More than 41,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year
More than 41,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2025, with the total reaching 41,455 after 803 people arrived in 13 dinghies from northern France between Friday night and Saturday. Saturday’s figure was the highest daily total since 8 October and appears to be a record for a December day, though December’s overall total so far is 2,163—below the monthly record of 3,254 set in 2024. Border Force brought groups into Dover following incidents in the Channel as the UK and neighbouring countries pursue measures targeting smuggling, including a new German law raising potential penalties and French plans to stop boats at sea.
At Least 16 Epstein-Related Files Removed from the Justice Department Website
At least 16 files tied to Justice Department materials on Jeffrey Epstein appeared to be removed from a DOJ webpage after being posted the day before. The missing uploads included photos showing paintings of nude women and a credenza displaying various photographs, including one of Donald Trump.
How Trump’s Administration Reshaped the Federal Government in One Year
Trump’s first year back in office saw major upheaval across Washington: missions were altered or dismantled, entire agencies were eliminated, and nearly 300,000 federal employees were pushed out. The administration froze or cut billions in scientific research, reduced or removed civil rights and diversity programs, changed hiring rules to prioritize presidential loyalty, and trimmed Social Security while expanding ICE’s footprint nationwide. Officials also planned further cuts, including tens of thousands of vacant VA positions, lower performance ratings across government, and a shift in State Department human-rights messaging away from condemning torture and persecution toward focusing on abortion and youth gender transition policies abroad.
Turning Point USA Aligns Behind JD Vance
Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is lining up behind JD Vance, with Vance set to close a major conference on Sunday as the group quietly builds political infrastructure for a possible 2028 presidential run. Turning Point plans to place representatives in all 99 Iowa counties ahead of the caucuses, aiming to lock in early grassroots support in a key nominating state.
Rights groups criticize Saudi Arabia after a record number of executions
Rights organizations have condemned Saudi Arabia for carrying out a record number of executions, with the UK-based campaign group Reprieve reporting at least 347 people put to death so far this year.
Trump Expands Presidential Power and Personal Pageantry to New Extremes
Reports describe Trump’s first year back in office as a blend of intensified executive power and overt personal glorification. The details cite lavish changes such as gold trim in the Oval Office, plans to demolish the East Wing for a large ballroom, and branding government spaces with his name and image, including references to the Kennedy Center. The account also notes moves like marking his birthday with free admission at national parks, alongside limited pushback from Congress or the Supreme Court.
Trump Allies Split as Netflix and Paramount Compete for Warner Bros. Discovery
Trump-linked power brokers are lining up on opposite sides as the fight over Warner Bros. Discovery heats up. Netflix is pursuing Warner’s studios and the HBO Max streaming business, while Paramount is aiming to acquire the entire company, setting up a multibillion-dollar contest over its future.
US and Russian officials hold a second day of Ukraine peace talks in Miami
US and Russian officials met in Miami for a second day of talks on ending the war in Ukraine, with a Kremlin envoy calling the discussions “constructive.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States proposed the first direct Ukraine–Russia meeting in six months.
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