The global green transition has long been seen as a critical path to addressing climate change and reshaping economies. Yet, since 2020, this vision has faced a growing backlash. Rising energy prices, inflation, and the mounting financial strain on the middle class have made green policies increasingly unpopular in many developed nations. In the U.S., for instance, under the Trump administration, the green transition has been delayed under the pretext of inflation and job security. In Europe, despite some countries’ continued commitment to green initiatives, conservative political forces have begun to push back, casting doubt on the future of the green agenda. Even frameworks like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies, once seen as a driving force for the green transition, are now under attack for “greenwashing”, further undermining their credibility.

What was once an ambitious, unified global vision for a greener future is now splintering into a series of competing political agendas. Against this backdrop of uncertainty, China’s green transition has shown a distinctive sense of continuity.

Unlike many Western nations, China’s green transition is not just about international agreements or ideological alignment. It is driven by deep, internal imperatives to address chronic pollution, improve public health, and upgrade its industrial base. The need for cleaner air and a more sustainable economy is not just a policy choice for China but an urgent requirement for the country’s reality.

This internal drive gives China a unique position to lead the charge in creating a “non-politicized global green coalition”, focused not on ideological divides, but on pragmatic, shared solutions.

With the U.S. scaling back its green subsidies and Europe facing political fragmentation, a leadership vacuum is emerging in global climate governance. In countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands, right-wing forces are calling for delays to energy taxes and carbon-reduction targets, seeing the green agenda as an economic burden. Meanwhile, in the Nordic countries, while policies remain green, their influence is limited by their small size and capacity to drive global change.

This creates an opportunity for China to step in.

If China can embrace a pragmatic and non-politicized approach, it can work to rebuild cross-regional cooperation on green policies and lay the foundation for a new global green alliance. Such a coalition, focusing on technology, green finance, and shared standards, could bring together countries from East Asia, the Middle East, and emerging economies in Africa and Southeast Asia.

China’s green transition is driven by urgent domestic needs. In 2024, official statistics indicate that the proportion of days with good air quality in China reached 87.2 percent last year, up 1.7 percentage points from the previous year, though pollution remains a problem to be tackled. As China strives to reduce healthcare burdens and improve the quality of life for its citizens, its green transition becomes a necessity, not just a global strategy.

Unlike countries that frame their green policies in ideological terms, China’s approach is rooted in a concrete need for environmental and public health improvement. This focus on sustainabilitypositions China as a potential leader in advocating for non-ideological global cooperation on climate issues.

Indeed, China has already made significant strides in “green diplomacy”. Its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has increasingly focused on green development, with projects in clean energy, sustainable transportation, and ecological conservation now spread across over 100 countries. China’s leadership in renewable energy production, from photovoltaic modules to electric vehicles, gives it a competitive advantage in driving the green agenda forward. China is already the world’s largest producer of clean energy technology, with production capacities for solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries outpacing any other country.

But China’s green transition is not just about technology. The country is also emerging as a leader in green finance. China accounts for 60% of Asia’s green finance, which is roughly $200 billion. Its ability to offer affordable, high-quality green technologies to developing nations, combined with its leadership in green finance, makes it well-positioned to spearhead a new global green coalition.

While China has significant advantages, there are still challenges ahead. Some countries may perceive China-led green initiatives as another form of geopolitical influence. Western nations still control many critical certification systems and intellectual property related to green technologies, which could limit its ability to fully shape the global green agenda. Additionally, the long investment cycles and uncertain returns of green projects could stretch China’s financial resources.

To mitigate these risks, China could focus on building trust through joint projects with other nations and involving Western capital as investors or observers. Focusing on less politically sensitive areas, such as energy storage, carbon trading, and climate education, would also help to avoid ideological conflicts and build a more inclusive global green network.

The global green transition is not just an economic challenge. It is an opportunity to redefine international governance based on shared survival pressures. If China can lead the way with a focus on non-ideological cooperation and pragmatic action, it can help the world move beyond the current political fragmentation and build a greener, more sustainable future for all.

A This Morning star has given birth and shared sweet photos of the baby

A beloved star on This Morning has revealed the exciting news that she has welcomed her first baby.

TV chef Poppy O’Toole, also known as the Potato Queen, first joined the ITV series a few years back and has made countless appearances to cook up a feast on the show.

This year though, she confirmed she was pregnant with her first baby, just months after getting married to her partner of 15 years Tom Shattock.

Since then, an excited Poppy has been keeping her thousands of online fans updated on her pregnancy journey. And on Saturday (December 13) Poppy revealed she recently welcomed a baby daughter.

Taking to her Instagram, the TV star shared several photos of her posing with her new baby in front of a Christmas tree. She captioned the post: “The baby potato arrived last week and she is doing amazingly. Thanks for all the love and messages.”

As expected, fans and co-stars rushed to the comments section to send their well-wishes. ITV and Lorraine star Dr Amir Khan penned: “Huge congratulations.”

Gordon Ramsay also wrote: “Congratulations to you both sending lots of love from all the Ramsays.” Fellow chef John Torode gushed: “Congratulations.. so bloody wonderful.”

Meanwhile, one fan declared: “Congratulations!!!!! Wishing you so much love and happiness.” Another followed chimed in: “Congratulations to you both! Wonderful news and lovely little squishy Potato tot cuddles. Have the best Christmas.”

Earlier this year, Poppy revealed she married her partner. However, talking about their special day on social media at the time, she admitted it was an “unconventional” day, as they failed to give at least 29 days’ notice before the ceremony.

Failing to give the required notice of marriage can prevent a wedding from taking place on the intended date. If couples fail to give 29 days notice, the ceremony may need to be rescheduled, and additional fees may be incurred for rebooking.

In the end, the couple took care of all the “official stuff” in Redditch, not forgetting to take a series of snaps outside the registry office. Despite it not being a traditional day, it didn’t dampen Poppy’s spirits, as she took to Instagram to share in the joyous news.

This Morning airs Monday to Friday at 10am on ITV1.

SEATTLE — Strengthening its commitment to Mick Cronin, UCLA quietly awarded its men’s basketball coach a new five-year contract last summer that runs through the 2029-30 season, according to documents reviewed by The Times through a public-records request.

