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This article by Fabiola Martínez and Alma E. Muñoz originally appeared in the December 20, 2025 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

In January of next year, Grupo Salinas will have to pay the treasury 51 billion pesos, although once it expresses its intention to settle this tax debt it could be subject to “adjustments” (discounts), said the director of the Tax Administration Service (SAT), Antonio Martínez Dagnino.

In outlining the timeline for the matter at the National Palace press conference, he pointed out that “the adjustment could be up to 39 percent in accordance with the law.”

Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said that the funds obtained through this method will be used to expand social programs, such as scholarships; the Women’s Welfare Pension, for example, has a budget of 59 billion pesos next year. “Honestly, I hope they pay,” she said.

She emphasized that the issue was brought up at the morning press conference because it is a recurring question; it is, he said, a legal procedure, not a personal or political one.

“It’s the law, it’s the law. I mean, the court rulings… What did the Court decide? The Court ruled that the injunctions were not admissible. So, what stands? The court rulings in that regard.”

“As we have always said,” she added, “this is not a personal matter, nor a political one, nor anything of the sort; it is simply what the law says. So, it’s not that the President or the head of the SAT are doing anything personal.”

“Why are there 51,000 [billion owing] now? Because the law also says that it is being updated, that’s what the law says, that’s what the court ruling says, and we have to comply with the law.”

The president emphasized the right of companies to request “discounts, let’s put it that way, in accordance with the Tax Code. Notification is given in January, and we expect payment, it’s that simple. If they don’t pay, then another process begins, which would be a separate matter.”

Two journalists pressed President Sheinbaum about the right to obtain discounts or pay in installments, when the owner of Grupo Salinas has harshly criticized his government.

She insisted that it is a procedure established by law, which sets out the way to access the benefits, “I’m not going to comment on the rest; frankly, I don’t think it’s worth it.”

The businessman and son of a fascist financier was a major force behind the promotion of last month’s ultra-right wing Gen Z march, which was marked by violence and an over-representation of geriatric members of Mexico’s middle class.

End to Pardons

On the other hand, he indicated that the country has increased tax revenue in recent years because there are no longer debt forgiveness programs like those that were authorized arbitrarily, based on corrupt practices.

President Sheinbaum attributed the positive result in that area to three factors: first, the measure promoted by former President López Obrador, to bring the prohibition of discretionary debt forgiveness to the constitutional level; second, “there is no corruption”; and third, the transparent allocation of resources – and not the shady practice, he said, of supporting only those at the top, as happened during the Fobaproa era – to generate resources and allocate them to social programs and strategic works.

“Look, today the Dos Bocas refinery, which they criticized so much—how they criticized it!—the Olmeca Refinery is producing 300,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel per day that were previously imported. So, yes, there is a change, a profound change.”

The Grupo Salinas debt case began because the tax authority determined that the corporation (owned by Ricardo Salinas Pliego) had outstanding balances corresponding to six fiscal years (from 2008 to 2013); the loss reports issued by its companies were deemed inadmissible.

Then came a chain of appeals that concluded with the final decision of the SCJN, from which the SAT has the obligation to collect, a procedure that will be carried out in January 2026: “the payment of 51 billion pesos will be required in accordance with the Federal Tax Code,” Martínez Dagnino pointed out.

Once the notification of the requirement takes effect, the period for voluntary payment begins.

The post Grupo Salinas Must Pay 51 Billion Tax Bill in January appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.


From Mexico Solidarity Media via This RSS Feed.

 

On 18 December, Labour MP for Brent West Barry Gardiner pressed the solicitor general to release the Filton 24 hunger striker prisoners:

Today I suggested to the Solicitor General that, after a year on remand, my constituents on hunger strike should be released on bail with appropriate tagging. pic.twitter.com/JJC7n8WGwp

— Barry Gardiner MP (@BarryGardiner) December 18, 2025

Justice delayed for hunger strike prisoners

Gardiner started by echoing his opponent’s own words:

The solicitor general is absolutely right to say that justice delayed is justice denied.

Hey, remember when justice secretary David Lammy was banging on about the tragedy of delaying justice just a few weeks back? Of course, he wanted to use it as an excuse to roll back the right to trial by jury. But clearly this is an issue that’s near and dear to ministers’ hearts.

Gardiner went on:

My constituent, Qesser Zuhrah, has been on remand in prison now for over a year. Two of my other constituents, Heba Muraisi and Lewie Chiaramello, have also been on remand awaiting coming to trial. They have been accused of offences, none of which are violence against the person. But all three are now on hunger strike.

As a reminder, the statutory limit for holding a prisoner on remand – that is, awaiting trial – is six months.The fact that the Filton 24 have already been held for a year for what amounts to property damage is a clear miscarriage of justice.

Or at least, it would be in a functioning justice system – as Gardiner pointed out:

Would it not be much more sense, much more efficient for the criminal justice system, and quite honestly, a humanitarian gesture to allow these three to be released, with tagging and appropriate monitoring, to face trial in due course?

The speaker stopped the solicitor general from replying, stating that:

The point’s been made, I think it’s on the record.

