Al-Majd Europe: The secret shell company smuggling Palestinians out of Gaza
Al Jazeera investigators uncover a trail of covert flights and shady figures working for front operation Al-Majd Europe.
Notable Events Around the World on - 2025-12-19
Rocket Lab wins another defense-related space contract
The $816 million contract follows a separate $515 million — both awarded by the U.S. Space Development Agency.
techcrunch.com
Building venture-backable companies in heavily regulated spaces
This week on Build Mode, Startup Battlefield editor Isabelle Johannessen spoke to two founders who are working to make progress in industries ripe for disruption, despite the regulatory headaches t...
techcrunch.com
WIRED Roundup: The 5 Tech and Politics Trends That Shaped 2025
In today’s episode of Uncanny Valley, we dive into five stories—from AI to DOGE—that encapsulate the year and give us clues as to what might unfold in 2026.
wired.com
Allan Ludwig, ‘Founding Father’ of Gravestone Studies, Dies at 92
His Pulitzer-nominated book “Graven Images” inspired a reassessment of Puritan art, challenging the belief that imagery carved on headstones was meaningless.
nytimes.com
Emily Korzenik, 96, Dies; Rabbi Took a Bar Mitzvah to Poland
Rabbi Emily Faust Korzenik in Stamford, Conn., in 2003. For 25 years she presided over the Fellowship for Jewish Learning, a congregation there.
nytimes.com
US to strip alleged Bosnian war criminal of citizenship
Kemal Mrndzic did not reveal that he had been a guard at a camp where atrocities occurred when seeking US naturalisation, officials say.
bbc.com
Musk wins US appeal to restore 2018 Tesla pay package
The Delaware Supreme Court rules in favour of Musk and his $56bn compensation.
aljazeera.com
Meet NASA’s Astronaut Class of 2025 – Webby Submission
NASA engineers are laying the foundation for the moonwalks the first woman and next man will conduct when they land on the lunar South Pole in 2024 as part of the Artemis program. At the...
nasa.gov
Where are investors placing their bets next year? AI, AI, AI.
Investors at TechCrunch Disrupt explained their focus on artificial intelligence and offered advice to founders on how to stand out in a crowded AI field.
techcrunch.com
Greece rescues more than 500 asylum seekers off coast of Crete
Greek coastguard says nearly 540 people will have their asylum claims processed after rescue south of the island.
aljazeera.com
U.S. Strikes Islamic State Targets in Syria
The strikes signal a sharp military escalation in Syria at a time when the United States has reduced its presence in the country since the beginning of the year.
nytimes.com
Cursor continues acquisition Spree with Graphite deal
Graphite is an AI code review assistant that was last valued at $290 million.
techcrunch.com
Elon Musk’s $56B Tesla pay package restored by Delaware Supreme Court
The decision brings to a close a years-long court battle that irked Musk so much he moved Tesla's incorporation from Delaware to Texas.
techcrunch.com
Introducing a New Chapter for ‘Uncanny Valley’
In this episode, we look back at 2025 and look ahead to what's happening in 2026—including what’s in store for Uncanny Valley.
wired.com
Delaware high court reinstates Musk’s $56bn Tesla pay package
Justices find revocation of remuneration was inappropriate and left electric car chief uncompensated for his work
ft.com
‘Trump-Kennedy Center’: Trump’s name added to venue’s facade
President Trump’s name was put on The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
aljazeera.com
Greaves edged out by Gurney in final-set thriller on Worlds return
Beau Greaves narrowly missed out on becoming the second woman in history to win a match at the World Darts Championship after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Daryl Gurney at Alexandra Palace.
skysports.com
'One of the best shots at this year's World Championship' | Gurney takes out 144
Daryl Gurney finished 144 under huge pressure as he went on to win his World Darts Championship opener against Beau Greaves.
skysports.com
Trump announces new deal with pharma companies to cut drug prices
So far 14 of the 17 of largest pharmaceutical companies have agreed to lower drug prices in the US.
aljazeera.com
29-day-old baby boy dies of hypothermia as temperatures drop in Gaza
Sheltered under a worn-out, nylon tent and four blankets, 29-day-old Saeed could not survive winter in Gaza.
aljazeera.com
Anonymous messaging app NGL was acquired by ‘earnphone’ startup Mode Mobile
Given NGL's track record of dubious growth hacking, this partnership with Mode Mobile like a good match.
techcrunch.com
NASA Shares SpaceX Crew-12 Assignments for Space Station Mission
As part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission, four crew members from three space agencies will launch no earlier than Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, to the International Space Station for a long-duration scien...
nasa.gov
Hundreds of Cisco customers are vulnerable to new Chinese hacking campaign, researchers say
Cisco warned that Chinese government hackers are exploiting a zero-day in some of its products. Researchers now say there are hundreds of vulnerable Cisco customers.
techcrunch.com
NASA Johnson’s 2025 Milestones
NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston closed 2025 with major progress across human spaceflight, research, and exploration. From Artemis II mission preparations to science aboard the Internat...
nasa.gov
NASA’s Wideband Technology Demo Proves Space Missions are Free to Roam
Just like your cellphone stays connected by roaming between networks, NASA’s Polylingual Experimental Terminal, or PExT, technology demonstration is proving space missions can do the same by switch...
nasa.gov
Alan Milburn to review rise in youth minimum wage
Exclusive: Blair-era minister echoes concerns about young people being priced out of jobs, in intervention likely to dismay Labour MPsThe future of the youth minimum wage will come under review as...
theguardian.com
Scammers in China Are Using AI-Generated Images to Get Refunds
From dead crabs to shredded bed sheets, fraudsters are using fake photos and videos to get their money back from ecommerce sites.
wired.com
Yann LeCun confirms his new ‘world model’ startup, reportedly seeks $5B+ valuation
Renowned AI scientist Yann LeCun confirmed on Thursday the worst-kept secret in the tech world: that he had indeed launched a new startup. Although he did say he will not be running the new company...
techcrunch.com
Is Russia’s war on Ukraine coming to an end? Putin won’t say
The war on Ukraine was a big topic at Vladimir Putin’s annual Q&A session, but the question of its end went unanswered.
aljazeera.com
LOUDEST walk-on of the Worlds? O'Connor fires up Ally Pally crowd with 'Zombie'!
