In other news

The article discusses the recent sham election in Myanmar, which marks a new phase of military rule in the country. The election is seen as a ploy by the military junta to legitimize its rule, while the country's rebels are on the back foot. The article highlights the ongoing resistance against the junta, led by figures such as Tayzar San, a doctor who has been leading protests against the military since 2021. The election is expected to be a sham, with the junta likely to manipulate the outcome to its advantage.

The article discusses the rarity of political courage, using the example of a vote against gerrymandering. It references John F. Kennedy's 'Profiles in Courage' and highlights the challenges politicians face in balancing principles with the desire to get along with peers and win re-election. The article suggests that while compromise is often necessary, acts of political courage are particularly valuable in times of political polarization.

The article discusses Warren Buffett's retirement and the uncertainty surrounding Berkshire Hathaway's future direction under his successor. Buffett has a history of 'retiring' and then pursuing new ventures, having done so in 1956 and 1969. His latest 'retirement' raises questions about the future of Berkshire Hathaway, a company he transformed into one of the most successful businesses in history.

The article discusses the challenges and limitations of conducting job interviews, highlighting the difficulties in assessing a candidate's true character and abilities within a short time frame. It notes that candidates often pretend to be someone they are not, and the interview process can be stressful for both parties. The article is part of The Economist's 'Bartleby' column, which focuses on management and workplace issues.

The article discusses the growing concern among luxury handbag brands such as Chanel and Prada about the quality of their products. Online videos showcasing the poor craftsmanship of luxury items, such as loose heel caps and shoddy stitching, are becoming increasingly popular. This trend is worrying for luxury brands as it may damage their reputation for quality and exclusivity.

The article discusses the internal divisions within the Republican Party, particularly among conservative influencers associated with Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization founded by Charlie Kirk. The divisions were evident at the organization's annual conference, AmericaFest, where influencers disagreed on issues such as Israel, the platforming of antisemites and conspiracists, and the definition of being an American. The article suggests that these divisions are a sign of a broader rift within the party, occurring just three months after Kirk's death in a murder on a college campus in Utah.

The article discusses the growing trend of American schools adopting a four-day week schedule. The superintendent of Eldon, Iowa's school district, which implemented this schedule in 2022, reports improved attendance, behavior, and mental health among students. Teachers use the extra day to learn new curricula. While teachers and parents are supportive, the results for pupils are mixed. The article highlights the potential benefits and challenges of this schedule change.

Western carmakers may face hazards if they retreat from electric vehicles (EVs) as governments pull back on efforts to speed up the transition to EVs. Despite slowing demand, hitting the brakes on the transition away from petrol engines could be dangerous for Western carmakers. The EU recently dropped its ban on the sale of petrol cars from 2035, and Ford announced a $19.5bn write-down of its assets as it rethinks its EV strategy. The article suggests that adjusting to the changing road conditions is crucial for Western carmakers to avoid a bruising.

The article discusses the economics of megachurches in the United States, focusing on their growth, financial management, and political neutrality. It highlights the Lakewood Church in Houston, which attracts 45,000 people weekly and features a converted basketball stadium as its sanctuary. The church's pastor delivers sermons that are more akin to entertainment, with elaborate stage settings and music. The article suggests that megachurches like Lakewood are thriving due to their ability to adapt to modern tastes and preferences, while avoiding political entanglements.

Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has undergone a second medical procedure to treat persistent hiccups. The 70-year-old is currently serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election. Bolsonaro received a 'phrenic nerve block procedure' on Monday, following a similar treatment on Saturday. His condition is reported to be stable, and his medical team expects him to be discharged soon. Bolsonaro has been suffering from recurring hiccups for nine months and had previously undergone surgery for a double hernia on Christmas Day.

Researchers have found that great white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are at risk of extinction due to illegal fishing and sale in North African fish markets. Despite being protected under international law, at least 40 great white sharks were killed in 2025 alone. Conservationists are calling for urgent action to protect the species, including supporting sustainable fishing practices and enforcing existing regulations.

