US denies visas to EU ex-commissioner, four others over tech rulesWASHINGTON, United States, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The US State Department said Tuesday it would deny visas to a former EU commissioner and four others, accusing them of seeking to "coerce" American social media platforms into censoring viewpoints they oppose. The measure targeted Thierry Breton, the former top tech regulator at the European Commission, who often clashed with tech tycoons such as Elon Musk over their obligations to follow EU rules. Also subject to the ban were Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of HateAid, a German organization that the State Department said functions as a trusted flagger for enforcing the DSA. The White House last week suspended implementation of a tech cooperation deal with Britain, saying it was in opposition to the UK's tech rules. "President Trump has been clear that his America First foreign policy rejects violations of American sovereignty," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

US slams China policies on chips but will delay tariffs to 2027WASHINGTON, United States, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US trade officials determined that China should be punished for employing unfair tactics to dominate the semiconductor industry, but will wait 18 months to impose tariffs, American authorities said Tuesday. USTR officials launched the probe in December 2024 in the final weeks of Joe Biden's presidency, extending the initiative when US President Donald Trump took office in January. The White House has jousted with Beijing, but reached a broad truce with China after a major escalation in the spring. The USTR's "Section 301" probe concluded that China had employed "increasingly aggressive and sweeping non-market policies" to dominate semiconductors that have included "massive and persistent" state support of private actors and "wage-suppressing labor practices." The USTR did not respond to an AFP query on the reason for the 18-month timeframe on tariffs.

LONDON, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Kepa Arrizabalaga was Arsenal's League Cup quarter-final hero with the decisive penalty shoot-out save that completed a miserable evening for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix on Tuesday. It was a cathartic moment for the Spanish goalkeeper, who infamously refused to be substituted before Chelsea's League Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat against Manchester City in 2019. Kepa also missed a spot-kick in the Blues' 2022 League Cup final shoot-out loss to Liverpool. Arsenal are into the League Cup semi-finals for a second successive year as they chase their first trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020. The north Londoners have only won the League Cup twice, with their last triumph coming in 1992-93, before any of their current squad were born.

HONG KONG, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Gold prices broke past $4,500 in Asian trade Wednesday on optimism that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates next year, and amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The precious metal hit a peak of $4,519.78 to extend a rally that has seen it surge more than 70 percent since the start of 2025.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}}Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Two dead, others missing in US nursing home blast: governorWASHINGTON, United States, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - At least two people died and several others were missing after a "catastrophic" explosion Tuesday demolished part of a nursing home in eastern Pennsylvania, the US state's governor said. We know that there are some number of individuals still missing," Governor Josh Shapiro told a press conference. The governor praised quick-thinking first responders, notably firefighters who "were quite literally climbing up ladders, handing individuals in this nursing home to police, who were at times carrying two people on their back to safety." "They pulled many residents out of the building via windows, doors, stuck in stairwells, stuck in elevator shafts." "We are still in rescue mode until we know the building is clear," he said.

On behalf of the government, Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar visited the bereaved family in Mymensingh on Tuesday. During the visit, he spoke with Rabilal Das, the father of Dipu Chandra Das, among others. The education adviser reiterated that the killing was a heinous criminal act with no justification and no place in Bangladeshi society. Such acts of violence will be met with the full force of the law, the adviser said. The adviser reiterated the Interim Government’s resolve to protect all citizens and to ensure that justice is served.

SHERPUR, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Members of the Narcotics Control Department (NCD) in a drive arrested a suspected drug dealer along with 1,600 pieces of yaba tablets in Dubarchar area under Sherpur upazila of the district on Tuesday afternoon. The arrested man was identified as Md Abdur Rashid, 34), son of Abdul Khalek of Jhaubari village under Roumari upazila in Kurigram district. During the operation, law enforcement officials also seized 37 grams of powder used in the production of yaba tablets and a motorcycle allegedly used for drug trafficking from his possession. Assistant Director of the Mymensingh Divisional Detective Office of the Narcotics Control Department, Md Kawsarul Hasan Roni, said that a case has been filed against the accused with Sherpur Sadar Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act. Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sherpur Sadar Police Station Md Sohel Rana confirmed that the arrested individual was produced before the court and subsequently sent to jail.

Kurigram is witnessing intensifying cold as icy northern winds and dense fog grip the district, causing severe hardship for residents, especially in char areas. Despite the absence of a formal cold wave, locals report heavy dew at night and fog-covered mornings, reducing visibility and worsening the chill. Cold is being felt most acutely in char regions of Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, Nageshwari, and Rajarhat upazilas. Many residents, particularly the elderly, children, and day laborers, are confined indoors, losing income and struggling with the cold. Kurigram District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Matin said Tk 54 lakh has been allocated to distribute blankets and winter clothing across the district’s nine upazilas.

Inqilab Mancha has demanded that the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi be tried within the next 30 working days through a fast-track judicial tribunal, with assistance from international intelligence agencies. The demand was announced on Tuesday at Shahbagh by Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Mancha, during the platform’s pre-scheduled Shohidi Shopoth ceremony. Inqilab Mancha issued another 24-hour ultimatum on Monday, placing three demands. Referring to those demands, Jaber said they had yet to receive any specific response. “Within the next 30 working days, those involved in Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder must be arrested and brought to justice through a fast-track judicial tribunal, with the support of professional and reliable international intelligence agencies,” he said.

Ahead of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh on December 25 after more than 17 years, authorities are deploying a “double-layer” security cordon combining state and party measures across Dhaka. Sources said a special security plan has been adopted across the capital centering Tarique Rahman’s arrival. As part of the plan, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be placed under a special security cordon from December 24. Rahman’s personal security will be handled by the Chairperson Security Force (CSF), which protects BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and has recently been reorganized and expanded. Separate security perimeters will be in place at all locations the BNP acting chairman visits after landing in Dhaka.

Corsicana, TX (75110)TodayAreas of patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy early, then sunshine for the afternoon. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..TonightSome clouds. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said his party supports restoring the civic and political rights of ordinary supporters of Awami League. “If the Awami League problem is not resolved, it will continue to resurface. In that case, a ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ should be formed, and the political and civic rights of Awami League supporters should be restored on the condition that they seek forgiveness,” Nahid said. Calling for the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Nahid said, “RAB must be dissolved. Referring to the implementation of the July Charter, Nahid said, “We were forced to make compromises in many parts of the charter.

As a veterinarian, I’m often asked, “What’s a good holiday gift for my pet?” The good news is that the best gifts for pets don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Gifts that promote physical healthOne of the simplest ways to show love to a pet is by encouraging healthy movement. For dogs, interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls or sturdy fetch toys provide both exercise and mental stimulation. They help pets eat more slowly -- which can reduce digestive upset and keep mealtime fun and engaging. The gift pets want mostAfter years in practice, I can confidently say that the best gift you can give your pet is your time.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. File PhotoDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said increasing fisheries production would be meaningless if food safety is not ensured. Farida Akhter said fish is not merely a source of food to satisfy hunger, but an important provider of essential nutrition. She pointed out that artisanal and industrial trawlers catch fish using different methods, and some technologies used by industrial trawlers have recently raised serious concerns. In this context, Farida Akhter added that the government has decided to update the national fisheries policy as a key initiative to ensure sustainable and safe fisheries management.