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On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials under the national security law. Lai, a British citizen and founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily, has spent five years in custody, with his health reportedly deteriorating. The verdict marks a significant moment in Beijing's crackdown on dissent.
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President Trump has renewed his criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a 'disaster' and suggesting he was elected due to immigration. Trump also criticized European leaders for being 'weak' and 'politically correct,' warning of future instability without reforms. The UK government defended Khan's record amid the controversy.
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UK officials warn of rising threats from Russia, emphasizing the need for societal and military preparedness. Military leaders call for faster defense spending and national resilience, with plans for new arms factories and enhanced intelligence capabilities amid warnings of possible conflict with Russia.
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UK intelligence chief Blaise Metreweli, the first woman to lead MI6, emphasized ongoing support for Ukraine and the need to enhance technological capabilities to counter threats like disinformation and cyberattacks. The UK also sanctions Russian and Chinese entities involved in malign activities, amid rising geopolitical tensions.
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Since early September, the US has conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing over 87 people. Admiral Holsey, who led the Southern Command, retired early amid tensions over the strikes and US plans for possible land operations. The US also designated the Venezuelan 'Cartel de los Soles' as a terrorist organization, though Venezuela denies the allegations.
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Israel is intensifying efforts to locate and recover the remains of hostage Ran Gvili, believed to be in Gaza. Recent searches have yet to find his body, which remains a key issue for advancing a ceasefire and future negotiations. The search is ongoing amid political and military tensions.
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In Safi, Morocco, one hour of heavy rain caused flooding, damaging homes, sweeping away cars, and cutting roads. At least 32 people were injured, most have left hospital. Authorities warn of more heavy rain as drought conditions persist for seven years, impacting reservoirs and infrastructure.
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Israel continues strikes on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Lebanon's government aims to disarm Hezbollah, but the group resists. Diplomatic talks have resumed, but violence and international criticism persist, with fears of broader conflict escalating.
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On November 30, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally requested a presidential pardon amid his ongoing corruption trial. Charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Netanyahu denies wrongdoing and argues the trial divides Israel. The request follows a letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump urging pardon to aid national unity. President Isaac Herzog will review the request with legal counsel.
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New York's gaming board recommended three new casinos for NYC, including two in Queens and one in the Bronx. The licenses, pending final approval, aim to boost state revenue with Las Vegas-style gambling, despite concerns over community opposition and potential social costs. The process involved intense competition and political lobbying.
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Israeli forces have continued to violate the Gaza ceasefire, conducting airstrikes and raids, killing at least 385 Palestinians since October. Meanwhile, Hamas has agreed to hand over remains of captives, and border crossings are slowly reopening amid ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises.
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Recent data shows a surge in home sales in US metros like Kansas City and Texas cities, driven by affordability and demand from retirees. Meanwhile, wealthy New Yorkers are increasingly interested in Miami properties amid political and tax concerns, fueling a luxury real estate boom.
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Kevin Smith, 61, sent about 300 texts and three voicemails to Labour MP Alex Sobel, causing fear for his safety. Smith pleaded guilty and received a five-year restraining order. The case highlights rising antisemitic acts in Britain, with increased security concerns following recent attacks on Jewish sites.
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Since July, U.S. corporations have reported significant tax savings due to new Republican laws, reducing federal revenue by about a third. Meanwhile, Texas and Hawaii face budget challenges, with debates over tax cuts for high earners and new initiatives for children. Recent political moves highlight ongoing fiscal and ideological conflicts.
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A federal appeals court in the U.S. has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using remaining California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, ruling that conditions have changed and the deployment is illegal. The decision halts the military presence, which had lasted six months amid protests over immigration enforcement.
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Recent weeks have seen increased hostility towards Somali Americans in Minnesota, driven by inflammatory remarks from President Trump, immigration enforcement actions, and a major welfare fraud scandal. Community members report rising racism, arrests, and fear, amid political and social upheaval.
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South Africa has revised its policies to allow foreign companies to meet affirmative action requirements through 'equity equivalent' programs, such as skills training. This move follows criticism of its ownership laws, notably from Elon Musk, who accused the country of racial discrimination. The US has also criticized South Africa's policies and excluded it from upcoming G20 events.
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On December 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to preempt state-level AI regulations by establishing a unified federal framework. The order directs the Attorney General to challenge state laws deemed burdensome and threatens to withhold federal funding from states enforcing conflicting AI rules. The move has sparked bipartisan opposition, legal challenges, and fierce pushback from states like California, which have enacted their own AI safety laws.
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U.S. health officials, under the influence of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have reversed decades of vaccination policy by ending universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. The move, driven by a panel with controversial appointees, faces widespread criticism from medical groups and public health experts, raising concerns over increased hepatitis B risks.
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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, displacing over 500,000 civilians and causing casualties on both sides. Heavy weaponry has been used, with civilians fleeing to evacuation centers amid shortages of food, water, and shelter. The conflict, rooted in colonial-era border disputes, is the deadliest since July, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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Israel's government approved over 500 new settlement units in the West Bank, including in Hashmonaim, Beitar Illit, and Giv'at Ze'ev. The move, condemned by the Palestinian Authority and international bodies, continues Israel's settlement expansion amid regional tensions and increased violence. The decision follows recent escalation in settler attacks and military activity.
