Friday, December 30, a starkly split federal appeals court maintained a Florida high school’s policy prohibiting transgender students from using bathrooms that correspond to their chosen identities. The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled, by a vote of 7-4, that the St. Johns County school board did not violate the U.S. Constitution or federal civil rights legislation by mandating …

Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, the club announced on Friday, December 30, after leaving Manchester United to become a free agent. Ronaldo left Old Trafford last month after an explosive televised interview in which the 37-year-old forward said he felt betrayed by the club and had no respect …

Saturday, December 31, North Korea launched three ballistic missiles into the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, according to the South Korean military. The launches were the latest in an unprecedented series of missile tests undertaken by North Korea this year, as Pyongyang continues to build its arsenal amid rumors that it may conduct a seventh nuclear test. South Korea’s …

When Indonesia adopted contentious modifications to its penal code earlier this month, one issue grabbed headlines above all others: the prohibition of sexual activity outside of marriage. Tourism officials said it would deter foreign visitors and damage Indonesia’s worldwide brand – not insignificant concerns for a nation that attracted up to 15 million international tourists yearly before the outbreak and …

Malaysia announced on Friday that it will check all incoming tourists for fever and test the wastewater from planes arriving from China for COVID-19 as part of new steps to avoid an epidemic in response to China’s decision to relax its zero-tolerance COVID policy. Minister Zaliha Mustafa stated in a statement that the Ministry of Health is implementing precautionary measures …

Ivana Alawi, an actress and YouTuber, ranked sixth on “The 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2022,” a list issued by TC Candler and the Independent Critics on December 28. Jasmine Tookes, an American model and former Victoria’s Secret Angel who ranked ninth in the 2021 rankings, topped the 2022 list. She was followed by Nancy of MOMOLAND and Lisa of …

As the lady who clothed the Sex Pistols, Vivienne Westwood, who died on Thursday at the age of 81, was associated with 1970s punk rock. Her outspoken political stance made her one of the most recognizable names in British fashion. “Vivienne Westwood passed away today in Clapham, South London, surrounded by her family. world needs people like Vivienne to effect …

At least two banks in Singapore have announced modifications to credit card interest rates and surcharges. One of them is HSBC, which is increasing the annual percentage rate on outstanding credit card balances from 25.9% to 26.6%. Late payment costs – an extra flat fee charged to credit cardholders who fail to pay the minimum amount by the due date …

Prosecutors in Romania said on Thursday (Dec 29) that they had arrested Andrew Tate, a controversial Internet celebrity and former professional kickboxer, on suspicion of human trafficking, rape, and creating an organized crime cell. Tate, who was banned from several social media sites for misogynistic statements and hate speech, and his brother Tristan will be jailed for 24 hours together …

Pele passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, December 29. Tributes poured in for the Brazilian legend who defined the sport and inspired generations. The Brazilian government proclaimed three days of mourning, and the arch of football’s cathedral, Wembley Stadium, was lighted in Brazil’s national colors, as sports stars and leaders of state bowed to the man who …