The contract that was signed by Cronin and athletic director Martin Jarmond in May and took effect June 1 will pay Cronin $4.5 million per season, a slight raise over the $4.1 million he was making under the previous contract that was set to expire after the 2027-28 season.

“I’m honored to be the coach at UCLA,” Cronin told The Times late Saturday night after his team’s 82-72 loss to Gonzaga at Climate Pledge Arena. “For me, I have no inklings of being anywhere else. I’ve had many offers to do so. I’m where I want to be so I’ll always say the same thing — it was surreal when I got the job and I’m just working hard to do everything we can to upgrade our program to a point to where we can try to win the title for our fans, and that’s all I really worry about. I’m at that point in my career, so if they want to extend me, I take it because I’m not looking to go anywhere.”

The contract was not announced at the time it was signed, according to an athletic department spokesperson, because of the financial climate within the university, particularly given the prospect of federal funding cuts.

Cronin’s contract was signed not long after he guided UCLA to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where the Bruins lost to Tennessee. Cronin’s previous teams reached the Final Four in 2021 and the Sweet 16 in 2022 and 2023.

Cronin, 54, has compiled a 145-67 record in seven seasons with the Bruins, his accomplishments including a Pac-12 title in 2023 that his team won by a four-game margin over second-place Arizona.

His new contract includes a buyout provision that calls for him to be paid $22.5 million if he’s terminated without cause through March 31, 2026. The buyout amount drops to $18 million if he’s terminated without cause through March 31, 2027; $13.5 million through March 31, 2028; $9 million through March 31, 2029; and $4.5 million through March 31, 2030.

The buyout includes a mitigation clause that would offset UCLA”s buyout obligations through future employment over the duration of the contract.

If Cronin were to leave for another job, he would owe UCLA $15 million through March 31, 2026, with that amount dropping to $12 million through March 31, 2027; $8 million through March 31, 2028; $6 million through March 31, 2029; and $4 million through March 31, 2030.

The bonus structure in Cronin’s contract calls for him to make $25,000 for a conference championship and $15,000 for a conference tournament championship. He’ll get an extra $45,000 if the Bruins make the NCAA tournament, $25,000 for making the second round, $40,000 for making the Sweet 16, $25,000 for making the Elite Eight, $50,000 for making the Final Four, $25,000 for making the championship game and $50,000 for winning the national title. If Cronin is selected conference coach of the year, he’ll make an additional $10,000.

Cronin could be awarded additional amounts for his team’s academic performance, along with retention bonuses of $500,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2026; $600,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2027; $700,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2028; and $700,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2029.

From the cleanup efforts in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah’s destruction to the devastating Myanmar military air attack on a hospital that killed 30 people, here is a look at the week in photos.

Dublin, Ireland – When I was accepted to Trinity College Dublin, I imagined a fresh start, new lectures, late-night study sessions and a campus alive with possibility.

The plan was clear: begin my studies in September 2024 and finally step into the future I had worked so hard for.

But when September came, the borders of Gaza were shut tight, my neighbourhood was being bombed almost every day, and the dream of university collapsed with the buildings around me. Trinity sent me a deferral letter, and I remember holding it in my hands and feeling torn in two.

I didn’t know whether to feel relieved or heartbroken. That letter became a strange symbol of hope, a reminder that maybe, someday, my life could continue. But everything else was falling apart so quickly that it was hard to believe in anything.

My family and I were displaced five times as the war intensified. Each time, we left something behind: books, clothes, memories, safety.

After the first temporary truce, we went home for a short time. But it no longer felt like the place we had built our lives. The walls were cracked, windows shattered, and floors coated in dust and debris.

It felt haunted by what had happened.

I knew I had to go

I’m the middle child among three siblings. My older sister, Razan, is 25, and my younger brother, Fadel, is 23.

You might think being a middle child spares you, but during the war, I felt responsible for them. On nights when bombings shook the building and fear crept into every corner, I tried to be the steady one. I tried to comfort them as I trembled inside.

Then, in April 2025, my name appeared on a small, restricted list of people allowed to leave Gaza. About 130 people could cross at that time, dual-nationality holders, family reunification cases and a handful of others. My name on that list felt unreal.

The morning I approached the crossing, I remember the long, tense line of people waiting, gripping documents, holding bags, clutching their children’s hands. No one talked.

When two IDF officers questioned me, I answered as steadily as I could, afraid that something, anything, might go wrong and they’d send me back.

When they finally waved me through, I felt relief and guilt at the same time.

I didn’t call home until I got to Jordan. When my mother heard my voice, she cried. I did, too. I told her I was safe, but it felt like I had left a part of my heart behind with them.

My family is now in Khan Younis, still living through the chaos.

I arrived in Amman on April 18, my heart heavy with the weight of what I had escaped. The next morning, I boarded a flight to Istanbul, with nothing around me feeling real.

The sounds of normalcy, laughter, announcements, and the rustle of bags were jarring after the constant bombardment. I had been living in a world where every sound could signal danger, where the air was thick with fear and uncertainty.

I felt like a ghost, wandering through a world that no longer belonged to me.

Finally, after hours of flying, waiting, being screened and watching departure boards, I landed in Dublin. The Irish air felt clean, the sky impossibly open. I should’ve been happy, but I was engulfed by crushing guilt, the joy overshadowed by the pain of separation.

I wasn’t completely alone. A Palestinian colleague from Gaza had arrived in April 2024, and two friends were also in Ireland. There was an unspoken understanding between us.

“You recognise the trauma in each other without saying a word,” I often tell people now. “It’s in the way we listen, the way we sit, the way we carry ourselves.”

Back in Gaza, my daily life had shrunk to pure survival: running, hiding, rationing water, checking who was alive. Bombings hit every day, and nighttime was the worst. Darkness makes every sound feel closer, sharper.

You don’t sleep during war. You wait.

Those nights, the silence was deafening, punctuated by the distant echoes of explosions. I would lie awake, straining to hear danger.

The darkness wrapped me like a suffocating blanket, amplifying every creak of the building, every whisper of the wind.

