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The article discusses how the United States is losing talented Chinese scientists and researchers due to hostile policies and a shift in China's investment in science and technology. Many Chinese-born brainiacs have been at the forefront of innovation in America, but are now returning to China or choosing not to study in the US. The article highlights the case of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Yang Chen-Ning, who returned to China in his 80s to teach at Tsinghua University. The trend is driven by a mix of pushes, including the hostility of the Trump administration, and pulls, including China's lavish support for science and tech.

The article discusses how Zhengzhou, a city in China, is emerging as a major hub for the production of micro-dramas, a type of short-form video content. Despite being known for its manufacturing industry and having faced various challenges such as deadly floods and real-estate crises, Zhengzhou is now producing shows that are being watched globally. The city's unlikely rise to becoming the 'Hollywood of micro-dramas' is highlighted, showcasing its growing influence in the entertainment industry.

The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way people shop, particularly during the holiday season. It highlights the growing trend of using chatbots and AI-powered tools to find Christmas gifts, making the process easier and more efficient for consumers. The article notes that many people will outsource the task of finding suitable presents to AI, rather than browsing through physical stores or scrolling through e-commerce websites.

The article discusses a recent survey of labour-force data by Amory Gethin of the World Bank and Emmanuel Saez of the University of California, Berkeley, which found that the world's employed adult population works an average of 42 hours a week. The article highlights that this number varies depending on factors such as gender, age, and levels of economic development. It also notes that many jobs are not neatly packaged into five eight-hour days, but the 40-hour week remains a norm. The article touches on the complexities of working hours and how they differ across various demographics and industries.

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The article discusses a major-general in China's army who in 1989 refused to follow orders to impose martial law and crush pro-democracy protesters in Beijing, leading to his court-martial and a five-year prison sentence. A recently leaked video of his court-martial has provided new insight into the events surrounding the Tiananmen protests and the complexities of compliance within the Communist Party.

The article discusses how foreign carmakers, such as Volkswagen (VW), are adapting to the changing landscape in China by localizing their operations and leveraging local partners for technology transfer. This shift marks a reversal from the past when foreign carmakers avoided discussing technology transfer, which was a condition for accessing China's vast car market. The article highlights how the flow of technology has reversed, with Chinese companies now providing technology to foreign carmakers.

The article discusses the potential impact of the current mega-merger wave on shareholder value, questioning whether these large-scale deals will ultimately destroy or create value for shareholders. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of such mergers, citing the recent $83 billion deal between Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery as an example. It touches on the broader trend of large mergers and acquisitions in the business world, suggesting that the outcome for shareholders is uncertain and could go either way.

Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group has unveiled a six-armed industrial humanoid robot called MIRO U, designed to improve production line efficiency at its Wuxi washing machine plant. The robot is expected to increase changeover efficiency by 30% and is part of Midea's efforts to deploy humanoid robots in its factories. Midea's chief technology officer, Wei Chang, stated that the robot's core value lies in achieving operational efficiency within industrial scenarios. The company is also developing a humanoid series, Meila, for commercial and domestic environments, scheduled for release in 2026.

Newly elected and outgoing Hong Kong lawmakers met the media for the first time, pledging to work with the government after the deadly Tai Po fire. Outgoing Legco president Andrew Leung called on legislators to communicate and serve the city, leveraging their expertise and resources for post-disaster relief and reconstruction. The meeting aimed to show solidarity among lawmakers.

The European Union (EU) has reacted strongly to a new US national security strategy that portrays the bloc as a rival and accuses it of decline. European Council President Antonio Costa criticized the US for threatening to interfere in Europe's political life and for not believing in multilateralism or a rules-based international order. The US strategy document described Continental Europe as losing its share of global GDP and facing a prospect of 'civilisational erasure'. It also accused the EU of undermining political liberty and sovereignty, and criticized its migration policies. The EU has warned Washington against interference and emphasized the need to protect itself from allies who challenge it.

