In other news

The article is a satirical guide to a typical business hotel room, highlighting the mundane and often frustrating aspects of staying in such establishments. It pokes fun at the standardized experience offered by business hotels, from the commoditized amenities to the confusing and sometimes useless features. The article uses humor to comment on the homogenization of business travel and the ways in which hotels prioritize uniformity over guest comfort.

The article discusses the current state of America's bond market, which has been unusually quiet after a period of high volatility earlier in the year. The MOVE index, which measures implied volatility in bond markets, has declined steadily since April and is at levels not seen since 2021. The article suggests that this calm may be unusual and potentially concerning, given the significant economic changes and announcements, such as President Donald Trump's tariff announcements, that have occurred recently.

The article discusses the growing threat of the crypto industry to traditional Wall Street banks, citing its increasing influence and popularity. The crypto industry has faced initial skepticism and ridicule from Wall Street elites but is now gaining traction and challenging their privileged position. The article suggests that the crypto industry's rise is a significant development in the financial sector, with potential implications for the future of banking and finance.

The article discusses Donald Trump's plan to get China hooked on Nvidia chips, arguing that it is flawed. The US is ahead of China in chipmaking, led by Nvidia, while China is catching up in AI software. Trump's plan involves tearing up America's export-control policy, which could have significant implications for the tech industry.

Australia has introduced a ban on under-16s having social media accounts, joining other countries in implementing stricter controls on online content. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some teenagers expressing concerns about losing access to their online presence and communities. The article discusses the broader trend of age checks spreading across the web, including in the porn industry.

The article discusses Germany's bureaucratic issues, tracing its origins to the late 19th century Gründerzeit period when many of its iconic companies were established. The country's top-down, formalistic, and lawyerly bureaucracy is causing problems for would-be reformers. The article suggests that this bureaucratic structure is hindering Germany's ability to adapt and reform.

The article 'Job apocalypse? Humbug! AI is creating brand new occupations' from The Economist argues that while AI may automate some jobs, it is also creating new occupations that require human skills. The article highlights the emergence of new job roles and emphasizes the importance of human skills in the age of AI. It suggests that rather than leading to a 'job apocalypse,' AI is transforming the job market by creating new opportunities that value human abilities.

The article discusses the challenges faced by giant software businesses, using Oracle as a case study. It highlights how the industry has changed, making it less fun to run such businesses due to increased complexity and competition. The article notes that while having a successful product was once enough to generate significant profits, this is no longer the case. It touches on the changing landscape of the software industry and the need for companies to adapt.

Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, is transforming itself to recover its lead in obesity drugs after the launch of its weight-loss jab, Wegovy, in 2021. The company's CEO, Maziar Mike Doustdar, faced challenges in meeting the unexpectedly high demand for the drug. The article discusses Novo Nordisk's plans to address these challenges and maintain its position in the market.

Vietnam's electric vehicle champion, VinFast, is facing significant financial losses despite dominating the domestic market. The company has lost $11 billion since launching its first electric car in 2021 and is heavily reliant on funding from its billionaire founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, and his conglomerate, Vingroup. VinFast is seeking to expand into foreign markets to recover its losses.

The article discusses the current state of China's economy through the lens of the baijiu industry, specifically the pricing strategy of Kweichow Moutai, a state-owned giant. The company had set a benchmark price of 1,499 yuan per bottle, but rogue vendors began selling the liquor at a discount, indicating a shift in consumer behavior and potential economic pressures. The article suggests that the baijiu business is being affected by 'involution,' a term used to describe the intense competition and decreasing profit margins in various Chinese industries. The author implies that this phenomenon is reflective of broader economic issues in China.

A mass shooting occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, killing two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, and injuring nine others. The gunman, described as a person dressed in black, remains at large. Authorities released a 'person of interest' on Sunday, only to reveal new videos on Monday showing a different individual suspected of the crime. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Classes and exams at the university have been cancelled for the semester.

