December 9, 2025
US
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
December 9th saw a dual focus in US media: the Supreme Court weighing a significant Republican-led appeal to end limits on party spending in federal elections, and President Trump's aggressive rhetoric. Early reports noted Trump's threat of 5% tariffs on Mexico over water treaty violations and his commitment to campaigning for the 2026 midterms. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, the Supreme Court's potential expansion of presidential power, particularly concerning campaign finance and the firing of an FTC member, gained prominence, building on previous days' discussions about judicial actions and presidential authority. Concurrently, Trump's escalating denigration of immigrants, notably Somalis, as 'garbage' received widespread coverage. The evening continued with reports of a judge rejecting Trump's demand to free a supporter and his backtracking on releasing a controversial boat strike video.
Israel
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The day began with the impending arrival of Storm Byron, bringing warnings of heavy rains and potential flooding, alongside reports of IDF strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including a training site for the Radwan force. Concurrently, the discovery of a terror infrastructure, including rockets and explosives, in Tulkarm raised concerns about threats to Israeli cities.
In the early afternoon, discussions intensified around a reported security agreement between Israel and Syria, which Prime Minister Netanyahu allegedly refused to sign, a claim his office denied. The dismantling of Hostages Square was also noted.
The afternoon was dominated by former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar's public critique of Netanyahu, where he called for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures, emphasizing leadership accountability. This coincided with the release of new details and images from the extensive Hamas tunnel system where Hadar Goldin was held in Rafah.
Towards evening, reports surfaced of a secret deal between President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu concerning a potential pardon for Netanyahu, with legal opinions from 2019 being revealed.
In the early afternoon, discussions intensified around a reported security agreement between Israel and Syria, which Prime Minister Netanyahu allegedly refused to sign, a claim his office denied. The dismantling of Hostages Square was also noted.
The afternoon was dominated by former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar's public critique of Netanyahu, where he called for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures, emphasizing leadership accountability. This coincided with the release of new details and images from the extensive Hamas tunnel system where Hadar Goldin was held in Rafah.
Towards evening, reports surfaced of a secret deal between President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu concerning a potential pardon for Netanyahu, with legal opinions from 2019 being revealed.
Germany
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
German media on December 9 primarily focused on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's self-critical appearance in a live TV citizen dialogue. Early reports highlighted Merz's distancing from past statements on "Gestalten" in cityscapes, emphasizing the need for migration, and acknowledging the CDU's role in the AfD's growth.
Throughout the day, discussions about pension reform continued, with proposals for academics to work longer and new private pension plans unveiled. By early afternoon, Donald Trump's strong criticism of Europe's migration policy and his warnings of self-destruction gained prominence, mirroring earlier discussions on Merz's migration stance. Later, the AfD's taxpayer-funded trips to the USA for ties with Republicans also drew significant attention.
Throughout the day, discussions about pension reform continued, with proposals for academics to work longer and new private pension plans unveiled. By early afternoon, Donald Trump's strong criticism of Europe's migration policy and his warnings of self-destruction gained prominence, mirroring earlier discussions on Merz's migration stance. Later, the AfD's taxpayer-funded trips to the USA for ties with Republicans also drew significant attention.
France
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
December 9th saw French media overwhelmingly focused on the critical vote for the Social Security budget in the National Assembly. Early reports highlighted Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's precarious position, with Édouard Philippe recommending abstention to avoid "chaos." Throughout the morning, various parties weighed their options, including potential abstentions from the Green party, though former President François Hollande pledged his support.
By the early afternoon, discussions intensified around scenarios for the vote, with the Horizons group confirming a "large majority" abstention. The government announced an additional 8 billion euros for health spending between 2025 and 2026.
In the evening, the National Assembly narrowly adopted the Social Security budget, with the Ecologists ultimately abstaining, securing a political victory for the Prime Minister.
By the early afternoon, discussions intensified around scenarios for the vote, with the Horizons group confirming a "large majority" abstention. The government announced an additional 8 billion euros for health spending between 2025 and 2026.
In the evening, the National Assembly narrowly adopted the Social Security budget, with the Ecologists ultimately abstaining, securing a political victory for the Prime Minister.
