In other news

An Australian sailor, Deirdre 'Cookie' Sibly, and her French companion, Pascal, were found dead on their yacht off the coast of South Africa. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are unclear, but authorities suspect foul play, possibly a pirate attack. Sibly's family and friends are seeking answers, describing her as an adventurous and experienced sailor who was enjoying her sailing trip.

Former FDNY Deputy Chief James 'Jim' Riches Sr. died on Thanksgiving Day at 74 due to a 9/11-related illness. Riches served in the FDNY for 30 years and was a highly revered firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center on 9/11, where his son Jimmy Jr. perished. He spent months aiding in recovery efforts and later became an advocate for 9/11-related issues. Riches is remembered for his courage, leadership, and dedication to protecting life and property.

The son of fugitive Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner, Bailey Turner, celebrated a 'bittersweet' win after his father's team, Union High School, beat Ridgeview High School 21-14. Travis Turner, 46, has been missing since November 20, when police were en route to his home to question him over allegations of possessing child pornography and attempting to have sex with a minor. Ten arrest warrants have been issued against him, charging him with five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. The family has denied the allegations, with Turner's wife stating that he is a 'good dad and a good husband.' Bailey Turner expressed appreciation for the support received from the community during this difficult time.

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy are facing a potential issue with the construction of the main ice hockey arena, the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, being behind schedule. Organizers have stated that there is no backup plan if the venue is not completed on time, with the ice hockey competition scheduled to begin on February 5. Andrea Francisi, the chief Games operations officer, expressed confidence that the venue will be ready, citing daily updates and significant progress by the construction companies. However, the arena's test event has been postponed until mid-January, raising concerns about meeting the Olympic deadline.

A potential Nor'Easter is forecasted to hit the East Coast next week, potentially dumping up to 5 inches of snow in parts of New York and New Jersey. The storm system is expected to bring 3-5 inches of snow to the lower Hudson Valley on Tuesday, while New York City may experience flurries before shifting to rain. Northwest New Jersey could see 1-3 inches of snow. The Nor'Easter follows a major cross-country storm system that caused over 1,800 flight cancellations and 7,000 delays on Saturday. A polar vortex is also expected to hit the US next week, bringing below-freezing temperatures to 235 million Americans.

The article discusses the impending departure of Brad Lander as New York City Comptroller and argues that it is good news for the city's pension system. Lander is criticized for his handling of the $300 billion pension fund, particularly his attempt to oust BlackRock from managing city retirement money due to its refusal to embrace his green energy agenda. The article argues that Lander's actions are misguided and potentially damaging to the pension fund, and that his replacement, Mark Levine, should ignore his recommendations. The article also criticizes Lander's progressive policies and his potential run for Congress in 2026.

A Palestinian esthetician based in New York City, Eman Masoud, has been condemned online for boasting about humiliating a Jewish couple who asked for help paying for parking. In a now-deleted TikTok video, Masoud recounted refusing to assist the couple unless they said 'Free Palestine.' The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing Masoud's actions as antisemitic and calling out the 'Free Palestine' movement for being used as an excuse for antisemitism. Masoud's video was shared by StopAntisemitism, and she has faced backlash on social media. The incident highlights the tensions between different communities and the ways in which social media can be used to amplify and condemn hate speech.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a convicted sex offender, has organized a Thanksgiving dinner for 1,000 inmates at the low-security FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey where he is being held. Combs, 56, helped finance the meal through the group Bankroll Bosses, and prisoners prepared the food using makeshift kitchen tools. The meal was distributed to inmates in multiple buildings, with one former gang leader praising the effort as a way to 'give back' to fellow prisoners. This act contrasts with Combs' past behavior, including a history of degrading sex parties and a violent incident in which he physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Combs was sentenced to four years and two months in prison and fined $500,000 for transporting people across state lines for sex.

Texas Representative Troy Nehls has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026 to focus on his family. Following his announcement, his identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, revealed his candidacy to replace him. Troy Nehls has been a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump and has served in various roles, including law enforcement and the US Army Reserves. Trever Nehls has pledged to continue his brother's conservative legacy and support Trump's agenda.

The article reports on a viral video of former US President Donald Trump making an impressive chip shot on the golf course, which he shared on his social media platform Truth Social. The video was posted after Trump had taken a jab at his predecessor Joe Biden's golf game during a video call with US military members on Thanksgiving. Trump has been vocal about his golfing abilities, claiming to have won 38 golf club championships and boasting about his skills during the video call. He also challenged Biden to a golf match, saying he would 'love' to face off against him.

