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The article argues that conservatives should defend free speech, not censor it, as they have done in the past when leftists suppressed conservative voices. A new report from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) shows a record number of students targeted for their speech, driven by conservative suppression. The article cites examples of conservative attempts to silence students, including calls to cancel students who support Palestine and attempts to strip funding from universities that do not comply with conservative demands. The author argues that conservatives must be consistent in defending free speech, even when they disagree with the views being expressed, and that censorship will only harm the culture wars in the long run.

Devon Aoki's husband, James Bailey, was charged with hit-and-run after allegedly running over a scooter rider's foot in Coral Gables, Florida, and fleeing the scene. The victim suffered serious injuries, including two foot fractures. Bailey was later arrested at his $9.1 million mansion, where he attempted to evade police by locking himself inside. He was released on a $7,500 bond after appearing in court.

Charles Foehner, a 67-year-old retired doorman, is set to begin a four-year prison sentence for owning unlicensed guns after fatally shooting a mugger in 2023. The article argues that Foehner's punishment is excessive and unjust, given his lack of prior convictions and the circumstances of the shooting. The author criticizes Queens DA Melinda Katz for throwing the book at Foehner, while violent repeat offenders are given lenient sentences. Foehner's case is highlighted as an example of the city's 'draconian' gun laws and the need for reform.

Columnist Miranda Devine criticizes a Vanity Fair article on Susie Wiles, President Trump's chief of staff, calling it a 'targeted hit job.' Devine argues that the article, written by Chris Whipple, was framed to damage Wiles and the Trump administration. She claims Whipple misused off-the-record conversations and wove in Democrat lies to make Wiles complicit. The Trump administration rallied around Wiles, praising her loyalty and leadership. Devine interprets Wiles' comments, taken out of context, as compliments rather than criticisms.

A woman who was abducted at the age of 3 was found alive 42 years later with a new identity. Michelle Marie Newton was taken by her mother, Debra Newton, who allegedly moved to Georgia and later Florida, where she was living under an assumed name. The case was reopened in 2016, and a Crime Stoppers tip in 2025 led authorities to Debra's home in Florida. Michelle, now 46, was raised under a different name and had no knowledge of her true identity until police informed her. Debra was arrested and charged with custodial interference.

The article discusses the recent surge in antisemitic incidents in New York City, including violent attacks and harassment against Jews. The author argues that the anti-Israel protests and 'Free Palestine' movements have unleashed a wave of antisemitism, erasing the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. The author claims that these incidents are not just isolated events, but part of a larger trend of hatred and violence against Jews, and warns that if left unchecked, it could have serious consequences for the nation.

The article criticizes the White House's decision to cooperate with Vanity Fair, arguing that the legacy media cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to covering Republican administrations. The author claims that Vanity Fair's coverage of the Trump administration was biased and manipulative, using photography and spin to portray officials in a negative light. The article highlights the White House's naivety in thinking that Vanity Fair would treat them fairly and notes that the media's bias is a result of its own internal culture and history of mistreating Republican subjects. The author concludes that the media will always have a negative agenda when covering Republicans.

The article discusses a surge in antisemitic attacks in New York City, with Jewish individuals facing harassment, vandalism, and violence. Local leaders attribute the rise in attacks to the vilification of Jews following Hamas' attack on Israel and the subsequent counteroffensive. The Anti-Defamation League has reported an increase in antisemitic incidents, with many Jewish people feeling vulnerable and scared. The article highlights several incidents, including a stabbing in Crown Heights, a verbal assault at a West Village restaurant, and vandalism of a menorah in Jackson Heights. Leaders are calling for those in power to address the hateful rhetoric fueling these attacks.

The European Union is facing an increasing trade deficit with China, with China's global trade surplus hitting a record high of $1.076 trillion in the first 11 months of the year. Despite Europe's edge in key sectors like pharmaceuticals and machinery, its traditional exports such as cars are losing appeal, and restrictions are limiting sales of high-tech equipment like lithography machines. Analysts warn that the trade imbalance is likely to worsen, with Europe having limited options to balance the situation in the short term.

