International News
North Korea warns UN on discussing country's human rights
Al Jazeera
North Korea warned the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday that it would consider any discussion of the country's human rights situation a "serious provocation" that would increase tension on the Korean peninsula.
France braces for biggest strikes of Macron's presidency
The Guardian
Emmanuel Macron is braced for the biggest strikes of his presidency as French rail workers, air-traffic controllers, teachers and public sector staff take to the streets on Thursday against proposed changes to the pension system.
French rail transport is expected to almost completely grind to a halt with 82% of drivers on strike and at least 90% of regional trains cancelled, amid fears that the transport disruption could continue for days. In Paris, 11 out of 16 metro lines will shut completely, with commuters scrambling to hire bikes and scooters.
Berlin murder: Germany expels two Russian diplomats
BBC World News
Months after a man was shot dead in a Berlin park, Germany is throwing out two Russian diplomats because it suspects the murder was ordered by Russia or Russia's Chechen republic.
The expulsions come shortly after Germany's chief prosecutor decided to take over the case.
Germany has accused Russia of failing to assist in the investigation.
US News
US Republican faces backlash for suggesting Ilhan Omar be hanged
Al Jazeera
A US Republican congressional candidate from Florida called for the hanging of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar and other Democrats in a fundraising email last week, the Tampa Bay Times reported on Tuesday.
In his email, George Buck, who is running for Congress, reportedly suggested that Omar be executed for treason.
The sordid history of housing discrimination in America
Vox News
As of 2016, the median wealth for black families in America was $17,600, while the median wealth for white families was $171,000.
One of the biggest factors driving these disparities is housing. A home is the most valuable thing many people will own. And buying a nicer home in a nicer neighborhood has always been the easiest way to climb up the socioeconomic ladder. But that option hasn’t always been available to everyone, especially black families.
Peloton exercise bike ad mocked as being 'sexist' and 'dystopian'
BBC World News
A Christmas advert from exercise bike company Peloton has been widely mocked on social media as being "sexist", "out of touch", and even "dystopian".
The ad, which has been viewed more than a million times on YouTube, sees a woman receive an exercise bike for Christmas from her husband.
She then records her workouts over the following year in a vlog and presents it to him as a way of saying thank you.
Science/Environment News
From Nestle to Nike: Will the private sector deliver on climate?
Al Jazeera
A long list of 285 companies - with combined greenhouse gas pollution that totals more than that of France and Spain put together - have committed to cutting 265 million tonnes of emissions.
The step is equivalent to closing 68 coal-fired power plants and conforms with the 2015 Paris Agreement, reducing emissions by 35 percent compared to the base year.