William O'Connor came out to the song 'Zombie' ahead of his World Championship Darts opener against Krzysztof Kciuk.
skysports.com
If Williamson wants war, we will have it - Simpson
Callum Simpson says Troy Williamson "will have a war if he wants it" as both fighters make weight ahead of Saturday's British, European and Commonwealth super-middleweight showdown in Leeds.
bbc.com
Pro-Palestinian hunger strikers face death in jail, doctors say
Six British hunger strikers linked to Palestine Action are at risk of death in prison, doctors and relatives warn.
aljazeera.com
Australia was seen as a world leader in gun control - Bondi has exposed a more complicated reality
It introduced stricter gun laws after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, but some say they now need to be tightened further.
bbc.com
Sam Altman’s New Brain Venture, Merge Labs, Will Spin Out of a Nonprofit
Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup that seeks to read brain activity using ultrasound, is being spun out of Forest Neurotech, a Los Angeles nonprofit.
wired.com
‘Highly speculative’ that Trump’s new fuel rules will help drivers: Experts
Proposed changes weaken climate rules and waste years of investments by car makers in EVs.
aljazeera.com
New leader says Unison will end support for ‘destructive’ Labour right wing
Blunt remarks indicate UK’s largest union may be on collision course with Wes Streeting and Labour more widelyAndrea Egan: My warning as the new head of UnisonThe new general secretary of Unison ha...
theguardian.com
My warning as the new head of Unison: never again will we prop up politicians hostile to unions | Andrea Egan
I have been appalled by Wes Streeting’s attacks on resident doctors. The destructive right wing of the Labour party should know that this is a new eraI started my working life as a low-paid childre...
theguardian.com
Northern Ireland native Smyth signs three-year deal with New Orleans Saints
Northern Ireland native Charlie Smyth has been signed to the New Orleans Saints' active roster on a three-year contract.
skysports.com
Rubio says ‘progress but ways to go’ in efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war
US top diplomat's remarks come as Ukraine negotiators travel to US for fresh round of talks on ending the conflict.
aljazeera.com
Rubio: ‘Not going to have peace’ if Hamas can threaten Israel
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said peace will never happen if Hamas has the ability to “threaten or attack Israel."
aljazeera.com
India beat South Africa as warm up for T20 World Cup defence pounds forward
India's preparations for their T20 World Cup defence look daunting as South Africa swept aside in 3-1 series win.
aljazeera.com
The Guardian view on the Palestine Action hunger strikers: the government is trying to ignore this protest | Editorial
Doctors have warned that the lives of these prisoners are now in danger. Pretending this is not happening is not good enoughIn 1981, IRA and other republican prisoners went on hunger strike in Nort...
theguardian.com
Sights and sounds from the first round of the College Football Playoff
Four campuses across the country were abuzz over the weekend as the College Football Playoff came to town.
espn.com
Future major stars? Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship on Sky Sports
The potential future stars of professional golf battled it out at the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship, with extended highlights this month available on Sky Sports Golf.
skysports.com
Rafael Ithier, Ambassador of Puerto Rican Music, Dies at 99
Leading the acclaimed salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, he brought the music of his native island to a worldwide audience for more than 60 years.
nytimes.com
Netflix is betting on podcasts to become the new daytime talk show
Netflix is making exclusive deals with podcast studios to compete with YouTube, but podcasters have mixed feelings.
techcrunch.com
Toronto Man Accused of Working With ISIS Faces Terror Charges Targeting Jews and Women
The skyline of Toronto. Terror charges were filed after investigations into two failed kidnapping attempts in the Toronto area earlier this year.
nytimes.com
David Walliams dropped by publisher over alleged inappropriate behaviour
HarperCollins has ‘decided not to publish any new titles’ by Walliams after the successful children’s author was reportedly accused of harassing junior female staffDavid Walliams has been dropped b...
theguardian.com
Taylor out of World Championship after 'adverse' drug test
Dom Taylor is suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority following an "adverse analytical finding" from a drug test, meaning he is out of the PDC World Championship.
bbc.com
Tulane's Sumrall mourns father's death before CFP
Tulane coach Jon Sumrall mourned the death of his father Friday, a day before the Green Wave make their College Football Playoff debut against Ole Miss.
espn.com
Disabled people in England ‘betrayed’ by cuts to new-build accessibility targets
Campaigners decry plan to reduce requirement for improved standards from 100% down to 40% of new homesGovernment plans to make huge cuts to targets for accessible new-build homes in England have be...
theguardian.com
OpenAI adds new teen safety rules to ChatGPT as lawmakers weigh AI standards for minors
OpenAI updated its guidelines for how its AI models should behave with users under 18, and published new AI literacy resources for teens and parents. Still, questions remain about how well policies...