The Nepalese government is scrapping a deposit scheme that required climbers on Mount Everest to pay $4,000 and bring back at least 8kg of waste to receive a refund. The scheme, in place for 11 years, has been deemed a failure as it did not effectively address the growing waste problem on the mountain. Officials say most climbers brought back waste from lower camps, not the higher camps where the problem is most severe. A new non-refundable clean-up fee is proposed to replace the deposit scheme, which will be used to set up checkpoints and deploy mountain rangers to monitor climbers' waste disposal.

K-pop band NewJeans is breaking up after a bitter feud with their record label Ador. The band announced they were leaving Ador in 2024, alleging workplace harassment, but a court ruling forced them to stay until 2029. Ador has now terminated the contract of member Danielle Marsh, leaving fans devastated and sparking a backlash on social media. The move effectively ends any hope of a full-group comeback. Music critic Lim Hee-yun believes Ador will be pressured to recruit new members, but this is challenging in the K-pop industry where fan loyalty is tied to the original members.

The BBC has analyzed Russian losses in the Ukraine war and found that they have been increasing faster than ever over the past 10 months. The number of obituaries published in Russian sources rose by 40% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with an average of 322 obituaries per day in October and November. The BBC has confirmed the names of almost 160,000 people killed fighting on Russia's side, but estimates the real death toll to be between 243,000 and 352,000. The increase in losses is linked to the Kremlin's efforts to gain territorial advantages to influence negotiations with the US. Many Russian soldiers who have died were 'volunteers' who signed up for the military, often with promises of hefty payouts or to avoid prison sentences. The article also highlights the story of Murat Mukashev, an activist who was sentenced to 10 years in prison but signed up to fight and died in June 2025.

Cecilia Giménez, an 81-year-old Spanish woman, became an unintentional internet sensation in 2012 after she botched the restoration of a 19th-century fresco titled Ecce Homo in her local church. The poorly done restoration earned the nickname 'Monkey Christ' due to Christ's head resembling a hairy monkey. Giménez's actions led to a significant increase in tourism in her town, Borja, and she later staged an art exhibition. Giménez has died at the age of 94, and her death was confirmed by Borja's mayor, Eduardo Arilla, who paid tribute to her 'famous restoration of Ecce Homo'.

Thailand's army has accused Cambodia of breaching a newly signed ceasefire deal by detecting over 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying from the Cambodian side. The ceasefire, which took effect on Saturday, aimed to freeze front lines, ban reinforcements, and allow civilians to return to border areas. Cambodia's Foreign Minister described the incident as a 'small issue related to flying drones.' The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is long-standing, with recent clashes resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands displaced. China and the US have provided diplomatic encouragement, with their leaders praising the ceasefire just hours before the alleged breach.

The United States has pledged $2 billion to fund United Nations humanitarian programs, but has warned the UN to 'adapt or die' amid huge cuts in US funding for humanitarian operations. The funding comes with conditions, including restrictions on spending money on projects related to tackling climate change and on countries not prioritized by the US, such as Afghanistan and Yemen. The UN has welcomed the new funds, but there are concerns that the conditions attached are too politicized and challenge the fundamental principles of humanitarian aid.

The article discusses how US President Donald Trump is promoting the use of coal to power artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, while China is taking a different approach by transforming coal into nylon, a valuable synthetic polymer used in various industries. In the Chinese city of Pingdingshan, coal is being chemically converted into nylon, which is then used to manufacture high-performance clothing and other products. This marks a strategic divergence between the US and China in their treatment of fossil resources in the era of green energy.

Asia has experienced a year of costly climate disasters, with four of the world's six costliest weather disasters in 2025 occurring in the region. Experts are urging investment in climate resilience and warning that poorer countries face greater risks unless global emissions are cut and spending shifts from disaster response to prevention. The region has been hit by floods, storms, and extreme heat, with countries such as India, Pakistan, and the Philippines suffering significant damage and loss of life. Christian Aid's report highlights the need for decisive action to mitigate the impact of climate-driven disasters.

China has introduced new laws to promote ethnic unity and the use of standard Chinese, with a focus on national security. The laws, which include the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress and changes to the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language, aim to protect national symbols and penalize those who obstruct the use of the national language. The legislation is seen as crucial for national unity, economic development, and stability in ethnically diverse regions. The moves come amid international scrutiny of Beijing's policies towards ethnic minorities, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang.

