Dominique Pelicot, sentenced to 20 years in prison by a French court for drugging and raping his then-wife, Gisele Pelicot, over nearly a decade and enabling dozens of strangers to rape her, will not appeal the verdict, his lawyer confirmed Monday. However, a new trial is expected as 17 of his 50 co-defendants have appealed their convictions.
The case, which has shocked global audiences, concluded on December 19 with the court convicting all defendants. Gisele Pelicot, now 72, has become a symbol of resilience and courage throughout the three-month trial.
“He decided not to appeal because he says it would subject his wife to a new ordeal and more confrontations, and he always maintained that she was not his adversary,” Pelicot’s lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, stated on FranceInfo Radio.
Dominique Pelicot, who was married to Gisele for 50 years, pleaded guilty and received the maximum sentence requested by prosecutors. The court also found 46 other defendants guilty of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault, with sentences ranging from three to 15 years—slightly less than the four to 18 years sought by prosecutors.
Seventeen co-defendants have already filed appeals, with others having until midnight on Monday to decide. The defendants, who came from various professions such as lorry drivers, soldiers, firefighters, and journalists, largely denied the charges, claiming they believed the acts were part of a consensual arrangement orchestrated by the couple.
Pelicot denied misleading the men, stating that they were fully aware of the nature of their actions.
The trial has sparked nationwide protests in support of Gisele Pelicot and reignited discussions about revising France’s rape laws to explicitly include the concept of consent.
Gisele Pelicot’s lawyer earlier this month stated that she is prepared for a potential new trial. “She is not afraid. If a new trial happens, she has already said she will face it—health permitting, of course, as she is 72 years old,” her lawyer said.
U.S. billionaire Elon Musk has been accused of attempting to influence Germany’s upcoming federal election, a government spokesperson said Monday.
“It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election,” the spokesperson said, citing recent posts on Musk’s social media platform X and an opinion piece supporting the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party published over the weekend.
The spokesperson acknowledged Musk’s right to express his views, adding, “After all, freedom of opinion also covers the greatest nonsense.”
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD comes amid political uncertainty in Germany following the collapse of the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The election is scheduled for Feb. 23.
Musk, who is expected to serve as an adviser in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, expanded on his views in a German-language commentary published in *Welt am Sonntag*, a prominent newspaper owned by the Axel Springer media group. The commentary followed an earlier post on X in which Musk claimed “only the AfD can save Germany” and praised the party’s stance on deregulation, taxes, and market reforms.
With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025.
Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma.
“Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year,” Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.”
If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle.
Here are some tips from experts:
Change your relationship with money
Think about how you currently deal with finances — what’s good, what’s bad, and what can improve.
“Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app.
If you feel like money is a chore, that there’s shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it’s time to change that mentality, Lapato said.
To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there.
Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation.
FILE – Shoppers walk along Fifth Avenue on Nov. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa, File)
Know your “why”
When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it’s important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app.
“If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said.
Whether you’re saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website.
Budget, budget, budget
“After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. “Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year.”
McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas.
“Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said.
FILE – A customer makes a transaction at a bank of automatic teller machines in the Queens borough of New York on March 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
Pay down outstanding debt
“Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said.
Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers.
Take control of your credit card interest rate
“You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.”
A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well.
You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points.
Set realistic, practical goals
When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma’s Alev.
“It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said.
Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck.
Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you’ll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty.
Don’t bury your head in the sand
“You can’t manage what you can’t see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025,” said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that’s one of the best ways to boost your credit score.”
Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers’ credit scores.
Automate savings, where possible
Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said.
Slow down
Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams. A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president of security solutions at Mastercard.
“You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure.
Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money.
Focus on financial wellness
Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves.
“I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution,” said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. “Your mental health with money should be a resolution.”
To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said.
Authorities in southern Mexico have uncovered 11 clandestine graves containing the bodies of 15 men in Chiapas, a region plagued by violent disputes between the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación drug cartels, officials said Sunday.
Chiapas Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar announced on social media that the discovery was made during a raid in La Concordia, a city near Mexico’s border with Guatemala. Authorities also arrested four individuals linked to the case, seizing weapons and drugs in the operation.
The Chiapas state prosecutor’s office reported that the raid targeted two properties. At the first location, investigators found three graves with three bodies. The second site revealed eight graves containing 12 bodies.
Technological tools such as drones, geo-radars, and aerial surveillance were employed in the operation, along with ground searches, forensic analysis, and excavation techniques, the prosecutor’s office stated.
Chiapas Prosecutor General Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca noted last week that another clandestine grave, containing charred remains, had been found in the Emiliano Zapata area near La Concordia. However, details on the identification of those bodies remain scarce due to their condition.
