In other news

The article explores the Kuroshio, or Black Stream, a powerful ocean current that runs through East Asia, shaping societies and cultures along its path. The current stretches from the Philippines to Japan, transporting nutrients and sustaining fisheries. It has played a significant role in the region's history, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. The article highlights the current's impact on the indigenous Tao people of Orchid Island, Taiwan, and its influence on the region's cultural narrative. It also touches on the current's potential for harnessing energy and its significance in the context of regional geopolitics.

The article discusses how China, under Xi Jinping's leadership, had a successful year in 2025, partly due to the actions of US President Donald Trump. Trump's aggressive policies and executive orders inadvertently showcased China's strengths and stability. The article highlights Trump's attempts to dismantle the federal bureaucracy, rewrite trade rules, and impose peace and threaten war globally. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping's leadership is portrayed as having navigated China through these challenges effectively.

Europe is taking steps to counter the growing threat of drones, particularly after recent incidents at European airfields and naval bases. On December 4th, five drones appeared above France's Île Longue naval base, prompting marines to use jammers to target the aircraft. Similarly, multiple drones were spotted near Dublin airport, potentially threatening the flight path of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. These incidents highlight Russia's potential use of drones as a hybrid threat, and European countries are now working to develop strategies to detect and neutralize such threats. The article discusses the need for Europe to enhance its drone defense capabilities in light of these events.

The article discusses how European nationalism is being replaced by a new form of nationalism centered around food, dubbed 'gastronationalism.' It highlights the controversy surrounding the sale of pre-made carbonara sauce in the European Parliament, which was deemed unacceptable by Italy's agriculture minister due to its incorrect ingredients. The article pokes fun at Europe's priorities, suggesting that despite facing significant threats, the continent remains fixated on culinary matters. The incident is seen as a reflection of Europe's cultural identity and its tendency to prioritize the non-negotiable, even in the face of adversity.

The article discusses how magicians are adapting to stay relevant in the age of AI and social media. It explores the challenges they face, such as shrinking attention spans and the ease of revealing secrets online. The article profiles magicians like Justin Flom, who have found success by sharing their secrets and creating engaging content. It also examines the tension between revealing and concealing magic tricks, and how some magicians are using this tension to their advantage.

The article discusses the importance of teaching children to think critically about the news. It highlights the work of Marc Ditomasso, a teacher who has an easy-going vibe with his students and is part of the Economist Educational Foundation's efforts to educate children about critical thinking. The foundation aims to help children make sense of the news and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

The article discusses how Italy is utilizing the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina to attract ultra-wealthy individuals. The event is expected to bring in thousands of athletes and spectators, and the Italian government is investing in infrastructure and amenities to cater to the high-end crowd. The article highlights the preparations underway, including the construction of an Olympic Village in Milan, and notes that the event is seen as an opportunity for Italy to showcase its luxury and appeal to the jet set.

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The article discusses the ongoing battle between Netflix and Paramount to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, highlighting the complexities and intrigue surrounding the deal. The author suggests that this acquisition is a precursor to the real streaming war, where professionally made shows will face tough competition from independent makers. The article touches upon the various stakeholders involved, including ambitious billionaires, mysterious Saudi investors, and even the president's son-in-law. The author argues that the real challenge lies ahead as streaming services navigate the changing landscape of content creation and distribution.

The Economist's annual tradition of naming a 'country of the year' for 2025 is highlighted in this article. The selection is not based on the country being the happiest or most influential but rather on which country has shown the most improvement in various aspects such as economy, politics, or other significant areas. The article discusses the criteria and significance of this selection, touching upon the fact that it is not typically a Scandinavian country or a superpower. It also briefly mentions other articles and topics covered by The Economist, such as surviving Christmas, the implications of overnight success for companies like Novo Nordisk and OpenAI, and the challenges faced by the Gaza ceasefire.

The article 'The most friendless place on earth' discusses the issue of loneliness in southern Madagascar, specifically in the Ambovombe region. It describes the harsh living conditions, including poverty, hunger, and lack of access to education, and highlights how these factors contribute to the prevalence of loneliness. The article paints a vivid picture of a desolate landscape and the struggles of the local population, emphasizing that loneliness is not exclusive to rich, individualistic societies.