Lebanon
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Lebanese media on December 9th predominantly covered ongoing Israeli aggressions in southern Lebanon, with reports of intense airstrikes targeting areas from Jabal Safi to Iqlim al-Tuffah throughout the morning and into the afternoon. This continued a pattern of Israeli military action noted in previous days. Concurrently, French diplomatic efforts intensified, with Jean-Yves Le Drian holding meetings to support Beirut and discuss security developments, including with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who emphasized the necessity of stopping Israeli aggressions. President Aoun also embarked on a visit to Oman, reportedly seeking to avert war. Discussions also touched on the formation of a ceasefire mechanism, with Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem reiterating objections to civilian participation. By evening, reports highlighted a cyber confrontation between Iran and Israel, framed as a war without direct gunfire.
Ukraine
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The day began with reports of US pressure on Ukraine to cede Donbas, a stance President Zelenskyy repeatedly rejected, emphasizing Ukraine's right to its territories. Diplomatic activity intensified as Zelenskyy met with European leaders and the Pope in Italy. Mid-morning saw Donald Trump's calls for elections in Ukraine, followed by Zelenskyy's announcement of a revised peace plan for the US, finalized in London. By evening, Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's use of Sapsan ballistic missiles and requested US assistance for elections within 60-90 days, linking the possibility of a wartime vote to security guarantees from the US and Europe.
Palestine
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Palestinian media on December 9 focused heavily on the continued Israeli military escalation in Gaza and the West Bank. Morning reports detailed ongoing airstrikes, shelling, and casualties in Gaza, particularly Deir al-Balah and Jabalia, alongside widespread incursions and arrests in the West Bank, including raids on Birzeit and Al-Quds universities. These actions were frequently cited as continuous breaches of the Gaza ceasefire, with one source reporting 738 violations over 60 days.
Later in the day, Hamas explicitly stated its refusal to proceed with the second phase of the Gaza agreement until Israel fully implemented the terms of the first phase. This coincided with reports of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair being dropped from Trump’s Gaza plan amid regional objections. Humanitarian concerns in Gaza, particularly regarding the approaching cold front and its impact on displaced populations, also received significant attention.
Later in the day, Hamas explicitly stated its refusal to proceed with the second phase of the Gaza agreement until Israel fully implemented the terms of the first phase. This coincided with reports of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair being dropped from Trump’s Gaza plan amid regional objections. Humanitarian concerns in Gaza, particularly regarding the approaching cold front and its impact on displaced populations, also received significant attention.
UK
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
UK media prominently featured Donald Trump's criticisms of European leaders and Ukraine throughout the day. In the morning, reports indicated Trump's warning that Europe was heading in 'very bad directions'.
By early afternoon, Trump's rhetoric escalated, with him urging Zelenskyy to 'get his act together and accept things' and describing Europe as 'weak' and 'decaying'. This continued into the evening, with Trump reiterating that Putin had the upper hand in peace talks and further lambasting European leaders. Separately, an RAF member's death in Ukraine in a 'tragic accident' was also widely reported, alongside warnings about a 'mutant flu' causing a hospital to declare a 'critical incident'.
By early afternoon, Trump's rhetoric escalated, with him urging Zelenskyy to 'get his act together and accept things' and describing Europe as 'weak' and 'decaying'. This continued into the evening, with Trump reiterating that Putin had the upper hand in peace talks and further lambasting European leaders. Separately, an RAF member's death in Ukraine in a 'tragic accident' was also widely reported, alongside warnings about a 'mutant flu' causing a hospital to declare a 'critical incident'.
Iran
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Early in the day, Iranian media highlighted economic instability, with reports on the Rial's continued devaluation and the Central Bank's prohibition of cryptocurrency use. Concurrently, the Israeli army warned Iran had resumed large-scale ballistic missile production, a topic further discussed in a confidential meeting between the Israeli army and Knesset representatives later.
The focus shifted midday to a significant diplomatic development: Iraq officially removed Hezbollah Lebanon and Ansarallah from its list of terrorist groups, a move Tasnim News had previously anticipated. Iran's President was also set to visit Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
In the afternoon, Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia collectively demanded a halt to Israeli attacks, as reports emerged of Israeli forces clashing with Syrian citizens. Donald Trump's criticisms of European leaders regarding migration and the Ukraine war also gained traction in Iranian reports.
The focus shifted midday to a significant diplomatic development: Iraq officially removed Hezbollah Lebanon and Ansarallah from its list of terrorist groups, a move Tasnim News had previously anticipated. Iran's President was also set to visit Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
In the afternoon, Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia collectively demanded a halt to Israeli attacks, as reports emerged of Israeli forces clashing with Syrian citizens. Donald Trump's criticisms of European leaders regarding migration and the Ukraine war also gained traction in Iranian reports.
