RSF forces have advanced into Sudan's oil-rich Kordofan region after capturing El-Fasher, causing over 40,000 people to flee in the past month, according to the UN. The conflict, involving RSF and the Sudanese military, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children, with UNICEF and other agencies condemning the violence and urging for humanitarian access.

ECOWAS has deployed troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana to Benin to uphold constitutional order following an attempted coup. The rapid intervention underscores a regional commitment to stability, with Nigerian airstrikes conducted on December 7 as part of the operation.

A significant amendment to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 now includes alpacas and llamas, extends protections to roads, and removes the fine cap for dog-related livestock attacks. This legislative update awaits royal assent, aiming to strengthen rural community confidence by imposing unlimited fines and expanding enforcement powers.

OpenAI has announced a grant program offering up to $2 million for research on AI and mental health, focusing on culturally grounded and safer AI development. The initiative seeks interdisciplinary proposals with practical outputs, aiming to enhance understanding and trust in AI's role in mental health, with applications open until December 19 and decisions by mid-January.

Dubai Police, with Europol and Serbian support, arrested Marko Dordevic, leader of the Vracarci gang, under an INTERPOL Red Notice. This highlights ongoing international cooperation against cross-border crime networks.

Respiree is expanding its AI-Acute toolbox regulatory approvals across APAC, ANZ, and the U.S., following initial HSA clearance. This move is supported by a validation study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Mackenzie Scott donates an unprecedented $25 million to Lincoln University, marking her largest gift to the HBCU and raising her total contributions to $45 million since 2020. This unrestricted donation underscores Scott's commitment to strengthening historically Black colleges and universities through financial support tailored to their immediate needs.

Portugal aims to tackle its housing crisis by investing over €9.2 billion to build 150,000 public homes by 2030. The plan includes tax incentives to encourage private rental market participation and leverages EU funds and loans.

StickyHive, an AI-native community management platform, launches to reduce burnout for community managers with integrated automation. Offering native API integrations and a 14-day free trial, it aims to save users up to 20 hours weekly by consolidating moderation, scheduling, and engagement tools.

Darryn Peterson's comeback from injury was pivotal in Kansas' 80-60 victory over Missouri, scoring 17 points in the Border War. His performance underscores Kansas' potential, as his health remains crucial to their season.