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WH Smith has confirmed it is exploring the sale of its high street stores as part of a strategic review. The retailer, which has been shifting focus toward its profitable travel retail division, stated that while discussions are ongoing, no agreement has been reached.

With over 1,200 travel stores across 32 countries, WH Smith’s airport, train station, and hospital outlets now generate more than 85% of its profits. Meanwhile, its high street stores, which date back over 230 years, have faced declining revenues and changing consumer habits.

Retail analysts highlight the growing challenges for generalist high street retailers, citing the failures of Wilko, Debenhams, and Woolworths. WH Smith’s high street business has long struggled, with revenue dropping by £17 million in 2024, though profits remained steady after the closure of 14 stores.

The retailer employs around 5,000 people in its high street division, with 200 stores housing Post Office counters. The Post Office has stated it is in discussions with WH Smith to assess the impact of any potential sale.

UK Business Confidence Hits Two-Year Low Following Tax Increases

UK businesses have expressed the lowest levels of confidence since former Prime Minister Liz Truss’ controversial “mini-budget” in September 2022, following the introduction of large tax hikes in the Labour government’s budget on October 30. A recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed that business morale has dropped to its lowest point in two years, primarily due to concerns over taxation.

The BCC, which conducts the UK’s largest private-sector business survey, found that companies are more dissatisfied with tax policies than at any point since the survey began asking about taxes in 2017. Additionally, businesses expressed the lowest confidence in future sales since late 2022.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, stated: “The worrying reverberations of the Budget are clear to see in our survey data. Business confidence has slumped in a pressure cooker of rising costs and taxes.”

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced a £40 billion ($50 billion) tax increase in the October budget, the largest since 1993. The majority of this rise comes from increased social security contributions paid by employers.

While the Bank of England has forecast a temporary boost to growth in 2025 due to higher public spending, concerns remain about the long-term impacts of these tax hikes. There is uncertainty over whether the measures will lead to lower employment, higher prices, or a reduction in profits and investment.

The BCC survey also highlighted that 55% of firms plan to raise prices, up from 39% in the previous quarter. Furthermore, 24% of businesses indicated they would cut investment, a rise from 18% in the prior period. The BCC is set to release further data on recruitment intentions in January.

This negative sentiment is mirrored in other recent surveys, including those by S&P Global, the Institute of Directors, and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

While the UK economy showed signs of recovery in the first half of 2024 after a mild recession in late 2023, it stagnated in the third quarter. The Bank of England predicts no growth for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a modest expansion of 1.5% expected in 2025.

China’s growing success in technology is not a mere accident but the result of deliberate, long-term policy investments. A recent example is the emergence of DeepSeek, a ChatGPT competitor created by a little-known hedge fund in Hangzhou, which claims to have spent just $5.6 million to develop the AI. This development is indicative of China's broader efforts to dominate the tech sector.

At the core of artificial intelligence (AI) development are three critical elements: microchips, data, and PhDs in science and technology. On two of these fronts—advanced education and data—China is already ahead of many Western nations. Chinese universities produce over 6,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) PhDs each month, compared to about 2,000 to 3,000 in the United States and 1,500 in the UK.

China has also surpassed the US in patent filings, with 1.7 million patents filed in 2023, compared to just 600,000 in the US. Two decades ago, China filed just a fraction of the patents that the US did, but today, it has taken a leading position globally. While questions remain about the quality of some patents, China has also outpaced the US in "citation-weighted" patents, which measure the influence of innovations based on how often they are referenced.

In addition to AI, China’s advances are notable in other industries, such as electric vehicles (EVs), where it has become the world's largest exporter. Chinese manufacturers have cornered supply chains and technology for lithium-ion batteries, drastically lowering costs over the past decade. This success in EVs is paired with China’s efforts to lead in "electric intelligent vehicles," a sector where traditional automakers are struggling to compete, especially in software development.

China is also electrifying its entire economy at an unprecedented rate. The country now files for three-quarters of all clean tech patents globally, a massive increase from the start of the century, when it filed only a small fraction.

In AI, China is positioned to become the global leader, as highlighted by a recent US National Science Board report, which noted that China now outpaces the US in AI research publications, patents, and the production of STEM graduates.

