Sources: AI synthetic research startup Aaru raised a Series A at a $1B ‘headline’ valuation
The one-year-old startup, which does market research on simulated populations, had a multi-tier valuation round, sources tell TechCrunch.
Notable Events Around the World on - 2025-12-05
Clarke: Scotland can progress from Group C! | 'I think it is a good draw'
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says their World Cup draw is "good" as he targets progression from Group C after being paired with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
skysports.com
How many spiders and pseudoscorpions does it take to make one of the world’s greatest taxonomists?
Former Perth curator Mark Harvey is one of the few people on Earth to have described 1,000 new species, many of them arachnids. Colleagues say his legacy is ‘unquantifiable’Get our breaking news em...
theguardian.com
Robert B. Fiske Jr., First to Lead Whitewater Investigation, Dies at 94
Robert B. Fiske Jr. in March 1994, three months after being appointed independent counsel in the Whitewater matter.
nytimes.com
Trump’s Security Strategy Focuses on Profit, Not Spreading Democracy
President Trump at the White House last month. The National Security Strategy his administration released describes a world in which American interests are far narrower than how prior administratio...
nytimes.com
Spaun, Young, Matsuyama in another five-way share of Hero World Challenge lead
US Open champion JJ Spaun converted two of his three eagle chances, Cameron Young shot 30 on the back nine and Hideki Matsuyama was bogey-free, all of them part of another five-way tie for the lead...
skysports.com
Chuck Kesey, Probiotic Yogurt Pioneer, Dies at 87
The younger brother of Ken Kesey, the novelist and counterculture icon, he turned a defunct creamery into what is now Nancy’s Probiotic Foods.
nytimes.com
WIRED Roundup: DOGE Isn’t Dead, Facebook Dating Is Real, and Amazon’s AI Ambitions
In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we bring you the news of the week, then dive into how some DOGE operatives are still at work in the federal government—despite reports claiming otherwise.
wired.com
Haaland v Mbappe, dream ties and YMCA - the best of the World Cup draw
YMCA, Donald Trump and Kylian Mbappe v Erling Haaland - BBC Sport runs through the best bits from the World Cup draw.
bbc.com
Plotting England and Scotland's routes through the World Cup
It took a while, but the World Cup draw is finally done and fans of England and Scotland can start to work out their path to glory.
bbc.com
Frank Gehry, architect, dies aged 96
Modern master whose sinuous, billowing forms for the Guggenheim in Bilbao gave birth to the ‘Bilbao Effect’
ft.com
Man Who Swallowed Stolen Fabergé Egg Passes It Naturally, Police Say
“No medical intervention was required, and the pendant passed naturally,” the police said in a statement.
nytimes.com
Could one win get Scotland out of World Cup group?
BBC Scotland digs into Scotland's World Cup progression prospects.
bbc.com
AWS needs you to believe in AI agents
AWS announced a wave of new AI agent tools at re:Invent 2025, but can Amazon actually catch up to the AI leaders? While the cloud giant is betting big on enterprise AI with its third-gen chip and d...
techcrunch.com
Grealish explains why Everton has been 'perfect fit'
Everton are breaking new ground this season. So too is Jack Grealish. This week's winner against Bournemouth might have been tinged with a stroke of good fortune but there is nothing lucky about th...
skysports.com
Middlesbrough thrash Hull as Hellberg continues winning start
Middlesbrough ran riot at a wet and windy Hull to continue their perfect start to life under new head coach Kim Hellberg and consolidate second spot in the Sky Bet Championship in a 4-1 away win.
skysports.com
Who are favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup draw has been made which means the countdown to the tournament is on - but who are the favourites to win the coveted trophy?
bbc.com
US Supreme Court to consider Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court is likely to hear oral arguments early next year, with a ruling in June.
aljazeera.com
Famed for sculptural structures, architect Frank Gehry dies at age 96
Gehry blended pop art with monumental architecture that reshaped skylines from Prague to Los Angeles and New York City.
aljazeera.com
Egypt’s economy stabilises, but poverty challenges persist
Investments boost Egypt's economy, but rural poverty highlights unequal benefits from economic recovery efforts.
aljazeera.com
Experts say US boat strikes are illegal killings. Can they be stopped?
At least 86 people have been killed in strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats that experts call illegal killings.
aljazeera.com
The Liz Truss Show review – hapless ravings from a closet
Britain’s briefest PM kept her fans waiting before launching her latest plea for Maga attention in the form of a ham-fisted YouTube talk showIn the lead-up to the launch of The Liz Truss Show – the...
theguardian.com
'Buzzing' Scots have 'point to prove' at World Cup
Current and former Scotland players react to the 2026 World Cup draw, with an air of cautious optimism.
bbc.com
This startup built a Fitbit for your brain to combat chronic stress
Awear won the Battlefield 200 health stage pitch competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.
techcrunch.com
Meta acquires AI device startup Limitless
Limitless said it shares Meta's vision of bringing personal superintelligence to everyone.
techcrunch.com
Scotland's World Cup draw: Key questions answered
It FINALLY feels real. Scotland ARE going to the World Cup.
skysports.com
'Bring it on' - Clarke reacts to Scotland's World Cup draw
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke reacts to being drawn into Group C for the 2026 World Cup alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
bbc.com
Erik Bulatov, Russian Painter Who Undermined Soviet Propaganda, Dies at 92
Red Horizon by Erik Bulatov
nytimes.com
Kind draw with an edge? Wales' potential World Cup group
If Wales qualify for the World Cup, they will be pleased with a relatively kind draw - and a chance to settle a score with co-hosts Canada.
bbc.com
Xenophobia runs the world
From Washington to Copenhagen and Pretoria, blaming migrants has become the easiest governing strategy of our time.
aljazeera.com
Old and new foes - a look at England's World Cup group
BBC Sport profiles Croatia, Panama and Ghana - England's Group L opponents at the 2026 World Cup.
