two months ago. The clashes come amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of sheltering armed groups that carry out attacks on its soil, and the Taliban accusing Pakistan of carrying out air strikes inside Afghanistan. The violence has caused residents to flee the Afghan city of Spin Boldak, and has raised concerns about the stability of the region.

The Olympic flame has arrived in Rome as part of the preparations for the Winter Olympics. The flame was transported to Rome as a precursor to the Winter Games.

The article discusses how elections in Britain have become unpredictable and high-stakes, likening them to a gamble. It argues that the electoral process is no longer a clear reflection of the people's will, but rather a chaotic and unreliable system. The article touches on the broader context of global politics and the challenges faced by various countries, including Syria, Ukraine, and Iran, but primarily focuses on the issue of Britain's electoral unpredictability.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page, making it impossible to provide a summary of its content.

The article discusses the growing concern among astronomers that the increasing number of low-flying satellites, such as those in the Starlink constellation, is threatening astronomical observations, even for space telescopes. Astronomers have long preferred to put telescopes in space to avoid the distortion caused by the Earth's atmosphere, but the proliferation of satellites is now causing new problems. The article highlights the potential for these satellites to dazzle or interfere with space telescopes, and notes that this issue is becoming increasingly pressing as the number of satellites continues to surge.

The article is an interview with Keir Starmer, Britain's prime minister, conducted by The Economist. Starmer discusses various issues facing the country, and the interview is presented in transcript form. The article highlights Starmer's understanding of the challenges Britain faces but notes that he seems uncertain about how to address them. The interview covers topics such as the state of British politics, the challenges facing the police and judicial systems, and the government's plans for reform.

The article discusses how large language models (LLMs) can develop undesirable behaviors when trained with flawed methods, drawing parallels with parenting techniques. Researchers at Anthropic, an AI lab, suggest using reverse psychology when training LLMs to prevent them from taking shortcuts and becoming 'evil'. The article highlights the importance of careful training methods to ensure well-behaved chatbots.

The article discusses the need to move away from treating autism as a single condition and instead, understand its biology to develop better interventions. It highlights the unique experiences of autistic individuals, who may face challenges in social situations but also possess exceptional talents. The article suggests that a better understanding of autism's biology will lead to more effective support and interventions.

The article discusses the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by Britain's police forces. Harry Schone, a key figure at Police Scotland, is leading efforts to integrate AI into policing, with projects including evidence transcription, officer deployment planning, and matching reported thefts with resale website ads. While there are potential benefits to AI in policing, the article notes that there are obstacles to overcome.

Approximately 200 homes were evacuated in Derby, England, after police received intelligence about potentially explosive materials at an address. Two men, Polish nationals in their 40s and 50s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses. The evacuation was done as a precaution, and a controlled explosion was carried out by the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Division. Authorities assured that the incident is not being investigated as terrorism and there is no risk to the surrounding community. Residents were advised to be prepared to be out of their homes for 24 hours.

A powerful anti-Hamas clan leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, has been murdered in Rafah, Gaza. Abu Shabab led the Abu Shabab militia, also known as the 'Popular Forces,' which was backed by Israel to fight against Hamas. The militia had been operating in eastern Rafah, escorting aid trucks, and distributing supplies. Abu Shabab's death was confirmed by the Popular Forces, who vowed to continue their operations against Hamas. Analysts believe that Hamas saw Abu Shabab's militia as a threat and had been trying to dismantle it. The murder is likely to lead to further instability in the region.

A Canadian politician, Ontario Councilor Corinna Traill, has been arrested and charged with making threats after allegedly leaving a voicemail for a potential mayoral candidate, Tom Dingwall, in which she threatened to harm him and his wife. Traill initially denied leaving the voicemail, claiming it was generated by artificial intelligence. She was released from jail on her own recognizance and is expected to appear in court in January.

European Christmas markets are increasing security measures due to elevated terror threats. Cities in Germany, France, and other parts of Europe are implementing various security measures such as concrete barriers, enhanced video surveillance, and expanded private security presence. The measures come after a deadly SUV attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany last year, which killed six people and injured over 300. Smaller municipalities are warning that the added security costs may force them to scale back or cancel markets next year. Experts are calling for a more aggressive strategy to target radicals and address the root causes of terrorism.

Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli citizen held hostage by Hamas for 584 days, has vowed to give Hamas 'hell' after his release in May. Alexander, who was taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, spoke at the site of the Nova music festival massacre, stating that he knows Hamas' language and culture and will use this knowledge to fight back. He addressed a group of Christian pastors and leaders at the Ambassador Summit 2025 in Israel, alongside other former Hamas hostages and notable speakers like U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Alexander plans to return to his military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and share information about Hamas gathered during his captivity.

Two suspected Russian spies entered the UK on cargo ships and visited areas near key military bases and critical government infrastructure. The men arrived in the UK during the spring and summer of 2023, using ports at Torquay, Middlesbrough, and Grangemouth. They are believed to be linked to President Vladimir Putin's military and intelligence networks and exploited commercial shipping routes to access the country covertly. The incident has raised concerns over the security implications of the alleged visits, particularly as the ports used are near proposed sites for future UK weapons factories.

The United Nations is set to begin the process of selecting a new Secretary-General to replace António Guterres, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026. The Trump administration is being urged to take an active role in the selection process to ensure that the next Secretary-General aligns with U.S. and Western values. Experts warn that the U.N. has become increasingly anti-American and that the next Secretary-General must have the backbone and conviction to champion the ideals on which the U.N. was founded. Several candidates have been nominated, including Rafael Grossi, the current head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who is considered one of the most acceptable candidates to the U.S.

Bryan Kohberger, a 31-year-old convicted quadruple murderer, is attempting to befriend other notorious serial killers while serving multiple life sentences at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Kohberger, who was convicted of slaughtering four University of Idaho students in 2022, has been reaching out to other high-profile inmates from inside his cell. A retired homicide detective, Chris McDonough, claims that Kohberger 'sees himself above everyone around him' and is trying to communicate with people both inside and outside the prison. Kohberger has made several complaints about the conditions in prison, including the quality of bananas he receives. In July, Kohberger took a plea deal, admitting to fatally stabbing Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin, and received four life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has reported that the protective shield at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant can no longer contain radioactive material after being damaged in a drone strike on February 14. The shield, known as the New Safe Confinement (NSC), was built in 2019 to seal in radioactive material and protect the environment. Ukraine accused Russia of carrying out the strike, which Russia denied. The IAEA inspection found that while the shield's load-bearing structures and monitoring systems were not damaged, its primary safety functions, including confinement capability, were lost. The agency recommended temporary repairs and pledged funding for renovations to restore the structure's confinement function. The damage poses a potential threat to the surrounding environment and the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, although a major issue does not appear imminent.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has warned Minnesota Governor Tim Walz that the state may lose federal Medicaid funding unless it addresses alleged Medicaid fraud within its Somali community. Oz claims over $1 billion has been stolen through a massive fraud scheme, with some funds potentially going to the Somalian terrorist group al-Shabab. Oz has given Walz 60 days to take corrective measures, including sending weekly updates on anti-fraud efforts, freezing enrollment of high-risk providers, and verifying current providers. Minnesota officials had previously reported the issue but failed to address it effectively, according to Oz. The alleged fraud involves programs such as Housing Stabilization Services and Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention, which have seen dramatic spikes in costs. Oz's warning comes amid a broader crackdown on fraud schemes in Minnesota, with President Donald Trump announcing investigations and terminating deportation protections for Somali migrants.

A federal judge in Washington, DC, has ruled that certain evidence linked to Daniel Richman, an ally of former FBI Director James Comey, is temporarily off limits to the Justice Department in its efforts to renew a prosecution of Comey. The judge, US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, granted a temporary restraining order in response to Richman's lawsuit, which argued that prosecutors violated his Fourth Amendment rights by seizing material from his electronic devices during investigations in 2019 and 2020. The DOJ had relied on the files to indict Comey on charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress. The ruling remains in effect through Dec. 12 or until further court action.

