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World leaders and royals gathered at Pope Francis’ funeral, with front-row seats revealing tense diplomatic dynamics. Volodymyr Zelensky sat just 10 seats from Donald Trump, while Prince William joined German Chancellor Olaf Scholz further back. The VIP section placed Argentina’s Javier Milei and Italy’s leaders closest to the altar, highlighting the Vatican’s global connections.

China escalates trade war with 125% retaliatory tariffs on US imports, calling America’s levies “unilateral bullying.” The new tariffs take effect Saturday as Beijing warns Washington risks becoming “a joke” in global economics. Analysts warn of economic disruption as neither superpower shows signs of backing down from the tariff battle. Global markets react nervously, with Asian stocks tumbling while US futures edge slightly higher.

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**Why a 90s British sitcom became a Balkan obsession**

Only Fools and Horses, the beloved UK sitcom, found an unexpected fanbase in the Balkans—where it’s even more popular than in Britain. With IMDb ratings soaring and themed cafes in Belgrade, the show’s humor and hustler spirit resonated deeply in post-Yugoslav societies.

**From Peckham to Serbia: The unlikely rise of a cult classic**

The 1992 Christmas episode mocking bottled tap water became iconic—just like the show’s enduring Balkan fame. Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia adore the series, with actor John Challis even earning honorary Serbian citizenship. Fans say Del Boy’s get-rich-quick dreams mirror their own struggles.

**A British sitcom that conquered the Balkans**

Only Fools and Horses didn’t just dominate UK Christmas TV—it became a cultural phenomenon in the Balkans. With sky-high ratings and a Serbian-themed café, the show’s charm lies in its relatable underdog humor. As one fan put it: “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!”

**Weak Dollar, Higher Costs: How the Falling Greenback Hits Your Wallet**

A weakening US dollar could drive up prices on everything from groceries to vacations, squeezing American consumers. With the dollar at a three-year low, imported goods and overseas travel are becoming more expensive. Experts warn tariffs and a devalued dollar create a “double whammy” for shoppers. Retailers like Walmart may pass higher costs onto consumers, making everyday purchases pricier.

**Why a Weak Dollar Means More Expensive Imports and Travel**

The US dollar’s decline is making foreign goods and vacations costlier for American consumers. Tariffs and a weaker currency could force retailers to raise prices on everything from electronics to furniture. Travelers may also feel the pinch as hotels and transportation abroad become more expensive. Economists warn the full impact could take months—or even years—to unfold.

**From Walmart to Vacations: How the Dollar’s Drop Affects You**

A falling US dollar could soon hit consumers where it hurts—their wallets. With import costs rising, everyday items may get pricier, while overseas trips become more expensive. Analysts say tariffs and a weaker greenback create a “double whammy” for shoppers. Even those staying home could see higher prices at stores like Walmart and Dollar General.

**Did Mark Carney Plagiarize Parts of His Oxford Thesis?**

Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Party candidate Mark Carney faced plagiarism allegations over his 1995 Oxford economics thesis, as reported by *The National Post*. A Snopes review found unattributed similarities between Carney’s work and earlier sources, though his thesis director denied any wrongdoing. The controversy emerged as Carney’s political opponents amplified the claims ahead of Canada’s 2025 election.

**Plagiarism Claims Surface Against PM Candidate Mark Carney**

Accusations that Mark Carney copied portions of his 1995 Oxford doctoral thesis resurfaced during Canada’s election campaign, with critics pointing to unattributed passages. *The National Post* highlighted multiple instances of similar wording from prior works, though Carney’s thesis advisor defended his academic integrity. Snopes verified the similarities but awaits Carney’s response to the allegations.

**Carney’s Oxford Thesis Under Scrutiny Ahead of Election**

A *National Post* investigation alleged that Canadian PM candidate Mark Carney’s 1995 Oxford thesis contained passages resembling earlier works without proper attribution. While Carney cited the original authors in his bibliography, key phrases lacked direct quotation marks or inline citations. His thesis supervisor dismissed the claims, calling the work “thoroughly researched.” Snopes is awaiting further comment from Carney’s campaign.

**Relive the action-packed WrestleMania 41—here’s how to rewatch WWE’s biggest event of 2025!**

**WrestleMania 41 delivered shocking twists, title changes, and epic showdowns—find out how to stream it now.**

**From Cena’s heel turn to CM Punk’s historic main event, WrestleMania 41 was unforgettable—here’s where to watch.**

**Missed WrestleMania 41? Peacock (US) and Netflix (international) have full replays—don’t miss the chaos!**

**Elon Musk Clashes With Peter Navarro Over Tariffs, Calls Trump Advisor a “Moron”**

Elon Musk slammed Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro as a “moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks” in a heated feud over tariffs. The Tesla CEO fired back after Navarro dismissed him as a “car assembler” rather than a true manufacturer.

