Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, awaits a pivotal ruling from the Court of Cassation on Wednesday regarding his conviction for illegal campaign financing during his 2012 reelection bid. The court will determine whether to uphold or overturn his one-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended, for exceeding the legal spending limit by nearly double the allowed €22.5 million ($25.5 million). This decision follows his recent release from a 20-day incarceration in Paris’ La Santé prison, stemming from a separate case involving alleged secret financing from Libya during his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy, 70, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. If the Court of Cassation confirms the conviction, it will mark a definitive legal conclusion, barring further appeals. The court’s role is to ensure proper application of legal procedures rather than re-examining the case’s merits. Additionally, Sarkozy faces an upcoming appeal trial in the Libya case, scheduled from March 16 to June 3, where he was previously sentenced to five years for criminal association related to campaign financing. Amid these legal battles, Sarkozy is set to release a memoir titled “Diary of a Prisoner,” reflecting on his recent incarceration. The former president’s legal woes also include preliminary charges for alleged witness tampering in the Libya case, with his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, similarly implicated. Sarkozy’s legacy continues to be marred by these controversies, including a prior conviction for corruption and influence peddling, which led to the revocation of his Legion of Honor medal.
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Ambitious plan to store CO2 beneath the North Sea set to start operations
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Nini oil field in Denmark’s North Sea is being repurposed from fossil fuel extraction to a permanent carbon dioxide storage site. Spearheaded by chemical giant INEOS, the Greensand Future project aims to inject liquefied CO2 into depleted oil reservoirs 1,800 meters beneath the seabed. This innovative approach, which effectively reverses the oil extraction process, is set to commence commercial operations next year, marking the European Union’s first fully operational offshore CO2 storage facility. The project will initially store 400,000 tons of CO2 annually, with plans to scale up to 8 million tons by 2030. Denmark’s geological survey confirms the suitability of the Greensand sandstone rock for this purpose, citing its porous structure and secure seal rock. While proponents hail carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a vital tool in combating climate change, critics argue it should not overshadow the urgent need for emission reductions. Environmental groups like Greenpeace caution against over-reliance on CCS, emphasizing the importance of cutting emissions at their source. Despite these concerns, INEOS is expanding its efforts, including potential development of another North Sea oil field, as part of Europe’s broader energy transition.
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‘This is the first year I can’t find a holiday job’
The holiday job market in the United States is facing unprecedented challenges, with seasonal hiring expected to drop to its lowest level since the aftermath of the 2008 recession. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers are projected to hire between 265,000 and 365,000 seasonal workers this year, a significant decline from 442,000 in the previous year. This pullback reflects a cautious approach among businesses grappling with tariffs, inflation, and consumer uncertainty. Nicholas Strahl, a 41-year-old part-time retail sales associate in Indiana, exemplifies the struggles of job seekers. Despite applying to multiple retailers since October, he has yet to secure a seasonal position. ‘I’ve never seen the job market like this—it’s pretty crazy,’ he remarked. The labor market is described as ‘frozen with frostbite’ by Allison Shrivastava, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab, as a larger pool of job seekers competes for fewer opportunities. Retail job openings in October were down 22% compared to last year, according to Revelio Labs. Major retailers like Target and Walmart have remained tight-lipped about their seasonal hiring plans, a departure from previous years. Meanwhile, smaller businesses, such as Hobby Works in Maryland, are scaling back hiring due to economic pressures and the recent government shutdown. For many Americans, the lack of seasonal work means cutting back on holiday spending and delaying essential expenses, further highlighting the economic strain faced by households across the country.
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Robert Irwin wins Dancing with the Stars, a decade after sister’s victory
Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, has emerged victorious in this year’s edition of *Dancing with the Stars*, a decade after his sister Bindi Irwin claimed the same title. The 21-year-old, despite battling a rib injury, delivered a series of stellar performances throughout the 11-week competition, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to his father and a surprise appearance by Bindi. The finale, broadcast locally on Tuesday evening, showcased Irwin’s versatility as he and his professional partner, Witney Carson, performed to tracks by Avicii, Sydney-born Sam Sparro, and Australian rock band Jet, adding a distinctly Australian flavor to the event. Irwin and Carson also excelled in the ‘instant dance challenge,’ where they were given the style and song just minutes before performing. Competing against finalists like influencer Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Irwin secured the win despite three other contestants earning perfect scores earlier in the night. Emotional after his final performance, Irwin expressed his desire to make his father proud, saying, ‘I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here.’ Steve Irwin, known globally as the ‘Crocodile Hunter,’ tragically passed away in 2006 during a diving expedition. Following in his father’s footsteps, Robert has become a passionate wildlife photographer and an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize.
