Summary

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns of rising antibiotic use in the EU, increasing risks of antimicrobial resistance, which contributed to nearly 5 million deaths in 2019.

Between 2019 and 2023, 14 EU countries reported higher antibiotic consumption, with hospital use of last-resort antibiotics also rising.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics remain the primary drivers of resistance.

Despite EU targets to reduce antibiotic consumption by 20% by 2030, progress is slow, with the ECDC urging stronger action to curb resistance and reassess guidelines.

Summary

Steve Bannon’s trial on state charges of conspiracy and money laundering related to the WeBuildTheWall Inc. charity has been postponed to February 25.

Prosecutors allege misuse of donor funds, including over $600,000 to pay off a credit card debt linked to another Bannon nonprofit.

The judge is also considering whether to keep the jury anonymous, following a request by prosecutors.

Bannon recently completed a federal prison sentence for contempt of Congress.

Summary

Chinese-language bookstores are thriving abroad as China intensifies its crackdown on independent booksellers.

Yu Miao, forced to close his Shanghai store six years ago, now runs JF Books in Washington, benefiting from freedom from censorship.

At least a dozen bookstores have been shuttered in China recently as authorities target dissent and “illegal publications,” often punishing booksellers with fines, arrests, and harassment.

Meanwhile, exiled booksellers are establishing cultural hubs overseas, meeting demand from Chinese migrants seeking community and uncensored literature, while escaping China’s tightening grip on free expression.

Summary

Nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to AAA.

Most travelers (71.7 million) will drive, with the busiest times on roads predicted to be Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, especially in major cities.

A record 5.84 million people will fly, while bus, train, and cruise travel have also risen. Lower gas prices and increased international flight bookings contribute to the surge.

Weather warnings for rain and snow could impact travel plans, though Thanksgiving Day is expected to see lighter traffic. Orlando is the top domestic destination.

Summary

Australian senators censured Senator Lidia Thorpe for her outburst against King Charles III during his visit, calling him a colonizer and demanding land and reparations. Thorpe defended her actions, stating she would repeat them if Charles returned.

Summary

Chinese online marketplace Temu faces resistance in Southeast Asia despite its rapid global growth driven by ultra-cheap products.

Indonesia removed Temu from app stores, citing protection for local merchants, while Vietnam may ban Temu and Shein by month’s end due to unapproved business operations.

Local manufacturers and vendors struggle to compete with Temu’s low prices, which are supported by China’s surplus production capacity and aggressive discounts.

While consumers benefit from affordability, governments are increasing regulations to shield domestic industries.

Summary

Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell reportedly warned that there will be no recess appointments, directly opposing Donald Trump’s plan to bypass Senate confirmation for controversial cabinet nominees, including Matt Gaetz.

Gaetz has faced allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct.

McConnell’s stance sparked widespread discussion about a looming constitutional showdown.

Critics argue recess appointments could undermine Senate authority and pose national security risks.

Observers question McConnell’s influence, noting potential leadership changes, while others see this as a critical test of Senate integrity against Trump-aligned Republicans.

Summary

Two men face trial for human smuggling charges related to the deaths of an Indian family, including two young children, who froze to death while attempting to cross the Canada-US border in 2022.

The smugglers allegedly recruited migrants, obtained visas, and transported them across the border, with one of the smugglers expressing concern about the extreme cold during the last trip.

The incident highlights the risks migrants face in pursuit of a better life.

Summary

North Carolina Democrats celebrated significant downballot wins in the 2024 election, including victories in the governor, attorney general, and legislature races, despite Kamala Harris losing the state to Donald Trump by over 3 points.

Josh Stein defeated Mark Robinson for governor, aided by strong fundraising and attacks on Robinson’s controversial history.

Democrats also flipped key offices, countering GOP gains from redistricting.

While Republicans retained General Assembly control and congressional pickups, Robinson’s weak gubernatorial campaign drew criticism.

Democrats aim to build on their state-level momentum for future elections.

Summary

The US’s approval for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, capable of striking targets nearly 200 miles away, marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s ability to retaliate against Russian aggression.

The move, coming after intense lobbying by Kyiv, allows Ukraine to target Russian positions with more precision and destruction than prior weapons.

Russia has condemned the decision as a provocation risking world war.

