Around the World
EU-UK post-Brexit trade talks remain at standstill
Post-Brexit trade talks between Britain and the European Union remained grid-locked Sunday evening, even as there remain just days to go before the official transition period comes to an end on December 31, the Associated Press reports. In the event no agreement is reached by the end of the year, the two parties will default to trading on World Trade Organization terms, with all the tariffs and barriers that this will entail.
US nuclear submarine transits Strait of Hormuz amid tensions
An American nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine traversed the strategically vital waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula on Monday, the U.S. Navy said, a rare announcement that comes amid rising tensions with Iran.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel’s marijuana industry prepares to expand as country moves toward legalizing recreational cannabis
Israel is progressing with moves to legalize recreational marijuana in the next few months, while its burgeoning cannabis industry looks to expand its manufacturing, production and export capabilities, Ynet News reports.
Election prevention bill fails, Israel headed to elections on March 23
A bill proposed to avoid Knesset dispersal and the fourth elections over the last two years has failed to pass on Monday night, sealing Israel's fate.
Bennett: Goal ‘to replace Netanyahu,’ won’t back bill to let PM avoid legal woes
Yamina leader Naftali Bennett said Monday that his goal was to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and would not support legislative efforts to help the premier avoid his corruption charges.
Knesset rejects bill to delay budget deadline, sends Israel heading to elections
The Knesset overnight Monday-Tuesday narrowly rejected a bill that would have deferred a Tuesday midnight deadline for passing the 2020 state budget, and thus set Israel on an almost certain course to its fourth general election in two years.
Israeli submarine reportedly crosses Suez Canal in ‘message’ to Iran
An Israeli submarine openly crossed the Suez Canal last week, in a show of force against Iran, the Kan public broadcaster reported Monday night.

Inside the United States
US Attorney-General Barr Abandoning President Trump
U.S. Attorney General William Barr has turned his back on embattled President Donald J. Trump by declining to appoint a special counsel to investigate the president’s claims of massive voter fraud during the 2020 election.
Anti-Lockdown Protesters Clash With Police At Oregon State Capitol
Anti-lockdown protesters clashed with police during a demonstration Monday at the Oregon Capitol as lawmakers met in a special session to decide on funding for coronavirus relief.
Army long-range cannon gets direct hit on target 43 miles away
The Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) system under development hit a target 43 miles away — or 70 kilometers — on the nose at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Dec. 19, using an Excalibur extended-range guided artillery shell, according to the general who is overseeing the service’s Long-Range Precision Fires modernization.
U.S. Congress Rolling Out $2.3 Trillion Rescue
Congress prepared to vote for a $2.3 trillion rescue package, the most extensive in U.S. history.
Google policy informs children that parents are monitoring their account
Google has confirmed it tells children when their parents are supervising their accounts, Just the News reported Sunday. The issue came to light when film director Robby Starbuck tweeted that his 7-year-old son had been notified by Google that his account was being supervised.