- + Trump’s expansionist overtures stir pushback from Greenland, Panama—President-elect Trump has revived calls for the United States to buy Greenland and complains of high fees at the Panama Canal. Some experts say his wo...
- + President Biden’s act of clemency: 37 death row inmates avoid execution—President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment mere wee...
- + President Biden's final clemency: 37 death row inmates avoid execution—President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment mere wee...
- + US Navy shoots down its own fighter jet amid fresh airstrikes on Houthi rebels—The U.S. military says two U.S. Navy pilots have been shot down over the Red Sea in an apparent “friendly fire” incident. Both pilots were recovered a...
- + Congress passes funding bill, averting a government shutdown—Congress has pushed through final passage of a bipartisan plan to fund federal operations and prevent a government shutdown. It now goes to President ...
- + How Handel brought ‘The Messiah’ to life in bleak times—In ”Every Valley,” Charles King compellingly recounts how the composer, in a mere three weeks, wrote the soaring music for which he is best known toda...
- + Can Syria heal? For many, Step 1 is learning the difficult truth.—As Syrians seek to recover from decades of a brutal dictatorship, they want to learn what happened to missing loved ones. For many, the first stop is ...
- + Christmas in China, the people’s way—Despite the secular trappings of an imported holiday, the Chinese have devised a type of giving that captures the Christmas spirit.
- + Fueled by enormous wealth, Elon Musk rockets into the spheres of political influence—Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, is proving his outsized influence on American politics. His railings against Congress’ bipartisan budget deal c...
- + Trump and Musk helped derail a bipartisan spending deal. What comes next?—A new spending plan put forth by Donald Trump, and pushed by Elon Musk, was resoundingly rejected by House Democrats and a few dozen Republicans. The ...
- + Chillax! Here’s your guide to conversing through the winter holidays.—A guide to what you might hear from millennials and Generation Zers while you eat dinner, binge holiday movies, and laze around the fireplace.
- + Yes, Chalamet can sing. But can ‘A Complete Unknown’ capture Bob Dylan?—The filmmakers of “A Complete Unknown” were faced with a daunting task, our critic writes: How do you get behind the mask of a willfully enigmatic art...
- + When a holiday chore becomes a treasure—Family traditions that feel more of a burden than a gift sometimes take time to reveal their magic.
- + Biden promised to transform the federal judiciary. Did he succeed?—President Biden has appointed 233 federal judges, more than any one-term president since Jimmy Carter. Some 60% are women, and 60% are people of color...
- + Our writers recall their most memorable Christmas gifts – and the people who gave them—As our writers unwrap their favorite memories of childhood holiday gifts, something else comes into focus: the giver.
- + Waste not that broken vacuum. Berlin will pay you to repair your stuff.—The city of Berlin pays half the cost if you repair electronics and don't throw them away. That sounds better than it worked out in practice.
- + In Syria, what remains of Iran’s regional ‘Axis’ is rubble and resentment—First Hamas, then Hezbollah, now Syria. As key components of Iran’s anti-Israel/anti-U.S. “Axis of Resistance” are sidelined or incapacitated, what is...
- + Freedom in Iran unveiled—A bill that would impose new restrictions on women’s rights has rekindled demands for equality – causing even hard-liners to pause.
- + Post Office scandal, the musical? In the UK, news and entertainment blur.—Recent dramatizations about the British Post Office scandal are making it seem that entertainment is a better way to relay news than reported stories.
- + Say cheese! Wallace and Gromit return in ‘Vengeance Most Fowl’—“Vengeance Most Fowl” encapsulates everything that makes “Wallace & Gromit” movies such a joy for children and adults.
- + Say cheese! Wallace and Gromit return in ‘Vengeance Most Fowl.’—“Vengeance Most Fowl” encapsulates everything that makes “Wallace & Gromit” movies such a joy for children and adults.
- + Gondolas solve a last-mile problem in Mexico City, and the fixer-uppers of Scotland—Progress roundup: Electric gondolas bring commuters closer to the center of Mexico City, Scotland’s abandoned homes get makeovers, and more.
- + Is Syrian upheaval the first step to a more stable Middle East?—The end of the Assad dictatorship opens the way, perhaps, to a more peaceful and stable Middle East. Will regional leaders take that opportunity?
- + Is Syrian upheaval the first step to a stabler Middle East?—The end of the Assad dictatorship opens the way, perhaps, to a more peaceful and stable Middle East. Will regional leaders take that opportunity?
- + Another Trump indictment falters as Fani Willis is removed from Georgia election case—Donald Trump’s team has long cited prosecutor Fani Willis’ romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade as a conflict of interest. The ru...
- + Amazon workers are on strike. Will your gifts arrive on time?—The strike – spanning seven facilities across the United States – is the largest against Amazon in U.S. history, according to the Teamsters. More are ...
- + How a California neighborhood’s holiday lights bring a community together—Homeowner light displays draw California crowds – and create Christmas traditions that brighten dark December nights.
- + Why J. Edgar Hoover’s biographer worries about Kash Patel running the FBI—An author who studied J. Edgar Hoover’s complicated legacy at the FBI says she sees warning signs in the overt political statements by Trump nominee K...
- + Trump isn’t back in office yet, but is already causing chaos—When President-elect Trump called a bipartisan funding bill a bad deal, it collapsed. The result could be a government shutdown – reflecting a pattern...
- + A reporter hunts for ‘Carol of the Bells’ birthplace – in Ukraine—Over a century ago, a Ukrainian choirmaster wrote what became known as the “Carol of the Bells.” Our writer sought out its birthplace in Pokrovsk.