Russia
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Russian media throughout December 9 predominantly focused on developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict, particularly Donald Trump's perceived hardening stance. Morning reports detailed extensive Ukrainian drone attacks across Russian regions, with over 120 UAVs reportedly downed, and an incident in Cheboksary near a military plant injuring several.
Later in the day, the editorial focus shifted sharply to Trump's calls for elections in Ukraine, with several outlets highlighting his statements about Zelensky "losing" and needing to "accept" conditions. This culminated in widespread reports citing the Financial Times that Trump had given Ukraine a deadline to accept a peace plan, with some sources indicating a resolution by Christmas. Concurrently, President Putin's public appearances and statements on domestic issues, including restoring war-damaged homes and potential pardons, also received significant attention, alongside reports of a military transport plane crash in the Ivanovo region.
Later in the day, the editorial focus shifted sharply to Trump's calls for elections in Ukraine, with several outlets highlighting his statements about Zelensky "losing" and needing to "accept" conditions. This culminated in widespread reports citing the Financial Times that Trump had given Ukraine a deadline to accept a peace plan, with some sources indicating a resolution by Christmas. Concurrently, President Putin's public appearances and statements on domestic issues, including restoring war-damaged homes and potential pardons, also received significant attention, alongside reports of a military transport plane crash in the Ivanovo region.
Italy
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Ukrainian President Zelensky's diplomatic engagements in Rome dominated Italian headlines. In the morning, Zelensky arrived in Rome, first meeting with the Pope at Castel Gandolfo. During this meeting, he announced his intention to share a revised 20-point peace plan with the United States and the European Union. Concurrently, Donald Trump's criticisms of European leaders, labeling them as "weak" and "decadent," and his call for immediate elections in Ukraine, gained traction across various outlets. In the early afternoon, Zelensky met with Prime Minister Meloni at Palazzo Chigi, expressing trust in her for negotiations and reiterating his readiness for elections. Putin's assertion that Donbass is historically Russian also featured in reports. By evening, Zelensky further announced his plan to send the updated peace proposal to Washington.
Japan
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The aftermath of the M7.6 earthquake off Aomori continued to dominate Japanese headlines on December 9th. In the early morning, tsunami warnings were downgraded to advisories and eventually lifted, but the focus shifted to the newly issued "Later Earthquake Advisory Information"—the first of its kind—urging continued vigilance for approximately one week for potential major aftershocks. Reports detailed 30-35 injuries, property damage including school closures, and disruptions to transportation. By late morning and throughout the afternoon, media attention increasingly centered on the rapid spread of misinformation and fake news on social media regarding the earthquake, with experts urging the public to rely on official sources. Concerns were also raised about the cold weather impacting affected areas.
Netherlands
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The political formation process continued to dominate Dutch news on December 9th. In the morning, reports highlighted the concerning decline in mental health, particularly among young adults and women, and the ongoing Stint trial. By early afternoon, Volodimir Zelenski's efforts to secure a peace plan in Washington garnered attention, amidst discussions of Trump's potential disappointment. Later in the afternoon, D66 proposed Rianne Letschert as the new informateur for cabinet formation, a significant development following previous days' reports on potential minority cabinet formations. This appointment received widespread coverage, becoming the central political story by evening, alongside discussions of evolving terrorism trends and Zelensky's readiness for elections.
India
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The IndiGo flight disruptions continued to be a central focus, with the government ordering a 5% reduction in flight operations by morning, seeking a revised schedule. By early afternoon, reports indicated the Centre had further trimmed IndiGo's operations by 10% to address nationwide disruptions, with the aviation ministry summoning the airline's CEO. Concurrently, the 'Vande Mataram' debate intensified in Parliament, with Amit Shah criticizing Nehru for dividing the song and Kharge retaliating. Rahul Gandhi questioned the exclusion of the Chief Justice from the panel selecting Election Commissioners, alleging RSS sought to control institutions.
Microsoft's Satya Nadella met PM Modi, announcing a USD 17.5 billion investment in India's AI sector, drawing significant media attention. The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission's 'mechanical' responses to voter difficulties related to electoral roll revisions. The Goa nightclub fire investigation continued, with reports of owners fleeing to Phuket and Interpol assistance being sought, while illegal structures were razed.
