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Famine Spreads in Sudan as Warring Parties Willfully Obstruct Aid Boxing Day tsunami: here’s what we have learned in the 20 years since the deadliest natural disaster in modern history Ten films that bend, stretch and play with time, from Citizen Kane to Memento Dambusters raid: a feat of courage and skill whose cost outweighed its achievement The secret world of plants living in our limestone pavements Which infectious disease is likely to be the biggest emerging problem in 2025? The complex nature of Turkey's relations with Syria Fossil treasure chest: how to preserve the geoheritage of South Africa’s Cape coast An AI system has reached human level on a test for ‘general intelligence’. Here’s what that means Surprising developments from Ghana’s 2024 elections and other elections in Africa Scholars highlight trends for media freedom across Africa in panel in Accra Georgia: Brutal Police Violence Against Protesters Aceh Tsunami: Monuments help to remember disasters - and forget them Acehnese women: Crucial role in peacebuilding overlooked, discriminated by local regulations Turkey's environmental activist is among BBC's 100 inspiring and influential women 50 years ago, Cyclone Tracy flattened Darwin – and Australia’s attitude to disasters changed forever Work or play? The rise of online ‘kidfluencers’ is raising complex legal and ethical questions How parents can safely navigate their kid’s first sleepover I’ve calculated Santa’s speed on Christmas Eve – and this is what it would do to Rudolph’s nose Keep calm and carry on your routines: how to manage kids’ ‘Christmas crankies’ over the holidays How to get the kids through a long car trip without screens or losing your mind The Christmas album that heralded the end of a folk musical era: The Kingston Trio’s The Last Month of the Year My dance school is closed for the summer, how can I keep up my fitness? Bonjour Tristesse: a ‘charming little monster’ disrupts bourgeois morality on the French Riviera Is university worth it? Yes, for both students and society Walking into stress in 2025? Take steps now to prepare Beyond birth statistics: Why measuring caesarean rates misses the mark Changing the narrative about athlete mothers’ comeback stories My grandfather was ‘Mr Health and Safety’. His life’s quest to make work safer has been ridiculed – but the rise of the gig economy shows it’s no joke Computer models are vital for studying everything from climate change to disease – here’s how AI could make them even better The Hebrew Hammer: a Hanukah film that mocks antisemitic stereotypes through its butt-kicking Jewish hero China has banned US exports of key minerals for computer chips – leaving Washington with limited options What do insects do all winter? HIV stigma is now more dangerous than the virus – my research shows how to address this The Glasgow Lock Hospital for Unfortunate Females was supposed to help vulnerable girls and women in the 19th century – instead it continued their abuse Georgia: how a former Manchester City footballer will shift the nation’s politics further towards Russia How to prepare for your bilingual baby What brought the decline of the eastern Roman Empire – and what can we learn from it? A gold rush for ‘green finance’ risks changing our relationship to nature 3 years after the Marshall Fire: Wildfire smoke’s health risks can linger long-term in homes that escape burning Why personalised gifts are the real winners during the holiday season El Salvador: IACtHR advances reproductive justice with ruling in favor of Beatriz and her family Syria: Preserve evidence of mass atrocities Gift-giving was practised by early humans in Africa – how it spread and evolved Five ways to beat loneliness this winter In the age of AI, Wallace and Gromit’s claymation style remains a festive favourite Are we moral blank slates at birth? A new study offers some clues Why there’s no such thing as normal in child development House of the Dragon and families fighting for power – it can happen in business too 4B: how South Korean women are leading a radical movement against misogyny Repression of climate and environmental protest is intensifying across the world Eating red meat may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes – not a lot of people know that Europe’s microstates: the medieval monarchies that survive in our midst The cult of personality is alive and kicking in Azerbaijan From pop songs to baby names: How Simeulue Island’s ‘smong’ narrative evolves post-tsunami There is an undergound market for surrogacy eggs from Russian women in China West Asia and North Africa in 2024: Turmoil, transformation, and trauma China: Five years on, activists jailed in ‘cruel’ 2019 crackdown must be released Switching off from work can be difficult but taking a proper break is good for your health Social media firings, anti-union contracts and corporate surveillance: are employers our biggest threat to free speech? Looking for a summer or longer-term job? Here’s how to find one and avoid being exploited You could be stress eating these holidays – or eating your way to stress. 