- + With Iran on the decline, a new axis rises in Mideast. Syria is still key.—For years Turkey and Qatar backed what had been written off as the losing side in Syria’s civil war. With the Assad regime’s fall, they are geopolitic...
- + Cathy McMorris Rodgers Q&A: How faith shaped her path in Congress—Religiosity among the U.S. public is falling, yet Congress remains steeped in spiritual traditions. One longtime congresswoman speaks about how her fa...
- + The role model for Syria’s unity—The public’s post-liberation praise for a famed rescue outfit called The White Helmets reflects a desire for impartial leaders who save all and don’t ...
- + With his absorbing film ‘Hard Truths,’ director Mike Leigh sees people in full—“Hard Truths” is one of our critic’s 10 best films of the year. He praises director Mike Leigh for his humanism, which is “particularly pertinent to h...
- + A year of plentiful prose: The best books of 2024—The year’s best books include the novel “James” by Percival Everett and a memoir by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.
- + Rage against the (checkout) machine: Why I won't do self-service with a smile—Self-service isn't self-serving for those who struggle with technology. For some of us, it's downright impossible.
- + Japanese automakers want to fend off China. But Nissan and Honda deny merger rumors.—Nissan and Honda said they are considering collaboration but denied rumors of a merger. The Japanese automakers announced in August that they, along w...
- + Why do prosecutors see the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO as an act of terrorism?—Luigi Mangione, charged with the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, was also accused of terrorism on Dec. 17. Investigators believe anger at th...
- + My muddle to mediocrity: When good enough is good enough—It’s a revelation to do something for pleasure, not for accolades, to realize that excellence is not a prerequisite for enjoyment.
- + Elon Musk now calls himself a ‘cultural Christian.’ What does that mean?—Some famous atheists have now adopted the term “cultural Christian” to describe themselves. What does it mean, and how is that playing out in an incre...
- + As Trump lawsuits unravel, hush money conviction is an exception—A judge rejected Donald Trump’s challenge to his criminal conviction, saying the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity doesn’t apply.
- + The ‘Voltaire of the Arabs’ is beloved in France, but imprisoned in Algeria—The detention of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria shows how the shadows of colonialism continue to haunt the world of French letters.
- + Tracing fentanyl’s path into the US starts at this port. It doesn’t end there.—Fentanyl is an urgent U.S. drug threat. People from port staff to IRS agents are tracing how the synthetic opioid gets into the country – and tracking...
- + Christmas light for Gaza—Christian leaders in Jerusalem set a message of light in a region seeking its way out of war.
- + Cracking Icelanders’ frosty facade? I found the steamy secret.—Six months of darkness would chill anyone’s demeanor. Here’s how I break the ice whenever I visit Iceland.
- + Teenage girl student identified in Wisconsin Christian school shooting—A 15-year-old girl opened fire at a Christian school she attended in Madison, Wisconsin, on Dec. 16. There have been 322 school shootings in the Unite...
- + A Russian general was killed by a bomb in Moscow. Ukraine claims responsibility.—Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was killed by Ukraine’s Security Service, or SBU, on Dec. 17. The SBU had opened an investigation linking him to the use of ban...
- + Why Zimbabweans keep watching their money go up in smoke—The Oct. 8 fire at a market in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, highlights the fragility of life for those toiling on the margins of a collapsing economy.
- + As a post-Assad Syria reopens, Syrians ask: Can we go home?—As the barriers to movement into and inside Syria have come down, Syrians are racing to reunite with loved ones and visit their former homes, or what ...
- + Mysterious drones raise oversight questions. What can be done?—Reports of drones flying near U.S. military installations have prompted questions about whether laws provide strong enough oversight. Proposed legisla...
- + What South Korea’s impeachment battle means for US security alliance—As the Pacific heats up, South Korea is heading into what may be a divisive and drawn-out impeachment battle, casting uncertainty over its relationshi...
- + Innovation by failure in Germany—The ruling coalition willingly falls, partly out of a failure to revive Europe’s biggest economy through tech innovation – and a "dare to fail" cultur...
- + Move over, Vikings. Sweden’s new seafaring heroes are knitting grannies.—What better way to tell a true holiday story than with singing – and knitting? In Sweden, an island choir comes together to celebrate community.
- + Floods are battering South Sudan. This aid worker helps villagers plan for the worst.—People with disabilities who live in this flood-prone area of South Sudan have a champion in Daniel Anyang. He delivers support and inclusion to vulne...
- + Can DOGE cut $2 trillion in federal spending? Not directly, but it has Trump’s ear.—Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are leading efforts by the incoming Trump administration to cut the size of the federal government. But they can only ma...
- + Some school districts lack busses and drivers. Ridesharing apps are filling the gap.—State and local governments have been cutting back on school bus service, with only about 28% of U.S. students taking the bus compared to 36% in 2017....
- + Trump’s tariffs pressure Canada, but sealing the world’s longest land border isn’t easy—Over the past four years, Canada has made its border increasingly secure. But enforcement is difficult on the world’s longest land border, and Preside...
- + Georgia elects pro-Russia president as EU hopes dim—Mikheil Kavelashvili’s victory is still challenged by the opposition who claim the election was rigged with Russia’s help. “There is no legitimate par...
- + From shoeboxes to empty lots, Rio’s favela museums break with tradition—What makes a museum? In long-marginalized neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro, it’s up to the community.
- + West Africa regional bloc approves exit timeline for 3 coup-hit nations—The move by ECOWAS comes after a nearly yearlong process of mediation to avert the unprecedented disintegration of the grouping.