The article discusses the history and revival of Lapsang Souchong, a type of smoky black tea originating from the Wuyi hills in northern Fujian, China. The tea was once popular in the West but has since declined. However, in China, a better version of the tea has survived. The article takes the reader on a journey to the birthplace of black tea, describing the challenges of visiting the Wuyi hills, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the efforts to protect its cultural relics and flora and fauna-rich forests. The article highlights the contrast between the tea's decline in the West and its preservation in China.

Two centuries ago, Russian revolutionaries known as the Decembrists attempted to change the world through an uprising in St Petersburg. Despite their failure, they paved the way for future revolutionary movements. The article discusses the events leading up to the uprising, the Decembrists' ideals, and their ultimate defeat at the hands of the imperial cavalry.

The Gaza ceasefire, in place for two months, is struggling to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. Despite the cessation of hostilities, Gazans continue to face significant challenges, including the risk of death from harsh weather conditions rather than Israeli military action. A severe winter storm in early December flooded thousands of tents, resulting in at least four deaths from hypothermia among babies. The article highlights the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian population and the need for sustained international attention to address the crisis.

The article 'What The Economist discovered at dating bootcamp' explores the world of modern dating through the lens of an ancient Roman poet, Ovid, who wrote 'The Art of Love', a guide to wooing women. The Economist attended a dating bootcamp to understand contemporary dating advice and compare it with Ovid's suggestions, ranging from practical grooming tips to questionable tactics. The article humorously juxtaposes ancient and modern dating strategies, highlighting the evolution of courtship and the challenges men face in understanding women.

On New Year's Eve, German cities experience intense street battles with fireworks, making them resemble war zones. The tradition of celebrating with fireworks is deeply ingrained, despite concerns and efforts to regulate or curb the practice. The article discusses this phenomenon, highlighting the contrast between the festive atmosphere and the chaos caused by the fireworks. It also touches upon other New Year's Eve traditions in Germany, such as watching 'Dinner for One,' a British comedy from 1963.

The article 'Your Well-Informed guide to surviving Christmas' from The Economist offers evidence-based advice on how to cope with the challenges of Yuletide feasting. Drawing from hundreds of studies on health and well-being, the guide suggests that moderate drinking, eating cake, and having fun are beneficial for one's health during Christmas. The article is part of The Economist's 'Well Informed' column, which has been providing advice on health and well-being throughout 2025. The guide is presented in a lighthearted tone, emphasizing the importance of enjoying oneself during the holiday season.

Staff at two leading Bangladeshi newspapers, Daily Star and Prothom Alo, were left 'gasping for air' as protesters set their offices ablaze following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent activist. The protesters, angered by Hadi's death, stormed the offices on Thursday night, causing significant damage. The interim government condemned the violence, vowing to bring perpetrators to justice. The attack is seen as a blow to independent journalism in Bangladesh, with the Daily Star unable to publish its print edition for the first time in 35 years. Hadi's death has sparked widespread outrage, with the interim government declaring a day of national mourning.

Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has endorsed JD Vance for president in 2028 at the Turning Point USA's America Fest conference. The event was marked by tensions within the conservative movement, with podcaster Ben Shapiro criticizing media rivals, including Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson. The conference continues through the weekend with Vance and Donald Trump Jr scheduled to speak. The endorsement signals early jockeying for the 2028 election, amid speculation about Trump's hold on the Republican party and infighting among his supporters.

A French court has rejected the government's request to suspend the website of fast-fashion giant Shein over the sale of childlike sex dolls on its platform. The court deemed the request 'disproportionate' but ordered age verification for the sale of adult products. Shein had removed the offending items and announced a ban on the sale of all sex dolls internationally. The company stated its commitment to protecting French consumers and ensuring compliance with local laws.

Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is likely to need a lung transplant due to her worsening pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative disease that creates scar tissue in the lungs. The princess, 52, was diagnosed in 2018 and has seen a clear decline in her health since autumn. Her doctors have started the process for an evaluation for lung transplant surgery, but no decision has been made on whether she will be placed on the transplant waiting list. The princess has expressed a desire to continue carrying out her royal duties, which will be adapted to her health issues.

