â–¼ Monday, December 15

Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai sentenced to possible life in jail for sedition and collusion. Trump challenged to help free him.
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Business mogul and activist Jimmy Lai, publisher of a popular tabloid in Hong Kong, has been convicted of national security charges after spending over 1,800 days in solitary confinement. The 78-year-old, who supported the city's pro-democracy movement, faces a verdict that will test democracies' commitment to defending their values. Lai was charged under Beijing's controversial national security law imposed in 2020, and he has long attributed his success to the freedoms of Hong Kong, for which he has paid a heavy price.
  • Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and mogul Jimmy Lai sentenced
    www.npr.org
  • Jimmy Lai Faces Up to Life in a Hong Kong Jail After Guilty Verdicts
    www.nytimes.com
  • Hong Kong court finds pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign forces
    www.cnbc.com
European markets open positively for central bank meetings. China faces first investment decline in 30 years. Retail sales in China miss estimates, raising consumption concerns. Asia-Pacific markets anticipate lower opening.
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European stocks are anticipated to open higher as Europe's central banks gear up for a busy week. In China, a key investment measure dropped over 10% in November, highlighting the severity of the country's property crisis. Retail sales and industrial production in China fell short of expectations in November, with investment also declining more than anticipated. China is set to release data on retail sales, fixed asset investment, and industrial output for November, while Japan will unveil its fourth-quarter Tankan survey.
  • European markets set to start week of central bank meetings in positive territory
    www.cnbc.com
  • China Approaches First Investment Decline in 3 Decades
    www.nytimes.com
U.S. stocks drop from highs as Broadcom's performance triggers tech sell-off despite steady numbers.
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Investors are expected to remain uncertain in the near term unless there is a concrete reassurance like Oracle achieving positive cash flow.
  • CNBC Daily Open: U.S. stocks retreat from highs as Broadcom leads tech sell-off
    www.cnbc.com
  • CNBC Daily Open: Investors sell off tech despite steady Broadcom numbers
    www.cnbc.com
Bondi Beach community aids shooting victims. Antisemitic attack in Australia. Los Angeles Jewish groups boost Hanukkah celebrations. Rabbi criticizes Australia for Bondi murder. Sydney gunman disarmed by hero bystander.
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The text discusses a recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, targeting Jewish groups during Hanukkah celebrations. The emergency response to the incident reflects the area's character. The LAPD has increased patrols in response to rising antisemitic attacks globally. Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky of Chabad-Lubavitch Headquarters comments on Australia's tolerance of escalating antisemitic violence. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns commended a man's actions during the attack.
  • How the Bondi Beach Community Rushed to Help Shooting Victims
    www.nytimes.com
  • Deadly attack on Bondi Beach follows rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia
    www.npr.org
  • Los Angeles Jewish groups ramp up Hanukkah festivities in response to Bondi Beach shooting
    www.latimes.com
  • Rabbi slams Australia over Bondi murder of two Jewish leaders, one with ‘deep US ties’
    www.foxnews.com
  • WATCH: Video shows moment heroic bystander wrestles gun from alleged Bondi Beach shooter
    abcnews.go.com
Director Rob Reiner and wife found dead in LA home. Reiner, known for 'All in the Family', dies at 78. Police investigating homicide.
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Renowned Hollywood director Rob Reiner, known for classic films like The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally, passed away at the age of 78 in his home in Brentwood, California. His death is currently under investigation by the police after two deceased individuals, including Reiner and his wife, were found in the residence. Reiner was not only a successful filmmaker but also a prominent advocate for causes such as same-sex marriage and early childhood education.
  • Hollywood director Rob Reiner and wife Michele found dead in LA home
    www.bbc.com
  • Rob Reiner remembered: 'All in the Family' star dead at 78
    www.foxnews.com
  • Director Rob Reiner Has Died; Police Investigating Homicide in Brentwood
    www.wsj.com
  • Rob Reiner used his fame to advocate for progressive causes. 'Just a really special man. A terrible day'
    www.latimes.com
  • Rob Reiner, Actor Who Went on to Direct Classic Films, Dies at 78
    www.nytimes.com
Person of interest in Brown University mass shooting to be released, student identified as victim, community on edge.