During the day, people on the street moved quickly, eyes darting, alert.

Water was a precious commodity; we would line up for hours at distribution points, often only to receive a fraction of what we needed. It was never enough.

No human should live like that

Five times, we fled in search of safety, packed in minutes, hearts racing with fear.

In one building where dozens of displaced families stayed, people slept on thin mattresses, shoulder to shoulder. Children cried quietly, adults whispered, trying to comfort one another, but every explosion outside sent ripples of panic through the rooms.

No human being should have to live like that, but millions of us did.

As I sit in Dublin, I carry the weight of my family’s struggles with me, a constant reminder of the life I left behind.

The guilt of survival is a heavy burden, but I hold onto hope that one day, I can return and help rebuild what has been lost.

Even now, far from Gaza, I feel it. You don’t leave war behind; you carry it with you like a second heartbeat.

Watching a world I’m not part of yet

I often stop in the campus courtyards. Not just because they’re beautiful, though they are, but because I need those moments to remind myself that I survived.

The laughter of children here feels foreign, a reminder of joy that has been stolen from so many.

Walking through Trinity College today feels surreal. Students laugh over coffee, rush to lectures and complain about assignments. Life moves so seamlessly here.

I message my family every day. Some days, they reply quickly. Other days, hours pass with no response. Those silent days feel like torture.

But I’m determined. Being here is about rebuilding a life, about honouring the people I left behind.

Survival comes with weight.

I carry the dreams of those who couldn’t leave. That responsibility shapes the way I move through the world; quieter, more grateful, more aware.

I hope someday I can bring my family to safety. I hope to finish my studies, rebuild my life and use my voice for people still trapped in war.

I want people to know what it takes to stand in that line at the border, to leave everything behind, to walk into a future alone.

AN iconic film has just returned to Netflix, and fans are realising that its ‘hot blonde’ bombshell hasn’t aged a day.

It’s been over two decades since the legendary comedy first graced screens across the globe, with this ‘hot blonde’ character only being in her 20s at the time of filming.

American film and TV actress Darcy Donavan, is best known for her feature in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), where she shared the screen with Hollywood heavyweights Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd.

Anchorman became considered as a “cultural phenomenon” in the world of comedy, loved for its absurd humour, witty characters and highly-quotable lines – and it’s returned to streaming service Netflix this week.

Following a hotshot television anchorman (Ron Burgundy), viewers are taken along on a journey of life in the newsroom, from breaking stories to feuds, new hires, and jealousy.

Anchorman, which also starred a stunning Christina Applegate, was nominated for countless awards in the year following its debut.

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Though Darcy didn’t have a huge role in the movie, being officially listed under the role of ‘hot blonde’ in such a big show made her character all the more iconic.

20 years on, it’s hard not to notice from recent snaps of the hot blonde – who is now in her forties – that she’s barely aged over the decades.

Darcy has maintained her svelte figure over the years, stunning in a bodycon sparkly dress on her Instagram recently.

The same signature blonde hair that also landed her the part of ‘hot blonde’ remains as beautiful as ever, now falling down past her chest.

Fans also got a glimpse of her age-defying beauty in a recent appearance on the Rollin’ Olan podcast with host Jeff Olan.

During their chat, the film and TV star recollected her filming experience on the set of Anchorman.

She told Jeff that the whole movie “was pretty much improv” and praised her famous scene partners for their wit and acting talents.

“Will Ferrell is definitely, you know, a comic genius.

“And Paul Rudd, I mean, he’s such a sweetheart. I really became good friends, too, with the director [Adam McKay].

“He is so talented, but he’s just really down to earth, you know, and, uh, he’s a phenomenal director.

“He understands, you know, how to get the best out of an actor and not feel pressure. And that’s the one thing I just think is phenomenal about him.”

Following the success of the first film, the lead stars returned for Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues in 2013, though Darcy did not reprise her role.

The ‘hot blonde’ has however starred in lots of other films and TV shows since, including popular series Modern Family, dystopian sci-fi Westworld, and even CSI.

But she still performs the occasional more anonymous role, such as ‘hot housewife’ in My Name Is Earl.

Darcy’s most recent work is on 2025 movie Hollywood Grit.

Starring alongside others including Max Martini and Tyrese Gibson, the production follows the story of a detective who’s looking for somebody’s daughter who vanished from a Hollywood jazz club.

The NBA Cup is the competition’s annual in-season tournament, with all matches except the final also counting towards the regular season standings.

The Thunder were beaten in last year’s final by the Milwaukee Bucks and had a 16-game winning run ended by the Spurs as they exited this season’s competition.

Oklahoma City had equalled the best 25-game start to a season when they went 24-1 by beating the Phoenix Suns in the quarter-finals, but they have now made the second best start to a campaign after 26 games as the Golden State Warriors were 25-1 at the same stage in 2015-16.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, top scored for the Thunder against the Spurs with a game-high 29 points.

San Antonio will play the New York Knicks in the final after they beat the Orlando Magic 132-120.

Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 40 points to inspire the Knicks to victory, while team-mate Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points.

“We came out here and did exactly what we said we wanted to do, which was play Knicks basketball,” said Towns.

Raphinha’s brace helped Barcelona overcome Osasuna and open up a seven-point lead on Real Madrid at top of the ladder.

Raphinha struck twice late in the second half as Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a resolute Osasuna side on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the La Liga standings to seven points.

Hansi Flick’s men now sit on 43 points, comfortably clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand and are set to play at Alaves on Sunday.

Barcelona dominated from the outset, enjoying an eye-watering 80% possession and firing 24 shots compared to just three from Osasuna.

However, the visitors’ disciplined five-man defensive line, combined with several outstanding saves from goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, frustrated the home side for much of the match.

The Catalans thought they had broken the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Ferran Torres nodded home a looping header from Marcus Rashford’s cross after a short corner routine.

However, a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside in the build-up.

The best chance of the first half came in the 40th minute, as teenager Lamine Yamal darted down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross to Torres. The striker unleashed an audacious overhead kick but sent the ball wide of the far post.

