News Flashes: Your Daily Current Affairs Digest

US NEWS

Record Low Snow Levels in the U.S.: The United States is experiencing unusually low snow levels as Christmas approaches. This phenomenon has been observed across various regions in North America, raising concerns among environmentalists and affecting winter season activities. The record low snowfall is indicative of broader climatic changes and has potential implications for ecosystems and water resources​​.

US Catholic Leadership Anticipates Challenges: The leadership of the U.S. Catholic Church is bracing for challenges following repeated electoral defeats for candidates opposing abortion. These outcomes suggest a potential shift in the political landscape and pose questions about the future strategies and influence of the Catholic Church in American politics, particularly in the context of reproductive rights​.

Colton Partners with Toys for Tots: New York Assemblymember William Colton has partnered with the Toys for Tots program to collect and distribute gifts to needy children during the holiday season. The effort is focused on ensuring that families facing financial challenges can still provide a festive experience for their children, emphasizing community support and generosity​​.

Study on 'Mom Penalty' in AI Hiring Practices: Research from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering highlights a potential 'mom penalty' in hiring practices that utilize AI. The study found that AI systems might unfairly screen out job candidates who have gaps in their employment history due to maternity leave. This suggests a need for greater scrutiny of AI in recruitment to prevent bias against women, especially mothers.

Greenpoint Gentrification Art Show: An art exhibition in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, showcases the works of Steve Wasterval, focusing on the theme of neighborhood gentrification. The exhibition, held in a newly built condo building, reflects the artist's intent to capture and comment on the rapid changes and their impact on the community.

GLOBAL NEWS AND WORLD EVENTS

U.N. Security Council Passes Gaza Aid Resolution: The United Nations Security Council voted on a resolution to provide aid to Gaza. The United States chose to abstain from this vote, marking a significant diplomatic action amidst ongoing tensions in the region. The resolution aims to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but has faced mixed reactions from various nations​.

Japan Approves Record $56 Billion Defense Budget, Plans to Send Patriot Missiles to U.S.: The Japanese Parliament approved a record $56 billion defense budget for fiscal 2024, including revisions to allow the shipment of ammunition to the United States and potentially aid Ukraine's war efforts. The policy also enables Japan to provide military equipment to nations defending themselves from invasion, like Ukraine, although Japan is currently restricted from directly exporting lethal weapons to countries facing armed attacks​.

Israel Defense Forces Strike Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon: In response to Hezbollah firing nearly two dozen rockets into Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attacked Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed two of its members died in the exchange of fire. Israel's actions included using fighter jets to hit rocket launch sites and military buildings, with the IDF warning that Hezbollah's actions are endangering the Lebanese general population​.

Global Dengue Cases on the Rise Again: The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that cases of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, have surged globally over the past 20 years. From 2000 to 2019, reported cases increased tenfold, reaching 5.2 million and registered in 129 countries. The incidence of dengue has risen again in 2023, even in areas where it was not previously a significant problem.

46.7 Million Children in West and Central Africa Face Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF reported that 46.7 million children in West and Central Africa are facing malnutrition, displacement, poor health, and learning loss amid persistent conflict and insecurity. This includes the central Sahel region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with displacement from Sudan into Chad intensifying the crisis. UNICEF has launched an urgent appeal for $1.89 billion to reach an estimated 24.1 million children​.

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Tougher Sanctions Aimed at Russian Banks: The United States government is intensifying sanctions against Russian financial institutions. This move is part of a strategic effort to weaken Russia's ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. The sanctions are designed to target banks and other financial mechanisms that support the Russian war effort, signaling a continued U.S. commitment to opposing Russia's actions in Ukraine​.

Biden Calls for Scrutiny of US Steel Sale: President Joe Biden has urged regulators to carefully examine Nippon Steel's planned $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. The White House emphasized the importance of scrutinizing this deal due to potential national security and supply chain implications. This acquisition of the American steel giant, founded by J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie, by a foreign entity, even one from a close ally like Japan, has raised concerns among steelworkers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill​​.

