Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, according to an executive order announced on December 8. The order directs all state agencies to avoid contracts, funding, or employment ties with either group or their affiliates. The move mirrors a similar declaration made by Texas last month.

CAIR, a prominent U.S. Muslim civil rights organization founded in 1994 with 25 chapters nationwide, denounced the decision as unconstitutional and defamatory, vowing to challenge it in court. The federal government has not listed either CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist entities. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded nearly a century ago in Egypt, claims to have renounced violence and supports democratic participation.

The designation underscores growing tensions between state-level policies and federal standards on terrorism classifications. Legal experts expect the issue to test the boundaries of state authority in defining foreign threats, with potential implications for interfaith relations and civil rights advocacy in the United States.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Mexico of a potential 5% tariff, accusing the country of breaching a long-standing water-sharing agreement. In a statement posted Monday on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed Mexico has failed to deliver the agreed water volumes to the United States, causing severe agricultural damage in Texas.

Trump alleged that Mexico owes more than 800,000 acre-feet of water accumulated over the past five years, despite repeated U.S. requests for compliance. He demanded that Mexico release at least 700,000 acre-feet by December 31 and settle the remainder soon after. According to Trump, the lack of action constitutes a serious injustice to American farmers.

He added that he has already approved the necessary documentation to impose the 5% tariff if Mexico does not act immediately. The warning revives trade tensions between the two neighbors and could complicate cross-border relations ahead of the upcoming U.S. election season.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on rice imports from India and fertilizer from Canada, citing stalled trade negotiations with both countries. Speaking at a White House meeting on Monday, Trump said his administration could act soon if talks fail to progress. He also announced a $12 billion agricultural relief package aimed at supporting American farmers struggling with inflation and low commodity prices.

According to Indian media reports, Trump criticized agricultural imports from Asia, arguing that foreign products were harming U.S. producers. He accused India of dumping rice in the American market and suggested tariffs would quickly resolve the issue. A Louisiana rice producer described Indian rice imports as “devastating” for southern farmers, while Trump emphasized tariffs as his main tool to protect domestic agriculture.

The move comes amid growing U.S.–India agricultural trade, which includes rice, spices, and seafood exports from India and nut, cotton, and pulse imports from the U.S. Analysts warn that new tariffs could strain bilateral trade and complicate ongoing WTO disputes over subsidies and market access.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a shift in Washington’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine issue, suggesting that Europe should take primary responsibility for managing the conflict. In a newly released national security strategy document, Trump warned European nations that they risk losing their ‘Western identity’ if they fail to correct course. His comments follow continued criticism of Europe’s immigration and clean energy policies.

Former U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland told BBC Radio 4 that Trump views the Ukraine crisis as a European problem, with the U.S. serving only a supportive role. Sondland added that Trump wants to avoid repeating decades of direct U.S. engagement with Russia, which often left Washington bearing the burden of confrontation. Trump also expressed disappointment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet reviewed a U.S.-drafted peace proposal.

Analysts say Trump’s stance could reshape transatlantic security cooperation, potentially weakening NATO’s unified approach to Russia. European leaders are expected to discuss the evolving U.S. position during Zelensky’s ongoing diplomatic tour of London, Paris, and Berlin.

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which would bring major franchises like *Harry Potter* and *Game of Thrones* under one streaming platform. Speaking in Washington, Trump warned that the combined market share of the two media giants could create competition issues and indicated that he might personally be involved in the approval process.

The deal, announced on December 5, is pending review by the Justice Department’s competition division. Former FTC Chair Bill Kovacic told the BBC that Trump’s remarks suggest the merger could face unusual presidential oversight, shifting what is typically a technical antitrust review into a politically sensitive process. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches have urged regulators to block the merger, citing risks to jobs, wages, and creative diversity.

If approved, the merger is expected to close in the second half of 2026 following Warner Bros.’ planned corporate restructuring, potentially reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s film, television, and streaming divisions in a landmark $72 billion deal, marking one of the largest mergers in entertainment history. The acquisition will transfer ownership of globally renowned franchises such as Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, DC Comics, and HBO Max to Netflix, significantly expanding its content portfolio and influence across the global media landscape.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated that the merger aligns with the company’s mission to entertain the world, combining Warner Bros’ century-old classics—from Casablanca to Friends—with Netflix’s modern hits like Squid Game and Stranger Things. Analysts, however, warn that the deal could face intense antitrust scrutiny in the United States and Europe, as it consolidates two major streaming players and may reduce market competition.

Despite regulatory hurdles, Netflix expects to save between $2 and $3 billion annually within three years. The company also confirmed that Warner Bros films will continue to receive theatrical releases, signaling a hybrid distribution approach amid industry transformation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not yet reviewing Washington’s draft peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Speaking to reporters at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Trump said he was 'a bit disappointed' that Zelensky had not read the document, though he noted that some of Zelensky’s close aides had responded positively to it.

The peace plan, initially a 28-point proposal introduced last November, faced criticism from Kyiv and European partners, prompting revisions that reduced it to 22 points. Trump said the updated version considers both Moscow’s and Kyiv’s positions, leaving only a few unresolved issues. Recent discussions in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian officials concluded with follow-up calls to Zelensky by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner. The U.S. is reportedly exploring new approaches to territorial disputes as part of ongoing negotiations.

Analysts suggest Zelensky’s hesitation may reflect domestic political pressures and skepticism over U.S.-Russia compromises, potentially delaying progress toward a ceasefire framework.

The Trump administration’s newly released 33-page national security strategy has drawn contrasting global reactions, with Moscow praising it as aligned with Russia’s worldview while European leaders express deep concern. The document downplays Russia as a major threat to the United States, instead emphasizing curbing foreign influence, reducing immigration, and opposing EU censorship and regulatory controls.