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Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced that the person of interest detained in connection to the mass shooting at Brown University will be released. The 24-year-old man from Wisconsin was initially detained by federal law enforcement officers after a manhunt for a suspect in the tragic shooting that killed two people and injured nine others. The investigation continues for the gunman who opened fire on campus, with one of the victims identified as Ella Cook. A man in his 20s has been detained as a person of interest, and following the shooting, students scrambled for safety by hiding in dark rooms and barricading doors.
  • Person of interest in Brown University mass shooting to be released
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Police to Release Person of Interest in Brown University Shooting
    www.wsj.com
  • 'A bright light': Brown University student identified as shooting victim by church
    abcnews.go.com
  • What to know about the Brown University shooting
    www.npr.org
  • Gunshots at Brown University, Then 12 Hours of Lockdown and Fear
    www.nytimes.com
Iowa police chief's son killed in Syria ISIS attack. US urged to work with Syria to defeat ISIS. Syrian attacker was security forces member.
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ISIS gunman killed two Iowa National Guard members, along with an American civilian interpreter, in a terrorist attack in Syria. The gunman, who was set to be dismissed from the security forces due to his extremist views, opened fire on American and Syrian troops during a leader engagement. Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed called for a strong response to the attack. The incident has complicated President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to unify Syria and rebuild international relationships. The attack highlights the ongoing presence of U.S. troops in Syria.
  • Iowa police chief's son among National Guard members killed in Syria ISIS terrorist attack
    www.foxnews.com
  • Senate Democrat says US must be ‘very aggressive’ in working with Syria to defeat ISIS
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Syrian Who Killed U.S. Soldiers Was Member of Security Forces, Officials Say
    www.nytimes.com
  • Trump attends annual Army-Navy game after condemning attack that killed 3 Americans in Syria
    nypost.com
  • 2 U.S. service members and 1 civilian are killed in ISIS attack in Syria
    www.npr.org
Erika Kirk and Candace Owens to discuss assassination theories in private as feud escalates.
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Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk and podcaster Candace Owens are set to meet privately to discuss their feud over conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk's assassination. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 15, following weeks of online criticism after Kirk's husband's death.
  • Erika Kirk to meet with Candace Owens as feud grows over assassination theories
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Erika Kirk agrees to 'private discussion' with Candace Owens amid rising tensions
    www.foxnews.com
Ilhan Omar alleges her son was stopped by ICE.
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Rep. Ilhan Omar stated that her son was pulled over by ICE agents on Saturday and asked for identification, but the incident ended without any issues after her son showed his passport ID. Omar, a member of the "Squad," raised concerns about the incident being a probe into her son's citizenship.
  • Ilhan Omar claims ICE pulled over her son
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • ‘Squad’ Rep. Ilhan Omar claims her son was pulled over by ICE
    nypost.com
Rand Paul cautions against redistricting by both parties, fearing it could incite violence in the US.
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Kentucky Senator Rand Paul expressed concerns about redistricting efforts by both Republicans and Democrats potentially leading to voter disenfranchisement. He emphasized the importance of ensuring fair representation for all parties to avoid political upheaval. Senator Paul made these remarks during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" in response to President Trump's threat to endorse primary challengers in the Indiana state Senate.
  • Rand Paul warns redistricting from both parties 'might lead to violence'
    www.foxnews.com
  • Rand Paul warns mid-decade redistricting could foment ‘more violence’ in US
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
US veteran rescues high-profile woman from Venezuela. Opposition leader supports Trump's actions against Maduro. Military members contact opposition out of fear.