China's economic adviser, Wang Yiming, has warned that the country must accelerate basic research and master core technologies to gain leverage against the US's targeted restrictions. Wang emphasized that China can no longer rely on others for key technologies and must innovate from the ground up to create deterrents against foreign supply cuts. He cited the US's 'small yard, high fence' policy as a reason for China to take the lead in strategic sectors that match the trajectory of the future. Wang's remarks come amid heightened tensions between China and the US, marked by American curbs on chip exports and retaliatory Chinese restrictions on critical minerals.

The Hong Kong government plans to develop the Hung Shui Kiu industrial park into a hub for advanced manufacturing, focusing on industries such as proprietary Chinese medicine and environmentally friendly concrete. The park will leverage its strategic location near the Shenzhen Bay border and Hong Kong International Airport to differentiate itself from the nearby San Tin Technopole, which focuses on innovation and technology. The company operating the park is expected to be financially independent and accountable to the Legislative Council for the economic growth it generates.

The article highlights seven significant news stories from Southeast Asia, including the rise of Peranakan Chinese networks, the jailing of Malaysian ex-PM Najib Razak in the 1MDB scandal, and the Philippine Supreme Court upholding a murder conviction related to former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. The Peranakan Chinese community has built a powerful network through trade and migration, bridging China and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Najib Razak was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the 1MDB scandal, and the Philippine court's decision is seen as a significant moment for the country's justice system.

Thailand is gearing up for a general election on February 8, with a three-way battle between the conservative Bhumjaithai Party led by caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the youth-oriented People's Party with a reform agenda, and Pheu Thai, the political machine of Thaksin Shinawatra. The campaign is marked by corruption allegations, a tense border conflict with Cambodia, and the emergence of a new frontman for the Shinawatra dynasty. The public remains unimpressed due to repeated electoral nullifications and coups that have allowed conservatives to regain power. The election aims to cut through the chaos of the last two years, which saw winners shunted into opposition, prime ministers ousted by courts, and economic struggles.

The US is securing bilateral health deals with African countries to access critical pathogen data and specimens, following its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). The deals, part of the 'America First Global Health Strategy', involve over a dozen African countries and could replace the dismantled USAID grant system. Analysts warn that this move is a strategic retreat from multilateral organisations, creating a vacuum that China may exploit to deepen its influence in global health bodies. African nations risk becoming transactional pawns unless they conduct rigorous reviews before signing away access to their sensitive data.

China's electric vehicle (EV) market is expected to face increased competition and a potential price war in 2026 as growth slows down. Domestic saturation is driving Chinese automakers like BYD and Geely to expand overseas, including opening local factories. Foreign carmakers, such as Volkswagen, are also vying for a share of the Chinese market. The market is becoming increasingly concentrated, with the top ten manufacturers accounting for around 95% of the Chinese new energy vehicle market. Analysts predict further industry consolidation and a continued price war.

Elon Musk's vision of robots everywhere is becoming a reality, driven by China's strategic priority on humanoid robots. China is likely to take an early lead in the technology, with domestic firms ramping up production. Chinese companies such as Unitree, UBTech Robotics, and AgiBot are already making significant progress, with plans to mass-produce humanoid robots in 2026. China's manufacturing prowess, success in electric vehicles, and government subsidies give it an edge in robotics. However, the industry faces challenges such as restricted access to certain chips, AI limitations, and regulatory barriers. Analysts expect China's humanoid robot market to be initially bigger than that of the U.S., but both countries are expected to converge toward similarly large markets in the long term.

CNBC's Jim Cramer advises investors to avoid certain sectors when looking for long-term gains in the stock market. He suggests steering clear of companies that can be derailed by inconsistency, such as cyclical companies, financials, highly speculative companies, and those with low growth rates or high fixed costs. Cramer emphasizes the importance of consistent growth and recommends filtering out companies that don't meet this criterion.

Meta Platforms has acquired Manus, a Singapore-based developer of general-purpose AI agents, to boost automation across consumer and business products. Manus will continue operating its subscription service, and its employees will join Meta's teams. The acquisition is part of Meta's aggressive AI expansion strategy, following investments in Scale AI and the acquisition of Limitless. Manus' AI agent tools have been used by major tech companies, including Microsoft, which began testing Manus in Windows 11 PCs in October.