Parliament has more important things to consider, clearly. Lammy, Starmer and the rest of anti-Palestine Labour have certainly been trying their damn hardest to ignore the issue of the hunger strikes.

‘Political imprisonment and repression at home’

Fortunately, whilst our own MPs – less 51 – are doing their best to bury the issue, the hunger strike is only gaining attention elsewhere. In fact, on Monday 15 December, supporters of the strike staged a picket outside of the UK Consulate in New York.

🇵🇸 FREE THEM ALL: NYC PICKET & RALLY IN SUPPORT OF THE UK HUNGER STRIKERS
🗓 Monday December 15, 2025
🕓 4 PM
📍 UK Consulate, 855 2nd Ave New York, NY

Right now 8 political prisoners for Palestine in the UK are on hunger strike, risking their lives to resist the ongoing… pic.twitter.com/b4WvGMBdVU

— Within Our Lifetime (@WOLPalestine) December 14, 2025

Activist groups Within Our Lifetime and Writers Against the War on Gaza organised the protest. Within Our Lifetime explained that: 

Right now 8 political prisoners for Palestine in the UK are on hunger strike, risking their lives to resist the ongoing genocide in Palestine and political imprisonment and repression at home.

Pro-Palestine groups helped publicise the call to action on social media:

Within Our Lifetime and WAWOG are calling for a picket and rally in New York City in support of the eight UK-based Palestinian political prisoners currently on hunger strike.

The event is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025, at 4 PM outside the UK Consulate, 855 2nd Ave,… pic.twitter.com/Qhlf8yCMtz

— Palestine Info Center (@palinfoen) December 15, 2025

The Palestine Info Center echoed that:

The hunger strikers, known as the Filton 24, have been imprisoned without trial for over a year for resisting the UK’s role in supplying Israeli weapons, particularly through Elbit Systems, which have been used in repeated attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

NEW | Within Our Lifetime and WAWOG are calling for a picket and rally in New York City in support of the eight UK-based Palestinian political prisoners currently on hunger strike.

The event is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025, at 4 PM outside the UK Consulate, 855 2nd… pic.twitter.com/8Kfc7sOrXh

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 15, 2025

Quds News Network also included:

The rally seeks to demand the release of the Filton 24, all Palestinian prisoners, an end to political repression, the shutdown of Elbit Systems, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action.

‘They’re putting themselves on the line’

Middle East Eyecovered the protest over the hunger strike itself:

“They’re putting themselves on the line.”

New Yorkers gathered outside the UK embassy on Monday, calling for the release of Palestine Action activists jailed without trial for more than a year.

Eight prisoners have been on hunger strike for over 45 days, with five hospitalised pic.twitter.com/C7APJzSRZJ

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) December 18, 2025

The protesters sang familiar chants of:

You can’t, you can’t hide – you’re committing genocide

The MEEreporting highlighted the fact that the Filton hunger strike is the largest such action since the IRA hunger strike led by Bobby Sands in the ’80s.

It is a damning indictment of the justice system in the UK that the Filton 24 had to take action in the first place. Elbit – the factory targeted by the 24’s action – is directly arming Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people. In a society with any sense of decency, Elbit would not have factories on our shores.

It’s a further shame that the Filton 24 are being held past the 6-month limit, nevermind the fact they’re being held at all. There is no justice in that, delayed or otherwise.

And, last but not least, it is a black mark on our parliament that even New Yorkers 3,000 miles away have recognised this injustice, when our own parliament refuses to even acknowledge that anything is amiss.

Free the Filton 24.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alex/Rose Cocker


From Canary via This RSS Feed.

 

On 19 December, Donald Trump’s Justice Department finally released the so-called ‘Epstein Files’. There was a problem, however, in that they didn’t release all of the files. Making matters worse, they heavily redacted the files they did release. As a result, president Donald Trump and his team have made themselves look more suspicious than ever:

Now the coverup is out in the open. This is far from over.

Everyone involved will have to answer for this. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, whole admin.

Protecting a bunch of rapists and pedophiles because they have money, power, and connections.

Bondi should resign tonight. https://t.co/7KILMsuPwv

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 19, 2025

The Trump Epstein coverup

Until this year, the government was unable to release certain files relating to Epstein and his alleged accomplices because of the trial / appeal of his right hand woman Ghislaine Maxwell. This changed when Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which made it both legal and mandatory for the Justice Department to publish all of the Epstein documents. Despite this, the released files are incomplete and heavily redacted:

Only 10% of total files released.

90% of the released files were redacted.

So ~1% of the files were truly released.

I'd love to see MAGA defend this BS.

Why is the DoJ covering up for pedophiles?! https://t.co/CXkyl6r8ee

— Adam Cochran (adamscochran.eth) (@adamscochran) December 19, 2025

Breaking News: Americans just got hoodwinked by their government.

They did not release the full Epstein files. What they just released is heavily redacted in order to protect the child sex traffickers that they should be prosecuting.

