Dan Dzurnak's cat, Duke, went missing from a motel in Tennessee during a road trip. Almost six weeks later, Dzurnak returned to Tennessee and managed to find Duke in a wooded area with the help of a local resident.
Key Facts
Dan Dzurnak lost his cat, Duke, at a motel in Tennessee while driving from Michigan to Florida.
Dzurnak stayed in the area for two additional days searching for Duke, but then continued his trip to Florida after leaving posters.
After almost a month, a resident called Dzurnak, saying he saw Duke and sent a photo for identification.
Fearing bad weather, Dzurnak flew back to Tennessee shortly after hearing the news to search for Duke.
Dzurnak, with help from the resident named Jeff, found Duke in a wooded area near Jeff's home.
Duke survived over five weeks outdoors, appearing hungry but uninjured.
Dzurnak and Duke were reunited and returned to Florida two days later.
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Turkiye held a military ceremony to honor a group of Libyan officials, including military chief Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, who died in a plane crash. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ankara, and all on board died. The remains of the officials will be sent back to Libya for a funeral.
Key Facts
A plane crash in Turkiye killed Libyan military chief Mohammed al-Haddad and other officials.
The Libyan delegation was in Turkiye for defense talks.
A ceremony was held in Turkiye at Murted airbase to honor the victims.
Libyan officials said the crash was due to a technical malfunction.
The remains of the Libyan officials will be repatriated for an official funeral in Libya.
Al-Haddad played a key role in efforts to unify Libya's armed forces.
Condolences came from both Libya's eastern and western factions.
Libya has been divided between rival administrations since 2011.
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A man and his dog were found dead after a fire broke out on a canal boat in Standish, Greater Manchester, early on Christmas Day. Police are investigating the incident and plan to formally identify the deceased.
Key Facts
A man and his dog were discovered dead after a fire on a canal boat.
The fire occurred early on Christmas Day at Crooke Hall Moorings in Standish, Greater Manchester.
The exact time of discovery was around 03:30 GMT.
Greater Manchester Police will conduct formal identification of the man.
Police are investigating the cause of the fire.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to discuss security issues with U.S. President Donald Trump after Russia carried out airstrikes on Kyiv. The attacks have caused significant damage to the city's infrastructure. Zelensky aims to finalize a peace plan with Trump that includes security guarantees for Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Zelensky is meeting President Trump in Florida to discuss peace talks with Russia.
Russian forces launched airstrikes on Kyiv, using nearly 500 drones and about 40 missiles.
The strikes left parts of Kyiv without heat, affecting residents in freezing temperatures.
At least one person died, and dozens were injured due to the attacks.
Zelensky stated that effective air defense is crucial for successful diplomacy.
The proposed peace plan includes security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe and an economic zone in Donbas.
A ceasefire is required before a planned nationwide referendum in Ukraine can take place.
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A doodle puppy named Auggie was featured in Newsweek's Pet of the Week after being confused at a sibling's birthday party. Pet owners are encouraged to share heartwarming and fun videos of their pets for consideration in future editions.
Key Facts
Auggie is a new puppy who joined a family celebration for his siblings' birthdays.
The family celebrates the birthdays of two dogs, Willow and Hank, annually.
A video showed Auggie confused during the celebration but eventually enjoying the treat.
Coco, a cat from New Orleans, was a finalist for Pet of the Week.
Coco was adopted to help control pests without using chemicals.
Another finalist, Sofie, is a Peekapoo known for her expressive eyebrows and face.
Stanley, a 4-year-old Labradoodle, is also a finalist known for his energy despite health issues like seizures.
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Mormon leader Jeffrey R. Holland, who was the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away. He died from complications related to kidney disease on December 27, 2023. His passing was announced shortly after he had been hospitalized.
Key Facts
Jeffrey R. Holland was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He served as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Holland died on December 27, 2023, at about 3:15 a.m. MST.
The cause of death was complications from kidney disease.
His family was present at the time of his death.
His wife, Patricia Terry Holland, died earlier on July 20, 2023.
Holland is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
The church announced his recent hospitalization on Christmas Eve.
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A fossil of a prehistoric shark, known as the Bearsden shark, was discovered near Glasgow, Scotland, in 1982. The shark fossil is exceptionally well-preserved, offering valuable insight into prehistoric marine life. Local enthusiasts want to create a sculpture of the shark to ensure the fossil's story is remembered.
Key Facts
The Bearsden shark fossil was found in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, in 1982.
It is one of the most complete fossil sharks ever found, with its entire skeleton intact.
The fossil is 330 million years old, showing the remains of the shark's last meal.
The shark is named Akmonistion zangerli and was discovered among other fish and plant fossils.
Local fossil hunter Stan Wood led the excavation at the Manse Burn site.
The fossil is displayed at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.
Local enthusiasts plan to build a sculpture of the shark to keep its story alive.
The fossil provides important information for understanding ancient sharks compared to other incomplete fossils.
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The United Nations is urging a ceasefire in Sudan due to a civil war causing major humanitarian problems. The conflict started in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group RSF. The war has caused suffering and forced millions to flee or need help.
