Summary:

CF Montréal signed Canadian international centre back Joel Waterman to a three-year contract extension through 2027, with an option for the 2028 season. Waterman, who joined Montreal from Cavalry FC in January 2020, played 2,131 minutes in 25 games this season, making 24 starts. The 28-year-old from Langley, B.C., became the first player to transfer from a Canadian Premier League club to Major League Soccer. Full Article

A cancer charity fundraiser was caught on camera wishing cancer on a woman who declined to sign up for monthly donations to Breast Cancer Now. The woman, whose grandmother died from breast cancer, was stunned and chased the worker down the street in Leyland, Lancashire. The charity apologized for the incident, investigated, and took appropriate action to ensure fundraisers adhere to the fundraising code of conduct. Full Article

The Christian Heritage Month organizers are hosting a sold-out Christmas event at city hall, coincidentally where debates over Christianity's recognition took place. Molly Banerjei, leading the initiative, hopes the event will foster a better relationship between city officials and Toronto's Christian community, despite past difficulties in organizing events due to perceived hostility. Banerjei aims to showcase the positive contributions of Christians and create a welcoming environment for future gatherings. Full Article

The European Central Bank's biannual Financial Stability Review warns that rising global trade tensions pose a risk to the euro area economy, with weak growth now seen as a greater threat than high inflation. Despite a two-year high of 0.4% economic growth in the third quarter and 2% headline inflation in October, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, prompting the ECB to caution that further fluctuations are more likely due to stretched valuations and risk concentration. Full Article

Russia has sent over 70 animals, including bears, yaks, ducks, and cockatoos, to North Korea's Pyongyang Zoo as a gift, flown in on a government plane with officials and experts from the Moscow Zoo. The gesture signifies the growing cooperation between the two countries, with Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov emphasizing the historical significance of animal gifts in fostering relations. This comes after President Putin's visit to North Korea and the signing of a strategic partnership treaty, amid tensions with Western sanctions and reports of North Korean troops being sent to Russia to support Ukraine. Full Article

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza due to the US opposition to the demand for an "unconditional" ceasefire and the release of hostages. President Biden's administration has faced criticism for its support of Israel amid the conflict, with nearly 44,000 Palestinians killed and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite global frustration, the US vetoed the resolution, drawing condemnation and accusations of allowing the genocide to continue. Full Article

A series of deadly attacks in China have caused concern, with seemingly ordinary people carrying out the violence due to feeling disgruntled. Recent incidents, like a stabbing at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology, are prompting society and the government to grapple with difficult questions. These attacks highlight the complex issues facing China and the need for reflection and action to address underlying grievances. Full Article

In the French mass rape trial, tensions erupted as Dominique Pelicot's daughter, Caroline Darian, accused him of lying and shouted that he would "die alone like a dog". Pelicot admitted drugging his wife for a decade and arranging for men to rape her while unconscious. The trial, involving 50 defendants, is set to conclude on 20 December, with emotional testimonies revealing the extent of the abuse and manipulation that occurred. Full Article

President-elect Trump nominates Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as Energy secretary and considers axing Biden's $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles, prompting debate among energy advocates. While some believe eliminating the credit could benefit the auto industry, others like Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm argue it would harm competitiveness. Tesla CEO Elon Musk supports ending the credit, potentially favoring financially strong companies like Tesla while posing challenges for smaller ones relying on the credit. Full Article

Hal Steinbrenner aims to develop a strong relationship with Juan Soto akin to his friendships with Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, highlighting the importance of player-owner connections. The New York Yankees owner stresses the team's dedication to enhancing its roster if Soto decides to remain with the franchise, underscoring their commitment to continual improvement and competitiveness in the league. Full Article

EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, known for her role as Mel Owen, has been confirmed as a contestant on this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. She will be paired with Nikita Kuzmin and is eager to embrace the glitter and sequins of the ballroom. Other celebrities participating in the festive special include Josh Widdicombe, Tayce, Vogue Williams, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, with more announcements to come. Full Article

A baby's body was found in a field near a motorway in Greater Manchester by a woman walking her dog near Ashtons Field, prompting a major police presence at the scene. Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood urged the public to share any information to help determine the circumstances of the baby's death, with the investigation ongoing and the baby referred to as 'Baby A' as authorities work to understand the situation. Full Article

Israeli forces killed at least 33 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including a rescue worker, as they deepened an incursion in the northern edge, bombarding a hospital and blowing up homes. At least 12 people were killed in a strike on a house in Jabalia, with 10 missing, while another man died in tank shelling. Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya was bombed, leading to a lack of resources, food, water, and medical staff, resulting in daily deaths of wounded patients and malnutrition among children. Full Article

After Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson in a boxing match, many were disappointed with the lackluster bout. Paul's actions during the fight and his comments at the press conference afterwards have fueled criticism, with some considering legal action. Despite appearing to take it easy on Tyson and admitting to "carrying" him during the fight, Paul claimed he didn't want to hurt the older fighter and wanted to give the fans a show. Full Article

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that class 10 and 12 board exams will start from February 15 and end on March 18 and April 4, 2025, respectively. This marks the first time the datesheet has been released 86 days in advance, with careful consideration for 40,000 subject combinations to avoid scheduling conflicts. CBSE Exam Controller, Sanyam Bhardwaj, emphasized the importance of providing sufficient gaps between exams to ensure students' success. Full Article