**Musk vs. Navarro: Tariff Tensions Escalate as White House Dismisses Feud**

The Tesla founder and Trump advisor traded insults over trade policy, with Musk defending Tesla’s American-made credentials. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the clash, calling it “boys will be boys.”

**Elon Musk Advocates for Zero-Tariff Policy in US-Europe Trade**

Amid the feud with Navarro, Musk urged the U.S. and Europe to form a “free trade zone” with zero tariffs. The Tesla CEO revealed he advised Trump on trade, pushing for open borders and economic cooperation.

**Navarro Fires Back at Musk: “He’s Just Protecting His Interests”**

The Trump trade advisor dismissed Musk’s criticism, suggesting the Tesla CEO was only defending his business. Navarro insisted there was “no rift,” despite Musk’s repeated attacks on his economic policies.

**NYC Lawyers Rally Against Trump’s “War on the Rule of Law” in Fiery Bar Association Meeting**

Over 350 New York City lawyers gathered at the NYC Bar Association to strategize resistance against Trump’s attacks on judges and executive orders targeting Big Law firms. Calls for protests, lawsuits, and op-eds dominated the urgent “Defending Justice” panel, with lawyers warning of a “five-alarm fire” for democracy.

**Big Law Divided as Firms Face Off Against Trump’s “Unconstitutional” Executive Orders**

While firms like Paul Weiss struck deals with the Trump administration, others like Perkins Coie fought back in court—sparking heated debate among NYC Bar members. Retired Judge Shira Scheindlin drew applause, declaring collective resistance could have stopped Trump’s orders, as lawyers grappled with fear of retaliation for speaking out.

**”Pray for the Justices”: Lawyers Warn of Authoritarian Threat as Judiciary Becomes Last Defense**

With judges facing death threats and lawyers fearing FBI raids, panelists urged mobilizing to protect democracy. Despite anger, hope emerged from recent court wins and grassroots pushback—even in red states—as lawyers vowed to keep fighting Trump’s “fear and intimidation” tactics.

**Hollywood Faces Moral Dilemma Over Filming in Hungary Amid Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

As Hungary tightens anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Hollywood faces a tough choice—continue filming in the tax-friendly hub or take a stand like it did against North Carolina’s “bathroom bill.” Major productions, including *Dune: Part Two* and *The Brutalist*, have already shot there, with more on the way. Will studios prioritize ethics over economics?

**Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Crackdown Puts Hollywood in a Bind**

With Hungary passing harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Hollywood remains silent despite past boycotts over similar legislation in North Carolina. Big-budget projects like *Dune 3* and HBO’s *Dune: Prophecy* continue filming in Budapest—will financial incentives outweigh human rights concerns?

**Will Hollywood Boycott Hungary Over LGBTQ+ Crackdown?**

Hungary’s new anti-LGBTQ+ constitutional amendment has sparked protests, but Hollywood studios—including Warner Bros. and Netflix—are staying put for now. With major productions like *3 Body Problem* and *PONIES* filming there, will ethics or tax breaks win out?

**EU Approves Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Amid Trade Tensions**

The European Union has voted to impose new tariffs on U.S. products in response to Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs, targeting motorcycles, poultry, and more. The move comes just hours after Trump announced paused tariffs on most countries but hiked duties on China to 125%. EU officials called the U.S. measures “unjustified and damaging,” leaving room for negotiations if Washington agrees to a “fair outcome.” The retaliatory tariffs could take effect as early as next week if no deal is reached.

**EU Strikes Back With Tariffs as U.S. Trade War Escalates**

The EU has approved retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including motorcycles and wood, following Trump’s steel and aluminum duties. European officials emphasized a preference for negotiations but warned of economic harm if the trade dispute continues. Meanwhile, Trump paused most global tariffs but raised China’s to 125%, adding to market volatility. European stocks fell sharply as investors reacted to the escalating trade tensions.

**Europe Hits U.S. With Tariffs, Seeks Negotiations to Avoid Trade War**

The EU has greenlit retaliatory tariffs on American products, calling Trump’s earlier measures “damaging” to global trade. European leaders stressed they would suspend the tariffs if the U.S. agrees to a balanced deal. The move follows Trump’s decision to delay most tariffs but impose steep hikes on China. Markets tumbled as uncertainty over the escalating trade conflict rattled investors worldwide.