By Celine K. Agard
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Entertainment
SiriusXM Made it Too Difficult for Customers to Cancel Subscriptions, New York Judge Rules
New York State Supreme Court Justice Lyle Frank ruled that SiriusXM made it too difficult for its customers to cancel their subscriptions. This comes after the radio company was subject to a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James, who accused it of subjecting subscribers to a “burdensome endurance contest”. This cancelling process required phone conversations with a live agent and long hold times. Judge Frank ruled that this process was unnecessary for customers because SiriusXM made it easy for customers to sign up to a subscription without interacting with a live agent, but the requirement of a live agent to cancel a subscription was onerous. SiriusXM plans to appeal.
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/11/22/siriusxm-difficult-cancel-subscriptions/
Jonathan Majors Settles Assault and Defamation Lawsuit by Ex-Girlfriend
Actor Jonathan Majors and his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari have settled the assault and defamation lawsuit she filed against him in March. Majors, previously a rising Hollywood star, was convicted last year of assaulting and harassing Jabbari during their 2-year relationship and was sentenced to probation and domestic violence counseling. The lawsuit, which alleged repeated violence and threats, was dismissed in a joint court filing, while the settlement terms remain undisclosed. Jabbari’s lawyer praised her resilience, while Majors denied allegations of physical abuse.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/movies/jonathan-majors-lawsuit-settlement.html?searchResultPosition=1
Drake Accuses Universal Music of Boosting a Kendrick Lamar Song
Lawyers for Drake filed legal papers in New York and Texas accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of operating an elaborate scheme to promote Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” at the expense of Drake’s music, using bots to drive up clicks on streaming services to influence radio stations. In these 2 separate filings, Drake’s attorneys allege that UMG launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves with Lamar’s song. They also said that they were considering a defamation claim against Universal over Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” the hit song that represented the climax of Drake and Lamar’s rap war. In response to Drake’s filing in New York, a spokesman for UMG stated that Drake’s complaint is “offensive and untrue.... no amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.” Drake’s petition in New York was filed three days after Lamar released a new album “GNX”, which songs have quickly climbed up the streaming charts.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/arts/music/drake-lawsuit-kendrick-lamar-not-like-us.html?searchResultPosition=1
A Reggaeton Ode to Columbia is a Hit, but It’s Not Music to Everyone’s Ears
Global reggaeton artists Karol G, J Balvin, and Maluma are being criticized by Columbians for their hit song “+57.” Commercially the song is very successful with more than 35 million streams worldwide and holding a top spot on Spotify in Colombia. However, the song has drawn outrage over lyrics that many Columbians say sexualize children, setting off a fierce debate about negative stereotypes about Columbia. In Medellin, there is a history of sex tourism and lyrics projecting the idea of promiscuity in teenagers has rubbed many Columbians the wrong way about this song. The country’s cultural minister Juan David Correa called the song “banal, childish and inconsequential.” He also stated that the song perpetuated the idea that Columbia is a “poor, precarious country, where women are treated as persons of lower value and sell a city as an open-air brothel.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/24/world/americas/colombia-reggaeton-57-lyrics-karol-g-j-balvin.html?searchResultPosition=1
Arts
Ex-Dancer Accuses Shen Yun of Forced Labor and Trafficking in Lawsuit