Chile has elected far-right candidate José Antonio Kast as its next president, defeating left-wing coalition candidate Jeanette Jara with over 58% of the vote. Kast's campaign focused on security, immigration, and crime, promising to restore order and crack down on irregular immigration. His victory marks a significant shift to the right since Chile's military dictatorship ended in 1990. Kast has praised former dictator Augusto Pinochet and has pledged to build a border wall, implement mass deportations, and adopt a free-market economic approach. The election was marked by concerns over immigration and crime, although some voters and critics argue that these issues are being exaggerated.

The FBI has foiled a suspected New Year's Eve terror plot in Los Angeles, arresting four alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government group. The suspects were planning a coordinated bombing attack at multiple locations across southern California. They were apprehended while testing improvised explosive devices in the desert east of Los Angeles. The suspects face charges including conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The plot involved targeting two US companies described as logistic centers at midnight on New Year's Eve. The group also discussed attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and vehicles with pipe bombs. The FBI believes it has disrupted the plot, but the investigation is ongoing to identify other potential suspects.

Five men have been arrested in Germany for allegedly planning to attack a Christmas market in the southern Bavarian state. The suspects, including three Moroccans, an Egyptian, and a Syrian, were detained on Friday over the plan to drive a vehicle into people at the market. Authorities suspect an 'Islamist motive' behind the plot. The Egyptian suspect, a 56-year-old, allegedly called for the attack, while the Moroccans agreed to carry it out. The Syrian suspect is accused of encouraging the others. The planned attack was believed to target a market in the Dingolfing-Landau area, north east of Munich. The suspects have been taken into custody, and officials praised the 'excellent cooperation between our security services' for preventing the attack. The incident has heightened security concerns at Christmas markets in Germany, which have been the target of previous attacks.

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi was taken to hospital after being beaten during her arrest at a memorial ceremony in Mashhad, her family says. She was attacked by around 15 plainclothes agents who pulled her hair and beat her with clubs and batons. Mohammadi, a human rights activist, was detained for making 'provocative remarks' at the ceremony. Her family reported that she was taken to the hospital emergency room twice due to the severity of the blows. The Nobel Committee and other activists have called for her release, expressing concern over her safety and the 'brutal arrest'.

Lionel Messi concluded his three-day India tour in Delhi after a chaotic start in Kolkata where angry fans vandalized a stadium. Despite the initial mishap, Messi's subsequent visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai were smooth. During his tour, Messi attended promotional events, met celebrities and politicians, and interacted with fans. His popularity in India stems from his international career and the emotional connection Indians have with football.

Heavy rainfall caused flash floods in Morocco's coastal city of Safi, resulting in at least 37 deaths and significant damage. The floods swept through the city, inundating homes and blocking roads. Experts attribute the extreme weather to the climate crisis, following seven consecutive years of drought in Morocco. The Moroccan authorities are conducting search and rescue missions, with snowfall expected in the Atlas mountains.

The US has brokered the release of 123 Belarusian political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures and human rights activists, after lifting sanctions on a key Belarusian export, potash. The prisoners were released following negotiations led by the US and a visit to Minsk by Donald Trump's special envoy, John Coale. While some prisoners were taken to Lithuania, others, including Maria Kolesnikova, were taken to Ukraine, sparking concerns about the deal's implications. The release is seen as a win for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been a political pariah in the West, but also raises questions about the US's motivations and the potential consequences for those still imprisoned in Belarus.

The US is offering Ukraine 'strong' security guarantees, modelled on Nato's Article 5 clause, to safeguard a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described talks with US and European officials in Berlin as 'productive' but challenging. The security guarantees are seen as a significant step, but the issue of Ukraine's sovereignty, particularly regarding the Donbas region, remains unresolved. The US suggests establishing an 'economic-free zone' in the contested Donbas area, but Ukraine is hesitant to withdraw from the territories it currently holds. The talks come as Ukraine faces its fourth winter of war, with over a million households left without electricity due to Russian attacks on energy facilities.