- + South Korean parliament votes to impeach president over his martial law order—The Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to determine whether to dismiss Yoon Suk Yeol as president or restore his powers.
- + The genial core of Jane Austen’s art—She captured romantic love’s foolery, but the humor of Britain’s beloved author rests on spiritual conviction. That trait should not be missed during ...
- + Waves of joy flood Damascus. But an undercurrent of distrust lingers.—The magnitude of the emotions sweeping Damascus cannot be overstated, as our correspondents are witnessing. Unbridled joy is replacing years of terror...
- + Why are there mysterious drones flooding New Jersey’s airspace?—Dozens of people across New Jersey have reported seeing drones with unknown origins and operators since last month. Officials say they do not appear t...
- + Emmanuel Macron taps François Bayrou as the next French prime minister. Who is he?—François Bayrou, the fourth new French prime minister in one year, faces a deepening political crisis. The veteran politician’s appointment is intende...
- + Iran is having rolling blackouts. Some electric companies blame bitcoin mining.—Bitcoin mining could be behind rolling blackouts in Iran’s capital and nearby areas. Iranian media reports daily police raids of these illegal operati...
- + Why Florida and almost half of US states are enshrining a right to hunt and fish—Showing a shift in conservation values, Florida voters recently approved a right-to-hunt amendment on the same ballot where marijuana rights failed.
- + Solar panels in space show potential for liftoff, despite cost concerns—Technological advances mean space-based solar panels are edging closer to reality. Cost is the biggest hurdle.
- + Assad’s fall has rewards for Israel. It’s focused on the risks.—Invoking its security, Israel moved quickly to seize border positions and smash Syrian military equipment after the fall of the Assad regime. But can ...
- + Equality is on Syria's agenda—The Islamist group that took the capital makes gestures toward equal rights for women. Yet it may be emboldened women who sway Syria’s future.
- + Equality is on Syria’s agenda—The Islamist group that took the capital makes gestures toward equal rights for women. Yet it may be emboldened women who sway Syria’s future.
- + Malibu’s wildfire threatens my community. It’s also bringing us together.—Our writer reflects on honing priorities as the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, looms.
- + Ramen love: Rediscovering the flavors of my childhood—An adulthood spent dabbling in culinary experiments led me to a deeper appreciation of the childhood foods of my ancestral home, Japan.
- + Sing along: 3 plungers plunging, 2 pterodactyls flying, and 1 bird hat monstrosity!—Some people give candles, lotion, and socks. Not me. Lords a-leaping have nothing on the original gifts I make each year.
- + When what we have is enough: Lessons from the Amish—I prize my trips into Amish country, where the pace of life slows and the lack of “stuff” has real allure.
- + Cultures meet and meld deliciously in 3 new cookbooks—With these recipes, home cooks get to taste flavors from many cultures, often in the very same dish.
- + How young Nigerian women in arranged ‘money marriages’ are getting a new start—Her Voice Foundation teaches skills such as tailoring and hairdressing to young women who were wed in the illegal yet long-standing “money marriage” c...
- + FBI Director Christopher Wray reluctantly resigns saying, ‘I love our mission’—FBI Director Christopher Wray, who said he will resign in January, received a standing ovation from bureau workers after delivering the news. The move...
- + South Korean President Yoon’s impeachment inches closer. But Mr. Yoon won’t quit.—The leader of Asia’s fourth-largest economy claims “criminal groups” have paralyzed state affairs as he fights to remain in power. President Yoon Suk ...
- + Why are we in a housing crisis, and what can be done about it?—More people are seeking homes than there are places to buy or rent, which contributes to high prices. Here's what led to the housing crisis, and some ...
- + Why is the US in a housing crisis, and what can be done about it?—More people are seeking homes than there are places to buy or rent, which contributes to high prices. Here’s what led to the housing crisis, and some ...
- + Grab your popcorn: Here are the 10 best films of 2024—Our film critic’s 10 best list includes an animated delight, and dramas from around the world that consider the human condition – and what makes a lif...
- + The Climate Generation: Our landmark series, one year later—The Monitor's Climate Generation series featured a host of youth-driven solutions. Our team checks back in, finding triumphs and setbacks.
- + The fabric of Lebanon’s resilience—Conflict has displaced thousands of Lebanese people in recent months. But war does not define the soul of the country, nor the resilience of its peopl...
- + With Assad’s ouster, Russia’s Mideast influence collapses. What will Moscow do now?—Russia kept Syria’s Bashar al-Assad in power over the last decade. Now he’s gone. But setbacks in the Mideast are familiar to the Kremlin.
- + In ‘new crisis era,’ Tokyo needs help from Seoul and DC. Can it count on them?—As security threats mount in the Asia-Pacific, the hard-won defense alliance between Japan and South Korea is the linchpin to regional safety. Now, po...
- + How fall of Assad showcases the Biden-Trump policy divide in the Mideast—The fall of Bashar al-Assad has created challenges and opportunities for the United States in Syria. But the dissonance between the current and future...
- + Preemptive pardons could protect Trump targets, but veer from history—As President-elect Donald Trump decries his foes, the Biden administration considers preemptive pardons for those who have provoked Republican ire.
- + Biden just issued historic pardon. Will preemptive ones be next?—President Joe Biden said he is commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoning 39 others. Are preemptive pardons for Trump's foes next?
- + Preemptive pardons could protect Trump targets, but veer into politics—As President-elect Donald Trump decries his foes, the Biden administration considers preemptive pardons for those who have provoked Republican ire.
