Trump orders 'total and complete' naval blockade of Venezuela - UPI.com
President Donald Trump participates in a Hanukkah reception in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on December 16, 2025. Later that day, he ordered a naval blockade of Venezuela. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered "a»»»
AI-generated reconstructions of ancient Rome turn out to be full of errors
A number of videos and images created by artificial intelligence that claim to accurately depict ancient Rome have been circulating online. However, these images are far from historically accurate, says one historian. "A Journey Through Time with Artificial Intelligence,” reads the caption on a vid»»»
Cabinet Chairman lays capsules for construction of residential complexes - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev took part in ceremonies to lay time capsules marking the start of construction of a number of residential complexes in Bishkek, the Cabinet’s press service reported. According to it, the residential complexes are being built by t»»»
Jordan x 2080 Accelerator showcases high-growth start-ups
AMMAN — The Jordan x 2080 Accelerator, powered by US-based venture capital firm 2080 Ventures in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the Youth, Technology and Jobs (YTJ) Project, hosted its inaugural Demo Day on Monday in Amman.The event opened with a keynote»»»
Perspective - Lifting the lid on 'To Catch a Predator': Director Daniel Osit on his film 'Predators'
The award-winning director of a new film that delves into the seedy world of sexual predators and paedophilia has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the ethics of making it. David Osit is a three-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning documentary film director. His latest project is the film "Predators", which»»»
Rob Reiner’s son to face two murder charges over parents’ killings
Los Angeles prosecutors say Nick Reiner, the son of famed actor-director Rob Reiner, will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the deaths of his parents. The case has shocked Hollywood and Democratic political circles, where the couple were widely admired. Los Angeles prosecu»»»
Why attendance systems must evolve in today’s hybrid work environments
Hybrid work is not about where employees work from anymore; it is about how they thrive in this ecosystem. Since 2020, the way we work and live has been fundamentally reshaped, driven by a confluence of factors. Organisations around the world have had to rethink every aspect of their operations, in»»»
Benin jails 30 people with links to thwarted coup attempt, legal sources say
Benin on Tuesday jailed around 30 people, most of whom were soldiers, linked to an attempt to oust President Patrice Talon, legal sources said. The attempted coup was defeated by loyalist army forces with the help of the Nigerian air force and French special forces. Benin jailed on Tuesday aro»»»
French lawmakers adopt 2026 social security budget, suspend Macron's flagship pension reform
French lawmakers on Tuesday adopted the 2026 social security budget, which includes the suspension of President Emmanuel Macron's unpopular pension reform, as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu races to finalise a 2026 spending plan by year's end. France's lower house of parliament, the Nationa»»»
Sarkozy faces possible indictment over witness tampering in Libya funding case
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy's legal woes looked set to continue as prosecutors on Tuesday said they would seek indictments against him, his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and nine others for alleged witness tampering in the Libya campaign funding case. French prosecutors on Tuesday said »»»
Canada's Bill C-3: New law lets parents abroad pass on citizenship — know if you're qualified
Canada has officially expanded who can claim citizenship, rolling out a major update to its nationality laws under Bill C-3, which kicked in on December 15, 2025. The new law modernises Canada’s approach to "citizenship by descent", opening a clear pathway for many people previously shut out by old»»»
When the world smiled: Joyful moments that lit up 2025
1/20A woman reacts during a sack race as she celebrates Eid Al Fitr at a park in Quezon City, Philippines, on March 31.AP2/20Schoolgirls and cadets dance as they attend a rehearsal of a ceremony on the first day at school at a cadet lyceum in Kyiv on September 1.AP3/20Visitors, wearing stuffed cost»»»
Video: Rain turns Iran’s Hormuz Island seas bright red in surreal natural display
Heavy rains on Hormuz Island in southern Iran transformed parts of the island’s shoreline — known locally as Red Beach — into a vivid crimson tide, captivating visitors and viewers across social media. Videos and images shared online show rainwater washing rich red mineral soils from the slopes int»»»
Investors win Dh5 million after court uncovers asset diversion plot
Dubai: A Dubai court has ordered a group of defendants to jointly pay Dh5 million in compensation, along with legal interest and court costs, after finding that they plotted to divert assets and obstruct the recovery of investors’ funds in a real estate investment dispute dating back to 2008. In it»»»
Louisiana man arrested for allegedly planning attack in New Orleans - UPI.com
The FBI arrested Louisiana resident Micah James Legnon on Friday as he was driving to New Orleans to allegedly carry out an attack on federal agents there. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- A suspect identified as Micah James Legnon has been arrested by agents from the »»»
Bhavana meets Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan at Christmas feast after Dileep acquittal in Kerala actress assault case
Dubai: Malayalam actress and survivor Bhavana was the chief guest at the Christmas feast hosted by the Kerala government in Thiruvananthapuram, an event highlighted by Minister V. Sivankutty, who shared photographs of the occasion on social media. The actor’s presence at the official event comes ne»»»
Warner Bros to reject $108bn Paramount bid, reports say