Osasuna’s resilient back five held firm as Barcelona swarmed forward in the second half, with Rashford testing Herrera’s acrobatics from a free kick early after the interval.

Yamal remained a constant menace down the right, tirelessly driving at defenders, but the visitors absorbed wave after wave of pressure.

Barcelona finally broke down Osasuna’s deep defensive block in the 70th minute when Pedri’s incisive pass cut through the visitors’ defence, finding Raphinha in his stride.

The Brazilian forward took a controlled touch before unleashing a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, the ball arrowing inside the left post.

Raphinha sealed the win in the 86th minute. A deflected cross from Jules Kounde on the right found the Brazilian unmarked at the far post, and he calmly volleyed the ball into an empty net, giving the scoreline a more comfortable look.

“It’s very commendable (what Osasuna did) because they were very compact and we struggled to break them down,” Barca defender Gerard Martin told Movistar Plus. “But with patience and a lot of ball possession, we know that goals always come and we finally found them.”

Renewed border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand entered a second week after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that a truce had been agreed to halt the deadly fighting.

Just over a decade ago, a baby-faced Hesperia, Calif., native auditioned on “La Banda,” a Spanish-language reality TV series designed to assemble the next great Latin boy band.

To honor his Mexican roots, 16-year-old Joel Deleōn, then known as Joel Pimentel, belted out the Manuel Bonilla classic “Eran Cien Ovejas” before a formidable panel of judges: ex-Menudo member and global pop icon Ricky Martin, as well as the Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz, and Italian diva Laura Pausini. In the middle of his audition, Pausini asked for a different song selection — which led Deleōn to sing Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire,” which helped him move forward in the competition.

“It’s crazy to think that it’s already been 10 years,” he recalls, now a bearded 26-year-old with an abundance of tattoos. “I didn’t think I could win ‘La Banda,’ especially at a time where I didn’t speak Spanish fluently. To think that going for the audition changed my life… It’s a constant reminder [to not be] afraid to go after what I want.”

Martin and former “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell, who famously helped propel One Direction to greatness, created “La Banda” to fill the void for a boy band in the Latin market, which was left by Menudo in the 1980s. Eventually, during the show’s finale, dated Dec. 13, 2015, viewers voted for Deleōn to join CNCO with Christopher Vélez, Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón and Zabdiel de Jesús.

Each member represented a different part of Latin America, but onstage the boys were in sync with their heartthrob harmonies and tight choreography. Fame quickly followed for CNCO with multiple world tours, a best new artist nomination at the 2017 Latin Grammys, and multi-platinum hits like the alluring “Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)” and the anthemic “Hey DJ.”

Joel Deleon

(Ricardo Rosales)

Much like Geri Halliwell in the Spice Girls, Zayn Malik in One Direction, and Camila Cabello in Fifth Harmony, Deleōn shockingly decided to leave the group in 2021 to “start building my own path and career.” That’s when he changed his stage name from Joel Pimentel to Joel Deleōn, as a nod to the surname of his late grandfather, who inspired him to pursue music.

After releasing a few solo singles under CNCO’s label, Deleōn found himself at a creative standstill. In 2023, he took the independent route and released the fittingly titled EP “Ahora Me Escuchan???” (Can You Hear Me Now???) — unveiling a more punchy and playful sound that recalls Joe Jonas’ pop-rock side project, DNCE, but with more Latin detours.

Since then, Deleōn has found his own groove as a Chicano pop-R&B star. This past year, he went on his first solo tour of Latin America — and on Nov. 28 he teased his upcoming debut album with the bilingual banger “Me Alegro Por Ti.” In honor of CNCO’s 10th anniversary Dec. 13, De Los caught up with Deleōn about the group’s legacy, his departure and life after the boy band.

What did you take away from your time with CNCO?
I take with me a lot of dedication to the art of music. You have to have a lot of dedication and passion for your music. I feel like that’s a big reason why CNCO became so big: There was so much dedication and so much hours put into the studio, choreography, interviews and things like that. Obviously, I take those awesome memories I lived with the four other guys, and it’s something that motivates me to keep working to get to that level as a solo artist as well.

What kind of impact do you think CNCO had, 10 years later?
A huge impact! The band’s legacy is going to live on for a long time. I keep seeing the support from the fans. I don’t feel like CNCO is completely done. Eventually, there will be something that happens between all of us. Obviously, each of us wants to take our time to do our things individually. It’s insane. Sometimes I think to myself, “If I ever become a dad, I’m going to be like, ‘Look, I was in this boy band that got to travel to Asia, Europe, and was listened to in Africa.’”

What do you remember about the time you decided to leave the band? Would you change anything about that?
It was obviously difficult. It was a decision that I meditated on. It was never intended to make it seem like I was abandoning them. The guys and I, we’re cool. I don’t keep [as] much contact with them as before, but it’s normal. Each person is doing their own thing.

Look: I probably would have been in CNCO a little longer if it weren’t for certain things, which maybe I’ll leave this as a theory for the readers to fill out, and see what it could be. [Laughs.] It definitely had nothing to do with the guys. If anything, those last couple of years were the nicest years I had with them personally.

I don’t regret it because throughout these last four years as a solo artist, I’ve learned so much — so many things that I wouldn’t have learned being in the band. [These were] years of growth. Obviously, when you’re in a band that’s managed by this huge record label, everyone is taking care of your things. You don’t have anything to worry about, but once you’re out, and you have to do it for yourself, you learn so much. I am grateful for the way everything turned out, to be honest.

Joel Deleon

(Ricardo Rosales)

To further your solo career, how important was it for you to go the independent route?
I think being independent for me is the best thing that could’ve happened, without throwing any shade at any record labels. When you come out of a boy band and you’re signed to such a big record label, sometimes [executives] expect you to do a certain thing that they think [will] work out, [and] at the end of the day, they’re the experts. But if this is something that an artist loves and wants do for the rest of their life, it’s also important for the artist to be genuine [and] share what they want to share.

The best part of being an independent artist is the creative freedom. I could use some help in other areas. [Laughs.] It’s been really cool. The producer I’m working with, Palace, he’s amazing. He gets it. He understands me. I think that it’s really important to have a producer that actually understands you and wants to build the vision that you have.