The UK has recognized China's technological rise, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves visiting Beijing earlier this month. The trip underscored the UK's interest in strengthening long-term economic ties with China, particularly in the realms of AI, clean technology, and innovation. Chinese tech companies like Huawei are also attracting attention, with UK executives noting the company’s impressive campus and its role in global tech development.

However, there are significant concerns about data security, censorship, and democratic values, especially as China's tech industry thrives on access to vast amounts of data—something much harder to obtain in the West. This raises questions about the implications of China's AI dominance, particularly with regard to privacy and geopolitics.

WH Smith has reported a decline in High Street sales, following its announcement that it plans to sell 500 of its UK stores. The company revealed a 6% drop in High Street sales over the 21-week period to January 25, which includes the crucial Christmas trading season. This marks a 3% decline compared to the previous year.

The retailer, which has already closed 14 UK stores in the past financial year, intends to shut another 17 locations in 2025. Despite the struggles on the High Street, WH Smith saw positive performance from its travel retail business, which operates in airports, train stations, and hospitals. This segment continues to thrive, with plans to expand further in the US.

Carl Cowling, WH Smith's group CEO, emphasized the company's strong position despite some economic uncertainty, expressing confidence in achieving another year of growth in 2025.

Founded 233 years ago, WH Smith has been in talks regarding the potential sale of its High Street stores, which employ around 5,000 people. The company intends to focus more on its travel retail operations, which now account for over 85% of its profits. If the sale goes through, the post offices within 195 of the stores would remain.

Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, noted that WH Smith’s decision to exit the UK High Street market after more than two centuries reflects the challenges faced by the retailer. She added that the impact of increased business taxes in the UK might have exacerbated the decline, and while the company may find it difficult to secure a buyer, private equity firms could be interested in acquiring the stores.

WH Smith's travel retail division currently operates 1,200 stores in 32 countries, with significant growth in North America. The company has secured contracts for eight new stores at Orlando Airport and plans to open 60 locations in the US, contributing to a 3% growth in like-for-like revenues in the region.

At the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Youth Conclave, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a significant shift from tradition by selecting a media and business leader as the guest of honor instead of a political figure. This departure was perfectly justified, as the guest of honor was none other than Dev Pragad, the "Turnaround Man" credited with saving Newsweek – a major U.S. magazine – from the brink of closure.

Born in Coimbatore, India, Pragad's career has become a remarkable success story. Dev Pragad, the CEO of Newsweek, has been hailed as the man who revived the magazine after its decline, transforming it into a digital success story. His leadership was instrumental in bringing Newsweek back from the brink of collapse, and today, the magazine is thriving in the digital world.

The Turning Point: Newsweek’s Revival Journey

In 2013, Newsweek was considered on its deathbed, with many predicting its closure. Fast forward to 2016, and Dev Pragad joined the company at a time when it was grappling with financial instability, management issues, and a loss of relevance in the digital age. By 2018, Pragad took the helm of Newsweek and started working on its revival strategy.

By 2024, Newsweek was celebrated as one of the most unlikely digital success stories, as highlighted by Variety. The publication has transformed from a struggling print magazine to a dynamic digital platform. The journey from "Newsweek is dead" to "Newsweek is digital success" is a testament to Pragad's visionary leadership.

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the Importance of Recognizing Digital Media Leadership

At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) summit in Odisha, Pragad’s success story served as an inspiration to the Indian diaspora and youth. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that PBD’s purpose is to bring the best practices from host countries and apply them to India’s development goals for 2047. Pragad’s journey exemplifies the impact of innovation and leadership, offering valuable lessons for Indian digital media houses.

Dev Pragad’s Approach to Reviving Newsweek: Key Lessons for Digital Media Houses

Pragad shared his insights on how he turned Newsweek’s fortunes around. One of the first steps was rebuilding the Newsweek brand, which had suffered due to management missteps, financial irregularities, and a shift from hard-hitting news to celebrity gossip.

Brand Reinvention: The first critical lesson was to rebuild the brand from the ground up. Newsweek’s brand had taken a severe beating, but Pragad saw this as an exciting challenge, focusing on restoring the publication's core identity.

Data-Driven Journalism: Pragad emphasized the importance of data in decision-making. Journalists were educated on the fact that even great stories are not valuable unless they reach an audience. Editorial decisions were driven by data, helping Newsweek tailor its content to digital platforms like Google, Facebook, and Apple News.