Microsoft's Satya Nadella met PM Modi, announcing a USD 17.5 billion investment in India's AI sector, drawing significant media attention. The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission's 'mechanical' responses to voter difficulties related to electoral roll revisions. The Goa nightclub fire investigation continued, with reports of owners fleeing to Phuket and Interpol assistance being sought, while illegal structures were razed.
Poland
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The day in Poland began with attention to the European Commission's decision on Elon Musk's platform and Donald Trump's reaction, alongside Lithuania's declaration of a state of emergency. Later in the morning, media focus shifted to a corruption scandal involving lavish company card use. By early afternoon, Prime Minister Tusk announced a significant "giant investment" in Poland, dominating headlines. This was followed by discussions around a proposed 'fatherhood premium' in remuneration. The evening saw reports of a presidential veto on educational reform and a fatal domestic stabbing. The day concluded with news of a wall crack leading to a residential block evacuation, bringing local safety concerns to the forefront.
Spain
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The Supreme Court's condemnation of Attorney General García Ortiz dominated headlines throughout the day. Early reports in the late morning confirmed the court found Ortiz, or someone in his circle, filtered the email of Ayuso's partner and authorized a press release, breaching a reinforced duty of secrecy. Multiple outlets provided detailed coverage of the 233-page sentence.
In the afternoon, the focus remained on the verdict, with some dissent noted regarding the evidence, and the PP calling Ortiz the "first Attorney General we can call a delinquent." By evening, President Sánchez publicly questioned the Supreme Court's verdict, defending Ortiz and asserting that Ayuso should be the one to apologize, shifting the political narrative.
In the afternoon, the focus remained on the verdict, with some dissent noted regarding the evidence, and the PP calling Ortiz the "first Attorney General we can call a delinquent." By evening, President Sánchez publicly questioned the Supreme Court's verdict, defending Ortiz and asserting that Ayuso should be the one to apologize, shifting the political narrative.
Turkey
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The football betting investigation continued to dominate Turkish headlines, expanding significantly throughout the day. Morning reports confirmed the arrest of prominent figures like Metehan Baltacı and Murat Sancak in connection with the scandal, following up on previous days' developments. By the late morning, the scope broadened further, with the TFF announcing that 22 additional referees were identified as having engaged in illegal betting. The afternoon saw continued focus on the scandal, with discussions about potential match cancellations and deepening inquiries into agreements between club presidents for fixed outcomes. Concurrently, President Erdoğan issued statements regarding the YPG and the March deal, while a separate drug investigation led to the detention of journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who was subsequently suspended from Habertürk.
Later in the evening, the daughter of singer Güllü, Tuğyan Gülter, and her friend were detained while allegedly attempting to flee abroad, marking another notable incident reported across multiple outlets.
Later in the evening, the daughter of singer Güllü, Tuğyan Gülter, and her friend were detained while allegedly attempting to flee abroad, marking another notable incident reported across multiple outlets.
China
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Chinese state media continued its extensive reporting on the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau meeting, which began on December 8th, focusing on the analysis of 2026 economic work and new regulations on law-based governance. By the early morning, this narrative converged with detailed features on President Xi Jinping's economic thought, emphasizing its role in guiding China's economic stability and long-term development, including the "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan" and mastering core technologies. International relations also featured, with German and US trade officials commenting on dialogue with China, and a US defense bill proposing restrictions on China and support for Taiwan. Separately, the US administration under Trump approved Nvidia's H200 chip sales to China, a shift noted by international outlets in the late morning and early afternoon. Concurrently, China and Russia conducted a joint air strategic patrol.
Kenya
•09.12.2025
•Tuesday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Kenyan media on December 9 focused significantly on two main developments. Early morning reports highlighted Kenya's deployment of additional police officers to Haiti, a continuation of efforts to control gangs following President Ruto's recent US trip. Concurrently, discussions around a new health framework with the US gained prominence, with Capital FM reporting that Kenya would fast-track emergency drugs and vaccines using US FDA approvals and an overhaul of KEMSA.
Later in the evening, the People Daily confirmed Kenya and the United States signed a 7-year data sharing agreement, solidifying the health pact. Alongside these, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) consistently featured in headlines throughout the day for suspending the licenses of 62 public service vehicle (PSV) drivers due to safety violations.
Later in the evening, the People Daily confirmed Kenya and the United States signed a 7-year data sharing agreement, solidifying the health pact. Alongside these, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) consistently featured in headlines throughout the day for suspending the licenses of 62 public service vehicle (PSV) drivers due to safety violations.