European Union officials have criticized the strategy’s tone, warning that it echoes Kremlin narratives and could weaken Washington’s stance on the Ukraine war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul argued that issues like freedom of expression should not be part of a security doctrine, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded that “Europe is your closest ally, not a problem.”

In Washington, Democratic lawmakers cautioned that the plan could destabilize US foreign policy. The strategy also calls for increased defense spending by Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan, and even contemplates military action in Venezuela, signaling a broader “America First” reorientation of US global engagement.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul clarified on Thursday that incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city. Her statement came after Mamdani reiterated his pledge to detain Netanyahu, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant as justification.

Mamdani, known for his vocal criticism of Israel, is set to assume office on January 1. His remarks have sparked concern among Jewish communities in New York, many of whom view his stance as extreme. Hochul, who supports Israel, emphasized that the mayor’s office has no jurisdiction over international or federal legal matters. Legal experts also noted that U.S. federal law prohibits local authorities from cooperating with the ICC and protects foreign leaders from detention.

Despite the controversy, Netanyahu confirmed he will proceed with his planned visit to New York, where he traditionally attends the United Nations General Assembly each year.

A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Yakutat, Alaska, late Saturday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located about 230 miles northwest of Juneau and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite the intensity, no tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

The tremor was felt across parts of Alaska and western Canada, prompting several emergency calls in Whitehorse, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Seismologist Alison Bird from Canada’s Geological Survey noted that the affected area was mountainous and sparsely populated, reducing the likelihood of major structural damage. Residents reported items falling from shelves and walls shaking.

The USGS confirmed that the quake originated about 10 kilometers below the surface and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the region for potential secondary impacts, though early assessments suggest limited disruption.

Inter Miami captured their first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup title on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 at Chase Stadium. Although Lionel Messi did not score in the final, his creative influence shaped all three goals, securing a landmark victory for the Florida-based club. The win capped a remarkable turnaround season that also saw Miami claim the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield.

Messi’s early midfield brilliance set up the opening own goal by Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo, while his second-half interceptions and assists to Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende sealed the result. The match also marked the final professional appearances of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both former Barcelona legends who concluded their illustrious careers with this MLS title.

The victory cements Inter Miami’s rapid rise since Messi’s arrival and underscores his transformative impact on American soccer. The club now looks ahead to defending multiple titles next season and expanding its global fan base.

A new study published in the journal *Pediatrics* has found that children who begin using smartphones before the age of 12 face significantly higher risks of depression, obesity, and sleep disturbances. The research, part of the U.S.-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, tracked more than 10,000 participants aged 9 to 16 over several years. Findings show that early smartphone users were 30% more likely to experience depression, 40% more likely to develop obesity, and 60% more likely to suffer from poor sleep compared to peers without phones.

Researchers noted that while smartphones can aid communication and safety, excessive use at a young age may disrupt mental, physical, and social development. The study suggests that prolonged screen exposure reduces physical activity, alters eating habits, and interferes with melatonin production, worsening sleep quality. Experts recommend delaying smartphone introduction until after age 12 to support healthier cognitive and emotional growth.

The findings add to growing global concern about digital exposure among children and may influence future parental guidelines and education policies.

Michael Morrow, a 49-year-old swimmer from New York, has achieved an extraordinary feat by swimming 28.5 miles in open water while wearing handcuffs. Completing the route through the East River, Harlem River, and Hudson River in under ten hours, Morrow secured two Guinness World Records — for the longest open-water swim in handcuffs and for being the first and fastest to circle New York’s waterways under such conditions.

Morrow’s teammate Capri Zatyasmoro described the experience as thrilling, comparing the post-swim feeling to flying a kite. Morrow said he was inspired by stories of people who never gave up on pushing their limits, which motivated him to take on the challenge. A former national champion swimmer, Morrow returned to the sport in his mid-forties after a two-decade break.

His achievement highlights both physical endurance and mental resilience, adding a unique chapter to open-water swimming history. Morrow’s record may inspire others to redefine personal boundaries in endurance sports.

The United States has urged European allies to assume primary responsibility for NATO’s conventional defense by 2027, according to multiple diplomatic sources. During a recent meeting in Washington, Pentagon officials delivered what participants described as a firm message, warning that failure to meet the target could lead to reduced U.S. participation in certain NATO coordination structures. European diplomats reportedly viewed the timeline as unrealistic, citing limited progress since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Officials said the Pentagon has not clarified how it will measure Europe’s progress, and uncertainty remains over whether the 2027 deadline reflects the Trump administration’s formal policy or internal Pentagon sentiment. European nations argue that replacing U.S. intelligence and surveillance capabilities within three years is impractical, given production backlogs and long delivery times for military equipment. NATO’s spokesperson acknowledged ongoing European efforts to strengthen defense but confirmed no official alliance deadline. The debate underscores Washington’s long-standing pressure on Europe to increase defense spending, a theme revived in the 2024 U.S. election context.

Analysts warn that diverging expectations could strain transatlantic unity, especially as NATO faces persistent security challenges from Russia and global instability.

The United States has reduced the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for refugees, asylum seekers, and certain other foreign nationals from five years to 18 months. The new rule, announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security, will apply to 19 categories of foreign residents, including those protected from deportation.

The policy change follows a series of stricter immigration measures introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration since taking office in January 2024. Trump had pledged during his campaign to tighten both legal and illegal immigration. The administration previously raised H-1B visa fees and recently suspended immigration processes for citizens of 19 countries after a deadly incident involving an Afghan refugee in Washington, D.C.

Officials say the shorter renewal period will enhance background checks and monitoring, but immigrant advocacy groups warn it could increase administrative burdens and uncertainty for refugees seeking stability in the US.