There is no coming back from this. ⬇ pic.twitter.com/6R0VGsdWZh

— Power to the People ☭🕊 (@ProudSocialist) December 19, 2025

Redacted States of America pic.twitter.com/vCfE8jTOaI

— Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) December 20, 2025

As a result of the redactions, Democrat and Republican politicians have accused the Justice Department of breaking the law:

Unfortunately, today’s document release by @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that @realDonaldTrump signed just 30 days ago. @RepRoKhanna is correct. https://t.co/gZQyQBUT4R

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 19, 2025

Trump eventually supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act after initially opposing it. At the same time, he also ordered a new investigation which many suspected was instigated solely to provide cover for future redactions:

Four months ago, Bondi's DOJ declared that nothing in the Epstein files warranted further investigation. But it took Bondi just four hours to open an investigation anyway once Trump demanded one — and only into Democrats. @EricaLG @GlennThrush @alanfeuer https://t.co/vq2htXEQmg

— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) November 15, 2025

One person who commented on the state of the release was journalist Julie K Brown. Brown was pivotal in bringing the Epstein case to national attention, leading to the arrests of Epstein and Maxwell. Speaking to the BBC, Brown said:

I’m still going through it, of course, but it’s just a lot of material that is either dated, that we already knew about it, or heavily redacted.

So it doesn’t make sense. A lot of these redactions just frankly don’t even make sense

At the same time, she praised the victims who have fought to get this far:

I think the fact that we’ve even gotten this far is worthwhile and certainly the victims should be credited. They’re the heroes here who have fought really hard for transparency and for accountability and to hold some of these men accountable.

What’s there

Despite the redactions, there is new material in the latest release, including this harrowing image of the dead paedophile with a child in his lap:

Peter Mandelson called the man in this pic his ‘best pal’.

The government knew about the closeness of their friendship – and still made him the country’s ambassador to the United States. https://t.co/NU9OREnwJf

— Aaron Bastani (@AaronBastani) December 20, 2025

The released files may also prove that the attorney general Pam Bondi previously lied (depending on how she was defining ‘associates’):

Pam Bondi said there was “no evidence” that Epstein ever “blackmailed associates”

Yet the files she just released have proof of Epstein threatening to burn down someone’s house if they revealed him.

Soooo… that kinda seems like blackmail.! https://t.co/QJSvidBLbk pic.twitter.com/cxCto3wYGm

— Adam Cochran (adamscochran.eth) (@adamscochran) December 19, 2025

Bondi herself said the following post-release:

You can not be fucking for real girl 😭 https://t.co/kqgHfvAKoU

— Polling USA (@USA_Polling) December 20, 2025

There’s also this:

Republicans think they're so slick

Throw Clinton and Trump in jail together, at least they can keep each other company https://t.co/xsaeSc4wj1

— Polling USA (@USA_Polling) December 19, 2025

People have additionally highlighted this exchange between Trump, Epstein and a 14-year-old girl:

This is REALLY bad. Epstein introduced Trump to a 14 year old girl and they joked about he she was a “good one.” Things just got a lot worse for Trump. pic.twitter.com/XHE04t8To7

— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) December 20, 2025

BREAKING: According to court records, one Jeffrey Epstein victim was introduced to Trump when she was 14 years old, and Epstein nudged Trump and asked "This is a nice one, right?"

Trump refused to answer questions about it.pic.twitter.com/4aHuADkks8

— Really American 🇺🇸 (@ReallyAmerican1) December 19, 2025

While this exchange was already exposed back in 2020, it’s avoided widespread public attention before now.

End game

On the same day that his justice department released the Epstein Files, Trump gave a rally. People noted that Trump’s age was showing at the event:

he looks like shit and sounds like he's dying https://t.co/Ln5NE2gWA7

— Keith Edwards (@keithedwards) December 20, 2025

Trump has also been avoiding questions around the release:

WOW — Trump announces he's not taking questions today, which is highly unusual, saying "I think we have to just stop right here"

(the Epstein files are supposed to be released later today) pic.twitter.com/UWyfZ2PVOJ

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 19, 2025

Between his political failures, suspected criminality, and advanced age, it’s no wonder Trump’s polling is in the toilet:

New – Trump approval poll

🟤 Dissaprove 60%
🟢 Approve 36% (New Low)

Gallup #B – RV – 11/23 pic.twitter.com/S0Wyne7vsG

— Political Polls (@PpollingNumbers) November 28, 2025

"Do you think Trump is trying to cover up Jeffrey Epstein's crimes?"

Yes: 50%
No: 29%

Unsure: 22%

YouGov / Nov 24, 2025

— Polling USA (@USA_Polling) December 19, 2025

While he may be losing the support of anti-paedophile Americans, however, Trump does seemingly still enjoy the backing of Reform UK and GB News:

Here's @Nigel_Farage getting giddy about how close he is to Donald Trump.

Funny how quiet he's been about the Epstein Files. Not mentioned Trump in quite some time. pic.twitter.com/DcPJ8Tprai

— Reform Party UK Exposed 🇬🇧 (@reformexposed) November 17, 2025

Featured image via Justice Department

By Willem Moore


From Canary via This RSS Feed.

 

A new video shows Tommy Robinson being “bullied” at a boxing event in Dubai:

Tommy Robinson got pressured in Dubai. Look how shook he is.

"Don't interview him, he's a racist prick. Why are you giving him airtime?

Apparently, the Emirati influencers have invited him.

