Auto giants endured a torrid time of it this year — and few expect 2025 to be much better

Transport for London (TfL) has deployed additional cleaning crews to address a surge in graffiti on the Central line, with reports of tags spreading across carriage interiors and exteriors. Passengers have expressed frustration over the deteriorating conditions, likening it to the graffiti-infested New York Subway of the 1980s, and calling for a zero-tolerance approach to the issue. London Assembly Member Bassam Mahfouz emphasized the need for swift removal of graffiti to enhance commuter safety and...

The Vatican is preparing for Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday, with final arrangements underway as mourners continue to pay their respects at St. Peter's Basilica. Tight security measures are in place due to the expected attendance of over 50 heads of state, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Following the ceremony, Francis will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, and the cardinals will begin the process of electing his successor, with...

Hours before his arraignment, federal prosecutors indicated they would seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione if convicted of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, highlighting his intent to incite political resistance against the industry. Mangione is expected to plead not guilty to a four-count indictment, including murder via firearm. Prosecutors argued that his actions were designed to amplify an ideological message, while defense attorneys condemned the death penalty pursuit as a "barbaric" political stunt....

SummaryAnthony Seibold sees Tom Trbojevic as a key player for Manly's revival as he returns from injury against Penrith, drawing comparisons to NRL champion Greg Inglis. While recruitment discussions, including a potential deal for Jamal Fogarty, are on the horizon, Seibold's immediate focus is on breaking a four-game losing streak following Trbojevic's absence. Despite his injury history, Trbojevic is in peak condition and ready to contribute, with Seibold emphasizing the importance of teamwork beyond individual...

Farmer Hadi Saheb in Iraq has turned to groundwater to cultivate his wheat fields in the Najaf desert, a response to worsening drought and desertification. This government initiative allows farmers to lease desert land at a low cost and provides subsidized irrigation, leading to a significant increase in harvests. However, experts warn that the reliance on groundwater, which is depleting faster than it can be replenished, poses a risk to long-term agricultural sustainability, indicating a...

An analysis of the EU Transparency Register reveals that several small public affairs and law firms in Europe are actively lobbying for major oil and gas companies, contributing to pollution concerns. Despite fossil fuel clients accounting for only 1% of the industry’s revenue, many of the top spenders in influencing EU policymaking are linked to these companies. The findings, published by the Good Lobby nonprofit, highlight the extent of lobbying efforts within the fossil fuel...