Notable Events Around the World on - 2025-12-16

UK insists tech deal with US isn’t dead as Trump threatens penalties against European tech firms

Keir Starmer’s office claims UK still in ‘active conversations’ about deal for tech industries in both countries to cooperateDowning Street insists the $40bn Tech Prosperity Deal between the US and...

theguardian.com

Trump expands US entry ban to include Palestinians and Syrians

Administration cites war and weak governance without citing evidence of specific security threats from nations listed

ft.com

Calendar must be policed after Grand Slam Track bankruptcy - Coe

World Athletics president Lord Coe warns "we have to police the calendar" after Grand Slam Track (GST) filed for bankruptcy.

bbc.com

Thousands protest in Slovakia against Fico government’s judicial reforms

Protesters called on President Pellegrini, usually an ally of Prime Minister Fico, to veto the changes.

aljazeera.com

Australia star Smith ruled out of third Ashes Test

Australian batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide.

skysports.com

UK sex offenders may have to tell police about social media and dating accounts

Exclusive: Shabana Mahmood plans to ‘use full power of the state’ to curb rise in targeted attacks using websitesConvicted sex offenders will be forced to notify police with the details of any dati...

theguardian.com

Price powers into second round at World Darts Championship

Gerwyn Price powered into the second round of the World Darts Championship with a convincing 3-0 win over Adam Gawlas of the Czech Republic.

skysports.com

WikiFlix shows us what Netflix would have been like 100 years ago

On WikiFlix, a Netflix-inspired archive of public domain films, you can watch movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Noseferatu" for free.

techcrunch.com

Murder charges to be filed against Nick Reiner for allegedly killing parents

The suspect in the death of Rob and Michele Reiner was charged with two counts of first degree murder, and also was accused of using a deadly weapon.

bbc.com

Palestinian infant freezes to death in Gaza as Israel keeps blocking aid

Winter cold 'becomes lethal' as Israel restricts entry of tents, blankets and other shelter supplies to ravaged enclave.

aljazeera.com

Canada announces new methane emission standards for oil and gas sector

The new rules, which will take effect in 2028, aim to cut emissions by 75 percent by 2035.

aljazeera.com

Darts player creates buzz with wasp spray on stage

Dutchman Jurjen van der Velde uses bug spray on stage to combat wasps before his world championship match against Danny Noppert.

bbc.com

Nick Reiner: what do we know about Rob Reiner’s son who was arrested?

The 32-year-old screenwriter, who has dealt with addiction and homelessness, has been arrested after the deaths of his parentsNick Reiner to be charged with first-degree murder of his parentsRob Re...

theguardian.com

What are Fifa's 'more affordable' World Cup tickets?

BBC Sport explains some details about the "more affordable" $60 (£45) tickets for the 2026 World Cup, introduced after criticism of Fifa's pricing structure for the tournament.

bbc.com

NASA IXPE’s Longest Observation Solves Black Hole Jets Mystery

Written by Michael Allen An international team of astronomers using NASA’s IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) has identified the origin of X-rays in a supermassive black hole’s jet, answerin...

nasa.gov

Warner Bros to rebuff $108bn Paramount hostile offer

Hollywood studio and streaming company open to new bid but there are doubts over Ellison funding

ft.com

X updates its terms to lay claim to the ‘Twitter’ trademark after newcomer’s challenge

X's new terms of service say that no one can use the Twitter name, trademarks, logos and more without written consent.

techcrunch.com

X updates its terms, files countersuit to lay claim to the ‘Twitter’ trademark after newcomer’s challenge

X's new terms of service say that no one can use the Twitter name, trademarks, logos and more without written consent.

techcrunch.com

NASA Launches Research Program for Students to Explore Big Ideas

NASA is now accepting concepts for a new research challenge. The Opportunities in Research, Business, Innovation, and Technology (ORBIT) challenge is a multi-phase innovation competition designed t...

nasa.gov

US Boat Strikes Shift to Pacific, Placing Colombia on Watch

Video images posted by the U.S. Southern Command on Monday showed what the U.S. military said were strikes on three narcotrafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

nytimes.com

Trump’s approval rating drops to 39% amid economic concerns: US poll

Reuters/Ipsos survey suggests Americans are increasingly unhappy with Trump's handling of the economy.

aljazeera.com

Through Astronaut Eyes: 25 Years of Life in Orbit

After 25 years of continuous human presence in space, the International Space Station remains a training and proving ground for deep space missions, enabling NASA to focus on Artemis missions to th...

nasa.gov

Praise for people who died while trying to stop Bondi Beach attackers

One of the bystanders who tried to stop the attack came to Australia from the USSR to escape anti-Semitic persecution.

aljazeera.com

Saints contract hopes 'looking pretty good' for Smyth

Kicker Charlie Smyth says "we're looking pretty good" as he looks to secure a place on the New Orleans Saints' permanent 53-man NFL roster.

bbc.com

Wes Streeting and resident doctors urged to agree to mediation to end strikes

Exclusive: Health bosses say mediation urgently needed to break deadlock as resident doctors prepare to strike from WednesdayExasperated NHS bosses have urged Wes Streeting and the British Medical...

theguardian.com

Second doctor sentenced in Matthew Perry overdose death

Dr Mark Chavez, one of five people who pleaded guilty in the Friends star's death, was sentenced to eight months of home detention.

bbc.com

BBC to fight Trump’s $10bn lawsuit, saying it should be dismissed

Corporation will argue it did not have rights to air film in US and it didn’t cause serious reputational harmThe BBC is preparing to argue Donald Trump’s $10bn court case against it should be dismi...

theguardian.com

Rome’s New Subway Stops Are Part Museum, Part Station

Ancient Roman findings displayed inside of the new subway station Colosseo, in Rome on Tuesday.