Watch him get cooked, bullied, and physically pushed. pic.twitter.com/cp8lHOw4bq

— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) December 19, 2025

Little Tommy

Ty Mitchell is a British Muslim from Derby; he’s also a professional boxer:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ty Mitchell 🐏 (@tymitchellofficial)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ty Mitchell 🐏 (@tymitchellofficial)

Seeing Tommy Robinson being interviewed, Mitchell charged over and gave Robinson a piece of his mind:

😬 @TRobinsonNewEra CLASHES with @TyMitchell90 in Dubai ‼

Watch FULL INTERVIEW here https://t.co/LHkWqTSN3A pic.twitter.com/ajphKpZC0y

— IFL TV (@IFLTV) December 19, 2025

Mitchell shouted that Tommy Robinson is a racist “prick” / “rat” and asked why they’re giving him airtime. Robinson was bouncing around with the energy of a child and/or cokehead through part of the exchange; at other times he was tetchily repeating himself; at other times again he was nervously glancing around.

After the initial shouting, something like a conversation happened with Robinson arguing he doesn’t hate Muslims; he just opposes ‘terrorists’ and ‘sex criminals’. Mitchell said Robinson only seems to care about crimes when there are Muslim men involved. This is something we’ve covered before, with Robinson having defended colleagues who were accused of sex crimes. Robinson also worked with the alleged human trafficker Andrew Tate, who fittingly was fighting at the same event.

Here’s a video of Tate explaining how he used the ‘lover boy’ method to traffic women:

Let Andrew Tate explain the “lover boy” method of human trafficking to you in his own words.pic.twitter.com/oJpBj7oKqK

— Murdered By Crayons 🖍 (@CrayonMurders) March 6, 2025

Here’s some more evidence against him:

More evidence has been released showing alleged text messages of Andrew Tate clearly engaged in human trafficking his victims.
While Andrew has admitting on recording to having sex with a 16 year old and also to raping a victim his detractors nonetheless are still making excuses pic.twitter.com/aU7QnlOpik

— The Serfs (youtube.com/theserftimes) (@theserfstv) July 26, 2023

Andrew Tate is on camera/audio admitting to:
-violently raping a woman
-violently strangling a woman
-having sex with a 16 year old when he was an adult

Is under investigation for:
-human trafficking of minors with 6 potential victims

Jordan Peterson: pic.twitter.com/XRNoXlYvgy

— The Serfs (youtube.com/theserftimes) (@theserfstv) January 12, 2023

When right-wing commentator Lauren Southern accused Tate of date raping her, Tommy Robinson leapt to Tate’s defence. This is what people mean when they say Robinson only cares about sex crimes in so far as he can use them to attack Muslims. And as Mitchell himself said, this isn’t to defend Muslims who commit crimes; it’s to note you can find criminals in any sub-sect of people – the issue is using the minority to tarnish the majority.

Tommy Robinson: cry harder

People enjoyed seeing Tommy Robinson get called out anyway – especially Mukhtar:

A different angle shows that Ant Middleton was there when tiny Tommy got bullied. pic.twitter.com/Va7t7RayK6

— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) December 19, 2025

He went straight to Twitter to check if the L he took is going viral. pic.twitter.com/g0MeOXKOFI

— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) December 19, 2025

The far-right tiny Tommy Robinson fans are crying in my mention because their hero got humbled real quick.

— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) December 19, 2025

“ Tommy Robinson hates muslims and Islam but yet goes to a muslim country ”

Beautifully said—straight to his face pic.twitter.com/x3SxkYwd72

— ONE (@One_Dawah) December 19, 2025

Look – Tommy Robinson who makes money off of abusing Arabs and Muslims has been spotted in Dubai 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Kr1HsFhMS1

— The Saviour (@TheSaviour) December 19, 2025

AFTER DESTROYING TOMMY ROBINSON @TyMitchell90 SEND A MESSAGE pic.twitter.com/TQm829NURh

— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) December 20, 2025

People also highlighted the 24-7 grift that the guy is on:

Tommy Robinson is always wearing Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, etc.

He’s also known to wear Rolex’s, fancy cars, luxury homes, and is endlessly on holidays.

This is a man who told a court in 2021 he was bankrupt.

Professional martyr. A grift persona. An establishment shill. pic.twitter.com/UwSQs7byTY

— Wolf 🐺 (@WorldByWolf) December 19, 2025

You're out in the freezing winter rain hanging flags on lamp posts.

Tommy Robinson and Ant Middleton are living it large in a Muslim country.

You are not the same – you aren't even fighting the same 'enemy.' pic.twitter.com/Qatcq9vqnA

— Woke Lefty 🫣 (@SalfordMe2023) December 19, 2025

Featured image via Mukhtar

By Willem Moore


From Canary via This RSS Feed.

 

Lullaby, a deeply moving song by Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti, has reached number 5 in the official UK singles chart for Christmas, raising more than £70,000 for Palestinian charities and making it the highest-charting Arabic song in British chart history.

