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Afghan men, inspired by Peaky Blinders, gain social media fame but face Taliban backlash for their Western-style attire, highlighting cultural tensions in the country.

Authorities in Ireland release security footage of a tragic arson attack on a home in County Offaly, resulting in the deaths of Mary Holt and Tadhg Farrell. The fire was deliberately set, and Tadhgs grandmother remains in the hospital with serious burn injuries. Police describe the attack as reckless and callous, keeping an open mind on motives. Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan expresses deep sorrow and appeals for information to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Federal health officials have expanded an investigation into an outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart baby formula, now including at least fifty-one infants across nineteen states. The investigation was broadened due to the possibility of contamination in all products, as independent lab tests found the bacteria in thirty-six samples from three different lots. ByHeart has a history of contamination issues, including a previous recall and an FDA warning letter. Parents like Andi Galindo and Amy Mazziotti have been affected, with their infants hospitalized and experiencing symptoms such as constipation and poor feeding. Several families have filed lawsuits against ByHeart, alleging negligence and seeking compensation.

Federal Judge Rules Secret Grand Jury Transcripts from Jeffrey Epsteins Case Can Be Made Public A federal judge has ruled that secret grand jury transcripts from Jeffrey Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case can be made public, joining two other judges in granting the Justice Departments requests. This move comes after a new law was passed, requiring the government to open its files on Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The judge reversed his earlier decision, citing the new law, which creates a specific exception to the usual rules that keep grand jury proceedings confidential. Meanwhile, another Manhattan federal judge ordered the release of records from Maxwells 2021 sex trafficking case, and a judge in Florida approved the unsealing of transcripts from an abandoned federal grand jury investigation into Epstein. The Justice Department must make Epstein-related materials public by December 19th, following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

President Trump seizes largest oil tanker off Venezuela, escalating tensions with Maduro. US military presence in the region increases, with fighter jets flying over the Gulf of Venezuela. Venezuela, holding worlds largest oil reserves, sells oil through complex networks due to US sanctions. Maduro warns of retaliation, while US lawmakers demand unedited videos of military operations following reports of fatalities.

Jennifer Shah, known for her role on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has been transferred to a community confinement program after serving less than half of her six-and-a-half-year sentence for defrauding thousands of people in a telemarketing scam. The scam, which lasted nearly a decade, targeted vulnerable individuals and promoted bogus online business services. Shah, who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge, apologized for her actions and pledged to pay $6.5 million in restitution. Despite her remorse, she previously mocked the charges and funded a luxurious lifestyle with her ill-gotten gains.

President Trump escalates pressure on Venezuelas Maduro, seizing largest oil tanker ever by U.S. and deploying military fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela. The U.S. has also increased its military presence in the region, targeting suspected drug-smuggling boats and hinting at future land attacks. Despite previous concessions, such as allowing Chevron to continue oil operations, the U.S. is now taking a more aggressive stance against Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S.

The Federal Reserve has lowered US borrowing costs, but signals a more cautious approach to future rate cuts, potentially displeasing the White House. The central bank is navigating pressures from inflation and a weaker job market. Despite recent weakness in US hiring, three committee members voted against any change. The Fed projects economic growth pickup and jobless rate ease next year, with price growth slowing to 2.4% by the end of 2026. Powell notes the Fed funds rate is now within a neutral range, allowing for observation of economic evolution. However, uncertainty looms with Powells departure and potential nomination of a successor favoring rapid rate reductions, leaving bond markets skittish.