- + African art that liberates—An art festival in Senegal coaxes a youthful continent toward a future no longer defined by a painful past.
- + Small-town students can be overlooked. Colleges are now looking their way.—Rural students enroll in and complete college at lower rates than their urban and suburban peers. What are colleges and universities doing to get more...
- + Why is the Chinese military deployment around Taiwan the largest in years?—The size and scale of a recent Chinese military deployment is “unheard of,” says a diplomat in the region. Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own terr...
- + As wildfires threatened Malibu, the Pepperdine students didn’t panic. They had a plan.—Wildfires are threatening Southern California again, this time near Malibu. One college in the Santa Monica Mountains lay directly in the path of the ...
- + A judge rules Alex Jones can continue running Infowars – for now—In a victory for Alex Jones amid his bankruptcy case, a federal judge prevented The Onion from purchasing Infowars, Mr. Jones’ radio show, calling the...
- + Faith, education, and the challenge facing America—Christian teachings are increasingly finding their way into public education, raising the question: should the government be employed to stop the decl...
- + ‘We are looking for a good future’: Lebanese life amid the rubble—Amid Israeli airstrikes, tens of thousands of Lebanon’s Shiites fled their homes. After ceasefire, residents express support and anger for Hezbollah.
- + Time to go home? Hezbollah ceasefire offers northern Israelis hope.—Northern Israel offered residents a relaxed refuge away from the country’s crowded center. Now a ceasefire with Hezbollah, bolstered by the fall of Sy...
- + Boston broke a record last year for fewest homicides. It’s on track to do it again.—As of Dec. 10, Boston has reported just 22 homicides – a little over half of the 40 it had just two years ago.
- + Hailing the innocent in Syria—As political prisoners are freed and low-level soldiers forgiven, the new leaders have started a long process of reconciliation, driven by a balance b...
- + In Syria free-for-all, US aims to break ISIS and protect allies—The fall of Bashar al-Assad has opened the playing field for a stronger U.S. hand in shaping what’s to come.
- + After CEO killing, police used high-tech tools. But a civilian cinched the dragnet.—Some say violence is valid political speech. But the investigation of a CEO's killing – with a citizen-led capture – sparked a different response.
- + Squat lobsters and filtering fungi: Discoveries from the ocean deep to an African lab—In our progress roundup, an underwater mountain in the Southern Pacific yields new species and South Africa researchers grow fungi to fight river poll...
- + From Oprah invites to a Grammy nod, Nikki Giovanni is remembered as a prolific poet—A champion of the Black Power movement, Nikki Giovanni, who passed away Dec. 9, was a writer, poet, and educator. “To love her is to love contradictio...
- + After President Milei’s first year, Argentina’s economy is looking strangely ... normal—President Javier Milei’s first year saw a sharp decrease in inflation and a stronger peso as he implemented sweeping government cuts. Even as unemploy...
- + Rupert Murdoch wants to preserve Fox News’ conservative leaning. A judge intervened.—In an effort to solidify Fox News’ conservative leaning, Rupert Murdoch tried to entrust the entirety of his media empire to his son, Lachlan. A judge...
- + For Syrians, Assad is in the past: ‘The thing we all have now is hope’—After decades of repression, the pace of political change in Syria over the weekend was stunning. But resetting the country’s institutions and reassur...
- + They thwarted martial law. But South Koreans say the fight for democracy is not over.—South Korea’s relatively young democracy proved its resilience last week when lawmakers shut down the president’s attempt to impose martial law. But h...
- + What next for leaderless Syria, once the Mideast’s hub?—The civil war in Syria flared into sudden action last week, toppling Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship in a matter of days. What comes next?
- + Longings for home drove Syria’s liberation—The rebel group that felled a dictatorship found part of its legitimacy in calling on displaced Syrian to return home – not just to a place, but to th...
- + Why birthright citizenship matters and how it could change under Trump—With limited exceptions, the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to people born in America. But president-elect Donald Trump wants to end a centu...
- + How birthright citizenship could change under Trump—With limited exceptions, the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to people born in America. But President-elect Donald Trump wants to end a centu...
- + How a revered starchy side dish helped choose Ghana’s next president—Want to understand why Ghanaians just elected the opposition candidate, John Mahama, as president? Look no further than their favorite food, kenkey.
- + ‘Polarization,’ ‘demure,’ and ‘fortnight’ among Merriam Webster’s top words for 2024—Merriam-Webster’s top 10 most-searched words in 2024 reflect the year’s key cultural moments and news events. In the face of the nation’s divisions, t...
- + ‘Emilia Pérez’ leads in Golden Globe nominations, with ‘Wicked’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’—“Emilia Pérez” leads the way with 10 nominations, beating big names like “Wicked,” “The Apprentice,” “Conclave,” and “Dune: Part Two.” This year’s Gol...
- + Netanyahu’s corruption trial started four years ago. Why is he taking the stand now?—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial for accusations of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes. In a trial that first began in ...
- + This Delhi cop wants to ‘spread goodness and happiness.’ So he set up a school.—Learning with Than Singh has become a favorite pastime for some children who typically roam Delhi’s streets begging, rifling through trash, or engagin...
- + Five glorious art books bring the gallery to your couch—From Japanese printmaker Hokusai to women pioneers of the arts and crafts movement, the images in these volumes offer light and joy to art lovers.
- + Ousted Syrian President reportedly in Moscow after rebel takeover—Syrian President Bashar Assad has reportedly arrived in Moscow with his family, granted asylum by Russia after rebel advances. Russian state media say...
