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The article discusses Albania's efforts to join the European Union, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013. Despite corruption problems, Albania's GDP has grown significantly, and EU officials suggest that negotiations could conclude as early as 2027, with membership possible by 2030. The war in Ukraine has accelerated Albania's bid to join the EU, along with other candidate countries. Rama's government faces challenges, but his country has made progress in its EU accession talks.

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 now at levels not seen since 2021. The article suggests that this calm may be due to a lack of major economic shocks or surprises, and notes that investors are currently not expecting significant movements in interest rates.

The article discusses the growing threat of the crypto industry to traditional banks and Wall Street's privileged position. It highlights the crypto industry's resilience and growth despite initial skepticism and ridicule from Wall Street elites. The article suggests that the crypto industry is gaining momentum and may eventually supplant Wall Street's dominance.

The article discusses Germany's bureaucratic issues, tracing its origins to the late 19th century Gründerzeit period when many of its famous firms were established. The country's top-down, formalistic, and lawyerly bureaucracy is causing problems for would-be reformers. The article highlights how this bureaucratic structure, shaped during the same era as the founding of the German empire in 1871, is hindering progress.

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Peace talks between Turkey's government and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have stalled despite recent progress. The talks had gained momentum with a historic meeting between a Turkish parliamentary commission and Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK's imprisoned leader. The PKK had also announced the withdrawal of its fighters from south-east Turkey. However, the process has now stalled, jeopardizing four decades of efforts to end the war between the army and the PKK.

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 uses this example to comment on the broader economic trends in China, drawing parallels with other sectors and global comparisons.

The article discusses the true meaning of Hanukkah in light of a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where a father-son team massacred people at a Jewish festival celebration. The author argues that the common narrative of Hanukkah as a holiday of 'light' and 'togetherness' is a watered-down version of its original meaning, which is about Jewish resistance and defiance against assimilation. The author contends that Jews should stop trying to make Hanukkah palatable to others and instead celebrate their particularism and endurance through strength. The article emphasizes that Jewish survival depends on refusing to surrender to external pressures and that the holiday should be about Jewish continuity and pride rather than seeking approval from others.

The New York Knicks won the NBA Cup final on December 16, 2025, by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Knicks trailed by five points going into the fourth quarter but mounted an 8-0 run, led by back-to-back 3s from Jordan Clarkson, to take the lead. Mitchell Robinson's four offensive rebounds in that stretch kept the possession alive. The Knicks' unlikely lineup of Jalen Brunson, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson flipped the game in their favor. Brunson was named NBA Cup MVP, finishing with 25 points, while Anunoby added a game-high 28 points. The Spurs' Victor Wembanyama finished with 18 points but was largely earthly compared to Brunson and Anunoby. Coach Mike Brown's decision to roll with the hot lineup paid off, as they outscored the Spurs by 16 points in the fourth quarter.

A beloved sports reporter, Christina Chambers, and her husband, Johnny Rimes, were found dead at their Alabama home in a suspected murder-suicide, with their 3-year-old son found safe nearby. Chambers, a former WBRC 6 sports reporter, had left her job to pursue teaching at Thompson High School, where she was highly regarded for her dedication and meaningful connections with her students. The couple sustained gunshot wounds, and the police are investigating the incident. Chambers was known for her work as a sports reporter and her involvement in various marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

The article discusses the National Education Association's (NEA) promotion of 'neopronouns' and 'xeopronouns' in schools, which the author views as part of a broader agenda to push LGBTQ+ ideology and 'woke nonsense' on children. The NEA, with over 3 million members, is accused of prioritizing politics over students' well-being and spreading 'leftist brain rot.' The author criticizes the NEA's approach to gender identity and its questioning of the term 'America,' suggesting that it undermines traditional education and values. The article concludes by calling for parents and politicians to resist this trend and prioritize core educational subjects.

Terence Crawford, a renowned boxer, has announced his retirement from the sport at 38 years old with a perfect record of 42-0 and 31 knockouts. Crawford became the undisputed champion in three weight classes after defeating Canelo Alvarez in September 2025. In his retirement announcement video, Crawford expressed that he is stepping away from competition on his own terms, having achieved his goals and fulfilled his dreams. Crawford's career highlights include victories over notable boxers such as Errol Spence Jr., Shawn Porter, Kell Brook, and Amir Khan. He is considered one of the best boxers of his generation, with achievements including being the only boxer in the four-belt era to be an undisputed champion in three weight classes and holding 18 major world championships across five weight classes.