techcrunch.com
Gaza’s tech workers contend with little electricity, limited internet
Coders and engineers in Gaza’s tech sector are fighting to finish projects and keep clients.
aljazeera.com
Kenyan hero Munyua wants to keep Ally Pally wasp as lucky charm
Kenyan darts hero David Munyua wanted to keep the Ally Pally wasp as a good luck charm after his historic World Championship win - but why is the insect playing a starring role this year?
skysports.com
Smyth signs new three-year deal with Saints
Kicker Charlie Smyth signs a new three-year deal and is elevated to the New Orleans Saints' full 53-man roster for the first time.
bbc.com
Water Droplet Science
NASA astronaut Don Pettit demonstrates electrostatic forces using charged water droplets and a knitting needle made of Teflon. This series of overlapping frames from Feb. 19, 2025, displays the uni...
nasa.gov
German court jails man for drugging, raping and filming wife for years
The 61-year-old has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after posting the videos online.
bbc.com
Fifa owes fans thousands for resold World Cup tickets
Customers who resold World Cup tickets on Fifa’s official platform say they are still waiting for thousands of pounds in payments.
bbc.com
Known uses voice AI to help you go on more in-person dates
Known has raised $9.7 million from investors, including Forerunner and NFX, along with PearVC and Coelius Capital.
techcrunch.com
Theodor Pistek, Oscar-Winning ‘Amadeus’ Costume Designer, Dies at 93
Theodor Pistek in 2017. A racecar driver, artist and costume designer, he was best known for creating clothes for two Milos Forman films set in the 18th century, “Amadeus” and “Valmont.”
nytimes.com
Trump's year in Washington
President Trump won re-election in 2024 on a promise to upend Washington. He pitched a presidency where he alone could solve America's problems. Where does the current reality of these promises stand?
npr.org
Rock beats Hayter to reach round two at PDC Worlds
Title contender Josh Rock beats Gemma Hayter 3-1 to reach the second round of the PDC World Championship.
bbc.com
MAGA divisions over antisemitism on display at Turning Point
MAGA infighting was underway as Turning Point USA opened its first national conference since the death of Charlie Kirk.
npr.org
WNBAers on seeking 'fair' deal: 'Whatever it takes'
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike told ESPN on Friday that despite the union's strike authorization vote amid their current negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, the WNBA players sti...
espn.com
Pirates get Rays 2B Brandon Lowe in 3-team trade
The offense-starved Pirates finally made an aggressive offseason move, agreeing to acquire two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Rays as part of a three-team trade that also includ...
espn.com
Taylor fails drugs test at World Darts Championship
Dom Taylor has been knocked out of the World Darts Championship after failing a drugs test at the tournament.
skysports.com
Sheff Wed 'days from takeover' with Ashley leading contender
Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan says the club badly needs the "boost" of new owners at Hillsborough.
bbc.com
It’s beginning to look a lot like holiday job season
We need young people to gain experience that makes the world of work intelligible and builds skills and confidence
ft.com
Ros Atkins on… The alleged links between the UAE and Sudan's civil war
BBC Analysis Editor Ros Atkins examines allegations of links between the UAE and Sudan’s RSF in the civil war, as international efforts continue to seek an end to the fighting.
bbc.com
Three killed in Taipei stabbing, smoke bomb attack
Officials say suspect, who died after falling from a building during police chase, carried out 'indiscriminate attacks'.
aljazeera.com
Kelce to play final 3 games as he ponders future
Despite the Chiefs' being eliminated from the NFL's postseason last week, Travis Kelce, the team's star tight end, plans to play in each of the final three games this season.
espn.com
Putin vows no more wars if West treats Russia with respect
Russia's leader said during a four-hour TV marathon that claims that an attack on Europe was planned were "nonsense".
bbc.com
Allen and Britton stay as Swans appoint new staff
Leon Britton and Joe Allen are to stay on at Swansea City as part of a new-look coaching staff which will also include assistant head coach Ryan Maye, who arrives from Aston Villa.
bbc.com
Meta is developing a new image and video model for a 2026 release, report says
The company is working on an image and video model and new text-based model, which aids with coding.
techcrunch.com
Justice Department begins the release of the Epstein files
The Justice Department has begun publishing the Epstein files, releasing documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's criminal charges and his death by suicide in federal custody.
npr.org
6 Scary Predictions for AI in 2026
Could the AI industry be on the verge of its first major layoffs? Will China spread propaganda to slow the US data-center building boom? Where are AI agents headed?
wired.com
French court rejects Shein website suspension over childlike sex dolls
The fast-fashion giant welcomed the judgement and said its priority remains protecting French consumers.
bbc.com
One-way traffic... and one draw - Paul v Joshua predictions
Natasha Jonas and more are backing Anthony Joshua to deliver against Jake Paul as the world of boxing gives its predictions for Saturday's bout.
bbc.com
‘It’s rather rude’: Tory members club accuses Liz Truss of poaching tactics
Former prime minister allegedly trying to poach members of 5 Hertford Street for her own Mayfair club one street awayFor Tory grandees licking their wounds and plotting their return after their dis...
theguardian.com
Satellite images track Trump’s squeeze on Venezuela
Photos, data and videos show increasing military pressure on Nicolás Maduro after US president refuses to rule out war
ft.com
Avengers: Doomsday trailer – as the hype builds, has Marvel got lost in the multiverse?