Bi Jingquan, the former head of China's food and drug watchdog, has been expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office due to corruption charges. An investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection found that Bi had accepted gifts, money, and other benefits from private business owners and had used his position to secure benefits for others. Bi was also accused of failing to maintain proper family conduct and seeking profit for his relatives. He was put under investigation in May for 'serious violations of discipline and laws.' Bi had served as party secretary and director of the China Food and Drug Administration from 2015 to 2018 and had pushed for reform to make medicine more affordable.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has cautioned against imposing tariffs on China, stating that it should be a 'last resort' due to the potential for countermeasures from Beijing. During his two-day visit to China, Wadephul expressed concerns about Chinese overcapacity, particularly in the automotive sector, and urged Beijing to recognize Europe's concerns and take action. His comments came after French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe would be forced to take 'strong measures' against Chinese goods if the trade imbalance was not addressed. Wadephul emphasized that Germany does not pursue a policy of protectionism and remains skeptical that more tariffs will be helpful.

Nepal's anti-corruption watchdog has charged 55 individuals, including former ministers, bureaucrats, and a Chinese state-owned construction company, with corruption over the Pokhara International Airport project. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority alleges that the defendants colluded to inflate costs and siphon off at least $74 million. The charges follow anti-corruption protests that led to the ousting of a prime minister and promises of reform.

Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian has announced his retirement from athletics, citing his body's signal to 'pass the baton.' Su made history by becoming the first Chinese athlete to run 100m under 10 seconds and the first Chinese man to reach an Olympic 100m final. He achieved a breakthrough in 2015 with a 9.99-second run at a Diamond League meet in Oregon, USA, and later set an Asian record time of 9.83 seconds in the 100m semi-final at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Su's career was marked by significant milestones, including helping China win bronze in the 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Olympics. His retirement comes after missing the Asian Games in 2023 and the Paris Olympics last year, indicating a decline in his competitive career.

The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning has taken an unusual route towards Japan's home islands amid rising tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The Liaoning carrier strike group was spotted 190km east of Kikai Island, heading towards waters off Kyushu and the eastern side of Japan. This move is seen as an escalation of pressure by Beijing on Tokyo following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments in November. The PLA Navy carrier and three guided missile destroyers travelled northeast from their position near the Miyako Strait, deviating from their typical route through the strait into the Pacific.

A powerful wave hit a popular seawater pool along the coast of Tenerife, Spain, dragging a group of swimmers out to sea, resulting in four deaths and one missing person. The incident occurred despite warnings and signage indicating the dangers of swimming during rough seas. The pool, known as Isla Cangrejo, is a popular spot for foreign vacationers but can be hazardous during strong waves. Emergency services responded with a major rescue operation, recovering three bodies on the first day and a fourth victim the following day. The authorities are still searching for the missing person.

A Russian-controlled court in Ukraine has sentenced four Russian soldiers to jail for the torture and murder of Russell Bentley, a 64-year-old American communist who fought alongside pro-Moscow forces in Ukraine. The soldiers mistook Bentley for a U.S. spy and brutally killed him in April 2024. The court's decision is rare as Moscow typically portrays its soldiers as national heroes and rarely punishes them for crimes committed in Ukraine. The two main perpetrators, Major Vitaly Vansyatsky and Lieutenant Andrei Iordanov, received 12-year sentences, while Sergeant Vladislav Agaltsev got 11 years, and another soldier was given 1.5 years for concealing the crime.

The article discusses the falling out between former US President Donald Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch ally who has now become a critic. Greene, in a '60 Minutes' interview, stated that Trump has forsaken his 'America First' motto and criticized his support for the crypto and pharmaceutical industries. Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Greene a 'traitor' and 'washed up.' Greene also linked death threats she received to Trump's comments about her. The article highlights the deteriorating relationship between the two and the broader implications for the Republican Party.

Millie Haywood, a 22-year-old woman from southern England, has turned her struggles with mental health and neurodiversity into a clothing line called Mentally Unstitched. Diagnosed with anorexia at 13 and autism at 21, Haywood found solace in giant plushies during her darkest days and decided to create clothing that replicated the comfort she felt. Her online embroidery business offers sensory-friendly hoodies with oversized hoods, weighted fabric, and slogans celebrating neurodiversity. Haywood hopes to inspire others with her designs and story, creating a clothing line that's both comfortable and stylish for the neurodivergent community.

