Democrats release latest batch of Epstein photos as justice department deadline looms
The House Oversight Committee has released a batch of around 70 photos from the estate of late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It's the third such release from a tranche of over 95,000 photos the committee has acquired from Epstein's estate. It includes images of quotes from the book Lolita»»»
7 men intercepted in Australia on tip about planned 'violent attack' - UPI.com
A Hanukkah menorah is projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House in memory of the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach, in Sydney. On Thursday, police detained seven men believed to be part of a planned "violent attack." Photo by NSW Premier's Office/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Syd»»»
The Oligarch Part 2: How one powerful man made Zelensky president, Ukraine his pocket state, and sent it to war
This is the second part of RT's special investigation on Igor Kolomoysky. You can find Part 1 here to read about Kolomoysky's rise to the status of godfather of Ukrainian corruption, his involvement in the Maidan revolution and the following years leading up to Vladimir Zelensky's election. Zelensk»»»
Complaint targets French president’s wife over ‘stupid b***hes’ remark
French first lady Brigitte Macron is facing a legal complaint after being filmed referring to feminist protesters as “stupid b***hes” at a Paris theatre earlier this month. A group of feminist associations filed a complaint against France’s first lady for public insult on Tuesday, “on behalf of 343»»»
Morocco edge Jordan in extra time thriller to claim FIFA Arab Cup title
Doha: Coach Tariq Sektioui sank to his knees, bowing in prostration, while jubilant players clung to one another in a mix of relief and euphoria as Morocco clinched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in a rollercoaster final. Hana Ramadan/The Peni»»»
Wiz Khalifa sentenced to nine months jail in Romania for smoking cannabis on stage
A Romanian court has sentenced Wiz Khalifa to nine months in prison for smoking cannabis on stage. The American rapper, real name Thomaz Cameron Jibril, admitted to smoking a joint during his performance at the Beach, Please! festival last year in Costinesti. A Romanian appeals court overturned an »»»
What the US wants from Canada on trade
With US-Canada trade talks still on hold, American officials have laid out their clearest demands yet for keeping free trade in place between the two countries. The list includes further opening the Canadian dairy market to US farmers, and overhauling an online streaming law that the US says "discr»»»
HR exec in viral Coldplay clip speaks of abuse, threats and trying to find a new job
An HR executive caught on the big screen at a Coldplay concert embracing her boss has described how "the harassment has never ended" following the viral moment. Kristin Cabot has spoken publicly for the first time about the video in which she was seen hugging Andy Byron, then-CEO of tech company As»»»
Police identify person of interest in Brown University shooting, sources say
Police have identified a person of interest in relation to a fatal mass shooting at Brown University that killed two people and injured nine others, sources familiar with the investigation told the BBC's US partner, CBS News. Authorities are now searching for the individual, the sources told CBS. N»»»
Police search French culture minister's home and offices in corruption probe
French police searched Culture Minister Rachida Dati's private home and offices on Thursday as part of a corruption investigation involving her European Parliament mandate, the French Financial Prosecutor has said. Dati, who is running for mayor of Paris in upcoming municipal electio»»»
United States sanctions ICC judges for ‘targeting Israel’ - UPI.com
The United States is sanctioning two more International Criminal Court judges for targeting Israel with politicized lawfare, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The State Department has sanctioned two more International Cri»»»
Iraklio court sentences man to 15 years and 18 months for manslaughter
An Iraklio court sentenced a 33-year-old man to 15 years and 18 months in prison for the death of his friend during the summer of 2024. The court found him guilty by a 6-1 majority of manslaughter with possible intent and recognized a mitigating factor of good behavior in prison by a narrow 4-3 maj»»»
Amendments to MPs’ Security Pass First Reading in Internal Security Committee amid Debate over MRF–New Beginning Leader’s Protection
The parliamentary Committee on Internal Security and Public Order Thursday unanimously approved at first reading, with 18 votes in favour, a bill amending and supplementing the National Service for Protection (NSP) Act concerning the provision of security for Members of Parliament. The bill was tab»»»
Worn Banknotes, Tobacco Taxes: How Hamas Pays Its Members
More than two months after a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza, the group has steadily reasserted some security control in areas under its authority. Yet for Gaza’s residents, daily economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions show little sign of easing. Hamas’»»»
Multiple fatalities in small plane crash in North Carolina - UPI.com
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A small plane crashed Thursday at a regional airport north of Charlotte, N.C., killing multiple people, local and federal authorities said. The Cessna C550, a light corporate jet, had six people on board when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County around 10:15»»»
Ras Al Khaimah Police: Sharing rumours on social media is a crime
Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Police have warned the public against spreading rumours and false information on social media and digital platforms, stressing that such acts carry strict legal penalties under UAE law. The police said that under Article 52 of Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Coun»»»
Fiona Papajorgji Elected Head of Constitutional Court
Judge Fiona Papajorgji has been elected as the chair of Constitutional Court for a three-year term. She replaces Holta Zaçaj, whose mandate as head of the court officially ended in March this year. Papajorgji was the sole candidate for the position, following the creation of the vacancy after Zaçaj»»»