Marvel has put the first official trailer for the new Avengers meetup before random screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Recordings of it have leaked online – but many questions still remainIs anyth...
theguardian.com
Watchdog hits out at potential local election delays
The Electoral Commission says postponing council elections further risks "damaging public confidence".
bbc.com
Shock and awe: our critics pick their best live classical events of 2025
Turnage’s Festen at the Royal Opera House swept all before it, but there was plenty of extraordinary new music, exhilarating performances and triumphs of talent, commitment and resourcefulness acro...
theguardian.com
Four players banned for match-fixing offences in A-League
Four players are banned from all football-related activity for several years for their part in match-fixing offences in the A-League.
bbc.com
And the 2025 Braddies go to … Peter Bradshaw’s film picks of the year
Now the Guardian’s Top 50 countdowns, as voted for by the whole film team, have announced their No 1s, here are our chief critic’s personal choices – in no particular order• The 50 best films of 20...
theguardian.com
GB's Weston and Wyatt win world cup gold and silver
Great Britain's Matt Weston has continues his pefect start to the Skeleton World Cup campaign as he takes home gold, while fellow Brit Marcus Wyatt comes second in Sigulda, Latvia.
bbc.com
‘Radiator rattling’ earthquake hits Lancashire village for second time in two weeks
People of Silverdale report rattling and shaking as 2.5 magnitude earthquake strikes in probable aftershockA village in Lancashire has been hit by a “radiator rattling” earthquake for the second ti...
theguardian.com
I watched Stand By Me with Rob Reiner. Both film and man changed my life
I had watched the coming-of-age weepie over and over growing up so it was an overwhelming experience to sit down with its creator and see it again. It was a magical day and he was just as warm-hear...
theguardian.com
Metrics
Services Catalog Click here to view the FY25 Services Catalog The catalogs provide service description, chargeback rate, unit of measure, and service level indicators for each NSSC service. Service...
nasa.gov
Angels, Skaggs family settle while case with jury
The Angels and the family of Tyler Skaggs have agreed to a last-minute settlement over the civil lawsuit stemming from the former pitcher's death in 2019.
espn.com
Bristol City and Millwall charged after mass brawl
Bristol City and Millwall are charged by the FA for the mass brawl between players and coaching staff at Ashton Gate.
bbc.com
Krafton hikes India bet with new $670M fund
Called the Unicorn Growth Fund, the investment vehicle is a collaboration between Krafton and South Korean internet conglomerate Naver, and investor Mirae Asset. It aims to deploy around $669.3 mil...
techcrunch.com
Tens of thousands flee DR Congo to Burundi amid rebel takeover of key city
UN refugee agency says women and children arriving 'exhausted and severely traumatised' after fleeing eastern DRC.
aljazeera.com
‘We don’t care about politics’: Violence-hit Uvira locals just want peace
As M23 captures and then withdraws from key DRC city, residents say 'whoever comes with peace is welcome here'.
aljazeera.com
Reports: Pirates get Rays' Lowe in 3-team trade
- The offense-starved Pittsburgh Pirates finally made an aggressive offseason move, agreeing to acquire two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from Tampa Bay as part of a three-team trade th...
espn.com
‘War on terror’ defence of Trump boat strikes doesn’t hold water: Experts
Trump allies liken the bombing of alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific to Obama's drone killing campaign.
aljazeera.com
Hacks, thefts and disruption: The worst data breaches of 2025
TechCrunch looks back at the biggest data breaches, disruptive cyberattacks, and damaging hacks of 2025, from the raiding of U.S. government databases to a hack every month in South Korea.
techcrunch.com
Automated Holiday Party Ideas (2025): Ninja, HP Sprocket, Cricut
I've tested smart home gear and high-tech party gadgets at every holiday party I've hosted so far this year. Here’s how to automate your party so you can actually enjoy the holiday season.
wired.com
New English Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker review – Christmas favourite delivers magic in miniature
Sainsbury theatre, London Academy of Music and Dramatic ArtBoutique staging with just 12 dancers makes up for its small scale with inventive choreography by Valentino Zucchetti and a spirited castT...
theguardian.com
Trump live: US Justice Department faces deadline to release Epstein files
Trump's administration prepares to release a cache of records tied to convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein.
aljazeera.com
The 50 best albums of 2025: No 1 – Rosalía: Lux
On her monumental, maximalist opus, the dazzlingly audacious Spanish singer balanced pop and classical, experimentation and accessibility• The 50 best albums of 2025• More on the best culture of 20...
theguardian.com
As Tory after Tory defects to Nigel Farage, I say this: be careful which turncoats you wish for | Simon Hart
As a chief whip, I came to know a thing or two about those who flee their parties. Often they are more trouble than they are worthNigel Farage is storing up trouble by welcoming yet another tranche...
theguardian.com
LIVE: Gaza ceasefire mediators to hold talks on second phase
US envoy Steve Witkoff to meet senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye in Miami to discuss next phase of deal.
aljazeera.com
'No-one's going to explode' - Enhanced chief says Games will change minds
The first staging of the Enhanced Games - an event allowing the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs - will change perceptions says its new chief executive
bbc.com
Best MacBooks (2025): Which Apple Laptop Should You Buy?
With prices at new lows and an incoming memory shortage, here's our advice on which MacBook you should buy.
wired.com
Protests escalate in Bangladesh after death of student leader Hadi
Thousands rally nationwide, calling for justice for Hadi, whose death intensifies anti-Indian sentiment in Bangladesh.
aljazeera.com
Putin claims Ukraine is ‘on the retreat’
Leader says Russia wants its most hardline demands to form the basis for any peace talks
ft.com
Scientists push back on Trump plan to break up a critical climate and weather center
The White House plans to break up a key weather and climate research center in Colorado, a move experts say could jeopardize the accuracy of forecasting and prediction systems.
npr.org
‘A lot of these scary blokes doing time are terrified little boys’: Dennis Kelly on writing a new kind of prison drama
The new project from the creator of Pulling and Utopia is the real-life tale of a teacher whose life is upended by working with inmates. ‘It upends your prejudices,’ he saysWriter Dennis Kelly has...
theguardian.com
From Roombas to e-bikes, why are hardware startups going bankrupt?