Chang Chun-Ko, a former dancer for Shen Yun Performing Arts, recently filed a lawsuit in the Federal District Court in White Plains N.Y. describing Shen Yun as a “forced labor enterprise.” In her 68-page lawsuit, the dancer claimed that music and dance company, which is a part of the Falun Gong religious movement, exploited underage dancers through threats and public shaming to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Chang sued under a federal law in New York that allows victims of forced labor to sue their traffickers. Her lawsuit comes 3 months after the New York Times revealed that Shen Yun’s performers had been working under abusive conditions for years. Recently, the New York State Department of Labor opened an inquiry into the company’s labor practices, including its use of child performers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/nyregion/shen-yun-lawsuit-trafficking-labor.html?searchResultPosition=1
After Five Generations, a Family Returned the Treasures in its Closet
The descendants of Major Cicero Newell, a 19th-century U.S. Indian agent, returned a collection of heirlooms—including a beaded shirt, moccasins, and a headdress—from Lakota leader Chief Spotted Tail to his descendant, John Spotted Tail. Passed through the Newell family for generations, the artifacts’ repatriation was driven by ethical considerations and a desire for preservation. After meeting and performing cultural ceremonies, the Spotted Tails chose to place the items with the South Dakota State Historical Society, ensuring their protection and accessibility. The transfer highlights evolving attitudes toward returning Native artifacts and honoring Indigenous heritage.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/28/arts/design/spotted-tail-repatriation.html?searchResultPosition=1
Israeli Strikes Threaten Lebanon’s Archaeological Treasures
As a result of the war between Israeli forces and the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, thousand-year-old ancient artifacts are in jeopardy of obliteration. Archaeologists, conservationists, and the Lebanese military are now racing to protect thousands of years’ worth of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman treasures. Recently, UNESCO placed 34 cultural sites in Lebanon under what it calls “enhanced protection,” a measure that defines an attack on them as a violation of the 1954 Hague Convention, which is grounds for prosecution.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/world/middleeast/lebanon-antiquities-israel-strikes.html?searchResultPosition=1
Sports
Biden White House Holds up U.S. Contribution to Anti-Doping Agency
The Biden administration is withholding its $3.6 million annual contribution to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to demand increased accountability, transparency, and an independent audit following revelations that WADA failed to discipline elite Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned substances. This move, led by White House drug czar Dr. Rahul Gupta, aims to ensure fair competition and restore confidence in WADA’s integrity. The U.S. also seeks restrictions on WADA's use of American taxpayer funds for lawsuits against U.S. entities. WADA denies wrongdoing and claims political motives behind U.S. criticisms, as Congress and federal agencies intensify scrutiny and investigations into the organization’s handling of doping cases.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/us/politics/white-house-contribution-anti-doping-agency.html
MLB Players Association Drops Lawsuit Against FanDuel, Announces New Licensing Deal
MLB Players Inc., the commercial arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), has reached a licensing agreement with FanDuel Sportsbook, resolving a lawsuit filed in September that accused FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy of using players' names and likenesses without permission. The agreement, which is a nonexclusive product and marketing licensing deal, will see FanDuel develop player-centric features for its platform starting in 2025. MLB Players Inc. is working with OneTeam Partners, the MLBPA's commercial partner, to facilitate these collaborations. However, the lawsuit against Underdog Fantasy remains unresolved, and the MLBPA has ongoing litigation with DraftKings and Bet365.