Strategic Partnerships: Partnerships played a key role in Newsweek’s turnaround. Collaborations with industry giants like Google, Engine Media, and Statista were crucial. Google Cloud helped develop a cutting-edge AI recommendation engine, which significantly improved content delivery.

Multimedia Integration: The integration of videos, podcasts, and interactive graphics into Newsweek's content strategy enhanced engagement and provided readers with diverse ways to consume news.

Commitment to Journalism: Despite the focus on digital growth, Pragad maintained Newsweek’s commitment to high-quality journalism. The publication’s focus on investigative reporting and in-depth analysis of global issues helped it regain its credibility in the media landscape.

Conclusion: Applying Pragad’s Lessons to Indian Digital Media Houses

Dev Pragad’s story is not only an inspiration to the global media industry but also offers valuable lessons for Indian digital media houses. In an age where content consumption is shifting to digital platforms, Indian media houses can learn from Pragad’s data-driven approach, strategic partnerships, and commitment to maintaining journalistic integrity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his readiness to exchange captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war currently held in Russia. This offer comes after Ukraine reported capturing two North Korean soldiers wounded during clashes in Russia's Kursk region.

Zelensky stated on X (formerly Twitter): "Ukraine is prepared to return Kim Jong Un's soldiers in exchange for our warriors held captive in Russia." He added that more North Korean soldiers could be captured in the future and hinted at offering asylum to those unwilling to return to North Korea.

The South Korean National Intelligence Service corroborated Ukraine's claim, confirming that the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean fighters on January 9.

A video posted by Zelensky showed the prisoners being interrogated, with one stating he was unaware of being sent to fight in Ukraine, believing it was a training exercise. One prisoner expressed a desire to return to North Korea, while the other indicated a preference to stay in Ukraine.

Neither Russia nor North Korea has acknowledged the presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict. However, the two nations have strengthened their military ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he now relies on North Korean support to sustain his military efforts.

In a stroke of unexpected fortune, actor James Woods' house survived the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced countless residents, including several celebrities.

Woods, who was forced to evacuate as the fires advanced, shared his relief on X (formerly Twitter): “A miracle has happened. Our home, thought to be gone, is still standing amidst the devastation.” While the property suffered smoke and minor damage, Woods described the surrounding area as resembling "the dark side of the moon."

The actor expressed gratitude for the support and well-wishes he received during the ordeal. "Thank you for the beautiful messages and concern. It means a lot," he wrote.

Other stars, including Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal, weren’t as fortunate, confirming significant damage or total loss of their homes in the ongoing blazes.

Bollywood Actress Preity Zinta Safe Amid Fires

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, residing in Los Angeles, assured fans of her safety amidst the chaos. In a heartfelt post on X, she shared her heartbreak over the devastation while expressing gratitude for her family’s safety.

“Fires have ravaged neighborhoods around us, leaving friends and families either evacuated or on high alert. Ash falls like snow from the sky, and fear looms as we pray for calmer winds,” Zinta wrote, acknowledging the challenge of keeping toddlers and grandparents safe in these conditions.

Wildfires Claim Lives and Properties

Los Angeles County officials reported the wildfire death toll has risen to 24, with many still missing. Over 12,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed across six major wildfires raging in the region.

The National Weather Service has warned that worsening conditions may escalate the crisis. Santa Ana winds, capable of gusts up to 70 mph, are expected to persist through Tuesday, fueling the spread of the fires.

In the bustling industrial hub of Guangzhou, China, the relentless hum of sewing machines fuels Shein’s rapid rise as a global fast-fashion giant. Dubbed the "Shein village," Panyu is home to over 5,000 factories churning out the brand's low-cost apparel for millions of customers worldwide.

Despite its meteoric success, Shein’s operations face mounting scrutiny. Workers endure grueling 75-hour workweeks, often with just a single day off each month—conditions that starkly violate Chinese labor laws, which cap the workweek at 44 hours. Pay is typically piece-based, with workers earning as little as 1–2 yuan per simple garment, pushing them to work longer hours to meet living expenses.