You kicked off a new era last month with your song “Me Alegro Por Ti” — what else can we expect?
I would describe it as the most vulnerable era that I’ve had so far. This song [describes] one of the first phases of a relationship, once you’re done with it. Eventually, throughout this conceptual album, you’re going to see every emotion a person goes through from the beginning of a relationship to the end of it and afterwards. This song fits into that “I’m having fun without you” phase, but soon you’ll hear the rest of the story. The music and genre are definitely something that feels 100% real to me. This really does fit with who I am, especially as an artist. I’m excited for what’s to come. Hold tight for 2026. There’s going to be so much music.

You recently wrapped your Latin American Nostalgia tour, which included both your songs and CNCO’s hits. Could you bring it to the U.S.?
There’s a big chance, to be honest. I look at my streaming numbers and the U.S. is actually the second country with the biggest audience that I have. So there has to be something done over here.

In the future, would you be open to doing a reunion tour with CNCO?
I would love to. There’s some people that didn’t get to come to our shows [back then]. It wouldn’t just be for us to enjoy the good old times, but to give these good old times to the people that have never been a part of it, the people that want to relive those times, or those fans that have a kid now and want to introduce them to the music they grew up listening to. I’m not sure where the guys’ heads are at right now, but I think it would be a good idea.

Now that you’re all solo, each member could have a section of the tour to perform their own songs too.
That would be sick! We could create an EP or album without any label involved. We could create music from where we stand and what our hearts are saying, so the fans can connect even more to us. They already connected to us at such an extreme level back then, but to connect to music that’s a lot more vulnerable and real to us, would be something they would go crazy for. It would be great to showcase our solo work as well, so it’s a whole big party of different things.

NEW YORK — Fernando Mendoza, the enthusiastic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935.

Mendoza claimed 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes. He beat Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 points), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 points) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points).

Mendoza’s Heisman win was emphatic. He finished first in all six Heisman regions, the first to do so since Caleb Williams in 2022. He was named on 95.16% of all ballots, tying him with Marcus Mariota in 2014 for the second highest in the award’s history and he received 84.6% of total possible points, which is the seventh highest in Heisman history.

“I haven’t seen the numbers yet,” said Mendoza, “but it’s such an honor to be mentioned with these guys [Pavia, Love and Sayin]. It’s really a credit to our team. It’s a team award.”

Mendoza guided the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and the top seed in the 12-team College Football bracket, throwing for 2,980 yards and a national-best 33 touchdown passes while also running for six scores. Indiana, the last unbeaten team in major college football, will play a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

Mendoza, the Hoosiers’ first-year starter after transferring from California, is the triggerman for an offense that surpassed program records for touchdowns and points set during last season’s surprise run to the CFP.

A redshirt junior, the once lightly recruited Miami native is the second Heisman finalist in school history, joining 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to earn a top-10 finish in Heisman balloting and it marks another first in program history — having back-to-back players in the top 10. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke was ninth last year.

With his teammates chanting “HeismanDoza” as he addressed the media, he said he felt he had a realistic chance of winning the Heisman after the Hoosiers routed then-No. 19 Illinois 63-10 on Sept. 20.

“At that point my boys [teammates] said we might make it to New York [for the award ceremony],” he said. “It was lighthearted at the time, but that’s when it started. “

Quarterbacks have won the Heisman four of the last five years, with two-way player Travis Hunter of Colorado ending the run last season.

Mendoza is the 43rd quarterback to win the Heisman and the second winner of Latin American descent to claim the trophy. Stanford’s Jim Plunkett was the first in 1970.

“Although I grew up in America, my four grandparents are all from Cuba,” he said. “I had the opportunity to go there and that was important to me. I credit the love to my grandparents and the Hispanic community.”

The Heisman Trophy presentation came after a number of accolades were already awarded. Mendoza was named the Associated Press player of the year earlier this week and picked up the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards Friday night, while Love won the Doak Walker Award.

Mendoza and Pavia clearly exemplify the changing landscape of using the transfer portal in college football. Mendoza is the seventh transfer to win the award in the last nine years. Vanderbilt is Pavia’s third school.

Confident Commodore

Pavia finished second with 189 first-place votes. He threw for a school-record 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Commodores, who were pushing for a CFP berth all the way to the bracket announcement. He is the first Heisman finalist in Vanderbilt history.

Generously listed as 6 feet tall, Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season along with six wins against Southeastern Conference foes. That includes four wins over ranked programs as Vandy reached No. 9, its highest ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 since 1937.

Pavia went from being unrecruited out of high school to junior college, New Mexico State and finally Vanderbilt in 2024 through the transfer portal.

Vandy will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa on Dec. 31.

Irish Love

The last running back to win the Heisman was Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015. Love put himself in the mix with an outstanding season for Notre Dame. He finished with 46 first-place votes.

The junior from St. Louis was fourth in the Bowl Subdivision in yards rushing (1,372), fifth in per-game average (114.3) and third with 18 rushing touchdowns for the Fighting Irish, who missed out on a CFP bid and opted not to play in a bowl game.

He was the first player in Notre Dame’s storied history to produce multiple touchdown runs of 90 or more yards, a 98-yarder against Indiana in the first round of last year’s playoffs and a 94-yarder against Boston College earlier this season.

Buckeyes’ leader

Sayin led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking for most of the season, throwing for 3,329 yards while tying for second in the country with 31 touchdown passes ahead of their CFP quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.

The sophomore from Carlsbad, Calif., arrived at Ohio State after initially committing to Alabama and entering the transfer portal following a coaching change. He played four games last season before winning the starting job. He led the Buckeyes to a 14-7 win in the opener against preseason No. 1 Texas and kept the team atop the AP Top 25 for 13 straight weeks, tying its second-longest run.

Sayin follows a strong lineage of Ohio State quarterbacks since coach Ryan Day arrived in 2017. Dwayne Haskins (2018), Justin Fields (2019), C.J. Stroud (2021), and Kyle McCord (2023) averaged 3,927 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and six interceptions, along with a 68.9% completion rate, during their first seasons.