5 tips for the table From smaller homes to screen time, backyard cricket is facing challenges in modern Australia Interactive: What Earth’s 4.54 billion-year history would look like in a single year Hitting the beach? Here are some dangers to watch out for – plus 10 essentials for your first aid kit Yes, reindeer actually can have red noses – and other fascinating facts about this Christmas icon I was asked to come up with my top 5 Aussie films of 2024. It was a difficult task Horror, satire, tawdry wealth and postcolonial critique: 5 classics to catch up on this summer Women having surgery to treat pelvic organ prolapse don’t always need a hysterectomy The year ahead in the Middle East: A weakened Iran has big implications for China Businesses must stop caving to political pressure and abandoning their EDI commitments Australia is banning social media for teens. Should Canada do the same? In Jamaica's Rio Cobre oil spill case, activists and civil society say there are outstanding issues In conversation with Kenyan poet and storyteller Njeri Wangari Indonesia’s BRICS agenda: 2 reasons Prabowo’s foreign policy contrasts with Jokowi’s Rising Voices: Listening to the world on its own terms Moldova has introduced a state of emergency in the energy sector Syria: Rights investigators call for protection of evidence, including mass grave sites Brazil Bans X from Using Children to Power Its AI El Salvador: A thousand days into the state of emergency. “Security” at the expense of human rights. Prince Andrew and the British establishment’s ‘target-rich environment’ for spies Times journalists deemed ‘legitimate military targets’ – how Russia muzzles criticism at home and abroad Climate, migration and conflict mix to create ‘deadly’ intense tropical storms like Chido What the colour of your snot says about your immune health What next for Syria? The danger of violence in post-war transitions Who chooses to work, and who is forced to, after retirement? A short history of palm reading in the UK – and a guide to how it’s supposed to work Christmas can be stressful for many people – here’s what can help you get through the festive season Nurses need care too – how curbing self-sacrifice can prevent burnouts Saudi Arabia is a controversial choice to host the World Cup, but the spotlight and scrutiny might spark change ‘Yes, I am a human’: bot detection is no longer working – and just wait until AI agents come along How to detect more antimicrobial resistant bacteria in our waterways Whales can live way longer than scientists had thought, with potential lifespans as much as double previous estimates If the EU won’t stop Israel’s genocide in Gaza, member states must go it alone Egypt’s Catastrophic Draft Criminal Procedure Code Mexico Moves to Protect Platform Workers’ Rights End Prosecutions Targeting Kurdish Language Activities in Türkiye Detroit’s reparations task force now has until 2025 to make its report, but going slow with this challenging work may not be a bad thing Climate of fear is driving local officials to quit – new study from California finds threats, abuse rampant The ‘choking game’ and other challenges amplified by social media can come with deadly consequences Language AIs in 2024: Size, guardrails and steps toward AI agents 2 populations of dark comets in the solar system could tell researchers where the Earth got its oceans In Disney’s ‘Moana,’ the characters navigate using the stars, just like real Polynesian explorers − an astronomer explains how these methods work Climate change is making plants less nutritious − that could already be hurting animals that are grazers After Hurricane Helene, survivors have been in a race against time to protect family heirlooms, photographs and keepsakes Bob Dylan and the creative leap that transformed modern music Octopuses and their relatives are a new animal welfare frontier − here’s what scientists know about consciousness in these unique creatures Could trusting each other more unlock economic growth? How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is encouraging people to share stories about their grandparents The Mirror and the Light: the series takes Hilary Mantel’s manifesto for historical fiction to heart How conflict makes oil spills in the Black Sea so much more toxic What does the X exodus to Bluesky mean for journalism? Weight loss drugs help with fat loss – but they cause bone and muscle loss too AI won’t take your job – but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it Perfect pet presents this Christmas, and ones to avoid – from an expert in animal welfare Israel: Hezbollah’s use of inherently inaccurate weapons to launch unlawful attacks violates international law Kenyan money lending apps invade borrowers’ privacy to recover debts Global Voices seeks a Managing Director Museum of the Bamoun Kings: ancient treasures from Cameroon find a spectacular new home Women in public positions in North Macedonia are easy targets of hate speech Can you spot a rip current? Test your knowledge with our interactive quiz The closest thing Australian cartooning had to a prophet: the sometimes celebrated, sometimes controversial Michael Leunig Acehnese women sidelined from decision-making despite past tragedy and conflict Beware of bad customers – and 3 other ways small and medium businesses can thrive in 2025 Without clean water, Pacific Islanders turn to sugary drinks. Tackling this could reduce obesity Palestinian Christians call on western churches to ‘humanize’ the children of Gaza AI can’t do your Christmas shopping just yet – but next year might be different Heading on an overseas holiday? The Australian dollar tumbled this week – but that’s not bad news for everyone How does franchising work? As China expands its cyber espionage and sabotage operations, how will the Trump