The article discusses the divisions within the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement and their implications for Donald Trump's political legacy and the future of the Republican Party. Trump's recent comments suggesting he won't run in 2028 have sparked speculation about his succession and the direction of the party. The article highlights the diverse and sometimes conflicting views within Trump's inner circle, including Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. It also notes the changing demographics and ideologies within the Republican coalition, with a growing number of 'new entrant Republicans' who are younger, more diverse, and more likely to hold unconventional views. The article suggests that the next Republican leader may need to balance staying true to Trump's ideology while also differentiating themselves to appeal to a broader electorate.

The US Army has identified two American soldiers killed in an attack in Palmyra, Syria, over the weekend. Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, both members of the Iowa National Guard, were ambushed by an ISIS gunman while supporting a 'key leader engagement' as part of the counter-ISIS mission. A civilian interpreter was also killed, and three US service members were injured. The attack was condemned by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. President Trump vowed 'very serious retaliation' and stated that Syria's new president was 'devastated' by the attack. This incident marks the first US troop deaths in Syria since the fall of President Bashar Al Assad last year.

Australian leaders are calling for tougher gun laws following a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday, which targeted Jewish people and resulted in multiple fatalities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese proposed new restrictions, including limiting the number of guns a licensed owner can obtain and reviewing existing licenses. The attack has sparked renewed debate about Australia's gun laws, with many pointing to the country's history of reacting quickly to gun violence with legislation. In 1996, Australia implemented a ban on semi-automatic long guns following a mass shooting, which led to a significant reduction in gun-related deaths. However, some argue that more needs to be done to fully implement the 1996 legislation and that current laws still have loopholes.

Spanish police have thwarted a criminal gang using helicopters to smuggle hashish from Morocco into Spain. The operation, dubbed 'Giro,' resulted in six arrests, seizure of 1,448 pounds of hashish, five firearms, cash, and vehicles. The gang used helicopters capable of transporting 500-900 kilograms of drugs, which were stored in rural estates and warehouses before distribution to other European countries. The operation involved collaboration with Moroccan, Belgian, and Swedish law enforcement. Spain's proximity to Morocco and Latin America makes it a key entry point for drugs into Europe, with smuggling typically occurring by sea. However, the use of helicopters and drones for drug trafficking has been observed in recent times.

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York's JFK airport had a near-miss with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela on Friday. The JetBlue pilot reported that the military plane crossed their path without its transponder on, forcing them to halt their ascent to avoid a collision. The incident is under review by the U.S. Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously warned U.S. aircraft to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace due to heightened military activity.

A 36-year-old man, Jossimar Cabrera, suspected of killing his wife, Sheylla Cabrera, in California has been extradited to the U.S. from Peru. Cabrera's wife was found dead in Angeles National Forest in August, and he had fled to Peru with their three young sons. The sons were later repatriated to Los Angeles and reunited with their mother's family. Cabrera turned himself in to Peruvian authorities and was held until his extradition. He now faces a murder charge in Los Angeles.

An Italian archaeological mission has discovered the remains of a sun temple belonging to an ancient Egyptian king near Cairo, Egypt. The temple, dedicated to the sun god Ra, is believed to be from the Fifth Dynasty and is one of the few solar temples identified to date. Meanwhile, Egypt has also revealed the revamp of two colossal statues of pharaoh Amenhotep III in the southern city of Luxor.

Jews in New York gathered to celebrate Hanukkah despite a recent attack on a Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, with feelings of sorrow and resilience. The event in Brooklyn featured Representative Daniel Goldman and Rabbi Shimon Hecht lighting a large menorah. The attack in Sydney and rising antisemitism globally have heightened concerns among Jewish communities. Many expressed a desire to be visible and resilient in the face of adversity, while also acknowledging the need to care for others, including Palestinians. The event reflected the complex emotions and tensions within the Jewish community, including concerns about safety, identity, and political tensions related to Israel and Gaza.