nytimes.com

Slate crosses 150,000 reservations despite waning EV truck enthusiasm

It took Slate Auto about seven months to grow its customer list by 50%, but new reservations appear to be outpacing any cancelations.

techcrunch.com

Labour’s employment rights bill set to become law after Lords battle

Unions hail ‘generational shift’ as legislation introduces new rights on sick pay, parental leave and zero-hours contractsLabour’s flagship employment rights bill will finally become law after a ba...

theguardian.com

US Muslim group sues Florida’s DeSantis over ‘terrorism’ designation

CAIR lawsuit says the Republican governor is targeting the civil rights group to suppress its advocacy for Palestine.

aljazeera.com

Palestinians mourn teenager killed by Israeli troops in occupied West Bank

Mourners crowded the streets of Tuqu in the occupied West Bank to say goodbye to 16-year-old Ammar Sabah.

aljazeera.com

NASA Ignites New Golden Age of Exploration, Innovation in 2025

With a second Trump Administration at the helm in 2025, NASA marked significant progress toward the Artemis II test flight early next year, which is the first crewed mission around the Moon in more...

nasa.gov

How Small Is Too Small? Volunteers Help NASA Test Lake Monitoring From Space

Volunteers participating in the Lake Observations by Citizen Scientists and Satellites (LOCSS) project have been collecting water level data in lakes since 2017. Now, the LOCSS team has used these...

nasa.gov

NASA JPL Shakes Things Up Testing Future Commercial Lunar Spacecraft

The same historic facilities that some 50 years ago prepared NASA’s twin Voyager probes for their ongoing interstellar odyssey are helping to ready a towering commercial spacecraft for a journey to...

nasa.gov

George Osborne joins OpenAI: ex-chancellor adds tech post to his CV

Former Tory chancellor tasked with helping ChatGPT owner develop ties with governmentsThe former UK chancellor George Osborne is joining OpenAI to lead the ChatGPT developer’s relationships with go...

theguardian.com

Grindr Goes ‘AI-First’ as It Strives to Be an ‘Everything App for the Gay Guy’

After controlling shareholders failed to take Grindr private, and controversies over data and the banning of the phrase “No Zionists,” Grindr’s CEO opens up about AI, privacy, and big expansion plans.

wired.com

U.S. Is Seeking Exemption From a European Climate Law, Officials Say

A liquified natural gas tanker. This year the Trump administration signed a deal with the European Union in which Europe pledged to buy American gas in exchange for tariff relief.

nytimes.com

Hegseth ‘proud’ of Caribbean boat strikes, won’t release full video

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the full video of a controversial Caribbean strike is "top secret."

aljazeera.com

US officially labels Colombia’s EGC group a ‘terrorist organization’

Analysts warn US 'terrorist' designation of the EGC could escalate violence and hinder peace negotiations in Colombia.

aljazeera.com

More than 90% of streaming shows created by white people, study shows

Annual UCLA study finds declines in cultural diversity behind and in front of the camera since last yearPopular scripted series on streaming services showed a marked decrease in cultural diversity...

theguardian.com

US designates Colombian cocaine gang a terrorist group

The move is seen as a further escalation of the Trump administration's war on drugs in Latin America.

bbc.com

Ruth Kiew Dies at 79; Botanist Made Discoveries in Remote Forests

Trekking across Malaysia, her adopted country, she found more than 150 unrecorded plant species. “She’s one of the greatest botanists who ever lived,” a colleague said.

nytimes.com

Rwanda-Backed Militia Says It Will Withdraw From Key City in Congo

Militants fighting with the Congolese government surrendered weapons to the Rwanda-backed M23 militia in Uvira, Congo, on Monday.

nytimes.com

The Guardian view on dentists: contractual tweaks won’t stop the rot | Editorial

New appointments for urgent and complex care should be welcomed. But NHS dentistry requires more radical surgeryIf changes to the NHS dental contract in England result in fewer people being left to...

theguardian.com

From the Octagon to the Oche! Paddy Pimblett takes on 9-dart challenge!

UFC stars Paddy Pimblett and and Luke Riley take on the nine-dart challenge at the World Darts Championship.

skysports.com

Fifa introduces some £45 World Cup tickets after backlash

Fifa introduces a small number of "more affordable" $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of its pricing structure for the tournament.

bbc.com

DoorDash rolls out Zesty, an AI social app for discovering new restaurants

Users can view and share photos and comments about restaurants they’ve visited, discover content from others, and follow people just like on any social network.

techcrunch.com

Washington threatens European groups over EU’s treatment of US tech giants

French and German companies warned their access to the American market could be disrupted

ft.com

FIFA announces £45 tickets for World Cup 2026

FIFA has introduced a new pricing tier for the World Cup next year, with £45 tickets being made available for every game, including the final, following fierce criticism of ticket prices...

skysports.com

Meta’s AI glasses can now help you hear conversations better

Conversation focus uses the AI glasses' open-ear speakers to amplify the voice of the person you're talking to, says Meta.

techcrunch.com

OpenAI continues on its ‘code red’ warpath with new image generation model

OpenAI rolls out GPT-Image-1.5 for ChatGPT, promising 4x faster generation, better instruction-following and precise edits. The launch escalates its rivalry with Google Gemini.

techcrunch.com

Uber Eats alum lands $14M seed from a16z to fix WhatsApp chaos for LatAm’s doctors

Leona Health built an AI co-pilot to manage the flood of patient messages Latin American doctors receive on WhatsApp.

techcrunch.com

The Hodge report into Arts Council England: ‘Not exactly a ringing endorsement’

While the former arts minister’s call for tax breaks and a bonfire of red tape will be welcomed, we seem to be going round in circles. And why hasn’t the single most calamitous cause of funding red...

