theatlantic.com (2025-12-18). This Is What Presidential Panic Looks Like The president of the United States just barged into America's living rooms like an angry, confused grandfather to tell us all that we are ungrateful whelps. | | When a president asks for network time, it's usually to announce something important. But (last night), Donald Trump did not give anything like a normal speech or address. He was clearly working from a prepared text, but it sounded like one he'd written—or dictated angrily—himself, because it was full of bizarre howlers that even Trump's second-rate speech-writing shop would probably have avoided…
mirror.co.uk (2025-12-18). 50 lies Donald Trump told in his unhinged 18 minute address to the nation – one every 22 seconds
The televised speech was a desperate bid to convince Americans they were imagining not being able to afford groceries, and that everything is getting better. And in doing so, he lied once every 22 seconds
(2025-12-18). Putin vows victory in Ukraine as US and Russia prepare for Miami talks. scmp.com Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in victory for his war in Ukraine during a meeting with senior military officials on Wednesday amid a renewed diplomatic push to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict. | He said that more than 300 localities in the neighbouring country have been conquered this year alone. "Among them are also large cities that have been turned by the enemy into fortress nodes with permanent defensive installations," Putin said.
(2025-12-18). Caitlin Johnstone: Spouting the Same Line on Bondi Attack. consortiumnews.com Narrative spin for Israel is in full swing following the Bondi Beach attack, conflating pro-Palestinian activism with anti-Jewish violence. By Caitlin Johnstone Caitlin's Newsletter Listen to Tim Foley reading this article CN at 30 Looks like some kind of memo went…
(2025-12-18). PDF of December 18 print issue. workers.org 
Download the PDF Venezuela int'l conference U.S. delegates defy 'no-fly zone' Young workers reject capitalism Billionaire media barons New book: 'China Changes Everything' Philly hospital defends trans patients Tribute to Miss Major Griffin-Gracy Disability rights and justice Trump's racism and historic stagflation Starbucks workers expand strike Philly solidarity with Venezuela . . . |
counterpunch.org (2025-12-18). Rebranding Genocide
st, it was Israel's right to defend itself. Then it was a war, even though, by Israel's own military intelligence database, 83 percent of the casualties were civilians. The 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, living under an Israeli air, land and sea blockade, have no army, air force, no mechanized units, no tanks, no navy, no missiles, no heavy artillery, no fleets of killer drones, no sophisticated tracking systems to map all movements, or an ally like the United States, which has given Israel at least $21.7 billion in military aid since Oct. 7, 2023. | | Now, it is a "ceasefire."
(2025-12-18). Imani Barbarin on disability rights, COVID and the war on Gaza. aljazeera.com Why the TikTok star and disability advocate wants the world to rethink what it means to be disabled.
(2025-12-18). Gaza, the United Nations, and the Crisis of Global Conscience. thinktank.pk The United Nations General Assembly's overwhelming passage of a resolution demanding unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, protection of United Nations facilities, and compliance with international law marks a moment of rare moral clarity in an increasingly fractured world. Supported by 139 countries, with only 12 voting against and 19 abstaining, the resolution reflects …
(2025-12-18). Chris Hedges speaks to IA about Gaza genocide, Bondi and. independentaustralia.net 
(2025-12-18). Tech for Genocide: Palantir's Role in the Pager Attacks. orinocotribune.com By Al-Akhbar's Lebanon Desk — Dec 15, 2025 | "We've never supplied our products to enemies. We proudly support the US government. I am proud that we are supporting Israel in every way we can." — Palantir co-founder Alex Karp | Palantir Technologies has been involved in the Israeli military's regional operations from Gaza to Lebanon and beyond, according to revelations in a new biography of CEO Alex Karp. In The Philosopher in the Valley: Alex Karp, Palantir, and the Rise of the Surveillance State, New York Times journalist Michael Steinberger details how the US-based company's software played a direct r…
commondreams.org (2025-12-18). 'Absolute Dereliction of Duty': House Republicans Kill Venezuela War Powers ResolutionsUndeterred, members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus vowed to "continue to fight to stop Trump's illegal war on Venezuela." | | House Republicans on Wednesday defeated a pair of war powers resolutions aimed at reining in US President Donald Trump's airstrikes on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and his increasingly aggressive provocations that critics fear are leading to a war on Venezuela.
(2025-12-18). Video: Qatar PM urges Gaza aid surge in talks with US Secretary of State. aljazeera.com Qatar's Prime Minister held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.
(2025-12-18). Cold weather claims more lives in besieged Gaza. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Gaza health ministry announced on Thursday that one person was killed and 13 others were wounded in the past 24 hours as Israeli attacks and the worsening humanitarian situation continue to devastate the Strip.
(2025-12-18). Netanyahu is exploiting the Bondi Beach massacre to build support for the Gaza genocide and is fueling antisemitism in the process. mondoweiss.net 
Benjamin Netanyahu is blaming the attack at Bondi Beach on Australia's support for Palestinian statehood. He conflates Jewish safety with Zionism to garner support for Israel, but in doing so, he enlists all Jews as agents of Palestinian oppression.
(2025-12-18). UK police arrest four people for pro-Palestine 'Intifada' calls. aljazeera.com Arrests made at protests supporting imprisoned Palestine Action hunger strikers, as Gaza death toll surpasses 70,000.
(2025-12-18). UN, aid agencies warn Israeli policies threaten Gaza relief operations. tribune.com.pk 
The United Nations and aid groups warned on Wednesday that humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, were at risk of collapse if Israel does not lift impediments that include a "vague, arbitrary, and highly politicised" registration process. | Dozens of international aid groups face de-registration by December 31, which then means they have to close operations within 60 days, said the UN and more than 200 local and international aid groups in a joint statement. | "The deregistration of INGOs (international aid groups) in Gaza will have a catastrophic impact on access to essenti…
(2025-12-18). Israel has continued its assassination campaign in Gaza despite the ceasefire. mondoweiss.net 
Since mid-October, Israel has carried out an assassination campaign in Gaza targeting resistance leaders. Contacts within the resistance say Israel is trying to lure them back into direct confrontation to avoid fulfilling its ceasefire obligations.
(2025-12-18). How the Bondi Beach attack is being weaponized to suppress the Palestine movement in Australia. mondoweiss.net 
The Australian government is using the Bondi Beach attack as a pretext to accelerate its repression of the Palestine movement. This response lays bare the state's true interest: to protect and defend Australia's complicity in the Gaza genocide.
(2025-12-18). Egypt says gas deal with Israel is 'purely commercial'. aljazeera.com Natural gas agreement worth approximately $35bn comes amid frayed relations over Israel's genocidal war in Gaza.
(2025-12-18). US sanctions more ICC judges, citing ruling on Israeli war crime probe. aljazeera.com International court has repeatedly decried US sanctions amid its ongoing investigation into Gaza war crimes.
usatoday.com (2025-12-18). Trump's presidential address shows we should worry about himFolks, the cheese has officially slid off our president's cracker. | | In what was technically a prime-time address to the nation, President Donald Trump spent about 20 minutes on the night of Dec. 17 yelling into a camera, hollering red-faced about how incredibly great everything is, when things in America are decidedly not great. | | It was a torrent of lies and exaggerations ‒ about the economy, about prices, about immigrants ‒ that must have caused dozens of fact-checkers to spontaneously combust. | | The lies in Trump's address were no surprise, but he sounded like a maniac
(2025-12-18). Headlines for December 18, 2025. democracynow.org House Rejects Resolutions Seeking Congressional Approval for Boat Strikes or Attack on Venezuela, Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Record $901 Billion Military Spending Bill, Israeli Army Shells Gaza Residential Area in Latest Violation of U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire, House Passes Healthcare Bill That Does Not Address Skyrocketing Insurance Premiums, House Advances Bill That Would Criminalize Gender-Affirming Care for Minors, Trump Touts Economic Record in Primetime Address as U.S. Unemployment Ticks Higher, Dan Bongino Announces Resignation as FBI's Second-in-Command, Pentagon Opens Formal Inquiry into Sen. Mark…
(2025-12-18). Gaza doctors create 3D-printed devices to save patients from amputation. aljazeera.com With few medical supplies, doctors are turning to 3D printers powered by solar energy to treat some injuries in Gaza.
(2025-12-18). Infant dies from severe cold southern Gaza Strip. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — A one-month-old infant died on Thursday due to the extreme cold in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza.
(2025-12-18). What Gaza and Ukraine reveal about a new era of imposed peace. independentaustralia.net 
(2025-12-18). Gaza eye care crisis leaves thousands on brink of blindness. newarab.com 
Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza with eye diseases are at risk blindness as hospitals are damaged and vital medicines remain unavailable due to a healthcare crisis triggered by According to a report published on Thursday by The New Arab's Arabic-language sister site al-Araby al-Jadeed, Israeli attacks on Gaza's main eye care facility – the Eye Hospital in
(2025-12-18). House Democrats release latest Epstein images as DOJ deadline looms. aljazeera.com Legislators have been publishing photos related to convicted sex offender as DOJ faces Friday deadline to release more.
(2025-12-18). China Voices Support for Venezuela After U.S. Blockade, No Rescue in Sight. moderndiplomacy.eu China has voiced opposition to what it described as "unilateral bullying" after the United States ordered a blockade of oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move that sharply escalates pressure on the OPEC member and its president, Nicolas Maduro. The blockade comes as Washington has increased its military presence in the region, including troops …
(2025-12-18). US Racist Immigration Policy Toward Haiti Reinforces Imperialism. popularresistance.org On November 26th 2025, the Trump administration terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti using nearly identical language to the TPS cancellations earlier this year for displaced Venezuelans and affecting upward of 353,000 Haitian migrants. In both cases, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that continued protections were "not in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States," affirming U.S. policy abuses redefine their "interests" at a whim. | While the U.S. has long politicized displacement from leftist states like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, casting migrants as…
(2025-12-18). Economic Strangulation of Venezuela: Final Step before Full-scale US aggression?/ By Drago Bosnic. voicesfromsyria.com Original Link Here: Economic Strangulation of Venezuela: Final Step before Full-scale US aggression? — Global ResearchGlobal Research — Centre for Research on Globalization By Drago Bosnic Global Research, December 18, 2025 On December 16, American President Donald Trump formally ordered the "total and complete blockade" of Venezuela, claiming that its government is now designated as a …
(2025-12-18). House Republicans Squash Venezuela War Powers Resolutions. truthout.org House Republicans on Wednesday defeated a pair of war powers resolutions aimed at reining in US President Donald Trump's airstrikes on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and his increasingly aggressive provocations that critics fear are leading to a war on Venezuela. The first resolution, introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), demanded that the US refrain from… |
(2025-12-18). Trump: Who Will Put the Bell on the Cat? orinocotribune.com By Maria Páez Victor — Dec 16, 2025 | "Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro described the detention of an oil tanker seized by US military personnel in the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday as an act of piracy" (Orinoco Tribune, 12 Dec. 2025) | Trump, the president of the most capitalist nation on Earth, has dealt a blow to the very system upon which his country — and indeed most of the West — considers the bedrock of the economy. A blow that not even the most revolutionary person today would have foretold or thought to achieve. He has trashed the notion of private property and outright stolen a full oil t…
(2025-12-18). House unable to halt Venezuela war march. responsiblestatecraft.org Tonight the House of Representatives failed to pass a
(2025-12-18). Congress Squanders Last Chance to Block Venezuela War Before Going on Vacation. theintercept.com 
The House voted down a pair of measures to halt strikes on alleged drug boats and on Venezuelan land on Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump announced a blockade on the South American country. | Democrats sponsoring the measures were able to peel off only two Republicans on the first vote and three on the second as the GOP rallied around the White House. | On Tuesday, Trump announced a partial blockade — considered an act of war in international law — against Venezuela after weeks of threatening military action. | "If we intensify hostilities in Venezuela, we have no idea what we're walkin…
(2025-12-18). Julian Assange: Sweden Broke Own Laws with Nobel Prize to Venezuela's Machado. dissidentvoice.org By awarding its peace prize to Trump's favorite Venezuelan opposition figure, pro-war coup plotter Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Committee contravened the principles enshrined in its founding documents, as well as Swedish law, Julian Assange alleged in an explosive brief reviewed by The Grayzone. The Swedish government violated its own laws by awarding the Nobel …
(2025-12-18). Veterans For Peace Condemns Trump's Illegal War on Venezuela. commondreams.org Veterans For Peace unequivocally rejects the Trump administration's escalating attacks and threats of war against Venezuela. The U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and President Trump's unilateral declaration of a naval blockade of Venezuela and closure of its air space constitute a brazen escalation of military aggression and a violation of both the U.S. Constitution and international law.The U.S. has continually attacked Venezuela since the inception of the Bolivarian Revolution a quarter-century ago. In 2002, a U.S.-backed military coup temporarily ousted then President Hugo Chávez before the Venezuela…
(2025-12-18). US sanctions may cause "Great Depression in Venezuela" aljazeera.com "[Venezuela] is a country that's already reeling from an economic collapse."