The article discusses the recent revelation that the suspects in the Bondi Beach massacre in Sydney, Australia, had traveled to the Philippines, a country where ISIS is active. The two men, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, visited the city of Davao in the southern Philippines last month. The Philippine authorities are investigating their activities during their stay. The article highlights the ongoing threat of ISIS in the Philippines, despite the government's declaration of victory over the group eight years ago. Experts say that the threat has become smaller and more fragmented, with militants continuing to recruit and launch attacks. The article also notes the government's efforts to offer reintegration opportunities to former fighters and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to give Muslims greater autonomy.

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Trump, is engaged to Bettina Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite. The announcement was made by President Trump at a White House holiday party, confirming long-standing tabloid speculation about their relationship. This is Donald Trump Jr.'s third engagement, having previously been engaged to Vanessa Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle. Anderson has been seen in public with Trump Jr. on multiple occasions since his father's return to office, and the two have been the subject of speculation for some time.

FBI Director Kash Patel has faced criticism for his handling of social media posts during ongoing investigations, particularly after the Brown University classroom shooting. Patel's tendency to share information on X (formerly Twitter) has led to embarrassment for the administration, with some information later proving to be inaccurate. Patel's future in the administration is uncertain, but he has expressed his intention to stay on through the 2026 midterm elections. Meanwhile, his deputy, Dan Bongino, is expected to leave his position soon to resume his media career.

The article reports on the neighborhood in Sydney where the suspects involved in a recent attack lived. Neighbors described the family as keeping to themselves and not causing any trouble. The family's home was cordoned off by police after the attack, and the family members were instructed to come out with their hands up. A delivery driver arrived at the house with a half leg of ham and a racially offensive message, which was left on the footpath outside the home.

Jared Kushner's private equity firm, Affinity Partners, is withdrawing from a planned Trump-branded real estate deal in Serbia due to corruption allegations and public outcry. The project, which involved the Trump Organization, was championed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic despite concerns over cultural heritage protections and allegations of government impropriety. The decision to pull out comes after Serbian prosecutors charged four senior government officials with corruption in connection with the project.

China has launched a national-level service platform to support returning overseas students in finding work and starting businesses, as part of its efforts to attract talent and boost its economy. The initiative, backed by the Ministry of Education and 50 organizations, aims to provide entrepreneurial mentors and match returnees with local government and corporate needs. Despite recent public skepticism about the value of studying abroad, the government recognizes the importance of overseas returnees in driving innovation and entrepreneurship. The move is seen as a significant step in leveraging the skills and expertise of Chinese students returning from abroad, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence and new materials.

Chinese authorities seized 430kg of cocaine in November, aided by intelligence from the US, marking a potential breakthrough in anti-drug cooperation between the two countries. The drugs were discovered in an international container at Yantian port in Shenzhen. This development comes after an agreement on counternarcotics cooperation was reached by the leaders of the two countries in October. China's Ministry of Public Security reported that the two sides have been working together on multiple cases and maintaining close communication.

Chinese researchers have made a breakthrough in heat pump technology, achieving a record temperature output of 270 degrees Celsius using a revolutionary heat pump with no moving parts. This innovation has the potential to transform industrial efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by enabling the use of low-grade heat sources, such as solar collectors or industrial exhausts, to generate high-grade heat for various applications.

The Hong Kong Education Bureau is allocating HK$500 million to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public primary and secondary schools. Each interested school will receive HK$500,000 to introduce AI in classrooms over the next three years. The funding can be used to subscribe to AI-powered software and hardware, and to develop AI-assisted teaching resources. Schools must implement AI-assisted teaching in at least three subjects and develop six teaching examples or resources with the technology. The initiative follows Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's policy address last year, which pledged to step up efforts to promote digital education in primary and secondary schools.