theguardian.com

Google tests an email-based productivity assistant

Google's new email-based assistant will be available to AI Pro and Ultra plan users over the age of 18 in North America.

techcrunch.com

Weather becomes weapon in Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Hypothermia claimed the life of another infant and strong winds left a trail of destruction as storms again hit Gaza.

aljazeera.com

Ministers ‘break word’ on protecting nature after weakening biodiversity planning rule

Housing minister announces exemption to 10% net gain rule in England for smaller developmentsThe government has broken its promise to protect nature by weakening planning rules for housing develope...

theguardian.com

Fifa scores an own goal with its World Cup ticket prices

Next year’s tournament in North America is turning into an elitist spectacle

ft.com

OpenAI hires George Osborne to spearhead global ‘Stargate’ expansion

Former UK chancellor to lead start-up’s effort to spread ‘democratic’ AI across the world

ft.com

Peekaboo!

Clockwise from left, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui and NASA astronauts Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, and Mike Fincke pose for a playful portrait through a circular openi...

nasa.gov

Whole Foods to install smart food waste bins from Mill starting in 2027

The food waste startup founded by Nest alumnus Matt Rogers also received an investment from Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund.

techcrunch.com

'Car crash' - boxing reacts to Paul v Joshua announcement

Eddie Hearn, Tony Bellew, Moses Itauma and more react to the news that Jake Paul will fight former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in Miami, Florida.

bbc.com

New Head of Trump's Cancer Panel Questioned Links Between Vaccines and Cancer

Yale epidemiologist Harvey Risch, who has speculated about a connection between Covid vaccines and “turbo cancer” and promoted ivermectin, says he'll chair the President's Cancer Panel.

wired.com

US unemployment hits highest level since 2021 as labour market cools

Unemployment rate rises to 4.6 percent as job cuts hit federal workers and manufacturing sector.

aljazeera.com

Netflix doubles down on video podcasts with iHeartMedia deal

Netflix's has its second big foray into video podcasts with its new partnership with iHeartMedia.

techcrunch.com

Rebels say they will withdraw from key DR Congo city at US request

The US accuses Rwanda of backing the rebel advance in breach of a deal brokered by President Trump.

bbc.com

From Harry Potter to The Crying Game, Susie Figgis’s explosive enthusiasm made her an irreplaceable casting director

Producer Stephen Woolley pays tribute to Figgis, who has died aged 77, a brilliant professional whose ‘molotov cocktail personality’ enabled her work in British and Hollywood cinemaI first encounte...

theguardian.com

The Housemaid review – Sydney Sweeney takes the job from hell in outrageous suspense thriller

Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar co-star as Sweeney’s secretive bosses in an upstate New York mansion, and director Paul Feig ramps up the sexual tension with evident gustoDirector Paul Feig is...

theguardian.com

Trump’s war on Europe

American foreign policy now aims to help rightwing nationalists into power across the continent

ft.com

Palestine Action hunger strikers risk dying in UK Prisons, say lawyers

Lawyers acting for eight Palestine Action hunger strikers held in UK prisons say the lives of the detainees are at risk.

aljazeera.com

How far must UK go to fend off threat of foreign interference in its elections?

Closing funding loopholes and re-empowering the watchdog would go some way to tackling an urgent issueUK to hold inquiry into foreign financial interference in domestic politicsRussia has been atte...

theguardian.com

Yale report unveils RSF attempt to cover up Sudan atrocities, mass burials

Yale research lab finds evidence that Sudanese group buried, burned, and removed human remains after el-Fasher massacre.

aljazeera.com

Cardiff in 'good space' to retain top players after Wales stars exit Ospreys

Cardiff and Scarlets are hopeful of retaining their top players after Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake opted to swap Ospreys for Gloucester.

bbc.com

Iran’s foreign minister says strikes won’t stop nuclear programme

Exclusive: Iran's foreign minister sits down with Fault Lines to discuss the nuclear standoff and diplomatic deadlock.

aljazeera.com

Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry

Ensuring Astronaut Safety Achieving safe exploration of space in vehicles that rely upon closed environmental systems to recycle air and water to sustain life and are operated in extremely remote l...

nasa.gov

Statistics and Data Science

Enabling Successful Research A major aim of biomedical research at NASA is to acquire data to evaluate, understand, and assess the biomedical hazards of spaceflight and to develop effective counter...

nasa.gov

Prashasti Singh: Divine Feminine review – an arresting hour of silly-smart standup

Soho theatre, LondonThe comedian’s compelling show explores gender politics in modern India, singledom and self-improvementModesty: “I don’t speak for all women …” Swagger: “… but I do speak for ma...

theguardian.com

Green groups decry EU ‘betrayal’ after vote to reduce oversight of firms

Social and environmental reporting to be required of fewer companies after EPP aligns with far right to achieve goalsEurope live – latest updatesFewer companies operating in Europe will be made to...

theguardian.com

McErlean and Armstrong secure M-Sport WRC drives

Motorsport Ireland Academy duo Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong will drive for M-Sport in the World Rally Championship in 2026.

bbc.com

‘It became a running joke how much my brothers and I hated it’: the sound of Christmas to me

Beyond Wham! and Elton, Guardian writers from across the generations select the songs that conjure the personal magic and memories of the seasonI’m always fascinated by the ways in which my generat...

theguardian.com

Instagram brings Reels to the big screen, starting with Amazon Fire TV

By bringing Reels to TVs, Instagram can better compete with YouTube, which largely dominates the TV space.

techcrunch.com

One of NASA’s Key Cameras Orbiting Mars Takes 100,000th Image

Mesas and dunes stand out in the view snapped by HiRISE, one of the imagers aboard the agency’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. After nearly 20 years at the Red Planet, NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbi...

