US Economic Growth Surges in 3rd Quarter, Highest Rate in Two Years
US economic growth in the third quarter came in at 4.3 percent on an annualized basis, easily topping expectations, according to Commerce Department data released Tuesday. The report, which also showed an acceleration in inflation, provides reassurance about the world's largest economy after other »»»
Ex-Aide Says Netanyahu Tasked Him with Making a Plan to Evade Responsibility for Oct. 7 Attack
A former close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that immediately following the October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered Israel’s two-year war in Gaza, the Israeli leader instructed him to figure out how the premier could evade responsibility for the security breach. Former Netanyahu s»»»
Malawians angry over vice-president's planned UK trip
There is growing anger in Malawi over a post-Christmas fortnight trip to the UK that one of the country's vice-presidents is due to take. Jane Ansah's visit will be in a private capacity but the reported size of both her entourage and overall cost of the trip has ignited fierce criticism. The detai»»»
UAE President receives Crown Prince of Ajman
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday received Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Ammar, along with other Sheikhs and guests, exchanged greetings and engaged in cordial conve»»»
UAE President receives banking delegation supporting Emirati debt relief initiative
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday received a delegation representing banks and financial institutions that contributed to the initiative to waive the debts of Emiratis facing financial challenges. The initiative is led by the Defaulted Debts Settlem»»»
Ukraine Says Withdrawn Troops from Eastern Town of Siversk
Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the eastern town of Siversk, the General Staff said Tuesday, as Russia doubled down on its recent advances across the lengthy front line. Russia announced the capture of the city in the heavily embattled Donetsk region almost two weeks ago, when Chief of Staff V»»»
Riyadh welcomes prisoner swap deal reached in Yemen
(With POL-GCC-YEMEN-AGREEMENT) RIYADH, Dec 23 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia has welcomed the agreement signed in the capital of Oman, Muscat, on Tuesday on the exchange of prisoners in Yemen, terming it as a key humanitarian step which contributes to mitigating humanitarian suffering and boosting the chan»»»
Former Republican Senator who voted to impeach Trump has advanced cancer
Ben Sasse, who represented Nebraska in the US Senate from 2015 to 2023, has announced he has pancreatic cancer, saying in a lengthy social media post that his diagnosis is a "death sentence". Sasse was one of seven Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump shortly after the 6 January »»»
Former Sen. Ben Sasse announces terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., participates in a Senate Select Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on February 24, 2021. The former senator announced Tuesday he has stage-four pancreatic cancer. File Photo by Tom Williams/UPI | License Photo Dec. 23 (U»»»
Parliament passes conclusions on EC report on Serbia
BELGRADE - The EU remains Serbia's most significant strategic political and economic partner, the Serbian parliament said in conclusions on the European Commission's report on Serbia for 2025. After a vote on the conclusions, Speaker Ana Brnabic said she was surprised MPs of the pro-EU opposition h»»»
Lebanese Soldier Among Those Killed in Monday Israeli Strike
Lebanon's army said Tuesday a soldier was among those killed in an Israeli strike a day earlier and flatly denied the Israeli military's accusation that he was a Hezbollah operative. Israel has kept up regular strikes on Lebanon, usually saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites and operatives, despit»»»
Brown University police chief put on leave; Education Department to check for Clery Act - UPI.com
A woman stops to lay flowers in honor of the victims of a mass shooting in the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building at Brown University in Providence, R.I., on Dec. 15. On Tuesday, the campus police chief was put on leave for a review of campus security. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | Lic»»»
Stock market edges up 0.2% on Tuesday
Tunis, Dec 23 (TAP) – The stock market edged up 0.2% on Tuesday to reach 13,291 points, with a solid trading volume of TND 20.2 million, supported by two block transactions involving TPR shares worth TND 8.9 million and SFBT shares worth TND 2.3...»»»