The article criticizes New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, arguing that he is ill-equipped to handle the challenges of terrorism and antisemitism. It highlights his radical politics, lack of leadership experience, and associations with controversial figures. The author cites several recent terrorist incidents, including a deadly attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Australia, and argues that Mamdani's views on Israel and the NYPD make him unfit for the job. The article also criticizes Mamdani's inner circle, including Linda Sarsour and Ramzi Kassem, and expresses concerns about his ability to maintain law and order in the city.

During a Hanukkah celebration at the White House, former President Trump expressed concerns that Congress is becoming antisemitic, citing Representatives like Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as examples. He emphasized his support for Israel and criticized those who downplay the horrors of Hamas' October 7, 2023, massacre. Trump also discussed the White House ballroom project, increasing its estimated cost to $400 million and describing it as 'impenetrable' except to a howitzer. The project has faced legal challenges from preservationists.

China is constructing the world's most powerful hydropower system in the Himalayas, a $168 billion project that will generate more electricity than any other in the world. The project, located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, will harness a 2,000-meter altitude drop to produce energy. While it may aid global efforts to slow climate change by helping China wean off coal-powered energy, it also poses risks to a pristine ecosystem and the ancestral homes of indigenous residents. The project remains shrouded in secrecy, raising concerns about its potential impact on downstream countries, including India and Bangladesh.

The article highlights the efforts of Arun Krishnamurthy, founder of the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), in restoring India's ancient stepwells, which are intricately designed structures that collect and store water. EFI has restored 657 water bodies across 19 states and is now focusing on stepwells, which have deteriorated due to neglect, pollution, and vandalism. Krishnamurthy believes that restoring these stepwells will not only conserve water but also preserve India's cultural heritage and promote community engagement.

The article discusses a recent attack in Syria that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, and how it has complicated the relationship between the US and Syria's new government. The attacker was initially described as a 'lone gunman' affiliated with ISIS, but further investigation has revealed that he may have had ties to Syria's security forces. The incident has echoes of 'green-on-blue' attacks in Afghanistan, where US forces worked alongside local forces but suffered casualties. The US and Syrian governments have downplayed the attacker's potential connections to Syria's security forces, with the Trump administration backing Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, despite his past extremist ties. The article highlights the challenges facing both governments as they navigate the complexities of Syria's security situation.

A second near midair collision was reported near Venezuela involving a US Air Force tanker and a private jet on Saturday, following a similar incident on Friday between a JetBlue plane and a US Air Force aerial refueling tanker. The incidents have raised concerns about air safety in the region, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing warnings about heightened military activity near Venezuela. The US Air Force and United States Southern Command are reviewing the incidents.

The Philippines' long-standing battle against Islamist extremism has come back into focus following a deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Australia. The suspects, a father-son duo, traveled to the Philippines shortly before the attack, sparking concerns about the country's role in training and harboring extremist groups. Experts say that despite a decline in terrorism in recent years, many militant groups remain active in remote regions, particularly in the southern island of Mindanao. The Philippine government has reaffirmed its support for efforts to protect communities from intolerance and violence.

The article discusses what President Donald Trump can learn from Vice President JD Vance ahead of his national address. Vance recently delivered a coherent and disciplined argument for the administration's economic policies in Pennsylvania, sticking to a pre-crafted message and showing empathy for Americans struggling with high prices. In contrast, Trump has veered off script and failed to address the issue effectively. The article suggests that Trump could benefit from Vance's approach, but notes that the administration's boasts about the economy don't reflect the daily reality perceived by voters. The article also highlights Vance's working-class credentials and his potential for a future presidential campaign.

A 47-year-old Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, Nuno Loureiro, was fatally shot at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, on Monday night. The Norfolk District Attorney's Office has launched a homicide investigation, but no suspects have been taken into custody. Loureiro was the director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Centre, where he worked on advancing clean energy technology and other research. He was a renowned physicist and fusion scientist who joined MIT in 2016. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking a suspect.

Chinese scientists have discovered a way to turn allergy cells into a powerful tool against cancer. Researchers loaded mast cells, which cause allergic reactions, with anticancer drugs and used them to deliver the drugs directly into tumors. The team, from Zhejiang University and the First Hospital of China Medical University, published their findings in the journal Cell. The new method has shown potential for personalized cancer therapy and is being explored for clinical applications, including combination with existing cancer immunotherapies.