(2025-12-18). Trump aide Miller claims Venezuelan oil belongs to US. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Stephen Miller, a top aide to United States President Donald Trump, has claimed that Venezuela's oil belongs to Washington, describing the nationalization of the South American country's petroleum industry as "theft".
(2025-12-18). How dangerous is the US standoff with Venezuela? aljazeera.com Trump ramps up pressure with major military force deployed.
(2025-12-18). Presidente Maduro alertó a secretario general de la ONU sobre escalada de EEUU. radiohc.cu La Cancillería de Venezuela indicó este miércoles en un comunicado que el presidente Nicolás Maduro alertó al secretario general de las Naciones Unidas, António Guterres, sobre la escalada de amenazas contra su país y sus graves implicaciones para la paz regional. | En diálogo telefónico con el titular del organismo internacional, el mandatario denunció las recientes manifestaciones públicas del presidente estadounidense, Donald Trump, en una red social, en las que afirmó, "de manera inaceptable, que el petróleo, las riquezas naturales y el territorio venezolano le pertenecían". | Maduro expresó que esas expresio…
(2025-12-18). Nuevo buque solidario del ALBA-TCP llega a Cuba. cubadebate.cu Un nuevo buque con ayuda solidaria enviado por el Gobierno de Venezuela y la Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América (ALBA-TCP) arribó este miércoles 17 de diciembre al puerto Guillermón Moncada, en Santiago de Cuba, para apoyar en la recuperación de la isla tras el impacto del huracán Melissa.
(2025-12-18). Cuba respalda cumplimiento de derechos humanos en Venezuela. radiohc.cu El embajador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, representante permanente de Cuba ante la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas en Ginebra y otras Organizaciones Internacionales en Suiza, respaldó la institucionalidad y soberanía de Venezuela. | El diplomático intervino este martes en el diálogo interactivo sobre la actualización oral del Alto Comisionado respecto a la situación de los derechos humanos en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. | Benítez Verson afirmó que Cuba rechaza la imposición de mecanismos punitivos, selectivos y parcializados en materia de derechos humanos, que desconocen las instituciones nacionales y se con…
(2025-12-18). Fired Federal Workers In D.C. Sue Trump Administration. popularresistance.org Washington, DC — Former federal workers in D.C. have come together to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the unlawful firing of multiple employees over accusations of their work being a part of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This comes as Trump has cut the jobs of almost 12% of the 2.3 million-strong federal workforce since the start of his second term. | The lawsuit highlights that the firings of these federal workers are based on Trump's internal war against his perceived political enemies, which include people of color, women, trans people, and others.
(2025-12-18). Leader appoints new commanders of Iran air force, air defense. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Alireza Elhami and Brigadier General Bahman Behmard as the new commanders of the Iranian Air Defense and Air Force, respectively.
(2025-12-18). BBC 're-writes history' by removing description of intifada. newarab.com 
The BBC has given in to pressure from pro-Israel groups and "corrected" a news article that said The right-leaning UK newspaper The BBC has even been accused of inciting "antisemitic violence" over the wording of the artic…
(2025-12-18). Cuban Chess Player Berdayes Sharpens His Undefeated Record in Mexico. radiohc.cu Havana, November 17 (RHC) — Cuban Dylan Berdayes, undefeated and with a steady hand, defends his place today among the leaders of the Master group of the Carlos Torre in Memoriam International Tournament. | After four of nine rounds in Progreso, Berdayes has 3.5 points and is second on tiebreaks in a group that also includes fellow Cuban Luis Ernesto Quesada, representing Mexico, Colombian Joshua Daniel Ruiz, and Ukrainian Viktor Matviishen. | The fifth round offers some interesting matchups: Berdayes will face Quesada on the top board, while Ruiz will play Matviishen on the other top board. | To reach his c…
(2025-12-18). 64 sculptors build 19-meter-tall snowman in Harbin. ecns.cn China has once again urged certain individuals in Japan to stop peddling false narratives, retract erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question, and provide a responsible explanation to China and the international community.
(2025-12-18). Beijing's reaction to US-Taiwan arms deal is "information warfare" aljazeera.com "All the [US] weapon systems [sold to Taiwan] … are defensive in nature."
(2025-12-18). EU: New Rules on Asylum and 'Safe Countries' Undermine the Foundation of Refugee Protection. commondreams.org Reacting to the agreements between the European Parliament and Council on new EU asylum rules, which undermine the very foundation of refugee protection, Olivia Sundberg Diez, the EU Advocate on Migration and Asylum at Amnesty International said: "This is an unprecedented attack on asylum in the EU, which must be understood in the context of a vast array of punitive deportation measures, still under negotiation. This shameless attempt to sidestep international legal obligations further shifts EU responsibility for refugee protection to countries outside Europe and is far from a humane migration policy that upho…
aljazeera.com (2025-12-18). Faced with Trump's deportation push, US teachers fear leaving the classroom
Estimates vary as to how many foreign-born teachers currently work in the US. But one 2019 report from George Mason University found that there were 857,200 immigrants among the country's 8.1 million teachers, in roles ranging from pre-school to university.
commondreams.org (2025-12-17). 'This is About Oil and Regime Change': GOP Lawmaker Speaks Out Against Push for War in Venezuela A Republican congressman on Wednesday pushed back against President Donald Trump's push for war with Venezuela.
Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) demanded that Trump not take any military action against Venezuela without approval from the US Congress.
truthout.org (2025-12-17). US Relied on Illegal Sanctions to Seize Venezuelan Oil Tanker US armed forces' seizure of the oil tanker constituted an unlawful use of force in violation of the UN Charter.
2025-12-17: Israel Propagandists Are Uniformly Spouting The Exact Same Line About The Bondi Shooting
counterpunch.org (2025-12-16). To End the Genocide, We Must Hold Weapons Manufacturers Accountable (or Shut Them Down) Since a ceasefire was agreed to on October 10, Israel has attacked Gazans with bombs, snipers, and ground mobilizations nearly 500 times. In the West Bank, Israel has killed and detained hundreds of Palestinians and approved 19 new settlements.
(2025-12-18). Pezeshkian's visit to South Khorasan Province. en.mehrnews.com BIRJAND, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian traveled to South Khorasan Province on Thursday morning in continuation of his trips to the provinces across Iran.
(2025-12-18). Saudi, French and US officials push Hezbollah disarmament plan. tribune.com.pk 
French, Saudi Arabian and US officials held talks with the head of the Lebanese army in Paris on Thursday aimed at finalising a roadmap to establish a mechanism for the disarmament of Hezbollah, diplomats said. | Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire in 2024, ending more than a year of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed group, which was significantly weakened during the conflict. | Since then, the two sides have traded accusations of violations, with Israel questioning the Lebanese army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Israeli warplanes have increasingly targeted Hezbollah positions in so…
(2025-12-18). Trump, Immigration, Trans Rights: The Stories That Shaped 2025. aclu.org 
This year, the ACLU's most-read stories reflected the pressing issues shaping life in America: challenges to civil liberties, attacks on marginalized communities, and the ongoing struggle to hold those in power accountable. | From Trump's unprecedented moves to expand domestic military operations and cut funding to public media, to the targeting of immigrant families and activists like Mahmoud Khalil, these stories reveal a society grappling with the consequences of abuse of power, political retaliation, and discrimination. Our work explaining Trump's executive orders undermining protections for transgender pe…
(2025-12-18). Iron Ridge, WI, January 17, 2026: Dodge County Union Chili Dump Fundraiser for Humane Society and Food Bank(s). wibailoutpeople.org 
(2025-12-18). Learning from Myles Horton's Legendary Career in Social Movements. dissidentvoice.org Left: Myles Horton (Wikipedia/Wisconsin Historical Society). Right: The Highlander Folk School welcome sign on the original Tennessee location. (Wikimedia Commons/Bryan MacKinnon)(This article was first published in Waging Nonviolence) Over a career that spanned more than 50 years and touched on some of the major American social movements of the 20th century, Myles Horton established himself …
(2025-12-18). Has the EU Secretly Agreed to Fight Russia in Ukraine? thinktank.pk tensions between Russia and Europe remain high amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Public discourse has raised urgent questions about European involvement: Has the European Union committed to direct military engagement? Are member states ready to counter potential Russian aggression? Have UK military leaders signaled an imminent war? And is a large-scale European war truly …
(2025-12-18). Pro-Palestinian hacker group breaches phone of ex-Israeli PM. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — The pro-Palestinian hacker group Handala says it has infiltrated the personal cellular device of former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, accessing sensitive documents and personal communications.
(2025-12-18). Is Committee to Protect Journalists scared of its pro-Israel donors? electronicintifada.net Annual awards ceremony brings in big money from Murdoch-owned media.
(2025-12-18). Brazil's Congress passes bill to cut Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence. scmp.com Brazil's Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to slash the prison term of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of plotting a coup after losing re-election to left-winger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. | Passed by the lower chamber last week, the bill now heads to Lula, whose expected veto could eventually be overridden by Congress.
(2025-12-18). New conference due in February to support Lebanese Armed Forces. newarab.com 
The political parties holding a meeting in Paris on Thursday all agreed to have a conference in February aimed at supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, said a French foreign ministry spokesperson. | Talks between French, Saudi, and American officials with Lebanese army chief Rodolphe Haykal aimed at finalising a roadmap to enable a mechanism for the Israel and Lebanon agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in 2024, ending more than a year of fighting between Israel…
(2025-12-18). Trump Administration To Dismantle One of World's Most Vital Climate Research Centers. portside.org Trump Administration To Dismantle One of World's Most Vital Climate Research Centers |
(2025-12-18). Palestine out of 2025 FIFA Arab World Cup, but wins hearts. ummid.com Palestine National Football Team's dream to play Semi Finals of the 2025 FIFA Arab World Cup ended after it got defeated by Saudi Arabia Thursday.
(2025-12-18). 10 Israeli police officers injured in Haredi riots in Quds. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Israeli media in occupied Palestinian territories reported on Thursday that 10 Israeli police officers were injured during violent riots involving members of the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community in occupied al-Quds.
(2025-12-18). Why the world comes to Yiwu. ecns.cn Despite an increasingly complex global trade environment, Yiwu—widely known as the world's capital of small commodities—continues to demonstrate strong resilience.
