Morsi appeal verdict dominates headlines: The Court of Cassation’s decision to overturn a life sentence handed to former president Mohamed Morsi is the story of the morning on Egypt, as we note in Speed Round (above).

Press freedom in the spotlight this week: Meanwhile, continued coverage of Egypt’s record on freedom of the press, with ongoing coverage of the two-year sentence handed Press Syndicate boss Yehia Qalash. “The shocking verdict issued gives the impression to a lot of journalists, and even normal citizens, that this is narrowing the borders of freedom,” Qalash told NPR’s Jane Arraf in a segment aired on NPR’s wonderful Morning Edition.

Meanwhile, imprisoned photojournalist Mahmoud “Shawkan” Abou Zeid was named the recipient of a 2016 Committee to Protect Journalists International Press Freedom Award, according to the CPJ’s website.

Elsewhere: The US appears to have deemed Egypt a safe destination for vacationers in the latest travel advisory issued by the State Department on Monday. Other safe countries in the Middle East according to an independently compiled map are Jordan, Oman, the UAE, and Qatar. Europe now seems to be where the danger is, according to the statement, which asks US Citizens to “exercise caution” at public events this Christmas. The State Department’s country page for travelers to Egypt is here.