Bulgaria plans to start using the euro as its currency on January 1, 2026. This change means Bulgaria will become the 21st European nation to adopt the euro, leaving six EU member countries still using their own currencies.
Key Facts
Bulgaria will adopt the euro on January 1, 2026.
Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union (EU) since January 1, 2007.
Only six EU countries will remain with their own currencies: The Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.
The euro is the official currency of the EU and is used by about 350 million people.
The European Central Bank manages the euro, which consists of six main banknotes.
The Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) requires countries to stabilize their currency value against the euro before adoption.
Denmark has a legal opt-out from adopting the euro, as agreed in the 1992 Edinburgh Agreement.
Four non-EU countries also use the euro through formal agreements: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.
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A video went viral of a dog named Handsome, who prefers to sleep under a sink rather than in his dog beds. His owner, Serena, shared this humorous routine on TikTok, gaining widespread attention and relatable reactions from other dog owners.
Key Facts
A dog named Handsome refuses to leave his spot under a sink each morning.
Serena, the dog's owner, shared a video on TikTok showing her pulling him out.
The video gained over 484,000 views and more than 53,000 likes.
Handsome is a Pomeranian husky mix.
Many dog owners shared similar stories about their pets choosing unusual sleeping spots.
The video sparked a humorous and relatable response among viewers.
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After Brigitte Bardot's death at age 91, people noticed she was one of the many cultural figures mentioned in Billy Joel's 1989 song "We Didn’t Start the Fire." Only three people from the song's list of over 100 historical and cultural figures are still alive. The song highlights key events and icons between 1949 and 1989.
Key Facts
Brigitte Bardot passed away on December 28, 2025, at age 91.
Bardot was a famous actress turned animal-rights activist.
She became well-known for the movie "And God Created Woman" in 1956.
Bardot's name appears in the fifth verse of Billy Joel's song.
The song "We Didn’t Start the Fire" features over 100 cultural references.
Only three people from the song's list are still alive.
A data analyst updated a chart that tracks all figures in the song after Bardot's passing.
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In 2025, Prince Harry faced several significant events related to his relationship with Britain. He lost a legal battle over police protection in the UK, met with King Charles III to improve their relationship, and wrote about his emotional connection to Britain. Harry awaits a new threat assessment that could impact his family's security arrangements during visits to the UK.
Key Facts
Prince Harry lost a court case in May 2025 about police protection in the UK.
The British Home Office made a ruling that decides Harry's protection on a case-by-case basis.
Harry met with King Charles III for tea in September, marking a positive turn in their relationship.
In November, Harry wrote an essay expressing his connection to and nostalgia for Britain.
In December, it was reported that a risk assessment board began evaluating Harry's security needs.
Harry no longer holds official police protection for his visits to the UK since leaving royal duties.
He hired a UK-based PR spokesman to help manage his public image in Britain.
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Singer Chappell Roan removed a tribute to French actress Brigitte Bardot after learning about Bardot's controversial political views. Bardot was known for her acting and later became an outspoken animal rights activist, but her remarks criticizing Muslims, gay men, and the #MeToo movement have caused controversy. Roan faced mixed reactions online after retracting her initial praise of Bardot.
Key Facts
Chappell Roan initially shared a tribute to Brigitte Bardot on Instagram.
Roan later removed the tribute after discovering Bardot's controversial views.
Brigitte Bardot was an iconic actress and singer in the 1950s and 1960s.
Bardot became an animal welfare activist later in life.
Bardot made controversial remarks about Muslims, gay men, and the #MeToo movement.
Roan said she did not know about Bardot's political views before her tribute.
Online debate emerged about whether the criticism of Roan was justified.
Bardot was connected with far-right political figures in France.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged his government to listen to the demands of protesters in Tehran, who have been demonstrating against the poor economy and the falling currency. He announced plans to address their concerns and improve economic conditions. The protests began after the Iranian rial hit new lows against the US dollar, leading to increased public unrest.
Key Facts
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed protesters' demands to improve livelihoods.
Demonstrations occurred in Tehran due to the depreciating Iranian rial.
The protests involved shop closures and street demonstrations.
Iran has been facing high inflation and a severe energy crisis.
Protests included clashes with antiriot forces using tear gas.
Iran's economy is under pressure from US and Western sanctions.
The government plans to reform the monetary and banking system.
Iran's internet environment is highly restricted, affecting information flow.
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Saudi Arabia bombed the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, claiming that forces backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) smuggled weapons into Yemen. The UAE denied these accusations and called for calm. This situation is causing tension between two key U.S. partners in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia carried out an airstrike on Mukalla, a Yemeni port city.
Saudi Arabia accused UAE-backed forces of smuggling weapons into Yemen.
The United Arab Emirates denied the accusations.
The UAE called for restraint and wisdom in response to the situation.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE could affect their coalition against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
Anti-Houthi groups in Yemen declared a state of emergency and wanted Emirati troops to leave within 24 hours.
The situation could change the political dynamics in the region, affecting areas from the Red Sea to the Arabian Peninsula.