(2025-12-18). Kruger National Park implements gate quotas to avoid overcrowding. sanews.gov.za Kruger National Park implements gate quotas to avoid overcrowding | The South African National Parks (SANParks) has advised day visitors planning to visit the Kruger National Park (KNP) during the festive season that gate quotas will be in place to prevent overcrowding on the roads and facilities. | "Once daily quotas are reached, only pre-booked visitors will be allowed entry. Queueing will then apply, and access will be dependent on the number of visitors exiting the park. Wild Card members are reminded that they are not exempt from the pre-booking administration fee," SANParks said on Wednesday. | To safeguar…
(2025-12-18). PSX nears 172,000 points milestone. tribune.com.pk 
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its record-breaking rally on Thursday, nearing the 172,000 points mark. | PSX posted a strong bullish session as the KSE-100 Index closed at a fresh all-time high of 171,961 points, gaining 1,646 points (+0.97%). | "Buying momentum remained firm throughout the day, driven by better-than-expected current account figures for November, which improved investor confidence and encouraged fresh positioning across key sectors," said Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd. | On the corporate side, MLCF announced a public offer to acquire 11.72% of Pioneer Cement a…
(2025-12-18). Saudi Arabia, other GCC countries ban Dhurandhar. ummid.com Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries have banned the star studded Bollywood film, Dhurandhar, for its anti-Pakistan narrative.
(2025-12-18). China's green investment in Pakistan: Solar dreams, debt shadows, and the politics of a rapid transition. globalvoices.org 
Can China choose a different path than the West? Global VoicesA solar park in Karachi, Pakistan. Image from This article was submitted as part of the Global Voices Climate Justice fellowship, which pairs journalists from Sinophone and Global Majority countries to investigate the effects of Chinese development projects abroad.
(2025-12-18). UEFA sanctions Maccabi Tel Aviv over racist, anti-Arab chants. newarab.com 
Israeli football club UEFA's control, ethics, and disciplinary body (CEDB) also fined the club ‚Ǩ20,000 ($23,456) over the fans' behaviour. | The one-game ban on the club selling away tickets for their next UEFA competition is suspended for a probationary period of two years. | Video posted to…
(2025-12-18). Israel launches series of strikes on Lebanon. newarab.com 
(2025-12-18). How media misrepresent politicians: Lukashenko explains with example of Kim Jong Un. eng.belta.by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko shared his impressions of President of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea Kim Jong Un in an interview with the U.S. media company Newsmax.
(2025-12-18). Lukashenko presents Coale with 'pragmatic proposals' relevant to U.S. interests. eng.belta.by The United States should engage in a dialogue based on pragmatism, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said an interview with the U.S. media company Newsmax.
(2025-12-18). South Africa's economy is turning the corner. sanews.gov.za South Africa's economy is turning the corner | By Nomonde Mnukwa ⚪ As the year draws to a close and we stand on the threshold of a new year in 2026, the prevailing sentiment regarding our economy is one of confident optimism. Despite the formidable challenges our economy has navigated, we are now definitively turning the corner, accelerating towards a more stable and prosperous economic future. ⚪ It's our spirit of never giving up and ingenuity that has made it possible for us to rise above recent hard times. Our ability to 'make a plan,' swiftly adapt to shifting circumstances, and pull together despite our d…
(2025-12-18). Massive undersea gold deposit discovered in East China. ecns.cn A huge undersea gold deposit, the largest in Asia, has been discovered in Yantai, East China's Shandong Province, recently, according to the local municipality.
(2025-12-18). Hainan starts special customs operations across entire island. ecns.cn China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) launched island-wide special customs operations Thursday.
(2025-12-18). Hosts Morocco face heavy burden of expectation at AFCON. newarab.com 
Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco are putting up their best foot forward with sparkling stadiums and much-improved facilities for the 24 competing teams but the pressure on Africa's top-ranked team were semi-finalists at the last World Cup, have won a record 18 games in a row and boast a star-studded squad of players based at leading European clubs, making them hot favourites for the title. | But despite their prominent position in the African game M…
(2025-12-18). Hong Kong cancels 2026 New Year's Eve Fireworks. ecns.cn The 2026 Hong Kong New Year's Eve Fireworks will be replaced with a countdown event in Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Tourism Board announced Wednesday.
(2025-12-18). Martín Mosquera: The Meaning of Milei. newleftreview.org With Latin America in Trump's cross-hairs, a report from Buenos Aires on the social stalemate that allowed far-right firebrand Javier Milei to impose the harshest shock therapy in Argentina's history. Mosquera mobilizes the conceptual legacies of Gramsci, Trotsky, Otto Bauer and Angelo Tasca to identify the function of the region's highly successful new rights.
(2025-12-18). Immigrants Are Skipping Vital Health Care Appointments Amid Federal Raids. truthout.org As immigrants in southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi braced for this month's U.S. Homeland Security operation, Cristiane Rosales-Fajardo received a panicked phone call from a friend. The friend's Guatemalan tenant, who didn't know she was pregnant, had just delivered a premature baby in the New Orleans house. The parents lacked legal residency, and the mother refused to go to a hospital… |
(2025-12-18). Trump rewrites White House history with plaques mocking predecessors. scmp.com The White House has installed new plaques beneath photos of former leaders on US President Donald Trump's "Presidential Walk of Fame" at the White House that sharply criticise his Democratic predecessors. | The plaques were a striking addition because both Republicans and Democrats have traditionally viewed the historic building as a symbol of national unity. Trump, however, has not shied from using the White House as a stage for his more combative style of politics and for rewriting history.
(2025-12-18). European powers set course for escalation of war in Ukraine against Russia. wsws.org The talks on a supposed "peace plan" for Ukraine, which took place in Berlin over the past few days, have made one thing clear above all else: the leading European powers—above all Germany—are doing everything they can to prolong NATO's war against Russia.
(2025-12-18). Martín Mosquera: The Meaning of Milei. newleftreview.org With Latin America in Trump's cross-hairs, a report from Buenos Aires on the social stalemate that allowed far-right firebrand Javier Milei to impose the harshest shock therapy in Argentina's history. Mosquera mobilizes the conceptual legacies of Gramsci, Trotsky, Otto Bauer and Angelo Tasca to identify the function of the region's highly successful new rights.
(2025-12-18). Pakistan arrests IS-K spokesperson, UN hails move as major setback to group. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan's intelligence agencies have arrested Khariji Sultan Aziz Azam, spokesperson for the Islamic State Khorasan and founder of the group's official media wing, the Al-Azaim Foundation, according to a United Nations report submitted to the Security Council. | The findings were detailed in the sixteenth report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. The document states that Azaim served as Islamic State Khorasan's (IS-K) central platform for propaganda and recruitment, and that the group's media operations have been suspended following Azam's arrest. | Pakistani authorities have carried…
(2025-12-18). A Petty, Vicious Wall Of Shame. commondreams.org 
(2025-12-18). Foreign nationals busted running Ponzi scheme in DHA Karachi. tribune.com.pk 
Foreign nationals running an extensive Ponzi scheme were apprehended in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority on Thursday in a coordinated operation. The National Counter-Cyber and Intelligence Agency (NCCIA) and Ehsaas institutions raided outlets in DHA Phase 6 Khayaban-e-Ittehad and Phase 1. | Officials said significant sensitive data was recovered from the suspects during the operation. This information will form the basis for further legal action against the network. | Preliminary investigations indicate the detained individuals were operating an extensive, organized Ponzi scheme that affected thousands of p…
(2025-12-18). DWYPD warns of increased financial abuse during festive season. sanews.gov.za DWYPD warns of increased financial abuse during festive season | The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has urged women and people with disabilities to remain vigilant against financial abuse during the festive season. | The department raised concern over the increased risk of financial exploitation targeting women and persons with disabilities during this period. | The department explained that financial abuse can take various forms, including controlling access to money, misusing income or social grants, forcing individuals into debt under their names, and exploiting economic depen…
(2025-12-18). Families of Palestine Hunger Strikers Beg for Meeting With David Lammy as Their Conditions Deteriorate. bylinetimes.com Family members of the Palestine Action-affiliated hunger strikers have called on Justice Secretary David Lammy to meet with the strikers before any of them die. | Speaking at a press conference in Vauxhall on Thursday, the sisters of hunger strikers Kamran Ahmed and Teuta Hoxha and the next of kin of Qesser Zuhrah alleged ill treatment of their relatives by prison staff, and pleaded with the Government to agree to a meeting to negotiate over the hunger strikers' terms so that they can put an end to the strike. | 29 Palestine Action-affiliated individuals are currently being held on remand for their alleged inv…
(2025-12-18). PSG beat Flamengo in Intercontinental Cup. tribune.com.pk 
Back-up goalkeeper Matvei Safonov saved four penalties as Paris Saint-Germain edged out Brazilians Flamengo 2-1 in a shoot-out to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar on Wednesday. | PSG led through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Jorginho's spot-kick levelled for Flamengo as the game finished 1-1 after extra time. | Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo defeated Mexicans Cruz Azul and African champions Pyramids last week to earn the right to face PSG and pushed the European champions all the way with a dogged display. | But Luis Enrique's men, who received a bye to the final, were indebted to Safonov an…
(2025-12-18). LHC declares passengers offloading without written reason illegal. tribune.com.pk 
Immigration officials can no longer restrain passengers on verbal orders alone, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled, striking down the practice as a violation of fundamental rights. | The verdict delivers a sharp legal check to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) just days after it revealed the scale of its current dragnet: 66,154 travellers offloaded in 2025. | Presiding over the Multan Bench, Justice Ali Zia Bajwa issued a two-page interim order declaring that providing written reasons for a travel ban is not a mere formality but a "substantive legal safeguard". | During the hearing of a petition challe…
(2025-12-18). China—Pakistan Warrior 9 Inside the Joint Counterterrorism Military Exercise. thinktank.pk China and Pakistan have concluded the "Warrior-9" joint counterterrorism exercise at Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi. Spanning over 10 days, the drill brought together troops from the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Pakistan Army in high-intensity, mixed-unit operations. The exercise featured mountain clearing, hostage rescue, joint fire strikes, and a large-scale live-fire …
(2025-12-18). The Ummah's Alarming Retreat Away from Political Islam and into Nationalism. muslimskeptic.com During the past two decades of the War on Terror, the US and Israel have targeted Islamic social and political institutions throughout the Middle East with destabilization and repression, treating them not merely as security challenges but as civilizational threats. In the past twenty years, we have seen religious institutions, mosques, educational networks, and Islamist …
(2025-12-18). Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan and Others Remember Rob Reiner as a 'Master Story Teller'. portside.org Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan and Others Remember Rob Reiner as a 'Master Story Teller' |
(2025-12-18). PM Modi's Foreign Visits: The Deeper Story. ummid.com PM Modi's travels have become a permanent feature of India's political theatre. Yet, to dismiss them as spectacle alone would be to miss the deeper story unfolding beneath the surface.
(2025-12-18). Angry farmers block Brussels roads with tractors over Mercosur trade deal. aljazeera.com Thousands protest as EU leaders clash over pact farmers fear will flood Europe with cheaper South American goods.
(2025-12-18). WHYY Newscast for Thursday 11:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…
(2025-12-18). Nothing Raises USD 8 Million in Successful Community Investment Round. devdiscourse.com London-based tech brand Nothing has successfully raised over USD 8 million in its third community investment round, the company announced on Thursday. The round attracted over 5,000 new investors, valuing the company at USD 1.3 billion.
(2025-12-18). ECC approves Rs200b power subsidy to keep circular debt within IMF-agreed limits. tribune.com.pk 
As the government projects an alarming increase of Rs491 billion in circular debt within six months, a cabinet body on Thursday approved Rs200 billion power subsidies to keep the flow of the debt within limits agreed with the International Monetary Fund. | The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet that took the decision also approved Rs11.5 billion for discretionary spending on the parliamentarians' schemes in total disregard to the nation's fiscal health. | The ECC approved a "supplementary grant amounting to Rs200 billion under the head of government of Pakistan investment in DISCOs' equity to addre…
(2025-12-18). White House says Kennedy Center board has voted to rename after Trump. aljazeera.com Relatives of the late President John F Kennedy have expressed outrage at the proposal to rename the arts centre.