China's youth unemployment rate decreased to 16.9% in November from 17.3% in October, as graduates settled for less desirable jobs due to a mismatch between their skills and available vacancies. The job market remains challenging, with many graduates forced to take blue-collar or gig work. The rate has been easing since August when it peaked at 18.9% after a record 12.2 million university students graduated.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made a public appeal for tip-offs regarding corruption in its air force procurement processes. This is the first time such a request has been made for a specific military branch. The announcement was posted on the PLA's official procurement website and seeks information on 'irregular' procurement activities. The move is part of Beijing's ongoing anti-corruption campaign in the military, which has been intensifying since 2023. Suppliers, evaluation experts, and internal personnel involved in air force procurement projects are encouraged to submit feedback by June 30 next year.

The Hong Kong government has unveiled its first blueprint to develop the Chinese medicine sector, aiming to enhance the industry's status by raising practitioner competence and product standards. The 'Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint' covers five key categories and outlines eight goals and 20 actions to promote comprehensive and high-quality development. The plan includes strengthening regulation of proprietary Chinese medicine products and setting up defined clinical pathways for collaboration across professions. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau stated that the blueprint presents an opportunity to build upon the existing foundation of Chinese medicine development and to make comprehensive plans for its future development.

Japan is hosting a summit with five Central Asian countries to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence, mineral resource development, and transport routes. The meeting, seen as a demonstration of Japan's renewed engagement in the region, aims to establish a new framework for cooperation in AI and consolidate Tokyo's role as a trusted partner. The summit was initially planned for August last year but was cancelled due to a possible megaquake warning in Japan.

The White House has installed new plaques beneath photos of former US presidents on Donald Trump's 'Presidential Walk of Fame' that criticize his Democratic predecessors. The plaques, which are seen as a departure from the traditional view of the White House as a symbol of national unity, contain false accusations and personal attacks against former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. The move is characteristic of Trump's combative style of politics and his tendency to rewrite history.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded that Western governments take immediate action to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish communities worldwide. Netanyahu's statement came in response to a recent terror attack in Australia targeting the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. He emphasized that Western governments should heed Israel's warnings and take necessary steps to fight antisemitism. The article also mentions President Donald Trump's comments on antisemitism, where he claimed that Congress is becoming antisemitic and criticized certain progressive politicians.

Lawmakers in Mexico City's congress got into a physical brawl during a debate over dissolving the city's transparency institute. The clash began when one woman grabbed another's hand, prompting a retaliation that escalated into shoving, hair-pulling, and punching. The session was ultimately suspended and relocated to another venue. The opposition accused the ruling party, Morena, of breaking an agreement to create a new transparency body.

The leader of the pro-life organization 40 Days for Life, Shawn Carney, has praised the Vatican's Nativity scene, which represents the over 25,000 babies saved from abortion through the organization's efforts. The Nativity scene, crafted by a Costa Rican artist, features a pregnant Virgin Mary and thousands of colored ribbons dedicated to the babies who were not aborted. Pope Leo XIV blessed the display, stating that it represents a sign of life and faith. Carney described the Nativity scene as 'inspiring' and 'beautiful news,' highlighting the dedication of pro-life volunteers worldwide. He emphasized that the Nativity is at the heart of Catholicism and the pro-life movement, representing hope and the importance of protecting life from conception.

The Ukrainian military has carried out its first underwater drone strike against a Russian Kilo-class submarine docked in the port of Novorossiysk, critically damaging it. The operation was conducted by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) using 'Sub Sea Baby' underwater drones. The submarine was equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles used to target Ukraine. Russia's Black Sea Fleet denied any damage, but the SBU released a video showing the explosion. The strike is seen as a significant escalation in the conflict, with drone expert Brett Velicovich stating that underwater drones are the next evolution in drone warfare. The attack comes as Ukraine intensifies strikes on Russian-occupied Crimean ports and as the US works to end the war.

Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) has claimed control over eight southern governorates and is seeking a partnership with the US to fight against Iran-backed Houthis, al-Qaeda affiliates, and Muslim Brotherhood factions. The STC, backed by the UAE, has emerged as a dominant power in southern Yemen and is pushing for independence. The US supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government, but the STC is seeking expanded cooperation with Washington. The situation in Yemen is complex, with the country divided between the Houthis in the north and STC-aligned forces in the south. The STC has accused the Houthis of being a regional and global threat and has pledged to assist northern Yemeni forces in liberating Sanaa.

South Africa has accused the US of using Kenyan nationals without work permits at a facility processing refugee applications by white South Africans. The US is offering asylum status to Afrikaners, claiming they face persecution. Seven Kenyans were arrested and will be deported. The incident has caused tension between the two countries, with the US accusing South Africa of 'interference' and South Africa expressing concern over the coordination between US officials and undocumented workers. The issue is part of a larger deterioration in relations between South Africa and the Trump administration, exacerbated by disagreements over land reform and the treatment of white farmers in South Africa.

Dan Bongino, the FBI's deputy director appointed by President Donald Trump in February, has announced that he will be leaving his role in January. Bongino, a staunch Trump ally and former podcast host, was a surprise pick for the position due to his lack of prior experience with the agency. Despite initial opposition from the FBI Agents Association, Bongino served as the people's voice for transparency and delivered major breakthroughs in long-unsolved cases, including the pipe bomb investigation. Before joining the agency, Bongino had echoed disinformation and conspiracy theories about Trump's false claim that he won the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, pipe bomb investigation. However, after taking office, he pushed to make the investigation a priority and later changed his stance on the death of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, accepting that Epstein took his own life.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafce, who was stripped of her crown after a viral photo of her pulling the corners of her eyes with the caption 'eating with a Chinese' sparked outrage in East Asian countries. The gesture was seen as disrespectful and racist. Dzafce apologized, claiming the caption was added without her consent, but her apology was met with criticism for being insincere. The incident drew attention from Finland's prime minister, who condemned the gesture, and sparked a wider conversation about racism in Finnish society. Two right-wing MPs who supported Dzafce by mimicking her gesture faced backlash, and Finnair, Finland's flag carrier, distanced itself from their actions.

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, will be streamed exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029, marking a significant change in Hollywood. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has signed a multi-year deal with YouTube, giving the platform exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033. The move comes as the industry faces challenges such as studio sales, mergers, and production cuts. The Oscars have been aired on ABC for over 50 years, but the new partnership will allow the Academy to expand its reach to a larger global audience. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan praised the Oscars as 'one of our essential cultural institutions,' while the Academy's CEO and President highlighted the benefits of the partnership for its members and the film community.

Hundreds of yards of dinosaur tracks have been discovered in the Italian Alps, specifically in the Stelvio National Park, in a region that will host the 2026 Winter Olympics. The tracks, estimated to be over 200 million years old, were first spotted by nature photographer Elio Della Ferrera and later studied by a team of Italian experts led by paleontologist Cristiano Dal Sasso. The footprints, some measuring up to 16 inches in diameter, are believed to belong to prosauropods, herbivorous dinosaurs with long necks and small heads. The discovery provides evidence of herds moving in synchrony and complex behaviors, such as groups of animals gathered in a circle, possibly for defense. The tracks were made on tidal flats surrounding the prehistoric Tethys Ocean and were preserved due to the plasticity of the calcareous muds. The find is considered one of the largest and most significant in Europe, offering a unique opportunity to study the evolution of animals and their environment over time.

The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands, its police department, and Police Commissioner Mario Brooks, alleging that they are obstructing American citizens' Second Amendment rights by imposing restrictive gun laws. The lawsuit claims that the territory's laws and practices, such as requiring applicants to demonstrate 'good reason' to own a gun and undergo intrusive home searches, are unconstitutional and deny citizens their right to possess and carry firearms. The U.S. Virgin Islands government has stated that it is reviewing the lawsuit and taking the allegations seriously, while maintaining its commitment to protecting constitutional rights and public safety.

