The 5 things you should know this December 8: This is what Biden and Putin talked about

The United States opens its market to mangoes from Colombia; first import is expected in January. The Sagrada Familia will illuminate the tower of the Virgin Mary this Wednesday. This is what you need to know to start the day. Truth first.

1

The spotlight of the virtual meeting of Biden and Putin

US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a virtual summit on Tuesday amid mounting tension over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. Biden “expressed the deep concerns of the United States” and its European allies “about Russia’s escalation of forces around Ukraine.” Putin responded to the warnings.

2

A major tourism powerhouse is a “very high” risk destination for CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) included five places in Europe – including one of the world’s major tourist powers – on its list of travel risk destinations “very high “by covid-19.

3

Instagram will now tell its users when to take a break from the app

The company launched the ‘Take a Break’ tool, which will encourage users to move away from the platform after having been browsing for a certain time. The feature, announced in September, will arrive first to users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, and to all users in the coming months.

4

The world’s newest nation is facing both drought and flooding

Ravaged by years of conflict, there has hardly been a time for peace in the world’s newest nation to begin building. Barely 200 kilometers of its roads are paved. Now, South Sudan is grappling with floods of biblical proportions that began in June and were exacerbated by the climate crisis, which it had little to do with creating.

5

The United States opens its market to mangoes from Colombia; first import expected in January

The United States gave Colombia the green light to import fresh mangoes, a market dominated until now by countries such as Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Guatemala.

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At coffee time

Look up to the sky to see Leonard’s Comet this month before it disappears forever

There’s a new comet in sight and December is your only chance to spot it before it’s gone forever. Astronomers say that Comet Leonard is the best and brightest comet we can see in 2021.

Drake withdraws from Grammy race

Canadian rapper Drake withdraws from the Grammy Awards, removing his two nominations for the highest music awards.

Marijuana use may make sleep worse, especially for heavy users

It’s a common belief among marijuana users: it will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Scientists, however, are not so sure that is true.

Dubai modifies its work week to align with global markets

The UAE and its international financial center, Dubai, will change their work week to four and a half days ending Friday at noon to facilitate global business.

The Sagrada Familia will illuminate the tower of the Virgin Mary this Wednesday

This December 8, the Tower of the Virgin Mary in the Sagrada Familia will be fully illuminated and the star will shine for the first time in Barcelona. Learn 10 facts about the history of Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece.

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The number of the day

US $ 70 million

New York billionaire Michael Steinhardt delivers $ 70 million in stolen antique art.

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Quote of the day

“It is good to be hopeful, but it is too early to conclude that omicron only causes mild infections. We do not have that data.”

Dr. William Schaffner, medical director of the National Infectious Diseases Foundation and an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, told CNN that there hasn’t been enough time to know how likely omicron is to cause serious illness.

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Day selection

Reduce the stress of the holiday season with these tips

The end of the year is here whether you like it or not, and for many people that means a lot of stress from family gatherings, financial worries, and so much more. Here, expert recommendations to tackle it.

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And to finish…

Foxes that laugh out loud? The reaction of these animals with their captive caretaker to the internet

Hear how these foxes laugh when they are tickled. CNN’s Jeanne Moos has the answer to “What did the fox say?”