Honda's Major Vehicle Recall: Honda is recalling more than 2.5 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States, totaling 4.5 million worldwide, due to a fuel pump defect. This defect can cause engine failure or stalling in the affected cars and SUVs. Although Honda will replace the fuel pumps at no cost, the process will be phased due to a shortage of parts. Dealers have begun notifying owners about the recall, which is a significant step in addressing this widespread issue​​.

Drop in Mortgage Rates: The average rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the U.S. has fallen to its lowest level since June, now standing at 6.67%. This marks the eighth straight week of declining mortgage rates, a relief from earlier this year when rates surged due to the Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hikes. High housing prices combined with the previous rate hikes had resulted in the least affordable housing market since the 1980s. The recent fall in mortgage rates is linked to decreasing inflation and expectations of potential Federal Reserve rate cuts next year​​.

U.S. Stock Market Outlook: U.S. stock futures showed a slight decline early Friday, indicating a modest pullback from recent gains. However, the overall trend for Wall Street remains positive, with the market on track for its eighth consecutive winning week. Despite a drop of 0.3% in Dow Jones Industrial Average futures and a 0.1% fall in Nasdaq futures, the stock market has shown resilience, bouncing back from significant losses earlier in the week. This positive streak is the longest for the Dow since 2019 and for the S&P 500 since 2017​​.

Eurotunnel Traffic Resumes After Strike: Following a strike by French workers over bonus pay, traffic in the Eurotunnel, which connects Britain and France, is set to resume. The strike, which lasted most of Thursday, caused significant disruptions to holiday travel plans, affecting thousands of passengers. Eurotunnel's LeShuttle service for motor vehicles resumed Thursday night, and Eurostar passenger trains were scheduled to restart on Friday. The strike led to substantial inconvenience, with trains returning to Paris and passengers stranded at Gare du Nord high-speed rail terminal​​.

POLITICS

Biden Expands Russia Sanctions: President Joe Biden is set to sign an executive order to broaden sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting individuals and entities aiding Russia's military actions in Ukraine. These expanded sanctions are part of the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to respond to the Ukraine conflict and aim to exert additional economic pressure on Russia.

Marine Park Residents Frustrated with Migrant Solicitations: Residents of Marine Park, Brooklyn, are expressing frustration and concern as migrant families from a nearby tent encampment have begun soliciting money, food, and other donations on the streets. The situation reflects the larger challenges faced by the city in accommodating the needs of migrants, with some residents reacting negatively to the presence of migrants in their community​.

Michigan Political Districts Ordered to be Redrawn: Federal judges in Michigan have ordered the redrawing of several House and Senate political districts. The decision, issued by judges in the Western District of Michigan, declared that 13 state districts must be redrawn as they violate the U.S. Constitution by diluting Black voting power. The affected districts are primarily in and around Detroit. This ruling follows a lawsuit, Agee vs. Benson, brought by 19 Black Detroit area residents, alleging that the districts created by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission diminish Black voting power​.

GOP Crackdown on “Voter Fraud” Targets Voters of Color, Democrats: A Washington Post investigation revealed that a Republican-led crackdown on alleged voter fraud has primarily targeted Democrats and people of color. In states such as Florida, Texas, and Ohio, Black and Latinx individuals made up over 75% of defendants accused of voter fraud, with registered Democrats more than two-and-a-half times as likely to be prosecuted compared to Republicans. Election integrity units in Virginia, Georgia, and Arkansas, despite spending millions of dollars, failed to secure any guilty verdicts in their investigations of alleged irregularities.

Trump Audio Shows Ex-President Pressured Michigan Election Workers Not to Certify His 2020 Defeat: Newly reviewed audio reveals that former President Donald Trump personally pressured two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers in Michigan. In a November 17, 2020, phone call, Trump urged the canvassers not to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden. According to The Detroit News, which reviewed the audio, Trump warned the officials they would look "terrible" if they signed the certification documents. Subsequently, the two officials attempted but failed to rescind their certification votes and filed legal affidavits stating they were pressured​.

