Kenner Elias Jones, known for leading Prince Charles's 1969 investiture procession, later pursued a life of fraud. He committed various cons across three continents, as documented in a new film. Despite early signs of deception, Jones's charm helped him continue his fraudulent activities for decades.
Key Facts
Kenner Elias Jones led Prince Charles's investiture procession in 1969.
Jones began his deception as a choirboy by convincing a bishop he should lead the procession.
He was convicted for fraud in 1973 and 1975 in the UK, and received psychiatric treatment.
Jones married Lee McKenzie in Canada in 1980 and later committed fraud there.
Jones's fraudulent activities spanned multiple continents, including North America and Europe.
He was warned by psychiatrists of having a personality disorder, suggesting potential danger to others.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in a new year message, pledged to address economic and social issues in Britain by 2026, promising positive changes like improved public services and lower living costs. Other political leaders, such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, also shared their plans for economic growth. Additionally, other parties like the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK are preparing for the upcoming local elections.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to tackle decline and promote unity in Britain by 2026.
Starmer mentioned plans for lower bills, more police presence, and new health centers.
2025 was a challenging year with economic slowdown and high unemployment in Britain.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, outlined plans to support businesses and improve the economy.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey anticipates election success and aims to bring change.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized other parties for not embracing new technologies.
SNP leader John Swinney highlighted the impact of global events and celebrated Scotland's sports achievements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bulgaria has become the 21st country to use the euro, joining the eurozone despite mixed feelings from its population. The change replaces the Bulgarian lev with the euro and has led to different reactions among Bulgarians. Some are optimistic about the economic benefits, while others are worried about sovereignty and costs.
Key Facts
Bulgaria is now the 21st member of the eurozone, using the euro currency.
The Bulgarian lev, in use since 1881, is being replaced by the euro.
Shops in Bulgaria have shown prices in both lev and euros since August 2025.
Opinion polls show that Bulgarians are divided on adopting the euro.
A confidence vote ousted Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's government amid protests.
From February 1, 2026, Bulgarians can no longer use the lev for payments.
New euro coins include Bulgarian symbols to address concerns over national identity.
The country has experienced political instability, with seven elections in four years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A charity is working to preserve a historic building on South Georgia island linked to polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. The South Georgia Heritage Trust is stabilizing a villa used by Shackleton during a famous rescue mission in 1916 and plans to create a digital version for global access.
Key Facts
The South Georgia Heritage Trust, based in Dundee, is leading the preservation project.
The building, known as Stromness Manager's Villa, was used by Ernest Shackleton in 1916.
Shackleton reached the villa after a challenging journey from Antarctica to South Georgia.
The building is in poor condition, with a survey in 2022 indicating it's close to collapse due to rotting wood.
More than £3 million has been raised to stabilize the structure and create a digital "twin."
The project does not aim to open the site to the public due to safety concerns with asbestos and other debris nearby.
Ernest Shackleton's 1916 expedition from the Antarctic to South Georgia is a significant part of his story and continues to inspire many.
Specialists will scan the villa to make it accessible online, potentially using virtual reality technology.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have experienced a strain in their relationship due to conflicts in Yemen. The UAE began supporting a group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC), but Saudi Arabia viewed this as a threat and intervened to stop it.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia and UAE were part of a coalition to fight Houthis in Yemen for over a decade.
The mission to control the Houthis in Yemen was not successful.
The UAE supported the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in southern Yemen.
The STC gained control of areas near Saudi Arabia's borders.
Saudi Arabia saw this as a security threat and demanded the UAE leave the area.
The UAE agreed to withdraw within 24 hours.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel plans to ban 37 international organizations that help Palestinians in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council. This decision may severely impact the people in Gaza, who heavily rely on aid due to ongoing conflicts and restricted access to resources. Several countries have urged Israel to allow these organizations to continue their work.
Key Facts
Israel will start a ban on 37 international aid organizations, revoking their licenses.
Organizations affected include Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Israel requires aid groups to disclose details about their staff and activities.
Gaza residents rely heavily on these organizations for medical treatment and basic needs.
Foreign ministers from 10 countries are urging Israel to let NGOs work consistently in Gaza.
Gaza has faced significant destruction, and many people live in makeshift shelters.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) criticized Israel's decision as harmful to humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
UNRWA chief stated that the decision threatens humanitarian principles like neutrality and independence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NBC's special "A Toast to 2025" will air on December 31, 2025, from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM ET on NBC and Peacock. The event will feature hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager and include highlights from pop culture, news, sports, and viral moments of the year. The show will combine celebrity appearances, comedic talks, and reflections to celebrate the year 2025.