The song is a re-imagining of the traditional Palestinian lullaby Yamma Mweel El Hawa, which means ‘Mama, sing to the wind’, with English lyrics by Peter Gabriel, main vocals by Barghoutiand Lana Lubany, with support from Yemeni star Amena and an array of West Asian and western stars, including Leigh-Anne, Brian Eno, Neneh Cherry, Celeste. As part of its main refrain, the song asks “Is it better to die in freedom than a captive life in chains?” The official video for the song is both spirit-lifting and heartbreaking, featuring Palestinian people against the backdrop of the devastation of Gaza caused by the genocidal Israeli occupation:

Lullaby: beaten by Kylie

The song lost out on the number one spot to the ‘imaginatively’ titled Xmas by Kylie Minogue, with Wham’s 1980s staple Last Christmas, which almost won its third Christmas number one in a row – a demonstration of just how little some people really understand Christmas and the Palestinian story of hope and sacrifice it is meant to commemorate.

But despite narrowly missing out on number one, the song raised tens of thousands of pounds for ‘Together for Palestine’. Leigh-Anne’s management firm said on X that:

Together for Palestine’s ‘LULLABY’ featuring Leigh-Anne raised over £70,000 this week for Palestinian organisations. It is the highest-peaking Arabic song in UK chart history.

Eno said that for him and others who worked on it, the project was an “act of love for Palestine’s children”:

after a year defined by unimaginable loss, grief and injustice, we want to end with an act of love for Palestine’s children.” ‘Lullaby’ thus reflects “their beauty, their longing and their hope…

…[It will] send a strong message of hope to the children in Gaza, that we in the UK keep them in our hearts and will not let their cause be pushed out of our political focus

Lullaby was originally intended for Together for Palestine’s live Wembley concert, but schedule overruns meant that it was not performed. As Songlines explained:

Around [Barghouti], the ensemble formed almost instinctively, artists drawn to the project’s purpose just as much as its music. Rehearsals unfolded in fragments between Zoom calls and sessions in Brunt’s London Church studio. Celeste joined at the last minute, running through her solo during her soundcheck just a day before the show. The group only came fully together the day prior, practising in a school gym near Wembley, where, for the first time, the gospel choir, soloists and ensemble heard the piece. Brunt remembers the atmosphere as “magical”.

But the night of the event took an unexpected turn. As the schedule tightened, their performance was cut at the last moment. Wearing their in-ear monitors, the ensemble took in the emotional intensity of the performances before them, trying to process the sudden disappointment. By morning, however, the mission reasserted itself. By 2pm that day, Brunt and Barghouti were in the studio, recording what would become the released version of ‘Lullaby’. Along the way, musicians including Bastille’s Dan Smith, Benji B, Lana Lubany, Leigh-Anne, London Community Gospel Choir, Mabel, Nadine Shah, Neneh Cherry, Sura Abdo, TYSON, Yasmeen Ayyashi and Ysee all joined the project.

Buy or listen to the song here.

Featured image via the Canary

By Skwawkbox


From Canary via This RSS Feed.

 

Well, we’ve made it to the Strictly final! What an absolute pleasure it’s been doing this silly little column for 13 weeks. All that’s left now is who wins the glitterball.

Though we’ve got a looooot of dancing before that. Tonight, everyone dances three dances, so nine in total. Six of these we’ll have seen before, as they’re the judges’ choice, then their own favourite dance of the series. However, the show dance is completely new and showcases all of their best dance moves.

It’s looking to be an exciting night, and anyone could take the glitterball. But there’s only one way to find out, so it’s on with the show!

Strictly Come Dancing – the final

The show starts with a big group dance number that introduces the Strictly finalists. What’s already infuriating is that George just stands there while they’re being lowered; he barely even looks enthusiastic. Claudia’s jacket says “keep dancing” on the back, and I can’t look at Tess. She already looks like she’s going to cry. It’s going to be an emotional show, but it must go on.

The Dances – Judge’s choice

Amber and Nikita dancing the paso doble

Shirley shows up in Strictly training to tell them which dance they’re doing and to offer some advice. There’s a lot of her calling Amber a good girl, which I am simply not commenting on. I completely forgot this would mean Nikita would be completely topless and in leather trousers. Or as my best friend Gem renamed him, “Nipplekita” This was an excellent dance the first time and even more powerful now. In the Clauditorium, Nikita does some excellent hip sways while having to speak into a handheld mic cos there’s nowhere to put one. They score 39.

George and Alexis dancing the Vienesse Waltz

Anton visits them in the ballroom for some tips. He teaches George how to walk, which, let’s be honest, if he doesn’t know how to do that by now, he’s fucked. What I really appreciate about Anton is that even in training, he wears a shirt and tie. This dance was boring af the first time and it’s still boring now. But judging by the studio, he’s getting full marks. Anton’s response is “I am a great teacher!” They score 39.

Karen and Carlos dancing the Argentine tango

Motsi comes to Strictly training to give Karen and Carlos a helping hand. She tells Karen her legs need to be stuck together. What I love about the final is that you can go from someone dancing in a gorgeous dress to someone dancing dressed as a Peaky Blinder. This was fucking great the first time, but it’s somehow even better. They’re getting all my votes tonight. In the Clauditorium, Karen gets a big cheer for being from Birmingham. They score 40 and YESSSSS.

After the first dance Karen’s at the top with Amber and George in joint second.

