December 13, 2025
US
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day began with continued media focus on newly released photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, featuring prominent figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, a narrative evolving from previous days. Early afternoon also saw discussion of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. However, in the late afternoon, headlines shifted dramatically to the tragic killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter by an ISIS gunman in Syria, with President Trump vowing "very serious retaliation." This quickly became the dominant news. Concurrently, an active shooter situation at Brown University unfolded in the evening, with reports of multiple people shot and a suspect at large, quickly escalating to confirm two dead and multiple injured.
Israel
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The media extensively covered the assassination of Raad Saad, Hamas's second-in-command and a key planner of the October 7th attack, in an IDF strike in Gaza. Initial reports in the early afternoon indicated an assassination attempt, with later confirmation of his death. Sources provided conflicting justifications, with some citing it as a response to an IED incident that wounded two reservists, while others called it an opportunistic kill. Hamas issued warnings to its operatives following the strike, which Israel hopes will not delay efforts to retrieve Ran Gvili's body. Earlier, reports noted a brief US intelligence withholding from Israel and Italy's commitment to a Gaza stabilization force.
Germany
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day's editorial focus in Germany shifted significantly to the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Ukraine war. Trump's special envoy, Witkoff, arrived in Berlin for peace talks with Zelenskyy and EU leaders, as widely reported across multiple outlets in the morning, indicating a new phase in conflict resolution.
Concurrently, domestic political concerns gained traction in the late morning, with attention drawn to CSU leader Markus Söder's significant re-election setback and the government's low approval ratings on economic competence. In the afternoon, the release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus following US envoy talks also captured media attention, shifting focus from earlier Ukraine discussions. By evening, the repair of the heating law and internal political debates, including Cem Özdemir's strategy against Friedrich Merz, further fragmented the editorial landscape.
Concurrently, domestic political concerns gained traction in the late morning, with attention drawn to CSU leader Markus Söder's significant re-election setback and the government's low approval ratings on economic competence. In the afternoon, the release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus following US envoy talks also captured media attention, shifting focus from earlier Ukraine discussions. By evening, the repair of the heating law and internal political debates, including Cem Özdemir's strategy against Friedrich Merz, further fragmented the editorial landscape.
France
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day's French headlines continued to heavily feature the ongoing farmers' protests against mandatory cattle culling due to bovine dermatosis. Morning reports detailed ongoing road blockades, particularly in the Southwest, with farmers maintaining pressure on the government. By mid-morning, the Minister of Agriculture announced plans to vaccinate "nearly one million animals," a development eagerly reported across various media outlets, while the Minister of Interior called for "flexibility" and "tact" from prefects in dealing with the farmers' actions. Despite the vaccination announcement, protests persisted into the afternoon and evening, with agricultural unions remaining divided on strategy; some advocating for continued nationwide blockades against culling, and others focusing on the promised vaccinations. Concurrently, France celebrated winning the Junior Eurovision for the fourth time.
Lebanon
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
Lebanese media on December 13th was significantly shaped by a series of statements from Hezbollah and a notable incident in southern Lebanon. Morning reports and early afternoon coverage focused on Sheikh Naim Qassem, who explicitly stated that the resistance's weapons would not be disarmed and emphasized their integral connection to the land and soul. This rhetoric was presented as a direct rejection of American and Israeli demands for disarmament.
Concurrently, attention was drawn to an incident in Yanouh, southern Lebanon, where the "Mechanism" committee requested to inspect a home. The Lebanese army conducted the search, reportedly finding no weapons. This event led to heightened tensions and was later followed by reports of the Israeli army temporarily freezing an airstrike in Yanouh, with the intervention of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL altering the Israeli scenario in the south.
Concurrently, attention was drawn to an incident in Yanouh, southern Lebanon, where the "Mechanism" committee requested to inspect a home. The Lebanese army conducted the search, reportedly finding no weapons. This event led to heightened tensions and was later followed by reports of the Israeli army temporarily freezing an airstrike in Yanouh, with the intervention of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL altering the Israeli scenario in the south.
Ukraine
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day's reporting highlighted a significant prisoner exchange, with Belarus transferring 114 civilians to Ukraine, including five Ukrainians and prominent opposition figures. This development, overseen by Budanov, also saw pardons for Maria Kolesnikova and other political prisoners.