Merrill writes for the Associated Press.

A new service could welcome direct trains from London to major German cities, making it even easier to explore Europe and visit their famed Christmas markets

Proposals for a fresh high-speed rail link connecting Britain and Germany could make future festive market getaways simpler than ever before.

At present, Brits hoping to reach Cologne or Frankfurt via Eurostar must change trains at either Brussels or Paris, turning the journey into a several-hour trek fraught with the hassle of switching services. But direct trains between these destinations are now “one step closer” to reality, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway operator.

This development could see high-speed links between London and key German cities operational as soon as 2030. The service would deploy Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet, which offers significantly increased passenger capacity along the route, reports the Express.

Suggested itineraries include a direct London to Cologne service that takes four hours, and a London to Frankfurt connection completed in five hours, providing a swift and comfortable alternative to air travel. In a statement, Keir Starmer said: “This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment.”

A direct service would allow Brits to access beloved destinations such as Germany’s famous Christmas markets more easily, without requiring air travel. Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the oldest in the country and a favourite among tourists, dazzles with its half-timbered buildings in Römerberg and Paulsplatz town squares, adorned with festive lights.

Alongside the main market, smaller themed markets operate during Advent, including the Frankfurt Artists’ Christmas Market and the new Frankfurt Children’s Christmas Market, featuring trees decorated by children, storytelling tents, entertainment, and child-friendly food.

Cologne, with its multiple Christmas markets spread across the city, would undoubtedly become a popular destination for Brits given a direct Eurostar link. The Cologne Cathedral Market, located in Roncalliplatz, offers a traditional German market experience and is the most frequented.

The Harbour Christmas Market also attracts many visitors, boasting a massive Ferris wheel that provides panoramic views of the Rhine.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Eurostar plans to introduce direct services from London to Geneva, connecting the British capital with one of Switzerland’s key financial centres. The BBC reported over the summer that this new link could reduce travel time between London and Geneva to just five hours.

However, concerns were raised about whether Eurostar’s East London depot had sufficient space to accommodate the larger trains needed for such continental journeys.

Eurostar is also facing fresh competition from rival operators keen to launch UK-to-Europe rail services, including Virgin, which revealed in October that it was “on track” to introduce its own Channel Tunnel operation. The competing service plans to link London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with ambitions to extend to additional European destinations thereafter.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Dec. 12 (UPI) — Costa Rica and Israel finalized a free trade agreement this week that eliminates more than 90% of tariffs between the two countries, mainly on agricultural and industrial products. The deal also is expected to improve prospects for trade in services, technology and specialized investment.

Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Trade said the pact with Israel — which it described as a leader in innovation, cybersecurity, clean technologies, agrotechnology, digital services and semiconductors — creates a favorable framework for expanding trade, attracting capital and strengthening bilateral production chains.

The agreement must be ratified by Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly, a process expected to be contentious due to criticism from pro-Palestinian groups calling for a freeze on ties with Israel.

Activist groups collected about 12,000 signatures from Costa Ricans and delivered them to the government in November, urging it to halt the agreement on the grounds that Costa Rica would become “complicit” in genocide, local outlet Semanario Universidad reported.

Although current trade between the two countries — estimated at about $60 million — represents only a small share of each nation’s total exports, Costa Rican business groups welcomed the agreement, saying it will allow the country to strengthen specific niches where it has a competitive advantage or needs key inputs.

“In the current context, it is very important to diversify the sources of investment and the destinations of our products, particularly in a high-potential market such as the Middle East,” Ronald Lachner, president of the Association of Free Zone Companies of Costa Rica, told El Observador.

Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Manuel Tovar said the agreement “represents a strategic opportunity to position Costa Rica as a competitive supplier in high-technology sectors, quality agribusiness and specialized services.”

Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat said Costa Rica is “a natural trading partner for Israel — an advanced OECD country with a deep commitment to free and open trade.”

“The free trade agreement is expected to strengthen the growth trend in Israeli exports, deepen business cooperation and help reduce the cost of living in Israel by lowering import prices,” he said. “The agreement reflects the policy we are pursuing: opening new markets, diversifying trade destinations and strengthening the engines of growth of the Israeli economy.”

With the agreement’s entry into force, Costa Rican exports are expected to reach between $50 million and $60 million in 2026, driven by products such as green coffee, pineapple, honey, kosher and halal meat, medical devices, advanced manufacturing and digital services.

Beyond the exchange of goods, the free trade agreement aligns with Costa Rica’s national strategy to attract investment in high-technology sectors. Israeli investment in Costa Rica has shown a sharp increase, rising from $1 million in 2023 to nearly $20 million in 2024.

The scope of the agreement goes beyond tariff reductions. It includes plans to open a Trade and Innovation Office in Jerusalem in early 2026. The office is intended to facilitate joint projects in semiconductors, medical technologies, advanced agriculture and specialized tourism.

Israel’s ambassador to Costa Rica, Michal Gur-Aryeh, said the two economies are complementary.

“Israeli technology will contribute to Costa Rican productivity, making it more profitable and competitive, while Israel will gain access to Costa Rica’s wide range of products,” she said.

A Royal Thai Navy spokesman says its military launched an operation to reclaim border ‘territories’ in Trat province.

Thailand’s military has launched a new offensive against Cambodia to “reclaim sovereign territory”, spurning mediation efforts including that of United States President Donald Trump.

Violence between the two Southeast Asian nations continued on Sunday, a day after Phnom Penh announced that it was shutting all of its crossings with Thailand, its northern neighbour.

The conflict stems from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km (500-mile) shared border. Fighting has left at least 25 soldiers and civilians dead, and displaced over half a million people on both sides.

The newspaper Matichon Online quoted a Royal Thai Navy spokesman, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, as saying that its forces “launched a military operation to reclaim Thai sovereign territory” in an area of the coastal province of Trat.

“The operation began in the early morning hours with heavy clashes, conducted under the principles of self-defence according to international law and the preservation of national sovereignty,” Rattanachaiyapan told the Thai newspaper.

The Thai military said it has “successfully controlled and reclaimed the area, expelling all opposing forces”.