A missing woman's phone was found in Australia's Tasmanian wilderness over two years after she disappeared. Celine Cremer, a Belgian woman, was last seen on June 17, 2023, in Waratah, Tasmania. An independent search party organized by her friends and family found her phone at a waterfall on Saturday. The phone will undergo forensic examination, and Tasmania Police will now formally join the independent search for Cremer. Investigators believe Cremer may have veered off course during her walk and lost her way, dropping her phone and continuing without it.

The India-U.S. trade deal remains elusive despite strong economic incentives for both countries. Negotiations have hit a wall, with the U.S. seeking improved access to India's agricultural market and India resisting due to domestic political pressures. The U.S. has imposed tariffs on Indian imports, including a 25% tariff on certain goods, to deter India from buying Russian oil. Experts believe that a trade deal is crucial for both countries, with India's economy potentially losing 0.5-0.6 percentage points of GDP growth due to the tariffs. The absence of a deal has kept Indian markets cautious, and a prolonged delay could have significant economic implications.

The Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust (EWIT) is urging its shareholders to reject a plan by Saba Capital, an activist investment fund led by Boaz Weinstein, to overhaul its board of directors. Saba Capital, which holds a 30% stake in EWIT, is seeking to remove the incumbent board and appoint three new directors in their place. EWIT's chair, Jonathan Simpson-Dent, has criticized Saba Capital as an 'aggressive U.S. hedge fund' that wants to 'seize control for its own commercial advantage.' The trust has made 'strong progress' over the past 12 months, with a NAV total return of 16.2%, outperforming its benchmark. Saba Capital argues that the changes are needed to reverse 'unprecedented value destruction' at the trust over the past five years. The dispute has become increasingly acrimonious, with Weinstein accusing the EWIT board of failing to improve the outlook and protect shareholder capital.

British oil giant BP has appointed Meg O'Neill, the current CEO of Woodside Energy, as its new CEO, replacing Murray Auchincloss who has stepped down after less than two years in the role. Auchincloss will be succeeded by Carol Howle as interim CEO until O'Neill takes over on April 1, 2026. BP has had four CEOs in six years, with the previous CEO, Bernard Looney, leaving due to undisclosed personal relationships. Auchincloss had reversed Looney's strategy, focusing on core gas and oil units, and BP's share price has risen 15% year-to-date and 21% over the past five years. O'Neill is expected to continue this strategy, having expressed her commitment to liquified natural gas (LNG) production, which is considered a bridge fuel between fossil fuels and renewable energy. O'Neill has over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, including 23 years at ExxonMobil.

The father and son suspected of carrying out the Bondi Beach massacre in Sydney, Australia, stayed in a hotel in Davao City, Philippines, for almost a month in November. They rarely left their rooms, had no visitors, and dined on fast food. Australian authorities are investigating whether their stay was related to the attack, which killed 15 people at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration. Philippine officials have found no evidence of the pair receiving military training, despite reports from Australian counterterrorism officials that they may have undergone such training.

The House GOP passed a narrow health care package aimed at lowering costs for some Americans, but it does not address the expiring enhanced Obamacare subsidies that will raise premiums for tens of millions of Americans. The package allows small businesses to band together to buy coverage and provides federal funding for cost-sharing subsidies. However, it ignores the looming Obamacare subsidies cliff, which is expected to increase annual premium payments by 114% on average in 2026. A group of GOP centrists have been pressuring Speaker Mike Johnson to extend the subsidies, but he has refused, leading some to defy him and join a Democratic effort to extend the subsidies for three years.

Myanmar's military government has charged over 200 people with violating the country's voting law ahead of a general election on December 28, 2025. Critics claim the election will be neither free nor fair and is designed to legitimize military rule. The charges carry severe punishments, including imprisonment and the death penalty. Those charged include activists, filmmakers, and members of pro-democracy militias. The military government has dismissed international criticism, stating that the election is for Myanmar, not the international community.

The Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, has apologized for a 'slanted eyes' controversy that erupted after Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafce, was pictured making a racist gesture on social media. The incident sparked widespread criticism, with several members of the Finns Party, a junior partner in the governing coalition, posting similar derogatory images. The Prime Minister issued a statement apologizing for the incident and reaffirming Finland's commitment to combating racism. The controversy is the latest in a series of incidents involving the Finns Party and racist remarks.

The UK government has demanded that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich transfer £2.5bn from the sale of Chelsea Football Club to a foundation for humanitarian aid in Ukraine within 90 days or face legal action. The funds have been frozen since Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in 2022 due to his links to Vladimir Putin. Abramovich has disputed that the funds should be used exclusively for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, wanting to spend them more widely. The UK government has issued a licence for the transfer of the frozen funds and will take Abramovich to court if he does not comply.

The article reports on South African men being tricked into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, often with little to no military training. The men are lured with promises of bodyguard training but are instead deployed to the frontline. Some men claim they were encouraged to sign contracts by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, who denies the allegations. The South African Police Service is investigating the charges, and several suspects have been arrested and charged with mercenary recruitment.

The article 'The Year in Pictures 2025: Reflecting on Turbulent Times' by The New York Times is a photo essay that captures significant events of 2025 through the lens of various photographers. The year was marked by turmoil globally, including a U.S. president returning to power, a devastating wildfire in Los Angeles, a fragile cease-fire in the Gaza war, and ongoing conflict in Sudan. Photographers risked their lives to capture these moments, providing a glimpse into the lives of those affected by these events. The article highlights the work of numerous photographers and their experiences while covering these stories, showcasing not just the events themselves but also the human aspect behind them.

The Trump White House has unveiled a 'Presidential Walk of Fame' near the Oval Office, featuring plaques that describe the records of U.S. presidents in a partisan and often inaccurate manner. The plaques praise Trump and other Republican presidents while mocking Democratic predecessors, including Joe Biden and Barack Obama. The exhibit is the latest action by the Trump administration to attack its Democratic predecessors, with the White House website also featuring partisan attacks on previous administrations.

China is imposing a 13% value-added tax (VAT) on condoms and other contraceptives for the first time in three decades in an attempt to boost its falling birth rate. The measure is part of a broader effort to modernize China's tax laws and encourage people to have more children. Despite introducing various incentives, including cash subsidies and discounts on IVF treatment, the birth rate remains low. The tax hike on condoms has been met with ridicule on social media, with many criticizing the government's approach as extreme. Experts believe the tax is unlikely to have a significant impact on the birth rate and may disproportionately affect disadvantaged women.

The article reports on the alleged abuse of detained Gen Z protesters in Morocco, who were arrested during widespread youth-led demonstrations in September and October calling for education and healthcare reforms. Human rights groups have condemned the Moroccan authorities for arbitrary arrests, beatings, and forced confessions. Hundreds remain in detention, with some receiving prison sentences of up to 15 years. The government has denied allegations of abuse, claiming that all conditions for a fair trial were respected. The protests, known as 'Gen Z 212', were the largest since the 2011 Arab Spring. The article highlights the concerns of families and human rights groups regarding police brutality and the lack of transparency in the handling of the protests.

Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent Peter Arnett has died at 91. Arnett spent decades reporting from war zones, including Vietnam and Iraq, and was known for his fearless and intrepid reporting style. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1966 for his Vietnam War coverage and went on to work for CNN and NBC, among other networks. Arnett's career was marked by controversy, including his dismissal from CNN over a retracted investigative report and his firing from NBC for criticizing the US military's war strategy on Iraqi state TV. Despite these setbacks, Arnett continued to work as a journalist, teaching journalism in China and reporting for various outlets.

Brazilian lawmakers have approved legislation that could reduce the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who attempted a military coup after losing the 2022 election. If the legislation survives an expected presidential veto, Bolsonaro could be transferred from prison to house arrest as early as 2028. The move has sparked strong disapproval among commenters, who draw parallels between Bolsonaro and Donald Trump, expressing concerns about the implications for Brazil's democracy.