The article discusses the decline of democratic progress in Tunisia following the 2011 revolution. President Kais Saied's power consolidation and actions, described as authoritarian by critics, have led to political repression and reduced freedoms. Voter participation has dropped significantly amid these changes.
Key Facts
Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation sparked the 2011 revolution in Tunisia.
Tunisia initially stood out as a democratic success after the Arab Spring.
In July 2021, President Kais Saied took additional power, which some call a coup.
Saied suspended parliament and later rewrote the Tunisian constitution.
Many activists and opposition members have faced arrest under Saied's rule.
Voter turnout in Tunisian elections fell from 61% in 2014 to around half of that by the following election cycle.
Saied's policies have restricted media freedom and public criticism.
Human rights organizations claim Tunisia's freedoms and democratic institutions have eroded.
A woman named Zoe Bates found several luxury cashmere blazers priced at $9.99 each at a Goodwill store. After purchasing them, she discovered that each blazer is worth over $5,000. Bates is considering selling the blazers for financial gain.
Key Facts
Zoe Bates shopped at a Goodwill store in Miami.
She found 14 Isaia cashmere blazers priced at $9.99 each.
These blazers are typically valued at more than $5,000 each.
Bates initially planned to give the blazers as gifts.
She is uncertain whether to keep them as gifts or sell them.
Bates shared her find on Reddit, receiving enthusiastic responses.
The blazers were in excellent condition, with some fully lined in silk.
The U.S. is building new submarines to strengthen its naval force in response to China's growing navy. The latest additions are the USS Idaho and USS Oklahoma, part of the Virginia-class submarines. These submarines are designed to enhance the U.S. Navy's capabilities in the Pacific Ocean.
Key Facts
The U.S. Navy accepted the USS Idaho, the 26th Virginia-class submarine, from General Dynamics Electric Boat.
China has over 370 vessels, including 60 submarines, as part of its navy.
Virginia-class submarines are central to the U.S. strategy to counter China's maritime presence.
The submarines involve a design that increases their deployment time and firepower.
The USS Oklahoma is under construction and classified as a Block V submarine, which includes a new missile system with more firepower.
Both USS Idaho and USS Massachusetts will undergo tests before official commissioning.
The new Block V submarines can launch up to 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Police in Brookline, Massachusetts, are searching for the suspect in the shooting death of an MIT professor, Nuno F.G. Loureiro, who died after being shot at his home. The investigation continues with no suspects in custody, and there is no known link to a recent shooting at Brown University. Loureiro was a physicist leading efforts in fusion energy research at MIT.
Key Facts
Nuno F.G. Loureiro, an MIT professor, was shot at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Loureiro died in the hospital on Tuesday after being shot on Monday night.
No suspects have been identified or arrested so far.
There is no indication the shooting is related to another recent shooting at Brown University.
Loureiro led MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, involved in clean energy research.
Loureiro was originally from Portugal and had a significant background in fusion research.
The FBI reported no connections between Loureiro's shooting and the Brown University incident.
MIT and Portugal's President issued statements mourning Loureiro’s death.
The Louvre Museum in Paris is facing a crisis due to an ongoing workers' strike and a recent $102 million jewel theft. The strike is about understaffing, safety concerns, and management issues, while the theft pointed out security weaknesses at the museum. Efforts by officials to resolve the issues have been deemed insufficient by unions.
Key Facts
Louvre workers are on strike over concerns about staff shortages and building safety.
A $102 million jewel theft occurred, highlighting security flaws at the museum.
Many parts of the Louvre are closed due to structural issues with the building.
The strike led to partial reopening of some galleries, including famous artworks like the "Mona Lisa."
The museum president is under scrutiny, and a new official has been appointed to help reorganize the museum.
The heist suspects have been arrested, but the jewels are still missing.
Previous audits had identified security vulnerabilities that were not fully addressed.
