Epstein and Bill Clinton visited Russian Far East – US files
Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein flew to Russia on at least three occasions in the early 2000s, including traveling to the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk together with former US President Bill Clinton, files published by the US Department of Justice have revealed. Last week, the DOJ uploaded »»»
China sanctions U.S. companies in retaliation for arms sale to Taiwan - UPI.com
People take photos of Christmas lights decoration at the street on the eve of Christmas in Taipei, Taiwan, Dec. 24. The Ministry of the Interior has deployed up to 17,000 police personnel, civil defense members, and volunteers to enhance security at 137 major events during the holiday season. On Fr»»»
15th victim in Louisville, Ky., UPS plane crash dies - UPI.com
National Transportation Safety Board staff and FBI agents walk the runway looking for evidence from the UPS Flight 2976 MD-11 that crashed November 4 in Louisville, Ky.. A 15th victim has died, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Friday. File Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -»»»
Milei’s government bill cuts state role in Argentina public education - UPI.com
Argentine President Javier Milei's administration is promoting a reform that seeks to redefine the role of the state in public education, curb direct government intervention and give families greater control over their children’s schooling. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo BUENOS AIRES»»»
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Daamoush: Resistance Won’t Confront the Lebanese Army, Rejects Internal Discord
Head of Hezbollah Executive Council Sheikh Ali Daamoush affirmed that the resistance will not be drawn into confrontation with the Lebanese Army and will not permit internal discord, stressing that attempts to provoke division are doomed to fail. Speaking during Friday prayers at the Sayyeda Zainab»»»
Winterland Al Ain opens at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
Al Ain: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening of Winterland Al Ain, a winter games event being held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium until January 15, 2026. The event is part of efforts to expand entertainment and sports options in the region. Winterland Al Ain adds a new at»»»
Midnight Hammer in 2025: Trump Ends Half Measures on Iran
With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office in early 2025, it took less than a year for his revamped “maximum pressure” campaign to set the pace for Iran. What began as an argument over reviving the nuclear deal quickly gave way to a far starker reality: war on Iranian soil, for only the second time »»»
Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state, Netanyahu says
Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel intended to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed A»»»
Bukele hails Shakira sellout as singer adds two concerts in El Salvador - UPI.com
Shakira performs on stage during the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on June 7. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Shakira confirmed she will add two additional concerts in El Salvador, bringing the total number o»»»
Helicopter crash on Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro kills all on board - UPI.com
A medical evacuation helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro on Christmas Eve and killed all five on board. File Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- A medical evacuation helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro on Christmas Eve killing all five people aboard. Tanzanian officials said the Air»»»
China sanctions U.S. companies in retaliation for arms sale to Taiwan - UPI.com
People take photos of Christmas lights decoration at the street on the eve of Christmas in Taipei, Taiwan, Dec. 24. The Ministry of the Interior has deployed up to 17,000 police personnel, civil defense members, and volunteers to enhance security at 137 major events during the holiday season. On Fr»»»
Palestinian killed by Israeli fire in northern Gaza
Gaza: A Palestinian was killed and another wounded Friday by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip. Medical sources in Gaza reported that a Palestinian man was killed after being shot by the Israeli army while sitting in front of the gate of Hafsa School in the northern Gaza Strip. A child wa»»»
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns attack on mosque in Syria's Homs
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned today in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that targeted Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Syria's Homs during Friday prayer and led to several casualties and injuries. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted in a statement today the Kin»»»
Turkey: Terrorist bombing in Homs is a clear provocation aimed at destabilizing Syria
Ankara , Dec. 26 (SANA) The Turkish Presidency condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, affirming that it was a clear provocation intended to destabilize Syria and the region. “We received with deep sorrow the news of the treacherous terrorist attack that targeted»»»
NYE 2026: Dubai Frame to dazzle with drones and fireworks