https://www.casino.org/news/fanduel-and-mlb-players-union-announce-licensing-deal/
Judge Allows San Jose State Transgender Volleyball Player to Compete
In light of a national debate about transgender athletes in school sports, a federal judge in Colorado ruled that a transgender volleyball player at San Jose State University could compete on the women’s team. Players from other colleges in San Jose State’s conference originally filed a lawsuit seeking to bar the player. They claimed that by allowing her to participate in the tournament would discriminate against women by denying them equal opportunities. Judge S. Kato Crews wrote in his ruling that appellate and Supreme Court precedents had established that the protections of Title IX and the 14th Amendment applied to transgender individuals. San Jose State University has supported that decision, stating that it will continue to support all of its players and prevent discrimination in all forms. Currently, the N.C.A.A.’s rules on transgender participation vary by sport, depending on the governing bodies of that sport. In volleyball, transgender athletes must submit documentation showing that they have “taken the necessary steps to transition to their adopted gender.” The college sport’s organization also states that before transgender women can compete on women’s teams, they must complete one calendar year of testosterone suppression treatment and not exceed certain levels of testosterone. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/us/san-jose-state-volleyball-transgender.html
Former Marlins GM Kim Ng Spearheads New Pro Softball League: ‘MLB for Softball’
Athletes Unlimited (AU) is launching the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) in June 2025, marking its first traditional team-based league after years of player-focused competitions. Spearheaded by former Miami Marlins GM Kim Ng, the league aims to establish softball as a premier professional sport, with a 30-game schedule for 4 teams played across touring locations to gauge interest for city-based teams starting in 2026. Featuring prominent softball figures like Jennie Finch, Stacey Nuveman-Deniz, and Lisa Fernandez, AUSL will draft players via allocation and college drafts, a shift from AU’s unique individual points system. The league will broadcast at least 30 games on ESPN networks, with aspirations to serve as a platform for elite players ahead of softball’s return to the 2028 Olympics. Ng views AUSL as a vital step in advancing professional women’s sports, aligning with AU’s mission of player empowerment and equity.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5944861/2024/11/25/softball-league-kim-ng/?searchResultPosition=1
FIFA Should Pay Workers Injured Building the Qatar World Cup, Internal Report Says
An unpublished report commissioned by FIFA recommends that the organization compensate migrant workers or their dependents for injuries and deaths incurred during preparations for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The report highlights widespread human rights abuses, including unsafe working conditions, wage theft, and exploitation of workers primarily from impoverished South Asian and African nations. Despite calls for a $440 million compensation fund, FIFA has yet to allocate funds for affected workers, instead establishing a $50 million "legacy fund" for global social programs, which critics label as insufficient and evasive. FIFA faces pressure to honor its human rights obligations, especially as it prepares to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/29/world/middleeast/qatar-world-cup-2022-fifa-migrant-workers.html
Conor McGregor, U.F.C. Fighter, is Held Liable for Sexual Assault in Ireland
A woman who accused the mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor of raping her in a hotel penthouse in 2018 was awarded $260,000 in damages after a jury found him liable for sexual assault in a civil trial in Dublin. The woman at the center of this lawsuit, Nikita Hand, spoke with reporters outside the courtroom after the ruling. She said that she hoped the outcome would send a message to victims of sexual assault to “speak up.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/world/europe/conor-mcgregor-sexual-assault.html?searchResultPosition=1
Media/Technology
In Closing Arguments, U.S. Says That Google is an Ad Tech Monopolist
The U.S. government concluded its antitrust case against Google, accusing the tech giant of monopolizing the online ad technology market by integrating its products to hinder competition. In closing arguments, the Justice Department argued that Google's dominance harms advertisers and publishers, enriching itself unfairly at their expense. Google claimed that the case lacked evidence, emphasizing that its innovations have improved quality and reduced prices. The trial, heard by Judge Leonie Brinkema, centers on whether Google’s practices stifle competition, with potential penalties including a breakup of its ad-tech business. The ruling could set a precedent for other major antitrust cases against tech companies.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/technology/google-advertising-monopoly.html
The ‘Rocket Docket’ Judge Who Will Decide the Fate of Google’s Ad Technology
Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema presided over a swift antitrust trial regarding Google’s dominance in advertising technology, marking one of the fastest monopoly cases in recent years. Known for her efficiency, Judge Brinkema actively pushed proceedings forward, dismissing repetitive arguments and excessive details. A ruling is expected in the coming months, which could force Google to divest its ad-tech assets, further compounding its regulatory challenges amid other antitrust cases.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/technology/google-antitrust-leonie-brinkema.html