Key Facts
"A Toast to 2025" is a New Year's Eve special on NBC.
The show will air from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM ET on December 31, 2025.
It will be available on NBC and the streaming platform Peacock.
Hosts are Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.
The show will feature highlights from pop culture, news, sports, and viral moments from 2025.
Celebrity appearances include Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie, Willie Geist, and Kristin Chenoweth, among others.
The program includes a mix of nostalgia, humor, and star appearances.
The special aims to create a positive, reflective vibe as the year ends.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 23-year-old man was killed in a stabbing incident on New Year's Eve in south-east London. Police have started a murder investigation and have not made any arrests yet.
Key Facts
A 23-year-old man was stabbed on Grove Street in Deptford, south-east London.
The incident happened on New Year’s Eve, and police were called at about 12:30 GMT.
The man had a knife wound to the chest and died despite paramedics' efforts to save him.
The Metropolitan Police have started a murder investigation.
No arrests have been made so far.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Townsend stated that they are working quickly to understand what happened.
Extra police will be patrolling the area to increase public safety.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A suicide bomber in Aleppo, Syria, killed one police officer and injured several others. The attacker detonated an explosive when officers tried to arrest him in the Bab al-Faraj area.
Key Facts
A suicide bomber attacked Syrian police forces in Aleppo.
One officer died, and several others were injured in the explosion.
The bomber blew himself up as police tried to detain him.
The incident happened in the Bab al-Faraj neighborhood.
Authorities are investigating and have secured the site of the explosion.
The attack occurred as officers were preparing for New Year's Eve festivities.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Protests in Iran have been ongoing for four days, with demonstrators trying to enter a local government building in Fars province. The protests began due to a steep decline in the Iranian currency's value and have spread to several cities, leading to injuries, arrests, and increased security measures.
Key Facts
Protesters attempted to enter a governor's office in Fasa, Fars province.
Three police officers were injured, and four people were arrested.
Confrontations have also occurred in Hamedan and Lorestan.
Iran announced a bank holiday, closing schools and public offices, which many saw as a way to control the protests.
The protests started in Tehran, fueled by a large drop in the currency's value.
Demonstrations have spread to various cities and involve university students.
The current protests are widespread but not as large as those in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini.
President Masoud Pezeshkian plans to address protesters' legitimate concerns, but the prosecutor general warned of a strong response to any instability.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Finnish authorities seized a cargo ship called Fitburg that was sailing from Russia to Israel after it allegedly damaged undersea telecommunication cables in the Gulf of Finland. Finnish police are investigating possible criminal damage and interference with telecommunications. The crew, consisting of 14 members from Russia and nearby countries, have been detained.
Key Facts
Finnish authorities seized the cargo vessel Fitburg due to suspected cable damage.
The ship was traveling from St Petersburg, Russia, to Israel.
The investigation is looking into criminal damage and interference with telecommunications.
The crew of 14 includes citizens from Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.
The cable is crucial infrastructure owned by Elisa, a telecom company, but services have not been disrupted.
Similar incidents have occurred in the Baltic Sea area, raising concerns about security and potential sabotage.
NATO has increased its military presence in the Baltic region amid these security concerns.
Estonia reported a related cable outage, and investigations are ongoing to determine any connections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lebanon's government gave a deadline for disarming Hezbollah, but the group refuses to give up its weapons. The Lebanese military prepared a phased plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, as suggested by the United States. Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue while debates around Hezbollah's disarmament persist.
Key Facts
Lebanon's government set a deadline to disarm Hezbollah, which Hezbollah rejected.
The Lebanese cabinet asked the military to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
Hezbollah calls the disarmament plan a U.S.-Israel agenda against Lebanon.
Israel continues air strikes in southern Lebanon, including attacks north of the Litani River.
An Israeli attack in Sidon recently killed three people, including a Lebanese army officer.
Israel is accused of preventing reconstruction in southern Lebanese villages after previous conflicts.
Hezbollah claims its weapons are necessary to prevent Israeli occupation.
The U.S., a key ally of Israel, provides weapons to the Lebanese army but not to confront Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Humanitarian organizations Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders criticize Israel's decision to ban them from assisting people in Gaza. They deny accusations that their work supports terrorism.
Key Facts
Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders are humanitarian groups.