The US reportedly seized a Chinese cargo ship bound for Iran, carrying dual-use components that could support Tehran's ballistic missile build-up. Analysts say this move may be Washington 'testing the waters' to pressure Beijing's ties with its adversaries, but risks breaching international law. The operation comes amid Pentagon efforts to curb Iran's military build-up following US and Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Taiwan is tightening its conscription rules following high-profile cases of celebrities and young men evading mandatory military service by falsifying medical records. The proposed changes include narrowing exemption criteria and mandating alternative service for transgender and intersex people, which has sparked backlash from rights groups. The defence ministry's draft amendment aims to close loopholes and restore fairness to the draft system.

European leaders have backed a 'multinational force' to secure peace in Ukraine following talks in Berlin, where Ukrainian and US envoys met to discuss a potential ceasefire. The US has committed to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, with a US official stating that around 90% of issues between the warring parties have been resolved. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the US guarantees as 'truly remarkable' and a 'very important advancement'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was less optimistic, describing the talks on conceding territories to Russia as 'painful' and 'very difficult'. The leaders issued a joint statement supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and European security, and outlining the need for a multinational force to be made up of countries from the 'Coalition of the Willing' and supported by the US.

The Israeli military has confirmed the killing of senior Hamas commander Raed Saad in a strike on Gaza City. Saad was one of the architects of the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel. The strike has strained the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect in October. Gaza health authorities reported five deaths and at least 25 wounded in the attack, but Hamas has not confirmed Saad's death. Hamas condemned the attack as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire has allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to Gaza City's ruins, but violence has not completely stopped, with at least 386 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since the truce.

The new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, has warned that Russia is attempting to 'bully, fearmonger and manipulate' the UK and its allies through attacks below the threshold of all-out war. Metreweli stated that Britain is 'operating in a space between peace and war' and that everyone has a responsibility to understand the dangers. She highlighted the evolving nature of global security threats, including the role of technology and the increasing influence of non-state actors. Metreweli also criticized Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine, accusing him of 'dragging out negotiations' on a peace deal and warned that Kyiv's fate is 'fundamental not just to European sovereignty and security but to global security'.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to retaliate against ISIS after three Americans were killed in a suspected Islamic State attack in Syria. Two US service members and one civilian died, while three others were injured, in an ambush by a lone gunman near historic Palmyra. The US has hundreds of troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting IS, which was defeated on the battlefield in Syria in 2019 but still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in the region. Trump paid condolences to the victims and their families, and US defense officials warned of severe consequences for those responsible.

British astronaut Tim Peake has urged the US and China to collaborate on new trips to the moon rather than competing in a new era of hazardous lunar exploration. Peake, who spent time on the International Space Station, believes that the two countries should work together and have contingency plans in place for rescuing astronauts from other countries in an emergency. He cited the successful collaboration between astronauts from Russia and Western nations on the ISS despite geopolitical tensions. NASA is set to launch four astronauts on a mission to fly around the moon for the first time since 1972, and Peake expressed confidence in the mission despite some technical issues. Peake also hopes to see a UK astronaut on the moon in the future.

Analysts at Citi have reiterated their buy rating for EssilorLuxottica, a luxury eyewear giant, citing the potential for growth in AI-powered smart glasses. The company is developing smart glasses with Meta, which can play music, take photos, and translate, using a neural wristband to interact with the device. Citi expects the AI glasses market to grow over 100% annually until 2030, with EssilorLuxottica holding around 30% market share. The company's shares have outperformed the Stoxx 600 in 2025, gaining 20%. Other companies, including Google, Snap, Samsung, Tencent, Pico, and Apple, are also planning to release AI smart glasses in the next year.

European stocks are expected to open lower on Tuesday, reversing Monday's gains, as investors prepare for a busy week of central bank actions. The European Central Bank is set to hold its final policy meeting of the year on Thursday, with expectations that it will keep interest rates at 2% while potentially lifting its growth forecasts. The Bank of England is also expected to trim interest rates following a rise in the UK's unemployment rate to 5.1% in the three months to October. Meanwhile, European leaders will discuss funding for Ukraine at a summit in Brussels on Thursday.