bbc.com
Buying Warner Bros. Gives Netflix What It’s Always Needed: An Identity
The $83 billion deal gives the streamer a century’s worth of prestige television and movies, from Batman movies to Game of Thrones. It also ends the streaming wars.
wired.com
FIFA World Cup 2026 draw: Groups, teams, format, Trump, peace prize
Mexico will open the World Cup against South Africa, while holders Argentina will face Algeria in their first game.
aljazeera.com
US health panel ditches guidance to give hepatitis B vaccine to newborns
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has faced swift backlash for its change to government guidance.
aljazeera.com
Trump takes the spotlight, Peace Prize at FIFA World Cup Draw
Donald Trump was centre stage accepting the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize.
aljazeera.com
ChatGPT’s user growth has slowed, report finds
ChatGPT's global monthly active users only grew by around 5% from August to November, while Gemini's users grew by about 30%.
techcrunch.com
Tuchel reacts to England's 'difficult' World Cup group
World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel reacts to England's 'difficult' group after draw
bbc.com
Jack and the Beanstalk review – ‘moooosical’ caper gives the cow’s eye view
Dundee RepThis hazily dramatised show is full of pizzazz and features the voice of Brian Cox but in making Jack as cynical as his mum it loses the story’s heartDo not be misled by the title. This i...
theguardian.com
NASA Wins Second Emmy Award for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast
NASA’s broadcast of the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse has won an Emmy Award for Excellence in Production Technology. At the 76th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards on Dec. 4, in New York...
nasa.gov
World Cup 2026: Small nations Big Dreams
Tiny populations. Brutal logistics. And political turmoil.
aljazeera.com
Authorities arrest man suspected of planting pipe bombs in Washington, DC
US officials have arrested a man suspected of planting pipe bombs the night before the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
aljazeera.com
US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship
Donald Trump's controversial executive order to end birthright citizenship had been rejected by lower courts.
bbc.com
World Cup draw: England start vs Croatia as Scotland to face Brazil
England have been drawn in a group with Croatia, Panama and Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, while Scotland will face five-time winners Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
skysports.com
When England thrashed Panama at 2018 World Cup in Russia
BBC Sport looks back at England's 6-1 win over Panama in 2018, after the two sides are drawn in the same group for the 2026 World Cup.
bbc.com
England start World Cup against Croatia, Scotland to face Brazil
England will begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia, while Scotland have been drawn in the same group as Brazil for next summer's tournament.
bbc.com
Frank O. Gehry, Titan of Architecture, Is Dead at 96
He burst onto the scene with an attention-getting renovation of his Southern California home before going on to design some of the world’s most recognizable buildings.
nytimes.com
Northern Ireland could face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland at World Cup
Northern Ireland will face hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B of the World Cup if they come through March's tricky play-off.
bbc.com
Scotland to face Brazil, Morocco & Haiti in World Cup finals
Scotland will open their World Cup finals next summer against Haiti after also being drawn against Brazil and Morocco.
bbc.com
England's routes to 2026 World Cup final
England's path to the 2026 World Cup final has been revealed following Friday's draw in Washington DC.
skysports.com
AWS re:Invent was an all-in pitch for AI. Customers might not be ready.
AWS is releasing a lot of new AI tech but the cloud infrastructure giant's enterprise customers may not be ready for it yet.
techcrunch.com
President Trump wins inaugural Fifa Peace Prize
President of the United States Donald Trump has been awarded the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize ahead of the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
bbc.com
Poch: USMNT can't be complacent after WC draw
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said his objective over the next six months is to continue to improve the squad and "show full respect" for its World Cup group-stage opponents.
espn.com
This week in Washington
It was a busy week in Washington, from foreign policy to Congressional redistricting and another special election. NPR's Domenico Montanaro and Tamara Keith break down the big news of the week.
npr.org
Which European countries have mandatory or voluntary military service
The issue of forcing citizens to serve in the military is back as the war between Russia and Ukraine grinds on.
bbc.com
Trump receives inaugural Fifa Peace Prize
Watch the moment US president receives the first ever Fifa Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw.
bbc.com
The Guardian view on reducing child poverty: with the two-child limit gone, Labour must go further | Editorial
The new strategy has gaps. But ministers have shown that they are serious and capable of listeningIf the government’s long-awaited child poverty strategy, launched on Friday, was a bit of a damp sq...
theguardian.com
Fighting flares in DR Congo within hours of Trump’s peace deal ceremony
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group and government forces have traded blame for the renewed fighting.
aljazeera.com
HHS changed the name of transgender health leader on her official portrait
Admiral Rachel Levine was the first transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate to serve in the federal government. Her official portrait at HHS headquarters has been altered.
npr.org
The crypto investor who gifted Nigel Farage an election war chest
Aviation entrepreneur Christopher Harborne’s record £9mn donation described as ‘game-changer’ for Reform UK
ft.com
eSIM adoption is on the rise thanks to travel and device compatibility
eSIM as a technology has been around for a decade now. However, global eSIM adoption was around 3% last year and will only cross 5% this year. Despite these figures, analysts, eSIM-providing startu...
techcrunch.com
New ‘KnoWay’ robotaxis cause chaos in upcoming Grand Theft Auto Online DLC
The inclusion of the Waymo look-a-likes appears to be part of a larger storyline that will encourage players to "stop the development of a mass surveillance network."
techcrunch.com
How Farage’s response to racism claims is straight out of Trump’s populist playbook
Reform UK leader’s legal threats, denials and attacks on the media are tactics often deployed by the US presidentWhen Nigel Farage angrily denounced the BBC and insulted one of its presenters for r...
theguardian.com
Labour launches child poverty strategy but hints costly welfare system needs reform
Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, said the government was not ‘backing away’ from benefits changesThe UK welfare system is not helping enough people into work and has significantly ris...