Warner Bros Discovery will urge its shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance's $108.4bn (£80.75bn) takeover bid as soon as Wednesday, according to reports. Paramount has said its offer is "superior" to a $72bn deal that Warner Bros struck with Netflix for its film and streaming businesses. At the »»»
NCM forecasts continued rain and falling temperatures across UAE
Dubai: The UAE is expected to see continued rainfall and strong winds through Friday, 19 December, as an active weather system continues to affect large parts of the country, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Rain of varying intensity has fallen since Saturday night, 13 December, thr»»»
The dirt doesn’t stick: India's Gaurav Gogoi on Himanta Sarma, Rahul Gandhi and Assam’s battle ahead
Gaurav Gogoi, 43, is the deputy leader of the Congress in Parliament and the Assam state chief of the Congress, who will be taking on Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP Chief Minister of Assam, in a closely contested election early next year. Gogoi is poised, calm and steely, yet makes his points with a »»»
South Asia-linked terror risks flagged as US homeland threats
Washington: Senior US national security officials have told lawmakers that terrorist groups with roots in South Asia — particularly Pakistan- and Afghanistan-linked networks — continue to pose a direct and evolving threat to the United States. National Counterterrorism Centre Director Joseph Kent t»»»
'UAE's oldest pony' faces uncertain future as RAK shelter for 'the unwanted' horses fights to survive
Ras Al Khaimah: At the foot of Ras Al Khaimah's mountains, a white pony with black spots grazes quietly, oblivious to the fact that she may be the oldest pony in the UAE, if not among the oldest. Pebbles, who will turn 41 in January, has found a safe haven at Ride to Rescue, a sanctuary that saved »»»
Ethiopian PM, PM Modi renew 'avenues of cooperation', sign key agreements
Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and India have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ethiopia was marked by a warm welcome at the National Palace, followed by productive talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The two leade»»»
Final U.S. pennies sell for $16.76 million in record auction - UPI.com
The last pennies ever put into circulation were auctioned off for more than $16 million. File UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The final pennies minted in the United States were sold for more than $16.76 million in a special auction and set a record as the most valuable modern U.S»»»
US adds 7 more countries to travel ban, from January 1, 2026
Washington: The White House announced Tuesday that US President Donald Trump has significantly expanded America’s travel ban, barring citizens from seven additional countries from entering the United States starting January 1. In a statement, the White House said Trump signed a proclamation aimed a»»»
Coming soon to Dubai: Fresh experiences at parks, public spaces plus Ramadan Souq
Dubai: Dubai's parks and public spaces are set for a major transformation with exciting new experiences on the horizon. From fresh entertainment programmes at neighbourhood parks and public spaces to a vibrant traditional Ramadan Souq planned for 2026, residents and visitors can look forward to a h»»»
Police release new video in manhunt for Brown University attacker
Investigators searching for the killer who opened fire in a Brown University lecture hall have released new footage of a person they believe may be linked to the attack. Four days after the gunman killed two people and injured nine others officials have still not identified a suspect, leaving the c»»»
US Senate examines Indian American participation in the SBA 8 program
Washington: Indian American-owned businesses are taking advantage of a federal initiative initially designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, lawmakers have been told. Testifying before a Senate panel, investigative journalist Luke Rosiak said that while the 8(a) pr»»»
UAE resident sends Dh4,600 via remittance app, funds debited but never received
Dubai: He sent Dh4,600 through a remittance app. The money left his UAE bank account — and never arrived. At the time, Abhishek had no reason to think anything would go wrong. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.It was late November 2025, and like thousands of UAE resident»»»
Political tensions between Lebanon and Iran escalate – Ya Libnan
Share: Lebanon’s FM Youssef Raji, recently declined an invitation by his Iranian counterpart to visit Tehran . Iran’s absolute support for Hezbollah is the main problem for Lebanon . “as far as iran is concerned Hezbollah in Lebanon means iran in Lebanon“, a top Iranian cleric was quoted as saying »»»
Roads or rice fields - Madagascar's highway dilemma
The red, wooden post hammered into the ground near the Malagasy village of Ambohidava heralds a change that will alter life here forever. Visiting on a gentle, sunny Thursday afternoon, the only things disturbing the 500 residents are the crowing of cockerels and the occasional rev of a motorbike e»»»
Dashcam video shows couple trying to stop gunman before being killed in Bondi attack
A couple killed in the Bondi Beach shooting tried to stop one of the alleged attackers by grabbing his gun, dramatic dashcam footage shows. Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61, courageously stepped in to try and protect others before being shot themselves, their family said in a statement. Vid»»»
DOJ says Virgin Islands violates the 2nd Amendment - UPI.com
A federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday accuses the Virgin Islands government and police of violating the Second Amendment rights of people who apply for gun permits. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday sued the U.S. Virgin Islands, alleg»»»
Trump to deliver primetime address from White House - UPI.com
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will give a primetime address Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will give a primetime address on Wednesday. Trump made the announcement in a brief social media post t»»»
Troubled girl, 16, charged in school knife attack
