DF Insurance broker Arthur J Gallagher has agreed to buy AssuredPartners in a $13.45 billion all-cash deal, expanding its focus on property and casualty and employee benefits across the US. The transaction is the third major $5 billion-plus insurance broker deal in the last 12 months. AssuredPartners distributes insurance across various lines, including transportation, energy, healthcare, … Read more
Iran has established direct communication with rebels in Syria’s new leadership since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, a move aimed at preventing a hostile trajectory between the two countries. The development comes as Tehran seeks to maintain its influence in the region and avoid losing its strategic leverage. According to a senior Iranian official, … Read more
China’s consumer inflation rate dropped to a five-month low in November, missing expectations as the economy slows. The country’s consumer price index rose 0.2% from a year ago, less than the predicted 0.5%. Core inflation, excluding food and fuel prices, increased 0.3%, but pork and fresh vegetables prices rose 13.7% and 10.0% respectively. China’s producer … Read more
The Times features three prominent international war correspondents who bring crucial insights to global conflicts. Megan Specia, based in London, covers Britain, Ireland, and the Ukraine war. She is a leading voice on these complex issues, providing readers with in-depth analysis and expert reporting. Christina Goldbaum leads The Times’ coverage of Afghanistan and Pakistan as … Read more
Israel said Monday it had carried out strikes across Syria as rebel forces claimed control in Damascus, the capital, after President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster from power. In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had “reshaped the Middle East” by targeting Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, which he believed set off events leading … Read more
US President Joe Biden described the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria as a “historic opportunity” and “moment of risk,” while outlining a plan for US support during the transition period. Biden announced that the US has conducted dozens of airstrikes in Syria, targeting ISIS, and vowed to work with partners and stakeholders in … Read more
In a significant development, the Prime Minister of Syria, Hassan Makhlouf, has agreed to hand over power to the rebel ‘Salvation government’. This move comes as part of ongoing negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition forces. The Salvation government is one of several rebel groups operating in Syria. According to reports, the agreement was … Read more
Germany’s manufacturing slowdown has spread to the wider Eurozone, prompting concerns that the European Central Bank (ECB) may be forced to cut interest rates to prevent recession. The ECB’s forward guidance for next Thursday’s meeting is likely to be revised to focus on preventing recession rather than maintaining restrictive monetary policy. A recent decline in … Read more
This week’s episode of The Ringer NFL Show breaks down the top games from Sunday’s action, including the Kansas City Chiefs’ narrow win over the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams’ outdueling of the Buffalo Bills. The hosts also examine the playoff races in both conferences, speculating on which teams are likely to … Read more
The world’s largest chipmaker, Nvidia, is facing a new challenge as Chinese authorities launch an antitrust investigation into the company. The probe comes amid a growing battle for AI dominance between the US and China, with both nations believing that winning this race is crucial for national security. China Central Television reported on Monday that … Read more