Underwater archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old ancient Egyptian pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. The vessel, measuring over 115 feet long and 23 feet wide, was found submerged in the port of the island of Antirhodos. The boat is believed to have been built in Alexandria and features Greek graffiti dated to the first half of the 1st century AD. The discovery is significant as it is the first time such a boat has been found in Egypt, and it provides insight into the life, religion, wealth, and waterway pleasures of ancient Roman Egypt. The find is also a reminder of the vulnerability of Alexandria to climate change and rising sea levels.

David Spade criticized a mall's Christmas tree-lighting ceremony for not mentioning the word 'Christmas.' He and Dana Carvey discussed this on their 'Fly on the Wall' podcast, questioning the reasoning behind avoiding the term. Spade expressed frustration over the increasing avoidance of the word 'Christmas' and linked it to a broader issue of perceived anti-Christian sentiment. The discussion also touched on Christian persecution in Africa and the secularization of Christmas in the U.S. The controversy is not isolated, as similar incidents have occurred, such as in Portland where the city's tree-lighting ceremony avoided mentioning 'Christmas.'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary, refused to answer questions from The New York Post about his alleged affair with Olivia Nuzzi, a reporter who has publicly admitted to the affair. Kennedy glared at the reporter and remained silent when asked about a memo allegedly written by Nuzzi for him during the 2024 presidential election cycle. The alleged memo, published by Nuzzi's ex-fiancé Ryan Lizza, contained advice on how Kennedy could counter-program the debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Nuzzi has detailed her alleged affair with Kennedy in her new book, 'American Canto', claiming that Kennedy wanted her to have his baby. Kennedy's wife, Cheryl Hines, has been 'irate' over the scandal and called Nuzzi a 'liar'.

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'Millennial Snot,' a speaking style characterized by sarcasm, condescension, and a patronizing tone, prevalent among liberal elites. The author argues that this style, popularized by figures like Jon Stewart, has become a default mode of liberal discourse, but is ultimately alienating and detrimental to the left-liberal coalition. The article explores the origins and characteristics of Millennial Snot, its spread through social media and online discourse, and its potential consequences for the Democratic Party and liberal politics.

The New York Times has published a belated expose on the Biden administration's handling of immigration, revealing that the administration was aware of the potential consequences of its policies but chose to ignore them. The article criticizes the Times for not reporting on this story earlier, when it was relevant, and accuses the media of having a double standard in their coverage of Democratic administrations. The article also highlights the success of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's strategy of busing migrants to blue cities, which brought attention to the issue and ultimately hurt the Democrats. The author argues that the media's failure to critically report on the Biden administration's immigration policies has had significant consequences, including the Democrats' loss of the debate on the issue.

A black bear unexpectedly appeared at the 50th annual Christmas parade in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, causing a stir among spectators. The bear calmly walked down the parade route, adorned with holiday lights, and eventually made its way into a parking lot. While some onlookers were thrilled by the surprise guest, others were concerned for safety. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency warned that the bear may have become too accustomed to human contact and could potentially need to be euthanized if it continues to associate humans with food. The incident highlights the importance of keeping bears wild and not habituating them to human interaction. Gatlinburg has taken measures to prevent bear encounters by investing in bear-proof garbage cans and encouraging proper waste disposal.

A coup attempt was made in Benin on Sunday, with a group of soldiers appearing on state TV to announce they had taken over. However, President Patrice Talon later announced that the situation was 'totally under control'. Two senior military officials who were taken hostage have been freed, and security forces are continuing a manhunt for those involved in the plot. Nigeria assisted in thwarting the mutiny, with its fighter jets helping to 'dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp'. The West African regional bloc, Ecowas, has deployed troops to secure key installations and prevent any resurgence of the violence. The coup plotters cited grievances including the handling of the security situation in northern Benin, cuts in healthcare, and taxes rises. The attempted coup comes amid concerns about the region's stability, with several countries in West Africa having experienced coups in recent years.