The hardware world had a brutal week, with iRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes all filing for bankruptcy. Each company faces its own mix of tariff pressures, supply chain...
techcrunch.com
Australia Debates New Laws to Restrict Hate and Suspend Protests
Police officers at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday, two days after gunmen killed 15 people at a Jewish celebration.
nytimes.com
Stars' Seguin, 6-time All-Star, has ACL surgery
Stars forward Tyler Seguin underwent surgery this week to repair the ACL in his right knee, and the team said Friday that he would be reevaluated after the Olympic break.
espn.com
From Helmand to Milan - Meenagh's quest for Winter Paralympic medal
Scotland's Scott Meenagh is targeting a first medal at his third and final Winter Paralympics, 14 years on from losing both his legs in Helmand Province
bbc.com
Global Experts Say Most Palestinians in Gaza Face Major Difficulties Accessing Food
Palestinians lining up to receive food packages during a distribution in a town in the central Gaza Strip.
nytimes.com
Heat pull off sensational record Big Bash chase
Centuries from Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth help Brisbane Heat chase a record 258 to beat Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.
bbc.com
Who was Osman Hadi; why is Bangladesh on fire over his death?
Hadi's death has led to protests, anti-India sentiment and attacks on newspapers in Bangladesh.
aljazeera.com
Space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock: ‘We’re on the cusp of something really exciting’
The educator and broadcaster on the search for life beyond Earth, what we might gain from mining on the Moon — and how to divert a killer asteroid
ft.com
Riots Erupt in Bangladesh After the Killing of a Student Leader
Crowds in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday near the office of the Prothom Alo newspaper, where a targeted arson occurred after the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a student leader.
nytimes.com
Trump Signs Law Repealing Tough Sanctions on Syria
A heavily damaged neighborhood in the eastern city of Deir al-Zour, Syria, in August. The lifting of U.S. sanctions will bolster Syria’s new government’s efforts to rebuild a nation in ruins.
nytimes.com
Trump Signs Law Repealing Tough Sanctions on Syria
A heavily damaged neighborhood in the eastern city of Deir al-Zour, Syria, in August. The lifting of U.S. sanctions will bolster Syria’s new government’s efforts to rebuild a nation in ruins.
nytimes.com
Gloucester-bound Lake back to lead Ospreys v Munster
Wales hooker Dewi Lake will return to captain Ospreys for their United Rugby Championship home match against Munster in Bridgend on Saturday.
bbc.com
Add to playlist: the bullish confidence and versatility of JayaHadADream and the week’s best new tracks
A breakout star of the underground rap scene shows vulnerability and wit in her genre-bending tracksFrom CambridgeshireRecommended if you like Manga Saint Hilare, Kojey Radical, Little SimzUp next...
theguardian.com
Party with Picasso, wonder at the ancients and go wild with photography – the week in art
The Spanish master’s angle on performance, treasures from Egypt and the year’s best wildlife images on Earth – all in your weekly dispatchMade in Ancient Egypt Wonders to amaze and move all ages,...
theguardian.com
Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
Anointing a new Santa; a child refugee’s tale; a dangerous journey across frozen wastes; a YA roadtrip romance and moreThe Great Christmas Tree Race by Naomi Jones, illustrated by James Jones, Lady...
theguardian.com
Hubble Glimpses Galactic Gas Making a Getaway
A sideways spiral galaxy shines in this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image. Located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden), NGC 4388 is a resident of the Virgo...
nasa.gov
What Paralympic Athlete Monster Mike Schultz Packs for His Races
The world champion adaptive snowboard cross athlete repairs his own prostheses before a competition.
wired.com
Putin takes aim at Zelenskyy in annual Q&A, says he won’t negotiate on land
Russian leader underscores Kremlin's hardline stance on peace talks as Trump pushes for deal to end war.
aljazeera.com
Demands for justice as mass protests return to Bangladesh
Protesters in Bangladesh reacted with fury, after a prominent student movement leader was shot and killed.
aljazeera.com
The Avatar Game Is So Good, They Don’t Need to Make the Movies Anymore
See the new movie Avatar: Fire and Ash if you’d like. But if you really want to experience the big blue world of Pandora, the video game is where it’s at.
wired.com
With New E.U. Loan, Ukraine Avoids Budget Crunch and Can Plan War Effort
Members of Ukraine’s 148th Artillery Brigade at a firing position in the Zaporizhzhia region of eastern Ukraine in October.
nytimes.com
The 98% mystery: Scientists just cracked the code on “junk DNA” linked to Alzheimer’s
Researchers have revealed that so-called “junk DNA” contains powerful switches that help control brain cells linked to Alzheimer’s disease. By experimentally testing nearly 1,000 DNA switches in hu...
sciencedaily.com
Betelgeuse and the Crab Nebula: Stellar Death and Rebirth
What happens when a star dies? In 2019, Betelgeuse dimmed in brightness, sparking speculation that it may soon explode as a supernova. While it likely won’t explode quite yet, we can preview its fa...
nasa.gov
Bangladesh newspaper staff recall 'gasping for air' as offices set ablaze
The fresh protests are sparked by the death of one of the leaders of protests that ousted ex-PM Sheikh Hasina.
bbc.com
Michelle Mone-linked PPE firm liquidated and unlikely to repay £148m
The firm led by Baroness Mone's husband Douglas Barrowman breached a contract to supply surgical gowns during the Covid pandemic.
bbc.com
An 11-year-old needed two new organs and doctors made history
In a rare and historic achievement, Children’s Hospital Colorado successfully completed its first dual heart and liver transplant in a pediatric patient. The life-saving surgery was performed on 11...
sciencedaily.com
England's X-factor has 'hill to climb' - will Palmer go to World Cup?