Novo Nordisk's stock has plummeted due to investor concerns over the company's ability to translate its success with GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, into financial gains. Despite this, scientists remain hopeful about the potential of these drugs to treat various conditions beyond weight loss, including heart disease, kidney disease, and neurological disorders. Research has shown that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may have benefits for treating alcohol use disorder, nicotine addiction, and even uncontrollable shopping behaviors. While a recent trial failed to show a significant impact on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, some scientists believe that the drug may still have potential as a preventative therapy.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing criticism for welcoming home Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a dual British-Egyptian national who was released from an Egyptian prison after 14 years. Abd el-Fattah had allegedly posted violent and antisemitic language on social media, prompting criticism from Conservative Party members and calls for his British citizenship to be revoked. The UK government later clarified that Starmer was not aware of the posts when he welcomed Abd el-Fattah, and that they considered his comments 'abhorrent'. Abd el-Fattah has since apologized for his past comments.

Hamas has confirmed the deaths of five senior leaders, including Mohammed al-Sinwar, brother of former Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar, and Abu Obeida, the group's longtime masked spokesperson. The deaths mark a significant blow to the terror organization since the start of the Gaza war. Israel had previously announced the deaths, and the confirmations came despite a ceasefire that took effect in October. US President Donald Trump warned that Hamas must disarm soon or face severe consequences.

Iran is reportedly developing chemical and biological warheads for its ballistic missiles amid growing domestic unrest fueled by economic collapse and inflation. The development has raised concerns in Washington and Israel, particularly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President Donald Trump. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has accelerated work on unconventional missile payloads and upgraded command-and-control systems. The report comes as Iran faces mounting economic unrest, with shopkeepers shutting down major markets and protests spreading across the country.

Protests escalated across Iran on Monday as demonstrators confronted security forces in Tehran and Mashhad, with authorities deploying tear gas amid strikes and street clashes. The protests, which continued into the night, were sparked by economic grievances and calls for the downfall of the ruling clerics. The Iranian opposition group, National Council of Resistance of Iran, reported that a large crowd marched in Tehran, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding the leadership step aside. The unrest spread to other parts of the country, with merchants shutting down their shops in major commercial hubs. International leaders, including former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, expressed support for the protesters.

The CEO of Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, Maxim Timchenko, has warned that Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid will continue unless US President Donald Trump intervenes. Timchenko stated that Trump's leadership is crucial in forcing Russia to negotiate and stop the war. DTEK has suffered significant damage to its power stations, with 90% of its generation capacity damaged or destroyed at one point. Despite this, the company has managed to restore power to over 30 million Ukrainian households. Timchenko emphasized Ukraine's dependence on continued global support to continue fighting the war.

A knife attack in Suriname's Commewijne district killed at least 9 people, including 5 children, and injured 2 others. The attacker, a male suspect, injured police officers during his arrest and is now hospitalized. The victims included the attacker's children and neighbors who intervened. The attack has shocked the nation, with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons expressing condolences to the bereaved families. Suriname has seen a spike in its murder rate in 2024, with 30 homicides per 100,000 residents.

A train accident occurred in southern Mexico on December 28, 2025, resulting in at least 13 deaths and 98 injuries. The Interoceanic Train, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, derailed near the town of Nizanda in the state of Oaxaca. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Oaxaca state Gov. Salomon Jara responded to the incident, with Sheinbaum instructing officials to assist the families of the victims. The train was carrying 241 passengers and nine crew members. The Interoceanic Train is part of a broader infrastructure development project aimed at boosting train travel and international trade in the region.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan discussed the state of the economy on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on December 28, 2025. Moynihan stated that despite Americans feeling that holiday items are hard to afford, spending has been solid, with a 4.25-4.5% increase compared to the previous year. He attributed this to growing wages and low unemployment rates. Moynihan also addressed the 'K-shaped economy,' where different income brackets are growing at varying rates, but all are experiencing growth. He identified the biggest risk to the economy as the consumer slowing down their spending and potential shocks from wars or cyber events. Moynihan also discussed trade wars and tariffs, suggesting that President Trump's strategy is one of de-escalation, which could lead to a cooling off of the trade war with China.