administration respond? Sunglasses don’t just look good – they’re good for you too. Here’s how to choose the right pair Peace on earth doesn’t look very likely any time soon K-pop hits become anthems of South Korea’s protests against President Yoon Yoga has many health benefits as you age – but is it also the secret to longevity? ‘You can’t hear a smile’: how video visits help dads in prison stay connected with their kids Climate anger can lead to action – or curdle into despair. We found out why Heatwaves and bushfires can be a dangerous mix for the electricity grid. Here’s how to shore up your supplies this summer Almost 1 million Australians are LGBTQIA+ – and for the first time, there’s a new national health plan for them Friday essay: A man out of time – E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India at 100 and the legacies of colonialism In the Bible, angels can be deadly. So why do we place them at the top of our Christmas trees? Yuletide cheer – but not too much: cinema’s best ‘Christmas adjacent’ films (yes, including Die Hard) Personalising a luxury gift with a name or initial? Research suggests a hidden social cost Getting people out of their cars is possible with the right plans and policies – case study How can I keep my cat happy? 5 tips from a vet to help your feline friend live their best life Increased surveillance at the Canada-U.S. border means more asylum seekers could die The road back to Damascus: Syria’s new rulers face challenges in de-weaponizing supply chains The carbon tax needs fixing, not axing — Canada needs a progressive carbon tax Valencia floods showed why coastal cities should restore their wetlands A lack of childcare keeps the gender pay gap wider than it should be Ukraine war: as 2025 approaches, Kyiv is left with few good options and allies in a Trump 2.0 world People already live alongside predators in India and Kenya – here’s how it could work in Scotland Astro Bot wins big at The Game Awards 2024: a little robot who celebrates Playstation’s 30-year history Most ‘words of the year’ don’t actually tell us about the state of the world – here’s what I’d pick instead Why don’t more women choose to propose to their male partners? Gregg Wallace: why it’s so hard to challenge ‘cheeky chaps’ and ‘loveable rogues’ (even for middle-class women of a certain age) What does the US attorney general actually do? A law professor explains 3D-printed guns, like the one allegedly used to kill a health care CEO, are a growing threat in the US and around the world Federal protection for monarch butterflies could help or harm this iconic species, depending on how it’s carried out Parents and caregivers: How to stop feeling like a Grinch and be more present with your kids this holiday season The moral dimension to America’s flawed health care system How to avoid the latest generation of scams this holiday season What are pharmacy benefit managers? A health economist explains how lack of competition drives up drug prices for everyone How a small Brazilian town became an unlikely battleground over Confederate memory The Wanamaker organ has been part of a treasured holiday tradition in Philly for over 100 years − a historian explains its illustrious past and uncertain future A nation exhausted: The neuroscience of why Americans are tuning out politics How should we look to history to make sense of Luigi Mangione’s alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson? Colorado now has one of the nation’s most liberal abortion access laws, but ballot measures to restrict abortion have a long history in the state Billionaires bankroll US politics, but voters could demand a fairer system Finally, a future of hope after 54 years of a tyrannical dynasty in Syria Grattan on Friday: Labor has to grapple with Anthony Albanese’s ‘man problem’ Three Victorian Christmas recipes to try at home – including a potato pudding How to deal with narcissistic relatives over the holidays How the children’s wellbeing and schools bill shifts power to local authorities Death penalty: how Zimbabwe reached the point of abolition – podcast Five ways to cut your risk of cancer – by an oncology consultant Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and it’s killing people International student numbers in Australia will be controlled by a new informal cap. Here’s how it will work 6 best African sci-fi and fantasy books to read this holiday Politics with Michelle Grattan: Chalmers says the budget’s better than it was; Taylor says it’s much worse than it should be Israel’s Crime of Extermination, Acts of Genocide in Gaza Brazil: Darién crossing report wins ICRC International Humanitarian Coverage Award YouTube populists are driving South Korea’s political instability. It’s a warning for the rest of the world’s democracies From garlic to parsley, new research reveals the herbs and spices Australians love most Why does family violence increase during the festive season? Here are 3 contributing factors Can you run through airport security for love? Leave a child home alone? Here’s what the law says about Christmas movies Menstrual cups are safe and sustainable – but they can be tricky for first-time users, our new study shows When medals matter most: high-performance sport funding risks a return to the ‘win at all costs’ model The Essure contraceptive device left some women with chronic pelvic pain. Why did their class action fail? ‘Live in the light, but carry the dark’: John Marsden’s books are his legacy – but