The article discusses the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau, a small West African country, where armed men took power, marking the 11th successful coup in Africa this decade. The coup follows a similar event in Madagascar in October and raises concerns about the stability of the region. The true intentions of the putschists are still unclear, but the event highlights the ongoing issue of military interventions in African politics.

The article discusses China's worsening property market despite government efforts to stabilize it. The Communist Party of China's Politburo met in September 2024 to address the issue, but the market continued to decline. The article highlights the challenges faced by the government in resolving the crisis and notes that even the top leaders do not always get their way. The property market's downturn is seen as a significant problem for the country, and the government's remedies are deemed insufficient to address the issue.

The article discusses how investors are increasingly concerned about the potential for a market collapse in the private markets and unlisted tech industry, similar to the 2008 financial crisis. It highlights the growing fear among investors that America could be heading for a jolt, potentially emerging from private markets and unlisted corners of the tech industry. The article references the film 'The Big Short' and the experiences of investors who short-sold American housing debt before the Lehman Brothers collapse. It also touches on the challenges of short-selling in private markets and the potential risks involved.

A recent survey by the US Census Bureau found that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses has not been as widespread as expected, with the share of Americans using AI at work actually falling by a percentage point to 11%. This trend is particularly pronounced among larger businesses with over 250 employees. The findings have significant implications for the technology industry and investors who have been expecting a surge in AI adoption.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to reform the country's labor laws to free up its large workforce, currently constrained by socialist employment restrictions. The article highlights the unusual patterns in India's labor market, such as the prevalence of small firms and contract labor, and suggests that Modi's reforms aim to address these issues.

The article discusses how Americans have historically reacted to high food prices, citing examples from the early 20th century to the 1970s. It highlights how public outcry and protests led to government interventions, such as price freezes, which ultimately had negative consequences. The article suggests that voters' dislike of big numbers can lead to purely nominal fixes, implying that the affordability crisis may be addressed through similar measures.

The article discusses how self-driving cars, or robotaxis, are expected to transform urban economies by changing the way people move around cities. As autonomous vehicles spread and develop, they will operate under different constraints than human-driven cars, reshaping cities in the process. The article highlights the potential impacts of this transformation, including changes to urban planning and the economy.

The article discusses the changing nature of Chinese aid to Africa, particularly in the health sector, as Western countries scale back their support. The Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Zambia, built and expanded by China, is cited as an example of China's growing influence in the region. The article questions whether China will fill the gap left by the West's decreasing aid.

The article discusses the growing fatalism among investors, who are increasingly accepting of potential market downturns. Despite record profits from companies like Nvidia, share prices continue to fall, leaving investors questioning their decisions. The article explores the reasons behind this trend and its implications for the market.

One of two inmates who escaped from a French prison in Dijon using bedsheets has been recaptured, while the other remains at large. The escapees, aged 19 and 32, had sawn through the bars of their cell. The incident highlights France's prison overcrowding issues and the neglect of normal jails as resources are diverted to high-security prisons for narco criminals and jihadist suspects. The 32-year-old, accused of violence against a partner, was arrested south of Dijon. The 19-year-old, suspected of attempted murder linked to drug trafficking, is still being sought by around 100 police officers. The Dijon prison, built in 1853, is severely overcrowded with 311 inmates for 180 places. The escape follows another recent jailbreak in Rennes, which led to the sacking of the prison's director by Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. Prison unions have criticized Darmanin's focus on high-security prisons, arguing it neglects the majority of jails.

Twelve young girls kidnapped by jihadists in Nigeria's Borno state were released late Saturday. The girls, aged between 16 and 23, were kidnapped near their farms last Saturday. The jihadists released them after the army began pursuing them, with no ransom paid. The release comes amid a surge in abductions of young people in Nigeria over the past two weeks. The country's northeast has been plagued by a 16-year conflict with jihadists, resulting in over 40,000 deaths and two million displaced people. In a separate incident, over 265 children and teachers are still being held by armed gangs after being seized from a Catholic school in Niger state.

A 39-year-old man with a criminal record has been arrested by French police in connection with the theft of France's crown jewels from the Louvre Museum on October 19. The man is believed to be the fourth member of the team responsible for the heist, which is estimated to be worth $102 million. The robbery was carried out by a four-person team using angle grinders, a freight lift, and subterfuge, with the thieves dressing as workers in bright vests. The stolen jewels include a diamond-and-emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugénie's pearl-and-diamond tiara. The investigation is ongoing, with the Paris prosecutor's office leading the inquiry.