(2025-12-18). Tunisians revive protests over state chemical plant pollution. newarab.com 
(2025-12-18). Number of Indian-Americans in Zohran Mamdani's Transition Team. ummid.com New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has included a number of Indian Americans in his transition team.
(2025-12-18). Mainland spokesperson rebukes Japanese PM's erroneous claim. ecns.cn A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday reiterated that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, and resolving it is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, brooking no external interference.
(2025-12-18). NTCSA provides update on Mozal electricity supply agreement negotiations. sanews.gov.za NTCSA provides update on Mozal electricity supply agreement negotiations | The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has confirmed that it is committed to concluding a new electricity supply agreement with the Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique. | In an update on the Mozal smelter, the NTCSA said it is committed to a new agreement as well as to protect South African electricity consumers from unintended cost impacts. | "The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), a subsidiary of Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, confirms that it remains committed to concluding a new electricity supply agreemen…
(2025-12-18). EU Split Over Ukraine Funding as Belgium Holds Key to 2026—27 Plan. moderndiplomacy.eu European Union leaders are set to decide on Thursday how to finance Ukraine's war effort in 2026 and 2027, with the use of frozen Russian central bank assets emerging as the preferred option. About 210 billion euros of Russian assets are immobilised in the EU, most of them held in Belgium through the clearing house …
(2025-12-18). ACLU Will Challenge Trump Administration's Unconstitutional Effort to Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth. commondreams.org Today, the American Civil Liberties Union condemned the Trump administration's
(2025-12-18). With Caesar Sanctions Off, Now Syria Can Rebuild. globalresearch.ca On December 10, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a massive defense bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing a record $901 billion in annual military spending. The bill also includes the repeal of the Caesar Syria …
(2025-12-18). Nissan Accelerates Expansion in India with New Models. devdiscourse.com Nissan, the Japanese automotive giant, has announced a strategic expansion in the Indian market with plans to launch three new models within the next 14-16 months. The new lineup features the seven-seater Gravite, set to debut in early 2026. The company's strategy aims to bolster its market presence.
(2025-12-18). Madison Teachers Union Trivia Night Fundraiser March 14, 2025. wibailoutpeople.org 
(2025-12-18). Environmental Groups Urge Congress to Ban Data Centers. wattsupwiththat.com Environmental and democrat groups are lining up to oppose the artificial intelligence revolution, a technological advancement on the scale of the internet. The end result will be a victory for AI and common sense, and the failure of renewable energy and the ideology of Climatism, the fear of human-caused global warming.
(2025-12-18). US imposes sanctions on 29 tankers carrying Iranian oil. newarab.com 
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(2025-12-18). U.S. Inflation Likely Hit 18-Month High in November as Tariffs Bite. moderndiplomacy.eu U.S. consumer prices likely rose at their fastest annual pace in about a year and a half in November, underscoring mounting affordability pressures for American households that economists partly attribute to higher import tariffs. A Reuters survey of economists predicts the Consumer Price Index increased 3.1% year-on-year in November, which would mark the largest rise …
(2025-12-18). Tomgram: Robert Lipsyte, Has Sports Been Trumped? warisacrime.org This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Once upon a time, the first thing I would have done on picking up the New York Times in the morning was turn to the sports page. And the last thing I would have done at night was …
(2025-12-18). England Ashes dreams on life-support. tribune.com.pk 
(2025-12-18). SPL 2025/26: Al Nassr Top Goal Scorer So Far – Courtesy Felix, Ronaldo. ummid.com Saudi FC Al Nassr is the top goal scorer in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League (SPL) season so far, courtesy its Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo and attacking Midfielder/Forward Joao Felix.
(2025-12-18). Extending the Table Recipe: Spiced Lentil Soup. anabaptistworld.org "Do you think Jesus ate this soup?" This thoughtful question was asked by a Sunday school kid as our one-room schoolhouse- style class reviewed an Egyptian Spicy Lentil Pot recipe from Extending the Table. After a contemplative pause, I responded, "Yes. I think it is most possible and even probable as lentils were an affordable …
(2025-12-18). 18,000 Delawareans getting early holiday gift — $18.8 million in medical debt relief. whyy.org 
(2025-12-18). WHYY Newscast for Thursday 2:00 p.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…
(2025-12-18). NEPRA introduces new regulations for net metering users. tribune.com.pk 
National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has unveiled a new set of rules and regulations aimed at managing the electricity purchase and supply process for net metering users. | The regulations bring significant changes that will affect both new and existing users of distributed generation facilities, such as solar, wind, and biogas power systems. | Under the new rules, net metering users—referred to as "prosumers"—will face separate tariffs for electricity purchase from the grid and supply to the grid. The electricity company will buy electricity from the prosumers at the National Average Energ…
(2025-12-18). PM Shehbaz approves halal meat export policy. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday approved a policy to boost Pakistan's Halal meat exports and directed the formulation of a comprehensive three-year strategy to increase the country's share in global Halal meat markets. | Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said the strategy should include "practical measures to increase Halal meat exports" and be presented within the next two weeks. | During the meeting, officials informed the Prime Minister that Pakistan's total Halal meat production currently stands at 6 million metric tons, with sufficient quantity available for export afte…
(2025-12-18). Hainan evolves as gateway to global markets. ecns.cn An e-commerce host guides customers through off-island duty-free online shopping in Haikou, Hainan province, on Wednesday. The Hainan Free Trade Port starts island-wide special customs operations on Thursday.
(2025-12-18). Gabriele Pedullà : Timpanaro's Materials. newleftreview.org Gabriele Pedullà on Tom Geue, Major Corrections. Intellectual biography of Sebastiano Timpanaro, who brought the tools of philology to bear in a keen-sighted historical materialism.
(2025-12-18). SADC Extraordinary Summit considers Madagascar report. sanews.gov.za SADC Extraordinary Summit considers Madagascar report | President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will consider a report on the political and security situation in Madagascar. ⚪ Speaking at a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government convened on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa thanked regional leaders for responding to his invitation, saying the meeting was convened to consider a report from the Chairperson of the Organ on the political and security situation in the island nation of Madagascar. ⚪ He recalled that the region had met recently to address ur…
(2025-12-18). US sanctions 29 ships over Iranian oil shipments. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — The U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting 29 vessels and their management companies, accused of transporting hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil products.
(2025-12-18). Australian government pledges to keep slashing spending. wsws.org Treasurer Jim Chalmers outlined billions of dollars in cuts to government programs and declared that there would be more "difficult" decisions to come.
(2025-12-18). Exploring Hainan Free Trade Port before island-wide special customs operations. ecns.cn China's Hainan Free Trade Port will officially launch an island-wide independent customs operation Thursday.
(2025-12-18). Tour gives China-Arab strategic trust a boost. ecns.cn Foreign Minister Wang Yi's five-day tour of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan has reinforced strategic trust between China and Arab countries and advanced cooperation across multiple fields, as China steps up preparations for hosting the second China-Arab States Summit next year.
(2025-12-18). Honduras On The Edge: Xiomara Castro Calls For Popular Mobilization. popularresistance.org After a five-day hiatus and more than two weeks since the elections, the Honduran National Electoral Council (CNE) has resumed counting votes in an electoral process that has been widely questioned by various political forces on the left and right in Honduras. According to the CNE, several technical problems are hindering the count. | According to official data, the candidate of the National Party of Honduras (PNH), right-wing Nasry Asfura (backed, among others, by US President Donald Trump) maintains a slight but sustained lead (40.53%) over television presenter Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party of Honduras…
(2025-12-18). Trump signs order to reclassify marijuana, ease research restrictions. aljazeera.com The order calls on the US attorney general to expedite federal reclassification, creating fewer barriers for studies.
(2025-12-18). Palestine Action hunger strikers are 'dying' in prison, UK doctor warns. aljazeera.com Hundreds of doctors, dozens of MPs and thousands of everyday Britons call on the justice secretary to intervene.
(2025-12-18). The Master of the World: America's National Security Strategy/ By Manlio Dinucci. voicesfromsyria.com 
Original Link Here: The Master of the World: America's National Security Strategy — Global ResearchGlobal Research — Centre for Research on Globalization By Manlio Dinucci Global Research, December 18, 2025 The White House has published the 'National Security Strategy of the United States of America', an annual document signed by President Trump that outlines the fundamental …
(2025-12-18). Dr Ambedkar's Critique of Islam and Muslims: A Scholarly Analysis. ummid.com This paper undertakes a critical re-evaluation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's seminal critique of Indian Muslims as articulated in his 1940 treatise, Pakistan or the Partition of India.
(2025-12-18). Mega Deals Drive Near Record Year as Companies Chase Scale. moderndiplomacy.eu Dealmakers in 2025 enjoyed a near-record year for mergers and acquisitions, despite a turbulent spring that threatened hopes of a broader revival. So far this year, there were 70 global deals valued at more than $10 billion each, 22 of them in the fourth quarter, according to Dealogic. Total deal value has surpassed $4.8 trillion, …
(2025-12-18). Maharashtra: Vacancies in Colleges, Universities to be filled soon. ummid.com The Maharashtra government said the vacant posts, including that of Lecturers and Assistant Professors, will be filled soon.
(2025-12-18). What India Pays for Empty Parliament and Vanity Nationalism? ummid.com India pours public funds into Parliament and state assemblies as if they are engines of accountability, but what we receive in return is political theatre, ritual nationalism, walkouts, orchestrated chaos, and a government that uses the legislature as a rubber stamp.
(2025-12-18). Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS comes nearest to Earth ahead of Christmas. ummid.com Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is coming nearest to Earth on December 19, and astronomers are eager to welcome it as a Christmas 2025 gift.
(2025-12-18). Nicholas Mulder: Interludes of Abundance. newleftreview.org Nicholas Mulder on Arnaud Orain, Le monde confisqué. Reading of the current neo-mercantilist lurch as a return to the norm of long-run capitalist history.
(2025-12-18). Letter Carriers Union in Madison January 17, 2026: Shut Down Hunger Fundraiser. wibailoutpeople.org 
(2025-12-18). Leader of 2024 Bangladesh student protests dies in a Singapore hospital. aljazeera.com Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was a leading figure during the uprising toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
(2025-12-18). Trump denounces actor-director Rob Reiner as "very bad for the country" following tragic killings. wsws.org Reiner has been a household name in the US since his days on the immensely popular situation comedy "All in the Family" in the 1970s.
(2025-12-18). Messi's Kolkata visit ends in chaos; organiser arrested, fans demand refunds. ummid.com Football legend and Argentina National Football Team Captain Lionel Messi's Kolkata visit Saturday ended in chaos forcing the Police to arrest the organiser while disappointed fans are demanding refunds.
(2025-12-18). India signs trade pact with Oman as it expands Middle East ties. newarab.com 
India signed an economic partnership agreement with Oman has offered zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines, covering nearly all Indian exports, including gems and jewellery, textiles, pharmaceuticals and automobiles, the Indian trade ministry said in a statement. | India, in turn, will cut tariffs on about 78% of its tariff lines, covering nearly 95% of imports f…
(2025-12-18). Russia preparing for new 'year of war'. tribune.com.pk 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday Russia was preparing to wage a new "year of war" on his country in 2026, after his counterpart Vladimir Putin said Moscow would "certainly" achieve its objectives. | "Today, we heard yet another signal from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war," Zelensky said in his regular evening address. | The statement was a reaction to Putin, who earlier said Russia would achieve its goals in its Ukraine offensive, including seizing Ukrainian territories it claims as its own, amid a flurry of international diplomacy to end the war. | "The goal…
(2025-12-18). Operation Condor: Transnational Murder Syndicate. scheerpost.com By Kit Klarenberg for his Substack On November 25th 1975, the 60th birthday of Chile's CIA-installed dictator General Augusto Pinochet, high-ranking representatives of the repressive secret police forces of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay gathered in Santiago for a covert three-day summit. There, the quintet of US-sponsored Latin American fascist juntas forged an incendiary agreement. Dubbed 'Operation Condor' after …
(2025-12-18). Dubai warns residents to stay indoors because of rain. newarab.com 
The warning came hours after rainfall in the "For your safety, please remain cautious as unstable…
(2025-12-18). Dubai RTA's groundbreaking drone initiative transforms traffic signal maintenance. geo.tv 
Drones clean traffic signals during a pilot operation launched by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority as part of efforts to ensure the effective use of drone technology in maintenance work. —X/rta_dubaiThe Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has rolled out a pilot…
(2025-12-18). Shenzhen court sentences 27 for smuggling antimony ingots. ecns.cn Twenty-seven individuals were sentenced in Shenzhen for their involvement in six antimony ingot smuggling cases on Tuesday, according to the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court in South China's Guangdong province.