theguardian.com
ICE Arrests Harvard Professor Charged for Shooting a Pellet Gun
The professor, who is from Brazil, had been teaching at Harvard during the fall semester.
nytimes.com
New streaming channel launches to give viewers a peek into city council meetings
Hamlet TV is a way to help keep citizens informed of what's happening inside local governments.
techcrunch.com
Mason on his first step towards boxing greatness
Abdullah Mason believes he took the first step towards boxing greatness when he won the WBO lightweight world title.
skysports.com
Israel awaits return of final captive from Gaza amid fragile peace deal
Ran Gvili is now the last captive in Gaza after Hamas returned the body of Thai agriculture worker Sudthisak Rinthalak.
aljazeera.com
Trump sweeps Ding aside to reach UK semi-finals
Defending champion Judd Trump moves into the semi-finals of the UK Championship with a comfortable 6-2 victory over three-time winner Ding Junhui.
bbc.com
QB Jackson set for Ravens-Steelers 'playoff game'
Quarterback Lamar Jackson said his injured ankle feels "pretty good" ahead of Sunday's crucial matchup between the Ravens and Steelers, which Jackson labeled a "playoff game."
espn.com
Hasselhoff, Clinton & Blatter v Williams - the 1994 World Cup draw
Watch the last USA World Cup draw that was Las Vegas in 1994 featuring famous faces like Robin Williams, Bill Clinton and more.
bbc.com
Testing Drones for Mars in the Mojave Desert
Researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory monitor a research drone in this September 2025 photo. This flight occurred in Dumont Dunes, an area of the Mojave Desert, as part of a larger test...
nasa.gov
2026 men's World Cup predictions: Group by group takeaways, must-see games
The draw is complete for the 2026 World Cup! What are the top matches to watch, and how will it all go down? We asked ESPN's writers to break down each group, highlight the storylines and make thei...
espn.com
The New York Times is suing Perplexity for copyright infringement
The New York Times filed a copyright lawsuit against Perplexity, joining other publishers using legal action as leverage to force AI companies into licensing deals that compensate content creators.
techcrunch.com
Here’s What You Should Know About Launching an AI Startup
AI startups say the promise of turning dazzling models into useful products is harder than anyone expected. Three founders discuss what it takes.
wired.com
2026 World Cup draw: How the U.S. matches up against group stage foes
The draw for the 2026 World Cup is over, so who is the USMNT set to play next summer and how will it match up? ESPN breaks down the matchups.
espn.com
Eurovision has faced political boycotts before – how does the latest compare?
Decision by four countries to pull out over Israel’s inclusion is significant for the contest but crisis may not be existentialThe decision by four European broadcasters to boycott next year’s Euro...
theguardian.com
'I don't want to be part of this war machine': Young Germans protest against military service plans
Germany is introducing voluntary military service to boost national defences after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
bbc.com
Meta signs commercial AI data agreements with publishers to offer real-time news on Meta AI
Meta is partnering with CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports, Le Monde Group, the People Inc. portfolio of media brands, The Daily Caller, The Washington Examiner, and USA Today.
techcrunch.com
Energy storage industry set aggressive goals for 2025 — and already crushed them
The battery storage industry in the U.S. has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years, surpassing its most aggressive targets to become one of the largest new sources of power on the grid.
techcrunch.com
9 Best Lubes (2025): Water-Based, Silicone, Natural Oils
For the most sensitive parts of the human body, friction is the enemy. Here’s how to keep it at bay with our favorite lubes made of water, silicone, or natural oil.
wired.com
Women's Big Bash match abandoned after ball rolled into pitch
A Women's Big Bash match between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes is abandoned after a ball is inadvertently rolled into the pitch.
bbc.com
Horror game Horses has been banned from sale – but is it as controversial as you’d think?
Pulled by Steam and Epic Games Store, indie horror Horses shook up the industry before it was even released. Now it’s out, all the drama surrounding it seems superfluousOn 25 November, award-winnin...
theguardian.com
Just not that into ewes: ‘gay sheep’ escape slaughter and take over a New York catwalk
Designer Michael Schmidt’s 36-piece collection was made from the wool of rams who have shown same-sex attractionWhen a ram tips its head back, curls its upper lip, and takes a deep breath – what is...
theguardian.com
World Cup draw LIVE! England and Scotland to learn group stage opponents
skysports.com
Petco confirms security lapse exposed customers’ personal data
The pet company has published almost no details about what happened, who was affected, and what personal data was exposed.
techcrunch.com
Western countries press Tanzania to release bodies of post-election victims
There is evidence of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and the concealment of bodies, 17 embassies say.
bbc.com
Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair – what does the new Tarantino cut offer?
The director’s two-part revenge saga has now been released as one mammoth movie with tweaks and additions here and thereQuentin Tarantino and his epic revenge saga Kill Bill had, as the vengeful le...
theguardian.com
Minister defends UK Labour government record in Wales
Darren Jones responds as Labour Senedd members accuse the prime minister of rolling back devolution.
bbc.com
‘He’s the new Daniel Day-Lewis’: Margot Robbie defends Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights
Robbie addresses backlash to casting Elordi as a character described by Brontë as ‘dark-skinned’, while Fennell praises her female star’s ‘big dick energy’Margot Robbie has come out in defence of E...
theguardian.com
Before the Millennium review – secrets and spies as Woolworths staff party like it’s 1999
Old Fire Station, OxfordThings get tense when a newcomer seems to know too much in Karim Khan’s absorbing playKarim Khan’s absorbing Christmas play offers warmth, doubt, uncanny strangers and a gen...
theguardian.com
Georgia seeks $390K from DE Wilson over transfer
Georgia's athletic department is headed to court to try to obtain $390,000 in damages from a former standout defensive end who transferred from the school after his sophomore season in a potentiall...
espn.com
USMNT draws Paraguay, Australia at '26 World Cup
The United States will face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of a UEFA playoff featuring Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
espn.com
Who controls the Rafah crossing?
