The R.S.S. originated as a shadowy cabal for the revival of Hindu pride after a long history of Muslim invasions and colonial rule in India, its early leaders openly drawing inspiration from the nationalist formula of Fascist parties in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. It has survived repeated bans, including being accused in the assassination of Gandhi, to grow into the largest right-wing juggernaut in the world. (Mashal & Kumar, The New York Times)
Read MoreThe number of murders saw a huge drop — about 20% fewer than in 2024, according to the Real Time Crime Index, which uses local crime data from nearly 600 jurisdictions around the country. Other violent crimes, including rape, robbery and aggravated assault, also declined, as did property crimes like motor vehicle theft and burglaries. (Anderson, NPR)
Read MoreGenerative AI has attracted a rising number of users under the age of 18, who turn to chatbots for things such as help with schoolwork, entertainment, social connection and therapy; a survey released this month by Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan polling firm, found that nearly a third of U.S. teens use chatbots daily. (Gibson, The Washington Post)
Read MoreThe National Retail Federation today released its annual holiday forecast, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That translates to total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. By comparison, last year’s holiday sales rose 4.3% over 2023 to reach $976.1 billion. (NRF)
Read MoreAcross TikTok and Instagram, videos showing how to make felt ornaments, paper chains and dried orange garlands under hashtags like #homemadechristmas and #diychristmas have racked up millions of views. (Hale, USA Today)
Read More“David” grossed over $22 million at the box office in his opening weekend, surpassing “The King of Kings” and “Prince of Egypt” to become the highest grossing faith-based animated theatrical opening of all time. (Jackson, Church Leaders)
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