Concurrently, attention remained on the ongoing Russian aerial attacks, particularly a massive assault on Odesa that caused widespread power and water outages. Ukraine's air defense intercepted a large number of drones and missiles, though some strikes occurred. Separately, Ukraine implemented sanctions against 656 ships in Russia's 'shadow fleet' and introduced automatic military registration from age 18. Discussions about a potential peace deal continued, with President Zelenskyy announcing meetings with Trump's representatives and expressing a "significant chance" for peace, contrasting with expert skepticism.
Concurrently, attention remained on the ongoing Russian aerial attacks, particularly a massive assault on Odesa that caused widespread power and water outages. Ukraine's air defense intercepted a large number of drones and missiles, though some strikes occurred. Separately, Ukraine implemented sanctions against 656 ships in Russia's 'shadow fleet' and introduced automatic military registration from age 18. Discussions about a potential peace deal continued, with President Zelenskyy announcing meetings with Trump's representatives and expressing a "significant chance" for peace, contrasting with expert skepticism.
Palestine
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
Palestinian media on December 13 heavily reported on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with early morning reports detailing increasing fatalities from the ongoing low-pressure system and Israeli military operations. Several sources highlighted 14 deaths due to cold and drowning, alongside widespread destruction of homes. Calls for medical evacuation and aid access intensified, with the UN demanding immediate assistance.
In the early afternoon, reports emerged of an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed four Palestinians in a targeted car strike, with subsequent reports confirming the assassination of Hamas leader Raed Saad. This event became a dominant theme in the later part of the day, with sources detailing the incident and Saad's identity. Concurrently, several families were reported to be forced to evacuate their homes in Nablus for demolition.
In the early afternoon, reports emerged of an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed four Palestinians in a targeted car strike, with subsequent reports confirming the assassination of Hamas leader Raed Saad. This event became a dominant theme in the later part of the day, with sources detailing the incident and Saad's identity. Concurrently, several families were reported to be forced to evacuate their homes in Nablus for demolition.
UK
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The morning of December 13th saw a continued focus on new Epstein photos, with Trump denying knowledge of the images, alongside King Charles's announcement of reduced cancer treatment. Mid-day reports highlighted ongoing power grid attacks in Ukraine and a period without small boat migrant arrivals in the UK. Later in the afternoon, Belarus released prisoners after US sanctions were lifted, and reports emerged of US soldiers killed in a Syrian ISIS ambush, prompting threats of retaliation from Trump. The late evening was dominated by news of a mass shooting at Brown University in the US, with initial reports of multiple victims escalating to confirmed fatalities and critical injuries, becoming the primary editorial focus.
Iran
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day's dominant narrative in Iranian media was the official implementation of a three-tiered gasoline pricing system, which significantly increased fuel costs at gas stations. State-affiliated outlets emphasized the smooth execution of this new policy, with discussions around dual-fuel conversion projects and new CNG stations also emerging. Concurrently, reports focused on the arrests of Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi and other civil activists during a memorial service for Khosrow Alikordi, with the Mashhad prosecutor confirming 39 detentions. This domestic economic shift and the ongoing crackdown on activists overshadowed earlier discussions about President Pezeshkian's diplomatic efforts in Central Asia and the US-Qatar defense pact, as well as the confiscation of an oil tanker for fuel smuggling and reports of the US seizing a ship bound for Iran. The economic impact was further highlighted by reports of the dollar soaring past 129,000 tomans in the free market and unprecedented increases in currency and gold prices, with a reported seven-fold rise in medicine costs.
Russia
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day began with reports of Ukrainian drone attacks on Saratov, causing two fatalities and infrastructure damage, alongside Russian retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities.
The focus shifted to the ongoing debate within the EU regarding the seizure of frozen Russian assets, with several member states reportedly opposing the move, a continuation of the previous day's events. Russia responded with threats of imminent countermeasures.
The main development of the day, however, was the release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus, including prominent opposition figures like Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, following a visit by a Trump envoy. This move was reported as part of a deal to lift US sanctions on Belarus' fertilizer industry, involving an exchange of prisoners.
The focus shifted to the ongoing debate within the EU regarding the seizure of frozen Russian assets, with several member states reportedly opposing the move, a continuation of the previous day's events. Russia responded with threats of imminent countermeasures.