The United States has pledged $2 billion for U.N. humanitarian aid, a significant reduction from previous years, as part of a broader effort to reform the U.N.'s humanitarian efforts. The Trump administration has been slashing U.S. foreign assistance, warning U.N. agencies to 'adapt, shrink or die.' The new funding model aims to consolidate leadership authority, reduce bureaucratic overhead, and promote results-driven assistance aligned with U.S. foreign policy. Critics argue that the cuts will have severe implications for U.N. affiliates and harm U.S. soft power globally.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the construction of the Laos-China Railway (LCR), a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, investors, and workers to Laos, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. While the railway has boosted tourism and trade, local businesses and residents are concerned that the benefits are unevenly distributed, with Chinese companies and tourists largely operating within their own ecosystems. The article highlights the cultural and economic implications of China's growing presence in Laos, including the dominance of Chinese language and culture, and the potential for local businesses to be marginalized.

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 focuses on Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old man who left his village in Bangladesh to work in Singapore. Emran's family was affected by recurring disasters, including cyclones and floods, which damaged their home and livelihood. The article highlights the vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change, with rising sea levels and increased frequency of natural disasters threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. The government predicts that one in every seven Bangladeshis will be displaced due to climate change by 2050.

A US start-up, Phoenix Tailings, is attempting to break China's near-monopoly on the processing of rare-earth elements by utilizing new processing methods. The company is operating in Exeter, New Hampshire, where it transforms taupe-coloured powder into rough ingots used for making electric vehicle motors or fighter jets. This development is significant as it challenges China's dominance in the rare-earth industry, a crucial sector for various high-tech applications.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs, ultimately leading to its closure. The tariffs, which reached as high as 145%, disproportionately affected small retailers, who were unable to absorb the costs like larger retailers such as Walmart and Target. The article highlights the impact of the trade war on the toy industry, with small businesses making up 96% of the ecosystem, and the resulting 'Christmas economy split' between big-box retailers and small shopkeepers.

The article discusses the contrasting reactions of Israelis to the ongoing conflict with Hamas, with some moving to the Gaza border to help rebuild kibbutzim and others refusing to return due to trauma. The conflict has led to a shift in Israeli public opinion, with a majority believing it is time to end the war, but a significant portion supporting the establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza. The article highlights the story of Aya Shahar, a 29-year-old who moved to a kibbutz near the Gaza border to help rebuild, and Yaron Maor, a 41-year-old who lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the 2023 attack and refuses to return.

Protests have erupted in Iran after the country's currency, the rial, plummeted to a record low against the US dollar, prompting the resignation of the head of the Central Bank. The protests, which began on Sunday in downtown Tehran's mobile markets, spread to other major cities including Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad on Monday. Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans and traders shut their shops in solidarity. The rapid depreciation of the rial has compounded inflationary pressure, pushing up prices of food and other daily necessities. The inflation rate in December rose to 42.2% from the same period last year, with food prices rising 72% and health and medical items up 50%. Many critics see the rate as a sign of approaching hyperinflation. The government's plan to increase taxes in the new year has caused further concern. The protests are the largest since 2022, when the death of Mahsa Jina Amini in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations.

The article analyzes how President Donald Trump is reshaping the world in his populist image, interfering in foreign politics and elections, and promoting nationalist leaders. Trump is acting as the global head of a nationalist movement, supporting candidates who favor his ideology and face legal battles similar to his own. He has been involved in the politics of various countries, including Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, South Korea, Venezuela, and South Africa. Trump's actions are seen as a departure from traditional US foreign policy, where presidents avoid interfering in other countries' domestic politics.

The article discusses the festive season in Lagos, Nigeria, known as 'Detty December', a month-long celebration characterized by parties, reunions, and extravagance. The city transforms into a global magnet for Nigerians in the diaspora and locals alike, with a calendar full of events such as weddings, street carnivals, and concerts. The article highlights the energy and opportunities that come with Detty December, as well as the contrast between the wealthy and those who cannot afford to participate.