OpenAI is in talks to raise at least $10 billion from Amazon and adopt its Trainium chips, potentially valuing OpenAI at over $500 billion. The deal would be a win for Amazon's semiconductor division as it competes with Nvidia in the AI chip market. Amazon's Trainium chips are designed to power AI calculations more cheaply and efficiently than Nvidia's graphics processing units. The negotiations began after OpenAI completed a corporate overhaul, with Microsoft taking a 27% ownership stake as part of the restructuring plan.

Peking University is planning to establish a research institute in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis, specifically in the university town, as part of a larger development plan. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met with Peking University's party secretary He Guangcai during his three-day duty visit to Beijing and shared the government's plans to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis. The Northern Metropolis blueprint aims to turn 30,000 hectares of land near Hong Kong's border with mainland China into an economic powerhouse and a housing hub. The development includes a 90-hectare university town, with the first batch of land to be made available next year. Lee expressed encouragement at Peking University's interest and exchanged views on the development.

China's top economic policy coordinator has urged the country to confront its economic challenges, expressing confidence that investment and consumption growth will recover next year as efforts to boost domestic demand intensify. The official cited headwinds from imbalances between supply and demand but stated that the outlook is bright. China's leadership has reiterated the need to boost domestic demand amid expected external uncertainties, but November retail sales recorded the slowest year-on-year growth since the country lifted Covid-19 pandemic restrictions three years ago.

The Hong Kong-based health and beauty retailer Mannings is exiting mainland China due to a highly competitive retail landscape and a slowdown in consumer spending. Analysts say that many retailers are struggling in mainland China, with a decline in consumer confidence and a shift towards online shopping. Mannings will cease online operations on December 26 and close its physical stores after January 15. China's retail sales growth has slowed for six consecutive months, with November's growth rate being the slowest since December 2022.

The US Treasury Department has designated the Clan del Golfo, a notorious Colombian cocaine-trafficking organization, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The move comes as part of the Trump administration's escalated war on drugs, which has included lethal strikes on boats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific. The Clan del Golfo, also known as the Gulf Clan, has been involved in criminal activities for decades, primarily trafficking cocaine to the US and Europe. The designation freezes any assets the group may hold in US financial institutions and allows for the prosecution of individuals providing material support to the group. The move may complicate recent talks between the Colombian government and the Clan del Golfo aimed at bringing peace to areas under the group's control.

A California doctor, Mark Chavez, has been sentenced to eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release for selling ketamine to Matthew Perry, the Friends star who died from an overdose in 2023. Chavez is the second person to be sentenced in connection with Perry's death, following Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who received a 30-month prison sentence. Chavez admitted to obtaining ketamine through a fraudulent prescription and selling it to Plasencia, who supplied it to Perry. The investigation revealed that Perry had been seeking more ketamine than prescribed as part of his treatment for depression and anxiety, leading him to an underground drug network. Four other individuals, including Perry's live-in assistant and a dealer known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' are awaiting sentencing.

The article discusses a controversy surrounding Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafce, who was stripped of her crown after a viral photo showed her pulling the corners of her eyes, a gesture considered disrespectful to East Asians. The photo was captioned 'eating with a Chinese.' The incident sparked widespread backlash in Japan, South Korea, and China, with many calling for an apology. Dzafce claimed the gesture was a reaction to a headache and that a friend added the caption without her consent. She apologized, but the apology was met with criticism, with some calling it 'insincere.' The controversy has damaged Finland's reputation, with the prime minister condemning the gesture as 'thoughtless and stupid.' The incident has also affected Finnair, Finland's flag carrier, with calls for a boycott. The Miss Finland Organization dethroned Dzafce, citing the need to respect all people regardless of their origin or background.

Thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back 210 million years have been discovered in the Stelvio national park in northern Italy. The footprints, some of which are up to 40cm in diameter, are aligned in parallel rows and show clear traces of toes and claws. The dinosaurs are believed to be prosauropods, herbivores with long necks and sharp claws. The discovery was made by a photographer who spotted the footprints on a vertical mountain wall, which was once a tidal flat during the Triassic period. The finding is considered an immense scientific treasure and provides insights into the behavior of these ancient creatures.

Researchers from Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) have found evidence that Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is trying to cover up mass killings in the city of el-Fasher by burying and burning bodies. The RSF captured el-Fasher in October, and the HRL's analysis of satellite images suggests that the group disposed of tens of thousands of bodies after seizing the city. The conflict between the RSF and Sudan's regular army has resulted in the world's worst humanitarian disaster, with over 13 million people displaced since April 2023. The RSF has denied allegations of widespread killings, but the HRL's report indicates a systematic campaign to destroy evidence of massacres.