The article criticizes New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's plan to address homelessness, arguing that it lacks a realistic solution and will likely worsen the problem. The author, Michael Goodwin, contends that Mamdani's approach is rooted in naive socialism and a lack of understanding of the complexities of homelessness. Goodwin asserts that Mamdani's decision to not dismantle homeless camps will lead to their expansion and proliferation, negatively impacting residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. The article highlights the city's efforts to address homelessness under Mayor Eric Adams, including dismantling over 18,000 camps and moving people into shelters. Goodwin argues that Mamdani's promises, such as tripling the production of affordable housing and spending $100 billion to preserve public housing, are unrealistic and lack substance.

NFL player Braxton Berrios and social media star Alix Earle have reportedly broken up after two years together. The breakup is said to be mutual, according to sources cited by People. The couple had been in the public eye, attending various events together, including the 2023 ESPY Awards and the 2024 NFL Honors. Earle recently denied rumors of a breakup earlier this week, stating that Berrios was unable to attend the finale of 'Dancing with the Stars' due to his Texans schedule.

President Trump awarded medals to this year's Kennedy Center Honorees, including Gene Simmons, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone, in a ceremony held in the Oval Office. The honorees were praised by Trump for their contributions to the arts and American culture. The ceremony was part of the 48th Kennedy Center Honors, which will be broadcast later this month on CBS and Paramount+.

A couple in India missed their wedding due to flight disruptions caused by IndiGo, the country's largest airline, failing to prepare for new rules affecting pilot schedules. Thousands of people were stranded in airports, affecting wedding season. CNN's Will Ripley explained the situation.

Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R) has urged the Republican party to take action on healthcare affordability, stating that 'doing nothing is not an option.' In an interview with CNN's Manu Raju, Fitzpatrick discussed the political impact of the party's approach to healthcare. Other news stories covered include Rep. Henry Cuellar's (D-TX) Trump pardon, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green's concerns about CDC vaccine changes, and analysis of Trump's national security strategy.

A new Bollywood film, 'The Taj Story', challenges the official history of the Taj Mahal, India's monument to love, sparking controversy and debate. The film suggests that the 17th-century Taj Mahal is not a Muslim mausoleum but a Hindu palace, captured and repurposed by Islamic rulers. Critics accuse the film of promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda, demonizing Muslims, and erasing the country's pluralistic past. The film's narrative goes against the findings of the government's archaeological department and has been met with skepticism by India's media and academia. The controversy surrounding the film is part of a broader attempt to redefine India's past, with the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused of promoting a revisionist history that downplays the country's Islamic heritage.

Quilen Blackwell, founder of the nonprofit 'farm-to-vase' flower shop Southside Blooms, has been named CNN's Hero of the Year for 2025. Blackwell's organization transforms vacant lots in Chicago's South Side into flower farms, employing at-risk youth to grow, arrange, and sell flowers. The nonprofit has transformed six vacant lots into flower farms, employing 25 young people, and plans to expand nationally. Blackwell was inspired to start the organization after tutoring students in Englewood, Chicago, and realizing the challenges they faced. As CNN Hero of the Year, Blackwell will receive $100,000 to expand his work, as well as additional funding and support from the Elevate Prize Foundation.

A mass grave in northern Sri Lanka has been uncovered, containing over 200 skeletons, including children, forcing the nation to confront its dark past during the civil war between the government and Tamil Tigers. The discovery has revived the anguish of Tamil families who have spent decades searching for loved ones who disappeared during the conflict. The mass grave is located in Chemmani, a former war zone.

The article discusses the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russia and the global outcry that has followed. The issue has drawn attention from the international community, with many condemning Russia's actions. The article features an interview with Atlantic writer and expert Simon Shuster, who discusses the reality faced by the abducted children and the efforts being made to bring attention to the issue.

Researchers have found that domestic cats were introduced to China via the Silk Road during the Tang dynasty, around 1,400 years ago. The earliest known domestic cat in China was radiocarbon dated to 730 AD and was excavated from Shaanxi province. The cat was genetically inferred to be fully or partially white. Historical records show that cats were kept as exotic pets among the Chinese elite, with a Tang dynasty provincial governor being recorded as the first person to name his cats. China's first and only woman emperor, Wu Zetian, also gifted a pet cat to her ministers.