Apartment building collapse in Cairo’s Imbaba leaves search for survivors underway
Dubai: A five-storey residential building collapsed on Monday in the Imbaba district of Giza, killing an unknown number of people and trapping others beneath the rubble, according to Egyptian security and emergency officials. Rescue teams pulled six people alive from the debris in the Kit Kat neigh»»»
Grabbing is in Fashion: US Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Mirrors Global Trend
President Donald Trump has announced that the US will keep or sell oil confiscated from Venezuela – what precedent does it set? "Thus far in 2025, governments are experiencing the Trump-Vance administration announcing, crafting, and implementing decisions perceived by the White House as within the »»»
Palestinian Authority Says Israel Tightening Control Over West Bank with New Settlements
The Palestinian Authority condemned on Tuesday Israel's recent approval of 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, accusing it of tightening its control over Palestinian land. On Sunday, Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the authorities had greenlit the settlements, s»»»
Indian FM, Sri Lankan leaders discuss post-disaster recovery effort
NEW DELHI, Dec 23 (KUNA) -- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and other senior officials on restoration and relief efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.I»»»
EU amends compensation rules for energy-intensive industries
BRUSSELS, Dec 23 (KUNA) -- The European Commission adopted new amendments to compensation schemes for energy-intensive industries aimed at easing the cost of complying with European Union emissions rules, in a move intended to encourage companies to keep their investments within the bloc.The new am»»»
2025 highlights: The stories, moments that shaped the year - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Activists face off with Los Angeles Police Department officers during the “No Kings” protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on October 18. Demonstrations took place in cities across the United States opposing policies of the Trump administration. File Photo by Jim»»»
Delayed data reveal U.S. economy grew 4% in Q3 - UPI.com
A board on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange NYSE Options Market pictured Monday in New York City, N.Y. On Tuesday, a delayed report showed U.S. economic growth up in the third quarter driven by more robust consumer spending, but offered mixed signals. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License P»»»
Protest erupts in India’s capital city over lynching of man in Bangladesh
New Delhi: A protest erupted in India’s capital Tuesday in response to the death of a man who was lynched and burned by an angry mob in neighbouring Bangladesh, a new sign of strain in relations between the neighboring countries. The protest in New Delhi, mainly led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad, hi»»»
Labour ministry launches pioneering tool to forecast future of labour market
DOHA: Marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey, the Ministry of Labour has integrated advanced Artificial Intelligence and dynamic reporting tools into the Labour Market Information System (LMIS). This strategic move reinforces the ministry's leadership in adopting proa»»»
Saudi Arabia Sets Guinness World Record with 95 Tons of Seasonal Seeds in Vegetation Cover Efforts
Saudi Arabia has reached a new global environmental milestone by earning a Guinness World Records title for the largest seasonal seed storage collection in the world, reflecting its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday. The ac»»»
Trump explains why US ‘needs Greenland’
The US needs Greenland for its “national security,” President Donald Trump has said, after naming a special envoy to the Arctic island, which is under Danish sovereignty. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has revived his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark,»»»
Gaza’s tiny Christian community tries to capture the holiday spirit during ceasefire
Attallah Tarazi recently received Christmas presents that included socks and a scarf to shield him against the Gaza winter, and he joined some fellow Palestinian Christians in a round of hymns. “Christ is born,” the group sang in Arabic. “Hallelujah.” The presents and hymns offered the 76-year-old »»»
Israeli Defense Minister Says No Plan to Resettle Gaza After Hinting at One
Israel's defense minister denied any intention to resettle the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after earlier remarks that suggested Israel would one day want to do so, comments at odds with US President Donald Trump's plan for the Palestinian enclave. Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking at a settlement in»»»
Greta Thunberg Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Protest in London
London police on Tuesday arrested Swedish activist Greta Thunberg at a demonstration in support of pro-Palestinian hunger strikers, Palestinian campaign groups said. Thunberg's arrest makes her the highest profile person to be detained by police since the government banned the Palestine Action grou»»»
Cold Tuesday night with scattered showers in far north
Tunis, Dec 23 (TAP) — The weather Tuesday night will be very cloudy with scattered showers over the far northern regions.Elsewhere across the country, intermittent cloudiness is forecast with no significant precipitation.The wind will blow west...»»»
NATO country hikes military reservist age limit to 65
Finland will raise the upper age limit for rank-and-file military reservists by 15 years, from 50 to 65, starting next year, the Defense Ministry has announced. The Nordic nation, which shares a 1,340-km (830-mile) land border with Russia, abandoned its long-standing policy of military neutrality a»»»
Visit Qatar wins gold and bronze at the Drum Awards Festival 2025 for ‘Reframing Ramadan’ campaign
Doha, Qatar: Visit Qatar has been recognised on the global stage with two wins at The Drum Awards Festival 2025, a leading international platform that celebrates excellence in marketing, media, and content. The ‘Reframing Ramadan’ campaign by Visit Qatar earned a Gold award in the Influencer & Crea»»»
Head of Trade Unions in Gaza says war led to 77% unemployment
Gaza: Head of the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions in the Gaza Strip Sami Al Amssi affirmed that the genocidal war waged by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip has resulted in the suspension of around 400,000 workers from their jobs and raised the unemployment rate in the Strip t»»»
