December 30, 2022

*) Brazil football legend Pele dies at age 82 Brazilian football icon Pele, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, has died at the age of 82. Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, announced the football star's passing in an Instagram post. It triggered a wave of tributes from the sports world and beyond. He had received regular medical treatment since a tumour was removed from his colon in September last year. According to doctors, Pele's cancer advanced in recent weeks and he required care related to renal and cardiac dysfunction. *) Netanyahu returns as prime minister of hard-line Israeli government Benjamin Netanyahu has been sworn in as Israel's prime minister. He returns to his old position under the most right-wing and religiously conservative government in the country's history. Netanyahu took the oath of office moments after parliament passed a vote of confidence in his new government. This marks his sixth term in office, continuing his more than decade-long dominance over Israeli politics. *) Kosovo reopens major border crossing with Serbia as standoff eases Kosovo has reopened its biggest border crossing with Serbia hours after Serb protesters in the north promised to remove roadblocks. Barricades were dismantled on the Serbian side of the Merdare border point and Kosovo announced the opening of the crossing. This comes a day after the European Union and the US urged both parties to ease a simmering crisis. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic previously announced the removal of the barricades during his meeting with Kosovo Serb representatives near the border. *) Death toll climbs as blizzard-battered US areas dig out The death toll from a fierce winter storm that gripped much of the United States over Christmas has risen to at least 61, officials said. Erie County officials said two more deaths had been reported in the western New York region that bore the brunt of the historic storm, bringing the total to 39. Erie County includes the snow-battered city of Buffalo, where m