Dubai: The iconic Dubai Frame will light up the sky this New Year’s Eve with drone shows for the first time, complementing its traditional fireworks display. The new addition promises a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Speaking to Gulf News, Adel Al Marzouqi, Executive Director o»»»
Four missing hikers found dead
Four hikers have died in an avalanche in the Vardousia mountains in Fokida, central Greece. Three of the hikers, all men, had been reported missing late Thursday while following a trail from the village of Athanasios Diakos toward Korakas peak, which rises to 2,495 meters. Relatives told state broa»»»
Lebanese President condemns terrorist attack on Homs Mosque
Beirut, Dec. 26 (SANA) Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, strongly condemned on Friday the terrorist attack that targeted one of the mosques in Homs city during Friday prayers, affirming Lebanon support for Syria. President Aoun stressed an unwavering support for Syria in its fight against terrorism »»»
South Athens area declared in state of emergency after storm damage
The municipality of Agios Dimitrios in southern Athens has been declared in a state of emergency following severe damage caused by a storm on Christmas Eve. The most serious incident was recorded near the Pikrodafni stream, where extensive ground subsidence occurred. Raging waters created a sinkhol»»»
Russia Fully Prepared to Resolve Ukrainian Conflict – Deputy FM Ryabkov
December 25 was a "turning point" in peace talks, he said. Russia is ready to reach a settlement of the Ukraine conflict, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said.However, he stressed that without addressing the root causes of the crisis, a final agreement is impossible. “The focus must be o»»»
Nearly 400 Would-be Migrants Rescued Off Greek Island
The Greek coastguard on Friday rescued nearly 400 would-be migrants from a fishing boat and another vessel off southern Crete, ANA news agency reported. In one operation about 35 nautical miles from the small island of Gavdos, off Crete, a coastguard vessel, a Danish freighter and a helicopter took»»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Russians face economic strain as inflation fears and tax hikes dampen outlook for 2026
There is a classic Soviet expression that sums up how hard life was in the USSR: “Today is worse than yesterday, but at least it is better than tomorrow.” In the latest poll from the independent pollster, the Levada C»»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Justice Minister: Terrorism in all its forms will be confronted firmly under the law
Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA) Minister of Justice Mazhar al-Wais affirmed that the terrorist bombing targeting the Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs constitutes a double crime, violating the sanctity of places of worship and infringing upon both blood and sacred space. “The heinous and horrific crime tha»»»
Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected overnight
Tunis, Dec 26 (TAP) – Weather conditions on Friday night will be marked by the appearance of dense cloud cover, with rainfall over the northern and central regions. The rain will be temporarily thundery and occasionally heavy in the northeast and...»»»
Serbian October average net monthly wage at 110,670 dinars
BELGRADE - The Serbian average net monthly wage in October 2025 was 110,670 dinars, according to figures released by the national statistical office RZS. The average gross wage was 153,153 dinars. The median net wage in October was 86,695 dinars, meaning that 50 pct of the employed population recei»»»
Djedovic Handanovic: Serbia to keep developing strategic cooperation with Japan
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic thanked Japan's outgoing ambassador to Belgrade Akira Imamura for his efficient cooperation during his tenure in Serbia and wished him much success in his professional and private endeavours in the future. Japan will rema»»»
Israel Becomes 1st Country to Recognize Somaliland as 'Sovereign State'
Israel on Friday formally recognized Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties, as the region's leader hailed its first-ever official recognition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "announced today the official recognition of the»»»
Arab League Secretary-General condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Cairo, Dec. 26 (SANA)Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs Friday afternoon.He extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and »»»
Lebanese Cabinet Approves Draft Law on Financial Crisis Losses
Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition to the legislation from political parties, depositors and banking officials. The draft law will be submitted to th»»»
Maduro government announces release of 99 political prisoners - UPI.com
Congressman Tomás Guanipa (C) speaks during a press conference in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on Tuesday. Guanipa said Venezuelan prisons are holding people who have not committed crimes and were being detained for expressing dissent. Photo by Henry Chirinos/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Venezuela's government an»»»
Tuneps platform suspended on Friday for major system upgrade
Tunis, Dec 26 (TAP) - The public e-procurement platform "Tuneps" will be temporarily unavailable this Friday, December 26, 2025, from 03:00 to 08:00 p.m., to undergo a major system upgrade.The updated version will go live at 08:00 p.m., the High...»»»