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck north-eastern Japan on Monday night, injuring at least 30 people and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. The quake occurred 80km off the coast of the Aomori region and prompted tsunami warnings, which have since been lifted. Authorities warned of a potential stronger tremor in the coming days and urged the public to remain on high alert. The Japanese government has set up a response office and convened an emergency team to assess damage and implement disaster response measures. The earthquake did not cause any irregularities at nearby nuclear power plants.

The US Supreme Court appears poised to expand President Trump's power to fire federal officials, potentially undermining the independence of federal agencies. The case, Trump v Slaughter, revolves around Trump's firing of Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic-appointed member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in March. The court's conservative majority seemed to side with the Trump administration, questioning a 90-year-old precedent that shields certain agencies from presidential interference. The decision could have significant implications for the structure of government and the ability of Congress to protect independent agencies.

New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani has announced that he will move into Gracie Mansion, the historic official residence of the New York City mayor, after previously living in a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens. Mamdani's decision was influenced by his family's safety and the need to focus on enacting his affordability agenda. Gracie Mansion, built in 1799, has been the residence for most New York City mayors since World War Two. Mamdani's move will mark a significant change from his modest Astoria apartment to the luxurious and historic Gracie Mansion.

European shares rose slightly as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy update, expected to cut interest rates. The Stoxx 600 index was 0.17% higher. The Fed's decision will influence European central banks' actions. Corporate news included the EU simplifying sustainability laws and Deutsche Bank downgrading Volvo and Daimler Truck. Economic data releases were also anticipated.

The private credit market is rapidly growing and increasingly resembling the public debt market, with assets under management projected to reach $5 trillion by 2029. This convergence is driven by factors such as banks pulling back from certain types of lending, borrowers seeking bespoke capital, and investors searching for higher yields and diversification. However, this blending of markets raises concerns about underwriting standards, credit risk, and liquidity. Experts warn that increased competition may lead to aggressive underwriting and weaker covenant protections, and that private credit investors may unintentionally double their exposure to the same large borrowers. The market's growth has also prompted warnings about the potential for bubble territory and systemic financial risk.

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a data center host by establishing 'data embassies' that operate under the laws of the data owner's country. This concept, pioneered by Estonia in 2017, allows countries to store data outside their borders while maintaining control over it. Saudi Arabia aims to become the first G20 country to introduce a framework for data embassies, despite concerns over its water scarcity and reliance on fossil fuels. Experts are divided on the feasibility of data embassies, citing the need for bilateral agreements and trust between nations. The concept is seen as a potential solution to data sovereignty concerns, but its success is uncertain due to waning globalization and the power of nation-states.

Tata Electronics has partnered with Intel to advance India's domestic chip manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration involves exploring the manufacturing and packaging of Intel products at Tata Electronics' upcoming plants and scaling tailored artificial intelligence PC solutions for Indian consumers and businesses. This partnership is seen as a significant step towards developing a resilient India-based electronics and semiconductor supply chain, aligning with the Indian government's 'India Semiconductor Mission' to reduce dependence on chip imports and capture a larger share of the global electronics market.

Greek farmers have shut down Crete's Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion, protesting delayed EU-backed agricultural subsidy payments. The protests, which have spread across the country, involve thousands of farmers using tractors to block border crossings, highways, ports, and airports. Clashes with riot police have resulted in injuries and the use of tear gas. The farmers argue that the delayed payments amount to collective punishment, leaving them in debt and unable to plant for the next season. Greece's farming sector is also dealing with an outbreak of goat and sheep pox, leading to a mass cull of livestock. The government has expressed willingness to talk but warns against shutting down major transit points.

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a tsunami that injured 33 people. The quake caused widespread disruption, including evacuations, power outages, and transportation suspensions. While the Japanese government has lifted tsunami advisories, officials warn of potential aftershocks and the possibility of another major disaster like the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

One year after the ousting of Bashar al Assad, Syria is facing enormous challenges as it transitions to a new government led by Ahmed al Sharaa. While the country has not descended into chaos, there are concerns about the new government's security forces and their treatment of minority groups. Al Sharaa has made significant diplomatic progress, including a visit to the White House and the lifting of US sanctions, but faces challenges in building a stable and modern state. The international community, including Israel, has taken a cautious approach to the new government, with Israel conducting airstrikes and seizing territory in southern Syria.

