Arsenal faces Monaco Wednesday night in a pivotal Champions League match dubbed the “Arsène Wenger derby,” as both clubs seek to strengthen their positions for knockout round qualification.
The rare meeting at Emirates Stadium – just the third competitive clash between the sides – carries significant weight with both teams level on points in the league phase standings, Arsenal sitting seventh and Monaco eighth. Their last encounter in 2015 saw Monaco eliminate Arsenal in a memorable Round of 16 tie that extended the Gunners’ knockout stage struggles until last season.
Both sides enter with defensive concerns. Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko joins Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the injury list, while Monaco misses suspended defenders Wilfried Singo and Christian Mawissa. Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun will miss his homecoming due to a shoulder injury.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may rotate his attack, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino contending for starts. Monaco coach Adi Hütter likely turns to Premier League veterans Mohammed Salisu and Thilo Kehrer to anchor his depleted defense.
The match marks a reunion of sorts, recalling the clubs’ 2023 Emirates Cup meeting that ended 1-1 before penalties. Monaco’s blend of youth and athleticism under Hütter could challenge Arsenal’s weakened backline, though the visitors’ own defensive absences may prove decisive.
Manchester City travel to Juventus Wednesday night facing mounting pressure to secure points that could help them avoid additional playoff games, as both teams battle for position in the Champions League’s new format.
City enter the Allianz Stadium match having collected just one point from their previous two European outings, including a shocking 3-3 home draw with Feyenoord after surrendering a three-goal lead. The defending champions face an unbeaten Juventus side under Thiago Motta, though the Italian club sits sixth in Serie A after drawing nine matches.
Injuries continue to plague Pep Guardiola’s squad, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake unlikely to feature after picking up knocks against Nottingham Forest. The defensive crisis may force Kyle Walker to retain his position despite poor recent form. John Stones remains sidelined, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees, though Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic could return to the squad.
Juventus will miss defenders Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal but received a boost with Dusan Vlahovic’s return from a three-week absence. Andrea Cambiaso may also be available after participating in Tuesday’s training despite an ankle concern.
History favors the Italian side, who have won three of the teams’ last five meetings, with Manchester City yet to secure a victory. Their last encounter in 2015 saw Juventus prevail 1-0 in Turin.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, underwent emergency surgery Tuesday to drain bleeding on his brain, according to a medical note published on his official social media accounts.
The procedure at Sírio-Libanês hospital in Sao Paulo followed an MRI scan Monday in Brasilia that revealed an intracranial hemorrhage. Doctors successfully completed the surgery, and Lula is “well” while being monitored in intensive care, the medical statement confirmed.
Medical staff believe the hemorrhage may be connected to an incident earlier this year when Lula fell at home, sustaining a visible cut on the back of his head near his neck. That injury had forced him to cancel his planned attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
Labor Minister Luiz Marinho offered public support Tuesday morning, wishing the president a swift recovery on social media. Hospital officials plan to provide additional details at a news conference later Tuesday.
President-elect Donald Trump took a swipe at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, humorously referring to him as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada” and reigniting speculation over his tongue-in-cheek proposal to make Canada the 51st state.
“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after midnight on Tuesday. “I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!”
When asked about the remarks, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung offered a brief response: “It’s so good.” Trudeau’s office, however, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Running Joke About Canada’s Statehood
The remark follows Trump’s recent joke, reportedly made directly to Trudeau during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, about Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S. According to sources cited by Fox News, the suggestion was made in a lighthearted manner during the meal.
In a recent NBC News interview on *Meet the Press*, Trump reiterated his stance on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, claiming these measures would greatly benefit the U.S. economy. While discussing the U.S.-Canada trade deficit, Trump quipped, “If we’re going to subsidize them, let them become a state.”
Trudeau, responding to the possibility of U.S. tariffs, stated Monday that Canada would counteract as it had in previous trade disputes. “As we did eight years ago, we will respond to unfair tariffs,” he told The Associated Press.
A Dinner Meeting at Mar-a-Lago
On November 30, Trump hosted Trudeau at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, where the two leaders reportedly discussed topics ranging from the opioid crisis to illegal immigration and trade agreements. Following the meeting, Trump characterized their discussion as “very productive” in a Truth Social post. Trudeau, in turn, described their conversation as “excellent” but refrained from addressing specific topics with reporters.