- + UnitedHealthcare tragedy sparks conversations about insurance reform—The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has sparked a wave of frustration over the insurance industry. Patients are sharing personal stories, wit...
- + How farming is transforming lives for South Africa’s deaf population—In South Africa, where unemployment exceeds 32%, deaf individuals face greater challenges. A deaf entrepreneur left her job to launch a program traini...
- + Insurgents advance in Syria: Army Withdraws, Assad Denies Fleeing—Syrian insurgents advance near Damascus as the army retreats, seizing key areas. sparking rumors of Assad's flight. Rumors of President Bashar Assad f...
- + South Korean President Avoids Impeachment: What’s Next?—Most lawmakers in President Yoon's ruling party boycotted a vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. Wit...
- + A peek into ‘boundless’ generosity—Results from this year’s GivingTuesday help broaden concepts about donating time and treasure to others beyond old models.
- + Memphis police discriminate, protesters said. A new Justice Department report agrees.—Almost two years after national protests sparked by the police killing of Tyre Nichols, the U.S. Department of Justice has validated citizen concerns....
- + South Korea’s president imposed martial law. Now comes a push to impeach him.—After South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law this week, the National Assembly nullified the decree only six hours later. As the op...
- + Are the Boeing astronauts actually stuck in space? Nope. ‘Living in space is super fun.’—Boeing’s new Starliner astronauts have had to combat rumors about their health and saftey after a forced extended stay on the International Space Stat...
- + In UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing, industry frustration crowds out empathy—The shooting of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has put a spotlight on frustrations over medical debt and lack of security for threatened executives.
- + Record drought and blazes? The US Northeast awakens to new wildfire risks.—After a record drought this fall, and increased wildfires, in the U.S. Northeast, people in this region are talking about better ways to prepare for t...
- + Five years after fire, a shining Notre Dame is ready to reopen its doors—After fire ravaged the Notre Dame cathedral, few believed the Parisian icon could be quickly restored to its former glory. But only five years later, ...
- + Hegseth is in trouble. That doesn’t mean RFK Jr., Gabbard, or Patel will face the same.—Pete Hegseth is the second Trump Cabinet pick meeting resistance from some Senate Republicans. But here’s why other controversial nominees may not fac...
- + As Syrian rebels advance, what can Iran and its tired allies do for Assad?—What can Iran do to help Syrian President Bashar al-Assad defeat newly energized rebel forces? Its anti-Israel “Axis of Resistance” has been overworke...
- + As Syrian rebels advance, what can Iran and its tired allies do for Assad?—What can Iran do to help Syrian President Bashar al-Assad defeat newly energized rebel forces? Its anti-Israel “Axis of Resistance” has been overworke...
- + How to fight Russian sabotage: With ‘psyops’ and undersea drones.—Recent instances of suspected sabotage in Europe don’t necessarily have proven ties to Russia. But it is clear that Vladimir Putin makes a strategy of...
- + Neal Stephenson mixes polo, politics, and power in the novel ‘Polostan’—A Russian American girl straddles the worlds of her Ukraine-born Bolshevik father and her Montana-raised cowgirl mother in the 1920s and ’30s in Neal ...
- + The new stoic Argentine—A people highly dependent on government show unusual patience as a reformist president drives down inflation and opens up the economy.
- + ‘Bonfire of the incumbents’ unseats governments worldwide in 2024—Elections worldwide in 2024 saw incumbents defeated as voters registered displeasure with their economies. New leaders will find that hard to remedy.
- + Bitcoin just crossed the $100,000 mark. Why did its value explode in the last month?—Donald Trump’s potential SEC commissioner, as well as his campaign promises, have encouraged investors to put more money in the cryptocurrency. Though...
- + He gunned down a CEO and escaped by bike. Who killed Brian Thompson?—A masked man shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the early morning of Dec. 4 in Manhattan. After mounting a bike, he vanished into ...
- + In Malawi, sex and mental health can be taboo topics. Not on this radio show.—Farm Radio Trust harnesses the power of radio to help the young people of Malawi share their experiences on difficult subjects.
- + Robots and entrepreneurs work to green the US housing industry—The carbon-intensive U.S. construction industry is scrambling to help ease a nationwide housing shortage. Startups are trying to find climate-friendly...
- + On Ukraine’s home front, a DIY drone industry helps fill military’s needs—Ukrainians are assembling drones at home to help supply the military with the thousands it uses every month in the war with Russia.
- + On Ukraine’s homefront, a DIY drone industry helps fill military’s needs—Ukrainians are assembling drones at home to help supply the military with the thousands it uses every month in the war with Russia.
- + No confidence: French lawmakers oust prime minister over budget woes—France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Ca...
- + South Korea’s swift rescue of freedom—An unpopular president’s martial law was no match for a people with an inner strength born of repelling despots and invaders.
- + Martial law for a moment: What just happened in South Korea—South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of emergency martial law lasted only six hours. But it has plunged South Korea – a key Asi...
- + Reading, writing, and the Ten Commandments? Why some public schools teach the Bible.—As states mandate Bible lessons and posting the Ten Commandments in public schools, religious conservatives challenge separation of church and state.
- + Curtis Chin grew up in a Chinese restaurant. He’s on a 300-city tour to save others.—In cities across the United States, Chinatowns are struggling. American storyteller Curtis Chin, author of “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chine...
- + Where Nazis first won office, Germans are voting for right-wing extremists—In the German region of Thuringia, where Nazis had their first electoral wins, the extreme right-wing AfD is now ascendant.
- + Towns around the Great Lakes are used to snow. Why did this storm bring so much?—The Great Lakes region has been buried in snow after days of storms, yet more could be on the way with forecasters predicting another storm system to ...