so is his empathy Change management shows us how we all can become climate leaders Password sharing is common for older adults — but it can open the door to financial abuse NZ’s dairy industry faces an uncertain future – its fate now lies in its ability to adapt A new mall for the village: How carbon credit dollars affect Indigenous people in Guyana For enslaved people, the holiday season was a time for revelry – and a brief window to fight back Fifty years ago, Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin. The lessons from it have still not been learnt More than 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died this year when humidity and heat pushed past survivable limits. It’s just the start How a Cold War satellite and Robert Menzies changed the way Australian schools are funded Australia has an ongoing GP shortage. Why can’t we just train more GPs? Where does Santa live? It’s a trickier question to answer than you may think What will you be reading this summer? We asked 6 avid readers AI will continue to grow in 2025. But it will face major challenges along the way Could NZ’s two kākā subspecies actually be remnants of a more diverse species? Here’s why we need to know Why is it so hard to type in Indigenous languages? Meldonium: the drug allegedly found in Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping test explained Scalds and burns are common holiday injuries – a burns nurse explains how to avoid and treat them The 12 crimes of Christmas – the legal woes of being Santa Claus Seven ways to be a successful remote-working manager Before buying a voice assistant for Christmas, you should worry about misinformation The five best non-fiction books of 2024 – according to our experts Forbidden Territories at The Hepworth Wakefield: a bold celebration of surrealism’s 100th birthday Gaza: why it’s difficult to reach a legal judgment of genocide against Israel How a giant prehistoric elephant skull helped untangle an evolutionary mystery Mobile payments used to be less ‘painful’ than using cash. That might be changing Reactions to the UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying reveal American divides on crime and punishment The Moon might be older than scientists previously thought − a new study shines light on its history Play for the planet: five climate change games for the festive season How to cope with food anxiety during the festive season How Trump’s plan to surround himself with inexperienced loyalists could backfire What medical history can teach us about reports of personality changes after organ transplants Wolves with a taste for nectar? How we discovered the first large carnivore that pollinates flowers Biological computers could use far less energy than current technology – by working more slowly Sweden is a nearly cashless society – here’s how it affects people who are left out Ukraine war: what chemical weapons is Russia accused of using and why? In Azerbaijan, authorities are again targeting journalists, in a new wave of arrests Why is Israel attacking Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad? Why natural disasters hit harder in rural school districts ‘Love Is Blind’ contestants count as employees − new US government agency finding could shake up reality TV production Assault on DEI: Critics use simplistic terms to attack the programs, but they are key to uprooting workplace bias Nixon’s official acts against his enemies list led to a bipartisan impeachment effort Trust in U.S. media hit an all-time low in 2024 − a new survey shows Black midwesterners have found other trusted messengers of news Luigi Mangione isn’t the first alleged criminal to capture many people’s imaginations – and hearts Rules against insider trading also boost innovation, research finds Why Syria’s reconstruction may depend on the fate of its minorities What is an AI agent? A computer scientist explains the next wave of artificial intelligence tools Yes, Philadelphia is a sanctuary city − but that offers undocumented immigrants little protection from mass deportations Why is Israel attacking Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Asssad? Buildings inspired by worms and grasshoppers: the future of biomimicry in construction Global: UN member states move closer to rejecting death penalty as lawful punishment under international law Christmas can be challenging for people with hearing loss. Here are 7 ways you can help Bad gift ideas: ferrets and other exotic wild mammals as pets A pro-China rapper blows whistle on Beijing's influencer network in Taiwan Guatemala: Attorney General Pursues Political Prosecutions Why Vanuatu should brace for even more aftershocks after this week’s deadly quakes: a seismologist explains If Treasury forecasts are right, it could be a decade before Australia is ‘back in black’ How feelings of disconnection and lack of control fuel conspiracy beliefs – new research Listening for the right radio signals could be an effective way to track small drones A return to balanced budgets is a decade away, mid-year update says Flying this holiday season? Here’s why air travel makes us so cranky – and what to do about it A bitter rivalry is emerging in the Middle East between two old adversaries over the future of Syria Let’s take the boat out! 5 tips on staying safe on the water if you fancy a drink ‘Racial justice demands collective action’, says UN rights chief, ushering in new decade for African diaspora How Canada and the country’s premiers must respond to Trump’s trade and energy policies How the science of child development can help parents stress less this holiday season Labor and Albanese end 2024 in worst poll position this term I’m a former assistant DA who works with survivors of sex trafficking − here’s why a recent Philly sting marks a shift in how Pennsylvania confronts the commercial sex industry Coughing won’t save you if you’re having a heart attack, despite what people claim on social media Glam tidings of joy: how Slade made Merry Xmas Everybody a seasonal hit for the ages Most journalism fails Australians by failing in its reportage of Indigenous affairs. 