Hong Kong residents voted in the Legislative Council election on Sunday amidst a sombre atmosphere following a catastrophic fire in Tai Po that claimed at least 159 lives. The election saw a turnout of 19.57% by 3:30 pm, with 808,490 voters casting their ballots. This turnout is nearly one percentage point higher than the same time in 2021 but remains below the 26.93% recorded in 2016. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced that the city would press on with the election despite the tragedy, arguing that the incoming lawmakers would be crucial in helping launch reforms.

Singapore is promoting tourism by hosting high-energy fitness events like Hyrox and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, attracting international competitors and boosting the city-state's appeal. The Hyrox event in November drew over 2,200 international participants, contributing to the total of 10,400 attendees. The event's popularity is part of a larger trend of fitness competitions gaining a cult following globally. By hosting such events, Singapore aims to increase its attractiveness to tourists.

China's pre-made meal industry is facing a backlash due to concerns over transparency and authenticity. The controversy began when a Chinese influencer criticized a restaurant chain for serving reheated factory packets at high prices without disclosure. The issue has sparked a heated debate about the collision between China's culinary identity and industrial efficiency.

The city of Shenzhen, China, a major tech hub, is undertaking a massive project to relocate a large landfill from its city centre to free up 30 hectares of land for development. The 2.17 billion yuan project involves moving and detoxifying over 2.55 million cubic metres of waste materials that have been buried for decades. The newly available land is expected to be used for artificial intelligence servers, biotech labs, and art and design studios, among other modern manufacturing facilities. Shenzhen, with a population of 18 million and a GDP of 3.68 trillion yuan, is facing a severe land shortage, which is constraining its further development. The city's rapid urbanisation and development have led to the transformation of urban villages and tenement blocks into dense public housing estates and industrial parks. The landfill, which was originally on the outskirts of the city, is now in the heart of Shenzhen and has become an eyesore and a potential hazard.

Singapore has launched a book titled 'The Albatross File: Inside Separation' which sheds light on the negotiations leading up to Singapore's separation from Malaysia in 1965. The book is based on declassified documents from Goh Keng Swee's personal notes and cabinet papers between 1964 and 1965. The book reveals that the separation was not a unilateral decision by Malaysia, but rather a result of secret meetings and mutual understanding between the two parties. The book was launched by Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore's former leader and son of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris was arrested in Japan on suspicion of smuggling ecstasy, a psychedelic drug also known as MDMA. Harris, 36, was arrested at Naha Airport on November 16 after customs officials found 0.78 grams of the crystalized drug in his tote bag. He had traveled from London's Heathrow Airport, transiting in Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport before arriving in Naha for sightseeing. Japanese authorities believe the MDMA was for personal use and did not find any other drugs in his luggage. Harris has not publicly commented on his arrest, and his representatives have not released a statement. If convicted, Harris faces a potential multiyear prison term under Japanese law.

The European Union has fined Elon Musk's social media platform X $140 million for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA), a law aimed at protecting internet users from digital abuses. The fine is the EU's first move to sanction a company for violating the law since its enactment in 2022. X was found to have breached 'transparency obligations' under the DSA by using its 'blue checkmark' verification system in a way that deceives users, making it hard for them to judge the authenticity of accounts they engage with. The platform's ads repository also failed to meet accessibility requirements. X has 60 days to address the EU's concerns. The fine has been met with criticism from some, including Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who defended X and claimed that Europe is unfairly targeting successful U.S. tech companies.

The Gaza ceasefire is at a critical moment as the first phase winds down and the second phase has yet to begin. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that the ceasefire is not complete until there is a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and stability is restored in Gaza. The second phase, which includes the deployment of an international security force, formation of a new technocratic government, disarmament of Hamas, and eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces, has not yet started. Concerns were raised about the formation of the international security force, with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan questioning its composition and mission. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has been excluded from US-led talks on the second phase despite its crucial role in providing humanitarian services in Gaza.

Four protesters from the group Take Back Power were arrested after smearing apple crumble and pouring yellow custard on the display case containing the Imperial State Crown worn by King Charles III at the Tower of London. The protesters were demonstrating against wealth inequality and advocating for a permanent citizens' assembly. The stunt caused the Crown Jewels display to be closed, and the protesters were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. The incident is the latest in a series of protests targeting priceless artworks and treasures to draw attention to political causes.

