Japan's Cabinet has approved a record defense budget of over $58 billion for the next fiscal year, marking a significant increase due to rising tensions with China. This budget is part of Japan's plan to double defense spending, aiming to enhance military capabilities, including cruise missiles and unmanned systems. The budget still needs parliamentary approval, and it would make Japan the third-largest military spender in the world.
Key Facts
Japan's new defense budget is over $58 billion, marking a 9.4% increase from the current year.
The budget is part of a plan to double defense spending to about 2% of Japan's GDP.
Tensions with China are a key reason for the increased military spending.
Japan intends to strengthen its ability to target enemies from a distance, a shift from its traditional self-defense policy.
The budget includes significant funding for "standoff" missile capabilities, with plans to deploy new missiles by March.
Japan is investing in unmanned weapons systems to address shortages in military personnel.
The defense budget awaits parliamentary approval as part of a larger national budget.
Japan prioritizes enhancing its strategic relationship with the United States while addressing regional security concerns.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Venezuelan authorities released at least 60 people who had been arrested during protests against President Nicolas Maduro's re-election. However, human rights groups say many more remain in detention following the disputed July 2024 election. Demonstrations erupted over claims of election fraud, leading to thousands of arrests.
Key Facts
Venezuela released at least 60 people arrested during protests against President Maduro.
The protests started after Maduro's disputed re-election in July 2024.
Human rights groups report that about 2,400 people were arrested during the unrest.
Almost 2,000 of these detained people have been released.
As of now, Venezuela still holds about 902 political prisoners, according to Foro Penal.
Those released include people previously detained at Tocoron prison.
Conditions under which the detainees were released have not been publicly explained.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with U.S. envoys about new ideas to end the Russia-Ukraine war. They discussed a 20-point peace plan, exploring potential changes like a demilitarized zone and security guarantees. The Kremlin is reviewing these proposals while the conflict continues on the ground.
Key Facts
President Zelensky had a call with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about peace efforts.
A 20-point peace plan was discussed, which updates an earlier proposal thought to favor Russia.
The new plan includes possible withdrawal of Ukrainian troops and creating a demilitarized zone.
Security guarantees from the U.S., NATO, and European countries are part of the plan.
Ongoing diplomacy aims to address sensitive issues, with more talks planned.
The Kremlin is reviewing the proposals returned by a Russian envoy from the U.S.
Despite diplomatic talks, Ukraine reported striking a Russian oil refinery.
Russian forces claimed control over a settlement in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A senior Sudanese official from the Transitional Sovereignty Council has stated there will be no negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant displacement and reports of violence in Sudan, particularly by RSF fighters. Some officials argue the war is about resources and demographics, not democracy.
Key Facts
Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council official Malik Agar Ayyir said there will be no truce or negotiations with the RSF.
The statement emphasizes that peace will follow the Sudanese people's plan, without negotiating with RSF.
The conflict in Sudan has displaced about 14 million people and shows no signs of ending soon.
Sudan’s Prime Minister proposed a peace plan to the UN, urging RSF withdrawal from captured lands and reintegration of non-criminal fighters.
The RSF controls significant territory in western and central Sudan, resisting surrendering these areas.
Reports from international agencies indicate RSF fighters are involved in war crimes, including violence and burials in Darfur.
RSF claims their role is to protect civilians but evidence shows atrocities occurring in captured areas.
The RSF has announced control over new regions, expanding their influence in North Darfur and other areas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel has taken more land in the West Bank, the largest such action since the Oslo Accords over 30 years ago. The government is moving quickly to build new settlements, which international law considers illegal. This has also led to more attacks by settlers, affecting hopes for peace and a future Palestinian state.
Key Facts
Israel has seized a large amount of land in the West Bank.
The new settlements are illegal under international law.
Israel's government has increased the pace of building these settlements.
Settler attacks on Palestinians have been increasing.
Many believe this damages hopes for peace and a future Palestinian state.
The situation relates to heavy historical and political tensions in the region.
Prominent figures involved in the debate include political analysts and human rights activists.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States, directed by President Donald Trump, launched a military strike against Islamic State (ISIS) forces in Nigeria. President Trump stated the strike was in response to attacks on Christians by ISIS. The U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strike, saying it killed multiple ISIS terrorists.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a U.S. military strike against ISIS in Nigeria.
The strike targeted ISIS forces accused of attacking Christians.
The U.S. Africa Command posted that it conducted the strike at Nigeria's request.
President Trump criticized Nigeria for not stopping attacks on Christians.
The Nigerian government claims various religious and communal groups face violence.
The U.S. has placed visa restrictions on some Nigerians linked to violence.
