Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drops NATO bid ahead of peace talks with U.S.: report

A recent Gallup poll revealed that the percentage of U.S. employees using artificial intelligence (AI) at work increased to 45% in the third quarter of this year, up from 40% in the previous quarter. This rise indicates a growing integration of AI technologies in workplace tasks.

Canadians sending packages to the U.S. are facing increased challenges due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, which complicate the process of mailing gifts across the border. The end of the 'de minimis' threshold further exacerbates these difficulties, leading to potential additional costs for senders.

In 2025, the number of executions in the U.S. is projected to reach 48, nearly doubling from previous years, with Florida being a significant contributor to this rise. This year has seen a marked increase in executions, with 44 death row inmates executed, the highest in over a decade.

U.S. officials are reporting progress in negotiations aimed at achieving a 'lasting and durable peace' between Ukraine and Russia, as directed by former President Donald Trump, who has emphasized a strong package to facilitate this outcome.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the approval of a controversial medication designed to enhance female libido, allowing its use for women over the age of 65. This once-a-day pill aims to address sexual desire issues in postmenopausal women, a demographic that has often been underserved in terms of treatment options.

U.S. officials announced a proposed peace deal aimed at ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which includes security guarantees for Ukraine akin to NATO's Article 5. This development comes as former President Trump seeks to leverage these guarantees to pressure Ukraine into accepting the terms of the deal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to abandon Ukraine's NATO membership bid in exchange for security guarantees from the United States, while firmly rejecting any U.S. proposals to cede territory to Russia. This discussion took place during a meeting with U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Gunmen killed 16 people and injured dozens during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, marking a significant escalation in antisemitic violence globally. This attack has prompted heightened security measures in major U.S. cities ahead of their own Hanukkah events this week.