(2025-12-18). 1st Edition of Imam Khomeini World Award in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — The closing ceremony of the First Edition of Imam Khomeini World Award was held at International Conferences Center on Wednesday night in the presence of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
(2025-12-18). Delhi Fog: 13 dead as 7 buses, 3 cars collide on Yamuna Expressway. ummid.com In a tragic incident Tuesday Dec 16, as many as 13 people have been killed in multiple collisions – involving 7 buses and 3 cars, on Yamuna Expressway (Delhi-Agra Highway).
(2025-12-18). Explore: Importance of Hira and other Makkah mountains. ummid.com Makkah is home to a group of mountains of deep religious and symbolic significance, most notably Mount Hira, which houses the Cave of Hira (Ghar e Hira), where revelation first descended.
(2025-12-18). 'Karachi World Book Fair' opens at Expo Centre. tribune.com.pk 
Hundreds of students, readers and book gathered at the Expo Centre on Thursday as the Karachi World Book Fair began, signalling renewed interest in reading and literary culture in the city. The five-day fair will continue until December 22. | The opening ceremony was attended by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah as chief guest, while President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Muhammad Ahmed Shah was the guest of honour. Other prominent attendees included Chairman of the Publishers and Booksellers Association Kamran Noorani, Director National Book Foundation Kamran Jahangir, and Convener of the Karac…
(2025-12-18). CDF Asim Munir meets Libyan military leaders to boost defence ties. tribune.com.pk 
Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited Libya on an official trip and met Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief. | A contingent of the Libyan Armed Forces presented a guard of honour to the Field Marshal Munir upon his arrival. | During the meeting with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security, and ways to enhance bilateral defence and military cooperation. They emphasised the importance of collaboration in trainin…
(2025-12-18). Tannane goal from own half sets Morocco on way to FIFA Arab Cup 2025 title. aljazeera.com Morocco beat Jordan 3-2 as a strike from inside his own half by Oussama Tannane set the tone for a spectacular final.
(2025-12-18). "It is common for awards to be bought," says Zhalay Sarhadi. tribune.com.pk 
Amid the glitter of Pakistan's award season, actor Zhalay Sarhadi has sparked fresh debate with her candid remarks about the credibility of awards shows in the country. | Appearing on the popular talk show Gup Shap with Vasay Chaudhary, Zhalay — known for her roles in Uraan, Digest Writer, and the more recently Shirin Farhad — voiced her skepticism about how awards are won and distributed in the industry. | "I've learned one thing: if you want something — praise, recognition, awards — you have to ask for it," she said. "People even beg for awards, and some actors pay for them. I don't h…
(2025-12-18). How Globalized Fraud Made Its Way into Silicon Valley. moderndiplomacy.eu The Scene Everyone Pretends Not to See Somewhere in Shenzhen, China, a small advertising firm spins up a Facebook account using a fake name, a borrowed birthday, and a crypto-funded wallet. Within hours, an ad promising miracle supplements or guaranteed investment returns is running in English, aimed at retirees in Ohio or small business owners …
(2025-12-18). Breakthrough in BMI tech aids patients. ecns.cn Two Chinese patients with high-level paralysis have successfully used brain-machine interface technology to perform tasks using only their thoughts, including controlling a power wheelchair, directing a robotic dog to retrieve deliveries, and operating a robotic arm to grasp a cup and drink water.
(2025-12-18). US Senate confirms private astronaut, Musk ally Jared Isaacman as NASA chief. tribune.com.pk 
The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman to become President Donald Trump's NASA administrator, making an advocate of Mars missions and a former associate of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk the space agency's 15th leader. | The vote on Isaacman, who Trump removed and then renominated as NASA administrator nominee this year, passed 67—30, two weeks after he told senators in his second confirmation hearing that NASA must pick up the pace to beat China back to the moon this decade. | Isaacman will lead an agency of about 14,000 employees as it invests billions of dollars into it…
(2025-12-18). Govt withdraws restrictions on pension, salary for post-retirement employees. tribune.com.pk 
The federal government has withdrawn both notifications that imposed restrictions on receiving pension and salary for individuals who take up government employment after retirement. According to a new office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance, the withdrawal of these notifications will take effect immediately. | The Ministry of Finance has withdrawn the notification issued on April 22, 2025, which had required retired individuals returning to government service to choose between receiving either a pension or a salary. | Under that notification, federal pensioners who resumed employment after the age…
(2025-12-18). Lebanese judge to question Beirut port blast suspect in Bulgaria. newarab.com 
The head of Lebanon's probe into the 2020 Beirut port blast is set to question on Thursday the owner of the ship that carried the ammonium nitrate that ignited the explosion, a Lebanese judicial official has told AFP. | Judge Tarek Bitar is due to arrive in Bulgaria to do this, after the eastern European country denied Beirut's latest request for the extradition of G…
(2025-12-18). Democracy Now! 2025-12-18 Thursday. democracynow.org Headlines for December 18, 2025; "Divorced from Reality": Economist Dean Baker Fact-Checks Trump's Primetime Speech; Meet Tania Nemer, Fired Immigration Judge Suing Trump Admin Amid Purge of Immigration Court System; "No Military Solution": Is Peace Possible in Sudan as "Proxy War" Expands? | Headlines for December 18, 2025; "Divorced from Reality": Economist Dean Baker Fact-Checks Trump's Primetime Speech; Meet Tania Nemer, Fired Immigration Judge Suing Trump Admin Amid Purge of Immigration Court System; "No Military Solution": Is Peace Possib…
(2025-12-18). Russia to Deepen Cooperation with Nigeria in Key Economic Sectors. infobrics.org Amb. Andrey Podelyshev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, has reaffirmed the country's commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria in key sectors of the economy…
(2025-12-18). US: Masked Federal Agents Undermine Rule of Law. commondreams.org United States federal immigration enforcement agents now commonly operate masked and without visible identification, compounding the abusive and unaccountable nature of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, Human Rights Watch said today. The indefinite and widespread nature of these practices is fundamentally inconsistent with the United States' obligations to ensure that law enforcement abuses are investigated and met with accountability."Law enforcement officers must be identifiable to be accountable," said
(2025-12-18). WHYY Newscast for Thursday 6:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…
(2025-12-18). Uproar in India over Bihar chief minister pulling down Muslim woman's hijab. aljazeera.com Nitish Kumar, a BJP ally, removes the veil of a female doctor during a government event, triggering widespread outrage.
(2025-12-18). Seeds of security take root in the south. ecns.cn Even in mid-December, farmlands at the Nanfan Scientific and Research Breeding Base in the southern Hainan city of Sanya remain a lush green. Rice, cotton, soybeans and a wide range of grain, fruit and vegetable crops thrive here. Lin Dezheng, a 35-year-old farmer, moves between the fields, carefully recording key growth data for the crops.
(2025-12-18). Trump's Response to Reiner's Death Shows the Cruelty at the Core of His Politics. truthout.org There are moments when death demands humility, compassion, and moral restraint. Donald Trump, more often than not, answers such moments with cruelty. His reaction to the deaths of actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, is not merely a morally repugnant expression of indecency; it is emblematic of an age in which ruthless brutality has become a political style and… |
(2025-12-18). Social networks fuel youth mobilization on Argentina's streets. globalvoices.org 
(2025-12-18). New Somalia e-visa security flaw puts personal data of thousands at risk. aljazeera.com Al Jazeera finds Somalia's electronic visa website lacks proper security, allowing anyone to download sensitive data.
(2025-12-18). Pentagon deprioritizes Europe and Middle East, focuses on Western Hemisphere. infobrics.org It seems that the NATO-orchestrated Ukrainian conflict demonstrated to the US that it's foolish and pointless to fight Russia directly. Namely, Washington DC is obsessed with "containing" China, but its plan to push India against it failed, so it will have to handle that on its own.
(2025-12-18). Morocco players and fans celebrate winning Arab Cup. aljazeera.com Morocco fans and players celebrated the team's victory in the Arab Cup final, beating Jordan 3-2 in a thrilling final.
(2025-12-18). US announces $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, largest ever. tribune.com.pk 
The Trump administration announced on Wednesday $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest-ever US weapons package for the island, which is under increasing military pressure from China. | The announcement marks the second Taiwan arms sale under US President Donald Trump's current administration and comes as Beijing ramps up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, whose government rejects China's sovereignty claims. | The proposed sales cover eight items, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones and spare parts for other equipment, Tai…
(2025-12-18). Abuse and exploitation endemic in Australia's Pacific "guest worker" scheme. wsws.org Despite ongoing complaints, exposures and official inquiries into the exploitative Pacific labour schemes over many years, little has changed.
(2025-12-18). Big Pharma Is Making Mexico Sick. Medicine and Supply Shortages Are Rampant. truthout.org The U.S. has the highest medical and health care costs in the world — a reality that is driving 1.2 million medical tourists from there to Mexico each year, where up-front costs are lower. Yet for Mexicans whose wages or incomes are many times lower, living in the country with the most expensive medicine in Latin America presents an obstacle to treatment. Mexico faces serious… |
(2025-12-18). Saudi Arabia proposes to host WTO meeting in 2028. newarab.com 
The request was on the agenda of a WTO meeting being held in Banglades…
(2025-12-18). China test network transmits 699 days of data in just 1.6 hours. tribune.com.pk 
Data that would take 699 days to transmit over the traditional Internet was transferred in just 1.6 hours on a testbed for China's future networks. | China's first national science and technology infrastructure in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector ⚪ China Environment for Network Innovation (CENI) ⚪ recently passed national acceptance in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, and has been officially commissioned. | CENI is an open, user-friendly, and sustainable large-scale universal test infrastructure that provides a simple, efficient, and low-cost test and verification environment…
(2025-12-18). Tragedy Strikes: Deadly Pile-Up on Yamuna Expressway Claims 19 Lives. devdiscourse.com Nineteen people have tragically lost their lives following a catastrophic multi-vehicle accident on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, officials confirmed on Thursday.
(2025-12-18). US Prison Horror Show Plays On. popularresistance.org Hopes for a major restructuring of the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) a year into President Donald Trump's second term in office have come to naught. | Trump in June named former federal prisoner Josh Smith as the BOP's deputy director. It was a bold and, in my view, progressive move. While greeted with hostility from the union representing federal corrections officers, it inspired hope among the tens of thousands of prisoners in federal custody. | Many of us thought that the next step would be something equally bold — perhaps to turn away from private prisons, which have cost the government millions of do…
(2025-12-18). First batch of zero-tariff petrochemical materials clears customs as Hainan launches island-wide operations. ecns.cn As China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) launched island-wide special customs operations Thursday, the first batch of petrochemical raw and auxiliary materials imported under the zero-tariff policy arrived at Yangpu Economic Development Zone.
(2025-12-18). Managers' responsibilities in the thoughts of Imam Ali (AS). en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — The crisis of public trust in management and governance institutions has become one of the main challenges of the contemporary world.