Key Facts
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has asked for a ceasefire in Sudan's civil war.
The war in Sudan started in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the army and the RSF.
Over 9.6 million people have been displaced within Sudan, and 4.3 million have fled to nearby countries.
The UN says 30.4 million Sudanese people need humanitarian aid.
Fighting has intensified in the central Kordofan region recently.
The RSF took over the Heglig oilfield, causing tensions with South Sudan.
A drone attack killed two Chadian soldiers, possibly escalating the conflict beyond Sudan's borders.
The UN conducted an assessment in el-Fasher after heavy fighting and reported mass displacement and violence.
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In 2025, Meghan Markle tried to become a lifestyle influencer, launching a Netflix show, a podcast, and an online shop. Her TV show received negative reviews from critics and was parodied on TikTok. Despite setbacks, she made some improvements to her online store.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle tried to reinvent herself as a lifestyle influencer in 2025.
She launched a Netflix show called "With Love, Meghan" and a podcast named "Confessions of a Female Founder."
She also started an online shop named "As Ever."
The Netflix show received mostly poor reviews and was criticized by both British and U.S. media.
The show was also mocked on TikTok, particularly highlighting that Meghan seemed inexperienced.
Meghan rebranded her lifestyle business from "American Riviera Orchard" to "As Ever."
The show's first season had a low rating of 23% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite criticisms, she made improvements to her online shop during the year.
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Three sisters discovered they were all pregnant at the same time. One sister, Annie Henderson, faced complications with her pregnancy that led to her newborn son, Owen, passing away due to severe heart conditions.
Key Facts
Three sisters, Annie Henderson, Emilee Jackson, and Rosa Jacques, were all pregnant at the same time.
Annie Henderson's son, Owen, had serious heart problems, including Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome.
Henderson experienced a difficult pregnancy with medical issues, including preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
Owen was born on August 12, but his heart condition was too severe to treat successfully.
Owen passed away on August 19, a week after birth, while family members, except Jacques, visited him at the hospital.
Henderson felt deep grief and trauma from losing her son so soon after birth.
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Many young people from the UK are moving to Australia, seeking better work-life balance, good pay, and improved living conditions. However, the reality doesn't always match the appealing images shared on social media, as Australia faces its own challenges, such as a cost of living crisis and a competitive job market. Migrant applications for citizenship can be complicated by various requirements, including qualifications and age limits.
Key Facts
Migration from the UK to Australia was at a ten-year high in 2024, with over 39,000 people moving from the UK and nearby islands.
The move is partly driven by demand after Brexit and travel restrictions from Covid-19 ended.
Jobs in construction, education, and healthcare are popular, but visa rules vary by location and job type.
Most applicants need a trade qualification, diploma, or degree, and must be under 45, though there are exceptions.
Migrants often seek a better work-life balance, with typical annual leave in Australia being four weeks plus 13-14 public holidays.
Cost of living and housing shortages in Australia challenge the idealized view of life there.
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A former Brazilian police chief, Silvinei Vasques, was arrested in Paraguay for trying to flee to El Salvador. He was previously convicted for his role in an attempted coup linked to ex-President Jair Bolsonaro. Vasques was caught using a fake identity and handed back to Brazilian authorities.
Key Facts
Silvinei Vasques is a former police chief from Brazil.
He was convicted for helping in an attempted coup under ex-President Jair Bolsonaro.
Vasques was arrested at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Paraguay.
He was trying to fly to Panama and then go to El Salvador.
Vasques used a false identity, pretending to be Paraguayan.
He had escaped Brazil after being sentenced to over 24 years of house arrest.
Vasques was handed over to Brazilian authorities at the border with Paraguay.
Brazil's ex-intelligence director Alexandre Ramagem and Bolsonaro also faced legal troubles for related coup attempts.
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The UK will offer teenagers a paid "gap year" experience with the armed forces, aiming to attract more young people to military careers. This new scheme comes amid rising tensions with Russia and includes basic training without active combat deployment.
Key Facts
The UK plans to offer military "gap years" to young people aged 18 to 25.
The initiative is part of a strategy to boost military recruitment among youth.
The plan is initially for 150 participants, with hopes to expand to over 1,000 annually.
The young recruits will not participate in active military operations.
The program will include 13 weeks of basic training for army recruits.
Navy placements will last one year; the RAF details are still being decided.
The program aligns with similar initiatives in other European countries like France, Germany, and Belgium.
Rising tensions with Russia have influenced the development of this program.
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A winter storm is impacting parts of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania with snow, sleet, and ice. Forecasts show reduced snow totals compared to earlier predictions, but driving conditions remain difficult due to the weather. Authorities advise caution for those traveling during the holiday season.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service (NWS) released a new map showing winter storm warnings for the New York area.
Snow and sleet totals have been reduced in New York City and northeast New Jersey.
Despite these reductions, heavy snow is making travel difficult, especially overnight.
Up to 10 inches of snow have fallen in some areas, mostly affecting New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Freezing rain and a wintry mix are contributing to road hazards by creating icy conditions.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul advised residents to monitor weather updates and prepare for travel.