A South Korean woman, identified as Yang, has been sentenced to four years in prison for blackmailing former Tottenham Hotspur footballer Son Heung-min. Yang claimed to be pregnant with Son's child and demanded 300m won (£152,000) to stay silent. She later conspired with a man, Yong, to extort more money from Son. Both Yang and Yong were found guilty, with Yong receiving a two-year prison sentence. Son, 33, is a renowned football player who captained the South Korea national team and recently joined LAFC after a decade at Tottenham.

A robbery incident occurred at Heathrow Airport's parking garage on Sunday, resulting in 21 people, including a 3-year-old child, being pepper-sprayed and requiring medical treatment. The incident happened when a group of four men stole a woman's suitcase in an elevator and sprayed an irritant at her. The suspects fled the scene, and a 31-year-old man was arrested. The authorities believe the incident involved a group of people known to each other, with an argument escalating and resulting in the pepper-spray attack. The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related, and the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The airport operations returned to normal after a few hours of travel delays.

Two teenage asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Jan Jahanzeb and Israr Niazal, have been jailed for raping a 15-year-old girl in a park in Leamington, Warwickshire, UK. The victim met the suspects on May 10 and was led to a park area known as Newbold Comyn where she was raped. The suspects were identified and arrested using CCTV footage and photographs taken by the victim. They admitted to the crime and were sentenced to 10 years and 8 months, and 9 years and 10 months, respectively. They will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and handed indefinite restraining orders. Detective Chief Inspector Richard Hobbs praised the victim for her bravery and stated that the investigation was handled by specially trained officers.

First ladies Melania Trump and Olena Zelenska have joined forces to expose Russia's alleged billion-dollar operation to abduct and indoctrinate Ukrainian children. The effort, supported by the organization 'Bring Kids Back UA', aims to bring attention to the plight of Ukrainian children taken by Russia since its full-scale invasion in 2022. Nearly 20,000 children have been reported taken, with 9,221 cases verified by Ukraine. The first ladies' contrasting roles - Melania Trump speaking globally and Olena Zelenska working on the ground - strengthen the organization's messaging. Russia's actions are described as a 'calculated' attempt to erase Ukrainian identity and mold children into something they are not.

The article discusses the ongoing trade war between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which has been escalating since the Taliban reclaimed power in 2021. Pakistan has cut off cross-border trade to punish the Taliban administration for failing to rein in affiliated militants who attack Pakistan. The suspension of trade has hurt millions of farmers, traders, and members of close-knit communities in both countries, with $2 billion worth of bilateral trade affected. Afghanistan has tried to shift trade routes, but Pakistan's market and land access are vital to the Afghan economy. The trade war has led to a significant decline in business, with Afghan-owned shops in Peshawar's market reporting losses of up to 50%. The situation has been further complicated by Pakistan's expulsion of over a million Afghans and airstrikes on Afghan territory. Mediation efforts by Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have yielded no results, and the trade war seems to have no end in sight.

A Catholic church in Dedham, Massachusetts, has defied an order from the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston to remove a Nativity display with an anti-ICE message. The display features a sign reading 'ICE WAS HERE' and a phone number for an immigrant advocacy group. The church's decision has sparked controversy, with some defending the display as a form of 'speaking truth to power' and others criticizing it as 'divisive political messaging.' The Archdiocese cited church norms prohibiting the use of sacred objects for non-devotional purposes. The display is the latest in a series of nontraditional Nativity scenes staged by the parish, which has been defended by some Catholics in Massachusetts as a bold statement on immigration policy.

The Hollywood Classic cinema in Seoul has become a sanctuary for older Koreans, offering cheap tickets and a relaxed atmosphere. The theater primarily screens classic films and caters to an aging population that has limited leisure options. The owner, Kim Eun-ju, has kept ticket prices low to make it accessible to seniors, many of whom live in poverty. The theater has become a social hub, with regulars developing their own routines and finding a sense of community. However, the owner faces challenges in maintaining the theater's financial sustainability while keeping it affordable for its patrons.