Vogue released its expanded 2025 Best Dressed list, spotlighting influential figures from different fields, including fashion, music, and religion. Pope Leo XIV made a notable entry for his unique fashion choices, while several past honorees didn't make this year's list. The list reflects changing tastes and broader definitions of influence in the fashion world.
Key Facts
Vogue's 2025 Best Dressed list includes 55 people from various fields such as fashion, music, and religion.
Pope Leo XIV is one of the surprising new entries, noted for his distinctive papal clothing.
Returning honorees include Rihanna, Ayo Edebiri, Bad Bunny, and Chloë Sevigny.
Rihanna announced her third pregnancy at the Met Gala wearing a Marc Jacobs outfit, securing her spot on the list.
Notable absences include Zendaya, Paul Mescal, and Lewis Hamilton, who were on the 2024 list.
Newcomers to the list include Jenna Ortega, Doechii, and Addison Rae, among others.
Designers like Miuccia Prada and Haider Ackermann were recognized for their personal style.
The list aims to highlight a wide range of influences, from pop stars to religious leaders like Pope Leo XIV.
A documentary tells the story of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian pediatrician, who worked at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza during a conflict. Despite facing threats, a lack of supplies, and personal loss, he continued to care for patients. The film highlights global calls for his release from detention.
Key Facts
Dr. Hussam Abu Safia worked at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.
He walked towards an Israeli tank under orders during the conflict.
The hospital faced shortages of medicine, food, water, and fuel.
Dr. Abu Safia's son Ibrahim was killed, and another son Idris was injured.
The doctor was wounded but continued to treat patients.
In December 2024, Kamal Adwan Hospital was bombed and attacked.
Dr. Abu Safia is held in "administrative detention" without charges.
The documentary ends with international calls for his release.
Workers at the Louvre Museum in Paris voted to continue a strike that has affected the museum's operations. The museum reopened partially, allowing visitors to see famous artworks like the "Mona Lisa" and the Venus de Milo, while some areas remain closed. The strike is due to staffing issues, poor building conditions, recent management decisions, and security concerns after a theft.
Key Facts
Louvre workers are on strike, affecting museum operations.
The museum has partially reopened with access to certain famous artworks.
The strike is over issues like staff shortages, building problems, and security.
A theft of crown jewels in October raised concerns about security.
Workers agreed unanimously to the strike earlier this week.
Crisis talks were held, but union officials found proposed solutions lacking.
Louvre President Laurence des Cars acknowledged institutional failures in security.
Emergency security measures have been announced by the Culture Ministry.
South African immigration officials raided a U.S. refugee processing center in Johannesburg, arresting seven Kenyans who were working there illegally. The U.S. has labeled the raid "unacceptable," as tensions rise between the two countries. The U.S. center was processing applications for white South African refugees, a priority outlined by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
South Africa arrested seven Kenyans who were working illegally at a U.S. refugee processing center.
The U.S. government described the raid as "unacceptable" and is seeking clarification from South Africa.
The processing center focuses on applications from white South Africans, prioritized by President Trump's administration.
The U.S. Embassy indicated that RSC Africa, operated by Church World Service, oversees the center's operations.
The Kenyans had tourist visas and are now deported and banned from South Africa for five years.
South Africa's government disputes U.S. claims that Afrikaners are persecuted and have rejected the criteria for refugee status for them.
President Trump has been critical of South Africa on various issues and plans to exclude it from next year's G20 summit.
The Trump administration recently reduced the U.S. refugee quota, allotting most places to white South Africans.
Ukraine's Defense Minister, Denys Shmyhal, has urged Europe to take responsibility for its own security amid ongoing conflict with Russia. He emphasized the need for Europe to adapt to current threats, highlighting recent changes in defense strategies across the continent.
Key Facts
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal spoke at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington.
He said Europe needs to take responsibility for its own security.
The call to action comes because of ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Shmyhal mentioned recent European defense changes, including investments in defense technology.
There is active debate about nuclear weapons in countries like France and Poland.
New NATO agreements have been made to improve infrastructure.