The public television channel Thai PBS also reported that the country’s military “planted the Thai national flag” after “driving out all opposing forces” in the area.

Thailand’s TV 3 Morning News quoted the military as saying that, as of early Sunday, the country’s “army, Navy and Air Force are continuing with [their] operations” along the border.

It also reported “sporadic clashes” in several other areas, including in Surin’s Ta Khwai area where “direct fire and indirect” and drone attacks took place.

There were no immediate reports on casualties from the latest incidents. The Cambodian military has yet to issue a statement regarding the latest fighting on Sunday.

But the Cambodian news website Cambodianess reported attacks in at least seven areas including in Pursat province, where the Thai military reportedly used F-16 fighter jet to drop bombs in the Thma Da commune.

Thai military also allegedly fired artillery shells southward into Boeung Trakoun village in the Banteay Meanchey province.

Al Jazeera could not independently confirmed the reports as of publication time.

Border shutdown

Late on Saturday, Cambodia announced that it was shutting all border crossings with Thailand due to the fighting.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to fully suspend all entry and exit movements at all Cambodia-Thailand border crossings, effective immediately and until further notice,” Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior said in a statement late on Saturday.

The border shutdown was yet another symptom of the frayed relations between the neighbouring countries, despite international pressure to secure peace.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump had declared that he had won agreement from both countries for a new ceasefire.

But Thai officials said they had not agreed to pause the conflict. Rather, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged that his country’s military would continue fighting on the disputed border.

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow also said on Saturday that some of Trump’s remarks did not “reflect an accurate understanding of the situation” on the ground.

Cambodia has not commented directly on Trump’s claim of a new ceasefire, but its Ministry of National Defence said earlier that Thai jets carried out air strikes on Saturday morning.

The latest large-scale fighting was set off by a skirmish on December 7, which wounded two Thai soldiers, derailing a ceasefire promoted by Trump that ended five days of combat in July.

The July ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through by pressure from Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. It was formalised in more detail in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia that Trump attended.

Trump has cited his work on the Southeast Asian conflict as he lobbies for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Late on Saturday, a spokesman for Trump said in a statement: “The President expects all parties to fully honor the commitments they have made in signing these agreements, and he will hold anyone accountable as necessary to stop the killing and ensure durable peace.”

The Philippines has accused Chinese coastguard ships of firing water cannon at Filipino fishermen near a disputed South China Sea shoal, injuring three people and causing “significant damage” to two fishing vessels.

On Saturday, the Philippine coastguard (PCG) said that nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats were attacked a day earlier, near an atoll called the Sabina Shoal that falls within the country’s 200km (124-mile) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The fishermen faced high-pressure spray from Chinese water cannon, and Chinese vessels attempted aggressive blocking manoeuvres, according to Manila.

It was the latest in a series of confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in the contested waters of the South China Sea, which Beijing claims nearly in its entirety despite an international ruling against the claim.

Friday’s incident took place in a fish-rich area about 150km (93 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan.

“As a result of these aggressive actions, three Filipino fishermen sustained physical injuries, including bruises and open wounds,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesman for the Philippine coastguard, said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Two [Filipino fishing boats] also suffered significant damage from high-pressure water cannon blasts.”

During the incident, a Chinese boat also cut the anchor lines of several Filipino vessels, endangering their crews, according to the Philippine coastguard.

“The PCG calls on the Chinese coastguard to adhere to internationally recognised standards of conduct, prioritising the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardise the lives of innocent fishermen,” it said in a separate statement.

PCG Successfully Renders Assistance to Harassed Filipino Fishermen at Escoda Shoal Amid Aggressive Actions by Chinese Vessels

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) today announced the successful deployment of its multi-role response vessels, MRRV-4403 and MRRV-4411, to the vicinity… https://t.co/DW4eXgtjG3 pic.twitter.com/P2QOwRDjbB

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) December 13, 2025

China, however, defended its actions on Friday as necessary to maintain its “territorial sovereignty” over the Sabina Shoal, which it referred to by the Chinese name Xianbin Jiao.

In a statement, Chinese coastguard spokesperson Liu Dejun said the military’s vessels had taken “necessary control measures, including issuing verbal warnings and expelling by external means, in accordance with laws and regulations”.

Dejun accused the Philippine vessels of having “deliberately intruded” on the shoal “under the pretext of fishing”.

Tarriela told the Reuters news agency that the Chinese coastguard’s statement amounted to an admission of wrongdoing.

In Saturday’s statement, the Philippine coastguard added that the vessels it deployed to aid the injured fishermen were repeatedly blocked from reaching the Sabina Shoal.

“Despite these unprofessional and unlawful interferences, the PCG successfully reached the fishermen this morning and provided immediate medical attention to the injured, along with essential supplies,” the statement said.

There has been a history of clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, as each side seeks to assert its territorial claims.

A separate incident on Friday took place at the Beijing-controlled Scarborough Shoal, known in China as Huangyan Dao.

There, the Chinese military said that it had also “warned and expelled” several small aircraft from the Philippines that flew through what it considers its airspace.

In October, the Philippines also accused a Chinese ship of deliberately ramming one of its government vessels in the Spratly Islands, where Beijing has sought to assert its sovereignty claims for years. Beijing blamed Manila for the incident.

A month earlier, one person was injured when a water cannon from a Chinese coastguard vessel shattered a window on the bridge of a fisheries bureau vessel near the Scarborough Shoal.

China claims an area in the South China Sea that cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which all have competing claims.

In 2016, an international tribunal sided with the Philippines, finding that China’s claims exceeded lawful limits under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

But China denounced the ruling and has refused to abide by it.

Hulu/Disney+

‘It’s not the way they live their life’

Disney/Natalie Cass

Becy/Bell Art Photography

‘Soft-swinging’ and race issues in the show

WILLY Wonka star Timothée Chalamet showed his real-life love of chocolates — by buying £3,500 worth in a spree.

The star, 29, called at posh Harrods department store to snap up lots of boxes of the goodies made by top Italian maker Venchi.

He whisked the lot back to his five-star hotel, The Emory London, where four staff unloaded the haul onto a baggage trolley.

