Business mogul and activist Jimmy Lai, publisher of a popular tabloid in Hong Kong, has been convicted of national security charges after spending over 1,800 days in solitary confinement. The 78-year-old, who supported the city's pro-democracy movement, faces a verdict that will test democracies' commitment to defending their values. Lai was charged under Beijing's controversial national security law imposed in 2020, and he has long attributed his success to the freedoms of Hong Kong, for which he has paid a heavy price.

European stocks are anticipated to open higher as Europe's central banks gear up for a busy week. In China, a key investment measure dropped over 10% in November, highlighting the severity of the country's property crisis. Retail sales and industrial production in China fell short of expectations in November, with investment also declining more than anticipated. China is set to release data on retail sales, fixed asset investment, and industrial output for November, while Japan will unveil its fourth-quarter Tankan survey.

Investors are expected to remain uncertain in the near term unless there is a concrete reassurance like Oracle achieving positive cash flow.

The text discusses a recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, targeting Jewish groups during Hanukkah celebrations. The emergency response to the incident reflects the area's character. The LAPD has increased patrols in response to rising antisemitic attacks globally. Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky of Chabad-Lubavitch Headquarters comments on Australia's tolerance of escalating antisemitic violence. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns commended a man's actions during the attack.

Renowned Hollywood director Rob Reiner, known for classic films like The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally, passed away at the age of 78 in his home in Brentwood, California. His death is currently under investigation by the police after two deceased individuals, including Reiner and his wife, were found in the residence. Reiner was not only a successful filmmaker but also a prominent advocate for causes such as same-sex marriage and early childhood education.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced that the person of interest detained in connection to the mass shooting at Brown University will be released. The 24-year-old man from Wisconsin was initially detained by federal law enforcement officers after a manhunt for a suspect in the tragic shooting that killed two people and injured nine others. The investigation continues for the gunman who opened fire on campus, with one of the victims identified as Ella Cook. A man in his 20s has been detained as a person of interest, and following the shooting, students scrambled for safety by hiding in dark rooms and barricading doors.

ISIS gunman killed two Iowa National Guard members, along with an American civilian interpreter, in a terrorist attack in Syria. The gunman, who was set to be dismissed from the security forces due to his extremist views, opened fire on American and Syrian troops during a leader engagement. Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed called for a strong response to the attack. The incident has complicated President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to unify Syria and rebuild international relationships. The attack highlights the ongoing presence of U.S. troops in Syria.

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk and podcaster Candace Owens are set to meet privately to discuss their feud over conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk's assassination. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 15, following weeks of online criticism after Kirk's husband's death.

Rep. Ilhan Omar stated that her son was pulled over by ICE agents on Saturday and asked for identification, but the incident ended without any issues after her son showed his passport ID. Omar, a member of the "Squad," raised concerns about the incident being a probe into her son's citizenship.

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul expressed concerns about redistricting efforts by both Republicans and Democrats potentially leading to voter disenfranchisement. He emphasized the importance of ensuring fair representation for all parties to avoid political upheaval. Senator Paul made these remarks during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" in response to President Trump's threat to endorse primary challengers in the Indiana state Senate.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was successfully extracted from hiding in a covert rescue operation to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. She endorsed President Trump's recent seizure of a vessel transporting oil near Venezuela and believes President Maduro's government is weaker than ever. Machado escaped to Oslo for the prize ceremony, where she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL sustained during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury forced Mahomes to leave the game early, and as a result, the Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention.

Far-right politician José Antonio Kast has won the presidency in Chile, following a deeply polarized election marked by concerns over security and immigration. His victory signals a sharp rightward shift in the country, fueled by fears over crime, migration, and the economy. Kast, a supporter of Chile's former dictator Augusto Pinochet, emerged as the frontrunner in the presidential runoff, defeating his opponent Jeannette Jara.

President Trump expressed optimism about the future of America, calling it the "golden age" as he highlighted the opening of numerous factories and plants. He promised a revival of shipbuilding in the U.S. to compete with China, but acknowledged that it will take time and support from allies.

Philip Rivers made a successful return to the field on Sunday, throwing a touchdown pass to Josh Downs for the Indianapolis Colts against the Seattle Seahawks. Rivers is set to make his season debut in 2025 as the Colts' quarterback situation has faced challenges.

The House Oversight Committee released a report criticizing Washington D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith for allegedly manipulating crime data. The report comes as President Trump considers a federal takeover of law enforcement and National Guard deployment in the capital city. Chief Smith announced her resignation, effective December 31, shortly before the report was released. The committee based its findings on interviews with eight MPD commanders.

John Cena concluded his retirement tour by losing to Gunther in Washington D.C., ending his 24-year career as a wrestling superstar.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visits Kupiansk before crucial talks with Trump envoys on security guarantees. He expresses frustration over negotiations to end Kremlin's aggression. Zelenskyy is meeting with U.S. negotiators to discuss plans to end the war with Russia, considering giving up hopes of joining NATO for strong security guarantees. Trump's special envoy and son-in-law will meet with Zelenskyy as Trump shows impatience with delays. European leaders prepare to meet following Trump's criticism, at a critical time for Ukraine peace deal negotiations.

Suffragists supported the cause of equality by organizing bake sales, baking, and selling cookbooks in addition to marching.

Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is facing criminal charges after being fired for an alleged relationship with a staffer. He appeared in court and is now out on bond. Dispatch audio revealed that Moore's wife called 911, reporting that he was suicidal after losing his job. Prosecutors stated that Moore entered the apartment of a woman he had an affair with after she reported the relationship to the school. He is facing felony home invasion and stalking charges related to the alleged relationship. The case has sparked debate among sports figures about accountability and race.

Minnesota fraud investigators have been accused of racism, which has prevented proper scrutiny of billions of dollars stolen in the 'Feeding Our Future' scandal. A Fox News investigation uncovered fake businesses at the center of a $1 billion fraud scheme in Minnesota, with 22 fraudulent entities registered to a single building. The House Oversight Committee is looking into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over fraud schemes that have cost the state billions, including the $250 million Feeding Our Future case. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced increased financial reporting requirements for money services businesses to crack down on fraud in Minnesota's Somali community.

Legal battles continue over President Trump's use of the National Guard in cities to protect federal assets. Court decisions are pending regarding deployments in Los Angeles and Chicago. The National Guard was first deployed to Los Angeles in June but a recent decision blocked Trump from using them in the city.

The New York Times conducted an investigation to measure the impact of changes in enforcement within a government agency after President Trump took office. The investigation revealed that the administration's shift in enforcement policies had benefited the industry, particularly companies with connections to the president.