For the first time in over 50 years, residents of Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, are voting directly in local council elections. About half a million people registered to vote, despite opposition parties boycotting the election, and authorities ensured tight security throughout the city. The government aims to move away from the clan-based political system that has been in place for many years.
Key Facts
Mogadishu held its first direct local elections in over 50 years.
Polling stations opened with around half a million registered voters.
1,605 candidates are competing for 390 council seats.
Almost 10,000 police officers were deployed to maintain security.
The government has improved security in Mogadishu but still fights al-Shabab.
Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, before a military coup.
The current government wants to transition to universal voting for all elections.
Two key regions, Puntland and Jubbaland, rejected this voting framework.
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The UK has issued weather and health alerts for Christmas Day due to strong winds and cold temperatures. The warnings affect areas in south-west England, Wales, and Jersey, where cold winds and possible snow are predicted. These conditions have led to the cancellation of some outdoor events.
Key Facts
The UK Health Security Agency issued a cold weather health alert for south-west England.
The Met Office warned of gusts up to 65mph in parts of south-west England and Wales.
Eighteen out of 22 council areas in Wales are under weather warnings.
It is unlikely the UK will see a white Christmas due to dry conditions forecasted.
Jersey, not officially part of the UK, saw snow on Christmas for the first time since 1970.
Cold conditions may affect healthcare services and pose risks to vulnerable people.
The weather may disrupt transport and power supplies and create large waves on some coasts.
Some scheduled Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Cornwall and Devon were canceled due to safety concerns.
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The 2025 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will air on ABC on Christmas morning, marking its 40th anniversary. Viewers can watch the pre-recorded event live on TV or stream it later through Disney+. The parade will include performances from various artists and be hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Ginnifer Goodwin.
Key Facts
The parade takes place on December 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET.
The event will be shown on ABC and available for live streaming on Fubo and Disney+.
Alfonso Ribeiro and Ginnifer Goodwin will host the parade.
Maia Kealoha will serve as the parade correspondent.
Featured musical performers include Gwen Stefani, Lady A, and Bebe Rexha.
Disney Parks locations such as Magic Kingdom and Disneyland will serve as the backdrop.
The parade is pre-recorded and available to watch later on Disney+.
Families can experience additional festivities at Walt Disney World throughout December.
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A New York couple's dog, Mango, started limping suddenly, causing concern for his owners. They discovered the cause was a piece of gum stuck in his paw, which was resolved without needing a vet visit. The story, shared on TikTok, went viral due to its unexpected and humorous nature.
Key Facts
Mango is a rescue dog with a mix of golden retriever, Labrador, shepherd, and Great Pyrenees breeds.
His owners, living on Long Island, noticed him limping after a walk, leading to concerns about his health.
Initial worries included possibilities like a dislocated joint or Lyme disease.
The actual cause of the limping was a piece of gum stuck in the fur between his toes.
After finding the gum, the owners removed it without needing a vet.
The story was shared on TikTok, gaining over 1.5 million views and 307,000 likes.
Mango was adopted from North Shore Animal League in 2023, and his owners encourage others to consider pet adoption.
The TikTok post about Mango's experience received widespread positive attention and comments.
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There is increased unity in Cambodia following clashes with Thailand. Cambodian children are writing letters to soldiers, and donation centers are collecting supplies for people affected by the conflict.
Key Facts
Clashes are occurring between Cambodia and Thailand near their border.
Cambodian children are writing letters to Cambodian soldiers.
Donation sites in Cambodia are actively collecting supplies.
Donations and support are for people displaced due to the fighting.
A center in Phnom Penh reports a rise in community unity during the conflict.
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Russia claims to have taken over parts of Ukraine, saying it has seized over 5,100 square kilometers in 2025, primarily in areas like Donetsk and Kharkiv. However, a U.S.-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, disputes these claims, suggesting Russia controls much less territory than stated. Meanwhile, peace talks involving the United States and Ukraine continue, focusing on security and territorial issues.
Key Facts
Russia claims to have seized over 5,100 square kilometers of Ukraine in 2025.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his forces control parts of Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.
The Institute for the Study of War challenges Russia's claims, suggesting Russia controls much less.
ISW observed less than 5% Russian control in key towns and 7.2% in Kharkiv.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and the U.S. continue talks for a peace plan.
Ukraine and the U.S. have not agreed on territorial concessions demanded by Russia.
The U.S. offered NATO-level security guarantees for Ukraine.
The European Union plans to grant Ukraine full membership soon.