Federal Trade Commission Launches Antitrust Investigation Into Microsoft
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on its cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity products. The inquiry examines whether Microsoft’s bundling of services, such as pairing cloud computing with Office and security tools, unfairly limits competition. Additionally, Microsoft’s growing dominance in AI, bolstered by its partnership with OpenAI, is under scrutiny, as are its licensing practices for cloud software. This investigation follows the FTC's broader efforts to regulate major tech companies and occurs amid leadership transitions as the Biden administration ends. Microsoft and the FTC have not commented on the case.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/technology/microsoft-ftc-antitrust.html?searchResultPosition=1
Republicans Blocking Proposal to Narrow Part of a Surveillance Law
House Republicans are blocking efforts to narrow a vague provision in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s (FISA) Section 702, potentially granting President-elect Donald Trump expanded powers to compel a wide array of American service providers to assist in government surveillance without warrants. The provision, added in April to reauthorize Section 702, broadly extends the scope of firms required to comply, raising alarms among privacy advocates over potential abuses. While Senate leaders had pledged to address these concerns in subsequent legislation, efforts to limit the provision’s reach to cloud-computing data centers have stalled, as House negotiators excluded the corrective language from the must-pass defense bill. Privacy experts warn that leaving the provision unchanged poses significant risks of misuse, while critics decry the broken promise of legislative reform.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/us/politics/fisa-surveillance-bill-program.html?searchResultPosition=1
Judge Dismisses Defamation Suit Against Fox News Brought by January 6th Figure
Judge Jennifer L. Hall from the Federal District Court in Washington recently tossed out a defamation lawsuit against Fox News after Ray Epps claimed that the network’s former star host Tucket Carlson had falsely accused him of being a government provocateur who investigated the violence at the Capitol on January 6th. The Judge ruled that Epps and his lawyers failed to prove that Carlson had acted with “actual malice.” In 2023, Epps accused Carlson of promoting a “fantastical story” that he was an undercover agent who had helped foment the riot at the Capitol to disparage Trump and his followers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/us/politics/ray-epps-tucker-carlson-jan-6-defamation.html?searchResultPosition=1
Chinese Court Sentences Journalist to 7 Years in Prison for Espionage
Dong Yuyu, a former high-ranking editor and columnist for a major Communist Party newspaper, was sentenced to 7 years in prison by a Chinese court on espionage charges. His family believes the punishment stems from his critical writings on the government, especially his support for constitutional democracy and criticisms of the Communist Party’s version of Chinese history. Dong was arrested in 2022 while dining with a Japanese diplomat, and authorities cited his interactions with foreign diplomats and past academic exchanges as evidence of espionage. The case highlights the growing crackdown on intellectuals and citizens engaging with foreigners under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, where dissenting voices are increasingly targeted.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/29/world/asia/china-journalist-dong-yuyu.html
Australia Has Barred Everyone Under 16 from Social Media. Will it Work?
Australia has enacted a groundbreaking law banning social media access for children under 16, aiming to protect them from online harms, like bullying and mental health issues. The legislation requires platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X to take "reasonable steps" to enforce age restrictions, with penalties up to AUD 49.5 million for noncompliance. However, enforcement details, such as how age verification will work without compromising privacy, remain unclear. Critics argue that the law is impractical and could push harmful content exposure to later ages, while supporters believe it will shift societal norms around children's social media use. Platforms have 12 months to comply, with ongoing government trials exploring feasible age-verification methods.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/28/world/asia/australia-social-media-ban-law.html?searchResultPosition=1
General News
Jack Smith Seeks Dismissal of Federal Cases Against Trump
Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss 2 federal criminal cases against Trump, citing a Department of Justice policy that prohibits prosecuting sitting presidents. Smith filed motions in Washington and Atlanta, acknowledging the unique situation of a president-elect facing active federal indictments. These cases involved allegations of election interference and mishandling classified documents. While the dismissals were "without prejudice," preserving the possibility of refiling after Trump's presidency, they signal the winding down of Smith's investigations, which tested the justice system's ability to hold high-ranking officials accountable. The move follows Trump's threats to fire Smith and prosecute his perceived adversaries, as well as legal challenges to Smith's appointment. The decision leaves open questions about the statute of limitations, the status of related cases against Trump associates, as well as significant legal questions including the scope of immunity for presidential actions and the legality of appointing independent special counsels for high-profile investigations. These uncertainties may hinder future efforts to hold presidents accountable for misconduct and create challenges for the Justice Department in navigating conflicts of interest.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/us/politics/jack-smith-trump-election-documents-charges.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/us/politics/trump-cases-presidential-criminality.html
Trump Taps Kevin Hassett to Lead National Economic Council
Trump has appointed Kevin Hassett as the director of the White House National Economic Council (NEC), a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s economic policies. A key economic adviser during Trump’s first term, Hassett supported the former president’s tax cuts and trade policies while acknowledging that tariffs could hinder economic growth. As NEC director, he will collaborate with the Treasury Secretary to advance Trump’s agenda, including renewing tax cuts, expanding energy production, and addressing trade imbalances. Despite his conservative credentials and advocacy for corporate tax reductions, Hassett has faced criticism from Trump supporters for his past work suggesting that immigration boosts economic growth.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/us/politics/kevin-hassett-nec-trump.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Chooses New York Doctor to be the Next U.S. Surgeon General
Trump has selected Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a New York medical director and a Fox News Contributor to be the next surgeon general. Dr. Nesheiwat is one of the 5 New York City medical directors for City MD. She has contributed to Fox News since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/23/us/politics/janette-nesheiwat-surgeon-general.html
Trump Picks Standford Doctor who Opposed Lockdowns to Head the National Institutes of Health
Trump has nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford physician and economist known for his controversial stance against COVID-19 lockdowns, as the next director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If confirmed, Bhattacharya will oversee the NIH’s $48 billion budget and 27 research institutes. A co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated for "focused protection" of the vulnerable while allowing COVID-19 to spread among healthier populations, Bhattacharya has faced significant criticism from public health experts for promoting policies deemed dangerous and outside the mainstream. While his views have recently received more attention amid debates over the harms of lockdowns, critics argue that his approach disregarded risks to vulnerable populations and underestimated the pandemic’s severity. Bhattacharya’s appointment signals a potential shake-up in U.S. public health policy under the incoming administration.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/us/politics/jay-bhattacharya-nih-trump.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Team Signs Transition Agreement but Shuns FBI Clearances
Trump’s transition team has signed an agreement with the White House to begin formal briefings with outgoing staff, but has refused to sign agreements with the Justice Department and General Services Administration (GSA), complicating the transfer of classified information and logistical support. This decision diverges from traditional practices aimed at ensuring a smooth transition of power, as the GSA typically provides secure office space and resources, while the Justice Department facilitates FBI security clearances for transition members. The Trump team insists on organizational autonomy and cost-saving measures, declining government resources and pledging not to accept foreign donations. While President Biden’s administration has promised cooperation, officials are working to find secure methods for information sharing amid these challenges.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/us/politics/trump-transition-briefings.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Is Running his Transition Team on Secret Money
Trump’s decision to keep the donors funding his transition effort undisclosed and to avoid signing agreements with federal agencies breaks from past practices and raises significant ethical concerns. By rejecting federal funds and the associated restrictions, Trump's transition can raise unlimited contributions from undisclosed sources, including foreign nationals, bypassing transparency norms established to prevent potential conflicts of interest. This unprecedented approach has alarmed ethics experts and lawmakers who worry that it opens avenues for private influence over the incoming administration. Additionally, the lack of agreements with the Justice Department and White House has hindered background checks and ethical compliance measures for appointees, complicating the transition process and raising accountability questions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/24/us/politics/donald-trump-2024-campaign-transition.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Plans Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China That Could Cripple Trade