More than 122 million Americans are traveling during the holiday season, potentially impacted by these weather conditions.
The winter storm warning is in effect until 1 p.m. on December 27, 2025, for the Tri-State area.
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A doctor highlights three habits that she believes help older adults maintain strong physical and mental health. Known as "super agers," these individuals stay socially connected, physically active, and mentally agile. The doctor suggests starting these habits at any age for better health outcomes.
Key Facts
A "super ager" is someone in their 60s and 70s with strong physical, mental, and emotional health.
Dr. Amy Shah shared a video showcasing her parents, who are in their 70s, performing physical exercises.
Maintaining social connections is critical for super agers; loneliness can increase health risks.
Physical activity, such as exercises for lower-body strength, helps maintain brain health.
Mental agility practices, like learning new skills, are essential for super agers.
Research shows stronger leg muscles are linked to slower mental aging.
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Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to stop fighting and called for an immediate ceasefire after weeks of clashes. The ceasefire, effective immediately, allows civilians to return home and includes the release of Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand. The agreement followed talks between officials of both countries after recent intense conflicts resulted in deaths and displacement.
Key Facts
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire to stop recent border clashes.
The clashes displaced almost one million people and caused at least 41 deaths.
The ceasefire allows civilians to return to their homes in border areas.
The agreement includes a freeze on troop movements and requires the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand.
The recent fighting began after an October ceasefire agreement was breached.
Both sides blame each other for the breakdown of the previous truce.
The conflict involves a long-standing border dispute dating back over a century.
Efforts to mediate included Malaysia and U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to an earlier fragile ceasefire called the "Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords."
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Mia Hansson, an artist in Cambridgeshire, is creating a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, which originally depicts the 1066 Norman conquest of England. She aims to complete her project by October 2027, coinciding with the tapestry's display in London and its return to the Bayeux Museum in Normandy. Hansson has already completed 55 meters of the replica and works steadily each year to meet her deadline.
Key Facts
Mia Hansson is working on a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, an artwork that is nearly 1,000 years old.
The original tapestry tells the story of the 1066 Norman conquest of England.
Hansson started her project in 2016 and has been working for nearly ten years.
She aims to finish by October 2027, when the tapestry will be displayed in London and later return to Normandy.
As of now, she has completed 55 meters out of the total 70 meters.
The original tapestry uses only seven colors, which Hansson is replicating in her work.
Hansson works from a personal "roadmap" to plan her embroidery scenes.
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Citizens in the Central African Republic (CAR) are set to vote in controversial presidential and legislative elections. President Faustin-Archange Touadera seeks a third term after removing term limits, a move that some opposition groups have boycotted. The nation, facing ongoing conflict and economic challenges, will also hold local elections for the first time in 40 years.
Key Facts
CAR voters will participate in presidential, legislative, and local elections.
President Touadera aims to extend his presidency beyond two terms after eliminating term limits.
Opposition groups have boycotted the elections, labeling them as unfair.
Local elections will occur for the first time since the 1980s amidst a lengthy civil conflict.
The ongoing civil war involves the Seleka and Anti-balaka groups, displacing about one million people.
CAR has a diverse population of 5.5 million, speaking French and Sango.
CAR suffers from political instability despite having rich natural resources.
The country, reliant on Russian security support, exports diamonds, gold, and timber.
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An Australian mother, Rachel Petersen, discovered that her three-year-old daughter, Nyah, bears a striking resemblance to her own great-grandmother, Hilary Sumpton. Rachel shared this discovery on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, gathering over 1.4 million views.
Key Facts
Rachel Petersen is an Australian mom who shared a story about her daughter on TikTok.
Her daughter, Nyah, resembles Rachel's great-grandmother, Hilary Sumpton.
Hilary Sumpton is remembered fondly by the family as "Memar."
Nyah was around three years old when the resemblance was noticed.
The story has gone viral, reaching over 1.4 million views on TikTok.
People in the TikTok comments were amazed at the uncanny resemblance.
The viral post has led to reliving family memories and sparked discussions about genetics.
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A large winter storm is affecting parts of the United States from the Northeast to Colorado and Alaska, with significant snowfall and strong winds. The storm is expected to cause dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and poor visibility in many areas through the weekend. Winter storm warnings have been issued for several states, advising caution for those who must travel.
Key Facts
A winter storm is bringing up to 18 inches of snow to parts of the U.S., affecting areas from the Northeast to the Rockies and Alaska.
The storm will continue into early next week, with warnings of dangerous travel due to icy roads and poor visibility.
Ten states have winter storm warnings, including heavy snow and mixed precipitation in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Colorado and Idaho face snow and strong winds, making travel difficult in mountain regions.
Wyoming and California are also experiencing significant snowfall, with warnings of hazardous outdoor conditions.
In Alaska, the Panhandle may see up to 45 inches of snow in some areas, making travel nearly impossible.
Alerts are mainly in place until Saturday, although in Alaska, some extend into Monday, urging drivers to carry emergency supplies.
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