7 changes would help We studied 20 places around the world and found the most common diseases linked with voluntary assisted dying A push to cool Australian cities may inadvertently increase our skin cancer risk, unless we act Some ancient Romans got to retire with a pension at 42, but retirement’s changed a bit over the centuries Astronomers’ world-first discovery: twin stars trapped in galactic black hole orbit David Graeber argued against ‘Great Man’ approaches to knowledge, but it seems his fate to become one Calf’s head consommé with truffle quenelles: a history of what the royals ate for Christmas, from the exotic to the everyday At 88, Pope Francis dances the tango with the global Catholic Church amid its culture wars Nicaragua: Ortega’s repressive machinery continues to stifle any dissent What’s ahead in politics in 2025: Elections, economic angst and enduring conflict English councils and planning set to be transformed under ambitious devolution plan – an expert explains Children of parents not in a romantic relationship are just as happy as those in nuclear families – new research South Korea at a crossroads after president is impeached – here’s what will happen next New stadiums, airports and oil links: the environmental cost of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Democracy across the Americas is in crisis What Christmas looked like in the middle ages for one grieving family – from carols to charity and chess Five Christmas story elements that don’t appear in the Bible, from the little donkey to the inn keeper Climate change could overwhelm our sewers – here’s how green infrastructure could help Good sex and relationships education can help teens understand when behaviour is abusive or controlling Alcohol prescribing for severe withdrawal – what the research shows Russia: Foreign Tech Companies Cave to Authorities’ Pressure Cameroon: Minister Suspends Prominent Human Rights Group Middle East crisis: Live updates as Security Council meets on Syria Syria crisis: ‘Key priority’ is preserving evidence of crimes, say UN investigators Colleges’ career success stats don’t tell the whole story about how their graduates are doing after they get their degree Is news bias fueled by journalists supplying slanted views or readers’ demanding them? An economist weighs in Trump’s 2017 tax cuts expire soon − study shows they made income inequality worse and especially hurt Black Americans How liberals lost comedy − and helped Trump win How religion helped the radical right take the lead in Romania’s now-cancelled election How to avoid some of the most common holiday health hazards this Christmas – from a practising GP Three possible futures for the global economy if Trump brings in new trade tariffs Gavin and Stacey’s final episode: why it’s so hard for fans to say goodbye Multilingual people may be more likely to take a vaccine if they read about it in English – new research The ten best albums of 2024 – according to music experts At Hanukkah, a celebration of eternal light − from the desert tabernacle to synagogues today I’m a former assistant district attorney who works with survivors of sex trafficking − here’s why a recent sting in northeast Philly marks a shift in how Pennsylvania confronts the commercial sex industry Vaccine misinformation distorts science – a biochemist explains how RFK Jr. and his lawyer’s claims threaten public health No flood gauges, no warning: 99% of US streams are off the radar amid rising flash flood risks – we saw the harm in 2024 More than 60 years later, Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’ is still a pillar of African American theater Protests continue in Georgia despite police crackdown Middle East crisis: Live updates from Gaza, Syria and Security Council Bottlenose dolphins smile at each other when they play – new study reveals how and why Egypt: End campaign of intimidation against government critic Rasha Azab Gabon: New constitution closes chapter on Bongo family’s reign The government is spending millions on news, but crucial community media remains underfunded Tech giant Meta will pay Australians $50 million for enabling the Cambridge Analytica scandal Australia’s latest brush with extreme heat shows just how good weather forecasting really is Hugh Marks is the new managing director of the ABC. Is he the right person for the job? Egypt: Asylum Bill Threatens Refugee Rights Liberian Warlord-Politician’s Death and the Search for Justice The fiscal update is no Christmas present for the government – but signs of a slow recovery are there Can Syria avoid becoming another Libya or Iraq? A week after Assad’s fall, here are 3 possible futures ‘What is it about shaking that’s so disempowering?’ A memoir of a lifelong tremor dissects modern medicine and an uncertain world Cars in Australian cities are emitting less – but in the regions exhaust emissions are growing Syria: Mass Grave in Damascus Should be Protected, Investigated 5 of the most frustrating health insurer tactics and why they exist Remote work is a game-changer for addressing burnout in workers Why zoning reform won’t solve the housing crisis How can you stay safe from cyber attacks? Here are 2 simple checklists from experts Luigi Mangione isn’t the first high-profile alleged killer venerated by the public Thank you for your support in 2024 What makes a great sports coach? We identified 17 of the world’s best, and found some patterns Why do we revert to our childhood selves when we visit family? Chrystia Freeland’s resignation seems carefully aimed at removing a sitting prime minister There’s a link between walking speed and ageing well. Here’s how you can improve it Why Romania’s election was annulled – and what happens next? ‘Mirror life forms’ may sound like science fiction, but scientists warn they could be deadly to humans and destroy the environment The Conservatives have had a terrible few years – these are the three first steps to recovery in 2025 Why you should avoid doing the exact same workout everyday if you want to get fit Early pregnancy endings are an overlooked workplace issue – here’s how that could change Will AI save the planet? Why the evidence is flawed My research on the politics of smell divided the internet – here’s what it’s actually about Consider The Turkey: philosopher’s new book might put you off your festive bird – and that’s exactly what he would want Gladiator II: a historian on the real north African kingdom of Numidia – and the men who ruled it Harold Holt is a meme today, but when the prime minister went missing in December 1967, it was no laughing matter Should non-disclosure agreements be restricted in cases of workplace sexual harassment? Here’s what reforms need to get right More Australian families are choosing private schools – we need to understand why An imaging company gave its patients’ X-rays and CT scans to an AI company. How did this happen? NZ’s government may ask the public to underwrite the risk of fossil fuel exploration – this could be unlawful We now know ‘troubled teen’ memoirs like Go Ask Alice were a Mormon wife’s fiction – so why are we still treating them as truth? Fantasia 2000: celebrating 25 years of a concertless film in search of a concert When you wish upon a star, is it already dead? An astronomer crunches the numbers 5 things to know before boarding your dog or cat this summer UN Funding Uncertainty Threatens Rights Investigations Saydnaya: In Syria, a legacy of pain looking for an honorable cleansing Retailers that make it harder to return stuff face backlash from their customers How nostalgia led to the invention of the first Christmas card Gabrielle Chanel: the untold story of a pioneering self-made woman Learning from the withdrawals of UN peacekeeping missions in Mali and the DRC Chanel is in search of a creative revival. Is Mathieu Blazy the right person for the job? Academy trusts have been central to UK government vision for schools for years – but that may be changing Building with earth could transform sustainable construction – here’s how Personalised gifts really do mean that little bit more to your loved ones, says research Mistletoe: a Christmas symbol with a hidden gift of healing International Criminal Court goes after Myanmar military chief after nearly five years of war The ten best novels of 2024 – according to literary experts How humanities classes benefit students in the workplace and combat loneliness Marco Rubio is no friend of Havana − but does Trump’s pick for secretary of state mean Cuba policy is set? Only 0.16% of all US charitable giving supports LGBTQ+ groups despite recent increases How cities are reinventing the public-private partnership − 4 lessons from around the globe Black adults with long COVID report higher levels of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts − new research After wildfires, ranchers face 2-year delay to graze cattle on federal land – is it doing more harm than good? How does the International Space Station orbit Earth without burning up? Twins were the norm for our ancient primate ancestors − one baby at a time had evolutionary advantages Why does red wine cause headaches? Our research points to a compound found in the grapes’ skin Supporting a grieving loved one on holidays and special occasions: Practical tips from a clinical psychologist US: Lasting Harm from Family Separation at the Border Planning a holiday? 3 ways to reduce your carbon footprint Serbia: Authorities using spyware and Cellebrite forensic extraction tools to hack journalists and activists Online safety or censorship? Malaysia’s parliament passes two contentious media bills Sudan: Fighters Rape Women and Girls, Hold Sex Slaves More coal and gas, less renewables: what a nuclear power plan for Australia would really mean Sudan: Fighters Rape Women and Girls, Hold Sex Slaves FIFA has a human rights policy, so how could it award Saudi Arabia the 2034 soccer World Cup? Remembering Brenda Walker Why did Indonesia release the Bali Five now? Its new leader wants to send a strong message to the world Chalmers unveils new look Reserve Bank, with women in the majority on both its boards Memo to Rupert Murdoch: now is the time to sell Fox News What is a dark comet? A quick guide to the ‘new’ kids in the Solar System Everyone will want to see Yayoi Kusama at the