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The UK government has announced an independent review into foreign financial influence on politics following the conviction of Nathan Gill, a former MEP jailed for accepting Russian bribes. The review aims to strengthen laws against illicit funding and foreign interference, amid rising concerns over Russia, China, and other hostile states' efforts to manipulate UK democracy.
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British military leaders warn of increasing Russian threats, emphasizing the need for societal and military preparedness. UK plans include new arms factories, enhanced intelligence, and a national resilience strategy amid rising tensions and NATO concerns.
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European countries are advancing new migration policies amid political pressure and concerns over human rights. Measures include establishing border 'return hubs', stricter deportation rules, and potential reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights, raising debates on sovereignty, safety, and legal protections. The story is current as of Tue, 16 Dec 2025.
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Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and founder of Apple Daily, was convicted in Hong Kong on charges linked to national security laws. The case has drawn criticism from Western governments and the UK, with calls for his release amid concerns over health and political repression. Lai faces potential life imprisonment.
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The US is preparing to announce a significant reorganization of its military leadership, following recent tensions over aggressive operations in Latin America. This includes possible land strikes inside Venezuela, amid ongoing disputes over drug trafficking and regional influence, with the Pentagon set to detail the plan soon.
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President Trump pardoned turkeys Waddle and Gobble during a Thanksgiving event, but the ceremony was marked by political insults, jokes about crime, and attacks on Illinois Governor Pritzker. Trump claimed Biden's pardons were invalid and criticized Chicago's crime, continuing his combative tone. The story highlights his inflammatory rhetoric and ongoing political feud.
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Heavy rains caused flash floods in Safi, Morocco, killing at least 37 people, injuring 32, and flooding dozens of homes and businesses. Authorities warn of more rain, amid ongoing drought and climate change impacts that increase flood risks.
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As of December 15, 2025, Israel's Supreme Court upheld the ICC's jurisdiction to investigate alleged war crimes linked to the 2023 Gaza conflict, maintaining arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Concurrently, Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon amid ongoing corruption trials, denying wrongdoing and refusing to resign. The pardon request follows U.S. pressure and has sparked political controversy within Israel.
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Senator J.D. Vance comments on antisemitism among young Americans, linking it to immigration and demographic changes. He emphasizes lowering immigration to combat ethnic hatred, while rejecting claims of surging Republican antisemitism. His stance reflects ongoing debates within the GOP about antisemitism and Israel support.
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As of December 16, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelensky returned from talks in Germany optimistic about security guarantees from the US and Europe, while Russia rejected peace proposals, insisting on no land return or NATO peacekeepers. Intense Russian attacks continue to cripple Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. European allies pledge support, but divisions remain over frozen Russian assets and peace terms.
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The Trump administration has briefed Congress on a 3.5-month campaign of over 20 strikes targeting boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing more than 80 people. The administration refuses to release full video evidence, citing security policies, amid growing political and legal scrutiny.
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The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the removal of books on race, gender, and sexuality from a rural Texas library. The lower court's decision, which sided with the county, allows the ban to stand, raising concerns about free speech and First Amendment rights amid ongoing book bans nationwide.
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On December 9, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. The order bans state agencies from contracting or funding these groups and those supporting them. CAIR, which denies any terrorist ties, plans to sue, calling the order unconstitutional and defamatory.
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Western leaders, including the UK, France, and Germany, reaffirm support for Ukraine amid ongoing peace negotiations. They emphasize security guarantees, military aid, and economic reconstruction, while discussions continue on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's recovery. US and European efforts aim to bolster Ukraine's defenses and seek a just peace.
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President Trump has suggested imposing additional tariffs on Indian rice, accusing India of dumping shipments into the US market. India denies dumping allegations. The move follows previous tariffs and aims to protect US farmers amid ongoing trade tensions and economic pressures.
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Since December 2025, the UN reports that the Houthis in Yemen have detained 59 UN personnel, all Yemeni nationals, with some held incommunicado for years. Several have been referred to a criminal court on fabricated espionage charges, raising concerns over violations of international law and human rights.