Gaza once had seven border crossings to the outside world. Now it has two, and both are blocked by Israel.
aljazeera.com
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. in a disruptive deal valued at $82.7B
In one of the most groundbreaking deals the streaming world has ever seen, Netflix acquires Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion.
techcrunch.com
Young Frankenstein review – Mel Brooks’s Transylvanian tomfoolery will have you in stitches
Liverpool PlayhouseThe story becomes less and less relevant as this slapstick monster pastiche leads to an irresistible sense of chaosWhen a film as perfect as Mel Brooks’s Young Frankenstein exist...
theguardian.com
The dream that grew into the GreenWay – a car-free corridor from Sydney Harbour to the Cooks River
Plans that evolved over more than two decades are about to become reality as a 6km cycling, walking and nature corridor opens through Sydney’s inner westGet our breaking news email, free app or dai...
theguardian.com
Fir or faux: which Christmas tree is best for the environment?
Using an already existing artificial tree until its bedraggled end will be more environmentally friendly than buying a felled pine every year, but the answer isn’t clearcut Change by Degrees offers...
theguardian.com
The best music books of 2025
From an enraging indictment of Spotify to Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie’s account of Parkinson’s and a compelling biography of Tupac Shakur, here are five titles that strike a chordMood Machine...
theguardian.com
Russell Crowe’s 20 best roles – sorted!
With Nuremberg out in Australian cinemas, we cast an eye over Rusty’s eclectic, varied and downright impressive oeuvre. Are you not entertained?Russell Crowe’s hair-raising performance as Hermann G...
theguardian.com
Europe’s fateful moment
The EU faces a historic choice: whether or not to unlock frozen Russian assets and save the Ukrainian war effort
ft.com
Syria’s Hama full of ‘hope, joy’ one year after al-Assad forces’ exit
Thousands have taken to the streets in the central city, celebrating a new Syria free of al-Assad's reign.
aljazeera.com
Sutton's predictions v DJ and producer Paige Tomlinson
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton takes on DJ Paige Tomlinson - and AI - with his predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.
bbc.com
Playwright Jeremy O Harris arrested in Japan for alleged drug smuggling
The writer of the Tony award-nominated Slave Play remains in custody after authorities say they found MDMA in his bagAmerican actor and playwright Jeremy O Harris, known for the Tony-nominated Slav...
theguardian.com
The Liz Truss Show will confront the big issues of the day. For example: who on earth would watch Liz Truss? | Marina Hyde
Everyone’s favourite former PM is back! Her mission? To save Britain from its current ‘doomloop’ with, you guessed it, a YouTube talkshow Will you be seeing a pantomime this year? Birmingham’s got...
theguardian.com
Roy Kramer, SEC commish and BCS architect, dies
Roy Kramer, who served as SEC commissioner for 12 years and was the force behind the creation of the Bowl Championship Series, has died at the age of 96.
espn.com
Eurovision hit by boycotts over Israel’s inclusion
Fans of Europe’s annual song contest are fearing for its future after four countries announced they were boycotting.
aljazeera.com
‘I’ve had all the luck you can get’: Michael Caine retires for the fourth time
The 92-year-old actor made the announcement again as he received an award at the Red Sea international film festival in Saudi ArabiaMichael Caine has offered an update on his possible retirement fr...
theguardian.com
Who was Yasser Abu Shabab, the Israel-backed militia leader killed in Gaza?
Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of an Israeli-backed militia in Gaza has been killed.
aljazeera.com
Appeals court hands Trump a victory, OK'ing firing of two independent agency heads
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2 to 1 that President Trump's firings of Democratic members of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the National Labor Relations Board were lawful.
npr.org
UFC announce London show in March
The UFC announces it will host a Fight Night event in London on 21 March.
bbc.com
‘Christmas paid for the extension on my house!’ How Guz Khan became an unlikely festive TV icon
He’s played a reindeer, spent hours recreating Home Alone’s most lethal stunts – and now he’s having a yuletide disaster in Stuffed. The Man Like Mobeen star talks about interfaith Christmas … and...
theguardian.com
Henry Jr., No. 7 recruit for '26, picks Ohio State
Five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the No. 7 overall recruit in the SC Next 300 for 2026, affirmed his commitment to Ohio State and will sign with the Buckeyes.
espn.com
Boycotts and arguments - can the Eurovision Song Contest survive its biggest crisis?
The biggest crisis in the Eurovision Song Contest's history raises major questions about its future.
bbc.com
‘My God, what a story it would make’: film-maker Kevin Brownlow on It Happened Here and Winstanley
Brownlow is best known for restoring silent movies, but in conjunction with Andrew Mollo, he made two features, in 1964 and 1975, that look astonishingly prescient todayAnyone who has sat in the da...
theguardian.com
Hubble Spots a Storm of New Stars
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features a stormy and highly active spiral galaxy named NGC 1792. Located over 50 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Columba (the Dove),...
nasa.gov
Labour has a groundbreaking plan for child poverty. Finally, this government has found its mission | Polly Toynbee
The new strategy lays out Britain’s social disgrace in painful detail. But it also offers hope and a clear way forward that is worthy of a leftwing partyOnce Labour set up a child poverty taskforce...
theguardian.com
Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros studio and streaming business in $83bn deal
Deal will transform US tech company into the dominant player in Hollywood
ft.com
Four killed in ‘drug boat’ attack ordered by US defence chief
The US military says it killed four people in an air strike on a suspected drug boat in in the Eastern Pacific.
aljazeera.com
Shabana Mahmood urged not to help those ‘seeking to build division’
Exclusive: In open letter, 225 groups describe home secretary’s plan to overhaul asylum system as ‘cruel and ‘ruthless’UK politics live – latest updatesThe home secretary has been urged not to “pla...