Two Palestinian men, Sami al-Saei and Ahmed, have alleged that they were sexually abused by Israeli prison guards while in detention. The men claim to have been subjected to severe beatings and sexual assault, with al-Saei stating that he was raped with a baton and Ahmed alleging that a prison dog was used to sexually humiliate him. The allegations come amid reports of widespread torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, with the United Nations Committee against Torture expressing deep concern over the situation. Israel has denied the allegations, but rights groups say that the fury in the country over the 7 October Hamas-led attacks has created a culture of impunity within the prison services.

The city of Rome is introducing a €2 entrance fee for tourists to view the Trevi Fountain up close, starting from February 1, 2026. The fee is part of a new tariff system for certain museums and monuments in the Italian capital. The collected fees will go to the city authority to pay for upkeep and managing visitors. Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri stated that the fee will lead to less chaotic tourist flows. The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's key attractions, with around nine million visitors this year and an average of 30,000 visitors per day. Children under five, people with disabilities, and their accompanying person will be exempt from the fee. Tourists will still be able to view the fountain for free from a distance. The city expects to raise €6.5m a year from the fountain alone.

The article discusses an interview between BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Rosenberg asked Putin about Russia's future and potential new 'special military operations'. Putin defended Russia's repressive foreign agent law and stated that there won't be new military operations if the West treats Russia with respect and respects its interests. The article analyzes Putin's response as a potential olive branch to Europe, but notes that European leaders remain skeptical due to Russia's past actions and maximalist demands over Ukraine.

The US Justice Department has launched a civil case against Kemal Mrndzic, a man accused of being a Bosnian war criminal, to revoke his US citizenship. Mrndzic allegedly failed to disclose his role as a guard at Bosnia's Celebici prison camp during the Bosnian war, where atrocities were committed. He was previously found guilty of criminal fraud and misrepresentation related to his US naturalization process and sentenced to over five years in prison. The US government emphasizes the importance of the integrity of its naturalization process and will not allow individuals who persecuted others to benefit from refuge in the US.

A 50-year tradition of panda diplomacy between China and Japan is under threat due to heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The last pair of pandas in Japan is set to return to China next month, and hopes of receiving new ones soon appear dim. The row between China and Japan has been exacerbated by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments about Taiwan.

Iran executed a 27-year-old man named Aghil Keshavarz on Saturday, December 20, 2025, after convicting him of spying for Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad. Keshavarz was arrested in May while taking pictures of a military headquarters in Urmia, a city in northwestern Iran. He was accused of carrying out over 200 similar assignments for Mossad in various Iranian cities. A rights group claims that Keshavarz's confession was extracted under torture. The execution was reported by state media, which stated that Keshavarz had 'close intelligence cooperation' with Mossad and had taken photos of Iranian military and security areas. The case was tried, and the death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Mexico is set to impose a 50% tariff on various goods from Asia, effective January 1, potentially disrupting supply chains and limiting access to the North American market. The move is aimed at protecting domestic industries and addressing a significant trade imbalance with Asian partners. Countries without free-trade agreements with Mexico, such as China, India, and South Korea, are expected to be most affected. Analysts warn that this could lead to North America becoming a more unified and protected trade bloc, rather than a navigable patchwork of re-routing opportunities.

Philippine medical professionals are calling on Congress to curb or scrap 'medical pork', a system that allows politicians to influence who receives state medical aid through personally signed guarantee letters. At least 72 medical and health organizations have signed a joint petition denouncing the practice, arguing it undermines the country's Universal Health Care system. The issue has gained urgency as Congress finalizes the 2026 national budget, with critics warning that funds are being diverted away from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The current system forces patients to seek political mediation during medical emergencies, with lawmakers using their influence to determine who receives assistance.

The article discusses the looming 'patent cliff' facing US pharmaceutical companies, where a significant number of patents are set to expire between 2025 and 2030, leading to a loss of exclusivity and revenue. The industry is turning to China biotechs to fill the revenue gap, but is also facing a tougher political environment due to the Biosecure Act, which has added uncertainty to the industry. Morgan Stanley estimates that $171 billion of 2025 revenue at large-cap biopharma companies will go off-patent by 2030.

US President Donald Trump held a rally in North Carolina, focusing on economic issues and crime, while avoiding discussion of the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump highlighted his efforts to combat economic uncertainty, cited recent consumer price index data, and warned of a potential government shutdown in late January due to disagreements over insurance premium costs. He also addressed a vulnerability regarding the expiration of Affordable Care Act credits.

