World News
20 US States Challenge Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: Impact on Healthcare and Education
Dec 13, 2025 09:53 am CST
Twenty US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, arguing it's illegal and threatens essential public services. Led by California, the lawsuit claims the policy bypasses required rulemaking processes and would worsen critical staffing shortages in education and healthcare sectors, where H-1B professionals play vital roles. The controversial fee affects a program that serves as a key pathway for skilled foreign workers, particularly in technology, medicine, and academia.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Narges Mohammadi Brutally Arrested at Memorial Ceremony in Iran
Dec 13, 2025 09:38 am CST
Iranian security forces have detained 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi along with eight other activists during a memorial ceremony in Mashhad. The Norwegian Nobel Committee condemned the "brutal" arrest, which occurred just days after the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Mohammadi, who has spent much of the past decade imprisoned and was recently on temporary medical release, was reportedly beaten and dragged by her hair during the arrest.
Trump Brokers Renewed Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Following Deadly Border Clashes
Dec 13, 2025 09:18 am CST
US President Donald Trump announced that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to immediately renew their ceasefire after a week of deadly border conflicts that killed at least 20 and displaced around 500,000 people. Both nations will return to the original peace accord signed in October, with Trump crediting his personal intervention and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's assistance in securing this diplomatic breakthrough.
Fact Check: Did Pakistan PM Sharif Interrupt Putin's Meeting with Erdogan? Debunking the Viral Video
Dec 13, 2025 09:04 am CST
A viral video claiming Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif "gatecrashed" a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan has been identified as a likely deepfake. RT India, which initially shared the footage, has since deleted it, acknowledging the content may have misrepresented actual events at the Peace and Trust Forum in Turkmenistan.
Public Trust Eroding: Poll Reveals Americans Doubt Trump's Transparency in Epstein Case Despite Rising Republican Support
Dec 13, 2025 05:14 am CST
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows most Americans believe the Trump administration is concealing information about Jeffrey Epstein's death and connections, though Republican support for Trump's handling of the scandal has increased from 44% to 53%. The survey reveals widespread skepticism about government transparency, with 70% of Americans believing officials are hiding information about Epstein's alleged sex trafficking network.
King Charles Announces Reduced Cancer Treatment Schedule Following Successful Early Intervention
Dec 13, 2025 04:41 am CST
King Charles revealed positive news regarding his cancer treatment during a national awareness campaign broadcast, attributing his improved health condition to early diagnosis and effective medical intervention. The 77-year-old monarch's treatment schedule will be reduced in the coming year as he continues to advocate for cancer awareness across Britain.
US Military Escalates Presence Near Venezuelan Coast with Fighter Jets, Bombers, and Drones Amid Rising Tensions
Dec 13, 2025 04:08 am CST
The United States has intensified its military presence along Venezuela's coast, deploying fighter jets, bombers, and surveillance drones as part of alleged counter-narcotics operations. This military buildup comes amid escalating tensions between the nations, with the US targeting supposed drug-smuggling vessels and offering a $50 million reward for information leading to President Nicolas Maduro's capture, whom Washington has accused of leading a narco-terrorist organization.
YouTube Removes Pakistani Dating Show "Eternal Love" Amid Conservative Backlash
Dec 13, 2025 02:53 am CST
YouTube has suspended the Pakistani reality dating show "Lazawal Ishq" (Eternal Love) after 50 episodes due to conservative backlash in Pakistan, where dating and extramarital relations are legally prohibited. The show, featuring eight contestants seeking romance in an Istanbul villa, sparked cultural and religious controversy despite its popularity among younger viewers.
Germany Exposes Russian Cyberattacks on Air Safety Systems and Election Interference Campaign
Dec 13, 2025 02:53 am CST
Germany has presented evidence linking Russia's GRU military intelligence to a sophisticated cyberattack on its air traffic control systems and a coordinated disinformation campaign that targeted February's elections. German intelligence identified the APT28 (Fancy Bear) hacker group and the "Storm 1516" influence operation as attempts to destabilize democratic institutions, prompting planned countermeasures in coordination with EU partners.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Winter Storm Floods Refugee Tent Camps Amid Aid Delivery Failures
Dec 13, 2025 02:53 am CST
Winter storm Byron has brought torrential rain and flooding to Gaza's refugee camps, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis despite two months of ceasefire. Displaced Palestinians, including children and the elderly, struggle with soaked possessions, flooded tents, and deteriorating sanitation as aid organizations report insufficient shelter materials entering the territory. The deluge has collapsed already damaged buildings and triggered thousands of distress calls while concerns mount about disease spread and inadequate winter protection for the vulnerable population.