The statement highlights a broader transition in global political order.
Shmyhal warns that Russia is testing European and Western defenses.
A TikTok video showing a dog's joyful reaction when its owner returns after two months went viral. The video highlights the strong bond between dogs and their owners, as seen by the dog's excited behavior when recognizing the owner.
Key Facts
A video on TikTok shows a dog getting very happy when its owner returns home after being away for almost two months.
The video, shared by @mozysmumma, has over 76,000 views since being posted on December 15.
Studies suggest that dogs form strong bonds with humans similar to bonds between infants and their caregivers.
The dog's reaction in the video matched findings from studies showing dogs recognize and react emotionally to their owners.
Many viewers commented emotionally on the video, reacting to the dog's joy and surprise at seeing the owner again.
Newsweek reached out to the video uploader for comment but has not independently verified the video.
Venezuela is using a fleet of "ghost ships" to bypass U.S. sanctions on its oil exports. President Donald Trump has ordered a naval blockade to stop these ships, part of a strategy involving frequent name and flag changes to conceal the ships’ identities and activities. These tactics are also used by other sanctioned countries like Russia and Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered a naval blockade to halt oil tankers under U.S. sanctions from trading with Venezuela.
Venezuela relies heavily on oil revenues, and U.S. sanctions have made it difficult for the country to export oil.
As of last week, more than 30 out of 80 ships near Venezuela were under U.S. sanctions.
Venezuela's current oil exports are around 920,000 barrels per day, despite sanctions.
Ghost ships often change names or flags to hide their identity and evade sanctions.
Ghost fleets are used by Venezuela, Russia, and Iran to sell oil despite sanctions.
One in five oil tankers globally is estimated to be involved in smuggling oil from sanctioned countries.
Andrea Egan, a left-wing candidate, has been elected as the leader of Unison, the UK's largest trade union. She defeated Christina McAnea, an ally of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The election results are seen as a significant change in the union's leadership.
Key Facts
Andrea Egan was elected as the new leader of Unison.
Unison is the UK's largest trade union with over 1.3 million members.
Andrea Egan was expelled from the Labour Party three years ago.
She won nearly 60% of the vote, but fewer than 100,000 members voted.
Christina McAnea, the former general secretary and ally of Sir Keir Starmer, was defeated.
Andrea Egan promised to stand up to employers and politicians opposing union interests.
She will start her five-year term as leader in January.
Her election was supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his group, Your Party.
South Africa is deporting seven Kenyan nationals who were working illegally in a refugee processing center for a U.S. program aimed at white Afrikaners. The situation has created tension between South Africa and the United States, with South Africa disputing U.S. claims of persecution against white South Africans. The U.S. government is seeking clarification on the incident.
Key Facts
South Africa arrested seven Kenyans for working illegally on tourist visas.
The Kenyans worked at a facility linked to a U.S. program for resettling white Afrikaners.
They will be banned from re-entering South Africa for five years.
The U.S. program prioritizes Afrikaner refugees, citing claims of persecution.
South Africa disputes the U.S. claims of Afrikaner persecution.
Two U.S. government workers were briefly detained during the raid.
The situation has increased diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the U.S.
Afrikaner groups and organizations in South Africa reject the persecution claims.
A woman named Lauren from New York has been fostering animals for years, and her adopted dog, Chef, helps other foster dogs feel comfortable. A video showing Chef's caring behavior towards a new foster dog named Latke was shared online and received positive reactions from viewers.
Key Facts
Lauren lives in New York and has been fostering animals for several years.
Chef, Lauren's adopted dog, started as a foster and was later permanently adopted by Lauren and her fiancé.
Chef helps other foster dogs by being patient, giving them confidence, and teaching them routines.
A video posted online shows Chef staying with a scared foster dog named Latke, instead of sleeping in the bedroom as usual.
The video received over 1,700 likes and positive comments from viewers who found it heartwarming.
Latke is a small mixed-breed dog up for adoption from Muddy Paws Rescue in New York City.