The article discusses the lengthy processing times for Hong Kong residents applying for permanent residency in Canada under a pathway introduced in 2021. Many applicants, like Cecilia, a 32-year-old finance worker in Toronto, have been waiting over a year and a half for their applications to be processed. Canadian authorities have warned that new applicants may face wait times of up to 10 years. This has led to frustration among applicants who had expected a much faster process based on earlier experiences. The article highlights the challenges faced by Hong Kong emigrants who moved to Canada seeking a more straightforward path to residency.

Taiwan's military is adopting a decentralised command and control model to counter China's expanding military capabilities and potential sudden attacks. The shift comes as defence officials warn of a heightened risk of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait escalating with little warning, overwhelming traditional top-down command structures. Taiwan's defence ministry has briefed lawmakers on the increased risk, citing China's intensified multi-service drills and real-world operational training.

Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul in a heavyweight boxing match on December 19, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Joshua knocked out Paul in the sixth round, having dropped him multiple times in the fifth and sixth rounds. The victory positions Joshua to potentially reclaim the heavyweight title he lost to Oleksandr Usyk and possibly face countryman Tyson Fury in the future. Joshua dominated the fight, utilizing his reach advantage and powerful punches to overwhelm Paul. The event was attended by several celebrities, including Rory McIlroy and Juan Soto. Joshua's win comes after a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, marking a significant comeback for the two-time heavyweight champion.

The article discusses how armed gangs are vying to fill the power vacuum left by Hamas in Israeli-occupied Gaza. After a two-year war, Gaza has been split into two, with Hamas controlling the western half and Israel controlling the eastern half. At least five factions are operating within the Israeli-controlled territory, and these groups are trying to assert their dominance and carve out influence. The groups, including the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, Popular Forces, Popular Army, and Popular Defense Army, are backed by Israel and are trying to recruit civilians and prove their ability to govern locally. However, their actions have plunged Gaza into more instability, and Hamas is now hunting them down. The article also discusses the potential role of these militias in a post-war Gaza and the concerns of ordinary Palestinians about the possibility of open civil conflict.

Bowen Yang, a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live', is leaving the show after seven years. Yang has played many iconic roles during his time at SNL, including a viral baby hippo and singer Charli XCX. The article highlights some of his best moments from the show.

The European Union has agreed to provide €90 billion in support to Ukraine over 2026 and 2027, according to the head of the European Council. This significant financial backing comes as part of the EU's ongoing efforts to support Ukraine. The news was reported by CNN, which also covered other unrelated stories, including changes to the US vaccine schedule and the addition of President Trump's name to the Kennedy Center.

The article discusses tips for moving abroad, particularly for retirement, based on the experiences of people who have made the transition. It highlights the top destinations for retirement in 2026 according to International Living's Global Retirement Index, with Greece, Panama, and Costa Rica ranking high. The article also shares stories of individuals who have moved abroad, including a woman who moved from the US to Poland and another who moved to Bali, and the challenges they faced. Additionally, it touches on luxury travel and aviation innovations.

The Russian economy is struggling due to inflation, a ballooning budget deficit, and shrinking oil and gas revenues. However, analysts believe that this economic turmoil is unlikely to prompt President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine anytime soon. The Kremlin's ability to wage war is 'unimpeded by any economic constraints,' and Western sanctions have not inflicted enough pain to change Moscow's plans. Russia's economic situation is manageable, and the government has managed to temper discontent by throwing money at the military workforce and their families. The war has created a new class of wartime economic 'winners,' including defense contractors and blue-collar workers, reducing economic inequality. Experts warn that it will take much more serious pressure on the Russian economy and a longer period for it to become catastrophic enough to bring Putin to the negotiating table.

The Philippines, a disaster-prone country, has invested billions in flood control measures, but officials have allegedly looted the funds, leading to catastrophic consequences. Typhoon Kalmaegi caused devastating flash flooding in Cebu province, killing over 230 people. Investigations revealed widespread corruption involving high-ranking officials and lawmakers who received kickbacks for awarding contracts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to jail those responsible and has frozen assets linked to the scandal. The scandal has sparked massive youth-led protests against corruption and the wealthy elite, with many Filipinos feeling that history is repeating itself due to the Marcos family's notorious past.