Bank of America's head of European automotive equity research, Horst Schneider, shares his top European auto picks for 2026. He believes that cheaper auto stocks have catch-up potential due to regulation changes, particularly the potential easing of CO₂ emissions rules. Ferrari is highlighted as a key pick, with a 'very good' risk-reward ratio. Other stocks mentioned include Continental and Aumovio. Schneider also discusses the impact of CO₂ regulations on European carmakers and the potential for rerating of undervalued stocks.

Korea Zinc's shares plummeted 13.94% as its largest shareholder alliance, comprising MBK Partners and YoongPoong, opposed the company's plans to create a U.S.-backed joint venture for a $7.4 billion mineral smelter project in Tennessee. The alliance claimed the plan was designed to help Chairman Choi Yun-beom maintain management control. The joint venture will have the Pentagon with a 40% stake, and Korea Zinc will sell $1.9 billion worth of new shares to the JV, effectively giving the U.S. group a 10% stake in the company. The project aims to produce 540,000 tons of materials annually by 2029.

The release of Disney's 'Zootopia 2' in China has led to a surge in young people buying venomous pit vipers, inspired by the film's character Gary De'Snake. The movie has become China's top-grossing foreign animation of all time, with over $503 million at the box office. Qi Weihao, a 21-year-old reptile enthusiast, bought an Indonesian pit viper after being inspired by Gary's positive portrayal in the film. The trend has raised concerns among officials and state media, citing public safety risks associated with owning venomous snakes. Major e-commerce platforms have removed listings for the snakes, but some are still available on certain platforms.

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is home to the Bengal tiger and other endangered species. However, human-tiger conflict has increased due to deforestation and growing human populations. Women who have lost their husbands to tiger attacks, known as 'tiger widows,' are often ostracized and blamed for their husbands' deaths. A new conservation initiative is targeting these women, providing them with a source of income while restoring the mangrove forests. The project involves planting over 100,000 native mangrove saplings across 40 hectares of coastline, which will help protect villages from cyclones and storm surges, and potentially reduce human-tiger conflict by replenishing fish populations.

A new surveillance video has been released by police showing a person of interest in the investigation into a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured. The FBI has described the person as approximately 5'8" with a stocky build. The article also touches on other unrelated news stories, including the death of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, and President Trump's controversial comments about Reiner's death.

Australian authorities have identified the suspects behind a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram. The father and son duo were driven by 'Islamic State ideology' and had recently traveled to the Philippines, a hotspot for extremism. Sajid Akram was killed in a shootout with police, while Naveed is in custody and expected to face significant charges. The attack targeted Jewish Australians celebrating Hanukkah, killing 15 people. Authorities believe the pair underwent military-style training in the Philippines and were not part of a wider cell. The son had been previously investigated by security services in 2019 but was deemed not to be a threat at the time.

The article discusses the recent presidential election in Chile, in which conservative candidate José Kast won with 58% of the vote. Kast campaigned on a platform of restoring public order and tightening the country's borders, promising to tackle rising crime and immigration. His victory reflects a broader regional trend of voters turning to candidates who promise crime control. Kast's policies are expected to be shaped by his conservative ideology and his criticism of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The article also draws comparisons between Kast's win and the election of libertarian Javier Milei in neighboring Argentina.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was rescued by a U.S.-based rescue foundation and transported to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Golden Dynamite,' was led by Bryan Stern, a U.S. special forces veteran and founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. The mission involved disguises, deception, and navigating choppy seas to evade Venezuelan authorities, who consider Machado a fugitive. The team successfully extracted Machado and delivered her to safety, where she was flown to Norway on a private jet.

Pope Leo XIV condemned 'antisemitic violence' following a mass shooting at a Sydney Hanukkah celebration, where a father and son duo opened fire, killing 15 people and wounding dozens. The Pope prayed for the victims and called for an end to hatred. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the attack as an act of antisemitic terrorism. The Pope also issued a strong anti-abortion message during an audience with donors of the Vatican's Christmas decorations.