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The United Nations has reported severe child malnutrition in North Darfur, Sudan, where conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces continues. UNICEF found over half of the children screened in a specific area were malnourished, with some facing life-threatening conditions. The conflict has displaced millions and caused famine, making it a major humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
UNICEF warns of high levels of child malnutrition in North Darfur, Sudan.
Over 53% of 500 screened children in Um Baru area are acutely malnourished.
One in six children has severe acute malnutrition, a potentially fatal condition.
Fighting in Sudan involves the national army and the Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict has displaced over 12 million people and caused widespread famine.
A UN team visited the RSF-controlled city of el-Fasher, finding it nearly deserted.
More than 100,000 people fled el-Fasher due to fighting and reported atrocities.
The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire to stop the ongoing violence.
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An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took a nighttime photo showing "moonglint" between Florida and Cuba. This image highlights the moonlight reflecting on water, a view not visible from the ground. NASA shared the photo, which was taken on March 19, 2023.
Key Facts
An astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) took the photo at 2:23 a.m. Eastern time on March 19.
"Moonglint" is the reflection of moonlight on a water surface, visible at certain angles.
The photo shows moonglint between the Florida peninsula and Cuba.
The International Space Station is about 248 miles above Earth.
The moon was in a waning phase with 78% illumination when the photo was taken.
Bright city lights are visible in the photo, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Havana.
The future of the ISS is uncertain due to geopolitical tensions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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A 19-year-old woman, Audrey Morris, avoided deportation from Denmark after issues with her visa. Elon Musk made controversial comments about her appearance, drawing criticism. Morris responded, expressing surprise that Musk focused on her looks instead of her academic achievements.
Key Facts
Audrey Morris is a 19-year-old from Los Angeles who moved to Denmark at age nine.
Danish authorities questioned her residency after she violated the conditions of her visa.
Morris eventually got a 10-year residency permit but was denied Danish citizenship.
Elon Musk commented on Morris's appearance, saying attractive people should avoid deportation.
The comments drew criticism on Musk's social media platform, X, with many calling them inappropriate.
Morris expressed surprise that Musk focused on her appearance rather than her achievements.
Her parents moved to Denmark for her mother’s PhD, and Morris faced the possibility of returning to the U.S. without them.
Musk’s past involvement with the Trump administration and comments on immigration have also been a subject of public debate.
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The Saudi-led coalition conducted an airstrike on Mukalla port in Yemen, targeting weapons unloaded by two ships that did not have coalition permission. The coalition claims the operation aimed to prevent the use of military support by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the region. Authorities emphasize that there were no casualties and the action followed international humanitarian laws.
Key Facts
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen carried out an airstrike at Mukalla port.
The strike targeted weapons and vehicles unloaded by two ships without coalition approval.
Coalition spokesperson said the ships turned off tracking systems and unloaded military supplies.
No casualties or damage outside the target area were reported.
The situation follows increased tension between the STC and Yemeni government forces.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni presidential council called for UAE forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours.
The STC was part of the coalition against the Houthis in 2015 but now seeks self-rule.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged for diplomacy to resolve the situation.
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Forecast maps from AccuWeather show expected weather across the United States for New Year's Eve 2025. Colder and snowy weather may affect areas in the Northeast and Great Lakes, while rain is likely in Southern California and parts of the Southwest.
Key Facts
AccuWeather predicts colder air in the Northeast for New Year's Eve.
Snow showers could create travel issues in the Great Lakes and Northeast.
Lake-effect snow might cause heavy snowfall in parts of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Temperatures might be 5 to 10 degrees colder than normal in the Midwest, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic.
Rain is expected in Southern California on New Year's Eve, spreading to the Southwest on New Year's Day.
Major travel impacts are expected in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana.
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Natalie Rekowski has a rare condition that affects her ability to breathe and requires ongoing treatment. After emergency surgery, she felt much better and could enjoy her pregnancy. The treatment for her condition is available at a specialist center in Nottingham.
Key Facts
Natalie Rekowski suffers from a rare condition affecting her airway, known as idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis.
The condition affects about one in 500,000 women and causes narrowing of the voice box and windpipe.
At 18 weeks pregnant with her second child, Natalie's condition worsened, leading to emergency surgery.
Treatment involves surgery to remove affected tissue and steroid injections to manage scar tissue.
Prof Reza Nouraei, a specialist in Nottingham, developed a technique to treat this condition effectively.
Natalie is part of a support group of women with the same condition who receive treatment at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre.
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Wales' last operating nuclear power plant, Wylfa, shut down in 2015 after 44 years of activity. The closure marked the end of significant employment on Anglesey and affected the local economy, which is still trying to recover. The site is currently being decommissioned, with efforts focused on removing remaining hazardous materials and unneeded structures.
Key Facts
Wylfa nuclear power plant stopped generating energy in 2015.
It was the last source of nuclear energy in Wales before its closure.
The plant operated for 44 years before its decommissioning began.
Its closure resulted in job losses and economic challenges on Anglesey.
The decommissioning process includes removing nuclear fuel and hazardous materials.