NGV. Those who don’t will spend a lifetime regretting it Superpower rivalry is making Pacific aid a bargaining chip – vulnerable island nations still lose out Naloxone can reverse opioid overdose. Here’s why you might need some at home or in your bag Many more men are dying on Australian roads than women. It’s time we addressed it Being carers costs women more than $500,000 over a lifetime, leaving them with less in retirement than men You’ve just got your Year 12 results. What do you do now? Shrinking wings, bigger beaks: birds are reshaping themselves in a warming world Holidays help us rest and recover. But Greeks and Romans weren’t always convinced New research shows the term ‘lesbian’ is declining in popularity. The reasons why are complex ‘The best is still ahead’: I spoke with LGBTQ+ people on ageing well. This is what they told me Beyond checking a box: how a social licence can help communities benefit from data reuse and AI New data from ‘the last ice area’ may help long-term conservation efforts in the Arctic Trump’s tariff threat is a sign that Canada should be diversifying beyond the U.S. How the Elon Musk-Vivek Ramaswamy DOGE initiative could help Americans dodge red tape Reel resistance: Netflix’s removal of Palestinian films adds to the erasure of Palestine More spending and weaker revenue hits budget bottom line in some years: Chalmers Bali five return to Australia, and don’t have to serve more prison time South Korea: President Impeached for Abuse of Power The revolving door of Africa's displacement crises Syria: 35,000 registered missing in 13 years of conflict as ICRC helps families seek answers Lessons from Aceh: How language unites and segregates in conflicts UN rights chief urges accountability for post-electoral violence in Venezuela Iran: Detained Activists Denied Medical Care Iran: UN experts call for strict new hijab law to be repealed Protesting farmers are having to fight off the radical right, conspiracy theorists and climate sceptics Why Scottish salmon’s rebrand may end up harming the integrity of a top export and hurting producers Daniel Craig’s turn as queer writer and an ‘unfilmable’ book brought to life – what you should watch, read and see this week FBI director guides the agency in confronting complex international threats, investigating federal crimes and running 55 field offices Georgia: Police committing shocking human rights violations amid ongoing crackdown on protesters Trump wants China’s help in making peace in Ukraine. He’s unlikely to get it Western self-sufficiency in computer chips is just not going to happen Exercise boosts memory for up to 24 hours after a workout – new research Three promising outcomes from the world’s first official summit to conserve and restore mangroves St John’s wort: six drug interactions you should know about Guinea: Authorities must carry out an independent and impartial investigation into the dramatic incident at the Nzérékoré stadium and the security forces’ behaviour Ebola: how a vaccine turned a terrifying virus into a preventable disease South Africa wants to make alcohol more expensive. Why it’s a good idea – health economist South Africa’s low-cost housing model is broken – study suggests how to fix it Shrink by Rachel M. Thomas: a compelling graphic novel about navigating fatphobia as a young woman How tiny hoverflies migrate thousands of miles Why AI eyes-open meditation apps could do more harm than good for your mental health Who is Syria’s new prime minister – and what will he do? The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will delight fans of Peter Jackson’s trilogy – but offers no fresh twist Earning half the minimum wage: new report reveals pressures on artists to sustain creative life Rail disruption in the UK is so common that the economic damage it causes is barely noticed – but change is possible Is Reform really pulling ahead of Labour? Polling expert on what to really make of Farage’s supposed lead Brain inflammation may be the reason behind muscle fatigue after infection and injury We developed a way to use light to dismantle PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ – long-lasting environmental pollutants Stop and think: An undervalued approach in a world that short-circuits thoughtful political judgment Why Quincy Jones should be prominently featured in US music education − his absence reflects how racial segregation still shapes American classrooms Ferns’ ability to evolve ‘backward’ offers insights into the meandering path of evolution Response to CEO killing reveals antipathy toward health insurers − but entire patchwork system is to blame for ill feeling Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ almost didn’t air − and why it endures Women in Botswana make up 54% of voters, but less than 10% of parliament: political parties can change that What is the drug captagon and how is it linked to Syria’s fallen Assad regime? The Coalition reveals the cost of its nuclear power plan – but the devil is in the missing detail Türkiye: No Transparency on Earthquake Deaths Inquiry US Landmine Transfers Contravene Long-Standing Policy Saudi Arabia: Hosting UN Internet Conference Amid Crackdown UN Security Council Recommits to Protecting People with Disabilities A new treaty could prevent some misappropriation of Māori and Indigenous design – and shouldn’t be ignored Teenage prodigy Gukesh D defeats Ding Liren to become youngest world chess champion The work of Chinese artist Cao Fei explores