Efforts to stop black market oil tankers from entering or leaving Venezuela signal that U.S. goals go beyond the narcotics trade to include pressure on the Maduro regime. Also: today’s stories, including how Ukrainians are simultaneously lamenting a corruption scandal among the president’s inner circle, but encouraged by anticorruption institutions; how Senegalese women are picking up the pieces after their husbands leave for Europe; and a look at one essayist’s fondest Christmas memories. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

The long, emotionally exhausting ordeal of hostages held in Hamas tunnels, and the general trauma of October 7th, has led to a visible rise in religious belief among Jewish Israelis. As one hostage notes: “God will always listen. He does not get tired.” Also: today’s stories, including why Latin America’s authoritarian leaders are leaning into Christmas; a remembrance of Rob Reiner from our film critic; and which traditions our staff and contributors partake in to tap into the true meaning of Christmas. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

In Boston and other cities, some lawful permanent residents are having their naturalization ceremonies canceled, amid a Trump administration review of applicants from 19 countries identified as posing high security risks. Also: today’s stories, including how Europe looking to conscript able-bodied citizens is a big ask after decades of peace and prosperity; how experts say there are ways society can defuse potential acts and reduce the risk of terrorism; and how Europe is fighting to preserve its identity in the teeth of U.S. opposition. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

The Trump administration’s more aggressive approach to Latin America is welcomed by many in the Cuban diaspora. They see one of their own – Secretary of State Marco Rubio – as an architect of the shift that, for them, has been a long time coming. Also: today’s stories, including how Australian Jews are reacting to a mass shooting that targeted Bondi Beach’s Jewish community; what’s next for U.S.-Syrian relations following an Islamic State attack on U.S. soldiers; and how the fragile peace in Gaza affords an opportunity for Palestinian families whose relatives have gone missing to search for them. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

A large tropical island off China’s southern coast will gain independent customs status on Dec. 18 – a move Chinese leaders hope will jump-start development in Hainan and pioneer new levels of openness for the rest of the country, despite the rise of protectionism. Also: today’s stories, including how a charter school in Hawaii offers a paradigm shift around AI’s role in education; how beef prices have hit record highs in the United States; and the 10 best movies of 2025, according to our film critic. Join the Monitor's Stephanie Hanes for today's news.

Syria’s need to rapidly reconstitute its security forces has left it vulnerable to infiltration by former rebels with jihadist sympathies at the very time that President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been cultivating ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. Also: today’s stories, including how a new program in California seeks to involve the public in policymaking decisions, why shifts in workplace policies appear to be creating a tough year for women in the U.S. workforce, and our reviewers’ favorite books of December. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

With his approval rating for economic leadership dropping in polls, President Donald Trump has tried to downplay voters’ concerns about affordability. The same problem that tripped up President Joe Biden is now dogging Mr. Trump. Also: today’s stories, including a look at Texas’ Senate race; how some Senegalese say it’s time for the country to be less reliant on France; and how “Zootopia 2” is breaking records in China. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The Trump administration is allowing Nvidia to sell its advanced computer chips in China, a reversal of U.S. policy. The move is prompting concern that China could use the chips to close the gap or even win in the AI race. Also: today’s stories, including why Venezuelan citizens are focused on daily survival after the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, why France is considering adopting a five-day school week, and a Q&A with “Knives Out” series writer and director Rian Johnson. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin has vowed to take all of the mostly occupied Donetsk region either through negotiation or militarily. Even as Ukraine resists ceding territory, how is the city of Sloviansk maintaining morale in the face of a forbidding future? Also: today’s stories, including how even stable cryptocurrencies still carry some risk to the greater economy; whether Germany is ready to lead the way on European defense; and one author’s insight into how the life of Chinese revolutionary Xi Zhongxun sheds light on the actions of his son, Chinese President Xi Jinping. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

Members of Congress have access to information they could use to make money in the stock market. There’s a new push to ban members from buying and selling stocks, with the goal of countering possible insider trading. Also: today’s stories, including why the Netanyahu government has not stopped West Bank settler attacks, how President Donald Trump’s recent dehumanizing remarks about Somali Americans play to stereotypes, and how one support hub fills a critical gap for foster families seeking essentials for their children in eastern Pennsylvania. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.