The US Justice Department has sued Virginia over its policy of providing in-state financial aid to unauthorized immigrants at public colleges and universities, claiming it discriminates against US citizens living in other states and violates federal law. The lawsuit is part of a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting states that offer tuition benefits to unauthorized immigrants. Virginia's policy, enacted in 2020, allows students who have lived in the state for at least two years to qualify for in-state tuition. Democratic lawmakers in Virginia expressed concern that the lawsuit could penalize students who have done everything right and potentially challenge the Supreme Court's decision in Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees free public education to unauthorized immigrant children.

The Japanese island of Yonaguni is on the front lines of the escalating tensions between China and Japan. Located about 70 miles east of Taiwan, Yonaguni is a strategic military outpost that is part of the 'first island chain,' a series of islands used to contain Chinese naval expansion. The island's residents are caught in the middle of the dispute, with the Japanese government investing heavily in military infrastructure and China responding with aggressive military maneuvers. The article explores the impact of the tensions on the island's residents, who are concerned about the potential consequences of a conflict.

The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has ordered an urgent review of the handling of British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah's case after 'abhorrent' social media posts emerged upon his return to the UK following years of imprisonment in Egypt. The posts, dating back to 2010, appeared to call for violence against 'Zionists' and sparked controversy. Abd El-Fattah apologized for the posts, stating they were expressions of youthful anger and frustration. The government has defended its handling of the case, while some Conservatives and Reform UK have suggested stripping him of his British citizenship.

Three police officers and six militants were killed in a shootout in Turkey's northwest Yalova province on Monday, December 29, 2025. The confrontation occurred when police stormed a house where alleged IS militants were hiding, resulting in at least eight police officers and a night guard being wounded. The operation was part of a larger crackdown on extremist groups across Turkey, with over 100 simultaneous raids carried out in 15 provinces. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to continue the fight against extremist groups, expressing condolences for the killed police officers. The incident is part of a larger pattern of violence, as IS has carried out deadly attacks in Turkey in recent years, including a 2017 nightclub shooting that killed 39 people.

Canadian actress Claire Brosseau is seeking medically assisted suicide due to her long-term battle with various mental health issues, including manic depression, anxiety disorder, and substance abuse disorder. Despite trying numerous treatments and therapies, Brosseau has found little relief from her suffering. She has joined a lawsuit with Dying With Dignity Canada to challenge the exclusion of people with mental illnesses from Canada's Medical Aid in Dying program. Brosseau's psychiatrists have expressed mixed opinions about her decision, with one supporting her choice and another hoping she will reconsider. The case is pending, and Brosseau may not have access to the program until 2027.

Taylor Swift surprised an Arrowhead Stadium catering attendant, Robyn Gentry, with a $600 tip on Christmas Day after attending the Kansas City Chiefs game with her fiance9 Travis Kelce. Gentry was overwhelmed and framed one of the $100 bills as a keepsake. The generous act is consistent with Swift's history of charitable giving, including gifting her concert crew $197 million in bonuses and donating $1 million to the American Heart Association and Feeding America ahead of Christmas. The article also mentions speculation about Kelce's potential retirement from the NFL after a 13-year career.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invoked the concept of ancient Sparta, calling for a 'super Sparta' mentality in the face of international pressure and isolation over Israel's actions in Gaza. Netanyahu's statement was made as Western governments restricted weapons transfers to Israel, prompting him to emphasize self-reliance and martial resolve. The article explores this reference and its implications for 2025.

The Israeli government's recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state has sparked global outcry and an emergency meeting at the U.N. Security Council. Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, is not recognized by any other country. Israel's decision is seen as a strategic move, potentially to counter Palestinian statehood and expand its influence in the region. The move has been condemned by Somalia, the African Union, and several Arab states, who view it as a threat to regional stability and an attempt to undermine Somalia's sovereignty. The U.S. has stated that its policy towards Somaliland and Somalia remains unchanged, while Taiwan, which also faces international recognition issues, welcomed Israel's decision.

The article discusses how world leaders and prominent figures flattered and praised US President Donald Trump during his second term in 2025, often to serve their own interests. Examples include FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarding Trump the FIFA Peace Prize, Qatar gifting a luxury jet to update Air Force One, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte referring to Trump as 'Daddy' during a press conference. Other leaders, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also showered Trump with praise and gestures, including nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize and handing him a letter from King Charles III.