The region has seen escalating violence tied to disputes over drug trafficking routes, migrant smuggling, and arms deals, forcing more than 10,000 people to flee their homes. Many displaced individuals, including Mexicans, have sought refuge in Guatemala, according to humanitarian organizations.
A fire broke out at a hotel near Bangkok’s Khao San Road, a popular tourist destination, killing three foreign tourists and injuring several others, Thai police said Monday.
The fire erupted on the fifth floor of the six-story Ember Hotel on Sunday night, according to Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee. One victim was found dead at the scene, while two others died after being transported to a hospital.
Authorities identified the deceased as a Brazilian woman, a Ukrainian man, and an American man. Four other people were hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, police said. Khao San Road, known for its vibrant nightlife and popularity among backpackers, is a major attraction in the Thai capital.
Seventy-five guests were staying at the Ember Hotel at the time of the fire.
Sreekanth Kolamala, a 37-year-old tourist from Singapore, witnessed the rescue effort. “Firefighters broke the glass over there to try to pull people out,” he said.
Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, inspected the site on Monday. He noted that the fire has raised concerns ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, which are expected to draw tens of thousands of revelers to the area.
“Now everybody’s scared about what happened, and they’re scared it will affect the event tomorrow. But there’s no worry because we already had a meeting with police and over 150 officers and district staff will ensure security,” Ruangwattanakul said.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also stressed the importance of safety as the city prepares for New Year’s Eve festivities, which include fireworks displays and large public gatherings.
Manchester City secured a hard-fought 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, marking their first away victory since October. Goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland provided the difference, though Leicester’s spirited performance highlighted vulnerabilities in Pep Guardiola’s side.
City, battling inconsistent form, broke through in the 29th minute when Savinho pounced on a rebound after Jakub Stolarczyk parried a shot from Phil Foden. The Brazilian’s strike marked his first Premier League goal after 27 attempts this season.
Leicester came close to leveling the score multiple times. Facundo Buonanotte struck the woodwork twice, while Jamie Vardy, a consistent threat against Guardiola-led teams, volleyed a close-range effort over the bar. The Foxes also registered season-high passing stats, completing 530 passes at a 93% success rate, as they exploited City’s defensive gaps.
Haaland, who endured a quiet first hour with several missed opportunities, sealed the win in the 72nd minute. Substitute James McAtee created space with a sharp move, delivering a precise cross for Haaland to head in at the back post. The Norwegian forward now has 14 league goals this season, despite recent criticism over a perceived scoring drought.
The victory moves City to fifth in the Premier League standings, but questions remain about their defensive organization and pressing intensity. Leicester’s ability to construct fluid passing sequences and create clear chances underscores City’s ongoing struggles in maintaining their once-dominant style.
City academy graduate James McAtee made a significant impact after replacing Phil Foden in the second half. The 22-year-old provided the assist for Haaland’s goal and showcased sharp movement and creativity, earning praise from Guardiola.
“He did everything good,” Guardiola said post-match. “He’s proved he can play more, and he’s going to play more.”
Liverpool delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, dismantling West Ham United 5-0 at the London Stadium. Mohamed Salah starred as the Reds continued their dominant march at the top of the Premier League table.
West Ham, sitting 12 places below Liverpool, struggled to contain the relentless energy and clinical precision of the league leaders. From the opening whistle, Liverpool set the tempo, with Salah testing West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola within six minutes. Curtis Jones and Luis Díaz were also denied by Areola before Díaz broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, capitalizing on his recovery of a loose pass to slot the ball into the bottom corner.
Salah, a constant menace for the West Ham defense, played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s second goal, nutmegging defenders Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman before setting up Cody Gakpo in the 40th minute. Just before halftime, Salah found the back of the net himself, capping a dominant first-half display for the visitors.
Trent Alexander-Arnold extended Liverpool’s lead early in the second half with a deflected strike, keeping the Reds firmly in control. Despite some spirited efforts from West Ham, Liverpool remained untroubled, using much of the second half as preparation for their upcoming clash with Manchester United. Diogo Jota added Liverpool’s fifth goal in the 84th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The result marked Liverpool’s second 5-0 victory over West Ham this season, reinforcing their dominance in the league.
Player of the Match: Mohamed Salah
Salah’s creativity, pace, and clinical finishing were instrumental in Liverpool’s win, leaving West Ham’s defense in disarray throughout the match.
A Russian man accused of operating a travel agency catering to gay customers was found dead in custody in Moscow, the rights group OVD-Info reported Sunday. The incident comes amid intensified repression of LGBTQ rights in Russia.