Humor Across Borders
Trump’s comments have drawn varied reactions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, appearing on Fox News, laughed off the suggestion of Canada’s statehood, referencing a historical anecdote. “It’s a funny comment,” Ford said. “I guess he’s still upset that, you know, in 1812, we burnt down your White House, and he’s holding a grudge after 212 years.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont joined in on the jest, tweeting about the potential benefits of Canada joining the union. “Does that mean that we can adopt the Canadian health care system and guarantee health care to all, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and spend 50% less per capita on health care?” Sanders asked.
While Trump’s remarks about Canada remain in the realm of humor, his continued emphasis on trade and tariffs signals a serious commitment to reshaping U.S. economic relationships with its neighbors.
Federal Congressman Benito Aguas was assassinated Monday night in Mexico’s Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, becoming the latest victim in a surge of political violence plaguing the nation.
The Veracruz attorney general’s office confirmed Aguas’ death along with another man, Agustin Linares, in the mountainous municipality of Zongolica. Local media reported Aguas, a member of the Green Party within President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ruling coalition, suffered multiple gunshot wounds before succumbing to his injuries.
“We trust that the relevant investigations will be carried out so that justice prevails,” lower house leader Ricardo Monreal posted on social media. President Sheinbaum, who took office in October, announced she had directed security officials to collaborate with Veracruz’s governor on the investigation.
The killing occurs amid widespread violence across Mexico, including hundreds dead in cartel warfare in Sinaloa state. Politicians have increasingly become targets, with dozens killed before last June’s general election. The October murder of a newly installed mayor in Guerrero state had already raised questions about Sheinbaum’s security policies.
Manhattan prosecutors have urged a New York judge to uphold the criminal conviction of President-elect Donald Trump in his hush money case, arguing against dismissal and proposing alternative measures to ensure the proceedings do not interfere with Trump’s presidential duties.
In a court filing released Tuesday, the Manhattan district attorney’s office emphasized that dismissing the case would undermine public confidence in the justice system. “The overwhelming evidence of defendant’s guilt and the critical importance of preserving public confidence in the criminal justice system weigh heavily against dismissal,” the prosecutors stated.
The filing also addressed Trump’s claims of presidential immunity, asserting that no such protection exists for a president-elect. “President-elect immunity does not exist,” prosecutors argued, adding that even after inauguration, temporary immunity would not justify overturning the jury’s unanimous verdict or dismissing the charges.
Prosecutors outlined several accommodations for Trump during his presidency, including postponing sentencing until after his term or guaranteeing he would not face jail time. They argued such measures would address concerns about presidential decision-making without discarding the jury’s verdict.
“At most, defendant should receive temporary accommodations during his presidency to prevent this criminal case from meaningfully interfering with his official decision-making,” the filing noted. They suggested that the court could impose a stay on sentencing or issue an unconditional discharge, given Trump’s lack of prior criminal convictions and the classification of the charges as Class E felonies.
Prosecutors also proposed an unconventional solution based on an “abatement” rule used in some states, which allows proceedings to be noted without finalizing a conviction in cases where the defendant dies before sentencing. While not practiced in New York, they argued it could serve as a model for balancing legal and practical concerns in this case.
Trump’s attorneys have called for the case’s immediate dismissal, arguing he is entitled to immunity due to his election victory and claiming the charges were politically motivated. “This lawless case should have never been brought,” Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement, calling the filing a “pathetic attempt to salvage the remains of an unconstitutional and politically motivated hoax.”
Prosecutors countered that the immunity claim is unfounded and that dismissing the indictment would set a dangerous precedent. They noted that Trump had already sought and received delays in sentencing, undermining arguments of prejudice due to timing.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records tied to a $130,000 hush money payment made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 election. Daniels alleges she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which Trump denies.
While Trump’s legal team pointed to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s decision to dismiss federal criminal cases after Trump’s election, prosecutors argued that Smith’s cases had not yet gone to trial, distinguishing them from the Manhattan case.
Judge Juan Merchan has yet to rule on Trump’s motion to dismiss the case or vacate the conviction.
Abu Mohammed al Jolani, leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), has assured Western countries they have “nothing to fear” from Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al Assad’s regime. His remarks, made during an exclusive interview with Sky News, mark his first comments to a Western outlet since Assad fled.
Jolani, speaking in Damascus, stated that Syria is on a path toward “development and reconstruction” after years of conflict. “The fear was from the presence of the regime,” he said. “The country is moving towards stability, and people are exhausted from war. Syria is not ready for another conflict.”