our brave new human condition in a technological world A sustainable, circular economy could counter Trump’s tariffs while strengthening international trade Tech companies claim AI can recognise human emotions. But the science doesn’t stack up How is the Big Bash League faring after 14 years of ups and downs – and what’s next? From bells to choirs, different ‘timbres’ ring in the Christmas holiday season Naughty, often naked, deeply wild: F Christmas is a joyous gift at the time we need it most At least 68 journalist killings in 2024, UNESCO reports Santa, maybe? Why we have different names for who ‘hurries down the chimney’ on Christmas This holiday season, ‘Don’t Call Me Resilient’ brings you a booklist with your playlist Been drinking and your heart’s fluttering? You may have ‘holiday heart’ What Assad’s fall means for the Middle East – and Russia From ‘ghost guns’ to gangs, 5 lessons from Canada for NZ firearms reform Are tobacco and cannabis economic substitutes or complements? New research suggests it changes with age Many people don’t get financial advice even though it can help ensure a comfortable retirement Decorating your Christmas tree? Try these crafts inspired by Aussie plants and animals Will we have a COVID wave, spike or blip this Christmas? It depends where you live Friday essay: Ukraine is the world’s most heavily mined country. Meet some of the people cleaning up this deadly mess Sudan: SAF airstrike on crowded market a flagrant war crime England’s planned pay increase for teachers isn’t enough to recruit the 6,500 more the government wants US role in Syria is unclear in wake of Assad’s fall from power What the US Supreme Court will consider when it rules on gender-affirming care for trans children ‘Administrative law’ sounds dry but likely will be key to success or failure of Trump’s plans for government reform Why the religious beliefs of Trump defense pick Pete Hegseth matter We interviewed 30 Black public school teachers in Philadelphia to understand why so many are leaving the profession Why winter makes you more vulnerable to colds – a public health nurse explains the science behind the season 15% of global population lives within a few miles of a coast − and the number is growing rapidly South Korea shook a presidential power grab – failure to impeach now risks damaging democracy NASA’s crew capsule had heat shield issues during Artemis I − an aerospace expert on these critical spacecraft components Vaccines and values: When you’re having a tough conversation about medicine, don’t just pile on evidence − listen to someone’s ‘moral foundations’ The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a failure, and new immigration limits make a bad situation worse Counting Uganda’s lions: we found that wildlife rangers do a better job than machines Who owns the traditional ‘family home’ in South Africa? Court sets a new precedent, but the law remains murky Freemasons, homosexuals and corrupt elites in Cameroon – inside an African conspiracy theory Can the UK’s ‘Online Safety Act’ tame the hidden violence in leisure communities? What the fall of Assad says about Putin’s ambitions for Russia’s great-power status Argentina’s soaring poverty levels don’t seem to be hurting president Javier Milei – but the honeymoon could be over Air pollution has contributed to 16 million deaths in India in the past decade – new study Claus for concern: why we should be worried about Santa’s health Rising desertification shows we can’t keep farming with fossil fuels Who really cares for the British countryside? Not landowners, says green campaigner’s new book Santa Claus was inspired by a real figure who fought against miscarriages of justice Human settlement of Mars isn’t as far off as you might think Grattan on Friday: Dutton’s nuclear policy would have coal-fired power stations operating for a lot longer Why distrust in powerful politicians is part of a functioning democracy – podcast Hippos have been neglected by scientists – that’s why we’re building Africa’s first hippo database Syria’s self-governing democratic north-east comes under attack with country in flux It’s hard to distinguish conscious from unconscious states in patients – a more precautionary approach is needed Syria: fall of Assad a blow for Iran’s ‘Shia crescent’ – here are its foreign policy options in the new-look Middle East Red One: this Dwayne Johnson flop demonstrates Hollywood’s longstanding problem with Christmas How to catch a supernova explosion before it happens – and what we can learn from it Christmas adverts: decoding the trusted formula used to pull on consumers’ heart strings Three ways to reduce Europe’s flood risk El Salvador: New Laws Threaten Free Expression, Privacy Venezuela: Reveal Whereabouts of Disappeared Woman Lebanon: Israeli air strikes that killed at least 49 civilians further evidence of war crimes News bargaining incentive: the latest move in the government’s ‘four-dimensional chess’ battle with Meta Moira Deeming’s defamation win shows nobody can play fast and loose with language – not even politicians Historic climate change advisory: what the case before the International Court of Justice might mean Climate projects take ‘invisible’ care work for granted: why this needs to change The African Union has a poor record of protecting democracy. 2024 was no different Sugarcane trash can produce energy – what South Africa’s small farmers need to make this happen Mali: Atrocities by the Army and Wagner Group