Times Square to Feature Patriotic Crystal Ball for New Year's Eve, Kicking Off US's 250th Birthday
After the crystal ball drops on New Year’s Eve in New York City, it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue to usher in 2026 and kick off months of celebrations for the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. The patriotic touches at this year's Times Square gathering, including a second confet»»»
3 dead in California storms, flooding - UPI.com
Hundreds of flights are delayed as storms and floods hit California, where three people have died. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Three people are dead after storms and flash flooding in California over the Christmas holiday, and more are expected to disrupt flights »»»
6 dead in mosque explosion in Homs, Syria - UPI.com
Damage pictured Friday after an explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs, western Syria. Ambulances rushed victims during Friday prayers as security forces sealed off the area and began an investigation. Photo Provided by Ahmad Fallaha/EPA Dec. 26 (UP»»»
Turkiye foils ISIS plan for New Year's eve terrorist attack
Ankara: Turkish authorities said they thwarted an attack that ISIS had intended to carry out during New Year celebrations, following a joint security operation conducted by Turkish intelligence in cooperation with the General Directorate of Security in the eastern province of Malatya. Anadolu Agenc»»»
Agriculture Ministry issues warning to farmers and fishermen over severe weather conditions
Tunis, Dec 26 (TAP) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries on Friday issued a warning to farmers in view of severe weather conditions forecast by the National Institute of Meteorology (INM), urging them not to leave livestock...»»»
Platinum Price Hits Record $2,500 Per Ounce
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The live spot price of platinum surged by more than 10% on Friday, breaching the $2,500 per ounce mark for the first time in history, according to trading data. As of 15:43 GMT, platinum futures for January delivery were up 10.63% from the previous close, reaching $2,486.3 per tr»»»
Stock market eases up 0.1% on Friday
Tunis, Dec 26 (TAP) – The stock market eased up 0.1% on Friday to 13,270.5 points, with a solid trading volume of TND 32.9 million, according to stock broker Tunisie Valeurs.The session was marked by the execution of four block trades involving...»»»
Stock market edges up 0.2% over past week
Tunis, Dec 26 (TAP) – The stock market posted an oscillating trend over the past week before ending on an overall upward note of 0.2%, at 13,270 points.The benchmark index recorded a strong market performance in 2025, with a gain of 33.3%, according...»»»
Draft Revisions Propose Appointment of Regional Coordinator of Health Mediators
The introduction of the position of "regional coordinator of health mediators" is proposed in a draft amendment to the Ordinance on the Requirements for the Activities of Health Mediators. The draft has been published for a one-month public discussion on the website of the Health Ministry. The purp»»»
2026 GDP growth projection hinges on resolution of NIS issue - economist
BELGRADE - The approx. 3 pct GDP growth projection for Serbia for 2026 depends on the way several major risks - above all, the issue of the oil company NIS - will be tackled, says Sasa Randjelovic, executive editor of the Kvartalni monitor economic bulletin. NIS is under US sanctions due to its Rus»»»
Deadly Blast Hits Mosque in Syria’s Homs, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna Claims Responsibility
A bombing at a mosque in Syria during Friday prayers killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others, authorities said. Images released by Syria’s state-run Arab News Agency showed blood on the mosque’s carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage. The Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mo»»»
Binge-drinking ferrets and dogs on cocaine in $1.6trn US ‘government waste’ list
The US government has spent over $1.6 trillion this year on wasteful programs, such as teaching ferrets how to binge-drink alcohol and dosing dogs with cocaine, according to Senator Rand Paul’s latest annual ‘Festivus Report’. The Kentucky Republican’s 2025 edition notes a total of $1,639,135,969,6»»»
Moscow warns against travel to ‘lawless’ Germany
The Russian Foreign Ministry has advised the country’s citizens to refrain from traveling to Germany, warning that they could face persecution on national grounds there. During a briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova drew attention to repeated incidents in which Russian»»»
Liverpool boss Slot says Ekitike reaping rewards for greater physicality
London: Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike's run of five goals in four matches indicates the striker has heeded the Liverpool manager's advice when it comes to improving his fitness. The 23-year-old scored on his first three appearances after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt but that achievement was s»»»
'We fled a war-torn country but found a family'
A Syrian refugee family that resettled in the West Midlands shares how they found kinship in the friendship of strangers. Khaled loved his job working at the department of water management in Syria. His wife, Bushra, spent her days teaching primary school children, while evenings were for maqluba a»»»
92 found over the limit in 8,700 breathalyzer tests on Christmas Eve
Traffic police carried out thousands of checks on Christmas Eve in Attica as part of efforts to curb drunk driving. According to police data, more than 8,700 breathalyzer tests were conducted across the Attica basin, with 92 drivers found to be over the legal alcohol limit. The operation involved 2»»»