Addressing concerns about regional threats, Jolani highlighted the removal of Iranian militias, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime as a turning point. “Their removal is the solution for Syria. The current situation won’t allow for a return to panic,” he added.
Western Designation as Terrorist
Despite Jolani’s efforts to reshape his image, he remains designated as a terrorist by the United States due to his past ties with al Qaeda. Over the years, he has publicly distanced himself from his extremist roots, advocating for a pluralistic and tolerant society.
The rebel leader’s comments have fueled discussions about whether Western governments might reconsider their stance on HTS and its leadership, given the group’s evolving role in post-Assad Syria.
Reconstruction and Stability
Jolani emphasized that the nation is now focused on rebuilding. “The country will be rebuilt,” he told Sky News’ Zein Jaafar and Celine al Khaldi. “The source of our fears was from the massacres committed by the regime. With that era behind us, Syria is moving toward peace and progress.”
As Syria transitions, Western nations are closely monitoring HTS’s governance and the broader implications for regional stability.
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan last week, clashed with officers Tuesday as he was escorted into a Pennsylvania courtroom. Mangione has decided to contest his extradition to New York, setting the stage for a prolonged legal process.
The 38-year-old suspect, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and handcuffs, struggled with police outside Blair County Courthouse, shouting to reporters, “It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience.” Officers restrained him against a wall before leading him inside for a hearing where bail was denied.
Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona after a McDonald’s employee tipped off authorities about a suspicious customer. Police reportedly found Mangione with a firearm, a mask, $10,000 in cash—$2,000 of it in foreign currency—and a backpack resembling one seen in surveillance footage tied to the Manhattan ambush.
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot in an apparent ambush while walking to a hotel for an investor conference. Prosecutors allege Mangione targeted the UnitedHealthcare executive in what appears to be a premeditated attack.
Eyewitness Accounts in Altoona
A customer at the McDonald’s, who identified himself only as Larry, said a friend recognized Mangione. “He said, ‘That looks like the shooter from New York,’” Larry recalled. Mangione, sitting in a corner with his hood up, reportedly drew attention because his backpack matched one shown in media reports.
When officers approached Mangione, legal filings reveal he began shaking as he was questioned about his recent travels. Authorities say he gave them a fake ID. Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks disclosed that Mangione was found with a passport and additional writings criticizing the U.S. healthcare system and large corporations, including UnitedHealthcare.
Handmade Firearm Under Investigation
Investigators are examining whether Mangione built the firearm and suppressor used in the attack. Senior law enforcement officials confirmed that both items appeared to be handmade. Mangione’s writings, recovered at the time of his arrest, allegedly included statements such as, “Frankly, these parasites had it coming,” and an assertion that he acted alone.
Luigi seen eating at the McDonald
Legal Challenges and Background
Mangione has been charged in Pennsylvania with weapons violations and forgery in addition to the New York murder charges. His legal team’s decision to fight extradition could delay his transfer to New York for weeks.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources released a photograph of Mangione receiving a traffic violation notice in Honolulu in November 2023, the last record of his residence.
Authorities continue to investigate potential motives behind the killing. UnitedHealthcare has declined to comment on the case.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Monday that the government will allocate funds saved by eliminating independent oversight and regulatory agencies to boost soldiers’ pay, marking the latest in a series of measures to increase the military’s influence and resources.
This move follows recent steps by Sheinbaum’s administration to generate new revenue streams for the country’s armed forces, which have taken on a growing array of roles in public infrastructure and law enforcement under her leadership. Last week, Mexico’s Congress approved a $42 per-passenger fee for cruise ship visitors, with a large portion of the proceeds designated for the military.
Since 2019, Mexico’s armed forces have been tasked with overseeing and operating key infrastructure projects, including railways, airports, and airlines. While these projects have symbolized the military’s growing role, they have also faced criticism for financial losses.
For over a century, Mexico’s military was largely apolitical and free of business entanglements. That changed under Sheinbaum’s predecessor and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who saw the army as a loyal ally and central to his political agenda. López Obrador also gave the military and the quasi-military National Guard expanded roles in law enforcement.
Sheinbaum has continued to build on that legacy. Her Morena party has funneled significant resources into the military, with the elimination of regulatory bodies and the introduction of new fees to support the armed forces.
In late November, Mexico’s Senate, controlled by the ruling Morena party, approved the dissolution of seven independent regulatory and oversight agencies. These agencies previously handled functions such as anti-monopoly enforcement, energy market regulation, and freedom of information requests.