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Former President Trump announced a new program allowing foreigners and companies to pay large fees for expedited U.S. permanent residency, featuring a 'Trump Gold Card' with a portrait of Trump. The program aims to generate revenue and prioritize immigrants who benefit the U.S.
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The ELN rebel group announced an armed strike from Sunday to Wednesday, involving civilian confinement and restricted activities, citing regional 'counterinsurgency' and 'imperialist' threats. President Petro responded by ordering security forces to attack the ELN, amid heightened US military activity in the region.
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Chile's presidential runoff resulted in a victory for Jose Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate advocating tough-on-crime policies and anti-migrant measures. His win marks a significant political shift, aligning Chile with regional trends of rightward movement amid concerns over crime and migration. The outcome impacts Chile's future policy direction.
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Egypt has expressed frustration with Israel over restrictions at the Rafah crossing amid ongoing Gaza conflict. Cairo demands open borders in both directions, citing security concerns and opposition to displacement. Diplomatic relations are strained, with Egypt wary of being used as a political pawn and delaying regional economic deals.
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Federal grand juries in Virginia declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James twice in a week, marking rare rejections of prosecutors' efforts. The cases, linked to her property purchase, are seen as politically motivated. The decisions highlight challenges faced by the Justice Department in prosecuting political opponents.
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On December 12, 2025, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives following renewed deadly border clashes with Cambodia. The king approved the dissolution, triggering elections within 45 to 60 days, likely by early February. The move follows political disputes and a no-confidence threat amid ongoing conflict that has killed at least 20 and displaced hundreds of thousands.
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Former President Trump has announced a pardon for Tina Peters, a Colorado election official convicted of state crimes. Legal experts say the pardon is symbolic, as presidential powers do not extend to state offenses. The move underscores ongoing claims of election fraud and political influence over judicial processes.
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Two months after a ceasefire, Gaza faces ongoing hardships, including destroyed homes, flooding, and shortages of shelter and essentials. The region remains unstable as Israel, the US, and Hamas dispute Gaza’s future, delaying reconstruction and aid efforts amid ongoing suffering.
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Recent aid reductions have severely impacted malnutrition treatment in Kenya and Nigeria. Drought, conflict, and funding cuts have led to shortages of therapeutic food, risking irreversible health damage and deaths among children in vulnerable regions. The situation highlights the ongoing global challenge of food insecurity.
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The Winooski School District raised the Somali flag alongside U.S. and Vermont flags to support Somali students, prompting a wave of harassment and threats online. The district is cooperating with law enforcement as community tensions escalate amid political debates over immigration and diversity.
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On December 12-13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia after calls with their leaders. However, fighting reportedly continued along the disputed border, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of ongoing bombings and Thailand blaming Cambodia for violations. The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute dating back to colonial-era maps.
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Unprecedented flooding in Washington has displaced thousands, with record river levels and widespread damage. Evacuations are ongoing, and authorities warn that high waters and additional storms will prolong recovery efforts. No fatalities have been reported so far.
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The US intercepted the Skipper tanker off Venezuela, marking the first seizure of Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions in 2019. The move comes amid a military buildup in the Caribbean and regional support for Maduro, raising regional tensions and affecting Venezuelan oil exports and Cuba's power supply.
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Recent days have seen intensified Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, including a drone attack on Saratov that killed two. Russia responded with hypersonic missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and energy facilities. Ukraine seeks security guarantees in upcoming negotiations, while both sides prepare for potential peace talks in Germany.
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Belarus freed 123 political prisoners following talks with US envoy John Coale in Minsk, leading to the lifting of sanctions on potash. Key figures like opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and activist Ales Bialiatski were among those released, signaling a thaw in US-Belarus relations.
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On December 13, 2025, a lone ISIS gunman ambushed US and Syrian forces near Palmyra, Syria. Three Americans, including two service members and one civilian interpreter, were killed. The attacker was killed, and the incident marks the first US military fatalities in Syria since the fall of Bashar Assad last year.
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A mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, mostly students. The suspect, a male in his 30s dressed in black, remains at large after opening fire during final exams. The campus was locked down, and a manhunt is ongoing as authorities seek the shooter.
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A suspect was detained after a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, injuring nine students, two of whom died. The attack occurred during exams on Saturday afternoon. Police continue to investigate the motive while maintaining campus security.
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On December 14, 2025, a gunman linked to ISIS attacked US and Syrian forces near Palmyra, killing two US soldiers and a civilian. The attacker, a Syrian security member, was shot dead. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Syria's desert region amid expanding US cooperation with Syrian forces.
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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, with a curfew imposed in Thailand's Trat province amid ongoing border clashes. A civilian has been killed, and both sides accuse each other of targeting infrastructure. Despite claims of ceasefire talks, hostilities continue, raising regional security concerns.
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Zelensky announced Ukraine will seek legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and others instead of NATO membership, as diplomatic talks in Berlin aim to end the conflict with Russia. The move marks a major policy shift amid ongoing negotiations and military tensions.