nasa.gov

Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua: Start time, fight card, prize money, how to watch

Social media boxing star Jake Paul clashes with former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Miami.

aljazeera.com

KPMG tax business pushes firm to faster growth than Big Four rivals

Accountancy reports global revenues of $39.8bn, still far lower than those at competitors Deloitte, PwC and EY

ft.com

Microbiology

Microorganisms and Spaceflight Spaceflight poses a risk of adverse health effects due to the interactions between microorganisms, their hosts, and their environment. The JSC Microbiology team addre...

nasa.gov

Apple TV adds support for Google Cast even as Netflix ditches the feature

The tech giant's adoption of Google Cast signals its interest in making Apple TV a more competitive streaming service at a time when the market is seeing increased consolidation.

techcrunch.com

Hacking group says it’s extorting Pornhub after stealing users’ viewing data

The Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters hacking collective stole Pornhub premium users’ data, including email addresses and viewing history.

techcrunch.com

Immunology and Virology

Does Spaceflight Alter the Human Immune System? Getting sick on Earth is nothing to sneeze at, but for astronauts on deep space exploration missions, the risk for contracting diseases may be elevat...

nasa.gov

What’s Next for HLS

In 2025, the Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) program established itself as a cornerstone for global medium-resolution optical Earth observation and became one of NASA’s most downloaded prod...

nasa.gov

‘To be really successful, you have to be sexy in a straight way’: Ben Whishaw on libidinous New York and playing Peter Hujar

Peter Hujar captured a queer Manhattan demi-monde that is now lost to Aids. Whishaw reveals what he learned playing the photographer in a minimalist film being hailed by some as a masterpieceOn 19...

theguardian.com

Court backs ruling that UK unlawfully detained Tamils on Diego Garcia

British Indian Ocean Territory commissioner’s appeal against decision last year rejected by judges in LondonAppeal court judges have backed a decision that dozens of asylum seekers were unlawfully...

theguardian.com

NASA’s Webb Observes Exoplanet Whose Composition Defies Explanation

Scientists using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have observed a rare type of exoplanet, or planet outside our solar system, whose atmospheric composition challenges our understanding of how it f...

nasa.gov

Richard Tice refuses to condemn Reform mayoral candidate’s comments about David Lammy

Reform deputy leader says party’s role is to ‘challenge’ minister after Chris Parry posted on X that Lammy should ‘go home to the Caribbean’Reform UK’s deputy leader has refused to condemn a mayora...

theguardian.com

NASA ORBIT Challenge 2026

The NASA ORBIT (Opportunities in Research, Business, Innovation, and Technology for the Workforce) Challenge is a multi-phase, student-focused challenge designed to inspire and empower the next gen...

nasa.gov

A viral hit and loved by Tracey Emin: the woman who took up art at 88 – and became an Instagram sensation

Christine Hazell has progressive memory loss yet now has four shows in the works, thanks to these raw, untutored drawings of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren – and Kizzy the dogIn h...

theguardian.com

Soutar wins epic after missing 15 match darts

Scotland's Alan Soutar misses 15 match darts before finally defeating debutant Teemu Harju in a sudden-death leg at the PDC World Championship.

bbc.com

India’s Digantara raises $50M for space-based missile defence tech

With this funding, Digantara has raised $64.5 million in total.

techcrunch.com

Arts funding in England must be protected from politics, Hodge report urges

Arts Council England must remain free from interference to ensure artistic freedom, says report by Labour peerArts Council England needs to scrap its flagship strategy, ensure that arts funding is...

theguardian.com

Thousands of glaciers to melt each year by midcentury, study finds

Scientists say up to 4,000 glaciers could melt annually if global warming is not curbed.

aljazeera.com

Databricks raises $4B at $134B valuation as its AI business heats up

The data intelligence company has just raised more than $4 billion in a Series L funding round at a $134 billion valuation — up 34% from the $100 billion valuation that it achieved just three month...

techcrunch.com

Russia-Ukraine war: Is a ceasefire deal on the horizon?

Experts say a ceasefire deal is unlikely to be close, as many sticking points remain.

aljazeera.com

NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory Reveals ‘First Light’ Images

NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory has captured its first images from space, revealing rare views of Earth and the Moon in ultraviolet light. Taken on Nov. 17 — still months before the mission...

nasa.gov

NASA’s IMAP Mission Captures ‘First Light,’ Looks Back at Earth

All 10 instruments aboard NASA’s newly launched IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) mission have successfully recorded their first measurements in space. With these “first light” obs...

nasa.gov

Minister orders probe into foreign interference in politics

Communities Secretary Steve Reed says the country "must learn the lessons" from a recent court case.

bbc.com

The trauma after the storm: Hurricane Melissa leaves trail of emotional devastation across Jamaica

Experts are calling for the integration of mental health into climate-disaster policy in the Caribbean as studies show that PTSD risks increase after hurricanes and displacementWhen Hurricane Melis...

theguardian.com

Avatar: Fire and Ash review – witchy new sex interest can’t save this gigantically dull hunk of nonsense

The third Avatar chapter erupts with volcanic world-building and thunderous action yet remains a vast, dazzling spectacle in search of an emotional arcOn and on and on it goes. The planet-sized mov...

theguardian.com

NASA, Partners Share First Data From New US-European Sea Satellite

Launched in November, Sentinel-6B will track ocean height with ultraprecision to advance marine forecasting, national security, and more. Sentinel-6B, a joint mission by NASA and its U.S. and Europ...

nasa.gov

Adobe Firefly now supports prompt-based video editing, adds more third-party models

Adobe is updating its AI video-generation app, Firefly, with a new video editor that supports precise prompt-based edits, as well as adding new third-party models for image and video generation, in...

techcrunch.com

Kylian Mbappe owed 60 million euros by PSG, French court says

Paris Saint-Germain ordered to pay superstar forward now at Real Madrid unpaid salary and bonuses.

aljazeera.com

Winter storms plague Palestinians left in desperate need of aid by Gaza war

Floods in Gaza devastate tents and homes, worsening crisis for displaced Palestinians amid aid restrictions.

aljazeera.com

Is the nation-state still a meaningful foundation of who we are?