In 2024, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. rescues and shelters, with 4.2 million being adopted.
Taylor Swift has shared holiday-themed packages with certain people on her publicity list. The packages include an Eras Tour-themed snow globe and a custom holiday card. This has generated excitement and reactions from fans on social media.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift sent holiday packages to people on her publicity list.
The package includes a snow globe themed around her record-breaking Eras Tour.
The Eras Tour ended in December 2024 and is the highest-grossing tour ever.
The package also features a custom holiday card with a playful message.
Fans shared their reactions to the card and package on social media.
The snow globe was sold out and is reselling online for over $100.
The special package is not for sale but other holiday items are available on Swift's merchandise site.
At a memorial service in Bondi, the mother of a 10-year-old victim named Matilda, who died in a recent attack, shared her sorrow. The family moved from Ukraine to Australia over ten years ago, hoping it would be a safe place. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in 15 deaths and many more injuries.
Key Facts
A memorial service took place at Bondi Beach for victims of a recent attack.
Matilda, a 10-year-old girl, was the youngest victim in the attack.
Matilda's family moved to Australia from Ukraine over a decade ago.
The attack happened on a Sunday and resulted in 15 people being killed.
Many more individuals were injured during the attack.
A woman in the UK named Georgia Lloyd-Sutton was told during her 20-week pregnancy scan that her daughter would have a cleft lip and palate, and she was given the option to end the pregnancy. Her daughter, Paisley, is now 5 years old and thriving after receiving surgeries to repair her lip and palate. Georgia's story was widely shared online, touching many people.
Key Facts
Georgia Lloyd-Sutton was pregnant during the pandemic when she learned her daughter would have a cleft lip and palate.
A cleft lip and palate occur when a baby’s lip or the roof of their mouth doesn’t form properly during pregnancy.
In the UK, about one in 700 babies are born with a cleft.
The condition can sometimes be linked to genetic syndromes, leading to discussions about pregnancy options.
Georgia chose to have an amniocentesis to get more information, despite the procedure's risks.
Paisley, Georgia's daughter, has had three surgeries to fix her lip and palate and is now healthy and happy.
Georgia's TikTok video sharing her story has been viewed over 433,000 times, with many expressing support and sharing similar experiences.
Paisley continues to have regular dental visits and a surgical check-up but is otherwise meeting all her developmental milestones.
South Africa accused the United States of using Kenyan nationals without work permits at a facility handling refugee claims in South Africa. Seven Kenyans were arrested for working illegally while in the country on tourist visas. The South African government has raised concerns about the US prioritizing refugee applications from white South Africans despite reducing overall refugee numbers.
Key Facts
South Africa claimed the US used Kenyans who lacked work permits to process refugee applications.
Seven Kenyan nationals were arrested for working without proper visas.
The US has a policy to prioritize Afrikaners from South Africa for asylum based on claims of persecution.
South Africa disputes the US's claim that Afrikaners face persecution.
The US reduced its global refugee intake from 125,000 to 7,500 annually.
Kenya nationals arrested will be deported and banned from South Africa for five years.
Diplomatic talks between South Africa, the US, and Kenya have started over the issue.
No US officials were arrested, and the incident did not happen at a diplomatic site.
Israeli authorities plan to advance a proposal to build 9,000 new housing units in East Jerusalem, on the site of the old Qalandiya airport. This plan is moving forward with discussions set by the District Planning and Building Committee. The proposal has faced objections and international opposition.
Key Facts
The plan involves building 9,000 housing units in East Jerusalem.
It is located at the site of the abandoned Qalandiya airport.
The plan is similar to other projects criticized for hindering the creation of a Palestinian state.
The District Planning and Building Committee will review the plan.
An Israeli group, Peace Now, has voiced opposition to the project.
The site is in a densely populated Palestinian area including Ramallah and other towns.
This initiative is part of broader efforts by Israel to expand settlements in contested areas.
The project began advancing in early 2020, but requires further approvals.