Andrei Kotov, director of the “Men Travel” agency, faced charges of “organizing extremist activity and participating in it,” according to OVD-Info, which monitors political arrests.
Kotov’s lawyer was informed by an investigator that Kotov had died by suicide early Sunday while in pretrial detention. He was reportedly found in his cell, the rights group said.
Kotov had denied the charges against him, according to independent news outlet Mediazona, and alleged in court that law enforcement officers beat him and used electric shocks during his arrest, despite his lack of resistance.
The charges against Kotov came more than a year after Russia’s Supreme Court declared the “international LGBT movement” an extremist organization. The ruling effectively criminalized LGBTQ activism, exposing individuals and organizations to prosecution and imprisonment, and has created a climate of fear for the community.
The LGBTQ community in Russia has faced increasing pressure over the past decade, particularly since the Kremlin’s military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has framed the conflict as a confrontation with Western countries, accusing them of undermining Russia’s “traditional family values” by promoting LGBTQ rights.
Kotov’s death adds to growing concerns over the treatment of LGBTQ individuals and activists in Russia, where legal and societal restrictions continue to intensify. Authorities have not commented on the circumstances of his death or the allegations of abuse during his arrest.
An Air Canada flight erupted in flames during a runway landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the same night as a deadly South Korean plane crash and another aircraft mishap in Norway. The series of incidents highlighted a night of aviation crises that left passengers and authorities reeling.
The Air Canada flight, traveling from St. John’s to Halifax, encountered trouble when one of its tires failed to deploy. The malfunction caused the plane to skid along the runway at a 20-degree angle, igniting sparks and flames on the aircraft’s left wing. Video shared on social media captured the moment the wing erupted into fire, while passengers inside held on as the cabin shook violently, with smoke seeping through the windows.
“The plane started to sit at about a 20-degree angle to the left, and we heard a loud crash sound as the wing skidded along the pavement,” passenger Nikki Valentine told CBC News. Despite the harrowing landing, no fatalities or major injuries were reported among the 73 passengers and crew.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport temporarily closed as emergency crews handled the aftermath. The aircraft was evacuated, and passengers were transported to the terminal by bus. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the malfunction.
On the same night, in Norway, a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 suffered a hydraulic system failure shortly after departing Oslo Airport for Amsterdam. The flight, carrying 182 passengers, was forced to divert to Sandefjord Torp Airport for an emergency landing. The aircraft skidded off the runway, coming to a stop in a grassy area. All passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Both incidents occurred just hours after a catastrophic plane crash in South Korea, where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 went down at Muan International Airport. The aircraft’s landing gear failed, causing it to crash on its belly, veer off the runway, and explode in a fireball. The jet was carrying 181 passengers and crew from Bangkok, Thailand, to the southwestern city of Muan.
Authorities have confirmed 167 fatalities, with two survivors rescued from the wreckage. The death toll is expected to rise as emergency crews continue recovery efforts. Families of the victims have gathered at the airport as the nation mourns one of its worst aviation disasters in decades.
Investigations are ongoing into all three incidents as the aviation industry grapples with the night’s tragedies.
Authorities in Argentina have formally charged five individuals in relation to the tragic death of Liam Payne, whose fatal fall shocked the music world. According to reports from *Infobae*, an Argentinian news outlet, the charges include negligent homicide, manslaughter, and supplying narcotics.
Among those charged is Roger Nores, Payne’s friend, who reportedly left him at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel about an hour before the fatal incident. Nores has been accused of negligent homicide, and while he has been barred from leaving the country, it is unclear whether he is currently in custody.
Braian Paiz, a waiter who admitted to using cocaine and other drugs with Payne, has been charged with supplying narcotics in exchange for payment. Similarly, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra is accused of providing drugs to Payne.
In addition, CasaSur Palermo hotel managers Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi are facing manslaughter charges. All five individuals have been summoned to court to address their involvement in the events leading to Payne’s death.
The case follows reports that Payne had been consuming cocaine and whiskey throughout the day before he fell from a balcony. Earlier this month, a judge authorized prosecutors to pursue charges of abandonment against Nores, which has since been elevated to negligent homicide as the investigation progressed.
The tragedy not only devastated Payne’s fans and peers but also sparked broader discussions about drug use, accountability, and safety protocols. The ongoing legal proceedings aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing.
For an in-depth exploration of the case, the documentary *TMZ Investigates: Liam Payne: Who’s to Blame?* is currently streaming on Hulu, offering insights into the legal and personal factors that have emerged in the wake of this loss.