theguardian.com
Wiffen through to 800m final as Walsh reaches 200m semis
Ireland's Daniel Wiffen is through to the 800m freestyle final at the European Short Course Swimming Championships [25m] in Lublin.
bbc.com
LIVE: FIFA World Cup 2026 draw
Follow our live build-up, with analysis and all the latest news, ahead of the draw for next year's FIFA World Cup.
aljazeera.com
Add to playlist: DJ Moopie’s charmingly moody experimental compilations and the week’s best new tracks
Connoisseurs of all things delicate and deeply felt will love the music put out by A Colourful Storm, the Melbourne-based DJ’s indie labelFrom MelbourneRecommended if you like the C86 compilation,...
theguardian.com
Daggers, dervishes, Rego and the world’s most expensive egg – the week in art
The British Museum is infused with Sufi spirit, Henry VIII’s storied Ottoman dagger gets its own show, Rego’s art is renewed and a Fabergé sets a new record – all in your weekly dispatchHenry VIII’...
theguardian.com
AI Slop Is Ruining Reddit for Everyone
Reddit is considered one of the most human spaces left on the internet, but mods and users are overwhelmed with slop posts in the most popular subreddits.
wired.com
South Africa extend Erasmus contract to 2031 World Cup
South Africa extend head coach Rassie Erasmus' contract until the end of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
bbc.com
As Hong Kong reckons with worst fire in decades, many see echoes of 2019
Unresolved anger and mistrust from the 2019 protests have hung over the response to the deadly Tai Po fire.
aljazeera.com
Abu Shabab’s killing “a heavy hit” to Israeli-backed Gaza gangs
Analyst Muhammad Shehada explains how Yasser Abu Shabab’s death rattles Israel’s proxy gangs in Gaza.
aljazeera.com
Iranian delegation in the US for World Cup draw after threatening boycott
Head coach Ghalenoei is part of the delegation attending the draw despite saying they would boycott it over visa issues.
aljazeera.com
Why are so many NHL games going to overtime? Five theories from players, coaches, execs
Through 425 games, 27.3% have gone past regulation. If that holds, it would be the highest rate since 2005-06.
espn.com
Memories from 2009 Florida-Alabama, the last No. 1 vs. No. 2 conference title game
The 2009 SEC championship was the last time the top two ranked teams met in a conference championship game.
espn.com
Putin Basks in Praise From Modi on India Visit
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in New Delhi on Friday. They pledged deeper cooperation in defense, trade and energy.
nytimes.com
HMS Pinafore review – carry on up the poop deck in ENO’s daffy Gilbert and Sullivan staging
London ColiseumPacked full of physical comedy and double-entendres, Cal McCrystal’s production is brought to vibrant life by a strong cast, with Mel Giedroyc an engagingly anarchic presenceWhen HMS...
theguardian.com
Home Office admits facial recognition tech issue with black and Asian subjects
Calls for review after technology found to return more false positives for ‘some demographic groups’ on certain settingsMinisters are facing calls for stronger safeguards on facial recognition tech...
theguardian.com
Huge Trove of Nude Images Leaked by AI Image Generator Startup’s Exposed Database
An AI image generator startup’s database was left accessible to the open internet, revealing more than 1 million images and videos, including photos of real people who had been “nudified.”
wired.com
Are you a swing voter? We want to hear how you're feeling about politics
Do you think the country is going in the right or wrong direction? Are you happy with your vote last year or do you have any regrets? Or maybe you sat the election out? NPR wants to speak with swin...
npr.org
Germany votes to bring back voluntary military service
The shift in its approach to its military follows a push to create Europe's strongest conventional army.
bbc.com
Kenya signs landmark health deal with US despite data fears
Kenya becomes the first African country to secure US health funding since cuts to foreign aid by Trump.
bbc.com
Weather tracker: Heavy snow blankets parts of US as winter storms hit
Snowfall moves south-east over Wyoming and Colorado and combines with dense fog in some areasA cold spell continued to grip parts of the US this week. After a winter storm brought 20-30cm of snow a...
theguardian.com
Campbell died from drowning after medical issue
Former basketball player Elden Campbell died Monday from drowning after suffering a medical emergency while out fishing, his sister and a Broward County official confirmed.
espn.com
Barbican revamp to give ‘bewildering’ arts centre a new lease of life
Project will make the famously confusing London landmark easier to navigate and more accessible“Everything leaks,” says Philippa Simpson, the director of buildings and renewal at the Barbican, who...
theguardian.com
Did the U.S. Focus on Fentanyl Leave Latin America Awash in Cocaine?
The aftermath of a car bombing in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Car bombs have become common, killing and terrorizing civilians, and gangs frequently clash with the military and the police.
nytimes.com
How Batteries Got Cheaper and Made the Electric Grid More Reliable
Employees working on battery units at the solar project, which is owned by AES, a Virginia company that holds utilities and power plants across the world.
nytimes.com
Putin and Modi discuss trade and peace at summit talks in India
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin as talks began on boosting trade.
aljazeera.com
How his mother's murder steeled Duncan for UFC's toughest fights
Chris Duncan joined the UFC after finding "peace" in MMA following his mother's murder in 2014. On Saturday he faces Terrance McKinney at UFC 323 in Las Vegas.
bbc.com
Labour announces plans to lift 550,000 children out of poverty – UK politics live
Starmer hails child poverty strategy as a ‘moral mission’ which will include measures to help with childcare and getting families out of temporary housingMy colleague Peter Walker has a full report...
theguardian.com
Erasmus sign Springboks extension through to 2031 Rugby World Cup
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has extended his contract for a further four years.
skysports.com
Pakistan seeks new South Asian bloc to cut India out: Will it work?
Pakistan says an emerging three-way cooperation with Bangladesh and China could be 'expanded and duplicated'.
aljazeera.com
Hong Kong student union suspended over calls for justice for fire victims
Hong Kong Baptist University student union says suspension was 'unfounded' and may have 'ulterior motives'.
aljazeera.com
MLS Cup in Miami is all about Messi. Can Müller, Vancouver crash the party?