Does Cole Palmer still have hope of making England's World Cup squad? BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty examines the Chelsea star's chances.
bbc.com
Africa Cup of Nations 2025: What to know about the tournament
Tournament format, venues, title favourites, groups, prize money and how to watch the 35th edition of AFCON in Morocco.
aljazeera.com
EU loan means Ukraine war is “going to continue”
New funding from the EU allows Ukraine go shopping for more weapons, says analyst Pavel Felgenhauer
aljazeera.com
Television in titbits: the rise of the billion-dollar microdrama industry
Hollywood is betting big on vertical microdramas told in chunks under two minutes. Can a gimmick turn into a new form of entertainment?If you have been anywhere close to the social media blast radi...
theguardian.com
Germany’s Christmas Markets Are Now Ringed With Security Barriers
Security personnel standing next to bollards blocking the main entrance to the Christmas Market in Augsburg, Germany, in December.
nytimes.com
Merry Christmas, Keir Starmer: despite everything, you’re still the best man for the job | Simon Jenkins
Rumours of the prime minister’s demise are premature. Yes, the polls look bad – but these days they reflect little more than voters’ passing whimsMerry Christmas, Sir Keir, and a happy new year. Or...
theguardian.com
Food becoming more calorific but less nutritious due to rising carbon dioxide
Researchers noticed ‘dramatic’ changes in nutrients in crops, including drop in zinc and rise in leadMore carbon dioxide in the environment is making food more calorific but less nutritious – and a...
theguardian.com
Grief inspired so much of the year’s best music – and that’s something AI won’t ever feel
As AI generated ever more pop slop, reflective songwriting by artists from Clipse to CMAT drew its power from its very humanityThe most acclaimed albums of 2025 make for impressively eclectic liste...
theguardian.com
This Chrome Extension Turns LinkedIn Posts About AI Into Facts About Allen Iverson
The developers of a browser tool that changes AI-centric LinkedIn posts to Allen Iverson facts want to help “take back control of your experience of the internet.”
wired.com
The Age of Water: How radioactivity is costing lives in a Mexican town
After three girls die of cancer in a town in Mexico, a group of mothers and a scientist investigate the water supply.
aljazeera.com
Gaza’s tech workers code from rubble as Israel’s war destroys digital life
Gaza's coders and technicians battle to keep enclave online amid Israeli infrastructure destruction.
aljazeera.com
Ancient oceans were ruled by super predators unlike anything today
Long before whales and sharks, enormous marine reptiles dominated the oceans with unmatched power. Scientists have reconstructed a 130-million-year-old marine ecosystem from Colombia and found pred...
sciencedaily.com
Weather tracker: Early snowfall in New York and a storm rips down lights in Spain
Long Island receives 8.5in of snow, while a tornado tears down Christmas decorations near MálagaHeavy snow fell in parts of New England this week. Central Park, New York, received a few inches of s...
theguardian.com
Scientists found a new way to slow aging inside cells
A small tweak to mitochondrial energy production led to big gains in health and longevity. Mice engineered to boost a protein that helps mitochondria work more efficiently lived longer and showed b...
sciencedaily.com
Heading into her final Olympics, Hilary Knight's impact is as big as ever
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be Knight's last playing for Team USA. She remains one of the faces of U.S. women's hockey.
espn.com
Beau Greaves - how far can darts' rising star go?
Rising darts star Beau Greaves begins her World Championship campaign against 22nd seed Daryl Gurney on Friday.
bbc.com
First playoff Brawl of the Wild headlines FCS semifinal showdowns
Montana-Montana State rivalry, Villanova-Illinois State matchup make for intriguing final four.
espn.com
'Majestic strike' - Mead and Park feature in UWCL best goals
Strikes from Beth Mead and Jess Park feature in the best goals from this week's Uefa Women's Champions League.
bbc.com
Chase Infiniti: ‘My parents freaked out more than me when I said I was acting opposite Leonardo DiCaprio’
The breakout star of Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another (the Guardian’s No 1 film of 2025) on learning karate, her love of car chases – and how she got her name You could hardly ask f...
theguardian.com
Stranded review – this Italian crime show is like Agatha Christie, Lost and The White Lotus all at once
A hotel’s worth of rich guests cut off by snow, a dead body, the mafia and some supernatural antics … there’s a banquet of melodrama to feast on in this soapy foreign-language seriesThe snow is cri...
theguardian.com
Best films of 2025 in the UK: No 1 – One Battle After Another
Leonardo DiCaprio is a former revolutionary searching for his daughter in Paul Thomas Anderson’s exhilaratingly audacious counterculture epic• The best films of 2025 in the UK• More on the best cul...
theguardian.com
Week in wildlife: honeymooning owls, an otter on the razz and a magical frog
This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world Continue reading...
theguardian.com
UK Foreign Office victim of cyber-attack in October, says Chris Bryant
Minister says ‘any individual’ at low risk from hack, while Sun reports Chinese cyber gang responsible for breach The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was hacked in October, the mi...
theguardian.com
Paul ready to 'shock the world' by beating Joshua
Jake Paul tells BBC Sport he will "turn the boxing world upside down" when he beats Anthony Joshua in Miami on Friday night.
bbc.com
How Merz’s summit plan on Russian assets backfired
France sided with Belgium, Italy and smaller states in backing joint debt for Ukraine instead
ft.com
'Focused on the mission, not the man': How Ole Miss has moved on from Lane Kiffin
After weeks of speculation and turmoil, the Rebels and their new coach are eager to get back on the field.
espn.com
NBA MVP straw poll: SGA and Jokic secured 99 votes -- who got the 100th?