Is the nation-state still a meaningful foundation of For more than we are?

aljazeera.com

Ginge, PieFace and Bambino Becky take on 9-dart challenge on Alexandra Palace stage!

Ginge, PieFace and Bambino Becky take on the 9-dart challenge on the World Darts Championship Alexandra Palace stage

skysports.com

Europe establishes Ukraine reparations commission amid push to end war

The International Claims Commission is tasked with assessing reparation claims and determining amounts to be paid.

aljazeera.com

UK to hold inquiry into foreign financial interference in domestic politics

Review, which will focus on effectiveness of political finance laws, follows conviction of former Reform politician for accepting bribesUK politics live – latest updatesAn independent review into t...

theguardian.com

Former South Africa captain Dumke dies aged 29

Former South Africa women's captain Lusanda Dumke dies after being diagnosed with a rare gastric cancer.

bbc.com

US added 64,000 jobs in November

Figure complicates Fed’s decision over future rate cuts

ft.com

Israel is imploding

Quietly, but steadily, the Israeli geopolitical clout is shrinking while the Israeli state is succumbing to dysfunction.

aljazeera.com

FIFA slashes some WC ticket prices after backlash

FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for teams' most loyal fans following a global backlash.

espn.com

'Going to go down in folklore' 🐝 How has the Ally Pally wasp performed so far?

John Part and Glen Durrant highlight the Ally Pally wasps' multiple appearances at the 2026 World Darts Championships so far and have be called a 'Darts god'.

skysports.com

Zelensky Expresses Wary Optimism About Ukraine Peace Plan

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, front center, with Steve Witkoff, second right; Jared Kushner, right; and other European leaders in Berlin on Monday.

nytimes.com

'Very strict' sanctions needed in Turkish betting scandal

The response to the Turkish football betting scandal must have the same cultural impact as the punishments for the Calciopoli affair in Italy, says the assistant manager of Galatasaray.

bbc.com

Bullish investors pile into stocks as cash levels sink to record low

Fund managers most optimistic since 2021 despite worries over tech valuations, Bank of America survey shows

ft.com

Thailand demands unilateral ceasefire announcement from Cambodia

Bangkok says Phnom Penh must be first to declare a ceasefire and cooperate 'sincerely' on demining the border.

aljazeera.com

Natural disasters hit global economy for $220bn in 2025: Swiss Re

LA wildfires caused $40bn in insured losses, making it the costliest ever disaster of its kind.

aljazeera.com

PSG ordered to pay Mbappe 60m euros

Paris St-Germain have been ordered to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe 60 million euros (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses by a French court.

bbc.com

Why are French farmers objecting to EU-Mercosur trade deal?

France wants stronger safeguards for farmers and is urging the EU to delay a vote on Mercosur, threatening imports.

aljazeera.com

In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week

A selection of some of the most striking sports photographs taken around the world over the past seven days.

bbc.com

UK ministers consider ads and subscriptions for BBC as part of funding rethink

Broadcaster enters negotiations over new 10-year charter amid intensifying competition from online rivals

ft.com

Behind the scenes at the Royal Opera’s spectacular Turandot – photo essay

Puccini’s opera returns to Covent Garden in a vivid staging that, although 40 years old, still feels fresh and fun. David Levene had exclusive access to rehearsals to witness the severed heads, the...

theguardian.com

UK spying laws could result in overreach and real harm, says review

Jonathan Hall KC warns of people being wrongly investigated and of impact on journalists and thinktanksEspionage offences in the UK’s new National Security Act are so broadly defined that they “wil...

theguardian.com

The Nutcracker review – cheeky, wild and warm-hearted spin on Christmas classic

St Martin’s theatre, London Little Bulb’s ingenious show for children features sword fights, crooning mice and some cheesy gagsThink of this joyful show as a cheeky nod to The Nutcracker rather tha...

theguardian.com

Everbloom built an AI to turn chicken feathers into cashmere

Everbloom has also developed a chemical process to transform waste fibers and feathers into upcycled materials that resemble everything from polyester to cashmere.

techcrunch.com

Rodgers named new boss of Saudi side

Brendan Rodgers is the new manager of Saudi club Al-Qadsiah after leaving Celtic in October.

bbc.com

China’s escalation dominance over Trump

The US president has handed the initiative to Beijing in tech, energy and security

ft.com

AWS CEO Matt Garman Doesn’t Think AI Should Replace Junior Devs

The head of Amazon Web Services has big plans to offer AI tools to businesses, but says that replacing coders with AI is “a non-starter for anyone who’s trying to build a long-term company.”

wired.com

Negotiations over US-UK tech deal stall

When the partnership was unveiled in September the UK government said it would "shape the futures of millions of people"

bbc.com

French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

In a landmark trial, Roger Lumbala faced accusations about atrocities committed during the Second Congo war.

bbc.com

Plans to fix NHS dental care and save some patients hundreds of pounds

The new proposals mean those needing complicated care over numerous appointments could save up to £225.

bbc.com

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado injured on covert Nobel Prize trip

Maduro rival hurt as she secretly escaped on boat through choppy waters to reach Oslo ceremony.

aljazeera.com

Now that’s a callback! Could old jokes become the new trend for comedy?