It's fitting that MLS Cup takes place on the same weekend as Miami's art fair, as old masters Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller prepare to face off.
espn.com
Scientists reveal a powerful heart boost hidden in everyday foods
Regular consumption of polyphenol-rich foods like tea, coffee, berries, nuts, and whole grains may significantly support long-term heart health. A decade-long study of more than 3,100 adults found...
sciencedaily.com
'A wonderful miracle' - how Messi & Beckham made Miami shine
In the world of team sport, no-one adores the achievements of its most accomplished individuals more than America's sports-mad fans, writes Guillem Balague.
bbc.com
Laura Cannell: Brightly Shone the Moon review | Jude Rogers' folk album of the month
(Brawl)The violinist sets out on her darkest exploration of yuletide yet, giving a murky and melancholy twist on familiar Christmas standardsTraditional music finds its popular, cosy home in the ca...
theguardian.com
Live updates: World Cup groups, matches, reaction
All eyes will be on the Kennedy Center as the draw is made for next year's tournament.
espn.com
Scotland braced for big, brash World Cup draw after long wait
Scotland in a men's World Cup draw is not a dream. It's really happening - and the boring preamble will be worth it, writes Tom English.
bbc.com
LIVE: Israel sets military budget at $34bn, keeps attacking Gaza
People in the enclave fear the resumption of the full-scale genocidal war as Israeli ceasefire violations persist.
aljazeera.com
Israel “art-washing its war crimes” through Eurovision
Dorien Ballout on the boycott by the Netherlands and other countries of Eurovision 2026 after Israel allowed to compete.
aljazeera.com
Heat will reduce intensity of matches - Tuchel
England manager Thomas Tuchel speaks to BBC sports editor Dan Roan about how high temperatures could impact the World Cup next summer.
bbc.com
2026 World Cup draw: How it works, what will be decided
Ahead of today's festivities in Washington, D.C., (noon ET), here's everything you need to know.
espn.com
Give credit where it’s due: Labour is finally doing things its supporters actually want | Gaby Hinsliff
From tackling child poverty to being honest about Brexit, the party seems to have recognised the growing electoral threat to its leftWhat does it take for a small child not to recognise their own n...
theguardian.com
This Is Lorelei: Holo Boy review – sweet-sad songs from a new pearl of the US alt scene
(Double Double Whammy)One half of Water From Your Eyes re-records songs from the back catalogue of his other band, resulting in acoustic fare touched with regret and darknessAs one half of Brooklyn...
theguardian.com
Week in wildlife: a studious deer and a partying raccoon
This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world Continue reading...
theguardian.com
'A new era' - Football Regulator ready to finally act against rogue owners
"A new era for football governance is here," according to Richard Monks, the chief executive of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).
skysports.com
Putin increasingly belligerent as truce talks flounder, Ukraine war rages
As peace efforts fail to bear fruit, the Russian leader threatens Odesa and Mykolaiv - and warns of wider war on Europe.
aljazeera.com
Ukrainian diver Lyskun switches allegiance to Russia, loses all medals
Ukrainian officials termed Lyskun's switch 'categorically unacceptable' and have stripped her all of medals and awards.
aljazeera.com
Want a Kalen DeBoer 'Black Hoodie of Death'? Good luck
Do the clothes make the coach? Ryan McGee takes a deep dive on sideline sartorial superstitions.
espn.com
LeBron delivers first buzzer-beating highlight of record 23rd NBA year!
LeBron James combines with Rui Hachimura for the game-winner as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors in the superstar's 23rd NBA season.
skysports.com
Who are the 2026 World Cup debutants?
From a tiny Caribbean island to a nation once managed by Harry Redknapp, meet the teams who will be making their debut at the 2026 World Cup.
bbc.com
‘The goal was to scare a kid’: the wild world of films-within-films
From Angels with Filthy Souls in Home Alone, to Deception in The Holiday, fake movies are taking on a life of their ownThe cold was brutal and so were the gangsters. It was the first – and worse, o...
theguardian.com
‘He played with language better than anybody’: Terry Gilliam and John Boorman on Tom Stoppard
Two film-makers who worked with the late playwright recall a man of extraordinary wit, endless invention and innate eleganceI was utterly knocked out by the way Tom Stoppard’s mind worked, his bril...
theguardian.com
James' 18-year-old record comes to an end
LeBron James' incredible run of 1,297 regular-season NBA games scoring 10 or more points ends as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 123-120.
bbc.com
Australia hails ‘shared vision’, as defence minister set to visit Japan
Canberra says it seeks to make early contact with the new administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
aljazeera.com
What I saw reporting on the American lives cut short by killer heat
In this week’s newsletter: Coroners can’t agree on how to count heat fatalities – and the dismantling of climate investments is leaving fragile communities exposed• Don’t get Down to Earth delivere...
theguardian.com
The best poetry books of 2025
From Seamus Heaney’s collected poems and Simon Armitage’s animal spirits, to prizewinners Karen Solie and Vidyan RavinthiranMany of 2025’s most notable collections have been powered by a spirit of...
theguardian.com
Strauss: An Alpine Symphony; Four Songs Op 27 album review – Nothing is overblown or indulgent
Alder/FRSO/Collon(Ondine)Conductor Nicholas Collon keeps the sound clean and the pace dynamic in a bracing recording, while, in the Four Songs op 27, Louise Alder is unfailingly communicativeThe a...
theguardian.com
Gaps in UK migration statistics hamper public debate and policy decisions, study shows
Official data cannot show what impact ECHR has on asylum cases, says leading thinktank Migration ObservatoryGaps in official migration statistics are hampering public debate and policy decisions in...
theguardian.com
10 NFL veterans who could unexpectedly be on the move this offseason: Surprise cut, trade candidates
Would the Eagles trade A.J. Brown in the offseason? Could the Ravens face salary cap decisions on two stars? Is Kyler Murray's time in Arizona running out?
espn.com
New NFL draft rankings: Miller stacks the top 50 prospects on his board
Matt Miller unveils his initial prospect rankings for the 2026 draft, stacking his top 50 players.
espn.com
Who can stop 'frightening' Littler from back-to-back Worlds glory?
