Category Archives: News

The New York Times — Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024

Image

Musk’s Slashing of the Federal Budget Faces Big Hurdles

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency, with Elon Musk as co-leader, has advantages that past budget-cutters did not, but laws and court challenges can still make change slow and difficult.

British Lawmakers Vote to Legalize Assisted Dying in Landmark Decision

After an emotional debate, Parliament voted on Friday in favor of allowing assisted suicide for some terminally ill people in England and Wales.

Life After Death: America’s Cemeteries Are Rewilding

More burial sites are forgoing pristine lawns for drought resistant plants and wildflowers that help wildlife. Efforts picked up in the pandemic.

Airlines Are Padding Flight Times. It’s Not Your Imagination.

Flying in America has become slower even as official statistics have shown improvement.

News:Taiwan President Lai Defies China, Escalation Of Ukraine War By Putin

Monocle Radio Podcast (November 29, 2024): Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te is set to defy Beijing with his upcoming Pacific trip that will include US stopovers. Alessio Patalano joins Emma Nelson to discuss what China’s response might be. P

lus: Vienna sausage stands gain Unesco status and we discuss Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo’s legacy.

The New York Times — Friday, November 29, 2024

Image

Hamas Faces a Future Without Its Most Important Ally

Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah and the cease-fire to stop the fighting in Lebanon have left Hamas increasingly isolated.

Donald Trump Jr. Emerges as a Loyal Enforcer

His siblings have long retreated from the inner circle, but the president-elect’s eldest son has made a name for himself as the person who can best assess loyalty to the Trump political brand.

Australia Has Barred Everyone Under 16 From Social Media. Will It Work?

The law sets a minimum age for users of platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X. How the restriction will be enforced online remains an open question.

An A.I. Granny Is Phone Scammers’ Worst Nightmare

Daisy Harris, an A.I.-generated English granny, has been stymying scammers with meandering, time-wasting conversations. But can she actually make a dent in the flood of fraud?

News: Russia-Iran Alliance Raises Alarms, Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire Violated

Monocle Radio Podcast (November 28, 2024): As the international community raises the alarm over the warming relationship between Tehran and Moscow, we assess what this means for the frontline in Ukraine.

Then: the International Criminal Court wants an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military junta and Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement trial concludes. Plus: a new international airport for Greenland and the latest design news.

The New York Times — Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024

Image

Will Lebanon Deal Break Gaza Deadlock? Experts Doubt It

Hamas is unlikely to compromise in Gaza, despite the decision by its ally, Hezbollah, to stop fighting. A deal in Gaza would also be harder for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

Judge Finds New York in Contempt, Clearing the Way for Rikers Takeover

The finding was a landmark in a court case that has stretched out over more than a decade. Plans for a receivership of New York City’s jails will be heard on Jan. 14.

China Has a New Playbook to Counter Trump: ‘Supply Chain Warfare’

A series of swipes at American companies show how China could take the initiative in a new trade war, using its economic dominance to exact pain.

3 Americans, Including F.B.I. Informant, Are Freed in Prisoner Swap With China

The Americans released, among others, a Chinese intelligence officer who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States.

News: 60-Day Ceasefire In Israel-Hezbollah War, China Warning On Tariffs

Monocle Radio Podcast (November 27, 2024): We discuss the latest on the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal. Plus: why Brazil is boycotting a French supermarket chain, China’s warnings over Trump’s tariffs announcement and the final sprint of Swiss-EU negotiations.

Plus: a special interview with Ukrainian Eurovision winner, Jamala.

The New York Times — Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024

Image

Israel Approves Cease-Fire With Hezbollah to Halt War in Lebanon

President Biden said the 60-day truce, which the United States helped broker, would take effect early Wednesday, and was intended to become permanent, ending Lebanon’s deadliest war in decades.

Pakistan Deploys Army in Its Capital as Protesters and Police Clash

Soldiers were ordered to defend government buildings with gunfire if needed, as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded his release from prison.

Top Trump Aide Accused of Asking for Money to ‘Promote’ Potential Appointees

President-elect Donald J. Trump ordered the investigation by his legal team into Boris Epshteyn, a powerful figure in the transition. Mr. Epshteyn denies the allegations.

Tariff Threats Show Trump’s Commitment to Upending Global Trade

The president-elect’s threat to hit Canada, Mexico and China with new tariffs is already rocking business and diplomatic relationships and could topple the trade pacts he signed in his first term.

News: Protests In Pakistan, Israel Likely To Approve Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal

Monocle Radio Podcast (November 26, 2024): Supporters of Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, take to the streets of Islamabad to demand his release.

Elsewhere, Italy’s controversial deal with Albania over asylum seekers lands leader Georgia Meloni in hot water; in Tbilisi, the first session of the newly elected parliament sparks protests; and we’re in Cambodia to report on the conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Plus: why US retailers have extended Black Friday.

The New York Times — Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Image

Jack Smith Seeks Dismissal of Two Federal Cases Against Trump

The special counsel effectively brought to a close the Justice Department efforts to hold Donald J. Trump accountable in the election and classified documents cases.

Netanyahu Signals Openness to Cease-Fire With Hezbollah, Officials Say

The United States is pushing Israel to reach a deal with the Lebanese militia by Thanksgiving, even as key details remained unresolved, Israeli officials said.

In Haiti, a Grim Barometer: Even United Nations Workers Are Fleeing

A surge in gang violence over the past two weeks has led international aid organizations to rethink their staff levels in Haiti.

The Amsterdam Attacks and the Long Shadow of ‘Pogroms’

Many have used an old word to refer to recent events. Is it accurate?

News: New Russia Missile Escalation, Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire Talks

Monocle Radio Podcast (November 21, 2024): How dangerous is the deployment of a new weapon by Moscow, and can the West de-escalate tensions?

Then: we’re in Bucharest to unpack the results of the presidential election, we also take a look at the future of the West Bank and hear how Namibians are bracing for a game-changing vote. Plus: newspapers from Zürich and the latest news from the world of fashion.