Surprise is a key ingredient of standup but Jack Rooke and Joseph Morpurgo explore the potential of dusting down their hit 2015 shows for rare revivalsBands tour classic albums in their entirety. M...

theguardian.com

Obamas were supposed to meet Rob and Michele Reiner on night of their deaths

The former first lady paid tribute on Jimmy Kimmel Live to ‘some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know’ as Jerry Seinfeld also writes of debt to Reiner• Reiner changed Hollywo...

theguardian.com

Boxing's most unusual bouts: Wrestlers, Presidential candidates, five men?!

On Friday, Anthony Joshua returns to the ring for a surprise fight against YouTube star Jake Paul. Below, revisit some of the more unusual bouts from boxing history...

skysports.com

BBC says it will defend Trump defamation lawsuit over Panorama speech edit

The US president has requested $5bn (£3.7bn) in damages, according to court documents filed in Florida.

bbc.com

Paralympic long jump medallist Hum dies aged 32

Australian Para-athlete Nicholas Hum, who won bronze in long jump at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021, dies at the age 32.

bbc.com

Tempo reveal new uniforms ahead of inaugural season

The new Toronto WNBA franchise revealed its fresh look heading into its inaugural season.

espn.com

Who is Nick Reiner, arrested over death of his filmmaker father Rob Reiner?

Nick Reiner has been arrested for the murder of his filmmaker father and mother on Sunday.

aljazeera.com

M23 announces exit from DRC’s Uvira as US-brokered ceasefire stutters

Rwanda-backed rebels say they will withdraw from eastern town they seized last week after request by US mediators.

aljazeera.com

Why Quinn Hughes is in Minnesota, not New Jersey... and the league-wide trade aftermath

Here's how the trade came to pass, what other teams were in the mix, and the aftershocks throughout the NHL.

espn.com

Venezuela’s Oil Is a Focus of Trump’s Campaign Against Maduro

Oil drilling equipment in Cabimas, Venezuela. The country has about 17 percent of the world’s known oil reserves, nearly four times the amount in the United States.

nytimes.com

Musicians are deeply concerned about AI. So why are the major labels embracing it?

Companies such as Udio, Suno and Klay will let you use AI to make new music based on existing artists’ work. It could mean more royalties – but many are worriedThis was the year that AI-generated m...

theguardian.com

‘I fear electromagnetic catastrophe’: Josh Safdie on Marty Supreme, latent Jewish anxiety and why men are lost

The Timothée Chalamet-starring comedy about a hustling table tennis ace has been voted one of the Guardian’s films of the year. Its writer/director talks ambition, American dreams and alien takeove...

theguardian.com

‘New world disorder’: Sudan, Palestine top IRC’s 2026 Emergency Watchlist

'Geopolitical rivalries, shifting alliances, transactional deals' dominate as most vulnerable plunge into deeper crisis.

aljazeera.com

When digital calendars make time management too complicated

As workers rail against the tyranny of shared schedules, tech companies say they can help

ft.com

ATP announces new rules over playing in extreme heat

The ATP introduces a new extreme heat rule from 2026 which will allow players on the men's tour to take a 10-minute cooling break during best-of-three sets singles matches.

bbc.com

Starmer urged to stand up for BBC against Trump’s ‘outrageous’ $10bn lawsuit – UK politics live

Ed Davey says prime minister must make it clear lawsuit is ‘unacceptable’ as US president quotes Badenoch to back ‘fake news’ claimDonald Trump’s lawyers have also quoted Liz Truss, the former Cons...

theguardian.com

Has Benin’s foiled coup made ECOWAS a West African heavyweight once more?

The regional bloc seemed resigned to the coup crises rocking the region until the Benin attempt this month.

aljazeera.com

The Innocents of Florence by Joseph Luzzi review – how abandoned babies spurred a flowering of Renaissance art

The precarious, cruel but dazzling world of a foundling hospital is brought wonderfully to life by the author of Botticelli’s SecretJoseph Luzzi, a professor at Bard College in New York, is a Dante...

theguardian.com

Young people hit hard as UK unemployment marches upwards

Jobs market slowdown likely to become policy focus and will also have impact on interest rates decisionUK unemployment rose to four-year high of 5.1% before budgetBusiness live – latest updatesWhen...

theguardian.com

BBC bosses ‘right to stick by their guns’ against Trump, says minister

Keir Starmer urged to ‘stand up for the BBC’ after US president files $10bn lawsuit against corporationBBC bosses are “right to stick by their guns” against Donald Trump, a minister has said, after...

theguardian.com

Court: PSG owes Mbappé $70M in unpaid wages

A Paris labor court ruled on Tuesday that Paris Saint-Germain must pay more than €60 million ($70m) to Kylian Mbappé in a dispute over unpaid wages and bonuses linked to the end of his contract bef...

espn.com

A new way to prevent gum disease without wiping out good bacteria

Scientists are uncovering a surprising way to influence bacteria—not by killing them, but by changing how they communicate. Researchers studying oral bacteria found that disrupting chemical signals...

sciencedaily.com

I'm part of Labour's new generation, Welsh FM says

Eluned Morgan says a "new team" will set a "very different agenda" for Labour in Wales.

bbc.com

How did this warm, cheery man make a film as horrific as Misery? When Rob Reiner met Stephen King

In an industry not exactly known for it, Reiner was an exceptionally nice guy. But he was too much of a showman to make a straight shocker. The result was rich, terrifying – yet cherished• ‘Not a s...

theguardian.com

Best films of 2025 in the UK: No 4 – The Ice Tower

Lucile Hadžihalilović’s kaleidoscopic fable, starring Marion Cotillard as a haughty, damaged diva, is a cautionary tale about the perils of fantasy• The best films of 2025 in the UK• More on the be...

theguardian.com

This is another ‘ozone layer’ moment. Now, we must urgently target methane | Mia Mottley

The oil and gas industry must be legally bound to cut methane emissions. With climate tipping points approaching, time is running out • Mia Mottley is the prime minister of BarbadosThe timing is br...

theguardian.com

All you need to know about Sports Personality of the Year 2025

BBC Sport has everything you need to know about BBC Sport's Personality of The Year 2025 and how to vote.

bbc.com

You've heard of the 'Panenka' penalty; how about the Hornkamp hop?