Investigations by the BBC revealed that while factory environments are equipped with fans and proper lighting, the labor practices remain exploitative. Temporary workers often fill seasonal spikes in production, driven by Shein’s data-driven model that quickly scales popular designs.

The company, valued at approximately £36 billion, faces allegations of forced labor and its links to Xinjiang cotton, a region embroiled in accusations of human rights abuses. While Shein denies these claims, critics demand greater transparency, including public disclosure of its supply chain details.

As Shein prepares for a potential IPO on the London Stock Exchange, it has promised to invest heavily in governance and compliance. However, experts argue that true reform requires more than financial investment—it demands systemic change.

The workplace has increasingly become a microcosm of the challenges of navigating sensitive political and social conversations. The CEO of Newsweek, Dev Pragad, has proved well aware of the issues and has taken Newsweek to the fore in creating inclusive and respectful workplace cultures. Through events like Newsweek Horizons, Dev Pragad sets a powerful example as chief executive officer for Newsweek regarding how organizations can help foster civility and understanding in today's politically charged environment.

The recent Newsweek Horizons event Better Workplaces: How to Foster Inclusion and Civility, moderated by Aman Kidwai, Workplaces Editor at Newsweek, was an inspiring showcase of this commitment. With insights from medical, legal, and social psychology experts, the event focused on actionable strategies to reduce incivility at work and create spaces where employees feel valued and respected. SHRM CHRO Jim Link and Newsweek Executive Editor Jennifer H. Cunningham shared their expertise, contributing to a rich and informative discussion.

As a highlight of the evening, Dev Pragad CEO of Newsweek, introduced the 2024 Civility Awards in collaboration with the Stubblefield Institute. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations that prioritize respectful communication and positive change, particularly in the often contentious political landscape of Washington, D.C. The awards serve as a reminder of Dev Pragad Newsweek CEO’s dedication to promoting meaningful dialogue and fostering a sense of community both within and beyond the workplace.

South Africa vs England, Women’s Test Match (Day Three) England 395-9 dec (Sciver-Brunt 128, Bouchier 126) & 236 (Knight 90; Mlaba 6-67) South Africa 281 (Wolvaardt 65; Bell 4-49) & 64 (Bell 4-27) England won by 286 runs

Scorecard

England stormed to a resounding 286-run victory against South Africa in Bloemfontein, marking their first Test win since 2014 and capping off an impressive tour ahead of January's Ashes.

Defending a mammoth target of 351, England’s bowlers dismantled the Proteas for just 64—their lowest total in women’s Test history. Lauren Bell delivered a stellar performance, taking 4-27, supported by Sophie Ecclestone’s 2-7.

Earlier, England resumed play with a 145-run lead, with captain Heather Knight anchoring their innings with a composed 90. Despite Nonkululeko Mlaba’s outstanding 6-67, which earned her 10 wickets in the match, England posted 236 before being bowled out.

South Africa’s chase faltered almost immediately. Bell struck early, dismissing Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch before tea. Controversy arose when Annerie Dercksen’s dismissal, initially not given out, was overturned after consultation with the third umpire despite the absence of DRS. The Proteas never recovered, losing seven wickets for just 42 runs.

Marizanne Kapp’s 21 was the only notable contribution as South Africa succumbed in under 20 overs, with injured tailender Masabata Klaas unable to bat.

DRS Controversy Overshadows Play

While England’s dominance was clear, the absence of the Decision Review System (DRS) sparked debate. Used during the preceding white-ball series, DRS was excluded from the Test due to cost concerns, despite Cricket South Africa’s reported profits of £35.9m last year.

Confusion arose when the umpires consulted the third umpire for Dercksen’s dismissal, even though DRS was unavailable. Slow-motion replays suggested an edge, but the lack of UltraEdge technology left questions over the decision-making process.

Proteas head coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed frustration over the inconsistency, stating: “There was no clear communication. It’s bizarre.”

England’s Momentum Builds Ahead of Ashes

England’s commanding performance bodes well for their Ashes campaign in Australia. Knight’s return to form, alongside contributions from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Bell’s remarkable bowling, showcased the team’s depth and resilience.

Despite Mlaba’s historic feat as South Africa’s first bowler to claim 10 wickets in a women’s Test, the hosts struggled to match England’s clinical approach.

Japanese carmakers Honda and Nissan are reportedly engaging in early-stage discussions about a potential merger, aiming to strengthen their position in the fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly in China.