A telescope in Chile has captured a stunning new image of the Butterfly Nebula, also known as NGC 6302. The nebula is 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius and features a white dwarf star at its center. The star has shed its outer layers of gas, which now form the butterfly-like wings visible in the image. The image was taken by the Gemini South telescope as part of a contest to celebrate 25 years of operation by the International Gemini Observatory. Students in Chile chose the nebula as the target for the image.

Scientists have detected what they believe to be lightning on Mars using recordings from NASA's Perseverance rover. The team, led by Baptiste Chide, analyzed 28 hours of recordings and documented 55 instances of 'mini lightning' over two Martian years, primarily during dust storms and dust devils. The electrical discharges were captured by a microphone on the rover and are believed to be similar to static electricity on Earth. While the evidence is strong, it is based on a single instrument and has not been verified by other means. The discovery opens a new field of investigation for Mars science and could have implications for understanding the planet's chemistry and potential risks for future missions.

A rare Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, is being auctioned by Christie's in London with an expected sale price of over $26 million. The egg was crafted for Russia's imperial family before the 1917 revolution and is one of seven remaining in private hands. Created by female designer Alma Pihl in 1913 for Czar Nicholas II's mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the egg is made of rock crystal, platinum, and 4,500 diamonds. It is considered a masterpiece of decorative arts and is expected to surpass the record $18.5 million paid for another Fabergé egg in 2007. The Winter Egg is part of a series of eggs created by Peter Carl Fabergé for the Romanov family between 1885 and 1917, with 43 surviving imperial eggs mostly held in museums.

A 43-year-old American man, Christopher Brown, was found dead in Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, after attempting to purchase marijuana. A 24-year-old suspect is in custody. Brown, a builder from Silverthorne, Colorado, had dinner with friends in Castara, a fishing village, before leaving to buy marijuana. He was found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds and a metal object protruding from his back. The motive is still unknown. Tobago's Division of Tourism condemned the killing, citing it as the first violent act in the typically safe village. Trinidad and Tobago has seen over 330 homicides this year, with a state of emergency in effect since July due to a criminal network plotting to harm government officials and institutions. The U.S. Embassy recently issued a warning for Americans in the country to avoid government facilities amid tensions with Venezuela.

The UK is expanding its sugar tax to include milk-based drinks, such as milkshakes and flavored milks, in an effort to combat obesity. The tax, which was introduced in 2018, has already led to a reduction in sugar content in many soft drinks. The new rules will come into effect in 2028 and are expected to further reduce sugar consumption. The tax has been successful in reducing obesity among children, with a study finding that it prevents 5,000 cases of obesity per year among 10- and 11-year-old girls. The UK's approach is in contrast to the US, where there is no national sugar tax and manufacturers are unlikely to change their formulas without one.

Thousands of Airbus planes resumed normal service after a brief grounding due to a warning that solar radiation could interfere with onboard computers. Airbus issued a warning affecting around 6,000 A320 planes, with most requiring a software update and 900 older planes needing a replacement computer. The update process was largely completed by Saturday, with some airlines experiencing delays and cancellations. The issue was discovered after a JetBlue Airways plane emergency landed in October due to a software problem caused by intense solar radiation.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner Jodie Haydon, becoming the country's first leader to tie the knot while in office. The couple married in Canberra on Saturday, with Albanese's son, Nathan, and Jodie Haydon's parents in attendance. The wedding plans were kept under wraps due to security concerns, and the ceremony was attended by several of Albanese's cabinet ministers. The couple first met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020 and got engaged on Valentine's Day last year. They plan to honeymoon in Australia next week.

The Nigerian government has blamed jihadist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (Iswap) for a recent wave of kidnappings in north-western and central Nigeria. However, analysts dispute this claim, attributing the kidnappings to local criminal gangs known as 'bandits'. The kidnappings have resulted in the abduction of over 250 children and staff from schools in the region. The government has denied paying ransoms, despite allegations that the ban on ransom payments has been widely ignored. The security crisis in Nigeria has been highlighted internationally, with US President Donald Trump threatening to send troops to Nigeria.