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Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki nears the pinnacle of Japan’s national sport
In a remarkable ascent within Japan’s revered sumo wrestling tradition, 21-year-old Ukrainian-born wrestler Aonishiki Arata has been promoted to the prestigious ozeki rank, just one step below the ultimate title of yokozuna. The Japan Sumo Association announced his elevation during an elaborate ceremony on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Born Danilo Yavhushyshyn in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Aonishiki moved to Japan following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, a decision influenced by his earlier friendship with a Japanese wrestler. His rapid rise to ozeki, achieved in just 14 tournaments, is the fastest since the current tournament system was established in 1958. Aonishiki’s promotion was cemented after his victory in a high-profile tournament in western Japan, where he triumphed over Mongolian-born yokozuna Hoshoryu in the decisive match. Despite his relatively smaller stature for a sumo wrestler—weighing between 125 to 135 kilograms—Aonishiki’s success is attributed to his low body position and impressive strength, including a bench press of 210 kilograms. Fluent in Japanese, which he learned after arriving in the country, Aonishiki has endeared himself to the Japanese public. He credits his parents, now living safely in Germany, for supporting his passion, even when he struggled academically. With his eyes set on the yokozuna rank, Aonishiki continues to inspire as a symbol of resilience and determination in the world of sumo.
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South Africa edges closer to first test series win in India since 2000-01
In a gripping display of cricketing prowess, South Africa is on the verge of securing its first Test series win in India since the 2000-01 season. The fifth day of the second Test match in Guwahati saw the Proteas tighten their grip on the game, claiming three crucial Indian wickets in the morning session. This has left the hosts in a precarious position, with a daunting target of 549 runs still looming large. By the first tea interval, India was struggling at 90-5, still trailing by 459 runs. Sai Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 14 runs off 138 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja was not out on 23 off 40 deliveries. India’s captain and wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, was among the casualties, dismissed for 13 by Simon Harmer, who has been instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting lineup. Harmer’s relentless off-spin bowling wreaked havoc, starting with the dismissal of night watchman Kuldeep Yadav for 5 runs. The pressure continued to mount as Dhruv Jurel fell for just 2 runs, and Pant followed soon after. India’s hopes of a comeback were further dashed as they ended Day 4 at 27-2, having lost openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lokesh Rahul early. South Africa’s dominance was evident earlier in the match when Marco Jansen’s impressive 6-48 helped the team secure a massive 314-run first innings lead. With India bowled out for 201 in response to South Africa’s 489, the visitors are now poised to clinch the series, having already won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs.
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Twenty-four Nigerian schoolgirls released over a week after abduction
In a significant development, 24 Nigerian schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Kebbi State on November 17 have been released, according to President Bola Tinubu. The armed assailants who stormed the school killed one staff member and initially took 25 students, one of whom managed to escape shortly after the incident. While the president lauded the security forces for their “swift response,” details surrounding the girls’ release remain undisclosed. This incident is part of a broader wave of kidnappings plaguing Nigeria, with over 250 children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State still missing as of last Friday. A presidential adviser confirmed that all the Kebbi State girls are now safe but warned that the incident has inspired copycat kidnappings in two other states. Tinubu has pledged to deploy additional personnel to vulnerable areas and enhance surveillance efforts, including continuous Air Force monitoring of remote regions. Since the infamous Chibok mass abduction in 2014, more than 1,500 children have been kidnapped from Nigerian schools. The recent spate of abductions, including the St Mary’s School incident where 300 children and staff were taken, has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders and international figures. UN education envoy Gordon Brown urged the global community to support efforts to ensure Nigerian schools remain safe spaces for learning.