A 16-year-old pupil faces two felony charges and one misdemeanor after stabbing a 14-year-old at a Kypseli school in Athens, according to the juvenile prosecutor’s office. The charges include attempted murder, carrying a weapon on school grounds, and illegal weapon use. The accused will appear befo»»»
Asia’s best retirement destination: Know the monthly cost
Manila: The Philippines has been named Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards, a recognition hailed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as proof of the country’s rising global competitiveness as a retirement haven. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco welcome»»»
Tesla shares close at record high $489.88 - UPI.com
The Tesla logo is on display at a Tesla dealership showroom on March 14 in New York City. The company closed at a record-high $489 on Tuesday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Tesla shares closed at a record-high $489.88 on Tuesday, days after CEO Elon Musk announce»»»
Trump adds five countries to travel ban over screening concerns - UPI.com
President Donald Trump approved a new proclamation Tuesday that added five countries to his administration's travel ban. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday added five countries to his administration's travel ban and other entry restrictions, »»»
Dembele and Bonmatí win FIFA Best Awards in Doha; Wiegman scoops fifth prize
DPA Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Demele and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the FIFA Best player awards for 2025 on Tuesday following a vote. France men’s international Dembele, who helped PSG to a treble including their first Champions League title in May, also won the rival Ballon d’Or award»»»
Registration for exhibitors at QF’s BilAraby gathering 2026 now open
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative has announced the opening of registration for institutions and organisations to exhibit their innovative experiences and solutions at the BilAraby Gathering 2026. The event is scheduled to take place in Education City, in April, under»»»
Al Muhannadi appointed president of Qatar Foundation chairperson office
Tribune News Network Doha Engineer Saad bin Ebrahim Al Muhannadi, a member of Qatar Foundation’s Founding Board and the organisation’s former president, has been appointed as president of the Office of the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. A Lifetime Member of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Board of Direct»»»
QND reflects pride, unity and future vision, says Al Kaabi
QNA Doha Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi has said the country’s National Day is a moment that reflects “the highest meanings of pride, dignity and honor,” describing it as an occasion when Qataris draw inspiration from their history while looking ahead to the futur»»»
QND is a day to renew values of authenticity, loyalty: PHCC director
On the occasion of Qatar National Day 2025, the Director of the Primary Health Care Corporation, Dr Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, has emphasized that Qatar National Day represents an enduring national milestone where the people of Qatar reflect on the history of the state’s founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Moh»»»
MoPH holds forum to train healthcare professionals on care for older persons
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health recently organised the Regional Forum for Capacity Building for the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) programme. The ministry organised the programme in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the WH»»»
How a GU-Q professor is helping religion make sense
Tribune News Network Doha As the holiday season approaches, a new resource is helping to shed light on why religion matters today, and it comes from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, Dr. Patrick Laude. In his new book, ‘The Esoteric in Religious and »»»
MECC, QRDI Council sign agreement to combat invasive myna bird
QNA Doha The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council on Tuesday signed an agreement to implement a project entitled “Smart Solutions for Invasive Species: The Myna Trap Challenge” as part of strengthening joint cooperation to s»»»
Three Chinese-owned companies to pay $7.3M to settle PPP violations - UPI.com
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Three Chinese-owned companies agreed to pay $7.3 million to resolve allegations they submitted false claims to secure loans under a COVID-19-era program to help pay employees, the Justice Department said Tuesday. The companies, known collectively as the Greenland USA Entities, subm»»»
Security Council's European members praise Qatar's efforts to end Gaza war
New York: The five European countries serving as members of the United Nations Security Council praised the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Turkiye to achieve a ceasefire and advance the 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. This was stated in a joint press releas»»»
National Day Parade set to begin at 9 am at Doha Corniche
Tribune News Network Doha As the dawn breaks over the Corniche on December 18, Doha will awaken to one of the most anticipated moments of the National Day celebrations — the National Parade. The Organising Committee for the National Day Celebrations has invited the public to take part in the occasi»»»
Global Security Forum 2026 to convene in Doha to explore ‘Collective Security and the Crisis of Legitimacy’
Doha, Qatar: Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the organizing committee of the Global Security Forum (GSF) has announced that Doha will host the 2026 edition of the forum, sc»»»
Donald Trump Jr. announces he's engaged to Bettina Anderson - UPI.com
Donald Trump Jr. announced his engagement to Bettina Anderson during a holiday party on Monday evening in Palm Beach, Fla. File Photo by Eduardo Barraza/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Donald Trump Jr. has a wedding in his near future after fiancé Bettina Anderson recently accepted his marriag»»»