The Providence Police have released a new image and video clips of a 'person of interest' in connection with a deadly shooting at Brown University, which left two students dead and nine injured. The suspect is described as stocky and about 5ft 8in tall, wearing dark clothing, a black hat, and face mask. The police have released a video timeline showing the movements of the person of interest, hoping someone might recognize him. The attack has sparked concerns about campus safety, including the absence of security cameras, and led to calls for improved door locks. The victims, Ella Cook and MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, were remembered as kind and bright individuals who were involved in various activities at the university.

FIFA has announced a new tier of affordable tickets for the 2026 World Cup, priced at $60 (£45), following criticism over high ticket prices. The new 'Supporter Entry Tier' will be available for 10% of each participating team's allocated tickets. Despite this, critics argue that the move does not go far enough to address the issue. The decision comes after FIFA faced backlash over its initial pricing strategy, with the cheapest tickets for the final initially costing over $3,000.

The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have expressed concerns about their father's deteriorating prison conditions, stating that he is being held in a 'death cell' and subjected to psychological torture. Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023, and his sons claim that he is being kept in solitary confinement with filthy water and surrounded by inmates with hepatitis. The brothers fear they may never see their father again due to the harsh conditions. A spokesperson for Pakistan's current Prime Minister denied allegations of solitary confinement, citing the number of visits Imran Khan has received during his imprisonment.

A Paris labor court has ordered Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to pay former player Kylian Mbappe €60 million in unpaid wages, ethics bonus, and signing bonus. Mbappe's lawyers welcomed the verdict, while PSG stated they will comply with the order while reserving the right to appeal. The court found that PSG owed Mbappe three months of unpaid wages and rejected the club's argument that Mbappe should forfeit the wages entirely. Mbappe had taken PSG to court over earnings he claimed were withheld, initially seeking over €260 million. PSG had argued that Mbappe acted disloyally by concealing his intention not to renew his contract and sought €440 million in damages. The ruling confirms that labor law applies to professional football players and that commitments must be honored.

The article reports on South African men being tricked into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, often with little to no military training. The men are lured with promises of bodyguard training but are instead deployed to the frontline. Some men claim that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, encouraged them to sign contracts written in Russian, which they didn't understand. The South African Police Service is investigating charges against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who denies the allegations. The article highlights the risks faced by these men and their families, as well as the growing recruitment drive in South Africa.

The US Army has identified two American soldiers killed in an attack in Palmyra, Syria, over the weekend as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, both members of the Iowa National Guard. A civilian interpreter was also killed in the ambush by an ISIS gunman. The attack occurred while they were supporting a 'key leader engagement' as part of the counter-ISIS mission. Three US service members were injured, and the gunman was killed. Iowa's Governor Kim Reynolds expressed condolences and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. President Trump vowed 'very serious retaliation' and mourned the loss of the three patriots.

The BBC is set to defend itself in court after President Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit, claiming defamation and unfair trade practices related to a documentary that edited together separate parts of his January 6, 2021 speech in Washington. The BBC had previously apologized and retracted the documentary, but Trump is still seeking damages. Experts believe the lawsuit is likely to fail and that Trump's legal team will not be able to secure a $10 billion settlement.

Hundreds of yards of dinosaur tracks have been discovered in the Italian Alps, specifically in the Stelvio National Park, in a region that will host the 2026 Winter Olympics. The tracks, estimated to be over 200 million years old, were first spotted by nature photographer Elio Della Ferrera and later studied by a team of Italian experts led by paleontologist Cristiano Dal Sasso. The footprints, some measuring up to 16 inches in diameter, are believed to belong to prosauropods, herbivorous dinosaurs with long necks and small heads. The discovery is significant, with the tracks showing evidence of herds moving in synchrony and complex behaviors. The site is considered one of the largest collections of dinosaur footprints in Europe and the world.

A missing woman's phone was found in Australia's Tasmanian wilderness over two years after she disappeared. Celine Cremer, a Belgian woman, was last seen on June 17, 2023, in Waratah, Tasmania. An independent search party organized by her friends and family found her phone at a waterfall, which will undergo forensic examination. Tasmania Police will now formally join the independent search for Cremer. The discovery suggests that Cremer may have veered off course during her walk and lost her way.

Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen has criticized parent company Magnum Ice Cream Company, saying it is 'destroying' the brand by changing the terms of its independent board. Magnum, which recently spun off from Unilever, has ousted three directors from the Ben & Jerry's board, citing 'internal investigations' and a need to 'preserve and enhance the brand's historical social mission.' Cohen claims the changes are a 'desperate power grab' and that Magnum is trying to 'silence' the brand's social mission. Ben & Jerry's was sold to Unilever in 2000 with the condition that it maintain an independent board and decision-making power on its social mission. Cohen and fellow co-founder Jerry Greenfield have been campaigning for the brand to be sold to 'socially-aligned investors' who will support its social mission.