- + After a month of calm, China harasses Philippine patrol in the South China Sea—The South China Sea, with its many strategic islands, is one of the biggest maritime routes in the world and has been a flashpoint between China and i...
- + A questionable pardon’s deeper resonance—The president’s official mercy toward his son’s past wrongs has many skeptics. But it parallels a trend in better balancing punishment with compassion...
- + French women flock to Gisèle Pelicot rape trial, ‘to show her that she’s not alone’—The Pelicot rape trial is not just drawing media attention. The courthouse has become a gathering place for French people seeking to support Gisèle Pe...
- + New turtle moms hit the beach in Greece, and the school buses making electricity—Progress roundup: New turtle moms hit the beach, a school bus fleet sends power back to the grid, and food waste is fermented into livestock feed.
- + High-profile scandals lead to high-profile local reforms in California—Driven by political scandals, Californian voters course-corrected – overhauling local government in LA and voting out tainted politicians statewide.
- + In Oklahoma, purpose and care from teachers coax Indigenous students back to school—Nationwide, Native American students miss school far more frequently than their peers, but not in Oklahoma. At Watonga High School, educators collabor...
- + After the pandemic, more Native American students don’t want to return to school—While the pandemic caused lasting absenteeism among all schoolchildren, the problem has been most pronounced among Native American and Alaska Native s...
- + As Joe Biden pardons his son, politicized justice is a rising concern—A blanket pardon for the president’s son, Hunter Biden, comes amid wider signs that federal justice isn’t immune from the political divisiveness that ...
- + Syrian civil war: What rebels’ lightning gains say about Assad regime—Syria’s devastating civil war, responsible for more than 300,000 deaths, was never officially resolved. Lightning gains by rebels opposed to President...
- + One gavel, two hands in Minnesota—With an even split of representatives in the state’s House, the two parties are preparing for sharing power. Many American voters may wish for such mo...
- + Supreme Court will hear largest transgender rights case in US history—On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the biggest transgender rights case in its history. The decision in United States v. Skrmetti has the p...
- + President Biden pardons Hunter Biden, sparing him a possible prison sentence—Despite pledging as recently as early November he would not go through with it, President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on the night of Dec....
- + ‘It is a matter of survival’: UN court begins hearing for threatened island nations—Almost 100 small island nations say their existence is threatened by climate change. The largest case in its history, the top United Nations court wil...
- + A disputed election and pause on EU accession has led Georgian citizens to the brink—Georgian citizens’ protests against their pro-Russian government entered a fourth day after the ruling Georgian Dream party canceled negotiations to j...
- + Looking for a new holiday classic? These 2 films glow with Christmas spirit.—Our reviewer sees potential for two new holiday films, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “That Christmas,” to become seasonal favorites. Both stor...
- + After a Canadian orca pod’s decline, now ‘you can see the whales coming back’—A decades-old habitat preservation effort in British Columbia, Canada, is showing positive signs for one type of orcas that live there.
- + Newsom vs. Trump: When big states take on the White House—California Gov. Gavin Newsom was on good terms with Donald Trump during his first term as president. Now the governor is suiting up for battle.
- + I dreaded cleaning out my freezer. What I found there was priceless.—In hard times, training ourselves to see the good can be a gift. Our writer found unimaginable bounty under his nose and invites us to share in it.
- + Trump’s Mideast team: A familiar look for a transformed region—Donald Trump has put together a Mideast team charged with building on his first term’s successes. But in a region shaken by the war in Gaza, can the d...
- + How century-old fashion is helping Ukrainians escape the grind of war—Women in the Ukrainian city of Sumy are escaping the war by exploring their home town's history through fashion using old photos to recreate costumes.
- + Israel enjoys upper hand as ceasefire signals Hezbollah’s limits—Hezbollah has emerged from its war with Israel leaderless and weak, no longer the force that Iran has depended on. Will Israel seek to take advantage ...
- + In Delhi, life beats on under toxic smog. But residents say this year is different.—Delhi's air pollution is among the worst in the world, far exceeding World Health Organization safety limits. Residents share what that feels like for...
- + Five-star ‘Flow’ and chatty ‘Moana 2’ offer eye-widening animated delights—Two new animated films – both centered on water – touch on the power of connection. One is our movie critic’s favorite of the year.
- + How ‘History Alice’ is getting Gen Z to learn about the past—Alice Loxton doesn’t believe history should be boring or academic. As “History Alice,” she connects with millions of people on social media, and her s...
- + Thanksgiving as forgiving—An official apology to Native Americans – and a response of forgiveness – can help create the possibility of a mutual feeling of justice.
- + An unlikely Thanksgiving story—Beneath the joyous celebration of Thanksgiving lies a fraught history. This year, the Monitor turned to Canada for lessons in honoring gratitude witho...
- + Russian TV calls Tulsi Gabbard ‘our girlfriend.’ Can she keep US secrets?—Tulsi Gabbard’s comments about U.S. adversaries Russia and Syria are raising questions about how she would approach intelligence gathering and sharing...
- + The Trump economy: How will tariffs, taxes, and big debt affect workers?—The president-elect’s economic team will face a minefield of fiscal and economic challenges, with no clarity as to how American workers will fare.
- + With Netanyahu warrant, international court tests priorities of Israel’s allies—The International Criminal Court’s warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant target two Israeli leaders. But they create tensions across a net ...
- + Building peace by disrupting lies—A West African journalist, contracted to spread disinformation, charts a path out of fear and instability through contrition.
