Is a Putin Ally in Belarus Making a Cautious Overture to the West?

President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko of Belarus keeps arresting political opponents, but analysts wonder if a string of unusual pardons is a bid to get sanctions eased.

Topics

No. 23 Michigan heads out west for matchup with No. 4 USC to tipoff Big Ten play

Michigan has gotten off to a strong start this season and the No. 23 Wolverines will try and close out 2024 with a big victory when they visit No. 4 USC on Sunday
ABC News - 6h
Swiss Airbus Jet Makes Emergency Landing in Austria

One crew member was in intensive care after engine problems and smoke in the cabin and cockpit forced the landing, the airline said.
The Wall Street Journal - 8h
Valencia make approach to take Carlos Corberán from West Brom as head coach

Corberán has buyout clause of about £3m He played for Valencia’s youth and B teams Valencia have made an approach for the West Bromwich Albion head coach, Carlos Corberán, and negotiations are ...
The Guardian - 9h
Trump allies to Gaetz: Don't back down

The former member of Congress has hinted at a possible run for elected office down the line. His allies urged him to fight.
Politico - 21h
Slovak Leader Visits Putin, Breaking With E.U.’s Policy of Isolation

Prime Minister Robert Fico’s surprise visit to Moscow on Sunday, reportedly to discuss natural gas and Ukraine, was a blow to European unity against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The New York Times - 22h
How Google Maps Makes It Harder for Palestinians to Navigate the West Bank

One user told WIRED that Google Maps directed them to “drive right into a wall that’s been up since 2003.”
Wired - 1d
Donor Expected to Admit to Making Illegal Contributions to Adams

Federal prosecutors said they planned to charge a businessman who has close ties to New York’s Turkish community with conspiracy to commit fraud.
The New York Times - 21h
Trump ally Gaetz paid for sex and drugs while in office, ethics report says

An investigation details allegations of drug use and payments for sex - which the former US congressman denies.
BBC News - 21h
The Making and Remaking of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’

Eighty years after its release, the sentimental holiday standard continues to enchant listeners and inspire the musicians who take it on.
The New York Times - 5d