These groups help people in need, often in areas affected by conflict or disaster.
Israel has banned these organizations from working in Gaza.
The organizations deny any allegations that they support terrorism.
This ban prevents them from providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man named Shakaine Dwyer, 29, has been charged with murder after a car hit and killed Ruben Nunes, 34, in north-west London. The incident occurred on December 3, and initially, Dwyer was charged with dangerous driving, but this was later changed to murder.
Key Facts
Shakaine Dwyer is 29 years old and from Willesden, London.
Ruben Nunes, the victim, was 34 years old and from Peterborough.
The accident happened on December 3 in Willesden, London.
Initially, Dwyer was charged with causing death by dangerous driving on December 7.
The charge was updated to murder on a following Monday.
Another man, Gregory Ejiofor, 31, is charged with having a firearm with intent to scare people.
The police were called to the scene of a car hitting pedestrians at 12:45 GMT.
Ruben Nunes died at the accident scene.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prime Video will release new shows and movies in January 2026, including "Beast Games Season 2" and "The Night Manager Season 2". "Beast Games" returns with a contest featuring 200 participants divided into smart and strong groups, while "The Night Manager" continues its spy drama.
Key Facts
"Beast Games Season 2" premieres on January 7, 2026.
The new season features $15 million in cash and prizes.
The show has 200 contestants, equally divided into smart and strong groups.
"The Night Manager Season 2" airs starting January 11, 2026.
Tom Hiddleston reprises his role in "The Night Manager".
Various movies and shows are also added, including popular titles like "Mission Impossible" and "Zombieland: Double Tap".
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
ABC's New Year's Eve show, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest, will air on December 31, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC. The event will feature live performances from multiple locations, including New York, Las Vegas, and Chicago, with Diana Ross headlining the Times Square performance.
Key Facts
The show will air on ABC on December 31, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM ET.
Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will host the event in New York City.
The live broadcast includes countdowns in Chicago with Chance the Rapper and in Las Vegas with Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough.
Viewers can also watch the event later on Hulu.
There will be performances from 42 artists across several cities.
Diana Ross will headline the midnight performance in Times Square.
Other performers include Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, Post Malone, Little Big Town, and more.
The event is available to live stream on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump recently agreed with European leaders that Russia is preventing a peace deal. The CIA found that Ukraine did not target Russian President Putin's residence with a drone. President Putin had claimed otherwise.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke with European leaders and agreed that Russia is stopping a peace deal.
The CIA assessed that Ukraine did not aim a drone at President Putin's home.
President Putin claimed the drone attack targeted his residence.
President Trump discussed the situation with President Putin.
The conversation between Trump and European leaders suggests a shared view on Russia's role in the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash is a major New Year's Eve event featuring famous country music performers and a fireworks show. It will be broadcast live from Nashville, Tennessee on CBS and available to stream through Paramount+ and Fubo. The celebration will include performances, a countdown, and Nashville's signature Music Note Drop.
Key Facts
The event is called New Year's Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.
It takes place on December 31, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM ET.
It will be shown on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ and Fubo.
The event will feature performances from country music stars like Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman.
The celebration will broadcast from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville's traditional Music Note Drop and a fireworks display will happen at midnight Central Time.
The hosts are Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY.
There will be a live countdown for the Eastern Time Zone.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
As the world welcomed the year 2026, different countries celebrated with fireworks, drums, and light shows. New Zealand and Australia were among the first to usher in the new year, while Bangkok, Beijing, and other cities also hosted large celebrations.
Key Facts
Crowds globally gathered to celebrate the start of 2026.
New Zealand and Australia were the first countries to celebrate with fireworks.
Bangkok featured a major fireworks display by the Great Buddha of Thailand.
Beijing celebrated with a show that combined drums and lights.
Celebrations included iconic backdrops and vibrant displays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large glacier in Antarctica, known as the Thwaites Glacier, is melting quickly. A team of about 40 researchers is going on a two-month mission to study the glacier's changes and its impact on sea levels.
Key Facts
The Thwaites Glacier is located in Antarctica and is roughly the size of Florida.
It is referred to as the "Doomsday Glacier" due to its potential impact on sea levels.
Rising temperatures are causing the glacier to melt quickly.
Nearly 40 researchers are part of the expedition to study the glacier.
The research mission will last for two months.
The study aims to understand how the glacier's melting could affect global sea levels.
Miles O’Brien, a science correspondent, is reporting on the expedition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