Timothée rented out the penthouse suite, which costs £11,000 a night, for his British jaunt.

A source said: “Timothée loves the chocolate.

“He wanted to buy as much of it as possible.

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“He plans to give it as Christmas gifts to friends and family in the US.

“He didn’t mind splashing the cash as he’s had a successful year.”

Timothée starred in 2023’s musical fantasy film Wonka, a prequel to 1964 Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocloate Factory.

The actor, who is dating Kylie Jenner, 28, was in London to appear on BBC One’s The Graham Norton Show to promote his new flick Marty Supreme.

In it, he plays an aspiring table tennis player based on real-life ping-pong great Marty Reisman.

Oxnard Pacifica had loads of motivation heading into Saturday’s CIF state 1-A bowl game. Having fallen to Sacramento Grant in the 2-AA state final last season, the Tritons were anxious to redeem themselves against Fresno Central East in one of the weekend’s marquee matchups.

The game showcased two high-octane offenses, but every spectacular play by the Tritons was answered by the opponent as they were dealt their first defeat, 42-28, in the second of three games at Saddleback College.

“You’ve gotta win on third down and we weren’t,” Pacifica coach Mike Moon said. “Their offense is hard to stop. We thought we’d be able to score with them and we couldn’t. We wanted to go up-tempo and we weren’t able to do that.”

Pacifica scored first, marching 91 yards in 12 plays, capped by Taylor Lee’s 15-yard strike to Tyler Stewart with 3:21 left in the first quarter. The North region champions punted during their first three possessions and turned it over on downs on the fourth, but ultimately tied the game on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jelani Dippel to Bayon Harris that finished an eight-play, 78-yard drive with 5:43 left in the second quarter.

Oxnard Pacifica quarterback Taylor Lee slings a pass to the flat in the first half of the CIF Division 1-A state championship game Saturday at Saddleback College.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

After forcing a punt, Central East moved 82 yards in 10 plays and took a 14-7 lead on Brandon Smith’s two-yard run 1:05 before halftime.

Pacifica received the second-half kickoff and drove 71 yards in seven plays, tying the game 14-14 on a one-yard rush by Isaiah Phelps and David Carranza’s extra point.

Central East moved deep into Pacifica territory on its ensuing drive before Phelps deflected the ball and PeeWee Wilson intercepted it at the Tritons’ 24. However, Pacifica (15-1) was forced to punt and on its next possession, and Central East regained the lead on Smith’s four-yard run with 4:03 left in the third quarter and upped the margin to 28-14 on Dippel’s state-leading 58th touchdown pass, a 34-yarder to Kevin Cooks.

“We knew it was going to be a battle,” Moon added. “They made plays when they needed to and we didn’t. Simple as that.”

Lee hit Alijah Royster in stride for a 74-yard gain to Central East’s four-yard line and Phelps powered across the goal line on the next play to cut the Tritons’ deficit in half with 10:20 left in the game.

However, the Bengals (14-1) recovered a fumble at the Pacifica 18 and took two plays to capitalize on Dippel’s five-yard keeper.

Royster’s 12-yard touchdown reception made it 35-28 with 6:25 left, but Smith scampered 15 yards for his third touchdown to close the scoring with 3:21 left.

Pacifica beat Palos Verdes 20-10 to capture the Southern Section Division 3 title Nov. 28 for its second CIF crown in a row under Moon. The Tritons defeated St. Bonaventure in the Division 4 final last year.

Fresno Central East lost to Huntington Beach Edison in the state 1-A bowl last year at Saddleback.

Lee completed 21 of 31 for 317 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice and sacked three times. Phelps ran for 127 yards in 23 carries. Royster caught six passes for 114 yards and Stewart had seven catches for 93.

Pacifica has played 32 games in the last two seasons and won two section and two regional crowns, just not the ultimate prize it covets.

“It’s a long two years to not have a state championship … but we’ll try to get back next year,” said Moon, who has scheduled nonleague games with Sierra Canyon and San Diego Lincoln next fall. “This is a super group of seniors and the younger players will grow from this.”

Dec. 12 (UPI) — Shares of Lululemon stock surged Friday after CEO Calvin McDonald announced his retirement.

The Canada-based company’s stock value spiked more than 9% in premarket trading following its announcement that McDonald was resigning from his role.

“The timing is right for a change,” McDonald said on a call. “I’ve described being CEO of Lululemon as my dream job. It truly has lived up to every expectation and given me the opportunity of a lifetime.”

McDonald expects a Jan. 31 departure from the athleisure company and will cap more than a year of lackluster performance.

Lululemon’s NYSE shares climbed 9.35% to $204.50 in recent trading, following a roughly 10% surge the day prior.

The company disclosed McDonald’s exit alongside fiscal third-quarter earnings and another batch of disappointing guidance.

According to the company, Lululemon’s board has engaged an unnamed “leading” executive search firm to replace McDonald.

The outgoing CEO will remain as senior adviser until March 31.

Lululemon named CFO Meghan Frank and Chief Commercial Officer Andre Maestrini as interim co-CEOs while it hunts for a permanent leader.

Meanwhile, Board chair Marti Morfitt will assume an expanded role as executive chair.

“As we look to the future, the board is focused on identifying a leader with a track record of driving companies through periods of growth and transformation to guide the company’s next chapter of success,” said Morfitt.

Lululemon reported quarterly revenue of $2.57 billion, up from $2.40 billion the same period last year.

McDonald pointed to a robust Thanksgiving weekend demand that helped the company clear outdated inventory through discounts.

He said early holiday results were “encouraging” as it looked ahead to the current quarter.

“I also want to acknowledge we’ve seen trends slow a bit since Thanksgiving, which we’ve taken into account in our Q4 guidance,” McDonald continued.

But he added it projected revenue of $3.50 billion to $3.59 billion, which was slightly under Wall Street forecasts.

Lululemon has grappled with mounting pressures over the past year, including competition and tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Over the summer, Lululemon sued Costco for selling a “confusingly similar” clothing line.

“However, despite this, we expect revenue trends in the U.S. and Q4 to be modestly improved relative to Q3,” according to McDonald.