U.S. payrolls grew by 256,000 in December, much more than expected; unemployment rate falls to 4.1%

The US has dismissed an upcoming international conference on the two-state solution at the UN as “unproductive” and “ill-timed,” stating it undermines current diplomatic efforts and could prolong conflict while empowering Hamas. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce criticized the conference and French President Macron's recognition of a Palestinian state, calling them counterproductive gestures amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza where over 59,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

The operator of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, Carnival, will remain liable for compensating passengers affected by COVID-19 after a failed appeal against a class action ruling that deemed the company negligent. The court found that Carnival should have canceled the cruise, which resulted in 28 deaths and 663 infections, and a lead plaintiff was awarded $4,423 for medical expenses, though her request for larger damages was denied. Want More Context? 🔎

Ceasefire Agreement Between Cambodia and ThailandFollowing deadly border clashes that resulted in at least 35 deaths, Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate ceasefire mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The truce, effective July 28, 2025, aims to halt fighting and facilitate discussions on easing tensions along the disputed border, which has been a source of conflict for decades. Want More Context? 🔎

The Justice Department filed a misconduct complaint against U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, accusing him of improper comments about President Trump and his administration concerning deportations of Venezuelan men to El Salvador. The complaint cites Boasberg's actions in a case involving the deportations, where he criticized the administration for allegedly disregarding court orders and due process. Want More Context? 🔎

A 21-year-old inventor from Atlanta, Julian Brown, known for his work in converting plastic waste into fuel through his company Naturejab, has been missing for nearly two weeks following a cryptic social media post expressing his concerns about being "under attack." His disappearance has raised alarms among followers and prompted calls for investigation, but no official missing report has been filed. Want More Context? 🔎

Sir Michael Hill, the founder of Michael Hill Jeweller, passed away at the age of 86 after stepping down from the board for cancer treatment. Known as a celebrated jeweller and philanthropist, he, along with his wife Lady Christine, transformed the business from its origins in Whangārei, New Zealand, into a prominent global retail brand. Want More Context? 🔎