China steps up campaign for single people to date, marry and give birth

Orca who carried her dead newborn 1,000 miles gives birth to another new calf

The killer whale who captured hearts across the world in 2018 for refusing to let go of her dead calf has given birth to her second baby in the last four years.

NBC News - 8h

China and Japan agree to talks on security issues as they seek to mend ties

China and Japan have agreed to set up talks on often contentious security issues

ABC News - 13h

Hanukkah coincides with Christmas this year, setting up a gift-giving conundrum for Jewish families

The eight-night Jewish holiday begins on the evening of Dec. 25.

MarketWatch - 14h

The rise and rise of Maye Musk: China’s love affair with Elon Musk’s mother

The 76-year-old is part of a trend of ‘silver influencers’ whose success in the face of adversity resonates strongly. Could she be Elon’s secret weapon in China?. Maye Musk is a busy woman. As well ...

The Guardian - 20h

The birth of Jesus would probably have been forgotten – if it wasn’t for a plague | Jonathan Kennedy

When a terrifying Ebola-like pandemic struck the Roman empire, Christianity offered solutions that the old ways didn’t. In our Christmas imagery, ancient symbols such as fir trees, mistletoe, holly ...

The Guardian - 20h

Give Your Social Health a Decent Workout

Your physical and mental well-being are crucial—but the picture isn’t complete if you aren’t flexing your connection muscles, too. Here’s how to build—and keep—your social health.

Wired - 21h

Justin Baldoni’s Ex-Publicist Sues Over Alleged Blake Lively Smear Campaign

An ousted P.R. executive alleges a conspiracy to harm her and steal her clients, in connection with an effort to tarnish Blake Lively.

The New York Times - 1d

It Was a Record Year for Dating Apps. They Still Don’t Have It Figured Out

Suddenly, every possible dating and hookup app for every possible scenario exists—AI girlfriends, kink-positive polyamory, gay cruising. Why does it feel like none of them are the answer?

Wired - 1d

Don't Look Now, but China's AI Is Catching Up Fast

Chinese artificial-intelligence startups are using workarounds to challenge OpenAI despite a lack of access to advanced chips.

The Wall Street Journal - 1d

People With Extreme Wealth Should Give It Away—or Be Penalized

The gap between the ultra-rich minority and the vast majority has never been greater. But a wave of activist millionaires is asking for higher taxes.

Wired - 1d

The 'Invisible Wall' Amplifying China's Population Doom Loop

A two-tier system that has long made workers leave children behind in villages is cutting into birthrates.

The Wall Street Journal - 2d

Netanyahu Signals Progress on Hostage Deal but Won’t Give Timeline

Pledging to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza by any means necessary, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said, “I don’t know how long it will take.”

The New York Times - 2d

Derrick Henry TD sets single-season Ravens record on Christmas

Baltimore came out roaring, scoring on its first possession, a 75-yard drive against the Houston Texans.

ESPN - 6h

I Never Felt Like This in China Before

America must compete with China, but there’s also a complicated reality that both countries have to face.

The New York Times - 8h

College Football Playoff bracket, scores: Schedule, bowl games, championship dates, quarterfinal kickoff times

Everything you need to know to follow along with the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket

CBS Sports - 15h

The China-India rivalry will define the future of Asia

In recent years, India is tasting the bitter fruits of Modi’s initial efforts to appease China.

The Hill - 18h

Syria’s New Leaders Try to Unite Rebel Factions Under a Single Government

The fighters who ousted Bashar al-Assad are aiming to transform their revolutionary movement and assert control over the country.

The New York Times - 18h

The rock houses of England's last cave people

Over centuries, caves in Kinver, Staffordshire, are turned into rock houses by families.

BBC News - 22h

China steps up campaign for single people to date, marry and give birth

Women receive cold-calls about family planning and universities asked to offer ‘love courses’ to tackle demographic crisis

Financial Times - 1d

Modernism and Islamic motifs: How Indian artists envisioned Christ's birth

Over the centuries, painters in India have depicted Jesus's birth from a uniquely local perspective.

BBC News - 1d

Where is Santa right now? These people know

The Norad Tracks Santa website receives several million visitors each year from more than 200 countries and territories.

BBC News - 1d

"Club Cardio" brings hip-hop and step aerobics together for a viral workout experience

"Club Cardio" is a unique workout that blends hip-hop and step aerobics. The class has gone viral with millions of views on social media, and gained celebrity fans like Ciara. Michelle Miller has ...

CBS News - 1d

How Trump’s tariffs can generate both economic and political reform in China

If Trump is allowed by Elon Musk to stick to his guns, he can apply to China the principle he announced for his domestic opponents: “Success will be our retribution.”

The Hill - 1d

Single-use plastic will soon be banned in Nigeria – but is the country ready?

With restrictions due next month, food vendors are still using such plastics and some traders have not heard of ban. Labake Ajiboye-Richard, the founder of a Lagos-based sustainability consultancy, ...

The Guardian - 1d

Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.

Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.

CBS News - 1d

Biden administration withdraws birth control rules

The Biden administration is withdrawing a set of proposed rules aimed at expanding access to contraception that would have made it more difficult for employer-sponsored health plans and insurers to ...

The Hill - 1d

‘We need to be prepared’: China adapts to era of extreme flooding

While some residents take to building houses in trees, officials recognise need for national response to climate disasters. Every summer, Dongting Hu, China’s second-largest freshwater lake, swells ...

The Guardian - 1d