A new penalty was seen in the Eredivisie as Heracles Almelo striker Jizz Hornkamp scored, but was it legal?

espn.com

Cooper Flagg sets new record as youngest NBA player to score 40 points

Flagg joins LeBron James and Kevin Durant as only third teenager with at least 40 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

aljazeera.com

Celebrations as Jordan reaches first Arab Cup final

Videos show celebrations after Jordan qualified for football’s Arab Cup final for the first time.

aljazeera.com

UK unemployment rate rises slightly to 5.1%

Unemployment rises slightly as job vacancies flatline in a "subdued labour market"

bbc.com

Eight killed in latest strikes on alleged drug boats, US military says

The US has carried out more than 20 strikes in international waters on alleged drug vessels since September.

bbc.com

Updated NFL Power Rankings: New 1-32 poll, plus who could get extended this offseason

Let's update our NFL Power Rankings ahead of Week 16. We also looked at players who could get contract extensions this offseason.

espn.com

Physicists found a way to see heat in empty space

Physicists have found a clever way to detect the elusive Unruh effect without extreme accelerations. By using atoms that emit light cooperatively between mirrors, acceleration subtly shifts when a...

sciencedaily.com

UK unemployment rate rises to 5.1 per cent

Figures also show wage growth cooled in three months to October

ft.com

Inside the ugly Chris Paul-Clippers divorce -- and a season on the brink of disaster

A future Hall of Famer at the end of his career, looking for one final ride. And a flailing team at the end of a largely failed era. Here's why the Chris Paul-Clippers reunion was doomed -- nearly...

espn.com

Which NHL teams are most at risk of a shocking playoff miss?

These eight teams entered the season with high playoff chances, and are currently in peril.

espn.com

This rare earthquake did everything scientists hoped to see

A rare, ultra-long earthquake in Myanmar revealed that mature faults can deliver their full force directly to the surface. The discovery could mean stronger shaking near faults like California’s Sa...

sciencedaily.com

Our young people aren’t shirkers or snowflakes - they were failed by government policy. That changes now | Pat McFadden

The number of ‘neets’ is skyrocketing in Britain, another Tory failure. Labour’s plans for apprenticeships and training funds will turn this around• Pat McFadden is secretary of state for work and...

theguardian.com

Europe’s New Faces review – a punishing immersion in the migrant journey

A four-hour documentary observes life in a Paris squat and perilous Mediterranean crossings – but its non-narrative structure tests the limits of endurance and empathyEgyptian-American film-maker S...

theguardian.com

Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson review – startlingly original

The Indigenous Canadian author brilliantly captures the interdependence of humans and the natural world, in a darkly satirical critique of colonialismNoopiming, the first of Canadian writer-musicia...

theguardian.com

Behind The Oche: Why is Price a favourite to win the Worlds?

Glen Durrant joins Megan Wellens to discuss Nitin Kumar coming up against Stephen Bunting in round two of the World Championships and why they think Gerwyn Price has a chance at winning the title.

skysports.com

For four days, I didn't know if my family was alive - Williamson

British boxer Troy Williamson - who faces Callum Simpson live on BBC on Saturday - reveals how Hurricane Melissa ruined his family home and bar in Jamaica.

bbc.com

Morocco’s Safi counts the cost in aftermath of deadly flash floods

Triggered by sudden torrential rains, the flash flood killed at least 37 people in the coastal city of Safi.

aljazeera.com

Scotland's justice secretary to face no confidence vote in grooming gangs row

Opposition parties have accused Angela Constance of misrepresenting the position of a leading expert on grooming gangs.

bbc.com

TV tonight: the secrets behind M&S party food and picky bits

Colin the Caterpillar gets a tasty revamp. Plus: Romesh Ranganathan raps in New York City’s Union Square. Here’s what to watch this evening9pm, ITV1Marks & Spencer’s product development team ar...

theguardian.com

Innovation, evolution, revolution - golf's new faces championing change

With an influx of new people at the head of the sport's most important bodies, the groundwork is being laid for rapid change, writes Iain Carter.

bbc.com

‘Improve the NHS fast or people will fall for the charlatans’ – so says a departing trust head. We’d do well to listen | Polly Toynbee

In his 46 years of service, Nick Hulme has seen the best and the worst of the NHS. He issues a stark warning about its futureI catch him before he slips out of the NHS ahead of Christmas. After 46...

theguardian.com

‘No water, no life’: Iraq’s Tigris River in danger of disappearing

Unless urgent action is taken life will be fundamentally altered for the ancient communities who live on its banksAs a leader of one of the oldest gnostic religions in the world, Sheikh Nidham Krei...

theguardian.com

Govee Discount Codes and Deals: 30% Off

New to Govee? Get a $5 coupon on your first purchase just for signing up.

wired.com

LIVE: Israeli raids across West Bank, Gaza reels from aftermath of storm

Israeli forces continue raids across occupied West Bank as Gaza reels from Israeli attacks and aftermath of a storm.

aljazeera.com

Country diary: Here’s the charm of the goldfinch – we want them to be near us | Mark Cocker

Hogshaw, Derbyshire: They’re in our paintings, in our folklore. A little opportunistic planting and I’ve got them in my gardenAs I cleared our garden of dead vegetation, including many old teasels,...

theguardian.com

Morrisons loses £17mn food fight as chicken tax comes home to roost

High court rules rotisserie product should be subject to the 20 per cent VAT rate for hot food

ft.com

‘We hate it. It’s desecration’: the real cost of HS2

Ten years after I first followed the proposed route, I retraced my steps to see what life was like along the world’s most expensive, heavily delayed railway lineTen years ago, I walked the route of...

theguardian.com

Do we need a ‘Made by Humans’ label?