- + Wild animals are disappearing in Latin America. Colombia is fighting back.—Latin America’s animal populations have fallen drastically over the past 50 years. Will recapturing trafficked animals be enough to rewrite the future...
- + How Trump’s proposed tariffs could dramatically raise prices on consumer goods—President-elect Donald Trump announced Nov. 25 he would impose sweeping new tariffs on countries he says have allowed illegal immigrants and drugs to ...
- + In Canada, too, people remember a feast with settlers and Indigenous people—In Canada, Acadian descendants and the Mi’kmaq remember when they gathered to celebrate the harvest – and “good cheer.”
- + Why is Walmart the biggest company yet to cut its DEI policies?—Following in the steps of Ford, Harley-Davidson, and Lowe’s, Walmart rolled back some of its DEI policies after conservative backlash. It’s the larges...
- + After months of war, officials say Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Lebanon—Israel has dealt massive blows against Hezbollah since going on the offensive in September. Now, a ceasefire appears to be on the table, as fighting s...
- + Traveling for Thanksgiving this year? Prepare to join 80 million others on the move.—Holiday travel is back in a big way. Airports and highways are expected to have millions of Americans traveling for what could be the busiest Thanksgi...
- + In Xochimilco, floating gardens offer a glimpse of Mexico City’s past—A network of human-made waterways represents the remains of a vast transit system used by the Aztecs to move people and products around their empire.
- + Israeli settlers see Trump’s win as aiding goal of annexing West Bank—The pro-settlement movement in Israel is exulting at what it perceives as a possible green light from the incoming Trump Middle East team to pursue an...
- + Marco Rubio wants to take a hard line on China. Will Trump let him?—Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has a history of antagonizing China over its human rights record. But assuming Mr. Rubio is c...
- + In shifting world, post-Soviet states look back to a constant: Russia—Many of the countries that formed out of the Soviet Union aspired to link their future with the West. But European troubles and Russian aggressiveness...
- + A guardrail holds—Amid the whirl of Cabinet nominations, senators affirm the civic virtues of wisdom and temperance that bolster American democracy.
- + Women in combat are not a ‘social experiment,’ says Canada’s top military commander—Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. defense secretary, has repeatedly questioned if men and women should serve together in combat unit. Gen....
- + After Oklahoma and Louisiana, Texas will be next to try for Bible lessons in schools—While Bible-based lessons will not be mandatory, schools that incorporate them will receive additional funding. Boosters say the Bible is a core featu...
- + Why did the Philippine vice president threaten to assassinate her boss?—Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte publicly threatened the life of the country’s president on Nov. 23. Under the Philippine penal code, such publi...
- + Want a less commercial holiday? Gen Z tries ‘underconsumption core.’—Americans used to call it being thrifty. Then it was Voluntary Simplicity. Today, Generation Z is exploring “underconsumption core,” with an eye for m...
- + Trump targets temporary protected status. What that could mean for Haitians in the US.—Temporary protected status covers many U.S. immigrants. President-elect Trump says he’ll challenge its use, particularly for Haitians in Springfield, ...
- + UN climate talks finally reach deal, hoping for more, settling for less—In a late session at the United Nations climate talks, countries finally agreed on how rich nations can help poor ones in the face of climate change.
- + Israel-Hezbollah conflict widens after Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldier—Israel's attacks are aimed at Hezbollah militants, but a fatal weekend strike hit Lebanon's army center, igniting a heavy barrage in the ongoing war.
- + Israeli strikes Lebanese army center as Israel-Hezbollah conflict widens—Israel's attacks are aimed at Hezbollah militants, but a fatal weekend strike hit Lebanon's army center, igniting a heavy barrage in the ongoing war.
- + Should we care what cows think? How readers broadened my view of animals.—Good journalism opens minds and invites readers to see things differently. Sometimes, readers can have a similar effect on journalists.
- + Trump chooses Bessent, Vought, Chavez-DeRemer, and Turner for Cabinet—Donald Trump has tapped Scott Bessent as treasury secretary, Russell Vought for the Office of Management and Budget, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as labor...
- + Of dogs and din—With a little help from their four-footed friends, communities are countering harsh politics with civic activities that evoke kindness and respect.
- + Moody chickens? Playful bumblebees? Science decodes the rich inner lives of animals.—New science shows that farm animals and other creatures exhibit signs of conscious experience. How should this make us see them – and ourselves?
- + In the race to attract students, historically Black colleges sprint out front—Freshman enrollment declined at colleges for the first time since 2020. But some historically Black colleges and universities are experiencing record ...
- + Recurring blackouts have roiled Cuba. What’s behind the crisis?—From aging power plants to devastating hurricanes, here’s a look at the factors driving outages on the island.
- + ‘I’m exhausted by him.’ Why Trump resistance is fizzling.—The first election of Donald Trump fueled major protests, including the Women’s March. This time around, the self-dubbed “resistance” movement appears...
- + Amid Gaza food shortages, ICC issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu—ICC issues arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for allegedly depriving Gazans of essential items. Local merchants and gangs worsen ...
- + Why many in Ukraine oppose a ‘land for peace’ formula to end the war—Should Ukraine surrender land to Russia to end the war? Opposition had been strong throughout the conflict, but Ukrainians are shifting on whether the...
- + A shield from war for Iraq—Under threat of being caught up in the Iran-Israel conflict, Iraqis listen to a revered cleric offering advice on the benefits of integrity.
- + Loggers were stealing the forest. These women started stealing their chain saws.—As the world’s leaders discuss the planet’s future at COP29, in Nigeria, a group of local women is defending its own forests, vigilante-style.