SPORTS

Knicks Considering Moves Amid G League Winter Showcase
The New York Knicks are reportedly in a contemplative mode regarding potential roster changes, especially in the wake of center Mitchell Robinson's absence. This development has sparked speculation about the team's strategy to bolster their lineup. The Knicks' focus at the G League Winter Showcase seems to be more on scouting rather than immediate trades, suggesting a long-term approach to team building and reinforcement.

Patriots' Belichick Addresses Underinflated Footballs Issue
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has acknowledged the recent incident of underinflated footballs used in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Belichick, however, distanced the team from any involvement, emphasizing that the Patriots had no role in this matter. This issue brings back memories of the infamous "Deflategate" scandal, making it a particularly sensitive topic for the franchise and its fans.

Detroit Pistons' Historic Losing Streak
The Detroit Pistons are currently enduring a harrowing 25-game losing streak, raising questions about their status as potentially the worst team ever in terms of effort versus results. Despite entering the 2023-24 season with ambitions to win, their continuous losses, including the potential for further defeats in upcoming games against the Brooklyn Nets, have put them on the brink of setting an undesirable NBA record for single-season futility.

Texans' Quarterback C.J. Stroud Ruled Out Against Browns
The Houston Texans will be without their quarterback C.J. Stroud for a crucial AFC showdown against the Cleveland Browns. Stroud has been sidelined since suffering a concussion in Week 14, and his absence is a significant blow to the Texans' offense. The team's performance without their starting quarterback will be closely watched, as it faces a critical match in the context of the season.

NCAA Transfer Policy Under Review for Major Changes
NCAA officials are actively discussing several significant alterations to the college sports transfer policy. This reevaluation is a part of a broader examination prompted by legal challenges targeting the existing rules. The potential changes could have far-reaching implications on how student-athletes move between programs, adding a new dynamic to college sports and athlete mobility.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Holdovers Starring Paul Giamatti to Stream on Peacock
The Holdovers, a holiday film starring Paul Giamatti, will begin streaming on Peacock on December 29. Directed by Alexander Payne, who previously collaborated with Giamatti in Sideways, the film is set in 1970 and follows a curmudgeonly professor at a New England prep school. He finds himself bonding with a student and the school's head cook during Christmas break. The film, which opened in theaters in October, is nominated for Best Picture at the Critics Choice Awards and the Critics' Circle Film Awards.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Earns $4.5 Million in Box Office Previews
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom had a modest start at the box office, earning $4.5 million in previews. This is followed by the animated feature Migration. The movie's performance at the box office is closely watched as it is a major release in the superhero film genre.

Leah McKendrick Directs and Stars in New Comedy 'Scrambled'
Leah McKendrick, known for creating and starring in Destroy the Alpha Gammas, leads the new comedy film Scrambled. This venture marks a significant step in McKendrick's career, showcasing her versatility in both directing and acting roles.

Martin Scorsese to be Honored at Berlin International Film Festival
Celebrated director Martin Scorsese, known for Killers of the Flower Moon, will receive an Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at the Berlin International Film Festival. This prestigious accolade highlights Scorsese's significant contributions to the film industry over his illustrious career.

Pete Davidson Cancels New York City Shows Hours Before Performance: Comedian Pete Davidson abruptly canceled his solo performances at the Beacon Theatre in New York City just two hours before the scheduled start time. Additionally, a show set for the following day at the same venue was also canceled. This followed the cancellation of his performance scheduled for January 2 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, due to "unforeseen circumstances." The theater did not provide an explanation for the New York cancellations but assured ticket holders of automatic refunds. Davidson's sudden cancellations have left fans and the entertainment industry curious about the reasons behind this decision​.