The Wiggles, a popular Australian children's music group, has issued a statement after two of its members appeared in a music video for a song called 'Ecstasy' by musician Keli Holiday. The video, which was later deleted, showed Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and his nephew Dominic Field dancing in the background. The Wiggles distanced themselves from the song, stating that they do not condone drug use and that the video was created without their approval. The song's lyrics appear to allude to drug use, with the chorus including the line 'You and your pocket full of ecstasy.' The Wiggles have asked for the video to be removed and emphasized that their performances at the TikTok Awards, where the clip was filmed, were family-friendly.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner Jodie Haydon in an intimate ceremony at his official residence in Canberra, becoming the first Australian prime minister to wed while in office. The couple, who wrote their own vows, included their dog Toto as ring bearer and Haydon's five-year-old niece Ella as flower girl. The ceremony was attended by about 60 guests, including cabinet ministers. Albanese, 62, who is divorced with an adult son, proposed to Haydon, 46, on Valentine's Day last year. The couple had initially planned a larger-scale wedding before the election but delayed plans due to concerns it could hurt the government's re-election chances during a cost-of-living crisis. The newlyweds will honeymoon in Australia from Monday until Friday of next week, with all expenses paid privately.

The article discusses the tragic death of 29-year-old chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who was accused of cheating by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. Naroditsky's death has raised concerns about the impact of unsubstantiated allegations on mental health and the prevalence of cheating in online chess. The article explores the controversy surrounding Kramnik's comments, the history of cheating allegations in chess, and the challenges of policing online games.

West Midlands Police faced scrutiny over banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match, with Amsterdam police disputing the evidence provided. The ban was imposed due to concerns over community tensions amid the Gaza war. Amsterdam police contradicted West Midlands Police's claims about Maccabi fans targeting Muslim communities and throwing people into a river. The decision will be challenged by the Home Affairs Select Committee.

A software issue affecting thousands of Airbus A320 planes has prompted a warning of potential disruption to UK passengers. The issue was triggered by a JetBlue flight that lost altitude due to intense solar radiation corrupting data critical to flight controls. Airbus has issued an alert and is working with airlines to update the software, with some planes requiring new hardware. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has assured minimal disruption, but some airlines have reported delays and cancellations. The issue affects around 6,000 planes, with 1,000 potentially requiring new hardware.

The discovery of a mass grave in Chemmani, Sri Lanka, has unearthed the country's bloody past, revealing the remains of hundreds of people, including children and babies, who were buried in a disordered manner. The site is believed to contain victims of atrocities committed during the civil war between the Sri Lankan army and the separatist militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The excavation has revived decades-old allegations of wartime atrocities and cover-ups, with families of the victims demanding justice and accountability. The Sri Lankan government has been criticized for its handling of previous investigations into mass graves, with many cases being halted due to lack of funds or political will.

A senior FDA official, Dr. Vinay Prasad, has announced plans to change the vaccine approval process, citing concerns that Covid-19 vaccines caused the deaths of 10 children. The new process will require more evidence of safety and value before vaccines can be marketed, including stricter requirements for authorization of vaccines used for pregnant women and trials for pneumonia vaccines. The changes could slow down the approval process significantly. The move is in line with arguments made by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has raised doubts about vaccine effectiveness and has taken steps to slash funding for mRNA vaccine development and alter the CDC's vaccine advisory committee.

A powerful winter storm swept across the Midwest, affecting 49 million people and causing hazardous travel conditions between cities like St. Louis and Chicago. The storm is expected to continue across the country, bringing various weather conditions. The article discusses the impact of the storm and the resulting winter weather alerts.

A massive protest in Giessen, Germany, disrupted a conference for the youth wing of the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, with thousands of demonstrators, including Antifa members, clashing with police. The AfD's youth organization, Generation Deutschland, was formed after the previous youth chapter was classified as an extremist organization. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel condemned the protests as 'undemocratic,' while the state's governor criticized the violence. The AfD has been gaining popularity, securing 20.8% of the vote in a recent election, but mainstream parties have refused to form a coalition due to the party's extremist views.

The US has significantly increased airstrikes in Somalia under the Trump administration, with over 100 strikes in 2025 compared to 10 in 2024 under Biden. The airstrikes have targeted jihadi groups, primarily ISIS and al-Shabab, and have been carried out in coordination with the Somali government. A recent operation involved an airstrike and gun battle with ISIS-Somalia jihadists, resulting in the reported killing or capture of a high-level terror leader and up to 10 terrorists. The US military has denied reports of American ground troops being involved in the operation.

The US State Department has issued a warning to the UK government over its handling of grooming gangs, citing a failure to address the issue and protect victims. The warning comes amid a growing scandal over the exploitation of young girls by gangs of mostly Pakistani men in the UK. The UK government has been accused of covering up the issue, with several victims and members of the independent inquiry resigning in protest. The State Department's statement highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in addressing the issue.

