It’s been a year777sm, hasn’t it? There was a lot to cover.

Donald Trump stormed back to the White House after his felony conviction. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine raged on. A.I. became an even bigger part of our lives. Evan Gershkovich, a journalist at The Wall Street Journal, was freed after being imprisoned by Russia. Paris made for a stunning backdrop for this year’s Olympic Games. And Charli XCX’s Brat album swept the internet, becoming the soundtrack of the summer.

With a new year upon us, we hope you’re able to take a moment to reflect not only on the big and difficult moments of this year, but also on small pockets of joy. However you chose to celebrate last night, we hope you closed out the year on a high note — or, at least, a calm one.

As we bid farewell to 2024, I have my own goodbye to say — this is my final edition of the Asia Morning Briefing. It has been a joy bringing you the news every morning and connecting with you all. Thank you for reading.

— Gaya

For a strong start to the year:

These 10 easy strategies can help your mind feel sharp, alive and well.

The world’s leading experts shared seven tips to fortify your friendships and partnerships.

Here are 10 health- and food-related tips from our Well reporters.

If you’re planning dietary changes, the food reporter Melissa Clark has three great ideas.

Yemen: The U.S. military said that it had carried out a series of strikes on the Houthis, the Iranian-backed group that is targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea.

But today, a combo plate of economics, demographics and climate science may accomplish what years of official hand-wringing could not: loosening the grip that super-size restaurant portions have on the national diet.

So does the latest news threaten U.S. ambitions of cleaning up its transportation sector, which is the single largest driver of the country’s carbon emissions?

Puerto Rico: A sweeping blackout struck early yesterday morning, cutting power to nearly all of the island.

Russia: Its troops are using electric scooters, motorcycles and ATVs to stealthily swarm Ukrainian positions in the East.

Georgia: Jimmy Carter’s hometown had been bracing for the inevitable. Residents say his death still “doesn’t seem real.”

Elon Musk: For much of the period since Election Day, the billionaire has been staying at a $2,000-a-night cottage at Mar-a-Lago, giving him easy access to the president-elect.

Myanmar: The country has become a playground for warlords, arms dealers, human traffickers, poachers, drug syndicates and generals wanted by international courts.

Sudan: Trophy videos are unmasking paramilitary commanders and linking them to atrocities committed in the still-raging civil war. This short Times documentary explains how.

Economy: The S&P 500 is set to post back-to-back annual gains of more than 20 percent for the first time since the late 1990s. Analysts expect the trend to continue.

Sports

Soccer: Wayne Rooney has come to a mutual agreement with Plymouth Argyle to leave his position as head coach.

Tennis: Gabriela Dabrowski revealed that she played through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment during the 2024 season.

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