Here are some of the top news stories for today:

Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal: The Israeli security cabinet has recommended approving a ceasefire and hostage return deal in Gaza, ahead of a full cabinet meeting. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the vote, citing last-minute changes by Hamas.

Trump's Cabinet Confirmation Hearings: Confirmation hearings for Donald Trump's cabinet picks are ongoing, with significant focus on the nominations for Defense Secretary, Interior Secretary, and others. There's particular attention on Pete Hegseth's suitability for Defense Secretary following a contentious Senate hearing.

TikTok in the U.S.: The Biden administration is exploring ways to keep TikTok available in the U.S., as a ban on the app is set to begin if no action is taken by the Supreme Court.

NFL Playoffs: CBS News featured insights from Bill Cowher on the upcoming NFL divisional round, highlighting key matchups like the Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills.

Health News: The American Cancer Society has reported an increase in cancer rates among women, surpassing men in some cases, with CBS News discussing the implications.

Biden's Farewell Speech: Outgoing President Joe Biden gave a farewell speech focusing on his record of upholding democracy, warning against the concentration of power and the impacts of climate change.

Space News: The European Space Agency released new images of Mercury's surface, capturing details of its permanently shadowed craters and volcanic plains.

Local News (Minnesota): A man was arrested following a hit-and-run incident on New Year's Day in Minneapolis, and the weather in Minnesota is expected to remain mild with a thaw.

NEWS ALERT
Dominique Pelicot, a French national, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of his wife, Gisèle Pelicot. The case took a shocking turn as his daughter came forward with allegations of sexual abuse, claiming he had sedated her before the assaults. A disturbing photograph, taken after one of these incidents, depicted her in a compromising position with her father.  

In a dramatic courtroom confrontation, Dominique's son, David, questioned his father about the abuse, asking if he had also harmed his son and his sister.

The case is part of a larger scandal involving the rape of Gisèle Pelicot. All 51 defendants in this trial were found guilty, with evidence suggesting they were invited to sexually abuse Gisèle after she was sedated. Court documents indicate that Dominique Pelicot photographed these horrific acts.

Full story is found here: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/12/19/world/france-rape-verdict-pelicot

- Photo curtsey: Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA, via Shutterstock

The Latest AI Boost. Tech stocks are suddenly back in favor. After a period of weakness, the Magnificent 7 stocks and the rest of the technology complex have rallied of late. Today's surge followed a well-received earnings report from Salesforce.
The software firm continues to get traction from its AI offerings, capping a wave of AI-fueled software results in recent months. Salesforce soared 11% on the day, making it the best performer in the S&P 500.

#Trump Policies Remain a Wild Card as U.S. Housing Market Heads Toward Slow Recovery Next Year

A Realtor.com forecast for 2025 predicts buyers can expect improved mortgage rates and more choice as supply grows.

NEWS ALERT
U.S. Agency Warns Employees About Phone Use Amid China Hack -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a directive to employees to reduce the use of their phones for work matters due to China’s recent hack of U.S. telecommunications infrastructure.

he #Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese grassroots organization of atomic-bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in recognition of their tireless efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons from the world. This movement, led by survivors known as hibakusha, has long advocated for a future free from the devastation caused by nuclear warfare, aiming to ensure such tragedies never occur again.

Ledger SCAMs in the rise, beware... Such email or message link will take you to a scammer's site impersonating as #Ledger website.

New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban is resigning after becoming embroiled in one of several federal investigations that have swirled around the administration of Mayor Eric Adams.

This Week:
Monday: US consumer credit. Apple product launch event. Brian Niccol becomes Starbucks’ CEO. Earnings expected from Oracle.

Tuesday: US presidential debate. UN General Assembly opens. Guinness World Records 2025 published. Earnings expected from GameStop, Dave & Buster’s, Petco Health and Wellness Co., and Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Wednesday: US consumer-price index.

Thursday: US jobless claims and producer-price index. Earnings expected from Signet Jewelers, Kroger, and Adobe.

Friday: US consumer sentiment.

Sunday: First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month in US. Primetime Emmy Awards.

Where the war is heading?