We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
{{ subpage.title }}
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador greets supporters after attending a march in support of his government policies in Mexico City.
Hard Numbers: Mexico’s president of the streets, EU mega cocaine bust, Somali hotel siege, surging Santa demand
5: Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador led tens of thousands of his supporters on a five-hour march through the heart of the capital, Mexico City, as a rebuke to recent large protests that took aim at AMLO’s proposed changes to the electoral system, which critics said imperiled Mexico’s democracy. Four years into his single six-year term, AMLO — an ascetic leftwing populist — holds a commanding 60% approval rating.
30: European police have seized 30 tons (tons!!) of drugs in the bust of what authorities are calling a “super cartel” that controlled as much as a third of Europe’s coke trade. The sting, which took down dozens of suspects in Europe and the UAE, was planned for years. 2022 has been a banner year for EU drug busts — police at the Belgian port of Antwerp, a cartel favorite, have already conducted more than 100 large-scale raids.
14: A standoff between Somali forces and al-Shabab militants who seized a Mogadishu hotel late Sunday ended on Monday with 14 people dead, including 8 civilians. Authorities say 60 people were rescued from the Villa Rays hotel, a popular locale for government ministers and other officials. The Somali government recently mobilized a fresh campaign to retake villages and regions held by al-Shabab.
30: With the pandemic largely behind us now, someone special is in heavy demand again: Santa Claus. One major Santa booker in the US who works with malls and other holiday festivals says demand for St. Nicks is up 30% this year. Another agency says they are finally back to pre-pandemic levels. If you’re thinking of a side hustle, Santas earn up to $300 an hour!