AMERICA
Elections, Foes to Friends, Shark Tank and Negotiations.
1. Electoral College Seals 2024 Election Outcome Today
Presidential electors will vote in state capitols across the United States on Tuesday to confirm President Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, and then Americans will cast their votes on Election Day for a group of electors who have pledged their support for their president and other candidates.
2. Trump Claims Tech Giants Shifted from Foes to Friends
In today’s rapidly changing environment, it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends in the United States. America’s News delivers the most up-to-date breaking news from coast to coast, covering a wide range of topics including politics, business, health, community issues and cultural change. From critical government and financial reforms to technology startups and social debates, we provide instant updates and thoughtful analysis. Our goal is to keep you connected to the stories shaping American life and to keep you informed of the news that matters.
3. Why Barbara Corcoran Skips First Class – It’s Genius
Shark Tank star and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran recently shared her reasons for choosing first class on the Jamie Kern Lima Show. Despite having the money, she prioritizes using her free airline miles to treat her family to vacations rather than spending money on a first-class ticket. Cochran also spoke about her passion for real estate, noting that there are always family and guests in every home.
4. Trump Urges Peace Talks with Putin and Zelenskyy
US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his call for peace in Ukraine, citing the violence of the war in which “so many people have been killed.” Speaking at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, December 16, Trump said, “We will talk to President Putin, we will talk to Zelensky and the Ukrainian delegation. He has to be ready to make a commitment, that’s all.” Trump referred to the extensive damage to Ukrainian cities, saying, “It’s nice to say they want to give their land back, but most of the cities have been destroyed.”
ASIA
US-Cambodia, Yoon Suk Yeol’s, Asian Market!
1. US Navy Ship Arrives in Cambodia for Friendly Visit.
A US Navy ship reached Cambodia on Monday, the first time a US warship has arrived since 2016. The USS Savannah (LCS 28) will be at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port for five days until December 20, about 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) off Ream Naval Base, where two Chinese warships have been anchored for months.
2. Yoon Suk Yeol’s Team Rejects Insurrection Charges
Prosecutors who denounced President Yun Seok-yeol on Thursday again rejected the opposition’s accusations against him, saying that anyone who wants to fight against the opposition will not do what Yun did and spread the law before the eyes of the world. Speech by Mr. Mr. Yoon, who was helped by Seok Dong-hyeon to form Yoon’s legal defense team, came during the president’s investigation into short-term opposition to the constitution on December 3 and was dismissed by the Court of Appeals.
3. UN Envoy Calls for Action Against Myanmar Junta Leader
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi in February as it struggles to return to democracy. The authorities’ crackdown on information operations following two months of military rule has led to a data blackout. A day later, reports of violence emerged in Bago, northeast of Yangon, where residents fled to nearby villages. The National Prisoners Association confirmed on Friday that more than 80 protesters in Bago were killed by police.
4. Asian Markets Stay Cautious Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions
Asian investors entered the key 24-hour period on Wednesday with caution, with stocks falling and risks emerging ahead of the Fed’s interest rate decision the next day and the Bank of Japan’s final decision the following day. Ahead of the two tough calls, the central banks of Thailand and Indonesia also announced their final decisions; both central banks should keep interest rates at 2.25% and 6.00% respectively.
MENA
Middle East Tensions: Israel, Libya, Power Shifts
1. Israel Plans Extended Occupation of Syrian Buffer Zone
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army would hold unoccupied territory in Syria for the foreseeable future. Israel’s latest invasion of the region has drawn condemnation, with critics accusing Israel of violating a 1974 peace treaty to rekindle chaos in Syria in an attempt to seize territory. A current Israeli leader has travelled to Syria.
2. UN Launches Initiative to Resolve Libya’s Political Deadlock
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Libya’s top U.N. official announced Monday a new effort to end three years of conflict and hold national elections over the distribution of North Africa’s oil wealth. As a first step, the United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) plans to set up an advisory committee and outline a program and roadmap to develop the best solutions to election problems, Foreign Minister Stephanie Curry told the United Nations Security Council.
3. Netanyahu Focuses on Iran After Victories Over Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria
DUBAI (Reuters) – 2025 will be a year of reckoning for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his country’s arch-rival Iran. Military control of Gaza would thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions and lead to the disintegration of Tehran’s allies – Palestinian Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah and the removal of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
4. Turkey and Israel Gain Upper Hand in the Shifting Middle East Power Dynamics
It is difficult to predict that the changes underway in the Middle East will leave the region after the fall of the Syrian regime. But what is clear is that Israel and Turkey have emerged as big winners, making progress that was unthinkable just a few weeks ago. Trofimov writes that since the war in Gaza began last year, the two American institutions have deteriorated in relations and are ready to go “down the path of conflict” in Syria and beyond.
EUROPE
UEFA, FIFA apologies, united to end illegal smuggling
1. Unify League Launched by European Super League Promoters, Seeks UEFA Recognition
Fans of the European Super League have called on UEFA and FIFA to recognize their new competition after the federation reopened on Tuesday. The experimental European Super League (ESL), sponsored by the country’s top 12 clubs, was controversially launched in 2021 and has seen support decline. A22 said the new type of four-club 96-man club would be more results and competitive than the current UEFA club competition.
2. FIFA Apologizes for Map of Ukraine Without Crimea in 2026 Draw
Last week, the world football governing body presented a map of countries that cannot face each other for regional reasons, such as Spain and Gibraltar, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Serbia, Ukraine and Belarus. The map shows Ukraine but does not include the Crimean Peninsula as part of the country. Most countries condemned the move, which is still an internationally recognised part of Ukraine.
3. American Asset Managers’ Growing Presence in Europe
British Airways could appoint a UK fund manager to manage its £21.5 billion in pension assets. But in 2021, British Airways turned to New York-based BlackRock to manage its money. Lawyer BAE Systems was involved in a £23 billion deal for Goldman Sachs. This year, Shell asked BlackRock to manage its £26 billion pension fund.
4. Finland and Sweden Team Up to Combat Illegal Salmon Fishing
The protection of salmon in the Torne River, the natural border between Sweden and Finland, is an international effort involving fisheries inspectors from both countries. Since the rivers in the region are the last places in Europe where salmon can be found, it is important to keep the fishery sustainable. Violations such as overfishing can put the ecosystem at risk. This is the aim of the Swedish and Finnish inspectors working together.
