France is preparing to introduce new restrictions on young people’s use of digital technology, with plans to ban children under 15 from social media platforms and to prohibit mobile phones in high schools starting in September 2026, according to French media reports on Wednesday. The proposed measures reflect growing public concern about the harmful effects of online activity on minors.

President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly blamed social media as a contributing factor to youth violence and has indicated that France should follow Australia’s lead. Australia implemented the world’s first nationwide ban on social media for users under 16 in December, covering platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. Macron’s government is expected to submit draft legislation for legal review in early January, as reported by Le Monde and France Info.

Although Macron did not mention the proposed legislation in his New Year’s Eve address, he pledged to strengthen protections for children and teenagers against excessive exposure to screens and social media. Previously, both the Elysee Palace and the prime minister’s office declined to comment on the reports.

Mobile phones have already been banned in French primary and middle schools since 2018, and the new proposal would extend that ban to high schools. In France’s education system, students aged 11 to 15 attend middle school. In addition, a 2023 law requires social media companies to obtain parental consent before allowing under-15s to open accounts, though technical obstacles have limited its effectiveness.

Macron has also called for action at the European Union level. After a fatal school stabbing in eastern France in June, he urged the EU to adopt continent-wide rules banning social media access for children under 15. In November, the European Parliament supported the idea of setting minimum age limits to address worsening mental health among adolescents, though individual member states retain authority over age regulations. While Macron begins the new year amid political difficulties following the inconclusive 2024 parliamentary elections, stronger restrictions on minors’ social media use may receive public backing. A 2024 Harris Interactive poll found that 73 percent of respondents support banning social media for children under 15.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Just days before the New Year, a bank in the western German city of Gelsenkirchen was hit by a major theft, with valuables worth around 30 million euros, equivalent to about 33 million US dollars, stolen. Police described it as one of the largest bank robberies in the country in recent years and confirmed the incident on Tuesday, according to DW.

Authorities believe the robbery was carried out by a highly organized and skilled group, citing the careful planning, technical expertise, and coordination involved. Investigators reported that the burglars gained entry through an underground parking garage, drilled through a wall to reach the vault area, and broke open thousands of safe-deposit boxes before escaping the same way. Over 3,000 lockers were damaged, containing cash, gold, and jewelry. Based on an average insured value of 10,000 euros per box, police estimate total losses at around 30 million euros.

The theft came to light on Monday when a fire alarm went off, prompting emergency responders to the bank. Witnesses later reported seeing men carrying heavy bags inside the parking garage stairwell during the night. CCTV footage reportedly shows a black Audi RS 6 leaving the garage early Monday morning, with masked occupants and a license plate stolen earlier from Hanover in northern Germany.

In the days following the robbery, many customers gathered outside the bank seeking information about their valuables. Media reports indicate that a large number of the victims had stored gold and jewelry, with some claiming losses beyond insured limits. Police have asked customers not to file individual complaints for now, instead coordinating with the bank, which is compiling damage reports and sharing them with investigators daily. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made so far.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A Utah judge presiding over the case of the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk ruled on Monday, Dec 29, that most of the transcript and audio from a previously closed hearing concerning courtroom safety and security should be made public. However, the judge stated that news organizations seeking access to the records did not require any special designation to continue covering the case. Judge Tony Graf issued the decisions during a virtual hearing that the defendant, Tyler Robinson, attended by audio. Robinson spoke only once, confirming his presence when questioned by the judge.

Prosecutors allege that Robinson fatally shot Kirk from a rooftop while Kirk was engaged in a student debate during a stop on a university tour. Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for allegedly destroying evidence, and witness tampering for reportedly instructing his roommate to delete incriminating messages. Authorities have said they intend to seek the death penalty.

Media organizations had requested access to records from an Oct 24 closed hearing that addressed security precautions, including what restraints and clothing Robinson would be required to wear in court. On Monday, Judge Graf ordered that approximately one page of the 80-page transcript and its related audio be redacted before release. The judge has permitted Robinson to appear in civilian clothing but ordered that he remain physically restrained in court. He also barred the media from photographing or filming Robinson’s handcuffs and shackles after defense attorneys argued such images could influence potential jurors.

News outlets had further requested a special status to ensure advance notice of any future attempts to close hearings or restrict access. Judge Graf denied that request, pointing to an existing order requiring both legal teams to notify the media before seeking closed proceedings. In February, the court will consider a defense motion to prohibit cameras in the courtroom. Kirk’s death prompted widespread condemnation of political violence from across the political spectrum.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

An Israeli reservist deliberately drove his vehicle into a Palestinian man who was praying beside a road in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, December 25, after earlier discharging his weapon in the area, according to the Israeli military. The military said it had received video evidence showing an armed individual striking a Palestinian with a vehicle. It confirmed that the person involved was a reservist whose military service has since been terminated. The army said the act was carried out in “serious violation” of his authority and that his weapon had been seized.

Israeli media reported that the reservist is currently under house arrest. The Israeli police did not immediately comment when contacted by Reuters. The Palestinian victim was taken to hospital for examination following the incident but was not seriously injured and has since returned home. Footage broadcast on Palestinian television and verified by Reuters shows a man in civilian clothing with a firearm slung over his shoulder driving an off-road vehicle into a man kneeling in prayer by the roadside.

According to United Nations data, this year has been among the most violent on record for attacks by Israeli civilians against Palestinians in the West Bank, with more than 750 Palestinians injured. Between October 7, 2023, and October 17, 2025, more than 1,000 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank, mostly during operations conducted by Israeli security forces and in some cases by settlers. During the same period, 57 Israelis were killed in Palestinian attacks. Separately, on Friday, a Palestinian attacker killed two people in northern Israel, police said.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Jonathan Freedland and the Politics Weekly America team are on a break this week, so we’re revisiting a special summer series focused on the Trump family and the question of whether the president intends to hand over the political reins when his term ends. In the first episode, author Gwenda Blair along with reporters Rosie Gray and Ashley Parker introduce the family members who played key roles in Donald Trump’s rise to the White House and his tenure in office.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, and Philippe Auclair to discuss the major stories from European football as winter breaks get underway. Listeners can rate, review, and share the podcast on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast, and Stitcher, or join the conversation via email. In today’s episode, Raúl Jiménez maintained his perfect penalty record to help Fulham secure all three points against Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage, concluding the Premier League’s long weekend. The podcast also provides updates from Europe’s top leagues, including Xabi Alonso’s continued tenure at Real Madrid, the tight race at the top in Italy, and the surprising team leading Ligue 1 at Christmas—who isn’t PSG. Additionally, the hosts cover the latest from AFCON and answer listener questions. Support for The Guardian is welcome, and Football Weekly is also available on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

Every Monday and Friday throughout December, we are republishing some of our most loved audio long reads of 2025 for those who may have missed them, each introduced by our editorial team to explain the choice. From September, this piece explores how rising sea levels are forcing much of the population to face the possibility that their homeland could disappear. The question remains where they will go. By Atul Dev. Narrated by Mikhail Sen.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

As funerals begin for the 15 people killed in the Bondi terror attack, one of the alleged gunmen, Naveed Akram, has regained consciousness in hospital and is being guarded by police. Meanwhile, further details have emerged about Naveed and his father. Police said that Naveed, 24, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid, travelled to the Philippines last month, though the purpose of the trip is still unknown. The prime minister also stated at a press conference that there is evidence suggesting the suspected attackers may have been influenced by Islamic State ideology.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.