The talks follow an agreement in March where the two companies decided to collaborate on EV strategies. In August, they deepened their partnership, focusing on battery technology and advanced electrification systems, while also including Mitsubishi Motors in broader discussions.

In a joint statement to the media, both firms said: "As announced earlier this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring possibilities for collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths." However, neither company has officially confirmed the merger discussions reported by Japanese business outlet Nikkei.

Challenges in a Competitive Landscape Honda and Nissan have faced increasing pressure as the global auto industry shifts from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric. The booming EV production in China, where brands like BYD and Tesla dominate, has intensified the challenges for Japanese manufacturers. Combined, Honda and Nissan sold 7.4 million vehicles globally in 2023 but continue to lose market share in China, which accounted for nearly 70% of global EV sales last year.

With fierce competition from lower-cost EV producers, Nissan and Honda are exploring ways to remain viable. Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell highlighted the growing difficulty for mid-sized players in the market. "Collaboration has become essential, not just for survival but to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry," she noted.

Political and Structural Hurdles A merger of this scale would face intense political and regulatory scrutiny in Japan, given the potential impact on jobs. Additionally, Nissan's existing alliance with French automaker Renault may add complexity to any deal.

Jesper Koll, an expert from Japanese online trading platform Monex Group, questioned whether a merger could significantly enhance competitiveness. "It feels like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic," he remarked, suggesting neither company currently has groundbreaking products or technologies to reshape their market standing.

Market Reaction The news has had mixed effects on the stock market. Following the reports, Nissan shares surged over 20% in Tokyo, while Honda shares dipped by 2%. Mitsubishi Motors, a potential partner in the discussions, saw its shares jump 13%.

Future Uncertain While the companies are expected to provide updates soon, it remains unclear if a formal merger will materialize. Both Honda and Nissan have emphasized that any developments will be shared with stakeholders "at the appropriate time."

In the small Arctic town of Churchill, Canada, known as the "polar bear capital of the world," the reality of living alongside the planet's largest land predator is both a daily routine and a growing challenge. As climate change continues to reshape the Arctic landscape, polar bears and humans are navigating an uncertain future.

Bear Safety: A Way of Life For 13-year-old Tee, bear safety is second nature. "If a polar bear gets close, punch it in the nose," she advises confidently, though she's never had to test her theory. In Churchill, being "bear aware" is essential. Signs around town remind residents to stay vigilant, avoid walking alone at night, and always be prepared for encounters with these powerful animals.

The town experiences an influx of polar bears every autumn as the Hudson Bay freezes over. The sea ice is a critical hunting ground for the bears, providing access to their primary prey—seals. But with the warming climate delaying the freeze, bears are spending longer periods on land, often near human settlements.

A Fragile Ecosystem Alyssa McCall from Polar Bears International (PBI) explains that the local polar bear population has nearly halved since the 1980s, primarily due to shrinking sea ice. "Bears are now on land about a month longer than their grandparents were," she says. This prolonged land-bound period puts stress on mothers, making it harder to sustain pregnancies and nurture their cubs.

Despite the long-term decline in bear numbers, Churchill sees thousands of tourists and researchers each year, drawn by the unique opportunity to observe polar bears up close. Conservationists, like PBI's Geoff York, are also testing innovative technologies, such as "bear-dar," a radar system designed to detect and track polar bears to enhance community safety.

Living with Bears The town's polar bear alert team plays a critical role in managing bear-human interactions. Trained rangers patrol daily, using techniques like live traps and relocation to keep bears away from populated areas. For persistent bears, the team employs non-lethal methods to teach them that approaching town is not rewarding.

Churchill hasn't experienced a fatal polar bear attack since 1983, thanks to these proactive measures. However, the risks remain. Earlier this year, a worker in Canada's northern Nunavut territory was killed by two polar bears, highlighting the dangers of coexisting with these apex predators.

A Town in Transition Climate change is also opening new economic opportunities for Churchill. The town's mayor, Mike Spence, sees potential in extending the port's operating season as the Hudson Bay remains ice-free for longer. Studies at the Churchill Marine Observatory are examining the implications of increased shipping, including risks like oil spills, to ensure sustainable growth.

