New Covid variant called omicron not Xi to avoid offending Chinese ruler

Officials at the World Health Organisations skipped two letters of the Greek alphabet when naming the latest Covid variant in order to avoid “stigmatising” China, and perhaps its premier Xi Jinping.

With Kamala Harris looking unelectable, the Democrats are considering the nuclear option

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  The Independent

  Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris in lead for 2024 if Biden decides not to run, poll says

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  Associated Press

  High inflation? Low polling? White House blames the pandemic

Singapore reports 747 new COVID cases, 11 deaths; VTLs with Qatar, Saudi and UAE deferred

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  Yahoo News UK

  Boris Johnson urges people to get jabbed ‘to be in strong position for Christmas’ as booster rollout sped up

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  The Guardian

  Where has Omicron spread, and why are scientists so concerned?

12 Gifts for the Princess Diana Superfan

This holiday season, when shopping for the royal fan on your list, consider picking a gift that's Princess Diana-approved. Here, 12 ideas fans of the late royal would love from her go-to perfume to an iconic black sheep sweater. With all its waxed canvas jackets, Spencer, the new film starring Kristen Stewart as the Princess of Wales, could double for an ad for Barbour—making this jacket a perfect gift idea for the Diana fan in your life.

Woman left brokenhearted after cooking and decorating for ‘Friendsgiving’ as no one shows

One woman’s holiday disappointment went viral on social media, but her boyfriend saved the day

CCTV shows fierce gun battle between two gangs which left man, 22, dead

Naasir Francis, 22, was shot 13 times during violence in Birmingham.