The main development of the day, however, was the release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus, including prominent opposition figures like Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, following a visit by a Trump envoy. This move was reported as part of a deal to lift US sanctions on Belarus' fertilizer industry, involving an exchange of prisoners.
Italy
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day began with prominent reporting on the EU's decision to indefinitely freeze Russian assets, sparking immediate legal action from Moscow. This development built upon previous days' discussions regarding the use of Russian assets for Ukraine aid.
Concurrently, US envoy Witkoff's arrival in Berlin for talks with Zelensky and EU leaders, aimed at a Ukraine peace agreement, garnered significant attention, with Trump's proposal for a free zone in Donbass also discussed. By late morning and early afternoon, reports focused on potential US security guarantees for Kyiv, possibly based on NATO's Article 5. Moscow's threats of retaliation for the frozen assets intensified in the afternoon, with Salvini criticizing the EU's move. The evening saw new headlines emerge regarding a shooting at Brown University in the US, briefly shifting editorial focus.
Concurrently, US envoy Witkoff's arrival in Berlin for talks with Zelensky and EU leaders, aimed at a Ukraine peace agreement, garnered significant attention, with Trump's proposal for a free zone in Donbass also discussed. By late morning and early afternoon, reports focused on potential US security guarantees for Kyiv, possibly based on NATO's Article 5. Moscow's threats of retaliation for the frozen assets intensified in the afternoon, with Salvini criticizing the EU's move. The evening saw new headlines emerge regarding a shooting at Brown University in the US, briefly shifting editorial focus.
Japan
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
Japanese media on December 13 increasingly focused on China's ongoing information warfare against Japan. Early evening reports highlighted a joint flight of Chinese and Russian bombers towards Tokyo, taking an "unusual route" and capable of carrying nuclear weapons, interpreted as a coordinated intimidation tactic. This was followed by a report of China releasing new materials related to Unit 731, claiming Japan's confession to bacterial warfare, supplied by Russia. Concurrently, a week after the radar lock-on incident, defense officials debated whether the Chinese aircraft's radar was in fire control mode. Later in the day, Japan's National Security Advisor engaged in telephone talks with UK, French, and German officials to counter China's claims regarding Taiwan contingency, and the government pledged to strengthen its message regarding China's "unjust" actions. Reports from the South China Sea also detailed Chinese Coast Guard water cannon attacks on Philippine fishing boats.
Netherlands
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
Dutch media on December 13 prominently featured the severe consequences of counterfeit pills, with initial morning reports of multiple victims escalating to confirmed reports of at least 13 deaths by mid-morning. This widespread issue, initially underestimated, became a critical public health concern.
Later in the day, attention shifted to international developments, particularly a major Russian attack on an Ukrainian port city, described as a 'new escalation'. Concurrently, US envoys were reportedly sent to Berlin for peace talks on the war.
The ongoing discussion around former ASML CEO Wennink's economic revitalization plan continued, as did the controversy surrounding the IDF cantor's performance at the Concertgebouw.
Later in the day, attention shifted to international developments, particularly a major Russian attack on an Ukrainian port city, described as a 'new escalation'. Concurrently, US envoys were reportedly sent to Berlin for peace talks on the war.
The ongoing discussion around former ASML CEO Wennink's economic revitalization plan continued, as did the controversy surrounding the IDF cantor's performance at the Concertgebouw.
India
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The media extensively covered Lionel Messi's 'GOAT Tour' in India. Morning reports detailed chaos at his Kolkata event, with angry fans throwing bottles and chairs after his early departure. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee apologized and ordered a probe, leading to the organizer's arrest. By early afternoon, focus shifted to Hyderabad, where Messi's event was a success, featuring a friendly football match with CM Revanth Reddy and a jersey gift to Rahul Gandhi.
Concurrently, Delhi-NCR's air quality worsened throughout the day, prompting the implementation of GRAP-3 and later GRAP-4 measures, including construction bans and work-from-home advisories. In political news, Pankaj Chaudhary filed his nomination for UP BJP President, with CM Yogi Adityanath as proposer, and the BJP celebrated a historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections in Kerala.
Concurrently, Delhi-NCR's air quality worsened throughout the day, prompting the implementation of GRAP-3 and later GRAP-4 measures, including construction bans and work-from-home advisories. In political news, Pankaj Chaudhary filed his nomination for UP BJP President, with CM Yogi Adityanath as proposer, and the BJP celebrated a historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections in Kerala.
