NEWS - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025 - NEWS
David Gentile was convicted in what prosecutors described as a $1.6-billion Ponzi scheme. President Trump freed him. Now victims, including Trump supporters, are at a loss. LA Times
VOA VIEW: Not a smart move by Trump.
Experts say a closure of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., would leave millions vulnerable to worsening climate hazards. LA Times
Four centrist House Republicans have broken with their party's leadership over extending healthcare subsidies. LA Times
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President Trump's declaration of a partial blockade of oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela has escalated tensions with the Latin American country. LA Times
VOA VIEW: Venezuela will lose.
Anthony Albanese “must resign” according to Chana Friedman, who burst into tears when speaking about 10-year-old Matilda, who was gunned down on Sunday’s attack at a Chanukah event in Bondi. New York Post
VOA VIEW: It was a bad seen.
A suspect in the Brown University shooting that left two students dead and nine others wounded has been identified after an ineffectual six-day manhunt. New York Post
VOA VIEW: It is about time.
"You are ignorant," the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, mocking the faux-toast from the protester by raising his wine glass in response. New York Post
The players of the WNBA have spoken. New York Post
President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday, Dec. 17. New York Post
VOA VIEW: It was a good positive address.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Brussels, where the leaders had gathered, that without the money, his country would have to reduce its drone production significantly. New York Times
VOA VIEW: Zelensky always has his hands out.
The federal government announced measures to end transgender treatments for children, aimed at protecting minors from what the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) refers to as “sex-rejecting procedures. OANN
New York Democrat Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fueled speculation about a potential presidential run in 2028, stating that she would “stomp” Vice President JD Vance in a hypothetical presidential matchup. OANN
VOA VIEW: She is an idiot.
In his most recent address, President Trump announced how the TrumpRx program would take effect in January, bringing Americans lower drug prices. OANN
VOA VIEW: Sounds like a good move.
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A business jet with six people aboard crashed Thursday at a regional airport in North Carolina used by NASCAR teams and Fortune 500 companies, erupting in a large fire and killing multiple people, authorities said. Washington Times
A Mexican drug cartel member accused of faking his death to avoid capture was sentenced Thursday to more than 11 years in U.S. prison for his money laundering role in one of his home country's largest and most violent narcotics trafficking organizations. Washington Times
VOA VIEW: He should be punished for a long long time, if not forever.
The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged lower this week, staying relatively close to its low for the year. Washington Times
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Missouri's top prosecutor said China is suing after the state pressed federal officials for help collecting on a roughly $25 billion court judgment related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington Times
VOA VIEW: It sounds interesting.
Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecutions of President Trump in a closed-door deposition with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. CBS
The CDC has tracked nearly 2,000 confirmed measles cases across 43 states this year, the most on record since the disease was declared eradicated more than two decades ago. The U.S. is now at risk of losing its measles elimination status. CBS
VOA VIEW: Thanks to Biden.
The Powerball jackpot leaped to an estimated $1.5 billion after no one won Wednesday night's pot of gold of approximately $1.25 billion. CBS
Onions used to make the salad dressings could contain "black plastic planting material," according to food regulators. CBS
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The recall affects So Delicious Dairy Free's Salted Caramel Cluster ice cream with best by dates of Aug. 8, 2027. CBS
European officials are trying to convince a handful of EU member countries to back controversial plans for providing more financial support to Ukraine. CNBC
VOA VIEW: As they should.
Trump Media and Technology Group announced a merger agreement with fusion power company TAE Technologies valued at more than $6 billion. CNBC
VOA VIEW: Trump knows how to make money.
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Eli Lilly also said it has filed for Food and Drug Administration approval of the daily GLP-1 pill, called orforglipron, for obesity. CNBC
VOA VIEW: It makes sense.
Trump highlighted his administration's efforts to seal the southern border, bring down costs and strengthen U.S. foreign policy. CNBC
The U.S. admitted fault in the deadly Army Black Hawk helicopter collision on Jan. 29 that killed all 67 people on board. CNBC
VOA VIEW: A just mistake made known.
Bishop Ronald Hicks could replace Cardinal Timothy Dolan as New York archbishop after Pope Leo XIV accepts Dolan's mandatory retirement request. FOX News
Minnesota is being ordered to recertify SNAP recipients amid probes into a $1B welfare fraud scandal linked to nonprofits accused of exploiting nutrition programs. FOX News
VOA VIEW: Cheaters should be punished.
Ghislaine Maxwell filed a federal habeas petition to overturn a sex trafficking conviction, citing juror misconduct and suppressed evidence in the Epstein case. FOX News
VOA VIEW: Time will tell.
Four narco-terrorists were killed in a Pacific military operation as strikes reach 98 total casualties since Sept. 2 with no Americans harmed. FOX News
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday a 2.7% annual CPI increase last month short of the 3.1% projected by Wall Street. UPI
VOA VIEW: Excellent news.
Paraguay signed a security cooperation agreement with the United States to help fight organized crime, drug trafficking and other threats. UPI
Fears of risks to children's health and development have two U.S. senators sounding an alarm on toys that use artificial intelligence. UPI
VOA VIEW: Sounds like reasonable fear.
President Donald Trump touted what he described as successes achieved by his administration during his first year back in office, while bashing former President Joe Biden and the Democrats. UPI
The United States has approved a massive $11.1 billion arms deal with Taiwan, the Asian nation announced Thursday. UPI
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The United States is seeking a mandate of at least two years from the United Nations Security Council for an international stabilization force to be deployed in Gaza, a key element of President Trump’s 20-point plan for a long-term end to the war there. We will have to wait to see what happens.
According to a draft resolution, seen by The New York Times, the force would work with Israel and Egypt to ensure the process of demilitarizing Gaza, including the “permanent decommissioning” of weapons from armed groups. It would also train and support Palestinian police personnel, protect civilians and work to secure humanitarian corridors.
The Times confirmed the contents of the draft resolution with three officials, including two European diplomats. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy. The draft resolution was first reported by the news site Axios. It was not clear how the international force would ensure that Gaza is demilitarized. Hamas has long regarded giving up all its weapons as tantamount to surrender, with armed struggle against Israel a crucial part of its ideology.
A U.N. Security Council mandate is seen as necessary to persuade many countries to consider sending troops to Gaza. The deployment of international troops could reinforce the fragile cease-fire in Gaza and reduce the likelihood of renewed confrontation between Israel and Hamas, analysts say. “We hope it is peacekeeping,” King Abdullah of Jordan said in a BBC interview aired last week, referring to the purpose of the force. “Because if it is peace enforcing, nobody will want to touch that. Peacekeeping is that you’re sitting there supporting the local police force, the Palestinians.”
It is not clear whether the draft would have enough support at the Security Council to be approved. Nine of the 15 members would need to vote in favor of it, and all five permanent members, including Russia and China, would have to abstain from a veto. The draft is largely in line with Mr. Trump’s plan, which was first presented in September. It says the force would operate under the guidance of an international body known as the “Board of Peace,” and that its mandate would expire on Dec. 31, 2027. The draft suggests that date could be extended.