With the World Darts Championship just around the corner, the talk on the Love the Darts podcast turned to the famous tournament and just who can stop the "frightening" Luke Littler.
skysports.com
More heavy rain slows Sri Lanka’s recovery after deadly cyclone
President Dissanayake has called rescue and recovery efforts the most difficult in the nation's history.
aljazeera.com
NHL Power Rankings: New 1-32 poll, each team's most intriguing December game
The Capitals, Penguins and Flyers are the big risers this week, with the Ducks, Devils and Mammoth sliding.
espn.com
Defense secretary under fire as lawmakers question admiral about deadly boat strikes
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under pressure this week as a Navy admiral faces tough questions from lawmakers about the legality of striking boats allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean.
npr.org
Rep. Jim Himes recounts briefing on U.S. boat strike in the Caribbean
NPR's Michel Martins talks with Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., about what he learned in a briefing from the Navy admiral who ordered the second strike on a boat near Venezuela.
npr.org
The US slowdown, and how it ends
Fiscal stimulus vs inflation
ft.com
RSF kills dozens, mostly children, in war-torn Sudan’s Kalogi: SAF sources
Sudan Doctors Network says 'deliberate suicide-drone attacks' targeted a kindergarten and several civilian facilities.
aljazeera.com
How England use artificial intelligence to help with penalties
How do England use artificial intelligence to prepare for penalty shootouts? Rhys Long, the FA's head of performance insights and analysis, explains all.
bbc.com
TV tonight: ‘The Batch Lady’ prepares Christmas dinner three months early
Suzanne Mulholland and Joe Swash help a family to prepare a fuss-free festive spread. Plus: Kate Winslet on directing her first film. Here’s what to watch this evening8pm, Channel 4Would you make y...
theguardian.com
How AI could power Three Lions to World Cup glory
BBC Sport hears from inside the England setup about how artificial intelligence is powering plans for next summer's World Cup.
bbc.com
Over a pint in Oxford, we may have stumbled upon the holy grail of agriculture | George Monbiot
I knew that a revolution in our understanding of soil could change the world. Then came a eureka moment – and the birth of the Earth Rover ProgramReport: Experts say seismic waves can check soil he...
theguardian.com
‘We can tell farmers the problems’: experts say seismic waves can check soil health and boost yields
‘Soilsmology’ aims to map world’s soils and help avert famine, says not-for-profit co-founded by George MonbiotGeorge Monbiot: Over a pint in Oxford, we may well have stumbled upon the holy grail o...
theguardian.com
Labour MP’s video explaining UK debt with biscuits racks up 3.3m views
Glasgow South MP Gordon McKee leading trend as politicians find traditional ways to reach voters no longer work A perennial head-scratcher for progressives is how to craft a simple, compelling mess...
theguardian.com
60,000 African penguins starve to death after sardine numbers collapse – study
Climate crisis and overfishing contributed to loss of 95% of penguins in two breeding colonies in South Africa, research findsMore than 60,000 penguins in colonies off the coast of South Africa hav...
theguardian.com
Myles Garrett's journey to the NFL sack record: 'It is written'
Four sacks shy of making NFL history, the Cleveland Browns veteran is among the all-time great pass rushers.
espn.com
Visa signs Canary Wharf deal for new European HQ
Payments group will lease 300,000 sq ft at One Canada Square after move from Paddington
ft.com
Smith will pursue world title fight after champion Matias' failed test
Dalton Smith won’t back down from fighting Subriel Matias for the WBC super-lightweight title, even though his opponent failed a drug test.
skysports.com
Putin, Modi kick off India summit as trade, US sanctions loom large
Meeting to boost ties comes as India seeks reprieve from US oil sanctions related to war in Ukraine.
aljazeera.com
Country diary: Green shoots in the ancient forest | Country diary
Glen Einich, Cairngorms: A wintry walk in the Rothiemurchus woodland is always glorious. To see some of its barer expanses starting to recover tops it offIn The Living Mountain, Nan Shepherd writes...
theguardian.com
Russia continues tech crackdown by blocking Snapchat, FaceTime access
Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor accused both platforms of being used 'to organise and carry out terrorist acts'.
aljazeera.com
Alzheimer’s blood tests may be misleading for people with kidney problems
A large study found that people with impaired kidneys tend to have higher Alzheimer’s biomarkers, yet they don’t face a higher overall risk of dementia. For those who already have elevated biomarke...
sciencedaily.com
As Trump Covets Nobel Peace Prize, FIFA Cozies Up to Him With Its Own Award
President Trump, holding a replica of the men’s World Cup, with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, in the Oval Office in August. Mr. Trump later asked to keep the trophy.
nytimes.com
Trump’s Relationship With the President of FIFA
Gianni Infantino, head of soccer’s governing body, FIFA, has lauded President Trump at almost every opportunity, even starting a FIFA Peace Prize after Mr. Trump didn’t win the Nobel. Luke Broadwat...
nytimes.com
On Pope Leo’s Visit to Lebanon and Turkey, A.I. Was a Frequent Concern
Pope Leo in Bkerke, Lebanon, on Monday. During his six-day tour, he called out the risks of artificial intelligence and other rapidly advancing technologies.
nytimes.com
Senyar Swamps Sumatra
A rare tropical cyclone dropped torrential rains on the Indonesian island, fueling extensive and destructive floods.
nasa.gov
‘Constant stimulation, dopamine overload’: how EsDeeKid and UK underground rap exploded on a global scale
With an experimental and maxed-out sound, bold new MCs are emerging from all corners of the UK – and with US rap in the doldrums, the time is ripe for another British InvasionIt’s early November an...
theguardian.com
Yemen’s Civil War Could Escalate Again. Here’s What to Know.
