Pelicot verdict, cabinet shuffle tomorrow, Putin ready for missile duel, and more
Description
More than 50 men have been convicted in a sexual assault trial that has been gripping France. Gisèle Pelicot’s husband was found guilty of drugging and raping her, and inviting other men to participate. Pelicot has been praised for her bravery in allowing her name to be known, as France grapples with what the crimes say about gender relations in the country.
And: The prime minister is planning a cabinet shuffle for Friday, as he tries to chart a course out of the biggest threat to his leadership so far.
Also: President Vladimir Putin holds his annual, epically-long press conference. He says Russia is ready for a missile duel with the U.S., and claims he should have gone into Ukraine earlier. Putin also says he is ready for talks “any time” with US president-elect Donald Trump.
Plus: U.S. lawmakers try to avoid government shutdown, mysterious brain disease investigation in New Brunswick, the future of Hezbollah, and more.