British man who fought for Ukraine given 13 years by Russian court - UPI.com
A British man was sentenced to 13 years by a Russian court after he fought for Ukraine and was captured. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A British man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in Russia after he fought for Ukraine and was captured. Hayden Davies, 3»»»
'She's a superhero': The acts of bravery as Bondi horror unfolded
When bullets began flying at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, strangers Wayne and Jessica found themselves in the same nightmare scenario. They couldn't find their three-year-olds. In the chaos, separately, they desperately scanned the green. People who'd gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanuk»»»
EU pushing ‘Buy European’ rule for arming Ukraine – Bloomberg
The EU wants to retain proceeds from frozen Russian assets by introducing a “Buy European” boost for its own defense industry as it arms Ukraine, and is moving to lock in strict procurement rules for a potential loan for Kiev, Bloomberg has reported. EU members have long debated tapping Russian cen»»»
Hamed Allah has last word as Morocco clinch epic final
DOHA: The FIFA Arab Cupended on the highest of notes as Morocco fought back to defeat Jordan 3-2 in a thrilling final in front of a capacity crowd at Lusail Stadium. It was another spectacular decider at the venue which staged the epic FIFA World Cup 2022final. Oussama Tannane gave Morocco the lead»»»
Berisha Calls for Nationwide Protest at PD Anniversary Event in Kavajë
At a ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the Democratic Party (PD) branch in Kavajë, the party’s leader, Sali Berisha, called on citizens to join a nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, 22 December. Speaking to supporters, Berisha praised the role played by Kavajë’s democrats in the overthr»»»
Burkina Faso releases 11 Nigerian military personnel - UPI.com
Nigerian Air Force officials said 11 military personnel detained in Burkina Faso following an emergency landing by an NAF cargo aircraft on Monday have been released. File Photo courtesy U.S. Africom Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Officials in Burkina Faso released 11 members of the Nigerian military after seizi»»»
US Prepares For Potential Putin’s Arrival at G20 Summit in Miami in 2026 – Russian Sherpa
WASHINGTON, December 18 (Sputnik) – The United States is preparing for a possible arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Miami in December 2026, the Russian G20 sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, told RIA Novosti. “[The presiding country] is preparing for Vladimir Putin's participat»»»
Focus - A decade on, Greek island of Lesbos remains symbol of Europe's migration crisis
For more than a decade, the Greek island of Lesbos has been a symbol of Europe's migration crisis. Located close to Turkey, the island was a major entry point to the European Union back in 2015. But since then, arrivals have sharply decreased as Europe has tightened its border controls and outsourc»»»
Catalina Cabral, Former DPWH undersecretary, dies after alleged fall in Benguet
Dubai: Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral has died after an alleged fall from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, authorities confirmed on Thursday night. Cabral was discovered unconscious and unresponsive near the banks of the Bued Ri»»»
Any Actions to Expropriate Russian Assets in West to Receive Response - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Any actions to expropriate Russian assets in the West will receive a response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "We have repeatedly stated that any actions related to the expropriation of our assets will be met with a response," Peskov told the Rossiya 1 broadcas»»»
Fujairah weather alert: Remote work for government staff amid storms
Fujairah: The Government of Fujairah has announced that all employees of local government entities will work remotely on Friday, December 19, in response to the ongoing unstable weather conditions affecting parts of the UAE. The decision applies to all government staff in the emirate, with the exce»»»
Egypt FM Banks on Trump for Implementation of Gaza Deal, Blames Israel for Impasse
After Egypt’s Foreign Ministry launched a white paper outlining the principle of strategic balance in Egyptian diplomacy, Asharq Al-Awsat spoke to Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on a broad range of regional crises in which Cairo is engaged as a mediator, partner and diplomatic actor. Abdelatty des»»»
No: 256, 18 December 2025, Regarding the Visit of H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, to the USA
H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, will participate in the meeting on Gaza to be held tomorrow (19 December) in Miami, with the attendance of officials from the USA, Egypt, and Qatar. On the occasion of the meeting, consultations addressing other regional issu»»»
Kennedy Center to be renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, White House says
The board of the Kennedy Center has voted to rename the performing arts centre after President Donald Trump and will be called the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to the White House. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on social media the board's vote was unanimous and due to "the unbelievable wo»»»
Either way the EU loses: Why ignoring the US on Russian assets will be the bloc’s undoing
It is crunch time for Ursula von der Leyen and her Brussels-based cabal who have attempted to bend and break EU law in order to force through a dubious legal claim for the use of sovereign Russian wealth to further fund Ukraine’s military. Kiev is long past broke, owes the EU some €45 billion and f»»»
Foreign Minister receives a copy of credentials of Japan’s new ambassador to Tunisia
Tunis, Dec. 18 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, met on Thursday at the ministry’s headquarters with Jun Saito, who presented him with a copy of his credentials as the new Ambassador of Japan to...»»»