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UK’s Treasury chief set to raise taxes once again in her second budget
LONDON — Amid mounting economic pressures, Britain’s Labour government, led by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, is poised to unveil its second budget since its landslide election victory in July 2024. The announcement, scheduled for Wednesday, comes as the government grapples with a strained public finances and a faltering economy. Reeves, the first woman to hold the prestigious Treasury role, is expected to introduce additional tax-raising measures to address a significant fiscal shortfall. This marks a departure from her earlier assurance that her first budget would be the sole major tax-raising effort of the current parliamentary term, which extends to 2029. The British economy, the world’s sixth-largest, has struggled to meet expectations, with critics attributing the downturn to last year’s business tax hikes. Despite a brief recovery in the first half of 2024, when the UK led the Group of Seven in growth, the economy has since stumbled. Peter Arnold, chief economist at EY U.K., noted that Reeves must navigate a ‘delicate balancing act’ between ensuring fiscal stability and fostering economic growth. The UK’s financial woes are compounded by long-term challenges stemming from the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the lingering effects of Brexit. These factors have collectively eroded the nation’s economic resilience and tax revenue. Reeves also faces substantial spending commitments, including reversing planned welfare cuts and addressing the cost-of-living crisis amid persistent inflation. Economists estimate she will need to secure £20-30 billion ($26-39 billion) to meet these demands. While a straightforward income tax hike has been ruled out, Reeves is likely to implement smaller, more complex tax measures. Key expectations include freezing tax thresholds, which would push more earners into higher brackets as wages rise, and introducing a mansion tax on high-value properties. Changes to capital gains tax and private pension provisions are also under consideration.
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As Russia pummels Ukraine’s energy systems, Kyiv hopes US gas will fill the gap
The aftermath of a devastating Russian drone and missile assault on a Ukrainian gas facility has left the surrounding soil scorched and the infrastructure in ruins. The attack, which occurred on October 30, targeted a reservoir storing liquefied propane gas, leaving several tanks empty and destroyed. Victor, a long-time employee who has worked at the facility for 28 years, expressed his sorrow over the damage, stating, ‘It hurts to look at all this because I saw firsthand its establishment, construction, and development. But we must continue to work.’ The Associated Press was granted exclusive access to Naftogaz’s gas extraction fields in central Ukraine, marking the first time a news outlet has been allowed to document the war damage at these facilities. Due to security concerns, the exact location of the facility remains undisclosed. Russia’s strategic targeting of Ukraine’s gas infrastructure aims to cripple morale and force the country to import expensive gas, which it can scarcely afford. Without these attacks, Ukraine could have covered the majority of its gas consumption through domestic extraction. However, the March and October assaults have left Ukraine needing to import an additional 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas this winter, at an estimated cost of $2 billion. Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state gas company, is negotiating with U.S. government lenders to secure financing for purchasing American liquefied natural gas. The energy crisis has become a critical factor in ongoing peace negotiations, with a senior Ukrainian official emphasizing the urgency of the situation. ‘It is urgent because of Ukraine’s energy situation, urgent because of what Ukrainians need this winter, urgent in terms of the fight,’ the official stated. The destruction of gas infrastructure, which has no military significance, is seen as a deliberate attempt to terrorize Ukrainians by leaving them without heating and electricity during the harsh winter months. Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi condemned the attacks, describing them as ‘manic terror attacks.’ The damage has pushed Ukraine to increase its gas imports, with Naftogaz securing 70% of the required funds through European loans and grants. The remaining 30% is being sought from U.S. lenders, though the process is time-sensitive. ‘This money was needed the day before yesterday,’ Koretskyi remarked. The attacks have also left gas transport pipes in a tangled wreckage, with workers scrambling to salvage what they could. The repeated assaults on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure have forced the country to rely heavily on imports, with some repairs expected to take months or even years. The situation has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s energy sector, with experts suggesting that the government may need to raise gas prices to reduce reliance on loans. However, such a move risks public backlash, especially given the ongoing pressure on the government from a major corruption scandal in the energy sector. Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains committed to rebuilding its gas infrastructure and ensuring energy security for its citizens.
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Pope Leo XIV visits Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, has embarked on his inaugural foreign journey, a significant pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon. This trip, initially planned by his predecessor Pope Francis, carries profound religious and geopolitical implications. Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and intense media scrutiny, Leo’s visit aims to strengthen ties with the Orthodox Church in Turkey and offer solace to Lebanon’s beleaguered Christian community, still reeling from the devastating 2020 Beirut port blast. The pope’s diplomatic acumen and linguistic versatility have been on full display as he navigates complex questions from reporters. The trip is being closely monitored by major U.S. networks and international media, highlighting its global significance. In Turkey, Leo will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in Christian history, while in Lebanon, he will pray at the site of the port explosion and meet with young Lebanese, offering hope amid ongoing crises. Security concerns remain high, but organizers assure the pope’s safety. Leo’s visit underscores the Vatican’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, addressing regional conflicts, and advocating for justice and peace.