New York Governor Kathy Hochul clarified on Thursday that incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city. Her statement came after Mamdani reiterated his pledge to detain Netanyahu, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant as justification.

Mamdani, known for his vocal criticism of Israel, is set to assume office on January 1. His remarks have sparked concern among Jewish communities in New York, many of whom view his stance as extreme. Hochul, who supports Israel, emphasized that the mayor’s office has no jurisdiction over international or federal legal matters. Legal experts also noted that U.S. federal law prohibits local authorities from cooperating with the ICC and protects foreign leaders from detention.

Despite the controversy, Netanyahu confirmed he will proceed with his planned visit to New York, where he traditionally attends the United Nations General Assembly each year.

A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Yakutat, Alaska, late Saturday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located about 230 miles northwest of Juneau and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite the intensity, no tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

The tremor was felt across parts of Alaska and western Canada, prompting several emergency calls in Whitehorse, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Seismologist Alison Bird from Canada’s Geological Survey noted that the affected area was mountainous and sparsely populated, reducing the likelihood of major structural damage. Residents reported items falling from shelves and walls shaking.

The USGS confirmed that the quake originated about 10 kilometers below the surface and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the region for potential secondary impacts, though early assessments suggest limited disruption.

Inter Miami captured their first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup title on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 at Chase Stadium. Although Lionel Messi did not score in the final, his creative influence shaped all three goals, securing a landmark victory for the Florida-based club. The win capped a remarkable turnaround season that also saw Miami claim the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield.

Messi’s early midfield brilliance set up the opening own goal by Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo, while his second-half interceptions and assists to Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende sealed the result. The match also marked the final professional appearances of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both former Barcelona legends who concluded their illustrious careers with this MLS title.

The victory cements Inter Miami’s rapid rise since Messi’s arrival and underscores his transformative impact on American soccer. The club now looks ahead to defending multiple titles next season and expanding its global fan base.

A new study published in the journal *Pediatrics* has found that children who begin using smartphones before the age of 12 face significantly higher risks of depression, obesity, and sleep disturbances. The research, part of the U.S.-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, tracked more than 10,000 participants aged 9 to 16 over several years. Findings show that early smartphone users were 30% more likely to experience depression, 40% more likely to develop obesity, and 60% more likely to suffer from poor sleep compared to peers without phones.

Researchers noted that while smartphones can aid communication and safety, excessive use at a young age may disrupt mental, physical, and social development. The study suggests that prolonged screen exposure reduces physical activity, alters eating habits, and interferes with melatonin production, worsening sleep quality. Experts recommend delaying smartphone introduction until after age 12 to support healthier cognitive and emotional growth.

The findings add to growing global concern about digital exposure among children and may influence future parental guidelines and education policies.

Michael Morrow, a 49-year-old swimmer from New York, has achieved an extraordinary feat by swimming 28.5 miles in open water while wearing handcuffs. Completing the route through the East River, Harlem River, and Hudson River in under ten hours, Morrow secured two Guinness World Records — for the longest open-water swim in handcuffs and for being the first and fastest to circle New York’s waterways under such conditions.

Morrow’s teammate Capri Zatyasmoro described the experience as thrilling, comparing the post-swim feeling to flying a kite. Morrow said he was inspired by stories of people who never gave up on pushing their limits, which motivated him to take on the challenge. A former national champion swimmer, Morrow returned to the sport in his mid-forties after a two-decade break.

His achievement highlights both physical endurance and mental resilience, adding a unique chapter to open-water swimming history. Morrow’s record may inspire others to redefine personal boundaries in endurance sports.

The United States has urged European allies to assume primary responsibility for NATO’s conventional defense by 2027, according to multiple diplomatic sources. During a recent meeting in Washington, Pentagon officials delivered what participants described as a firm message, warning that failure to meet the target could lead to reduced U.S. participation in certain NATO coordination structures. European diplomats reportedly viewed the timeline as unrealistic, citing limited progress since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Officials said the Pentagon has not clarified how it will measure Europe’s progress, and uncertainty remains over whether the 2027 deadline reflects the Trump administration’s formal policy or internal Pentagon sentiment. European nations argue that replacing U.S. intelligence and surveillance capabilities within three years is impractical, given production backlogs and long delivery times for military equipment. NATO’s spokesperson acknowledged ongoing European efforts to strengthen defense but confirmed no official alliance deadline. The debate underscores Washington’s long-standing pressure on Europe to increase defense spending, a theme revived in the 2024 U.S. election context.

Analysts warn that diverging expectations could strain transatlantic unity, especially as NATO faces persistent security challenges from Russia and global instability.

The United States has reduced the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for refugees, asylum seekers, and certain other foreign nationals from five years to 18 months. The new rule, announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security, will apply to 19 categories of foreign residents, including those protected from deportation.

The policy change follows a series of stricter immigration measures introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration since taking office in January 2024. Trump had pledged during his campaign to tighten both legal and illegal immigration. The administration previously raised H-1B visa fees and recently suspended immigration processes for citizens of 19 countries after a deadly incident involving an Afghan refugee in Washington, D.C.

Officials say the shorter renewal period will enhance background checks and monitoring, but immigrant advocacy groups warn it could increase administrative burdens and uncertainty for refugees seeking stability in the US.