Analysts suggest the policy shift, reportedly limited to Russia’s Kursk region, aligns with U.S. efforts to support Ukraine without triggering broader conflict.

Summary

Former CDC acting director Richard Besser criticized RFK Jr.‘s nomination as HHS secretary, calling his false claims linking vaccines to autism “cruel” and “extremely dangerous.”

Besser emphasized the importance of vaccines for individual and community health and warned against misinformation.

Deborah Birx, former White House coronavirus coordinator, stressed the need for a strong management team to navigate HHS’s complexity and reaffirmed the lack of scientific evidence connecting vaccines to autism.

RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine stance has drawn widespread condemnation from health experts, labeling him a threat to public health.

Summary

Spain’s economy minister, Carlos Cuerpo, is urging G20 nations to support a global wealth tax on billionaires, targeting a 2% minimum tax on assets to raise $250 billion annually.

Backed by Brazil, France, and Germany, the initiative aims to fund climate action and green investments.

Cuerpo highlighted growing public demand for wealth redistribution, especially as climate crises worsen, like Spain’s recent deadly floods.

The proposal mirrors the global minimum tax on multinationals and seeks international coordination to overcome political resistance from wealthy elites and lobbyists.

Summary

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plan to remove key Toronto bike lanes, citing congestion, has sparked backlash from city officials, cyclists, and safety advocates.

Critics argue there’s no data proving bike lanes worsen traffic, pointing instead to their role in reducing accidents and supporting safe commutes.

Removing the lanes could cost C$48M and disrupt years of planning. Advocates claim Ford’s stance is political, appealing to suburban voters while endangering cyclists.

With rising cyclist fatalities, opponents warn the move risks worsening safety and intensifying tensions between road users.

Summary

Exercise promotes neuron growth through both biochemical and physical effects.

Myokines, released by contracting muscles, stimulate neuron growth, while mechanical forces mimic muscle contractions and also promote neuron growth.

These findings suggest that exercise can be used as a therapeutic approach for nerve repair and mobility restoration.

Summary

The global goal to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C is now deemed “deader than a doornail,” with 2024 likely to surpass this threshold, marking the hottest year on record.

Despite agreements under the Paris accord, emissions continue to climb, pushing the world toward 2.7°C warming and increasing risks of catastrophic climate impacts.

Experts warn of nearing irreversible climate tipping points, such as ice sheet collapse and Amazon dieback.

While progress in clean energy offers hope, scientists emphasize urgent emission reductions, as every fraction of a degree matters to limit damage.

Summary

China’s President Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden that Taiwan, democracy, human rights, and development are red lines for China and should not be challenged. Xi also warned against US involvement in South China Sea disputes and provocations in the region.

Summary

German manufacturers warn of a severe economic crisis driven by high energy costs, inflation, labor shortages, bureaucratic burdens, and declining demand in key markets like China.

The manufacturing sector, including firms like Volkswagen, Beckhoff Automation, and Ziehl-Abegg, faces stiff competition from China’s booming exports, especially in electric vehicles.

Political instability and inconsistent government policies have worsened the outlook, leading to job loss fears and restructuring.

Summary

Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing mounting losses, debt, and the failure of its proposed $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue.

Operations, including ticket sales, will continue as normal, with the airline securing $300 million in financing and planning to exit bankruptcy by early 2025.

Spirit has also arranged a $350 million equity investment from bondholders.

Struggling since the pandemic, Spirit deferred $1.1 billion in debt, faced an engine recall, and announced cost-cutting measures, including job cuts and selling older planes.

Summary

John Bolton, former US national security adviser, believes Switzerland should join NATO due to the changing geopolitical landscape.

He warns that Trump may abandon NATO and impose tariffs on European imports, potentially leading to a trade war.

Bolton emphasizes the importance of NATO for collective security and encourages European countries to increase their defense spending.

Summary

The U.S. has approved Ukraine’s use of long-range ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia, drawing sharp criticism from Russian officials, who warn of serious escalation and even invoke fears of World War III.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the move as a “new spiral of tension,” while Vladimir Putin has yet to comment.

Putin previously warned such actions could be seen as NATO’s direct involvement in the war.

As Biden’s term ends, speculation rises about how Trump’s more cautious stance on Ukraine aid might influence Moscow’s next steps.