The Dances – Show dance

Amber and Nikita

Amber reflects on how amazing Strictly has been, considering she was never supposed to be in the show. They talk about how hard it was being in the dance off, and Amber says she’s had to be kinder to herself. Their show dance is a gorgeous, sexy number. I actually screamed when the obvious outfit revealed happened. They do an incredible move that goes from Amber on Nikita’s shoulders to HIM sliding on the floor. In the Clauditorium, Amber gives a shout-out to one of the singers, Natalie, who’s one of her besties. They score 39.

George and Alexis

We once again get this “George self-confidence” bullshit that we had never heard of before last week. Again, they’re literally just jumping and flipping about with a bit of dance thrown in. The only difference is it’s a bit slower. Can already see all his loser fans crying that this is the couple’s choice he should’ve got. Anton says, “This felt like a metaphor for your whole journey” and I agree, but probably not in the same way. They score 39.

Karen and Carlos

In the VT, Kaz talks about how Strictly has lit a spark in her again. She says she feels like she’s part of a team again, and Carlos, of course, cries. They dance a stunning showdance and that’s my fucking winner right there. The feedback from the judges is weirdly mixed when they’ve been nothing but complimentary to fucking George. They score 37 and I echo Katya shouting “Are you alright??” to Craig for scoring it an 8.

After two dances, George and Amber are on 78 and Karen is on 77. The vote is opened by everyone turning into Tess, which is fucking incredible. Not ashamed to admit I’m massively into Kai in the eyeliner and fringe.

The Dances – Strictly Couple’s fave

Amber and Nikita dancing the jive

We see an incredible Strictly best bits from training VTs, including Nikita learning the Welsh for jellyfish. It’s a showstopping dance, but it did seem like they almost ran out of time. I can’t believe it takes this long for Tess to thank Dave Arch. Amber says as much as she’d love to win, she’d love it even more if one of her friends won. They score 40.

George and Alexis dancing the paso doble

Alexis has a cry about it being her first series. It’s probably a passable dance, not as good as the audience made out. I wouldn’t know, I went to the loo. George gets loads of praise for how much better it is than last time. And you’d fucking hope so, considering it was 11 weeks ago. Eww, I forgot how icky this weird harness costume is. They score 39.

Karen and Carlos dancing the jive

They talk about her drive and how much Carlos built her up. I love that this means that if she wins, she’ll lift the Strictly trophy in a glittery football kit. It feels so fucking right.  It’s even fucking better than last time and it was incredible last time. This is exactly why she deserves to win. It’s like they’re all in competition to see who can make Tess cry first, but it’s fucking Anton that finally does it. By the time they get to Craig, she’s a wreck.

In the Clauditorium, Carlos talks about how he’s learnt to be a team player and he finally feels worthy of the show and everyone sobs their fucking faces off. You can totally see how much he’s worked on himself, though. They score 40.

Well, they’ve done all they can. The final leaderboard couldn’t be tighter with Amber on 118 and Karen and George on 117.

A bit of filler while we wait for the results

Whilst the last few votes go in and get counted, the contestants return for one final dance. There is one noticeable person missing, though, as Tom Skinner is fucking suing the BBC, claiming his vote was rigged. He also claimed this was the reason Tess and Claud left hahaha.

The dance is, as expected, fucking incredible. La Voix is lowered in on her now working, pink pony. Alex is in the tiniest, fluffiest dress. Kai and Vicky do Fight for This Love. Jimmy wiggles his hips, and boring Chris flings Nadiya about. Ellie pops out of a magician’s hat, and Harry does press-ups with Karen on his back. Stefan has a Neighbours opening, and Ross is also there. Lewis does a load of backflips, and Bal does her amazing couples choice again. At one

We see the public’s best bits, and it’s just a load of normies talking, but it does waste a whole five minutes. There is however, a massive tribute to Tess and Claudia at the end, and honestly, I can’t see how this show can go on without them.

When we go back to the studio, Tess and Claudia are sobbing their faces off. It’s a gorgeous tearjerking speech, but it gets interrupted by Craig, who reads a letter out. At the end, we find out the letter is from Camilla, which I could’ve seen a mile off.

And moving on from that tearjerker, we immediately go to a 5ive megamix. I saw 5ive live last month and it was honestly one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to. I have a fucking great few minutes dancing around my house to 5ive tbh.

The winner is crowned – our underdog comes good

So e-bloody-ventually we get to the final result. I’ve been keeping everything crossed that Kaz not only takes the trophy that’s righfully hers, but that the George fans fucking lose. And she’s only bloody done it!! Karen and Carlos lift the glitterball! Oh man I’m so happy, she’s such a deserving winner, who’s really grown with the competition. And her and Carlos were such an excellent couple. As an added bonus it’s proven that even the biggest loser fanbase can be beaten

Goodbye Tess and Claud and goodbye Strictly?

And with that all that’s left is for Tess and Claudia to say goodbye to Strictly. But I can’t help thinking where the show goes now. Not only were Tess and Claud an integral part of the show, but the show itself has felt so fucking odd this series. Maybe it is time to give it a rest for a few years?

