PRESS REVIEW – Friday, December 20: From France to Spain and Italy to South Africa, Gisèle Pelicot dominates the front pages as the press pays tribute to her courage and dignity during the months-long trial into the 51 men found guilty of raping her, including her husband. Also: a suspected prostitution ring unfolds in Peruvian parliament after the assassination of a lawyer last week, who was believed to be involved in the ring. Plus: we look back at the unusual animals discovered this year!

Watch moreGuilty verdicts for all: What lessons from Mazan mass rape trial?

PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, December 19: All eyes are on the French city of Avignon where the verdicts in the Pelicot rape trial are expected. Also: President Xi Jinping visits Macau as the city celebrates 25 years since its handover to China. A Google Maps update inadvertently exposes a man stuffing a body into a car trunk, allowing Spanish investigators to solve a year-old case. Finally, ground squirrels are seen devouring voles, in the first such predatory behaviour recorded in the animals!

PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, December 18: French Prime Minister François Bayrou is under pressure less than a week into the role. Meanwhile, Donald Trump sues an Iowa newspaper over their election poll, just days after ABC agrees to pay the president-elect $15 million in a defamation case. Elsewhere, Elon Musk meets with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, amid speculation that he could bankroll his party. Finally, a renowned medical journal has some health advice for Disney princesses.

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, December 17: Mayotte is ravaged by a cyclone that has devastated the already impoverished French island as Prime Minister François Bayrou is accused of neglecting his responsibilities. In the UK, Prince Andrew is embroiled in a scandal involving a suspected Chinese spy who financed his China venture. Plus: all hail the rise of the "noodle boys" – a new crop of young, male (mostly White) Hollywood stars who counterbalance toxic masculinity.

PRESS REVIEW – Monday, December 16: There is a focus on Syria's economic future, with a global hunt now underway for the billions of dollars in cash and assets stashed away by the Assad family. Meanwhile, Israel announces the closure of its embassy in Ireland. Elsewhere, British MPs are threatening to name a Chinese spy who has links to Prince Andrew. Finally, mysterious drones are causing anxiety for residents in New Jersey.

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, December 13: We look at reactions in the French papers as Emmanuel Macron delays nominating a new prime minister. There is also political chaos in Germany as Chancellor Olaf Schulz prepares for a vote of confidence next week. In Georgia, the political crisis ensues as the possibility of two presidents becomes likely. In the UK, an unlikely war of words erupts over a sandwich. And, the Netherlands ends its Miss Netherlands pageant, saying it's become an outdated concept. 

PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, December 12: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol refuses to step down, much to the dismay of many in the country, including the leader of his own party. Meanwhile, Donald Trump causes a stir with comments about Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Finally, Saudi Arabia is confirmed as the host of the 2034 World Cup, a decision condemned by many human rights groups.

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, December 6: Emmanuel Macron is "alone”, "solitary" in the face of an unprecedented political crisis. The press has few words of comfort for Macron as France's political chaos ensues. Also, EU commissioner Ursula von der Leyen flies to Uruguay to seal the Mercosur deal – despite France and Italy's opposition. Scientists have created the first trial urine test to detect lung cancer. And, colour authority Pantone reveals that "mocha mousse" is 2025's colour of the year! 

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, December 10: Many European countries freeze asylum proceedings for Syrian refugees despite the uncertainty surrounding the country's future. Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad's allies take stock, including Russia, desperate to maintain their military bases in Syria. Elsewhere, Luigi Mangione is arrested and charged with the murder of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Finally, some civil servants in the UK could sue if they are not invited to Christmas parties by their colleagues.

PRESS REVIEW – Monday, December 9: The papers react to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. Meanwhile, the governing People Power Party in South Korea says that they will continue to rule, even after President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoids being impeached ... much to the dismay of the main opposition party. Finally, the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” sell at auction for a record $28 million.