- + Antidotes to Venezuela’s election lies—Across Latin America, a popular demand for honesty and equality is compelling leaders to wield truth in defense of democracy.
- + 50 years ago, the UK expelled Chagos Islanders. A court ruling may mean they can go home.—Evicted to make way for a U.S. military base in the 1970s, residents of the Chagos Islands may soon return, though many critique the terms of the deal...
- + How wind and solar is restoring Ukraine’s energy and resisting Russian missile attacks—Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities, forcing companies to constantly rebuild and go weeks without power. Clean energy has beg...
- + Transgender Day of Remembrance raises awareness of violence against trans people—Transgender Day of Remembrance is marked by vigils, memorials, and a sense of unease among advocates after this year’s election result. Transgender pe...
- + Saving lives with reduced pollution, fewer pesticides, and less worker exploitation—Progress roundup: Governments around the world protect workers from exploitation, poor air quality, and pesticides that harm people.
- + Behind the stacks: The secret life of a librarian—My novel experience as a children's librarian was not the quiet desk job I had envisioned. It was so much more.
- + She empowers people with disabilities to feel pride in their stories—Growing up, Tiffany Yu felt shame about her disability and hid it. Now, the author of “The Anti-Ableist Manifesto” uses her experience to change the n...
- + Want to hear the latest country music? Try Broadway.—“Music City,” which opened off-Broadway this month, is the latest show to embrace the country genre. Can Nashville music make it in New York?
- + The pandemic roar subsided, but mask wars rumble on—Some states are passing antimask laws, citing public safety concerns. Critics see a threat to privacy and to the ability to protest anonymously.
- + In wartime Gaza, turning meager olive harvest into oil is an act of defiance—Farming by its nature puts people in touch with their land and their traditions. In besieged Gaza, after more than a year of war, the olive harvest an...
- + Schools get real on artificial intelligence—More educators are adopting the technology – with care for its potential abuses – as they catch up with students already using AI.
- + Hong Kong court locks up a generation of pro-democracy leaders—A Hong Kong court has imprisoned 45 pro-democracy leaders for as much as 10 years, striking a heavy blow at a generation of activists.
- + Europe nations investigate cut cables in the Baltic Sea. Was it Russian sabotage?—Communication cables linking Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania have been cut. European governments say Russia did it, which it denies. “No on...
- + Ukraine fires US long-range missiles at Russia. What that means for the war.—Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles to attack Russia comes as both sides are positioning for peace talks once Donald Trump becomes president.
- + Now UK farmers have a reason to protest. They say a tax hike will destroy family farms.—Thousands of farmers flooded the streets of London protesting an inheritance tax on agricultural land that they say would devastate family farms. The ...
- + What is a ‘bomb cyclone,’ and how hard will it hit the West Coast?—Local officials across the West Coast are bracing for flash floods, power outages, and possible blizzards at high altitudes after announcing heavy rai...
- + Howard University hoped to make history. Now it’s ready for a different role.—Kamala Harris hoped to declare victory at Howard University on election night. Today, students at one of America’s top HBCUs wrestle with the fallout.
- + Millions in rural America lack reliable internet. How Massachusetts towns got online.—Millions of Americans in rural areas lack access to fast, reliable broadband internet. It's an equity problem that communities are starting to solve.
- + The 10 best books of November set a bountiful table for readers—Dig in to the 10 best books of November, from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s nature essays to a biography of Johnny Carson.
- + ‘Time of the Child’ gently pulls back the layers of an Irish village—In Irish novelist Niall Williams’ “Time of the Child,” an abandoned baby changes the lives of the village doctor, his daughter, and the townspeople.
- + A vote that straddles Sri Lanka’s divides—Parliamentary elections in the South Asian country mark a shift from sectarian politics to respect for individual dignity.
- + $1.3 trillion price tag for climate? These charts show why.—At the COP29 summit, diplomats are debating how to finance action on climate change – and what role the private sector could play.
- + Trump takes office in January. Here’s how Biden is spending his final days as president.—The Biden administration is working to solidify the outgoing president’s legacy before he leaves office in January. Current moves include infrastructu...
- + Ukraine has been waiting to strike deep into Russia. Is Biden’s approval too late?—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can now use U.S.-built long range missiles to strike deep into Russia. The Biden administration gave him permi...
- + Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy as it struggles to recover from pandemic losses—Spirit Airlines, known for its rock-bottom fares and hidden fees, is filing for bankruptcy following a heavy decline in revenue. In the coming months,...
- + Dome sweet dome: This tiny village makes most of Kyrgyzstan’s yurts—The Issyk-Kul region has been designated the World Craft City for Yurts, with most of Kyrgyzstan’s yurt production concentrated in the village of Kyzy...
- + Trump plans the ‘largest deportation’ ever. Here’s how it might start.—President-elect Trump and key immigration advisers are preparing to follow through on his promise of mass deportations. But the effort faces legal and...
- + Nomination of RFK Jr. reflects a broader shake-up in the politics of health—The pandemic turned many people against public health experts – creating the opening that has resulted in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Cabinet nomination.
- + Senegal votes as leaders work to cement majority, push reforms—People in Senegal are voting in a parliamentary election that will decide whether the country’s president can carry out ambitious reforms, six months ...
- + Makeup of the US House hardly changed, leaving GOP to work with a slim majority—Voters stuck with the status quo on Election Day, ensuring that Republicans will hold onto a thin majority in the House and producing barely any chang...
As of 12/26/24 5:21am. Last new 12/24/24 2:30pm. Score: 373
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