Poland
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day began with the discussion of potential asylum for Zbigniew Ziobro, a continuation of legal and political maneuvering from previous days. Mid-morning, reports emerged of a destructive Russian attack leaving a million people in Ukraine without water and electricity, marking a significant escalation of external conflict impacts. By early afternoon, international focus shifted to Belarus, where President Lukashenka pardoned 123 political prisoners, a humanitarian act with potential geopolitical implications. Later, international discussions also highlighted Donald Trump's comments on the future of Donbas. The day concluded with the emergence of broader global discourse concerning a 'post-European world,' shifting the focus to a more philosophical international re-evaluation.
Spain
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day's reporting largely focused on the PSOE's internal issues and a corruption probe. Early headlines from RTVE detailed the PSOE investigating sexual harassment allegations against a vice-secretary in Valencia and a mayor in Córdoba. Concurrently, El Mundo and La Razón highlighted the UCO's expanded corruption probe, now requiring contracts from Correos related to Sánchez's former Chief of Staff, and suggesting a "hard month" for the PSOE.
Later in the morning, the focus shifted to the Audiencia Nacional, where Leire Díez, the former president of SEPI, and Antxon Alonso, were detained. Anticorrupción requested their conditional release. By midday, a major development occurred as the judge ordered their provisional freedom with precautionary measures, including passport withdrawal and bi-weekly court appearances.
El Mundo and La Razón later reported that the UCO attributed further actions to Díez and Alonso, involving alleged schemes to rescue a Basque company for over 100 million euros through commissions.
Later in the morning, the focus shifted to the Audiencia Nacional, where Leire Díez, the former president of SEPI, and Antxon Alonso, were detained. Anticorrupción requested their conditional release. By midday, a major development occurred as the judge ordered their provisional freedom with precautionary measures, including passport withdrawal and bi-weekly court appearances.
El Mundo and La Razón later reported that the UCO attributed further actions to Díez and Alonso, involving alleged schemes to rescue a Basque company for over 100 million euros through commissions.
Turkey
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
The day's significant focus was on the ongoing Güllü murder case, with her daughter, Tuğyan Ülkem Gülter, formally arrested for 'intentional killing' in the early morning, and further details of her confession and friend's testimony emerging throughout the day. Concurrently, the 'football betting' investigation continued to develop, with President Erdoğan expressing disappointment and Justice Minister Tunç announcing increased penalties for illegal betting in the afternoon. A major story also broke regarding a sexual abuse scandal involving an intern student at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), leading to three arrests in the early afternoon, with a fourth arrest following shortly after.
China
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
Chinese state media extensively focused on two main narratives throughout the day. The morning saw continued, widespread reporting on the Central Economic Work Conference, defining the path for high-quality economic development and emphasizing a strong start to the '15th Five-Year Plan' (2026-2030). This narrative, prominent in outlets like People's Daily and Xinhua, built on the previous two days' focus on 2026 economic goals. Concurrently, news outlets, including Global Times and Xinhua, provided extensive coverage of the national memorial ceremony for Nanjing Massacre victims, drawing links to warnings against resurfacing Japanese militarism. This remembrance continued through the early afternoon, with official pronouncements reinforcing historical narratives and criticisms of Japanese historical interpretations.
Kenya
•13.12.2025
•Saturday
•3 days ago
•⌨
Kenyan media on December 13 was overwhelmingly dominated by the death of former Lugari MP and Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo in an early morning road accident. Initial reports from various outlets, including The Star, Daily Nation, and Taifaleo, confirmed his passing.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon, reporting focused on his life, political career, and reactions from leaders like President Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta, who mourned him as a fearless and principled politician. Eyewitness accounts and statements from the bus driver involved in the crash provided further details on Jirongo's final moments.
This event overshadowed earlier discussions about President Ruto's promises for Kenya's economic transformation and other domestic news.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon, reporting focused on his life, political career, and reactions from leaders like President Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta, who mourned him as a fearless and principled politician. Eyewitness accounts and statements from the bus driver involved in the crash provided further details on Jirongo's final moments.
This event overshadowed earlier discussions about President Ruto's promises for Kenya's economic transformation and other domestic news.