The article discusses the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia, where a father-son duo, allegedly radicalized Muslim immigrants, targeted a gathering of Jews. The author argues that this event was predictable due to the fundamentalist version of Islam being hostile to Jews. The article highlights the antisemitic ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, citing examples from their charters and ideologues like Sayyid Qutb. The author contends that the West has been naive in its approach to Muslim immigration, ignoring the potential for antisemitic violence. The article concludes that it is foolish to think that some Muslim immigrants won't share this worldview and act on it, leading to tragic consequences.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's home-care cost-containment plan has been criticized for potentially being a disaster despite not being corrupt. The plan has morphed into a $200 million gift to the SEIU 1199 union and may lead to cost explosions. An email obtained via a FOIL request suggests that state officials were in contact with Public Partnership LLC (PPL) before they won a $1 billion contract to oversee the Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). The reform aimed to centralize oversight of the $11 billion home-care program but has been accused of favoring PPL and boosting union membership.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that medical marijuana is not effective for most conditions it is promoted for, and daily use doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke. The study also found that high-potency THC increases the risk of psychosis and anxiety disorders. The article argues that the marijuana industry has misled the public about the benefits of medical marijuana and that the lack of regulation and oversight has led to widespread social normalization of marijuana use and associated social ills. The author, Kevin Sabet, calls on President Donald Trump to reconsider downgrading marijuana's federal classification, citing the need for science-based policy and public health concerns.

The article discusses how climate change has affected the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the southern coastal regions, leading to displacement and migration. It focuses on the story of Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old man who left his village in Bangladesh to work in Singapore. Emran's family was affected by recurring disasters such as cyclones and floods, which damaged their home and livelihood. The article highlights the vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change, with rising sea levels and increased frequency of natural disasters threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. It also notes that many Bangladeshis are migrating to other countries, including Singapore, in search of better opportunities.

French First Lady Brigitte Macron apologized for using a derogatory term against feminist activists who disrupted a comedy show attended by her and accused actor Ary Abittan of rape. The incident sparked a social media backlash, with the hashtag #SalesConnes trending online. Macron claimed her comments were 'private' and she couldn't regret them, but apologized for hurting victims. The controversy comes amid France's ongoing reckoning with sexual assault allegations against high-profile figures.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs. Despite assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, they increased significantly, forcing Bergman to close her store. The tariffs have created a split in the Christmas economy, with big-box retailers like Walmart and Target able to absorb the costs, while small businesses suffer. The article highlights the impact of the trade war on small toy retailers and the wider toy industry, which employs nearly 700,000 people.

The FDA has criticized four major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Albertsons, for failing to promptly remove contaminated ByHeart baby formula from their shelves after a recall on November 11. The formula was linked to a botulism outbreak that sickened over 50 babies in 19 states. The FDA sent warning letters to the retailers, stating that they continued to sell the formula for days or weeks after the recall. The retailers have 15 working days to respond to the letters.

Anthony Geary, the actor known for his role as Luke Spencer on 'General Hospital', has died at 78. Geary's portrayal of Luke Spencer earned him eight Daytime Emmy awards and made him a household name in the 1970s and 80s. He was part of the iconic soap opera couple Luke and Laura, and their 1981 wedding was watched by a record 30 million viewers. Geary's character began as an anti-hero and evolved into a hero over the course of the show. He had a career spanning over 40 years and appeared in numerous TV shows and stage productions. Geary died in Amsterdam due to complications from a surgical procedure.

The National Museum of Libya in Tripoli has reopened after nearly 14 years of closure due to the civil war that followed Muammar Gaddafi's downfall. The museum houses Africa's greatest collection of classical antiquities and is seen as a symbol of national unity. The reopening ceremony was attended by diplomats and Arab celebrities, and featured a lavish show compressing Libya's rich history. The museum's director hopes it will help educate Libyans and promote national unity, but the country's ongoing political and economic challenges pose significant obstacles. Libya remains divided between its eastern and western regions, with two rival governments and a struggling economy dependent on oil exports.