SGA? Jokic? Cup MVP Jalen Brunson? We polled 100 media members in a ballot that mirrors the league's official vote.
espn.com
AJ-Paul have HEATED final face-off after almost two-stone difference at weigh-in!
Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul face-off for the final time ahead of their bout live on Netflix. Pictures courtesy of Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix.
skysports.com
Julian Assange files complaint against Nobel Foundation over Machado prize
Assange said awarding Venezuela opposition leader is a 'gross misappropriation' of funds, risks facilitating war crimes.
aljazeera.com
How much is US support for Israel costing Donald Trump?
US aid to Israel continues under Trump, drawing MAGA criticism over fiscal strain and foreign policy implications.
aljazeera.com
Fifty-nine injured in Colombia Cup final violence
59 people are injured in a clash between rival fans at the Colombia Cup final between Atletico Nacional and Deportivo Independiente Medellin.
bbc.com
'That's going to probably piss off some pitchers': How MLB teams are approaching new ball/strike challenge system
The strategic side of baseball's next big rule change is already in motion. Here's the early thinking from MLB managers.
espn.com
LIVE: Violence breaks out in Bangladesh after prominent protest leader dies
Protesters torch several buildings in Dhaka after Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot last week, succumbs to his injuries.
aljazeera.com
NHL Power Rankings: Updated 1-32 poll, holiday gifts for each team
The Hurricanes, Wild and Oilers moved up in our rankings, and the Capitals and Penguins drop.
espn.com
RSF artillery strikes kill 16 civilians in Sudan’s embattled Kordofan
Bombardment comes amid escalating violence as Sudan's war shifts decisively to strategic Kordofan region.
aljazeera.com
UK borrowed more than expected in November amid pre-budget pressure
ONS figures show public sector net borrowing was £11.7bn – £1.9bn less than in same month last yearThe UK government borrowed more than expected in November, official figures show, amid pressure on...
theguardian.com
Parents in India devastated as children with thalassemia test HIV positive
The five cases in Madhya Pradesh state come weeks after a similar incident was reported in Jharkhand state.
bbc.com
As the US invests in fossil fuels, young climate activists push back in the courts
In this week’s newsletter: A generation is using the legal system to demand accountability for climate harm• Don’t get Down to Earth delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereRikki Held grew up on her f...
theguardian.com
Reform candidate who told Lammy to ‘go home’ questioned other MPs’ loyalty to UK
Exclusive: Labour says Nigel Farage’s party should swiftly condemn Chris Parry after further comments emerge A Reform UK mayoral candidate who said David Lammy should “go home to the Caribbean” has...
theguardian.com
Making Mary Poppins by Todd James Pierce review – the musical brothers behind the movie magic
Bob and Dick Sherman take centre stage in this well-researched account of how Walt Disney created a classicLike many kids of the VHS generation, I must have watched my taped-off-the-telly copy of D...
theguardian.com
Glowing neurons let scientists watch the brain work in real time
A new bioluminescent tool allows neurons to glow on their own, letting scientists track brain activity without harmful lasers or fading signals. The advance makes it possible to watch individual br...
sciencedaily.com
Bangladesh on edge after killing of 2024 uprising activist triggers unrest
Security forces fan out nationwide after violent demonstrations follow the shooting of an election candidate.
aljazeera.com
'There's a real excitement' - Ballard on Sunderland form and new signings
Sunderland's Dan Ballard discusses how excitement from fans has influenced their home form and the influence Granit Xhaka has had on the club.
bbc.com
Protesters burn buildings in Bangladesh after youth leader killed
Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh, after the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
aljazeera.com
The 20 best video games of 2025
A family classic reborn in a wide open world, a satirical adventure through teenage life and a mystery puzzler for the ages – our critics on the year’s best fun• More on the best culture of 2025Ivy...
theguardian.com
Young people will suffer most from UK’s ageing population, Lords say
House of Lords report says tools such as raising pension age and increasing immigration will not be adequateYoung people will suffer most from the government’s failure to take seriously the unsusta...
theguardian.com
My lesson from 2025: Reform is much more vulnerable than it appears | Gaby Hinsliff
The party’s astonishingly speedy growth disguised shallow roots – and its success has brought a level of scrutiny for which it simply isn’t readyImagine a classroom with almost nothing in it, save...
theguardian.com
Lib Dems call for inquiry into hostile foreign state interference to include US
Party says US government’s explicit support for far-right nationalist parties in Europe amounts to outside interferenceAn inquiry into interference by hostile foreign states in the UK should be ext...
theguardian.com
How we hold back the tide: levees, drains and a bronze age circle of skulls
Were children’s bones found at the edge of European lake settlements an attempt to appease water gods?Flood protection takes many forms, from the levees of Louisiana to the drains of East Anglia. S...