Nigeria is divided between Christians and Muslims, with longstanding security issues.
The Defense Department did not immediately provide more details about the strike.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Syrian security forces conducted a raid near Damascus, killing Mohammed Shahadeh, a senior ISIL commander. This operation was part of ongoing efforts against ISIL in the region and involved coordination with international coalition forces.
Key Facts
Syrian forces killed Mohammed Shahadeh, a high-ranking ISIL figure, in the Damascus area.
Shahadeh was described as ISIL's governor of Hauran.
The raid occurred in the town of al-Buweida, southwest of Damascus.
The operation was based on verified intelligence and involved extensive surveillance.
Syrian security units worked alongside international coalition forces during the raid.
A separate operation recently led to the arrest of another ISIL leader, Taha al-Zoubi.
ISIL remains active in parts of Syria, despite losing most of its territory a few years ago.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mariela Gomez, a Venezuelan immigrant, had to return to Venezuela after being deported from the U.S. following President Trump's immigration restrictions. She and many other Venezuelans faced challenges like unemployment and poverty upon their return. Gomez hopes for better opportunities and health in the coming year.
Key Facts
Mariela Gomez returned to Venezuela after being detained by U.S. Border Patrol and deported during President Trump's immigration crackdown.
She spent Christmas in Venezuela for the first time in eight years, facing difficulties such as unemployment and poverty.
Gomez and her family took a risky and costly journey back to Venezuela through Central America after deportation.
Over 7.7 million Venezuelans left their country in the past decade due to economic problems.
Since President Trump took office, more than 14,000 Venezuelans have returned to South America, primarily because of stricter U.S. immigration policies.
Deportations have increased after Venezuela agreed to accept deportees following pressure from the U.S. government.
Gomez reunited with her daughter, whom she hadn't seen for years, during the holidays. Her daughter plans to move to Brazil soon.
Gomez hopes to find a job and wishes for good health for her family in the new year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Southern California is experiencing heavy rains that are leading to mudslides, flooding, and evacuations. Authorities are advising people to avoid traveling during the holidays due to the hazardous weather.
Key Facts
A powerful storm is affecting Southern California with heavy rain.
The rain has caused mudslides and severe flooding in the region.
Many areas are under evacuation orders due to dangerous conditions.
This storm has set new records for rainfall on Christmas Day.
Officials are cautioning travelers to reconsider their holiday plans due to the weather.
The hazardous conditions are expected to continue with more storms predicted.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported having a positive discussion with U.S. negotiators about a draft peace plan to end the conflict with Russia. Additionally, Pope Leo spoke against the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and called for the end of wars. An Arkansas resident won a $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy discussed a draft peace plan with U.S. negotiators.
The goal of the plan is to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Pope Leo criticized how Palestinians in Gaza are being treated.
Pope Leo called for wars around the world to end.
A Powerball player in Arkansas won $1.8 billion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article explains how Santa Claus became the character we recognize today. It discusses how different stories and traditions over many years shaped the modern image of Santa.
Key Facts
Santa Claus is a character often seen as a man in a red suit with gifts.
This modern image of Santa Claus is a result of many years of stories and cultural traditions.
Art and folklore also played a big role in shaping how Santa looks today.
The story discusses Santa Claus's evolution, which might spoil the traditional narrative for some viewers.
The name Santa Claus and his current appearance are relatively modern developments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Officials from Turkiye and Libya are working together to investigate a plane crash near Ankara that killed Libya's army chief and seven others. The crash happened shortly after takeoff due to an electrical malfunction, and the wreckage was found near a village in Ankara. Libyan and Turkish authorities are conducting forensic work and planning to return the bodies to Libya.
Key Facts
A plane crash near Ankara killed Libya's army chief, Mohammed Al-Haddad, and seven others.
The crash occurred after the plane reported electrical problems shortly after leaving Ankara.
Air traffic controllers lost radar contact with the plane three minutes after it was redirected to land.
The crash site was located near the village of Kesikkavak in Ankara's Haymana district.
Eight people, including three crew members, died in the crash.
Turkish and Libyan officials are jointly investigating the cause of the crash.
The process of recovering and identifying bodies is complicated by the severity of the crash.
Funeral plans in Libya for the army chief have faced delays and could be postponed further.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At the start of the year, wildfires hit several communities in California, including Altadena. Gina Clayton-Johnson, who leads the Essie Justice Group, lost her home and personal items in the fires. She discusses how she is rebuilding her life.
Key Facts
Altadena is a community in California affected by wildfires.
The wildfires occurred at the beginning of this year.
Gina Clayton-Johnson is the founder of Essie Justice Group.