"Adapting is key," says Spence. "We can't stop existing because of climate change. Instead, we learn to make the best of it."

Uncertain Future for Polar Bears While Churchill adapts, the future for its iconic polar bears remains precarious. Longer ice-free seasons threaten their survival, with fewer opportunities to hunt and store energy for the summer months.

As schoolchildren like Tee and her classmates watch bears being moved away from town, the question lingers: How long will polar bears continue to call Churchill home?

A thought-provoking discussion between Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, and Aurimas Sabulis, CEO of Dextall, on driving innovation and transformation across industries.

On December 3, 2024, the YPO Metro NY Chapter's In the Boardroom series hosted a fireside chat featuring Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, and Aurimas Sabulis, CEO of Dextall. Held at Newsweek’s World Trade Centre offices, the event brought together leaders to discuss innovation, transformation, and leadership strategies.

Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, detailed the organization’s journey of transformation from a historic print publication to a prominent digital media platform. He highlighted his commitment to quality journalism, global discourse, and leveraging innovation to adapt to evolving media landscapes.

Aurimas Sabulis, CEO of Dextall and a pioneer in construction technology, shared insights into modern leadership and sustainability. As the champion of this fireside chat, Sabulis underscored the value of fostering cross-industry dialogue to inspire innovative thinking and collaborative growth.

The event emphasized the importance of leadership that adapts to challenges while remaining committed to long-term vision. Dev Pragad, Newsweek CEO, and Aurimas Sabulis presented strategies that showcased their distinct approaches to driving meaningful transformation in their respective fields.

Acknowledgment goes to Ashley Fina, Learning Officer of YPO Metro NY, for curating this impactful event, and the YPO community for facilitating such engaging discussions.

The possible loss of TikTok in the U.S. could cause significant disruption in the social media space, benefiting rivals like Meta, YouTube, and Snap, while negatively impacting content creators and small businesses that depend on the app for income, according to Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at eMarketer.

This potential shift in the social media ecosystem spurred a rise in rival stock prices on Friday. Meta Platforms saw its shares climb to a record high of $629.78, before settling at $622.85, up 2.3% by late afternoon.

The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates in December, following strong yet cooling job market data from November. U.S. employers added 227,000 jobs, bouncing back from October's slowdown caused by hurricanes. However, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%, and over the past six months, monthly job gains have averaged less than 150,000, raising concerns about keeping up with the growing population.

Fed officials, including San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, indicated that further rate cuts are likely, though the pace may slow. Daly emphasized that while another rate cut this month seems reasonable, future cuts will be more cautious as the policy rate nears its final level.

Market expectations surged following the jobs report, with traders increasing the probability of a rate cut at the upcoming December 17-18 meeting to 85%, up from below 70% previously. A rate cut of 0.25% would bring the Fed's policy rate to the 4.25%-4.50% range.

Israel has sought the intervention of tech billionaire Elon Musk to aid in negotiations for the release of nearly 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. President Isaac Herzog reportedly reached out to Musk, urging him to leverage his close ties with Donald Trump to advance a potential deal.

The request is part of ongoing efforts to secure the hostages' release following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Former US President Trump has taken a firm stance, demanding the unconditional release of the hostages and warning of severe consequences if Hamas fails to comply.

Musk, a significant donor to Trump, is viewed as a key figure who could influence the former president’s involvement in resolving the crisis. While it remains unclear whether Musk has committed to direct talks with Trump, his past role in mediating high-stakes political matters has raised hopes for progress.

Millions across the UK have been advised to stay indoors as Storm Darragh brings winds of up to 90mph. The Cabinet Office issued its largest emergency alert to date, targeting areas under the Met Office's rare red weather warning for parts of Wales and southwest England.

The red warning, in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday, signals "dangerous weather" with risks of flying debris, falling trees, and significant disruption to transport and infrastructure. Events such as Christmas attractions, football matches, and major races have been canceled as a precaution.

An amber warning for heavy rain spans much of the west coast, including Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland, with forecasts of flooding and transport delays. Over 100 flood warnings are in effect, with rainfall expected to exceed 90mm in some areas.

While many received loud emergency alerts on their phones, some reported not receiving them, raising concerns about the system's reliability. Despite uncertainties, officials have urged the public to exercise caution and stay updated on weather developments.