The year 2025 is on track to be the second-hottest year on record, tied with 2023, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Global temperatures have been rising due to human emissions of greenhouse gases, largely from fossil fuels. The data reaffirms that global temperatures are likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold considered safer in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that temperatures rose by 1.48°C on average between January and November 2025. The three-year average for 2023-2025 is also on track to exceed 1.5°C for the first time. Extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones and massive floods, have been observed in various parts of the world, including Southeast Asia.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR) project, a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. The LCR has brought significant changes to Laos, including an influx of Chinese tourists, businesses, and investments. While the project has boosted Laos' tourism and hospitality sectors, local businesses and residents have expressed concerns about the uneven distribution of benefits and the dominance of Chinese businesses. The article highlights the transformation of towns like Boten and Luang Prabang, where Chinese culture and currency are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the project's progress has been slow, and Laos is facing a heavy debt burden.

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 story of Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old climate migrant, is highlighted, showing how he left his village in Bangladesh to work in a shipyard in Singapore to support his family. The article also provides statistics on the number of people displaced by disasters in Bangladesh and the predicted impact of climate change on the country.

Gene Simmons, co-founder and musician of KISS, confirms in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper that the KISS Marvel comic books used the band members' blood in the red ink, as claimed on the cover. The comic book series was a collaboration between Marvel and KISS, and the use of the band's blood was a unique aspect of the project.

The article discusses how Donald Trump, the current US President, has made blaming his predecessor Joe Biden a central part of his political strategy. Despite being out of office, Biden remains a focal point for Trump, who frequently criticizes Biden's policies and personal abilities. Trump's obsession with Biden is driven by a mix of personal antipathy and political calculation, as he seeks to deflect blame for his own administration's challenges, including economic issues and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The article suggests that Trump's 'all Biden, all the time' strategy may be unsustainable in the long term, given his own administration's problems and the fact that voters are increasingly holding him accountable for current issues.

China's trade surplus has surpassed $1tn for the first time, driven by a boom in exports to foreign markets. Despite a decline in exports to the US due to the trade war, China's overall trade surplus has increased, revealing its reliance on foreign markets. Experts believe that many goods bound for south-east Asia ultimately end up in the US via trans-shipment, avoiding tariffs. China's dominance in producing hi-tech goods such as electric vehicles and batteries is expected to continue, with its share of global exports predicted to rise from 15% to 16.5% by 2030. However, China's economy remains heavily dependent on exports, and policymakers face challenges in rebalancing the economy and boosting domestic demand.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 5% tariff on Mexico if it does not immediately provide additional water to help US farmers, citing a violation of a 1944 treaty governing water-sharing between the two countries. Mexico owes 800,000 acre-feet of water due to past violations, and Trump has demanded that 200,000 acre-feet be released before December 31. The water shortage has hurt crops and livestock in Texas, and Trump's threat follows the unveiling of a $12bn aid package for US farmers affected by tariff-induced trade wars. Mexico has argued that it is under drought conditions, but a recent study found that overconsumption and mismanagement have also contributed to the Rio Grande's depletion.

The article discusses how French conservative politicians are using the principle of laïcité (state secularism) to target Muslims, proposing measures such as banning headscarves for women under 18 and prohibiting Ramadan fasting for youths under 16. Critics argue that these measures violate the very secular rules they claim to defend and curtail the rights of Muslim citizens. The article highlights the growing tendency to weaponize laïcité to stigmatize Muslims and notes that this trend is not limited to conservative politicians but is also seen in the far-right and some progressive circles.

The NPR article 'Books We Love' presents a curated list of book recommendations from NPR staffers and trusted critics for the year 2025. The list includes a diverse range of genres such as fiction, nonfiction, biography, memoir, comics, and graphic novels, among others. The article allows readers to filter recommendations by year and category, showcasing over 4,000 suggestions. Some of the highlighted titles include 'Night People: How to Be a DJ in '90s New York City' by Mark Ronson, 'Bread of Angels: A Memoir' by Patti Smith, and 'The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne' by Chris Sweeney. The recommendations cover various themes, including identity, culture, history, and social issues, reflecting a broad spectrum of interests and topics.