Saudi Arabia’s visa-free pact with Russia signals a strategic shift toward multipolar diplomacy, and long-term Eurasian realignment.

Intrigue in England leads the way today as Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is reportedly high on Manchester City’s contingency list if Pep Guardiola steps away next summer. We’ll unpack what The Athletic’s David Ornstein is reporting, why Maresca’s City ties matter, and how the noise around Chelsea’s relationship with its supporters is becoming part of the story. Then it’s silverware season for Paris Saint-Germain again. PSG claimed the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in a shootout win over Flamengo, with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov turning into the headline act by repeatedly guessing right and coming up with the saves when it mattered most. We’ll hit the big moments, the tactical tone of the match, and what another trophy says about where PSG are heading into the next phase of the season. Finally, MLS is looking down the road. We’ll dig into The Athletic’s reporting on the proposed five-division format, what it could mean for rivalries, travel, and scheduling beginning in 2027, plus a run through the latest league notes—from SuperDraft storylines and roster moves to the latest transfer-market buzz across the league.

ALT: a close up of a white kitten with its mouth open and looking at the camera .

Good Sunday afternoon from Seattle . . . Our weekly Online Travel Update for the week ending Friday, December 12, 2025, is below. This week’s...

Introduction: Apple Quietly Redraws the Ecosystem Lines Apple’s iOS updates are often judged by flashy visuals and headline-grabbing features, but some of the most meaningful changes arrive quietly. With iOS 26.3 Beta 1, Apple appears to be doing exactly that. Released shortly after iOS 26.2, this beta update focuses less on dramatic redesigns and more on reshaping how iPhone users interact with devices beyond Apple’s traditional walled garden.