Missing American Travis Timmerman found wandering barefoot outside Damascus

A recent survey by DFS in the UK found that being late was the biggest guest offense during the festive season, with 47% of respondents agreeing. Other annoyances included guests not bringing a drink (41%) and not taking off their shoes (33%). Body language expert Adrianne Carter advised arriving on time, bringing a drink to show appreciation, and asking about removing shoes. Only 11% of hosts would be bothered by guests being underdressed, as the...

Angela Rayner is facing backlash for controversial planning reforms that would require councils to release green belt land for a 60% surge in housebuilding. Labour's goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes has been criticized by councils and the National Trust for potentially harming valuable green spaces. The plans mandate councils to expand green belt boundaries and utilize "grey belt" areas to meet ambitious housing targets, leading to a significant increase in housebuilding in England....

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is proposing the establishment of a global submarine and warship building hub in India to meet the rising demand for naval assets, aiming to produce platforms at lower costs for exports. TKMS is competing with L&T-Navantia to supply new submarines to the Indian Navy, with a decision expected soon. TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard sees this initiative as an opportunity to create more jobs and develop future technologies in partnership with India....

The Boston Society of Architecture held its annual gingerbread design competition, where contestants showcased Back Bay, the North End, and Fenway Park. Winners included a replica of the Ames-Webster House in Back Bay, Fenway Park capturing a universal Bostonian experience, and a miniature representation of the North End with notable businesses and buildings. Proceeds from the competition benefited the BSA Foundation, supporting community programming addressing issues like affordable housing and climate change. Full Article

President-elect Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan, where he was greeted warmly by traders and business leaders after being named Time magazine's "Person of the Year." Flanked by Vice President-elect JD Vance, incoming first lady Melania Trump, and his children Ivanka and Tiffany, Trump reiterated his plans to make the U.S. more attractive for corporations, receiving cheers and chants of "U-S-A" from the crowd. Trump's entourage...

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underwent a second procedure to stop a brain bleed at a hospital in Sao Paulo, following a fall in October. The 79-year-old president is awake and expected to return to Brasilia next week to slowly resume his activities. Concerns about his health and political future linger as no clear successor has emerged, with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin stepping in to handle some of Lula's duties but not officially...