Trump is adamant about imposing tariffs on all products coming into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and China on his first day in office. According to many economists, this move would scramble global supply chains and impose heavy costs on companies that rely on doing business with the world’s largest companies. In a post from Truth Social, Trump mentioned he would use an executive order to levy a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico until drugs and migrants stopped coming over the border. This economic move inevitably threatens American diplomatic and economic relationships even before Trump sets foot in the White House. Evidently news of the new tariffs has set off alarms in the three nations with the currencies of Canada and Mexico sliding against the dollar.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/business/economy/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china.html
Top Trump Aide Accused of Asking for Money to ‘Promote’ Potential Appointees
President-elect Donald Trump’s legal team conducted an internal review that found evidence of Boris Epshteyn, a top adviser and legal coordinator, soliciting retainer fees from individuals seeking appointments in the new administration. Epshteyn allegedly asked for payments ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 to promote candidates for roles, including the Treasury secretary position. The findings have raised concerns about Epshteyn’s influence, prompting calls for his removal from Trump’s inner circle. Epshteyn denied the claims, calling them defamatory, while Trump publicly condemned any profiteering by his staff. The controversy has highlighted tensions within Trump’s team and broader concerns about Epshteyn’s role and reputation.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/us/politics/trump-boris-epshteyn-investigation.html
Judge Finds New York in Contempt, Clearing the Way for Rikers Takeover
A federal judge held New York City in contempt for failing to address rampant violence and excessive force at Rikers Island, signaling that she may impose a federal receiver to manage the troubled jail complex. Judge Laura Taylor Swain found the City and its Department of Corrections had violated the constitutional rights of prisoners and staff by ignoring court orders to improve safety. Despite spending over $400,000 annually per inmate—far above the national average—the City has failed to reform the facility, plagued by neglect, absentee staff, and a culture of brutality. The judge ordered the City and plaintiffs' lawyers to draft a receivership plan by January 14th, potentially granting a receiver power to override labor contracts and implement reforms. While City officials claim progress under new leadership, critics argue that systemic change is impossible without external intervention, as conditions have worsened despite nearly a decade of federal oversight.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/nyregion/rikers-contempt-receivership.html
Rudy Guiliani Loses His Lawyers and His Cool in Court
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani faced a contentious federal court hearing in Manhattan over his failure to surrender $11 million in personal assets as part of a $148 million defamation judgment owed to 2 Georgia election workers. The hearing saw his lawyers withdraw due to ethical concerns, and his new attorney, Joseph Cammarata, unsuccessfully requested a trial delay. Judge Lewis Liman criticized Giuliani’s limited compliance, including his inability to deliver keys or titles for a luxury car and delays in selling a jointly owned Manhattan apartment. Giuliani, visibly frustrated, argued that he lacked funds and accused the plaintiffs of tying up his resources. The court ordered him to account for and transfer assets by mid-December or face severe penalties, including possible jail time, amid broader legal troubles stemming from his actions as Trump’s lawyer.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/nyregion/rudy-giuliani-defamation-hearing-lawyers.html
Three Americans, Including FBI Informant, Are Freed in Prisoner Swap with China
Three Americans who were detained in China have been released in a prisoner swap with Beijing. One of the men was an FBI informant, according to senior U.S. officials. Accordingly, John Leung, Kai Li, and Mark Swidan were heading home after months of diplomatic maneuvering to free them. In return, the United States released Xu Yanjun, a Chinese intelligence officer, who was serving a 20-year sentence after he was arrested in Brussels in 2018 and extradited to the U.S.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/world/asia/us-china-prisoner-swap.html
What to Know About the Israel-Hezbollah Cease-Fire
A cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the U.S. and France, took effect after months of intense conflict that caused thousands of deaths in Lebanon, around 100 fatalities in Israel, and massive displacement and destruction in both countries. The 60-day truce mandates Israeli forces' gradual withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's pullback to create a buffer zone overseen by U.N. peacekeepers and the Lebanese Army. While aimed at halting hostilities and potentially leading to a permanent resolution, the deal faces challenges from unresolved issues tied to past agreements and skepticism over enforcement. Both sides, fatigued by the prolonged war, were motivated to stop fighting amid regional and international pressures.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/world/middleeast/israel-lebanon-ceasefire.html