Daily News Brief

Tim Dolighan's cartoon from December 23, 2024, was featured in the article. The video failed to load, but viewers were encouraged to refresh their browser or watch other videos. The content of the cartoon was not described in the summary. Full Article

The European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc signed a controversial trade agreement after 25 years of negotiations, creating one of the world's largest free trade zones. The deal aims to lower tariffs and boost trade between the two blocs, covering over 700 million people and 20% of global GDP. However, the agreement still needs approval from the EU Parliament and 15 member states, with concerns from farmers and opposition from countries like France complicating...

Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Mayotte, revealing tensions between residents and the large migrant population, many of whom avoided emergency shelters due to fear of deportation. French President Macron acknowledged the challenges of rapid population growth and illegal immigration on the island, exacerbated by the cyclone's destruction of homes and infrastructure. The unresolved dispute with neighboring Comoros has fueled migration waves, with calls for stricter measures and proposals to address the root causes of migration...

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a one-year ban on TikTok, citing concerns about violence and bullying on the platform, especially among children. The decision followed a teenager's stabbing death after a quarrel that started on social media. Despite TikTok's denial of any connection to the incident, Rama criticized the platform for not taking responsibility for protecting children. Albanian parents supported the ban, while young users expressed disappointment, arguing that the app is a source...

The UK economy failed to grow between July and September, as revised official figures show a 0.1% growth and a shrink during September itself, with uncertainty surrounding the Budget being blamed for the slow growth. The Bank of England's chief economist had warned about fear and uncertainty generated by the new government's gloomy language, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denied talking the country down. Full Article

A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the seizure of ecstasy and cocaine worth €185,000 in Co Cork. He will appear in court while a woman in her 30s has been released without charge. The drugs were discovered in a premises in Douglas as part of Operation Tara, aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks. Full Article