What’s News
Backlash Swells in Germany as Hunt for Terrorist Ends
The hunt for the suspect in the deadly attack on a Berlin Christmas market ended before dawn Friday in a shootout with Italian police near Milan, but the political fallout was just beginning to gather force. 690
U.S. Allows U.N. to Censure Israel
The Obama administration, breaking from longstanding U.S. policy, abstained from voting on a Security Council resolution criticizing Israel’s expansion of its settlements, allowing the historic measure to pass. 1558
A Frantic Path to U.N. Vote on Israeli Settlements
In three frenetic days of diplomacy this week, President Barack Obama openly sided with the United Nations Security Council against the Israeli leader.
Trump’s Firm Backs Away From Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Trump Organization is unwinding some of the deals that have fueled complaints that the far-flung business empire is a minefield of conflicts.
Turkey’s Erdogan Turning Into a Strongman
What some see as a cult of personality is growing in Turkey as its president accumulates power, purges thousands accused of involvement in a failed July coup and rules by decree. “I don’t care if they call me a dictator.”
Banks’ Tactics Diverged in Settlement Talks
Two big European banks settled mortgage-securities probes with the U.S. Justice Department, while another didn’t and got sued. The divergent paths of Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse Group and Barclays show the pressures to resolve long-running investigations before the arrival of a new, unpredictable presidential administration.
The Saturday Essay
Christmas: Embattled From the Beginning
For 2,000 years, believers and nonbelievers alike have fought over the meaning and traditions of a repeatedly reinvented holiday
U.S.
Todd Popovitch, who is clean now but used drugs for 15 years, outside his home in West Rutland, Vt. Video/Photo: Robert Libetti/The Wall Street Journal. Warning: Strong Language
A Radical Experiment to Break the Addiction Cycle
Overwhelmed by the opioid epidemic, prosecutors in Vermont and elsewhere around the U.S. are giving addicts a chance to get treatment instead of going to prison. Early signs are promising. 98
Business
Retailers Make Final Push to Lure Last-Minute Shoppers
Traditional retailers are pulling out all the stops to attract last-minute holiday shoppers in the final days before Christmas, even as Amazon.com steps up its own efforts to appeal to procrastinators.
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.
Heard on the Street
Italy’s Bank Rescue Is a Precarious Balancing Act
The bailout of Monte dei Paschi di Siena will have important implications for other weak lenders in Italy and the rest of Europe.
The Markets Say Inflation Is Coming. The Data Show It Isn’t True
Traders are at odds with consumers when it comes to the inflation outlook, a divergence that some investors are betting will lead to a sharp market reversal.
At New York Pension, Red Flags and Failure of Oversight
Following a high-profile case in 2010, state officials had put in place a series of changes designed to prevent abuses. This past week, the fund’s bond manager who oversees $53 billion was indicted on bribery charges.
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.
A group of hostages being released from the Libyan plane after it was hijacked and landed in Malta.
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. 51
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.
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.
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. 139
The Year in Review
The Year in Photos 2016
WSJ editors pick the best photos of the year organized by category, date and region. These photos represent the key moments and defining images of the news in 2016.
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. 170
Video
Terror Suspect Death in Milan Shows EU Security Gaps
6:27
Merkel Relieved Berlin Truck Suspect Killed
1:35
Berlin Terror Suspect Almost Sent Home, Three Times
2:23Business
Halliburton Settles Securities Fraud Lawsuit
Halliburton Co. said it settled a 14-year-old securities fraud class action lawsuit that had gone to the U.S. Supreme Court.
PAID 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. 63
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.