A 19-year-old inmate who escaped from a French prison in Dijon using bedsheets was captured in Marseille after Interpol issued a red notice. The inmate, suspected in a drug-linked attempted murder case, was found in a run-down apartment complex in Marseille. The escape was carried out by sawing through cell bars with blades likely delivered by drone. France's prisons are overcrowded, with Dijon prison holding 311 inmates for 180 places. The escape is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the poor conditions in French prisons.

Ecuadorian soccer player Mario Pineida was shot and killed in Guayaquil, Ecuador, amid escalating violence in the country. Pineida, a 33-year-old defender for Barcelona de Guayaquil and former national team player, was killed in an apparent attack. The incident is part of a larger wave of criminal violence in Ecuador, which has been linked to international drug cartels. The country is expected to have its most violent year on record, with over 9,000 homicides. President Daniel Noboa has pledged to fight criminal organizations, but violence continues to escalate.

The Trump administration has announced a massive $11.15 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones, drawing an angry response from China. The sale is the largest-ever U.S. weapons package to Taiwan and is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the U.S. and China. China has vowed to reunify with Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province, and has not ruled out the use of force. The U.S. is obligated under federal law to assist Taiwan with its self-defense, and the sale is seen as a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to maintaining regional stability.

The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands, its police department, and Police Commissioner Mario Brooks, alleging that they are obstructing American citizens' Second Amendment rights by imposing restrictive gun laws. The lawsuit claims that the territory's laws and practices, such as requiring applicants to demonstrate 'good reason' to own a gun and undergo intrusive home searches, are unconstitutional and deny citizens their right to possess and carry firearms. The U.S. Virgin Islands government has stated that it is reviewing the lawsuit and taking the allegations seriously, while maintaining its commitment to protecting constitutional rights and public safety.

Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul by knockout in the sixth round of their highly anticipated boxing match at the Kaseya Center in Miami on December 19, 2025. The fight was closely watched, with Joshua being the heavy favorite. Despite a slow start, Joshua knocked down Paul multiple times before securing the knockout victory. Joshua praised Paul's resilience, while Paul acknowledged Joshua's skill but claimed his jaw was broken. The win improves Joshua's record to 29-4 with 26 knockouts, setting up potential future bouts, including a possible megafight with Tyson Fury. Paul's loss drops his record to 12-2 with seven knockouts.

The article argues that Republicans should temporarily extend Obamacare subsidies while they work on replacing the Affordable Care Act with new health insurance reforms. The House has passed a bill with vital health-insurance reforms, but some GOP moderates are also trying to keep alive the possibility of a bipartisan deal to extend COVID-era subsidies. The article states that Obamacare is failing and that Democrats refuse to acknowledge its shortcomings, instead proposing to throw more taxpayer money at it. Republicans are caught between stopping the program's collapse and avoiding leaving millions without affordable coverage. The proposed solution is a time-limited extension of subsidies paired with long-term reforms.

The MTA is spending $7.3 million to install 'fins' and other deterrents at subway turnstiles to prevent fare evasion, but the measures are ineffective and fare beaters continue to evade payment. The author argues that the real solution is to enforce penalties for fare evasion, rather than just installing useless contraptions. The lack of enforcement not only leads to lost revenue but also fosters resentment among law-abiding citizens.

Swedish actress May Britt, the second wife of Sammy Davis Jr., has died at 91 due to natural causes. Born in 1934 on the Swedish island of Lidingö, Britt was discovered by Italian filmmakers and appeared in several Italian films before signing with 20th Century Fox in 1957. She gained fame for her roles in films like 'The Young Lions' and 'The Blue Angel.' Britt and Davis married in 1960, facing backlash due to their interracial marriage, which was illegal in 31 states at the time. They had a daughter, Tracey, and adopted two sons before divorcing in 1968. Britt made occasional TV appearances and married her third husband, Lennart Ringquist, in 1993. She is survived by her sons, sister, and grandchildren, though her daughter Tracey predeceased her in 2020.

The Albanian parliament erupted into chaos as opposition lawmakers demanded a vote on corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. The allegations, investigated by SPAK, claim Balluku participated in corrupt practices favoring companies in major infrastructure projects. Balluku has denied the accusations, describing them as 'mudslinging, insinuations half-truths and lies.' The crisis has drawn international scrutiny, with the U.S. State Department declining to comment on the case. Albania is a NATO member and a key U.S. ally in the Balkans, with Washington funding judicial reforms aimed at curbing corruption as part of the country's bid to join the European Union.

