6: In Kenya, ongoing protests over tax hikes and cost-of-living frustrations have turned deadly. The police have been ordered not to report deaths, but a watchdog group has confirmed that at least six protesters were shot and killed by authorities this week.
2: On Thursday, Britain’s Conservatives lost two parliamentary elections in Selby and Ainsty in northern England where PM Rishi Sunak’s party enjoys a majority. While a third by-election resulted in a win for the Tories in Uxbridge, many see the two losses as proof that Conservatives will face a tough battle at the next general election, likely to be held next year.
841: Sea otter 841 has reached national fame for stealing surfboards from surfers in Santa Cruz, Calif. 841, named after the number on her tag, has evaded attempts to capture her by luring her onto a surfboard and is still managing to steal and chew on surfboards.
2.13 million: China imported a record amount of Russian crude oil in the first half of 2023, importing 2.13 million barrels per day. The record-setting number reflects the growing trade relationship between China and Russia, one that could make China an influential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war.
1.3: Sea surface temperatures are soaring in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which scientists say is partially fueling the current heatwave in Europe. The temperature of the North Atlantic began rising above historical averages in March and climbed to 1.3° C higher than the 1982-2011 mean on July 13.The European Union just pulled off something that, a year ago, seemed politically impossible: it froze $247 billion in Russian central bank assets indefinitely, stripping the Kremlin of one of its most reliable pressure points.
Walmart’s $350 billion commitment to American manufacturing means two-thirds of the products we buy come straight from our backyard to yours. From New Jersey hot sauce to grills made in Tennessee, Walmart is stocking the shelves with products rooted in local communities. The impact? Over 750,000 American jobs - putting more people to work and keeping communities strong. Learn more here.
Of all the threats to the world, what are the top 10 most urgent global risks for 2026? On Monday, January 5, at 12 pm ET, join us for a livestream discussion with Ian Bremmer and global experts to discuss the Top Risks of 2025 report from Eurasia Group. This report will mark twenty years of Ian Bremmer’s annual forecast of the political risks that are most likely to play out over the year. Event link: gzeromedia.com/toprisks
In this episode of Tools and Weapons, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith sits down with Ed Policy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, to discuss how purpose-driven leadership and innovation are shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises. Ed shares how technology and community-focused initiatives, from Titletown Tech to health and safety innovations on the field, are transforming not just the game of football, but the economy and culture of Green Bay itself. He explains how combining strategic vision with investment in local startups is keeping talent in the Midwest and creating opportunities that extend far beyond Lambeau Field.
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