(2025-12-18). Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small acquitted of all child abuse charges. whyy.org From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? A jury has acquitted Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. of all charges in his child abuse trial after more than two days of deliberations. | "There's not one day that I turned around and there wasn't a lot of people here supporting us," the mayor said. "Today, I thank God — who's first in my life [mdash…
(2025-12-18). When Scripture Enters the Courtroom: Manusmriti, Criminal Justice and India's Constitutional Crisis. ummid.com India's constitutional framework rests on a foundational premise: Criminal Justice must be governed by enacted law and constitutional values, not by religious scripture or moral theology.
(2025-12-18). Why Ukraine's Economy Hinges on the EU's Frozen Russian Assets Loan. moderndiplomacy.eu European Union leaders are weighing proposals to use proceeds from immobilised Russian sovereign assets, most of which are held in Belgium, to support Ukraine's financial needs in the coming years through what has become known as the "reparations loan". The plan has run into resistance from Belgium, which wants other EU member states to share …
(2025-12-18). Amid downward trend, Black and Hispanic children account for majority of population in New Jersey's foster care system. whyy.org From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? The majority of children in New Jersey's foster care system are Black and Hispanic, according to a WHYY News analysis. Camden and Essex counties have the highest number of placements in the state; Black children are the dominant group in those counties. Latino children represent the largest number of placements in Middlesex, Hudson and Passaic counties. | Regions that are mostly rural or along the shore see the largest proportion of white children in fos…
(2025-12-18). 'They've Ruined Christmas': Nigerian Student Blocked By Home Office From Visiting UK Family for Holidays. bylinetimes.com 
A British academic and his Nigerian wife say the Home Office has "ruined Christmas" after refusing a visa for their cousin, a student of prosthetics and orthotics at a top-ranking university. | Dr James Pickering and his wife Chioma had booked a return flight for their eighteen-year-old cousin and had stated that they could financially sponsor her visit. | However, the Home Office denied the visa, saying that their cousin Chizaram had not provided evidence of an "ongoing and genuine relationship" with Pickering and his wife, which "damages the credibility of [your] application". | They added: "I am not satisfi…
(2025-12-18). Warm-to-cool conditions for Christmas, New Year period. sanews.gov.za Warm-to-cool conditions for Christmas, New Year period | The South African Weather Service (SAWS) expects partly cloudy and warm-to-cool conditions across much of the country during the Christmas and the New Year period. | Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are anticipated mainly over the central and eastern parts of South Africa. | "Thunderstorm activity is expected to occur primarily in the afternoons, although periods of increased moisture may result in morning showers in some areas. | "Much of the rainfall during this period will be associated with afternoon and evening thundershowers, which ma…
(2025-12-18). Flare and fighting in Albanian parliament dispute. aljazeera.com There were chaotic scenes in Albania's parliament during a vote for the country's next human rights ombudsman.
(2025-12-18). Beautiful sceneries of late autumn in Alandareh Forest Park. en.mehrnews.com GORGAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Alangdare Forest Park is one of the most beautiful forests in northern Iran, located in Golestan Province, 5 km southwest of Gorgan city. The autumn in the Forest Park appeared later than normal this year.
(2025-12-18). Iran condemns US pressures on its UN mission in New York. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — The Iranian foreign ministry has issued a statement condemning the US Department of State for the illegal actions in exercising pressures on Iran's representatives in New York.
(2025-12-18). This Is The Garbage Economy. levernews.com 
(2025-12-18). China accelerates push for autonomous driving. ecns.cn China's autonomous driving industry has entered a new phase of accelerated development, as the country approved two cars with level-3 autonomous driving capabilities, marking the first time that such vehicles have been cleared by the national regulator as authorized products nearly ready for mass adoption.
(2025-12-18). As Zohran Mamdani prepares to enter City Hall he faces pressure from an unlikely source — Palestine activists. scheerpost.com By Michael Arria for Mondoweiss Last month, activists gathered outside New York City's Park East Synagogue to protest an event hosted by Nefesh B'Nefesh, an organization that assists Jewish individuals in relocating to Israel. The protest, which was organized by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation (PAL Awda), was condemned as antisemitic by pro-Israel groups and leaders over chants of …
(2025-12-18). West Virginia Judge Says Charter Schools Violate State Constitution. dissidentvoice.org In December 2025, Judge Jennifer Bailey of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in West Virginia ruled that the creation of the state's charter schools are unconstitutional because they were authorized by the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board (PCSB) instead of being authorized by "the constitutionally mandated consent of a majority of affected county voters." …
(2025-12-18). Tractor beat Persepolis in 2025/26 Hazfi Cup Round of 32. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Tractor football team defeated Persepolis 8-7 on penalty shootouts in 2025/26 Iran's Hazfi Cup Round of 32 on Thursday.
(2025-12-18). BRICS 'Stuck Rupees' Solved with Russia—India National Currency Pivot. infobrics.org BRICS stuck rupees are no longer creating problems, and Russia India payments now flow smoothly through national currency transactions. The banking transformation has been led by Sberbank India, which resolved rupee conversion challenges that actually dominated headlines back in 2022-2023 through automated processing systems and AI technology…
(2025-12-18). Protests in Bangladesh as India cites security concerns. tribune.com.pk 
Bangladesh police on Thursday stopped protesters from marching towards an Indian diplomatic mission, a day after India's foreign ministry conveyed its concerns over the "deteriorating" security environment in the country. | Ties between the two countries have been frosty since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following a student-led uprising last year. | Dhaka has repeatedly asked for her extradition so that she could stand trial for her alleged crimes, with Delhi responding that it was examining the requests. | On Thursday, dozens of demonstrators began marching towards the assistant Indian h…
(2025-12-18). Pakistan, China advance talks on $2.2b industrial complex at Port Qasim. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan and China advanced discussions on a major maritime industrial project at Port Qasim, as a five-member delegation from China's Shandong Xinxu Group met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry to review plans for an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC), Associated Press of Pakistan reported. | The proposed project, valued between $1.1 billion and $2.2 billion, aims to revitalise Pakistan's maritime and heavy industrial base. The delegation was led by Shandong Xinxu Group chairman Hou Jianxin. | According to the statement, the IMIC is expected to focus on three key compone…
(2025-12-18). Trump proposes new rules to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth. aljazeera.com Critics warn that the Trump administration's statements against transgender healthcare contradict decades of research.
(2025-12-18). Experts: Lai not freedom fighter, but a pawn of the West. ecns.cn Jimmy Lai Chee-ying is not a fighter for democracy or press freedom, but a pawn of Western countries, experts and political heavyweights in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said on Wednesday, emphasizing that freedom of speech remains intact and vibrant in the city.
(2025-12-18). Confusion at NATO: Rutte, Russia, and Delusions about Trump. dissidentvoice.org It was a speech unhinged in millenarian zeal. It was unapologetically hysterical in urging war while claiming to protect peace. It was also delivered with a note of profound self-denial: the US administration's 2025 National Security Strategy had belittled Europe's efforts in terms of ensuring its own security, not least of all its claims to …
(2025-12-18). New White House plaques attack Biden, Obama and Bush. aljazeera.com Plaques installed in US President Donald Trump's 'Presidential Walk of Fame' at the White House attack his predecessors.
(2025-12-18). Japanese bid farewell to the last two giant pandas. ecns.cn As Japan would soon lose its last two giant pandas to China, Japanese fans flocked to Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on Tuesday to catch a final glimpse. The zoo estimates that about 178,000 visitors will come to see the pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, between Dec. 16, 2025 and Jan. 25, 2026.
(2025-12-18). "Divorced from Reality" : Economist Dean Baker Fact-Checks Trump's Primetime Speech. democracynow.org 
President Trump praised the state of the U.S. economy in a primetime address Wednesday evening, even though new government statistics show the nation's unemployment rate is at a new four-year high of 4.6%. Dean Baker, senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, says Trump's aides should be "wondering about the man's sanity" after Wednesday's speech. "This is utterly divorced from reality." Though Trump blames former President Biden for the poor economy, Baker notes that Trump had inherited an "incredibly strong economy by almost every meas…
(2025-12-18). Protesting farmers clash with police as EU debates trade deal. aljazeera.com Angry farmers drove their tractors into Brussels and faced tear gas from police as EU leaders debated a trade deal.
(2025-12-18). Iran's intel. database on Israel enabled precise strikes. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran had a "complete intelligence database" on Israeli targets during the June aggression, which enabled the Armed Forces to carry out precise retaliatory strikes.
(2025-12-18). Iran's Army Ground Force equipped with AI to confront enemy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — Iran's Army Ground Force Commander Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi says the force is equipping with the artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, advanced technologies to defend the country against external threats.
(2025-12-18). Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for CM Afridi over misleading remarks against state institutions. tribune.com.pk 
The Islamabad district court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi after his repeated failure to appear in court regarding a case involving misleading allegations against state institutions and damaging their reputation. | Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah conducted the hearing on Thursday on a case filed under the PECA Act, where the National Cyber Crime Agency (NCCIA) had accused Sohail Afridi of making false statements. Despite the seriousness of the charges, Afridi and his lawyer failed to appear before the court on the scheduled date. | The court had previ…
(2025-12-18). Palestinians collect belongings before West Bank homes demolition. tribune.com.pk 
Dozens of residents from the West Bank's emptied Nur Shams refugee camp returned on Wednesday to retrieve belongings ahead of the Israeli military's demolition of 25 residential buildings there. | Early this year, the military launched an ongoing operation it said was aimed at rooting out Palestinian armed groups from camps in the northern occupied West Bank — including Nur Shams, Tulkarem and Jenin. | Loading furniture, children's toys and even a window frame onto small trucks, Palestinian residents hurried Wednesday to gather as much as they could under the watchful eye of Israeli soldiers, according t…
(2025-12-18). Nan Z. Da: Literary Criticism in the Age of AI. newleftreview.org Critical analyses of AI usually adopt a stance of defensive humanism. Instead, Nan Da interrogates its mode of reasoning. How do LLMs make the step from data to inference—and what does it mean when they can no longer differentiate the two? Lessons from Emily Dickinson on linguistic interpretation's necessary freedoms—and responsibilities.
(2025-12-18). PSG: Intercontinental Cup Football Champion. radiohc.cu Havana, December 17 (RHC) — Paris Saint-Germain of France defeated Flamengo of Brazil on penalties today in the final of the Intercontinental Cup. | The 90 minutes of regulation time ended in a 1-1 draw, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Georgia scoring for the European champions in the 38th minute, and Jorginho of Italy and Brazil equalizing for the Copa Libertadores winners in the 62nd minute from the penalty spot. | With nothing significant happening in extra time, the match went to penalties, where Flamengo's performance was disastrous, converting only one of their five attempts. | PSG thus secured their fir…
(2025-12-18). The BBC Kicks Off the Holidays With a New Season of Pandemic Fearmongering. globalresearch.ca The BBC has launched into the pandemic fearmongering a bit early this year with their recent article: For those who don't live in England, A&E …
(2025-12-18). Police forced march for hunger strikers to divert: images. thecanary.co 
Police forced last night's weekly protest march to the BBC's London HQ in solidarity with the hunger strikers to divert to avoid supposed hurt to Jewish groups meeting for Hanukkah. Jewish people have been front and centre of every protest. The march was excluded from a large area around the BBC: To rub salt into […] | By
(2025-12-18). Secretive Georgia Clemency Board Suspends Execution After Its Conflicts of Interest Are Exposed. theintercept.com 
On the same day the state of Georgia issued a death warrant for Stacey Ian Humphreys, setting his execution for December 17, Gov. Brian Kemp The new member was Kim McCoy, previously a victims' advocate at the Cobb County District Attorney's Office. As the head of the Victim Witness Unit for 25 years, she offered dedicated support to victims' family members "in capital c…
(2025-12-18). Takeaways from Trump's Year-End White House Address. moderndiplomacy.eu U.S. President Donald Trump used his pre-holiday address on Wednesday to frame his first year in office as a success while attributing many ongoing problems to former President Joe Biden. Trump opened with the line: "Good evening, America. Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I'm fixing it," setting the tone for the evening. …
(2025-12-18). Editors' Picks 2025: The Best of NACLA's Online Coverage. nacla.org 
With so many critical events, stories, and voices covered in our 2025 web content it was hard to choose a favorite, but here are our top 10!
