Sudan Removed From Terrorism List After 27 Years

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On 14 December, the US formally dropped Sudan from its State Sponsors of Terrorism List. In exchange, Sudan will compensate victims of the 1998 US Embassy bombings in East Africa and recognize Israel. Sanctions against the country have been steadily removed since 2017 and the country will now be able to access foreign aid and investment. Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, heading the transitional government after long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir’s overthrow in 2019, called it a “new era”. [NYT] [By KEVIN WANG] 

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December 31 Brexit Deadline Looms

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Trade negotiations continue as Britain is set to drop out of the European Union on December 31, 2020. European Commission President Ursula von der Lyen announced that “there is a path to an agreement now”, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “there is a deal to be done, if our partners want to do it.” The big outstanding issues are fishing rights and state support for British companies. If no deal is reached before the deadline, tariffs will be applied to both sides according to World Trade Organization rules. [CNBC] [By KEVIN WANG] 

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Bitcoin breaks $20K US for the first time ever

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Bitcoin has seen an increase of 170% so far this year. For the first time ever, on Wednesday, December 16, bitcoin crossed $20K USD. This increase has been fueled by three main reasons. Firstly, there is a demand by large investors seeking bitcoin’s potential for quick gains. Secondly, bitcoin’s purported resistance to inflation is an obvious plus. Thirdly, there is belief that bitcoin might become a mainstream payment method in the future. This upward trajectory of bitcoin seems to be sustainable into 2021. [CBC] [By Anirudh Goel] 

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Santa and Mrs. Claus Test Positive for COVID After Meeting 50 Kids 

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After a tree lighting event in Georgia, the pair performing Santa and Mrs. Claus tested positive for COVID-19. This put around 50 kids at risk of contracting the virus. The two did not display any symptoms during the event, and had portrayed the Claus couple for many years. Commissioners’ Chair Robert Parker, who has known the duo “for his entire life”, says that they had good intentions and did not purposely put the children at danger.[HuffingtonPost] [By Iris Ma] 

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Russia Banned from Using Name and Flag for Next 2 Olympics

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On 17 December, Russia was officially banned from using its name, flag, or anthem at the next 2 Olympics or any world championship for the next 2 years. Furthermore, the Court of Arbitration for Sports prohibited the country from bidding to host large scale sporting events for the next 2 years. However, Russian athletes and teams will still be allowed to compete in world championships, as long as they are not involved with dope or dishonesty regarding positive COVID diagnoses. Additionally, in terms of team names and uniform, the country name can be kept if “Neutral Athlete” or “Neutral Team” are equally present. [SportsNet] [By Iris Ma]