Former Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang has announced that he will not be contesting in the upcoming Singapore General Election set to take place next year. This decision, confirmed during an interaction with a resident while he was distributing the party’s Hammer newsletter, marks a significant moment in Singapore’s political landscape. The 68-year-old politician expressed, "I'm already retired... I'm not participating in the election," signaling a shift in the dynamics of the opposition party.

In transport news, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has confirmed that MRT service on the East-West Line, specifically between Tanah Merah and Tampines, is scheduled to resume on December 11. With 40 percent of the track works already completed, commuters can look forward to improved connectivity soon.

Other Headlines Making Waves:

- **Tragedy in Thailand:** A Singaporean tourist tragically passed away following a massage session at Patong Beach. Local authorities reported that the 52-year-old was found unresponsive shortly after a 45-minute oil massage. This incident raises concerns, considering it's the second death related to massage sessions reported in Thailand over the same weekend.

- **Bail Denied in Stabbing Incident:** Following a troubling incident at St Joseph's Church, the suspect who allegedly stabbed a priest has been denied bail. The court deemed him a potential threat to public safety, emphasizing the serious nature of the offense.

- **Alarming Flight Threat:** A passenger at Changi Airport has been charged for threatening to crash a Jetstar flight. The individual, who indicated he would plead guilty, has raised security concerns among travelers and authorities alike.

- **Investigation into Animal Cruelty:** Singapore’s National Parks Board is probing a distressing allegation regarding a reticulated python reportedly burned alive. The investigation initiated after a video surfaced showing the snake in distress. NParks has vowed to take action against any individuals found culpable.

- **Major Policy Shift in Employment:** The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) plans to increase the retirement and re-employment ages for its employees to 64 and 69, effective January 1, 2025. This decision comes 1.5 years ahead of the national schedule and is expected to have significant impacts on the workforce.

- **Taylor Swift Fan Revealed:** A Singaporean named Nat Lopez has been unmasked as the person behind a highly popular fan account dedicated to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. The account has played a pivotal role in keeping fans updated and engaged throughout the tour.

Stay tuned for more breaking news updates as we continue to bring you the latest happenings from Singapore and beyond!