What’s News
Berlin Truck-Attack Suspect Killed in Milan
The hunt for a Tunisian man suspected of carrying out the truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin ended when he died in a shootout with police in Milan, leaving questions as to how Europe’s most-wanted man eluded controls as he traveled hundreds of miles across the region. 489
Merkel Promises to Examine Policies After Truck Attack
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday promised an urgent review of the country’s handling of the suspected Berlin Christmas market attacker, saying her government would be ready to change course based on what it finds.
Hijacking of Libyan Airliner to Malta Ends Without Bloodshed
The hijacking of a Libyan airliner to Malta ended without bloodshed, after the jet’s passengers and crew were released unharmed and the hijackers surrendered to authorities. The two Libyan hijackers were seeking political asylum in Europe, a Libyan official said.
‘Let It Be an Arms Race,’ Trump Says
Donald Trump said he welcomes an international nuclear-arms race, a comment his spokesman later sought to temper and which Russia’s president seemed to dismiss. 322
Turkey’s Erdogan Is Turning Into a Strongman
What some see as a cult of personality is growing in Turkey as its president, who enjoys strong support among conservatives, Islamists and nationalists, accumulates authority.
Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse Pay Billions to Settle U.S. Cases
The Obama administration scrambled to resolve its remaining crisis-era megabank mortgage cases, striking multibillion-dollar settlements with Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse over toxic securities. 64
Israeli Settlement Censure Back on U.N. Calendar
The U.N. Security Council scheduled a vote for Friday on a resolution calling for an end to Israel’s expansion of settlements, a day after Egypt withdrew its draft of the resolution following pressure from Israel and President-elect Donald Trump.
Alibaba Enlists Brands to Help Snuff Out Knockoffs
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding, facing U.S. criticism over the presence of counterfeit and pirated goods on its online shopping platforms, will establish an advisory board of brands and trade associations to help protect intellectual property.
Brazil’s Petrobras Plans to Claim Part of Odebrecht’s Settlement
Brazilian oil company Petrobras plans to request part of the record anticorruption settlement that construction company Odebrecht signed earlier this week with Brazilian, U.S. and Swiss authorities.
Anglo American Rethinks Sale
A year after Anglo American announced a dramatic corporate downsizing, the company is rethinking as politics and shifting market conditions alter the company’s status.
Delta Lloyd Agrees to Sweetened NN Group Bid
The Delta Lloyd deal will likely spur consolidation in the insurance sector, where companies are being squeezed by stricter capital rules and record-low interest rates.
Are You Too Late to the Dow 20000 Party? No, Most Likely
As the Dow Jones Industrial Average closes in on 20000, some are wondering whether it is too late to jump back in the U.S. stock market. The simple answer: No, provided you won’t need the cash soon.
Italy Eyes Exemption to Spare Monte Paschi Bond Holders
Italy will rely on a loophole to avoid hurting small bond investors of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA, raising questions about the effectiveness of new European banking rules.
Fixed Income Boosts Battered European Banks
Bond trading is back. The question for European investment banks is just how much they can cash in. The political shocks of 2016 spurred wild rides in currencies and interest rates, a boon for lenders with big trading operations.
Streetwise
Skull and Crossbones Alert: Don’t Mix Politics and Trading
Many investors whiffed on profiting off the Brexit vote and the U.S. presidential election. But those who did make the right calls probably struggled to make money because of the market response.
Militants in Myanmar Spur Army Reprisals, Refugee Flight
Rohingya refugees are pouring from Myanmar into Bangladesh with stories of atrocities, fleeing what is emerging as the world’s newest guerrilla war.
Syrian Army Says Government Has Full Control of Aleppo
The Syrian army said Aleppo returned to full government control for the first time since 2012, a major victory for President Bashar al-Assad and a crushing blow for the armed opposition’s nearly six-year struggle to unseat the regime.
Australia Disrupts ‘Terrorist Plot’ Timed for Christmas
Authorities disrupted plans inspired by Islamic State to explode devices in central Melbourne on or around Christmas Day, with a railway station and a cathedral among suspected targets.
U.K. Economy Held Steady After Brexit Vote
The U.K. economy grew faster than previously thought in the three months following June’s vote to leave the European Union, suggesting there was no significant post-referendum slowdown.
Central Americans Hurry to Get Into U.S. Ahead of Trump
Central Americans are crossing illegally into the U.S. at the fastest rate in years, many hoping to sneak in before Donald Trump takes office. 95
Eating & Drinking
Breakfast 2.0
The Breakfast Burrito Variations: Two Wrap-Star Recipes
Breakfast burrito or breakfast Frankie? These easy, appealing recipes have your morning meal all wrapped up.
Review
How Jimmy Stewart Became George Bailey
In making “It’s a Wonderful Life,” star Jimmy Stewart had to struggle with what today would be called post-traumatic stress disorder.
Essay
How Pope Francis Became the Leader of the Global Left
With the right on the rise, many progressives are looking to a pontiff who campaigns against inequality and climate change. 114
Video
Merkel Relieved Berlin Truck Suspect Killed
1:35
Berlin Terror Suspect Almost Sent Home, Three Times
2:23
Libyan Plane Hijackers in Custody
0:50PAID PROGRAM
Photos
Eating & Drinking
Where the Beers Are: A Regional Guide to U.S. Craft Brews
Offerings from smaller breweries are so vast and varied it’s hard to know where to begin. A guide to 21 top craft brews that deliver an intriguing taste of place. 56
Books
A Book on Life and Death Becomes a Best Seller
How Paul Kalanithi’s widow helped turn his memoir, “When Breath Becomes Air,” into a bestseller.