China's Xi urges economic diversification for gambling hub Macau

INTRO: Chinese president Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of economic diversification for Macau, which has traditionally relied heavily on its casino industry.

The former Portuguese colony marked the 25th anniversary since it returned to Chinese rule following a handover to China on 20 December 1999, as Laura Westbrook reports.

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BOJ keeps rates unchanged

Japan’s central bank is leaving interest rates unchanged in a move widely expected by the market.

Its chief, Kazuo Ueda, says a lack of clarity over wage trends and uncertainty over the U.S. economy is behind the decision. 

Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. 

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US moves closer to government shutdown after House fails to pass Trump-backed spending bill

The United States has moved closer to a government shutdown after the House of Representatives failed to pass a slimmed-down spending bill that had the backing of President-elect Donald Trump and his ally, Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

If the US Congress can't agree on a deal Friday, government funding is set to lapse at midnight Saturday morning.

Benji Hyer has more from Washington

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UN Chief warns 'AI arms race' could have major security implications

The UN's top official is warning artificial intelligence is evolving faster than our ability to govern it.

António Guterres said on Thursday there's an urgent need for global governance frameworks.

He joined US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a Security Council meeting to discuss the opportunities and risks of AI.

Sally Patterson reports from New York, where the United Nations is headquartered.

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US govt shutdown likely after Trump kills deal

A US government shutdown seems increasingly likely after incoming US
President Donald Trump told lawmakers to vote against the proposed
deal.

The government will run out of money to pay for key services at the
end of Friday unless a last-minute deal can be negotiated in the
coming hours.

Democrat House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans and
said Americans would be affected by Trump's decision not to back the
deal.

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UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect flown to NYC

The man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has
been flown to New York to face federal murder charges.

Luigi Mangione chose not to fight extradition from Pennsylvania where
he was arrested.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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BANK OF ENGLAND HOLDS INTEREST RATES

The Bank of England has held UK interest rates at 4.75%, warning that Britain's economy is on the brink of stagnation following a combination of global factors, and the UK finance minister's spending plans for the year ahead.

Lou Browne has more.

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AMAZON WORKERS GO ON STRIKE ACROSS USA

Thousands of Amazon workers across the United States are going on strike, demanding better wages, benefits, and safety practices.

The corporation has blasted the union involved, calling its behavior illegal.Mitch McCann reports.

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Zelenskyy calls for unity between EU and US

Ukraine's president says unity between the United States and European
Union is vital for its continued fight against Russia.

Donald Trump has called for a quick resolution to the war in Ukraine
sparking concerns among many of Kyiv's allies in Europe.

William Denselow reports from Brussels.

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Verdict on Friday in Matteo Salvini migrant boat trial

An Italian judge will deliver a verdict on Friday in Matteo Salvini's long-running migrant rescue boat trial.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister denies kidnapping charges related to his actions five years ago, when he prevented a migrant rescue boat from docking at an Italian port.

Prosecutors have requested a 6-year prison term if he is found guilty.

Giles Gibson has more from Rome.

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UK Pledges $286m Military Support Package to Ukraine

The UK has pledged a new military support package to Ukraine worth almost $300 million US dollars. 

The announcement comes as EU, NATO and Ukrainian leadership meet on Thursday in Brussels to discuss support for Ukraine ahead of US President elect Donald Trump taking office in January. 

The UK is also reportedly considering plans to send British troops to Ukraine to increase its role training Ukrainian forces. 

Simon Gaitán reports. 

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UK MILITARY REPORTEDLY WANTS MASSIVE FUNDING BOOST

According to internal UK Ministry of Defence calculations, British defence spending must rise to 3.6% of GDP.

That would make the UK one of the highest spenders in NATO, which calls on members to spend a minimum of 2% of their GDP on defence.
 
The unconfirmed figure first reported by the British press comes as London undertakes an internal review into military spending.

Lou Browne has more.

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Dominique Pelicot given 20-year jail term in France in mass rape trial

Dominique Pelicot, the former husband of Gisele Pelicot, has been found guilty of aggravated rape and attempted rape, in one of the most high-profile trials France has seen.

He was sentenced to 20 years in jail, after he recruited men online to rape his wife in the family home while she laid unconscious after he had repeatedly drugged her.

Ross Cullen reports.

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Honda, Nissan, continue talks on possible merger

Talks are ongoing between Honda and Nissan as the two Japanese automotive giants circle a potential merger. 

 

The move comes as both companies look to stay competitive in a fierce international electric vehicle market. 

 

Chris Gilbert has more from Tokyo. 

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ISRAEL POUNDS YEMEN FOLLOWING HOUTHI MISSILE ATTACK ON TEL AVIV

Israel has said it targeted port and energy facilities used by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. 

The series of airstrikes follows an overnight missile launch from the Houthis towards central Israel.

From Tel Aviv, Trent Murray has the latest. 

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India-China to reopen pilgrimage route and resume some border trade after talks

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India and China have agreed to repair ties after border talks between the two countries' special representatives in Beijing.

The leaders agreed on a set of six consensus areas including peace building along the borders and resuming some cross border trade.

Ishan Garg tells us more from New Delhi.

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Thirteen people killed after Navy boat hits passenger ferry off Mumbai coast

At least 13 people have been killed after an Indian navy boat collided with a passenger ferry off the coast of Mumbai.

The ferry, which was carrying more than 100 people, capsized.

Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai.

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US Fed cuts interest rate for third time in 2024

The US Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by another quarter
of a percent, its third consecutive cut of 2024.

However, the central bank has signaled just two cuts in the coming year.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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First severe bird flu case reported in US

A patient in the US state of Louisiana has been hospitalized with the H5N1 bird flu virus.

It's the country's first severe case and the first known case stemming from a non-commercial poultry flock.

Ira Spitzer has more.

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Supreme Court will hear TikTok ban arguments

The US Supreme Court will hear arguments next month about whether TikTok should be banned.

The Chinese-owned social media app is facing a January 19th deadline to be sold, or face a ban in the United States.

But Tiktok says proposed legislation would violate free speech protections in the US Constitution.

Sally Patterson has more.

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