Heard It First – Daily Digest

December 20, 2025

Legal Developments in Pakistan

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife have been given additional jail sentences related to a state gift fraud case. Khan is already serving time in prison and intends to challenge the new ruling. This development adds to the ongoing legal challenges facing Khan and may have political implications in Pakistan.

US Military Action in Syria

The United States carried out a large-scale strike against Islamic State (IS) targets across Syria. The operation involved hitting dozens of locations and was a response to a recent deadly IS attack on US forces stationed in the region. This action underscores ongoing US efforts to counter IS activities in the Middle East and indicates continued military engagement there.

Historic Spaceflight Milestone

Engineer Michaela Benthaus became the first wheelchair user to travel to space. She described the experience as "the coolest" after completing a 10-minute flight with Blue Origin. This milestone highlights advances in space accessibility and may inspire broader inclusion in future space missions.

Release of Epstein Files

A long-anticipated partial release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has surfaced. The files include images of Epstein's properties, audio recordings, and censored paperwork. They also show high-profile figures, such as Bill Clinton and Michael Jackson, appearing in the materials. The release sheds light on the extent of Epstein's connections and could influence public understanding and ongoing inquiries.

High-Profile Prison Sentence in China

Billionaire Lai is facing a life sentence in prison in China. He has expressed his gratitude to Hong Kong, saying the city had "given him everything." This case illustrates China's firm stance on certain economic or political challenges and may impact perceptions of the business environment in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Cultural Resurgence: Afro-Rock and Indian Cuisine

The 1970s Afro-rock genre known as Zamrock is experiencing a revival, with prominent artists bringing renewed attention to the style. Originating in Zambia, Zamrock had a significant cultural impact and now is enjoying renewed popularity decades later.

Meanwhile, the Indian city of Lucknow has been added to a UNESCO list recognizing cities for their exceptional culinary traditions. Known for dishes such as kebabs and biryani, this recognition highlights Lucknow's cultural significance in global gastronomy.


Sources & Dates

← Back to latest digest