Forces loyal to the Southern Transitional Council during clashes with pro-government forces in Abyan province, Yemen, in 2020.
nytimes.com
Fifa to award ‘peace prize’ after Trump pipped to Nobel
Football’s governing body to hand out first such award at glitzy World Cup draw event featuring Village People
ft.com
US stocks set for double-digit gains in 2026, say Wall Street banks
Bullish forecasts come despite recent investor jitters over tech spending and potential bubble in AI sector
ft.com
There’s a black hole where central banks’ theory of inflation should be
Old assumptions about expectations and targets can no longer be relied upon
ft.com
‘Why are we letting this guy go?’ Trump’s pardons upend US justice system
Releases of drug traffickers and fraudsters puzzle allies and send shockwaves through legal circles
ft.com
The people who shaped the world this year
Who are the people who shaped the world this year?
ft.com
Experimental RNA treatment shows surprising DNA repair power
Cedars-Sinai scientists have created a new experimental drug called TY1 that helps the body repair damaged DNA and restore injured tissue. The discovery came from studying tiny molecular messages r...
sciencedaily.com
Honduran presidential candidate says Trump interfered in election: Report
Centrist candidate Salvador Nasralla, 72, says the US president's remarks may have cost him votes.
aljazeera.com
'World Cup could earn millions for Welsh grassroots'
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney says qualification for the 2026 World Cup would bring a windfall for all levels of Welsh football.
bbc.com
US grand jury declines to re-charge New York Attorney General Letitia James
James decries Trump's 'weaponisation' of the justice system after second failed attempt to federally prosecute her.
aljazeera.com
Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid, Man United eye Mouzakitis
Real Madrid could rival Manchester United to sign Olympiacos wonderkid Christos Mouzakitis. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.
espn.com
Faroe Islands scraps one of Europe's strictest abortion laws
Politicians in the self-governing Danish territory have voted to overturn legislation which banned abortion in most cases.
bbc.com
St. Brown toughs out injury, fuels Lions in key win
Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who played through an ankle injury Thursday night, said he was willing to do "whatever it takes" to be on the field and came up big in a 44-30 win over the Cowboys.
espn.com
New low temperature fuel cell could transform hydrogen power
Kyushu University scientists have achieved a major leap in fuel cell technology by enabling efficient proton transport at just 300°C. Their scandium-doped oxide materials create a wide, soft pathwa...
sciencedaily.com
Supreme Court allows Texas electoral map that favours Republicans
Conservative justices hand win to Donald Trump ahead of midterm congressional votes
ft.com
A 1950s material just set a modern record for lightning-fast chips
Researchers engineered a strained germanium layer on silicon that allows charge to move faster than in any silicon-compatible material to date. This record mobility could lead to chips that run coo...
sciencedaily.com
Check Out Highlights From WIRED’s 2025 Big Interview Event
On December 4, WIRED sat down with some of the biggest names in tech, culture, business, and science for a day full of in-depth interviews.
wired.com
Former USIP Lawyer on DOGE: ‘Brass Knuckles on an Authoritarian Fist’
George Foote, who served as the outside general counsel to the US Institute of Peace, said at WIRED’s Big Interview event that DOGE operatives arrived like a “strike team.”
wired.com
US Supreme Court allows Texas to use redrawn district map for 2026 midterms
The new Texas map, backed by Donald Trump, has sparked similar efforts for partisan redistricting across the US.
aljazeera.com
David Hogg to Democratic Establishment: Get the Message or Get Voted Out
At WIRED’s Big Interview event, the activist and organizer said he doesn’t “think the Chuck Schumers of the world understand” what’s coming for the party.
wired.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,380
These are the key developments from day 1,380 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
aljazeera.com
All the biggest news from AWS’ big tech show re:Invent 2025
Amazon Web Services' giant tech conference re:Invent 2025 is happening this week with news ranging from chips to AI services.
techcrunch.com
Police recover $19k Fabergé egg swallowed by NZ man
The man allegedly tried to steal the diamond-studded egg named after the James Bond film Octopussy.
bbc.com
Trump Trumpets Peace in Africa Amid War on Drug Boats, in Day of Dissonance
President Trump trumpeted a peace agreement while hosting President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Washington on Thursday.
nytimes.com
Trump can keep National Guard in Washington, DC, for now: Appeals court
Court grants stay on previous order giving timeline for troop withdrawal as administration considers response.
aljazeera.com
It's Time to Save Silicon Valley From Itself
Big Tech has lost its way. At WIRED’s Big Interview event, Techdirt editor Mike Masnick and Common Tools CEO Alex Komoroske announced a manifesto designed to help the industry get back on track.
wired.com
Gottlieb tosses chair after Green Bay blows game
Green Bay coach Doug Gottlieb threw a chair as he walked off the court after his team blew an 11-point lead in an "embarrassing" 80-78 loss to Robert Morris.
espn.com
Meta Poached Apple’s Top Design Guys to Fix Its Software UI
Meta wants to make its AI hardware slicker and more fashion-forward. It also needs to make its software more usable. The way to do all that appears to be hiring design maestros away from Apple.
wired.com
Circle’s Jeremy Allaire: We’re Building an ‘Economic OS’ for the AI Era
The cofounder and CEO of Circle says “money as an app platform” is the next step in a digital-based global economic system that’s right around the corner.
wired.com
‘Signalgate’ Inspector General Report Wants Just One Change to Avoid a Repeat Debacle
The United States Inspector General report reviewing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s text messaging mess recommends a single change to keep classified material secure.
wired.com
The End of the Israel Exception
A new paradigm for American policy.
foreignaffairs.com
What Syrians Want
A new survey shows the promises and perils facing the country’s new government.