A New York federal judge temporarily halted the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, pending a conference. Khalil was detained by immigration authorities following a directive to cancel his green card. This action signifies an escalation of the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus protests.
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President-elect Trump is likely to grant TikTok a 90-day extension to finalize a deal and prevent a U.S. ban. He indicated that a decision would be made after taking office on Monday. The new law barring app stores from distributing TikTok begins Sunday, and TikTok has requested assurance from the Biden administration regarding law enforcement.
The University of Houston defended its Hindu religion course, explaining that the use of terms like 'fundamentalism' is grounded in academic religious studies. The course aims to analyze how religions evolve over time, without making judgments or showing bias, despite student complaints.
The US federal government has paused $27.5 million in family planning grants pending an investigation into compliance with legal requirements. This decision affects services such as contraception and cancer screenings, notably impacting low-income communities. Planned Parenthood and other organizations criticize the funding freeze, arguing it limits access to essential healthcare.
Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba will meet US President Donald Trump to strengthen security, trade, and energy ties. Key topics include reaffirming US-Japan security commitments, the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute, and addressing trade tensions, especially after Biden’s block on Nippon Steel’s US Steel bid. They will also discuss AI investment and energy cooperation. The meeting aims to elevate US-Japan relations to a "golden age."
President Trump assured that trade tensions with Mexico and Canada would not impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming they could make the event more exciting. A new task force was established to ensure security and logistics for the tournament, which is expected to generate significant economic benefits.
American journalist Taylor Lorenz was surprised to learn that US citizens require a visa to travel to India after previously thinking visas on arrival were available. She criticized outdated internet guidance and highlighted recent changes in India's visa policies, which left many misinformed.
UK law enforcement arrested six Afghan nationals wanted in Belgium for their alleged role in a people-smuggling network. The group, active since 2022, reportedly trafficked migrants from Afghanistan to western Europe and facilitated illegal crossings to the UK. Extradition proceedings have begun, with authorities emphasizing the persistent threat of organized immigration crime. The operation follows previous arrests and convictions of traffickers in Belgium.
Elon Musk has stirred European politics by backing far-right movements and criticizing leaders, especially in Germany and the UK. His social media platform X amplifies controversial views, notably endorsing Germany's AfD and attacking UK PM Keir Starmer. Musk's actions raise concerns about tech moguls' influence on democracy and international relations under Trump's incoming administration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday denounced an "inhumane" attack from Russia, which launched dozens of missiles and drones on his war-torn country's energy grid on Christmas Day. More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones.
Zakaria Zubeidi, a former leader of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, was released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Zubeidi, who had avoided capture for years and had been involved in high-profile militancy activities, was arrested again in 2019 for multiple shooting attacks.