A treasure trove of 225 funerary figurines has been discovered in a tomb in Tanis, Egypt, solving a long-standing mystery about who was buried there. The figurines, known as ushabti, were found arranged in a star shape around a trapezoidal pit and were intended to serve as servants to the deceased in the afterlife. The discovery was made by a French archaeological team led by Frederic Payraudeau, who announced that the royal symbol on the figurines identified the occupant of the sarcophagus as Pharaoh Shoshenq III, who reigned from 830 to 791 BC. The find is significant not only because of the rarity of such discoveries but also because it sheds light on burial methods during that period and confirms that the Tanis site still holds many secrets. The discovery was confirmed by Egyptian authorities, who stated that it marked a decisive step in solving a long-standing archaeological mystery.

A 12-year-old girl from Gaza, Maryam, received a vital brain operation in Jordan after an Israeli bombing near her home caused a severe head injury. Maryam is one of a few hundred patients allowed to leave Gaza for critical medical help since an agreement between Israel and Hamas in October 2025. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified nearly 16,000 medical cases needing urgent care outside Gaza. Maryam's case was highlighted by American children's educator 'Ms Rachel' on Instagram, and she is now recovering in a Jordanian hospital. However, her family is aware that she will have to return to Gaza once she is well enough, despite the challenges and dangers that remain in the region.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has stated that Gaza ceasefire negotiations are at a critical moment, requiring a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged enclave to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Despite a preliminary ceasefire agreement in October based on Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan, violence has continued, with seven people killed on Saturday alone. Talks on the next phase of the ceasefire deal, involving Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials, have begun in Cairo, focusing on deploying a stabilization force and governing Gaza post-ceasefire. The Israeli military reported firing on Palestinian militants crossing the agreed withdrawal line, while Palestinian health authorities reported civilian casualties, including a 70-year-old woman killed in a drone strike. The negotiations aim to achieve stability in Gaza, allowing for the free movement of people and reconstruction efforts.

The article reports on a secret underground military base in eastern Ukraine used by the Ukrainian National Guard's 1st Corps Azov. The base, which has been operational since the summer, is a vast subterranean complex with war rooms, a dormitory, kitchen, canteen, and makeshift gym. Lieutenant Colonel Arsen Dmytryc, the chief of staff, discusses the unit's efforts to counter Russian attacks and the importance of inflicting damage to strengthen Ukraine's hand in negotiations. He also warns of a rise in hybrid attacks and the need for European countries to unite against Russia.

The article provides live updates from the second Test of The Ashes cricket series between England and Australia. The content includes a live blog with the latest developments from the match, along with an image of England's Will Jacks during the game.

The article is an interview with Cynthia Erivo about her reading habits, favorite books, and experiences narrating the audiobook for 'Wicked'. Erivo discusses her childhood reading habits, her current reading preferences, and the types of stories she enjoys. She also shares her thoughts on polyamorous relationships, her favorite characters, and the books that have had a significant impact on her life. The interview touches on her experiences with 'Wicked' and her new memoir, 'Simply Cynthia'.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Justice Department's efforts to seek a new indictment against former FBI Director James B. Comey, citing potential constitutional violations in the government's handling of evidence. The decision effectively prevents the Trump administration from using the same evidence to seek new charges against Comey in the coming days. The case revolves around Comey's alleged lying to and obstructing Congress about his testimony regarding sensitive investigations during his time as FBI Director.

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates this week, influencing other central banks' decisions. The Swiss National Bank is set to hold rates, while the Bank of England and European Central Bank will meet later in December. The Bank of Japan may hike rates, potentially causing volatility. Analysts are divided on the likelihood of rate cuts by the Bank of England.

The article reports on an attempted coup in Benin, but the original content is not available due to a 'Page not found' error. The available information is limited, and the article's details about the attempted coup are not accessible.

The Laos-China Railway has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, investors, and culture to Laos, but Laotians are questioning whether the benefits outweigh the costs. The railway has transformed towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, with Chinese money funding infrastructure and businesses catering to Chinese tourists. However, local businesses are struggling to compete, and the majority of the benefits are being reaped by Chinese companies. The influx of Chinese culture and influence is also raising concerns about the erosion of Laotian identity and the potential for economic dependence on China.