The Trump administration has issued a stark warning to Europe in its newly released National Security Strategy, claiming that the continent risks losing its 'Western identity' within two decades if current trends continue. The 33-page document outlines the United States’ global vision, military priorities, and political strategies, emphasizing concerns over immigration, declining birth rates, and restrictions on free speech as key threats to Europe’s stability.

European leaders have reacted sharply to the report, with Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul rejecting the notion that Europe needs external advice on its social values. He reaffirmed the U.S. as a vital NATO ally but criticized the inclusion of cultural and ideological issues in a security strategy. European media outlets noted that the tone of the document echoes Trump’s earlier United Nations speech, where he criticized Western Europe’s immigration and energy policies.

The strategy also highlights the growing influence of nationalist movements in Europe, which Washington views favorably, and calls for deeper U.S. involvement in managing Europe’s relationship with Russia. Analysts suggest the document could shape future transatlantic relations and defense policies.

The United States is preparing to significantly expand its travel ban list, potentially adding more than 30 countries, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In an interview with Fox News, Noem declined to specify the exact number but confirmed that President Donald Trump is assessing multiple nations. The move follows a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were killed by an Afghan immigrant, prompting the administration to tighten immigration policies. Trump previously imposed full travel bans on 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven others, citing national security concerns. The new expansion targets nations with unstable governments, weak identity verification systems, or limited cooperation with U.S. vetting processes. This initiative is part of a broader overhaul of immigration policy since Trump’s return to office, which includes stricter border enforcement, reassessment of asylum cases, and review of green card issuances for citizens of 19 countries.

The Trump administration has informed U.S. lawmakers of its plan to close several foreign offices of Voice of America (VOA), including those in Pakistan, Germany, Thailand, and Botswana. According to a report by The New York Times, a notice dated November 25 was sent to Congress by Carrie Lake, head of VOA’s parent organization and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. The document outlines the closure of six foreign news bureaus and four marketing offices. Officials stated that while contractors may continue some broadcasting operations if necessary, the long-term goal is to significantly reduce VOA’s global footprint. The move is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to limit the scope of U.S.-funded international media outlets. The decision has raised concerns about the future of American public diplomacy and the reach of independent journalism abroad.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict have intensified, with the United States playing a central mediating role. On November 23, U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva to reassess an initial peace plan, taking into account the positions of both Moscow and Kyiv. President Donald Trump later stated that the number of discussion points had been reduced to 22, with only a few remaining contentious. A follow-up meeting took place in Florida on November 30, focusing on potential ceasefire paths, long-term economic and security arrangements, election conditions in Ukraine, and territorial disputes. On December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a five-hour meeting in the Kremlin with U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, discussing key proposals from four U.S. peace documents. Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishyna confirmed that Ukraine’s delegation chief Rustem Umerov will meet Witkoff again in Washington on December 4 to continue negotiations.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to receive the inaugural FIFA Peace Award ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington’s Kennedy Center. According to multiple sources, Trump will deliver a brief speech during the two-hour event, which will also be attended by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the award aims to honor those who promote unity and peace through football, especially in a time of global unrest. Although FIFA has not officially confirmed Trump’s name, insiders told The New York Times that he will be the recipient. The award will be presented annually, starting this year. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have questioned FIFA’s selection process and transparency. The event will feature a performance by the Village People, known for their song popular at Trump rallies, reflecting the former president’s preferences.

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, challenging new restrictions on media access. The suit, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that the Pentagon’s new policy—requiring journalists to sign a 21-page agreement pledging not to collect unauthorized information—is unconstitutional and violates press freedom. The policy, implemented in October, also restricts journalists’ access to certain areas without official escorts. Several major U.S. outlets, including The Guardian, The Washington Post, CNN, Reuters, AP, and NPR, have refused to sign the agreement. The Times is seeking a court order to halt enforcement of the policy, asserting that it undermines transparency and the public’s right to know. The publication emphasized its long-standing commitment to defending press freedom through legal means.

A US military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea has left four people dead, reigniting debate over Washington’s expanding anti-narcotics operations in international waters. The attack, reportedly ordered under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s direction, targeted a boat allegedly controlled by a terrorist-linked group transporting illegal drugs along the eastern narco-trafficking route. The Trump administration has conducted similar operations for months, killing over 80 suspected traffickers. Following the latest incident, congressional committees have launched investigations amid allegations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights organizations condemned the strike after footage showed survivors being hit by missiles. The White House stated that the order came from official channels but denied any directive to kill all onboard. A Colombian fisherman’s family has filed a complaint, claiming he was mistakenly killed. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro accused the US of using military pressure to destabilize his government as American naval presence near Venezuelan waters increases.

New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has declared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be arrested if he enters the city, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Netanyahu, who faces allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the October 7, 2023 Gaza attacks, has dismissed the charges and confirmed his plan to visit New York for the New York Times DealBook Forum. Mamdani stated that any world leader under ICC warrant would face arrest upon entering New York. Netanyahu responded that he would only engage in dialogue with Mamdani if the mayor recognized Israel’s right to exist. Despite Mamdani’s statement, analysts consider Netanyahu’s arrest highly unlikely, given the U.S. government’s historical opposition to ICC actions against Israeli officials and previous sanctions imposed on ICC judges and prosecutors during Donald Trump’s administration.