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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was successfully extracted from hiding in a covert rescue operation to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. She endorsed President Trump's recent seizure of a vessel transporting oil near Venezuela and believes President Maduro's government is weaker than ever. Machado escaped to Oslo for the prize ceremony, where she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • US veteran rescues 'most wanted woman in Western Hemisphere' from Venezuela in secret operation
    www.foxnews.com
  • Venezuelan opposition leader ‘absolutely’ backs Trump’s oil boat seizure, pressure on Maduro
    nypost.com
  • Machado says Venezuelan military members reaching out to opposition: ‘They are scared’
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
Chiefs' star quarterback Patrick Mahomes out for season with torn ACL after brutal knee injury, team eliminated from playoffs.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL sustained during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury forced Mahomes to leave the game early, and as a result, the Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention.
  • Patrick Mahomes suffers torn ACL, Chiefs star's season is over: reports
    www.foxnews.com
  • Patrick Mahomes suffers brutal knee injury as Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention
    www.foxnews.com
Far-right candidate José Antonio Kast wins Chile's presidency in a polarizing runoff election, marking a shift to the right.
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Far-right politician José Antonio Kast has won the presidency in Chile, following a deeply polarized election marked by concerns over security and immigration. His victory signals a sharp rightward shift in the country, fueled by fears over crime, migration, and the economy. Kast, a supporter of Chile's former dictator Augusto Pinochet, emerged as the frontrunner in the presidential runoff, defeating his opponent Jeannette Jara.
  • Chile shifts sharply right as José Antonio Kast wins Presidency
    www.npr.org
  • José Antonio Kast Elected President of Chile
    www.nytimes.com
Trump pledges to revive U.S. manufacturing through tariffs, focusing on shipbuilding industry revival. The plan's details and potential outcomes are discussed.
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President Trump expressed optimism about the future of America, calling it the "golden age" as he highlighted the opening of numerous factories and plants. He promised a revival of shipbuilding in the U.S. to compete with China, but acknowledged that it will take time and support from allies.
  • Trump promises tariff-led ‘golden age’ of manufacturing within the year
    nypost.com
  • Trump wants the U.S. shipbuilding industry to be great again. Here's what it will take, and what's at stake
    www.cnbc.com

â–¼ Sunday, December 14

44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers throws first touchdown pass since 2020 season, staging unprecedented NFL comeback.
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Philip Rivers made a successful return to the field on Sunday, throwing a touchdown pass to Josh Downs for the Indianapolis Colts against the Seattle Seahawks. Rivers is set to make his season debut in 2025 as the Colts' quarterback situation has faced challenges.
  • Philip Rivers throws first touchdown pass since 2020 season
    www.foxnews.com
  • Who is Philip Rivers? 44-year-old quarterback staging unprecedented NFL comeback
    www.foxnews.com
House Republicans claim DC Police Chief manipulated crime data, undermining accuracy, according to Oversight committee.
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The House Oversight Committee released a report criticizing Washington D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith for allegedly manipulating crime data. The report comes as President Trump considers a federal takeover of law enforcement and National Guard deployment in the capital city. Chief Smith announced her resignation, effective December 31, shortly before the report was released. The committee based its findings on interviews with eight MPD commanders.
  • House Republicans Accuse D.C. Police of Manipulating Crime Statistics
    www.nytimes.com
  • Oversight says DC police chief ‘undermined’ accuracy of crime data
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
John Cena loses final WWE match to Gunther, surprising fans. Cena retires from WWE after last fight.
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John Cena concluded his retirement tour by losing to Gunther in Washington D.C., ending his 24-year career as a wrestling superstar.
  • John Cena loses to Gunther in final WWE match, stunning fans
    www.foxnews.com
  • John Cena takes his final bow, after last ever WWE fight
    www.bbc.com
Zelenskyy visits frontline city, offers concessions to end war. US envoys join peace talks in Berlin. Europe faces challenges.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visits Kupiansk before crucial talks with Trump envoys on security guarantees. He expresses frustration over negotiations to end Kremlin's aggression. Zelenskyy is meeting with U.S. negotiators to discuss plans to end the war with Russia, considering giving up hopes of joining NATO for strong security guarantees. Trump's special envoy and son-in-law will meet with Zelenskyy as Trump shows impatience with delays. European leaders prepare to meet following Trump's criticism, at a critical time for Ukraine peace deal negotiations.