(2025-12-18). Without the Persians/Iranians There Would Be No Jews. dissidentvoice.org 
Cyrus's Cylinder. Photo: dynamosquito. Licensed CC-BY-SA. Twenty-five year ago, give or take, I asked myself a rather straightforward question — "Why is it seemingly impossible to have peace in the Middle East?" After expending a quarter century in research, shedding blood, sweat and tears in the process, I believe I found the answer to my …
(2025-12-18). Man booked for assaulting domestic worker in Karachi's Buffer Zone. tribune.com.pk 
(2025-12-18). Trump Admin Looking to Restore Coal Plants as America's Grid Buckles. wattsupwiththat.com The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking to restore coal plants across America "for up to $100 million in federal funding."
(2025-12-18). Striking Barista On Starbucks' Endgame. popularresistance.org On November 13, I was one of hundreds of Starbucks baristas who walked out of our stores on an open-ended unfair labor practice strike. Last week, our numbers grew to more than 3,800 workers participating across some 130 cities as we marked a month on strike, the longest national work stoppage in Starbucks' history. | Striking members of our union, Starbucks Workers United, have staged a sit-in outside the Empire State Building; held demonstrations outside of the company's corporate offices in Newport Beach, Calif., and even picketed at a distribution center in York, Pa., —all to demand that Starbucks settl…
(2025-12-18). World closely watches Australia's social media ban for children. ecns.cn The wide-ranging impact of Australia's new social media ban for children under 16 — the first of its kind in the world — is already being felt at home and abroad, especially for major platforms that have controversially allowed children full access.
(2025-12-18). Dylan Riley & Robert Brenner: The Long Downturn and Its Political Results. newleftreview.org Responding to the wide-ranging debate sparked by their 'Seven Theses on American Politics' (NLR 138), Riley and Brenner expand the temporal frame of their analysis of capitalist stagnation as an endogenous feature, incurable by bubbles and bailouts—and rethink the nature of the 'political capitalism' that results.
(2025-12-18). Iran, Russia closer collaboration to tackle Western sanctions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 18 (MNA) — A day after his trip to Russia, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says "Closer collaboration between Moscow and Tehran will enable stronger action against unlawful Western sanctions, and promote regional stability etc.".
(2025-12-18). Hydrogen plays part in global warming: study. tribune.com.pk 
Hydrogen has long been touted as a possible solution to the climate crisis, but it could also be a small part of the problem, a study warned on Wednesday. | Advocates of hydrogen hope it can be produced and used on a large scale in transport and heavy industries in the future, providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels as it only emits water vapours. | But the research published in the journal Nature found that hydrogen has played a part in rising temperatures by helping methane, a potent greenhouse gas, stay longer in the atmosphere. | Emissions of hydrogen rose between 1990 and 2020, contributing a fracti…
(2025-12-18). When Frankenstein governments rule Europe. strategic-culture.su By Sven R. LARSON | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | Coalitions are taking over national governments in Europe with only one goal: t…
(2025-12-18). 3 Russians killed in Ukrainian drone strikes on Rostov region. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- Ukrainian drone attacks overnight killed three people in Russia's southern Rostov region, Russian authorities said, underscoring the growing reach of cross-border strikes deep inside Russian territory.Regional Governor Yuri Slyusar reported that two crew members were killed after drones struck a cargo vessel, believed to be an oil tanker, moored at the port of Rostov-on-Don, triggering a fire. A third civilian was killed in the nearby city of Bataysk, where drones hit residential areas, wounding several others.Officials said multiple drones targeted infrastructure across the region, with explosions repo…
(2025-12-18). Will Lehman: Every worker should be using Socialism AI. wsws.org Mack Trucks worker and UAW presidential candidate Will Lehman released this video explaining the significance of Socialism AI for the working class.
(2025-12-18). Justin Yifu Lin: Stronger policy measures likely next year to address bottlenecks in building China's unified national market. ecns.cn Justin Yifu Lin, dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, told China Perspective in a recent exclusive interview that China is expected to step up policy efforts next year to address key bottlenecks in building a unified national market.
(2025-12-18). The Ukraine War — Where it Stands Today. globalresearch.ca The leadership in Kiev has repeatedly required two major conditions as a quid pro quo for ending the three and one-half year-long war with Moscow.
(2025-12-18). India rule white ball amid geopolitical issues. tribune.com.pk 
India owned white-ball cricket while South Africa shed their 'bridesmaids' tag but the spectre of geopolitics loomed large over the game in a tumultuous 2025. | The already-soured relations between bitter rivals India and Pakistan reached a new low when the nuclear-armed neighbour engaged in a military conflict in May that nearly snowballed into a full-fledged war. | It disrupted the Indian Premier League and the bad blood was evident in the subsequent 20-overs Asia Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates, where India refused to accept the winner's trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Na…
(2025-12-18). Satellite pics expose Zelensky's lie on 'world-first drone attack on submarine'? No damage? | Russia. hindustantimes.com Ukraine's first underwater drone strike on a Russian Black Sea submarine is now backed by fresh satellite imagery that undercuts Moscow's denials. The attack shows Kyiv can still hurt Russia's fleet even as it loses ground on land. New commercial satellite images of Novorossiysk port, obtained after the attack, show clear damage to the pier where the Russian submarine was moored. A large section of the quay appears destroyed, with concrete debris scattered around the impact point near the stern of the boat. Watch for details…
(2025-12-18). Airbus delivers 800th A320 assembled in China. ecns.cn Airbus on Wednesday delivered its 800th A320 Family aircraft assembled in China, underscoring the European planemaker's long-term manufacturing presence in the country.
(2025-12-18). Ukraine's big admission: Putin's army swells to 710,000 as Zelensky scrambles for whooping $60 Billion. hindustantimes.com Russia has launched a massive war-ending offensive on Ukraine, deploying 710,000 troops while Kyiv faces catastrophic losses. Ukrainian Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed heavy casualties, with nearly half a million troops lost, as Russia continues its strategic push across Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. The Institute for the Study of War reports Russia has occupied 4,669 sq. km in 2025, a 22% increase over last year. Amid the conflict, Ukraine requests $60 billion from the U.S. and Europe for 2026 defense costs. Tensions escalate as Moscow pursues its objectives, ignoring NATO warnings and conti…
(2025-12-18). RRB NTPC CEN 05/2024 CBT 2 Result Out: Check Here. ummid.com RRB NTPC CEN 05/2024 CBT 2 Result: The Ministry of Railways has result of the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC-Graduate) CEN 05/2024, also known as RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 2, exam on its official website.
(2025-12-18). Turkey warns Russia and Ukraine after shooting down drone. newarab.com 
Turkey has warned Russia and Ukraine to exercise greater caution regarding Black Sea security after its air force shot down a drone that entered Turkish airspace, the defence ministry said Thursday. | F‚Äë16 fighter jets were dispatched on Monday after an "out of control" drone approached Turkish airspace from the Black Sea. The drone was shot down in a safe area to protect civilians and air traffic, officials said. | The incident followed recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian "shadow fleet" tankers off the Turkish coast, as well as warnings from Turkish officials about the risk of the war in Ukr…
(2025-12-18). Polysilicon: An Opportunity to Demonstrate 'America First'. wattsupwiththat.com The United States does not need half-measures. It needs clear, uncompromising enforcement that restores domestic market confidence. A full prohibition on imports of Chinese-origin and -linked polysilicon and derivatives ensures a competitive, transparent, and reliable supply chain for the material, unlocking a new era of advanced technologies. Anything less will leave American manufacturing expertise vulnerable, American jobs on the line, and America's national security at risk.
(2025-12-18). The Baltic Roots of Russophobia: Neoliberalism, Revisionism and U.S. Imperialism. covertactionmagazine.com The European Union (EU) has a population of 450 million people, yet its foreign policy is determined by a country with a population of 1.3 million people—Estonia. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is Kaja Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia. Her agenda is an Estonian obsession …
(2025-12-18). Thousands of EU farmers clash with police in Brussels. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- Thousands of farmers from across the European Union converged on Brussels on Thursday, blocking major roads with hundreds of tractors, clashing with police, and disrupting traffic during an EU leaders' summit. Protesters hurled eggs, potatoes, and smoke bombs, set off fireworks, and ignited fires, prompting authorities to respond with tear gas and water cannons. The demonstrations oppose the proposed EU-Mercosur free trade agreement with South American nations including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Farmers warn the deal would flood European markets with cheaper beef, poultry, sugar, and oth…
(2025-12-18). Thai military attacks Poipet city in Cambodia. albawaba.com ALBAWABA – Thailand's military on Thursday launched an attack on Poipet city in Cambodia, which is located near the border between the two nations, Cambodia's defence ministry said.It is worth noting that border fighting resumed between Cambodia and Thailand, with each nation blaming the other for starting the fight, claiming self-defence.Thai forces "dropped 2 bombs in the area of Poipet Municipality, Banteay Meanchey Province" at around 11: 00 a.m. local time, Thursday, the Cambodian defence ministry stated. However, Bangkok has not commented on the bombing.BREAKING: A Thai F-16 fighter jet dropped two bombs in…
(2025-12-18). Kunshan setting up world-class industrial hubs. ecns.cn On the production floor of Visionox, one of the world's leading suppliers of advanced displays based in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, a line of technicians in cleanroom suits closely monitor a sheet of deep-purple glass the size of a door.
(2025-12-18). NASA explorer solves Black Hole jets mystery. ummid.com A team of NASA astronomers using its IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) has identified the origin of X-rays in a supermassive black hole's jet, answering a question that has been unresolved since the earliest days of X-ray astronomy.
(2025-12-18). Beginning December 18th, Cuba will have a new exchange rate. radiohc.cu Radio Havana Cuba / Cubadebate bring you the text of the special appearance of the President of the Central Bank of Cuba, Juana Lilia Delgado Portal. She appeared on CubaVision Wednesday evening following the 8 o'clock prime time newscast. | As the Government of the Republic has been reporting, the Central Bank of Cuba has been working to create the conditions to begin transformations in the foreign exchange market, based on principles of gradualism and timeliness. | Currently, different exchange rates coexist in the Cuban economy, which generates distortions, encourages informality, and hinders the banking and t…
(2025-12-18). An Open Letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz: Security Is Indivisible — and History Matters. worldbeyondwar.org 
You have spoken repeatedly of Germany's responsibility for European security. That responsibility cannot be discharged through slogans, selective memory, or the steady normalization of war talk. #WorldBEYONDWar…
(2025-12-18). Germany: Italian artist Costantino Ciervo rebuffs criticism from Zionist lobbies, politicians seeking to close his exhibition. wsws.org Readers should note that the two leading politicians behind the smear campaign are members of nominally left organisations.
(2025-12-18). Chicago: ICE / Bovino Attempt to Menace Striking Workers, Teamsters Local 705 Fights Back. wibailoutpeople.org 
(2025-12-18). Egypt hints at possible intervention in Sudan's brutal war. newarab.com 
(2025-12-18). Could Jordan do the impossible and beat football titans Morocco. newarab.com 
(2025-12-18). 25 held accountable over fatal school fire in central China's Henan. ecns.cn Authorities have held 25 people accountable following an investigation into a fatal fire at a school in central China's Henan Province that killed 13 people, according to an official report released Wednesday.