Look: Absurd signs posted in New Zealand city warn residents: 'Don't' - UPI.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAMERON HUNT (@cameronhunt__) Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Pedestrians in Christchurch, New Zealand, were left scratching their heads by a series of seemingly-official signs with messages including: "This area is slightly haunted, but manageable." The signs, posted »»»
Heavy rains turn Muhanna’s Garden into scenic lake
Dubai: Heavy seasonal rainfall has transformed the Rawdat Muhanna depression in eastern Qassim into a vast inland lake, drawing thousands of visitors to the desert site over the recent period. The area, located near the town of Al Nabqiyah, has seen a significant influx of residents and photographe»»»
Italy hits Ryanair with $300M penalty over ticket sale tactics - UPI.com
A Ryanair Boeing 737 pictured July 2018 landing at Dublin Airport, Ireland. On Tuesday, Italy's antitrust regulator fined Ryanair more than $301 million for exploiting its market dominance to restrict online travel agencies from selling Ryanair tickets. File Photo by Aidan Crawley/EPA Dec. 23 (UPI)»»»
DOJ releases third batch of Epstein files; shows Trump flights - UPI.com
The Department of Justice released a new cache of Epstein files Monday, including flight logs that show President Donald Trump flew on Epstein's plane many more times than has been reported. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 23 (UPI) -- The Department of Justice Tuesday released a »»»
Mother of toddler who died of starvation remanded in custody
The 23-year-old mother of a three-year-old toddler who died of starvation has been remanded in custody after appearing before a prosecutor in Alexandroupoli, northern Greece. She faces charges of homicide by omission, with possible intent. Last Wednesday, the three-year-old was brought to the hospi»»»
GCC chief welcomes Yemen's prisoner swap deal
RIYADH, Dec 23 (KUNA) -- The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Al-Budaiwi welcomed, the agreement on exchange of prisoners in Yemen, signed on Tuesday in Muscat, the capital city of Oman.In a press statement, Al-Budaiwi praised the mediation efforts made by Saudi Arabia»»»
Japan finance min, warns against excessive yen moves
TOKYO, Dec 23 (KUNA) -- Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama on Tuesday warned against excessive movements in the foreign exchange market, saying the government would take action against speculative-driven yen depreciation. Katayama made the remarks at a press conference after a Cabinet meeti»»»
Five policemen killed in militant attack N. Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (KUNA) - (with photo) At least five policemen were killed on Tuesday when a police vehicle came under attack in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan.The district police chief spokesperson, Shaukat Khan in a statement to media confirmed that f»»»
Drug Prices Surge in Bulgaria, with Some Medicines Doubling or Tripling in Cost
A noticeable and sustained rise in the prices of a number of medicines has been observed over the past several months, according to pharmacists and patients. The data indicates that this is not an isolated adjustment, but a continuing trend. The steepest increases affect medicines reimbursed throug»»»
Sudanese transitional PM unveils peace initiative
United Nations: Sudanese transitional Prime Minister Kamil Idris on Monday presented to the UN Security Council a peace initiative aimed at ending the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The initiative, which includes a ceasefire, the control and disarmam»»»
US to overhaul H-1B visa system, favouring higher-paid, higher-skilled workers
Dubai: The US will overhaul its H-1B work visa selection system, replacing the long-standing random lottery with a process that gives priority to higher-paid and higher-skilled applicants, the Department of Homeland Security said. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The ru»»»
Japan signals readiness to intervene as yen slides
Tokyo: Japan's Finance Minister, Satsuki Katayama, has said the country has full freedom to respond to excessive fluctuations in the yen, signaling a willingness to intervene in currency markets to curb sharp declines. Speaking at a press conference, Katayama said the recent weakening of the yen di»»»
Feds file suit to overturn Washington, D.C., gun control laws - UPI.com
Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice filed suit against Washington, D.C., Monday to overturn the District's restrictive gun laws. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 23 (UPI) -- The federal government is suing Washington, D.C., to ease its gun-ownership laws, whic»»»
Christmas in UAE: Churches announce special mass timings, services in up to 16 languages
Dubai: Churches across the UAE are preparing for one of the most significant occasions on the Christian calendar, with special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services scheduled to accommodate the country's diverse Christian community. The UAE's churches reflect the multicultural tapestry of the na»»»
Hellenic Hoteliers Federation calls for immediate resolution to farmers’ road blockades
A post regarding the farmers’ mobilizations was published by the president of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation Giannis Hatzis, calling for normal traffic to resume on the road network. “We do not know who is responsible for the distressing situation we are experiencing today. The only ones who cer»»»
Athens public transport on reduced schedule for Christmas, Boxing Day
Public transport services across the greater Athens area will operate on a reduced, Sunday and public-holiday schedule on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with less frequent services on all bus routes and rail lines. In addition, several bus routes will be temporarily modified due to ongoing roadworks»»»
Qur'anic Botanic Garden and Herfah Program revive traditional craft with new dye plants garden
Doha: The Qur'anic Botanic Garden (QBG), a member of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has collaborated with Qatar Foundation's (QF) Herfah Program to develop the first Dye Plants Garden at the historic Al Khater house in Education City. This initiative bridges traditional expertise and modern s»»»
Arif Habib Group-led consortium submits highest bid in PIA privatisation
Dubai: Arif Habib Group-led consortium has emerged as the highest bidder in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, submitting a bid of Rs135 billion in the final round of televised open bidding. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Lucky Group consortium »»»
Two US mercenaries killed fighting for Ukraine – Newsweek
Two American mercenaries have been killed while fighting for Ukraine against Russian forces in December, Newsweek has reported. The deaths of the US citizens, identified as Brian Zacherl and Ty Wingate, has been confirmed by their relatives on social media, the outlet said in an article on Monday. »»»