Clayton-Johnson lost her home in the wildfires.
Some of her family keepsakes were also destroyed.
She is working on rebuilding after the disaster.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The final season of the TV series Stranger Things is set to premiere this fall on Netflix. This season will be released in three parts, with the story focusing on characters in Hawkins, Indiana, as they face a new threat. The show will continue to unravel the mysteries of the Upside Down, and some characters may face deadly challenges.
Key Facts
Stranger Things Season 5 will be the show's final season.
It will be released in three volumes starting in the fall.
The story is set in fall 1987, with Hawkins under military control.
The main goal is to find and defeat a character named Vecna.
The season will explore more about the Upside Down, a mysterious world.
The cast includes many returning actors from previous seasons.
The creators hint that this season could be the deadliest yet.
Episodes will be available globally at 5:00 p.m. PST, with times adjusted for regions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Areas in Southern California are under evacuation warnings due to a strong storm called an atmospheric river, which brings heavy rain and risk of mudslides. Emergency services are on alert, especially in regions with unstable soil from past wildfires, and officials have declared a state of emergency to help manage potential dangers.
Key Facts
Southern California is experiencing evacuation warnings due to a strong storm known as an atmospheric river.
The storm brings heavy rain, high winds, and possible mudslides and flash flooding.
The National Weather Service (NWS) and emergency authorities have issued warnings, particularly in areas previously affected by wildfires.
Rainfall in Los Angeles could reach up to 8 inches, much more than the usual December rain levels.
Specific areas like Wrightwood and Lytle Creek are under evacuation warnings, though some have been lifted.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several counties to prepare emergency resources.
Heavy snow is predicted over the Sierra Nevada and northern mountains in California.
Officials warn hazards like power outages and road closures may continue even after the rain stops.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former president, successfully underwent surgery for a hernia. He is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. During his hospital stay, he expressed support for his son Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy in the 2026 presidential race.
Key Facts
Jair Bolsonaro had surgery for a double hernia, which was successful.
He is serving a 27-year sentence for coup plotting after losing the 2022 election.
The Supreme Court allowed him to temporarily leave prison for the surgery in Brasília.
Bolsonaro's son, Flávio, confirmed his presidential candidacy for 2026 with his father's support.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to run again in the 2026 election.
Bolsonaro's supporters stormed government buildings in January 2023 in reaction to Lula's victory.
Brazil's Congress suggested reducing Bolsonaro's sentence, but President Lula disagreed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. carried out airstrikes against ISIS in northwest Nigeria on Christmas. He stated that the strikes targeted militants accused of attacking Christian communities. U.S. military officials have yet to confirm the details of these strikes.
Key Facts
President Trump announced U.S. airstrikes against ISIS in northwest Nigeria.
The operation took place on Christmas.
The strikes targeted ISIS militants, who are accused of attacking Christian communities.
President Trump described the attack as a strong action against extremists.
U.S. military officials have not confirmed the specific details of the airstrikes.
The announcement was made by President Trump on the social media platform Truth Social.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for parts of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest due to potential ice and snow. This weather system could disrupt travel after Christmas with slick roads and possible power outages. The storm is expected to ease by the weekend.
Key Facts
A winter weather advisory affects the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, including Wisconsin, Michigan, northern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
The storm system may bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow, leading to hazardous roads.
Ice accumulation could reach up to a quarter-inch, increasing travel dangers and possibly causing power outages.
Snowfall could range from 1 to 3 inches in the Upper Midwest and 3 to 6 inches near the eastern Great Lakes.
Travel delays are possible on major highways and at airports due to snow and ice.
Transportation agencies are treating roads, but conditions may worsen quickly.
Improvement in weather conditions is expected by the weekend.
Additional weather alerts may be announced as the situation develops.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Popular podcaster Joe Rogan criticized President Donald Trump's moves toward a possible war with Venezuela, calling it a "terrible idea." Rogan, who previously supported Trump, expressed disapproval over his approach to Venezuela and his administration's actions on immigration policy.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan is a well-known podcaster who previously supported President Trump in the 2024 election.
Rogan criticized President Trump for his aggressive stance toward Venezuela, suggesting it could lead to war.
He expressed that there is little support for a conflict with Venezuela.
Rogan and other podcasters have started distancing themselves from Trump's administration.
Rogan criticized Trump's immigration policy for targeting people who have lived in the U.S. for many years.
President Trump described the Venezuelan government as a terrorist organization and announced a blockade on oil tankers to and from Venezuela.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo commented on Venezuela's situation, blaming socialism for the country's issues.
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, suggesting they have worsened the asylum crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