Sheinbaum defended the move as a cost-saving measure, asserting that government ministries could handle the agencies’ responsibilities more efficiently. However, critics warn that dismantling these watchdogs could lead to favoritism, reduced transparency, and unchecked government power.
Another controversial measure is the cruise ship passenger fee, which has drawn sharp criticism from the tourism industry. Mexican business chambers argue that the $42 per-passenger charge could hurt the country’s $500 million-a-year cruise industry. Two-thirds of the revenue from this fee will be directed to the army, rather than improving port facilities.
The government’s growing reliance on the military has coincided with financial challenges for several high-profile projects. One such initiative is the Maya Train, a tourist railway looping around the Yucatán Peninsula. Despite its launch on Dec. 16, 2023, the train has drawn only 20% of its anticipated ridership.
Authorities initially projected the Maya Train would attract 3 million passengers annually. However, as of Dec. 8, it had carried just over 600,000 passengers in nearly a year of operation. To boost ridership, the government announced a new “package tour” deal involving Mexicana, the government-owned airline also operated by the military.
Mexicana, which has struggled financially, will offer flights to Maya Train destinations departing from Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport—another military-run project. The airport itself has faced operational challenges, achieving financial stability only after the government redirected cargo planes and some passenger flights there.
The Morena government is grappling with significant budget deficits as it funds large-scale infrastructure projects, including railways and oil refineries, many of which are built by the army. With projects like the Maya Train and Mexicana airline failing to meet financial expectations, the administration is increasingly seeking alternative revenue sources to sustain military operations and pay raises.
Critics have raised concerns about the military’s expanding influence and the potential erosion of transparency and accountability in Mexico’s governance. However, Sheinbaum remains steadfast in her approach, framing these measures as necessary for national progress and security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Tuesday to refute what he called “absurd” corruption charges as he testified in his long-running criminal trial. The appearance marked the first time a sitting Israeli leader has taken the stand as a defendant.
The trial, unfolding in a fortified Tel Aviv courtroom, is the latest chapter in the political and legal drama surrounding Israel’s longest-serving leader. Netanyahu, 75, faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in three separate cases. The charges center on allegations of accepting lavish gifts, including cigars and champagne, from wealthy benefactors and advancing regulatory favors for media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage.
Netanyahu Defiant in Court
In his opening testimony, Netanyahu dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that they pale in comparison to the challenges he has faced as prime minister. “I waited eight years for this moment to say the truth,” he told the court, addressing the judges while his supporters and family members looked on.
Netanyahu sought to portray himself as a dedicated public servant, denying allegations that he allowed personal indulgences to compromise his leadership. “I smoked cigars but could barely finish them because of my workload, and I hate champagne,” he quipped, attempting to downplay accusations tied to his lifestyle.
His lawyer, Amit Hadad, accused prosecutors of fabricating the charges, describing them as a “puzzle that doesn’t fit together.”
Divisions Within Israel
The trial has exacerbated Israel’s deep political divisions. Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered with banners branding Netanyahu a “Crime Minister,” while his supporters accused the judiciary of overreach. Families of hostages held in Gaza also demonstrated, pressing for action as the country remains embroiled in conflict with Hamas.
Under Israeli law, a sitting prime minister is not required to resign when facing criminal charges. However, Netanyahu’s legal troubles, combined with public discontent over his handling of the October 7 Hamas attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza, have tarnished his image. Polls suggest he would struggle to form a government if elections were held today.
Legal and Political Stakes
Netanyahu’s testimony, expected to last several weeks, adds to his already demanding schedule as he oversees military operations in Gaza and navigates regional tensions. Critics have questioned his ability to lead effectively while on trial, but Netanyahu dismissed such concerns, insisting he can balance his responsibilities.
The trial, which began in 2020, has featured testimony from prosecution witnesses, including former aides who turned state witnesses. Prosecutors allege Netanyahu prioritized personal image over national interests, claims his legal team vehemently denies.
A verdict in the case is not expected until 2026, and Netanyahu has the option to appeal any ruling. His supporters view the trial as a politically motivated attempt to unseat him, while opponents argue it reflects the urgent need for accountability in Israel’s leadership.
Mounting International Pressure
Beyond his legal battles, Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes during Israel’s Gaza campaign. The warrant further isolates Netanyahu on the global stage, placing him alongside leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
As the trial continues, Netanyahu’s future—and his legacy as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister—hangs in the balance, with both domestic and international pressures threatening to reshape his political career.