theguardian.com
‘I had to plunge the knife into the canvas’: Edita Schubert wielded her scalpel like other artists wield a brush
In her day job, the ‘first lady of Croatian avant garde’ sliced up cadavers at Zagreb’s anatomical institute. In her studio, she used the same medical instruments to make art that surprises to this...
theguardian.com
From biting flies to feathered dinosaurs, scientists reveal 70 new species
Researchers announced over 70 new species in a single year, including bizarre insects, ancient dinosaurs, rare mammals, and deep-river fish. Many were found not in the wild, but in museum collectio...
sciencedaily.com
Five killed as US military destroys two more vessels in Pacific Ocean
US military says 'lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels' killed three people in one craft and two in another.
aljazeera.com
Somalia’s 2026 election risks a legitimacy crisis
Unilateral reforms and elite deadlock threaten the country’s fragile settlement.
aljazeera.com
Man suspected in Brown U shooting, MIT professor’s killing found dead
Claudio Neves Valente a former Brown student and Portuguese national, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
aljazeera.com
Britain Is Preparing for Attacks on Its Soil. Critics Say It Must Move Faster.
British soldiers during an exercise in Smardan, Romania, in February. In June, the British government published a strategic defense review that said the country must move to “war-fighting readiness.”
nytimes.com
They survived wildfires. But something else is killing Greece’s iconic fir forests
In the Peloponnese mountains, the usually hardy trees are turning brown even where fires haven’t reached. Experts are raising the alarm on a complex crisisIn the southern Peloponnese, the Greek fir...
theguardian.com
Welcome to the age of zero-sum politics
A stalled economic conveyor belt is behind the rise of anti-system, anti-growth parties on both the right and left
ft.com
‘A Singularly Turbulent Time’: Deeper Uncertainty in Store for Global Economy
A furniture factory in Vietnam. Chinese exports are surging not just into Europe but even more sharply into Southeast Asia.
nytimes.com
Bumper Christmas for air travel as 300mn take to the skies
Airlines on track for the biggest holiday season getaway in history as industry braces for record demand
ft.com
Friday is the deadline to release the Epstein files. Here's what to expect
Friday is the deadline for the government to release files related to the life and death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and there are still questions about what will be published and when.
npr.org
Neurons aren’t supposed to regrow but these ones brought back vision
After injury, the visual system can recover by growing new neural connections rather than replacing lost cells. Researchers found that surviving eye cells formed extra branches that restored commun...
sciencedaily.com
Space Station Research Supports New FDA-Approved Cancer Therapy
NASA opens the International Space Station for scientists and researchers, inviting them to use the benefits of microgravity for private industry research, technology demonstrations, and more. Toda...
nasa.gov
Transfer rumors, news: Man United eye Al Hilal star Neves
Manchester United have been put on alert as Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves wants to return to the Premier League. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.
espn.com
Darnold shows grit after 2 INTs, rallies Seahawks
Sam Darnold overcame two crushing second-half interceptions and rallied the Seahawks from a 16-point deficit to stun the Rams and punch Seattle's ticket to the playoffs.
espn.com
Japan raises interest rates to highest level in 30 years
Bank of Japan implements quarter percentage point rise to 0.75% in progress to normalise monetary policy
ft.com
A stunning new forecast shows when thousands of glaciers will vanish
New research reveals when glaciers around the world will vanish and why every fraction of a degree of warming could decide their fate.
sciencedaily.com
EU delays trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc as farmers protest
EU delays Mercosur trade deal until January amid farmer protests and opposition from France and Italy.
aljazeera.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,394
These are the key developments from day 1,394 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
aljazeera.com
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4743-4749: Polygons in the Hollow
Written by Lucy Lim, Planetary Scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Earth Planning Date: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 The weekend drive starting from the “Nevado Sajama” drill site brought Curi...
nasa.gov
Earth may have been ravaged by “invisible” explosions from space
Cosmic “touchdown airbursts” — explosions of comets or asteroids above Earth’s surface — may be far more common and destructive than previously thought, according to new research. Unlike crater-for...
sciencedaily.com
China boosts AI chip output by upgrading older ASML machines
Restricted chipmaking tools are being retrofitted to make advanced AI chips, exposing cracks in US-led export controls
ft.com
Gravitational waves may reveal hidden dark matter around black holes
Gravitational waves from black holes may soon reveal where dark matter is hiding. A new model shows how dark matter surrounding massive black holes leaves detectable fingerprints in the waves recor...
sciencedaily.com
Jokic breaks record for career assists by center
Nikola Jokic passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's career assists leader among centers in Thursday's win over the Magic.
espn.com
James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina Governor Who Kept State Blue, Dies at 88
Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. of North Carolina in 1982. He sustained the state’s Democrats as a political force for more than a quarter century, even as he lost a vicious Senate race to Jesse Helms in 1984.
nytimes.com
Local elections face further delays as councils struggle to reorganise in time
Opposition parties say Labour is ‘scared of voters’ but government says merging authorities have voiced concernsLocal elections could be delayed again as merging councils lack the capacity for reor...
theguardian.com
Oh, Mary! review – US history lewdly revised as American Pie-grade comedy
Trafalgar theatre, London Arriving from Broadway with much fanfare, Cole Escola’s play about Mary Todd Lincoln is loaded with obvious jokes and squanders the talents of its cast Oh, my! Mary Todd L...
theguardian.com
Stigma of Ukraine's forgotten soldiers who 'died the wrong way'
There are no official statistics surrounding suicide among Ukrainian soldiers, but they are thought to count in the hundreds.