OpenAI is in talks with Amazon about a potential investment of $10 billion or more, as well as an agreement to use Amazon's artificial intelligence chips. The discussions come after OpenAI completed a restructuring in October, giving it more freedom to raise capital and partner with companies across the AI ecosystem. Amazon has invested heavily in OpenAI rival Anthropic and has been designing its own AI chips since 2015. OpenAI has made significant infrastructure commitments, including a $38 billion deal with Amazon Web Services.

Robinhood is expanding its prediction markets platform by introducing NFL parlay and prop bets, allowing users to trade on multiple game outcomes and individual player performances. The company plans to launch custom combos of up to 10 outcomes across NFL games in early 2026. Robinhood's prediction markets business has seen significant growth, with $100 million in annualized revenue and 11 billion contracts traded by over 1 million customers. Analysts are optimistic about the company's growth prospects, citing its potential to become a hub for prediction markets and a 'new Schwab for Gen Z'.

The UK's inflation rate dropped to 3.2% in November, exceeding economists' expectations of 3.5%. The decrease was driven by lower food prices, particularly for cakes, biscuits, and breakfast cereals, as well as decreases in tobacco prices and women's clothing. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the fall but noted that there is 'more work to do.' The data increases the likelihood of the Bank of England cutting interest rates at its final meeting of the year on Thursday, with economists expecting a 5-4 vote in favor of a 25 basis point cut to 3.75%. The UK's economy remains sluggish, with low growth and rising unemployment.

The article discusses the impact of Chinese investment in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR), on the country's economy, tourism, and local businesses. The LCR has brought a surge in Chinese tourists and businesses, but the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many local businesses struggling to compete. The article highlights concerns about the influence of Chinese money and the potential risks of Laos becoming too dependent on Chinese investment.

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. The story of Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old man from the Sundarbans region, is highlighted. Emran left his village in July 2024 to work in Singapore, as his family's livelihood was impacted by recurring disasters and rising sea levels. The article explains how Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with storms and floods crippling livelihoods and pushing people to migrate. It also provides statistics on the number of people displaced by disasters in Bangladesh and the predicted impact of climate change by 2050.

Warner Bros Discovery's board is likely to reject Paramount Skydance's $139.7 billion takeover bid and instead back Netflix's buyout offer. The decision is expected to be announced on December 17. Warner Bros Discovery's portfolio includes iconic film and TV assets such as Harry Potter, Friends, and HBO. The winner of this bidding war will gain a significant advantage in the streaming wars by acquiring a deep content library.

Israeli intelligence officials warn of a global rise in terror attacks on Western countries, citing a sharp increase in attempted attacks worldwide, many of which are low-tech and target crowded public events, especially during religious holidays. The officials say that extremist and state-linked networks are building terror infrastructure globally, masking their origins, and using non-Iranian nationals to carry out attacks. The threat is not limited to Jewish targets but also includes Christian communities and broader civilian gatherings. Recent plots have been disrupted in Europe, North America, and beyond, with authorities increasing security at Christmas markets and holiday celebrations amid warnings of seasonal events being prime targets for extremist violence.

Polish authorities have foiled a suspected ISIS-inspired plot to attack a Christmas market, arresting a 19-year-old student accused of preparing a mass casualty bombing. The suspect, Mateusz W., was detained in late November and investigators believe he had been studying how to make explosives and intended to join a terrorist organization. The plot comes as Germany and the UK have raised security measures around religious and cultural events following a shooting in Sydney that killed 16 people at a Jewish Hanukkah party. In Germany, five men were arrested on suspicion of plotting an attack on a Christmas market, while in the UK, counterterrorism officials have stepped up armed patrols and public alert messaging.

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The article discusses the concept of the 'New World Disorder' in the context of global humanitarian crises, citing the war in Sudan as a prime example. The International Rescue Committee's (IRC) 2026 Emergency Watchlist highlights 20 countries, including Sudan, where 12% of the world's population lives, but accounts for 89% of those in need of humanitarian assistance. David Miliband, IRC's president and CEO, discusses the failures of the current global order, the rise of impunity, and the erosion of systems of accountability. He attributes the worsening situation to the lack of rules-based order, the internationalization of civil wars, and the prioritization of profit over protection.