Hannah Dugan trial: Judges testify there was no court policy on ICE arrests - UPI.com
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Closing arguments began Thursday in the trial for Judge Hannah Dugan after the court heard testimony from fellow Milwaukee County judicial officials about a lack of court policy on immigration arrests in public areas. The testimony came on Day 4 of Dugan's trial. She pleaded not gu»»»
HHS: No Medicare, Medicaid to hospitals offering gender care to minors - UPI.com
The Department of Health and Human Services announced new rules that will ban Medicare and Medicaid coverage for hospitals that provide gender-affirming care for minors. File Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced new regu»»»
Kremlin Shares Details of Putin’s Year-End Presser Preparations
Questions about social support dominate the messages sent by Russians to Vladimir Putin’s year-end press conference, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media. More than two million questions have already been submitted. “Social welfare issues are at the top, along with concerns affec»»»
Putin to Hold 2025 End-of-Year Presser Combined With Q&A Session
On December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin will answer questions from Russian citizens and the media. As in 2023–2024, the event that combines two link-ups, the news conference and Direct Line, will be called "Year-End Q&A." In total, the Direct Line has been held 18 times, and three times in»»»
Abu Dhabi suspends community events amid unstable conditions
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced the suspension of all community events across the emirate from December 18-19 due to expected unstable weather conditions and the need to prioritise public safety. The decision comes as unsettled weather continues to af»»»
Young Indian expat in UAE dies amidst torrential rains
Ras Al Khaimah: A young Indian expat in UAE died amidst torrential rains in Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Salman Fariz, a native of Malappuram district in the south Indian state of Kerala. Salman was a delivery boy at a shawarma shop in Ras Al Khaimah. »»»
Temperatures range between 9°C and 14°C Thursday night
Tunis, Dec. 18 (TAP) - Temperatures on Thursday night will generally range between 9°C and 14°C, and between 15°C and 17°C in coastal areas, according to a follow-up bulletin from the National Institute of Meteorology.The sky will be occasionally...»»»
Will 'Santa rate cut' have enough festive spirit to boost the economy?
The future of the economy can sometimes be seen in minor gestures of a Bank of England governor, such as the arch of his eyebrows. So what to make of Andrew Bailey sporting a rather exuberant festive tie full of Christmas trees at the moment he delivered his so-called "Santa cut"? It probably means»»»
EU to Slash Asylum Cases from 7 Nations Deemed Safe
The European Union on Thursday said it would drastically reduce asylum claims from seven nations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia by considering them safe countries of origin, prompting widespread outrage from human rights groups on International Migrants' Day. An agreement between European Parl»»»
Syria congratulations state of Qatar on national day
Damascus, Dec 18 (SANA) Syria congratulated the brotherly State of Qatar, its leadership, government, and people, on the occasion of its National Day, wishing it continued progress and prosperity. “The Syrian Arab Republic extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the brotherly State o»»»
Four remanded in custody in cocaine trafficking case on fishing vessel
Four people arrested for trafficking over four tons cocaine on a fishing vessel detected by the French Navy during its journey from Guyana to Europe earlier this week have been remanded in custody after testifying before an investigating magistrate. One of those arrested was released. The so-called»»»
Dubai's KHDA announces early Friday closure for schools from January 2026
Dubai: Dubai's private schools and early childhood centres will finish their school day no later than 11:30am on Fridays starting January 9, 2026, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced. The decision follows the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer time to 12:45pm and »»»
SpaceX Loses Contact with Starlink Satellite after Mishap
SpaceX's Starlink said one of its satellites experienced an anomaly in space on Wednesday that created a "small number" of debris and cut off communications with the spacecraft at 418 km (259.73 miles) in altitude, a rare kinetic accident in orbit for the satellite internet giant. "The satellite is»»»
Anti-Government Protest Held in Downtown Sofia
Citizens have gathered in downtown Sofia to protest against the government. The demonstration, which was registered with Sofia Municipality, was organized by Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) under the slogan "Don’t Feed the Pig with Your Money, Vol. 3." It is the latest in a series»»»
Abu Dhabi urges public to follow safety guidelines due to unsettled weather conditions
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Media Office has urged residents to strictly follow safety guidelines as unsettled weather continues to affect parts of the emirate, stressing that public safety remains a top priority. In a public advisory, the office called on motorists to adhere to revised speed limits, »»»
Hungarian mum's 1.5-year fight for her son ends in court siding with alcoholic dad in US: Adrienn couldn't even say goodbye
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Qatar to see sharp temperature drop as cold front takes hold
Doha: Qatar is expected to remain under the influence of a low-pressure system until late Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, according to the country's Meteorology Department. Director of the Meteorology Department, Abdulla Mohammed Al Mannai, said north-westerly winds would begin to dom»»»