Good morning, listeners, and welcome to BTW Daily News. Today is December 19, 2025, and I’m glad you’re here to start your day with the most important stories from around the globe.First, the tragic events that unfolded at Brown University and MIT. An anonymous tipster finally led investigators to the suspect, Claudio Manuel Neves‑Valente, who was found dead. The authorities closed the case, but the campus remains quiet as families mourn two victims and nine injured. A reminder that even in our most academic settings, safety must never be taken for granted.Moving on to Washington, President Trump signed a new executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance. The change removes it from the most restrictive category and could ease federal restrictions on cultivation and research. The White House says it will help farmers and promote economic growth, while critics warn that it may still place limits on interstate commerce.Meanwhile, a major diplomatic shift: the European Union is delaying the Mercosur trade agreement into January amid farmer protests. Italian and Spanish farmers argue the deal could flood markets with low‑cost products from Brazil and Argentina, threatening local agriculture. EU leaders agreed to give producers more time to prepare, hoping to ease tensions before signing.Over in Australia, a new gun buyback program was announced less than a week after the Bondi Beach shooting. The government will offer victims up to $50,000 in payments for dangerous firearms, hoping to reduce the number of guns in civilian hands. The policy has sparked debate over whether it addresses the root causes of violence or simply confiscates weapons.In the world of motorsport, we’re still reeling from the tragedy that claimed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family. The plane that was carrying the Biffle family crashed moments after takeoff, and a chilling video has been released that captures the final seconds. The NASCAR community has called for a moment of silence, and teams are asking how best to honor their teammate’s legacy.On the international stage, the United States secured a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after a plan to use frozen Russian assets fell apart. The loan will support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts. Analysts say the deal reflects Washington’s resolve to back Kyiv, even as the cost of war continues to rise.Turning to technology, TikTok has agreed to a joint venture with a group of American investors to sidestep a possible ban. The company will transfer U.S. operations to an American‑led group while keeping its global brand. The move may preserve TikTok’s app for U.S. users, but regulatory scrutiny remains intense.Finally, a federal matter: the FBI announced that it has cracked a plot to place pipe bombs on New Year’s Eve across several cities. Four suspects, including a former military veteran, were arrested after surveillance footage revealed an elaborate plan. The operation underscores the ongoing need for vigilance against domestic terrorism.That’s the news that shapes our world right now. Thank you for listening to BTW Daily News. Stay informed, stay safe, and have a wonderful day.