Who knows what’ll happen next year, maybe a year off, or a Strictly All-Stars series. Or maybe they’ll just do a big reboot with new hosts. Whatever happens, it’s been so fucking wonderful to recap my fave show for you all each week.

Until next time (maybe)…

Keeeeeep dancing!

By Rachel Charlton-Dailey


From Canary via This RSS Feed.

 

Jake Paul is an influencer-turned boxer who’s famous for fighting retirees. He also came out to support Donald Trump in 2024 alongside the violent rapist Conor McGregor:

Paul Brothers with Conor McGregor for the inauguration for Donal Trump 😭 pic.twitter.com/JZtDwSqAel

— Mcgregor Forever (@mcgregorufc22) January 20, 2025

Now, Paul has finally done something which people can rally behind, and that’s getting his jaw broken in two places:

Jake Paul is an absolute embarrassment to the sport of boxing. A fraud who buys his way into fights against legitimate champions like Anthony Joshua, only to get knocked out in the sixth round after clinching, flopping, and running like a coward. He has no real skill or heart… pic.twitter.com/9JSPqi9LS2

— Zenith (@ZenithTheNinja) December 20, 2025

A Paul-ing

As the New York Times reported, Jake Paul has fought 13 matches since becoming what they describe as a “professional” boxer. The reason we’re not so sure that wording is appropriate is because only five of those 13 bouts were against boxers (including a 58-year-old Mike Tyson). Paul has also boxed against two retired MMA fighters, cementing the impression that he’s the least professional boxer in the profession:

Jake Paul is the biggest clown on earth and has done irrefutable damage to boxing. Those who know, know.

Anthony Joshua getting the KO is karma for YEARS for so many REAL boxers and fighters that Paul disrespected, and had rigged fights with. pic.twitter.com/m4UiUWcJ1n

— Robby The Brain (@RobbyTheBrain) December 20, 2025

That was so embarrassing for boxing and hopefully the end of the Jake Paul bullshit in the ring

— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) December 20, 2025

The fight between Paul and Anthony Joshua lasted for six rounds, and it ended when Paul found himself unable to get back up in time following repeated knockdowns. People took great joy in sharing images and videos from the knockdowns:

THE MOMENT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.

Jake Paul’s final moments against Anthony Joshua… pic.twitter.com/NCI2OktHB1

— george (@StokeyyG2) December 20, 2025

It later came out that Joshua broke Paul’s jaw, with Paul himself sharing an X-ray:

Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days. pic.twitter.com/8R8NK4OeUv

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 20, 2025

Jake Paul has gone to the hospital with a suspected broken jaw. pic.twitter.com/Fwb459Exmy

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 20, 2025

People also suggested Joshua went easy on Paul:

There’s going to be a ton of “respect to Jake Paul for even taking this fight”

BUT F**K THAT… there are 7 billion people on this earth that would have done that to triple their net worth.

He didn’t even do that. Joshua could have put him out cold at any moment he wanted. pic.twitter.com/Opd1pUrrra

— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey2) December 20, 2025

incredibly satisfying watching jake paul get the shit beaten out of him especially after anthony joshua stop playing with his food after the 5th round

— hasanabi (@hasanthehun) December 20, 2025

They further drew attention Paul’s interesting fighting style (or ‘avoiding fighting’ style, you might say):

Wild stat: Jake Paul shot 13 takedown attempts against Anthony Joshua while landing just 16 total punches❗

A boxing record that will absolutely never be broken 🥊

Takedown attempt number 9 seemed to be when AJ had finally had enough. pic.twitter.com/lvT4oLKaK9

— AFeldmanMMA (@afeldMMA) December 20, 2025

Jake Paul: Trump love in

As noted, Jake Paul threw his weight behind Donald Trump in the 2024 election:

In the text for the above video, Paul noted:

I was very hesitant to make this video, but I felt like I had no choice. This is the most important election in U.S history. If you are a U.S citizen, please exercise your right to vote, and let’s come together to save America. This is who I am supporting in the 2024 Presidential Election… and why you should too.

He added:

make the right choice, and exercise your right to vote… America depends on it

On the same day that Paul was getting his clock rung, Trump was breaking the law by not releasing the so-called Epstein Files (files which many believe will incriminate him personally). Meanwhile, the American economy is showing significant signs of trouble, and millions of people are facing the loss of their healthcare.

So yeah, it’s not for nothing that people wanted to see this guy get knocked out.

Imagine if Jake Paul getting knocked out was the first domino to fall in things finally taking a turn for the better in the world.

— Blockhead (@BlockheadNYC) December 20, 2025

Featured image via PBS

By Willem Moore


From Canary via This RSS Feed.

 

San Jose march for International Human Rights Day.

San Jose, CA – On December 14, San Jose Against War gathered dozens of people to commemorate International Human Rights Day. The U.S. has been a primary facilitator of human rights violations, including selling weapons to Israel, bombing fisherpeople off the coast of Venezuela, and a host of sanctions imposed on countries striving for national sovereignty.

Protesters held picket signs reading, “San Jose divest from genocide,” “U.S. hands off Venezuela” and “Stop the deportations.”

Philip Nguyen, co-chair of San Jose Against War, said to the crowd that the struggles are connected and that human rights such as “Food, housing, healthcare, education are a second priority for the ruling class; second only to the profit motive especially through war profiteers!”