  • Zelenskyy visits frontline Ukrainian city weeks after Russia claimed it took control
    www.foxnews.com
  • Zelensky reveals Ukraine ready to make this major concession to end war
    nypost.com
  • Zelensky Offers Compromise Before Latest Round of Peace Plan Talks
    www.nytimes.com
  • US envoys arrive in Berlin for latest round of Ukraine peace talks with Zelenskyy
    www.npr.org
  • Global week ahead: Europe under fire
    www.cnbc.com
Cookies supported women's suffrage.
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Suffragists supported the cause of equality by organizing bake sales, baking, and selling cookbooks in addition to marching.
  • These cookies fueled votes for women
    www.npr.org
  • The cookies that fueled votes for women
    www.npr.org
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore faces legal troubles after being fired. Concerns raised about impact on Black coaches.
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Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is facing criminal charges after being fired for an alleged relationship with a staffer. He appeared in court and is now out on bond. Dispatch audio revealed that Moore's wife called 911, reporting that he was suicidal after losing his job. Prosecutors stated that Moore entered the apartment of a woman he had an affair with after she reported the relationship to the school. He is facing felony home invasion and stalking charges related to the alleged relationship. The case has sparked debate among sports figures about accountability and race.
  • Current, former ESPN pundits hint that potential Black coaches could be affected by Sherrone Moore's firing
    www.foxnews.com
  • WATCH: Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore appears in court Friday
    abcnews.go.com
  • Fired Michigan football coach charged with home invasion and stalking
    www.npr.org
  • Fired University of Michigan football coach charged with stalking
    www.bbc.com
  • Michigan Football Coach Is Detained After Being Fired
    www.nytimes.com
Fears of being labeled 'racist' contributed to Minnesota fraud scandal. Fake offices and phony firms involved. Accusations against Omar. Treasury targeting businesses for Somali fraud.
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Minnesota fraud investigators have been accused of racism, which has prevented proper scrutiny of billions of dollars stolen in the 'Feeding Our Future' scandal. A Fox News investigation uncovered fake businesses at the center of a $1 billion fraud scheme in Minnesota, with 22 fraudulent entities registered to a single building. The House Oversight Committee is looking into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over fraud schemes that have cost the state billions, including the $250 million Feeding Our Future case. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced increased financial reporting requirements for money services businesses to crack down on fraud in Minnesota's Somali community.
  • How fears of being labeled 'racist' helped 'provide cover' for the exploding Minnesota fraud scandal
    www.foxnews.com
  • Treasury targeting money services businesses for Minnesota Somali fraud, Bessent says
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
Court decisions pending on Trump's National Guard deployments as protests wane. Appeals court orders end to Los Angeles deployment by Monday.
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Legal battles continue over President Trump's use of the National Guard in cities to protect federal assets. Court decisions are pending regarding deployments in Los Angeles and Chicago. The National Guard was first deployed to Los Angeles in June but a recent decision blocked Trump from using them in the city.
  • Trump awaits court decisions on National Guard deployments even as protests fade
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Appeals Court Says Trump Must End Los Angeles Deployment by Monday
    www.nytimes.com
The Times analyzed S.E.C.'s tough cryptocurrency enforcement, noting a pullback after Trump's return to office.
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The New York Times conducted an investigation to measure the impact of changes in enforcement within a government agency after President Trump took office. The investigation revealed that the administration's shift in enforcement policies had benefited the industry, particularly companies with connections to the president.
  • How The Times Analyzed the S.E.C.’s Cryptocurrency Enforcement
    www.nytimes.com
  • The S.E.C. Was Tough on Crypto. It Pulled Back After Trump Returned to Office.
    www.nytimes.com