The experience of the video game industry suggests transparency about AI use won’t be straightforward

ft.com

Shell mergers chief departed after CEO blocked bid for BP

Wael Sawan’s lack of enthusiasm suggests oil major may not move on rival when takeover restrictions end

ft.com

Libya looks to its past to build a new future as national museum reopens

It is hoped the institution can help foster new bonds in a fractured nation, but such optimism will be a stretch for someIt was a night at the museum like no other. As the staccato sound of firecra...

theguardian.com

Boost for artists in AI copyright battle as only 3% back UK active opt-out plan

Liz Kendall faces pressure from campaigners as she tells parliament there is no clear consensus on issue A campaign fronted by popstars including Elton John and Dua Lipa to protect artists’ works f...

theguardian.com

Indian Ink review – Felicity Kendal is formidable in emotional epitaph for Tom Stoppard

Hampstead theatre, LondonThe actor gives a skilful performance in the late playwright’s 1995 meditation on love and literary posterity, directed by Jonathan KentA fortnight after West End playhouse...

theguardian.com

The Trump back channel: how diplomacy works in Washington

Rather than use the traditional policy process, foreign governments are dealing with the handful of envoys who appear to have the president’s ear

ft.com

Global brands seek PE partners to save their China businesses

Companies weigh selling stakes to local groups to compete against fast-moving domestic rivals

ft.com

A Subtle Return of La Niña

A weak La Niña emerged in the equatorial Pacific in late 2025, and scientists are watching how it may help shape weather and climate in the months ahead.

nasa.gov

Mahmood Mamdani on how Uganda's history shaped his belonging — and his son's moment

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Professor Mahmood Mamdani about his new book, "Slow Poison." The book is a firsthand report on the tragic unraveling of Uganda's struggle for independence.

npr.org

Why a Bollywood spy film sparked a political storm in India and Pakistan

Thriller starring Ranveer Singh has raised eyebrows over its portrayal of tensions between the two countries.

aljazeera.com

Transfer rumors, news: Man United monitor Bournemouth duo Adams, Scott

Will AC Milan be able to sign Gabriel Jesus in January? Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.

espn.com

U.S. military says strikes on 3 boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean kill 8 people

The U.S. military said Monday that it attacked three boats accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing a total of eight people as scrutiny is intensifying in Congress.

npr.org

Russian court designates punk band Pussy Riot as ‘extremist’ group

Exiled punk band says its members are proud to be branded 'extremists' and hits back at Putin as an 'aging sociopath'.

aljazeera.com

Joe Ely, Texas-Born Troubadour of the Open Road, Dies at 78

Joe Ely in 1981. He wrote songs about lost love and endless vistas, built around stories of everyday people leading everyday lives.

nytimes.com

Trump urges China’s Xi to free jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai

Trump appeals to Chinese leader Xi Jinping after Jimmy Lai convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law.

aljazeera.com

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,391

These are the key developments from day 1,391 of Russia's war on Ukraine.

aljazeera.com

Trump comments on deaths of US filmmaker Rob Reiner and wife cause outrage

Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead at their home, a discovery that quickly led to widespread reactions.

aljazeera.com

Rachael Carpani, McLeod’s Daughters and Home and Away actor, dies ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ aged 45

The beloved Australian actor died on 7 December after a battle with chronic illnessGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailMcLeod’s Daughters and Home and Away actor Rachael Carpani has died, ag...

theguardian.com

Bump: A Christmas Film review – the most masochistic holiday ever?

Oly and Santi take their newborn on a hellish cruise halfway around the world. But amid the torture there are beautiful moments to treasure in this much-loved Aussie drama As a teenager, Oly Chalm...

theguardian.com

VCs discuss why most consumer AI startups still lack staying power

The next consumer tech revolution may require an introduction of a new personal device.

techcrunch.com

Robert Samuelson, Award-Winning Economics Columnist, Dies at 79

Robert Samuelson in his office in 2008. With no formal training in economics, he viewed himself as an outsider who translated dense but important policy debates for a broad audience.

nytimes.com

UK launches taskforce to 'break down barriers' for women in technology

It comes after the government was urged to help close the UK tech sector's gender gap in order to meet its ambitious AI goals.

bbc.com

Alan Milburn launches major UK review into rising inactivity among young people

Report to highlight ‘uncomfortable truths’ and could recommend ‘radical change’, former health secretary saysA major review into rising inactivity among Britain’s young people has been launched by...

theguardian.com

Dentists in England to be paid more for emergency NHS appointments

British Dental Association says government’s plan has ‘no new money behind it’ and further changes neededDentists in England will be paid more to ensure patients have easier access to emergency app...

theguardian.com

Paranormal Activity review – this fright night leaves you spellbound and spooked

Ambassadors theatre, LondonWith expert direction and eye-catching stagecraft, the tension is ramped up in a play inspired by the film franchiseDarkness holds us long enough for the dread to seep in...

theguardian.com

Nissan starts production of new Leaf EV at Sunderland

Japanese carmaker has invested £450mn in the third-generation model, breathing new life into the UK’s largest car plant

ft.com

How to Survive in a Multialigned World

The Indian way of strategic diversification.

foreignaffairs.com

China’s Long Economic War

How Beijing builds leverage for indefinite competition.

foreignaffairs.com

The Illiberal International

Authoritarian cooperation is reshaping the global order.

foreignaffairs.com