(2025-12-18). Bondi Beach and the Deadly Reach of Radicalisation. moderndiplomacy.eu Bondi Beach is known the world over as a happy place, a place that is full of sunshine, families, visitors, and partying. The image was shattered not long ago when a brutal assault on a mass gathering transformed a peaceful crowd into a terror and tragedy crowd. Human beings were killed and wounded just by …
(2025-12-18). Ballet Nacional de Cuba donará ingresos de dos funciones a damnificados por huracán Melissa. radiohc.cu La directora del Ballet Nacional de Cuba (BNC), Viengsay Valdés, anunció este miércoles que la compañía donará los ingresos de sus funciones de 'Don Quijote', de los días 19 y 20 de diciembre, a los damnificados del huracán Melissa. | El colectivo danzario, Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación, insta a quienes quieran colaborar con este noble fin a asistir a los primeros espectáculos de la temporada del clásico 'Don Quijote', en la sala Avellaneda del Teatro Nacional.Se trata de un ciclo muy especial porque contempla el debut de jóvenes figuras con muchos deseos de destacarse, entre ellos, Laura Kamila, Nadila Estrad…
(2025-12-18). Nueva tasa de cambio en Cuba: Ocho preguntas para comprender cómo funcionará. cubadebate.cu Como informó recientemente la ministra presidenta del Banco Central de Cuba, el país contará con una nueva tasa de cambio oficial. Para conocer el alcance real de la medida, cómo impactará en los diversos actores de la economía y en la población, conversamos con Ian Pedro Carbonell, director de Políticas Macroeconómicas del Banco Central de Cuba.
(2025-12-18). Note aggiuntive sul mito dell'europeità armena. strategic-culture.su I nazionalisti armeni promuovono tesi pseudoscientifiche per giustificare il loro allineamento con l'Europa occidentale. | Segue nostro Qualche tempo fa ho scritto
(2025-12-18). Note aggiuntive sul mito dell'europeità armena. strategic-culture.su I nazionalisti armeni promuovono tesi pseudoscientifiche per giustificare il loro allineamento con l'Europa occidentale. | Segue nostro Qualche tempo fa ho scritto
(2025-12-18). Cuba contará con una nueva tasa de cambio desde este 18 de diciembre. radiohc.cu Comparecencia especial de la ministra presidenta del Banco Central de Cuba, Juana Lilia Delgado Portal. La Habana 17 de diciembre de 2025. | Como se ha venido informando por el Gobierno de la República, el Banco Central de Cuba ha trabajado en la creación de condiciones para iniciar transformaciones en el mercado cambiario de divisas, bajo principios de gradualidad y temporalidad. | En la economía cubana coexisten actualmente distintas tasas de cambio de las divisas, lo que genera distorsiones, incentiva la informalidad y dificulta la trazabilidad bancaria y fiscal de los hechos económicos. | Esta transformación…
(2025-12-18). Japón colabora con UNICEF en beneficio del pueblo cubano. radiohc.cu El embajador de Japón en Cuba, Nakamura Kazuhito y la Representante Adjunta de la Oficina del Fondo de Naciones Unidas para la Infancia, UNICEF, en la isla, Sunny Guidotti intercambiaron notas que oficializan un nuevo proyecto de cooperación valorado en un millón de dólares. | La inversion se realizará para mejorar la infraestructura y los servicios de agua, saneamiento, higiene y salud materno-infantil en comunidades vulnerables de Guantánamo, Granma y Santiago de Cuba. | Con una duración de 24 meses, la iniciativa, que de firma especial, beneficiará a niñas, niños, adolescentes y mujeres embarazadas, prioriza e…
(2025-12-18). En Camagàºey aseguran carga para vehículos eléctricos de Etecsa (+ Fotos). cubadebate.cu El primer sistema fotovoltaico de la División Territorial de la Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (Etecsa) fue inaugurado hoy en el Taller de Transporte de la entidad con el propósito de dar sostenibilidad a la flota de ocho carros eléctricos recibidos en el año 2023.
(2025-12-18). Un nuevo capítulo absurdo en la "guerra contra las drogas" nacla.org 
Las ejecuciones extrajudiciales de pescadores latinoamericanos y el indulto a un expresidente y narcotraficante hondureño revelan las letales contradicciones de la política estadounidense de la "guerra contra las drogas".
(2025-12-18). Aguas de La Habana desmiente rumores sobre fuente de abasto El Gato. radiohc.cu La Empresa Aguas de La Habana informó este miércoles que la fuente de abasto El Gato mantiene condiciones óptimas de operación, y descartó versiones difundidas en redes sociales sobre una supuesta contaminación. | En nota informativa, la entidad aseguró que funciona de manera óptima el punto de cloración de la fuente subterránea, reconocida por su excelente calidad del agua, lo cual garantiza la potabilidad del líquido que llega a los hogares.De manera oficial y categórica, la Empresa Aguas de La Habana desmiente las informaciones falsas que circulan en redes sociales sobre una supuesta contaminación", refirió.
(2025-12-18). Nueva Gerona, 195 años de historia. cubadebate.cu Este 17 de diciembre conmemoramos el 195 aniversario de la fundación de la población de Nueva Gerona, principal urbe de la Isla de la Juventud. Aprovechando esta celebración, los invitamos a explorar la historia, algunos de los sitios más emblemáticos y los valores culturales y naturales de esta urbe singular, como justo preludio a su bicentenario.
(2025-12-18). Real Madrid Advances to the Round of 16 in the Copa del Rey of Spanish Football. radiohc.cu Havana, December 17 (RHC) — Real Madrid defeated Talavera De La Reina three goals to two today and advanced to the round of 16 in the Copa del Rey in Spanish football. | Frenchman Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 41st minute from the penalty spot, an own goal by Manu Farrando (45+1) doubled the lead, and the French striker himself added a third in the 88th minute, while Nahuel Arroyo (80) and Argentine Gonzalo Di Renzo (90+1) sent the home crowd into a frenzy. | Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid also defeated Atlético Baleares 3-2 with two goals from Frenchman Antoine Griezmann and one from Italian Giacom…
(2025-12-18). Aguas de La Habana desmiente rumores sobre supuesta contaminación de fuente El Gato. cubadebate.cu La Empresa Aguas de La Habana informó que la fuente de abasto El Gato mantiene condiciones óptimas de operación, y descartó versiones difundidas en redes sociales sobre una supuesta contaminación. La entidad aseguró que funciona de manera óptima el punto de cloración de la fuente subterránea, reconocida por su excelente calidad del agua.
(2025-12-18). La OTAN declara que ´no es para siempre ª: Una lectura critica de la nueva Estrategia de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos. thealtworld.com Las clases dirigentes europeas se encuentran ahora aisladas, muy impopulares y despojadas de sus privilegios. Puedes leer …
(2025-12-18). Máxima representante de la organización de féminas cubanas encabeza debates sobre Programa de Gobierno. radiohc.cu 
Para mirar profundamente cuánto más puede enriquecerse el Programa de Gobierno para corregir distorsiones y reimpulsar la economía, un grupo de federadas de la ciudad de Santa Clara sostuvieron un encuentro presidido por Teresa Amarelle Boué, miembro del Buró Político y Secretaria General de la Federación de Mujeres Cubanas. | ´Necesitamos que todo el pueblo conozca las interioridades de este programa, para que nuestra gente aporte soluciones, propuestas interesantes, sugerencias de lo que podemos aportar a este documento. En los diez objetivos, la FMC puede hacer mucho, desde la disminución del déficit fis…
(2025-12-18). Estados Unidos vota a favor de levantar las sanciones a Siria. cubadebate.cu El Senado de Estados Unidos votó a favor de levantar las sanciones a Siria bajo la "Ley César" y aprobó el anexo del Pentágono sobre este asunto.
(2025-12-18). Máxima representante de la organización de féminas cubanas encabeza debates sobre Programa de Gobierno. radiohc.cu Para mirar profundamente cuánto más puede enriquecerse el Programa de Gobierno para corregir distorsiones y reimpulsar la economía, un grupo de federadas de la ciudad de Santa Clara sostuvieron un encuentro presidido por Teresa Amarelle Boué, miembro del Buró Político y Secretaria General de la Federación de Mujeres Cubanas. | ´Necesitamos que todo el pueblo conozca las interioridades de este programa, para que nuestra gente aporte soluciones, propuestas interesantes, sugerencias de lo que podemos aportar a este documento. En los diez objetivos, la FMC puede hacer mucho, desde la disminución del déficit fis…
(2025-12-18). EEUU envía migrantes a Base Naval de Guantánamo a la espera de su deportación. radiohc.cu El Gobierno de Estados Unidos envió en las últimas horas a un nuevo grupo de migrantes a su base naval de Guantánamo, en territorio usurpado a Cuba, a la espera de su deportación, en el marco del endurecimiento de las políticas migratorias del presidente Donald Trump. | El traslado fue confirmado a Europa Press por fuentes del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional estadounidense después de que el diario The New York Times indicara que 22 migrantes cubanos habían sido llevados este martes a Guantánamo, en un vuelo organizado por el Servicio de Control de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE, según sus siglas en inglés). | "Hem…
(2025-12-18). Winter Solstice celebrations, last-minute holiday shopping, a One-Man Nutcracker performance and more in this week's 'Things To Do'. whyy.org 
It's the last weekend before a jampacked holiday week, and Philly is doing it big! Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans is bringing her Christmas tour to The Met Philadelphia, joined by sisters Angie and Debbie. On Friday, Del Arts Nights: 'A Jazz Before Christmas' brings the John Maurice Restrepo Quartet to the Delaware Art Museum. And close out your shopping list Saturday at Underground Arts, where the Pancakes & Booze Christmas Market pairs carbs, cocktails and more than 50 local artists in a laid-back, art-forward take on the holiday market. | On Sunday, Tuba Christmas returns to the Kimmel Center, uniting low-bra…
(2025-12-18). "No Military Solution" : Is Peace Possible in Sudan as "Proxy War" Expands? democracynow.org 
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, backed by the United Arab Emirates, is accused of attempting to cover up its mass killings of civilians by burning and burying bodies, according to a new report by Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab. This comes as drone strikes have plunged several cities into darkness, including Khartoum and the coastal city of Port Sudan. "We have the expansion of the war through Darfur, El Fasher, now Western Kordofan, which is an extremely important region economically. … And now we have this potential of the expansion of this war to South Sudan," says Sudanese…
(2025-12-18). DAILY MEMO: ICE And Border Patrol Spotted In 18 Cities Taking Street Vendors, Construction Workers, and Crashing Into Vehicles While Chasing People. lataco.com ICE and Border Patrol took, that we know of, somewhere around 19 to 25 people today from at least 18 neighborhoods and cities they were present in, including San Bernardino, Riverside, Highland, Palm Springs, Rialto, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, San Diego, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Lancaster, Palmdale, Antelope Valley, and Victor Ville which was all ICE today. While Border Patrol raided through Arcadia, El Monte, Temple City, and Rosemead.
(2025-12-18). risks, no moral La Trobe and the Bendigo Writers Festival. independentaustralia.net 
(2025-12-18). US Expands Military Encirclement Of China Across The Pacific. popularresistance.org At a Pentagon meeting on Dec. 10, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his counterparts from Australia and Britain pledged to move "full steam ahead" with AUKUS, a trilateral military pact through which the United States is turning Australia into a forward operating base and nuclear-submarine hub for a potential war on China. | In a joint statement, the three governments made clear the pact is about accelerating war preparations — building bases faster, expanding military staffing and pushing weapons development at full speed. | The announcement came as the United States deployed a pair of nuclear-capable…
(2025-12-18). Il dollaro, i BRICS e il nuovo sistema finanziario da costruire. strategic-culture.su L'avanzata della de-dollarizzazione e l'incertezza dei mercati occidentali hanno creato una situazione favorevole alla sperimentazione di alternative al cosiddetto "vecchio ordine". | Segue nostro Il problema che non è più un problema | Parliamo di BRICS+ e di moneta. L'incedere della de-dollarizzazione, l'incertezza dei mercati occidentali che sono passati ad una "economia di guerra", ha creato una situazione favorevole alla sperimentaz…