The Nepalese government has announced plans to reduce the permit fee for tourists visiting Upper Mustang, a rugged plateau in northern Nepal known for its Tibetan culture and dramatic landscapes. The current flat fee of US$500 for a 10-day stay will be replaced with a daily rate of US$50. Tourism entrepreneurs believe this change will make the destination more accessible and boost the local economy. However, some residents of Upper Mustang are concerned that they will not benefit from the increased tourism and will be negatively impacted.

A South Korean foundation is set to release a report investigating the sinking of the Ukishima Maru ship in 1945, which was carrying Korean labourers from Japan to Busan. The report aims to resolve discrepancies in the number of people on board and the number of deaths. The Japanese government estimates 3,735 Koreans were on the ship, while South Korean figures suggest between 6,700 and 10,000 people were aboard. The report's findings may exacerbate tensions between South Korea and Japan, as the two countries have differing accounts of the incident. The investigation will also examine the cause of the sinking, with conflicting records between the two nations. The report's release is expected to be sensitive, given the historical context and ongoing bilateral tensions between South Korea and Japan.

China's efforts to build better relations with Syria are hindered by the presence of Uygur militant groups linked to China's Xinjiang region in the Syrian armed forces. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Syria's new transitional government to act against these groups, while also expressing willingness to help with post-war reconstruction. Analysts say that overcoming this hurdle is crucial for improving bilateral relations.

China's factory activity slightly increased in November but remained in contraction for the eighth consecutive month, while services weakened as the boost from earlier holidays faded. The manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 49.2, up 0.2 points from October, but stayed below the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. High-tech manufacturing expanded, but construction and services cooled. The data highlights the uneven recovery and lingering weakness in property-linked sectors. China's economy has cooled due to trade tensions with the U.S. and a drawn-out property slump, with growth slipping to 4.8% in the third quarter. Policymakers have signaled a push to lift consumption and tech self-reliance but have avoided major new stimulus as the economy remains on track to meet its 5% growth target.

The article discusses the potential for a Santa Rally in December, analyzing various market factors and central bank decisions. It highlights the volatility in November, driven by concerns over AI valuations and spending plans. The article presents both the case for a Santa Rally, citing historical data and expected interest rate cuts, and the 'bah humbug' case, pointing to ongoing concerns over AI hyperscaler spending and potential drags from crypto markets. Key events in December include central bank policy decisions and a European Leaders summit.

Pakistan has intensified mass expulsions of Afghans, with around one million deported or forced to return to Afghanistan this year, amid escalating military clashes and border closures between the two countries. Many Afghans have lived their entire lives in Pakistan, which has served as a haven during Afghanistan's successive wars. The Pakistani authorities have urged landlords to evict Afghan families and encouraged citizens to report them through a whistle-blower system. The expulsions have been criticized by the United Nations and human rights groups, with concerns raised about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the impact on Afghan refugees.

President Trump has commuted the seven-year prison sentence of David Gentile, a private equity executive convicted of a $1.6 billion scheme that defrauded thousands of investors. Gentile had served less than two weeks of his sentence before being released. The commutation does not erase his conviction. Gentile and his co-defendant, Jeffry Schneider, were found guilty of securities and wire fraud charges. Prosecutors described the victims as 'hardworking, everyday people,' including small business owners, farmers, veterans, teachers, and nurses. The White House official argued that prosecutors had falsely characterized the business as a Ponzi scheme. Civil claims against Gentile's firm will continue, and it is unclear whether the commutation will affect financial penalties.

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 damaging homes and farmlands, and how this has led to an increase in climate migrants. It also mentions the predicted displacement of 28 million people by 2050 due to climate change.

The US is seeking to rebalance its economy and restore fairness to the international trading system under President Donald Trump's administration. The US Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Anjani Kumar Sinha, stated that the US is calling in favors from friends like Singapore. He cited technology, energy, and security as priority areas. The US has imposed a 10% baseline tariff on Singapore despite a free trade agreement since 2004. Dr. Sinha explained that this move is part of the US's efforts to restore fairness to the trading system.

The article 'All the president’s millions: how the Trumps are turning the presidency into riches' by The Guardian examines how Donald Trump's family is leveraging his presidency to amass wealth globally. Since Trump's re-election, his sons, Donald Jr and Eric, have been involved in a global dealmaking blitz, including new golf courses, skyscrapers, and cryptocurrency ventures. Critics accuse the Trumps of operating a 'pay to play' system, potentially corrupting American democracy and influencing other nations. The article highlights several instances where Trump's business interests may have influenced his presidential decisions, such as in the Gulf states and the Balkans. Experts warn that this blurs the line between public office and private gain, potentially normalizing corruption in geopolitics.