Around 200 people now work at the site during the decommissioning phase.
Most of the radiation has been removed from the site.
Site Director Stuart Law expects stable employment numbers at the site in the coming years.
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Ellen Roome, whose son died in 2022, has been appointed an MBE for her efforts in campaigning for parents to have access to the social media accounts of their deceased children. She began the campaign after her 14-year-old son's death, which was related to an online challenge. Roome's activism led to a parliamentary debate, and she continues to push for legislative changes.
Key Facts
Ellen Roome's son, Jools Sweeney, died at age 14 in April 2022.
Roome believes accessing Jools' social media could provide insights into his death.
She campaigns for legal changes to let parents access their deceased children's social media accounts.
Roome's campaign has triggered a parliamentary debate and aims to achieve law changes by March.
She has been awarded an MBE for her work in children's online safety.
The proposed legal changes would incorporate digital checks into post-mortem procedures.
Mary Hutton and Prof David Main have also been recognized for their contributions in different fields in Gloucestershire.
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Caitlyn McDonald, an 18-year-old from Ardrossan, Scotland, finds peace and focus through wildlife photography despite having Autism and Auditory Processing Disorder, conditions that make everyday life challenging. Her interest in photography began after a successful photo of her dogs led her mother to connect Caitlyn with wildlife photographer Paul McDougall, who has been mentoring her. Caitlyn continues to grow her skills and confidence in photography by participating in workshops and outings.
Key Facts
Caitlyn McDonald is an 18-year-old from Ardrossan, Scotland.
She has Autism and Auditory Processing Disorder, which affect how she processes sounds and handle daily life.
Caitlyn wears headphones to cope with daily distractions and noise.
Her interest in photography began with a photo of her dogs, which won an award.
Wildlife photographer Paul McDougall mentors her through workshops.
Caitlyn has captured photos of various animals, including swans, puffins, and lynxes.
Photography helps Caitlyn find calmness and focus away from chaotic environments.
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Archaeologists solved the mystery of when Scotland's first skatepark was closed using a chocolate bar wrapper. The site, known as Kelvin Wheelies, stopped being used in the early 1980s, but the exact closing date was unclear until the wrapper provided evidence.
Key Facts
Scotland's first skatepark, Kelvin Wheelies, was opened in May 1978.
The skatepark featured areas like bowls and slalom runs and hosted skateboarding events.
Popularity, maintenance costs, and safety concerns led to its closure in the early 1980s.
Archaeologists and volunteers worked to determine the closure date by excavating the site.
They found a chocolate bar wrapper with a best-before date, which helped date the closure.
The excavation is part of an episode of the BBC's "Digging For Britain" airing on January 7.
Dr. Tori Herridge and Dr. Kenny Brophy led the excavation and research efforts.
Modern skaters helped in the excavation, learning about historical skateboarding culture.
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Two Chinese oil tankers are nearing Venezuelan waters despite a U.S. blockade aimed at restricting Venezuela's oil exports. The U.S. is increasing military actions to limit Venezuela's oil revenue, claiming it funds illegal activities. China and other nations have criticized the U.S. blockade, urging it to cease its actions.
Key Facts
Chinese oil tankers, including the Thousand Sunny and Xing Ye, are operating near Venezuela.
These tankers are not sanctioned by the U.S. and have a history of transporting Venezuelan oil to China.
President Donald Trump has increased U.S. naval enforcement to halt Venezuelan oil shipments.
Venezuela's government claims the U.S. is illegally targeting its oil exports.
China has extended significant loans to Venezuela, often repaid with oil shipments.
The U.S. has seized several vessels it claims are involved in illegal oil transport from Venezuela.
Venezuela has started to escort its oil-carrying vessels with gunboats within its territorial waters.
Venezuela's state-owned oil company is reducing production due to the U.S. blockade impacts.
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Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and its first female leader, passed away at the age of 80 in Dhaka after a long illness. Her death has led to many international leaders sending condolences, honoring her contributions to Bangladesh and her role in establishing democracy. Leaders from countries like India, Pakistan, and the United States have expressed their sorrow and highlighted her legacy.
Key Facts
Khaleda Zia was the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the country's first female leader.
She died in a hospital in Dhaka after a long illness at the age of 80.
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus praised her as a symbol of the democratic movement.
Exiled political rival Sheikh Hasina acknowledged her contributions to democracy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness and noted her role in India-Bangladesh relations.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called her a devoted friend of Pakistan.
The US embassy in Dhaka recognized her impact on Bangladesh's modern history.
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Iran has labeled Canada's navy as a "terrorist organization" in response to Canada's similar labeling of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in June 2024. This exchange has increased tensions between Iran and Canada and may affect their diplomatic relations.
Key Facts
Iran called Canada's navy a "terrorist organization."
This action is a response to Canada labeling Iran's IRGC as a terrorist group.
Canada made the decision about the IRGC in June 2024.
The IRGC is part of Iran's military forces.
Iran said Canada's decision was "illegal."
Iran based its response on a law from 2019.
The situation may lead to further diplomatic issues between the two countries.
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