December sales provide little cheer for retailers

Robin Levinson Kingin Boston, Massachusettsand Max Matzain Lacey, WashingtonGetty ImagesTrash is piling up in Garden Grove, California - one of the communities affected by the strikesGarbage strikes are affecting multiple U.S. cities, with over 2,000 Republic Services workers on strike due to low pay and poor benefits, impacting sanitation services. As trash piles up, cities like Gloucester have joined lawsuits against the company, while Republic accuses the Teamsters union of illegal behavior, escalating tensions on...

The Israeli military's ongoing attacks in Gaza have resulted in at least 71 deaths, exacerbating a starvation crisis with 127 malnutrition-related fatalities, including 85 children. Despite Israel's announcement of a humanitarian pause and airdrops of aid, experts criticize these measures as inadequate, with calls for lifting the blockade and providing safe access for aid. Want More Context? 🔎

An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon's Tyre district killed one person, according to the Lebanese National News Agency. This incident occurred amid ongoing tensions, as Israel has reportedly committed nearly 3,000 violations of a truce established after the full-scale war with Hezbollah in September 2024, resulting in significant casualties and extended military presence in the region. Want More Context? 🔎

Passengers were evacuated via emergency slides after American Airlines flight 3023, headed to Miami, aborted takeoff in Denver due to a possible landing gear issue, resulting in smoke and flames. One person was hospitalized with minor injuries, and the airline is providing a replacement flight while the original aircraft is inspected. Want More Context? 🔎

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Israel for breaching international law by restricting aid to Gaza and reaffirmed Australia's call for a ceasefire, while rejecting France's recognition of a Palestinian state until conditions improve. He emphasized that Hamas must not be involved in any future Palestinian government, citing their actions as the catalyst for the current violence, while Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash accused him of failing to adequately blame Hamas for the ongoing conflict....

Nigeria secured their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title by coming from behind to defeat Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final, with substitute Jennifer Echegini scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute. Morocco initially led 2-0, but Nigeria's Esther Okoronkwo played a pivotal role, scoring and assisting, as the Super Falcons triumphed in “Mission X” to extend their record in the tournament. Want More Context? 🔎