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Ukrainian forces have conducted multiple sea drone strikes on vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea, damaging tankers used for oil exports. The attacks aim to disrupt Russia’s economic activities amid ongoing conflict, with recent strikes marking the third in two weeks. No casualties reported.
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The ELN rebel group in Colombia has launched an armed strike until Wednesday, affecting rural communities and involving attacks on military and police targets. The strike is justified by the group as a response to regional tensions and U.S. actions, with Colombia's government condemning the move and ordering security measures.
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On December 15, 2025, Ford announced it will cease production of the fully electric F-150 Lightning and cancel several EV models, including the next-gen T3 truck and electric vans. Instead, Ford will focus on extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), hybrids, and gas-powered models, expecting 50% of its global sales to be electrified by 2030, up from 17% today. The company will take a $19.5 billion writedown primarily in Q4 2025 due to these changes.
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Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to exchange strikes, with Ukraine suffering drone and missile attacks damaging infrastructure and causing power outages. Ukraine seeks security guarantees in upcoming negotiations, while Russia maintains its presence in occupied regions. International efforts for peace are ongoing, with key talks scheduled in Germany.
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Donald Trump Jr. announced his engagement to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson at a White House event. The couple, who have been dating for just over a year, shared their plans publicly after speculation about their relationship intensified last year. This is Trump Jr.'s second marriage, following his divorce from Vanessa Trump in 2018.
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U.S. and European leaders, including Zelensky, met in Berlin to advance peace talks amid ongoing conflict. Trump claimed progress toward ending Russia's war in Ukraine, with discussions focusing on security guarantees and territorial issues. Russia remains opposed to key concessions, complicating negotiations.
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Ukraine has agreed to seek legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and other allies instead of NATO membership, marking a major diplomatic shift amid ongoing peace negotiations and Russian aggression. The move aims to prevent further conflict but departs from Kyiv’s long-standing NATO aspirations.
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A mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island has resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, echoing past trauma for students who have survived previous school shootings. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the US and its impact on educational communities, occurring during a period of heightened political debate.
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Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand has intensified, with Thai jets dropping bombs inside Cambodian territory near Angkor Wat. Both sides report casualties and displacement, with ongoing military exchanges and no immediate ceasefire. The conflict centers on longstanding border disputes and territorial claims.
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Serbian prosecutors have charged four senior officials, including Culture Minister Nikola Selaković, with abuse of power linked to a controversial redevelopment project in Belgrade. The project involves a Kushner-linked firm and has sparked widespread opposition amid allegations of forgery and illegal lifting of heritage protections. The case highlights ongoing tensions over foreign investment and national sovereignty.
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Ukraine's SBU claimed to have used underwater drones to disable a Russian Kilo-class submarine at Novorossiysk, marking the first time such a vessel was targeted with this technology. Russia denied damage, but Ukraine's operation signals a new phase in naval warfare amid ongoing conflict.
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The US State Department designated Colombia's Clan del Golfo as a terrorist group, citing its role in drug trafficking and violence. The move follows increased US pressure on Latin American countries over drug issues, amid tensions with Colombia's government and broader regional concerns.
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The US military has targeted three alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific, killing eight people. These strikes, part of a broader campaign since September, face legal and human rights scrutiny amid accusations of extrajudicial killings and potential violations of international law.
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Tariffs on imported artificial Christmas trees have increased prices by 10-15% in the US, highlighting reliance on overseas manufacturing. Despite higher costs, most companies are unlikely to shift large-scale production back to the US due to labor and component costs, with consumer price sensitivity remaining a key factor.
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U.S. and European diplomats have agreed on security guarantees for Ukraine, aiming to facilitate a cease-fire. Key issues remain unresolved, especially territorial concessions and Russia's stance. Ukraine seeks NATO-style protections, while Russia remains firm on territorial demands. The talks continue amid cautious optimism.
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The U.S. has expanded its travel restrictions, adding five countries and fully restricting travel for Palestinians. The move follows the arrest of an Afghan suspect in a shooting near the White House. The policy aims to improve vetting and national security.
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Recent US strategy documents reveal support for European far-right parties, citing fears of 'civilizational erasure' and demographic change. This aligns with US efforts to undermine European unity and promote nationalist movements, raising concerns about future stability and democracy in Europe.