Canadian authorities have charged a 26-year-old man, Waleed Khan, with conspiring with the Islamic State (ISIS) to provide information and commit murder. Khan, along with two other men, Osman Azizov and Fahad Sadaat, are also accused of hate crimes targeting members of the Jewish community and attempting to kidnap women in the Greater Toronto Area. The three men face a total of 79 charges, including attempted kidnapping with a firearm, sexual assault with a weapon, and hate crimes. Police discovered a trove of guns and evidence suggesting additional hate crimes targeting the Jewish community after taking the suspects into custody.

The article reports that Iran has executed a record 2,013 prisoners in 2025 under President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a report by the dissident group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). The MEK report states that this number more than doubles the total executions counted by the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2024. The executions are attributed to various factors, including a free-falling Iranian currency, nationwide protests, and factional power struggles. The US State Department has condemned Iran's continued abuse of human rights, and experts are calling for more pressure on the Iranian government to stop the executions.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR) project, 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 operators feel that the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with Chinese businesses dominating the market. The article also highlights concerns about the impact of Chinese influence on Laotian culture and economy, as well as the country's heavy debt burden.

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 the local economy 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.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the United States, 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, ultimately closing her business. The tariffs had a disproportionate impact on small retailers, who were unable to absorb the costs like larger retailers such as Walmart and Target. The article highlights the consequences of the trade war on the toy industry, including a 'Christmas economy split' where big-box retailers continue to thrive while small businesses suffer.

Protesters in Bangladesh stormed and set fire to the offices of two major newspapers, Prothom Alo and Daily Star, following the death of prominent political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Journalists were trapped inside, but were later rescued by firefighters. The protests were sparked by Hadi's death, which occurred six days after he was shot while riding a rickshaw in Dhaka. Hadi was a critic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and was due to stand in national elections. The country's interim government urged people to resist violence, and troops were deployed to maintain order. The incident has raised concerns of fresh unrest ahead of national elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual TV address, stating that Russia wants peace with Ukraine but is unwilling to compromise on the 'root causes' of the conflict. Putin blamed Ukraine for the lack of a settlement and criticized the EU's decision to fund Ukraine. Despite news of Ukraine's drone attack on a Russian oil tanker, Putin remained confident in his forces' supremacy. Russians expressed concerns about the cost of living and stagnating wages, indicating that the war has taken a toll on the economy and people's lives. Putin's address did not reassure the public, and he showed no signs of altering his course.

Paychex CEO John Gibson shared his insights on the labor market for small businesses in an interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer. Gibson expressed a positive outlook, stating that labor growth in small businesses is solid, albeit not as strong as the previous year. He noted that small businesses are managing their costs and facing challenges in finding qualified employees. Despite concerns about artificial intelligence leading to mass unemployment, Gibson was optimistic about 2026, citing clarity on tax policy and potential interest rate cuts. Paychex's earnings report showed a top and bottom line beat, and the company raised its full-year earnings forecast midpoint, although it guided revenue towards the lower end of estimates.

A truck carrying 15 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries caught fire on the Hume Highway near Yass, New South Wales, on Saturday morning, causing the highway to be closed in both directions due to health risks associated with the fire. Firefighters cut off public access for 700m around the blaze and diverted traffic to contraflow lanes through Yass. The fire is expected to burn out as there was insufficient water to extinguish it, and contaminated runoff into nearby waterways is a concern. No confirmed injuries were reported, and the fire is not being treated as suspicious. Lithium-ion battery fires pose significant risks, and the government has been taking action to regulate their handling and disposal.

The article tells the story of 8-year-old Matviy Holovko, who lost his arm and mother in a Russian missile attack on his hometown of Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. The missile, an Iskander 9M723, contained components from Western companies, including US-based Intel, Analog Devices, and Texas Instruments, despite export controls. The attack killed 20 people, including 9 children, and was one of many that have hit Kryvyi Rih, a city frequently targeted by Russia. Matviy is now receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the Superhumans Center in Vynnyky, Ukraine. The article highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the role of Western technology in Russian military equipment.