Nguyen continued by elevating San Jose Against War’s divestment campaign targeting the city of San Jose saying, “The precedent is there – Hayward and Richmond have divested from Israel! Dublin and Alameda County have already passed an ethical investment policy. Now, it is time for San Jose to pass theirs as well.”

Drusie Kazanova of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization told the crowd, “From Palestine to Venezuela, people are fighting for self-determination and liberation from the chains of imperialism. And here at home, from San Jose, to Los Angeles, to Chicago, to Portland, we are fighting for our liberation from the very same oppressors, the imperialist class!”

Lyla Salinas, member of Community Service Organization San Jose, highlighted Trump’s year full of human rights violations including, but not limited to, deportations, saying that, “Trump continues to push a racist agenda aimed at oppressing immigrants and Chicanos. We say no more!”

Salinas continued, “Trump’s administration has continued his attacks on women, trans and queer people, Black people, students, on workers, on Palestine and now on Venezuela. We must not let this stand!”

Megan Sweet, member of Students for a Democratic Society at San Jose State University addressed the crowd, saying, “The people of Venezuela cannot wait for suggestions or proposals, they need the people from within the belly of the beast to rise up and demand from their government: ‘Hands off Venezuela!’”

Sweet said that SDS at SJSU continues their campaign to demand the school administration disclose their investment portfolio, divest from all corporations that facilitate human rights violations and the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and to cut ties with Lockheed Martin.

The crowd marched up the busy Market Street and along the annual Christmas in the Park installation, chanting to the tune of Jingle Bells, “Palestine, Palestine. Free, free Palestine! From the river to the sea ‘til Palestine is free!”

#SanJoseCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #ImmigrantsRights #CSOSJ #SJAW


From Fight Back! News via This RSS Feed.

 

Congressional Democrats on Saturday pressed US Attorney General Pam Bondi for answers regarding the apparent removal of a photo showing President Donald Trump surrounded by young female models from Friday's Department of Justice release of files related to the late convicted child sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein.

Amid the heavily redacted documents in Friday's DOJ release was a photo of a desk with an open drawer containing multiple photos of Trump, including one of him with Epstein and convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and another of him with the models.

However, the photo—labeled EFTA00000468 in the DOJ's Epstein Library—was no longer on the site as of Saturday morning.

"This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump, has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release," Democrats on the House Oversight Committee noted in a Bluesky post. "AG Bondi, is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public."

This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release.AG Bondi, is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.

[image or embed]
— Oversight Dems (@oversightdemocrats.house.gov) December 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM

Numerous critics have accused the Trump administration of a cover-up due to the DOJ's failure to meet a Friday deadline to release all Epstein-related documents and heavy redactions—including documents of 100 pages or more that are completely blacked out—to many of the files.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche responded to the criticism by claiming that "the only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law—full stop."

"Consistent with the statute and applicable laws, we are not redacting the names of individuals or politicians unless they are a victim," he added.

Earlier this year, officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigation reportedly redacted Trump's name from its file on Epstein, who was the president's longtime former friend and who died in 2019 in a New York City jail cell under mysterious circumstances officially called suicide while facing federal child sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

Trump has not been accused of any crimes in connection with Epstein.

House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said during a Friday CNN interview that the DOJ only released about 10% of the full Epstein files.

The DOJ is breaking the law by not releasing the full Epstein files. This is not transparency. This is just more coverup by Donald Trump and Pam Bondi. They need to release all the files, NOW.

[image or embed]
— Congressman Robert Garcia (@robertgarcia.house.gov) December 19, 2025 at 5:06 PM

"The DOJ has had months and hundreds of agents to put these files together, and yet entire documents are redacted—from the first word to the last," Garcia said on X. "What are they hiding? The American public deserves transparency. Release all the files now!"

In a joint statement Friday, Garcia and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said, "We are now examining all legal options in the face of this violation of federal law."

"The survivors of this nightmare deserve justice, the co-conspirators must be held accountable, and the American people deserve complete transparency from DOJ," they added.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)—who along with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by Trump last month and required the release of all Epstein materials by December 19—said in a video published after Friday's document dump that he and Massie "are exploring all options" to hold administration officials accountable.

"It can be the impeachment of people at Justice, inherent contempt, or referring for prosecution those who are obstructing justice," he added.


From Common Dreams via This RSS Feed.

 

US-led diplomatic meeting discusses implementation of “phase two” of ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, framing the first phase as a success, despite ongoing deadly Israeli violations.


From Presstv via This RSS Feed.

 

Over the last several years, many red states have banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Since Trump returned to power, that campaign has shifted to blue states, with the administration threatening hospitals and healthcare systems with the loss of federal funding unless they stopped providing care. This week, those threats escalated sharply: a new federal rule, now in its public…

Source


From Truthout via This RSS Feed.

 

In late September, Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) stopped Jose Bonilla Lopez, a gardener who lived in the city’s northwest. According to a police report, it was a case of mistaken identity. Instead of releasing him, they turned him over to masked federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, who seized him as neighbors chanted for his freedom.

Source


From Truthout via This RSS Feed.

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