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Saudi Arabia has asked Yemen's main southern separatist group to withdraw from two provinces they seized, called Hadramout and al-Mahra. This action by the separatists, known as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), is causing more tensions within the coalition that opposes the Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia is trying to mediate the situation and hopes for an orderly withdrawal to restore stability.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia requested the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to leave two provinces: Hadramout and al-Mahra.
The STC took control of these provinces in early December, including key oil facilities and government buildings.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the STC's actions an "unjustified escalation."
Saudi Arabia wants the STC to return to previous positions and hand over control to the National Shield Forces.
The STC has military and financial support from the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are part of a coalition supporting Yemen’s government against the Houthi rebels.
The STC, part of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, aims to establish an independent southern state.
The current situation could disrupt Yemen’s fragile truce and potentially benefit the Houthis.
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The article discusses the debate on children's screen time during Christmas. Some experts and parents suggest relaxing screen time rules over the holidays, while others emphasize balance and parental controls. A report shows children spend substantial time online, which raises concerns about potential negative effects.
Key Facts
Parents often wonder how much screen time is acceptable for children during the holidays.
Experts, like psychotherapist Lucy Theo, encourage parents to understand the positive aspects of screen time.
A report from Ofcom highlights that children aged 8 to 14 spend nearly three hours online daily.
The children's commissioner for England suggests parents should turn off phones to set a good example.
Many parents, like Lauren and Chelsey, use screen time strategically to help with transitions and routines.
Parental controls are suggested as a way to manage screen time effectively.
Organizations like Play Cymru believe relaxing screen time rules at Christmas can be beneficial.
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Police in South Africa arrested 11 people in connection with a tavern shooting that killed 10 people and injured 10 others. The suspects include undocumented miners from Lesotho and Mozambique. Authorities also seized unlicensed firearms and arrested a person linked to illegal mining activities.
Key Facts
Eleven people were arrested after a deadly tavern shooting in South Africa.
The arrested individuals include nine citizens of Lesotho and one Mozambican.
The shooting took place in Bekkersdal, a township near Johannesburg.
Ten people were killed, and ten others were injured in the shooting.
Police discovered unlicensed weapons, including handguns and an AK-47.
Authorities arrested a South African mine employee for harboring undocumented tenants.
The tavern owner, Nonesi Matwa, was charged with fraud and operating an illegal liquor outlet.
South Africa faces issues with illicit mining and illegal firearms, contributing to high violence rates.
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In Japan, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on Christmas has become a popular tradition. This custom started in the 1970s when KFC launched a special promotion after noticing that Japan did not have a traditional Christmas meal. The tradition is now a significant event every December in Japan.
Key Facts
Japan has a tradition of eating KFC on Christmas.
The tradition began in the 1970s as a marketing move by KFC.
KFC in Japan is extremely popular during the Christmas season.
Customers in Japan often place holiday orders for KFC weeks in advance.
In Japan, Christmas Eve is the busiest day for KFC restaurants.
A special Christmas bucket from KFC can cost about $37 in Japan.
This tradition accounts for around one-third of KFC’s annual revenue in Japan.
KFC offers small discounts for advance orders to reduce wait times.
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Jordan's military has launched air strikes against drug and weapon smugglers near its northern border with Syria. These strikes targeted locations used by trafficking groups to smuggle items into Jordan. The operation aimed to destroy smuggling sites and was based on detailed intelligence and regional support.
Key Facts
Jordan conducted military strikes on drug and weapon smugglers near its border with Syria.
The strikes focused on "launch points" used by smugglers to enter Jordan.
Jordanian forces destroyed factories and workshops used by smugglers.
The attacks were based on specific intelligence and regional cooperation.
The Jordanian military has not disclosed which partner countries supported these efforts.
No casualties were immediately reported from these operations.
Syrian television reported that the strikes hit locations in Suwayda, Syria.
The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to prevent the smuggling of captagon, a drug produced in Syria.
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Winter weather alerts are in place for 13 states across the United States on Christmas Day, with warnings for heavy snow and strong winds. States like California, Idaho, Michigan, and Minnesota are expecting significant snowfall, while Alaska faces blizzard warnings. The conditions are expected to create difficult and dangerous travel situations.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are active for parts of California and Idaho.
Winter weather advisories affect several states, including Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.
Alaska has blizzard warnings and cold weather advisories in some regions.
Central California could see up to 5 feet of snow, with strong winds and poor visibility.
Idaho's higher elevations may receive up to 3 feet of snow with gusty winds.
Michigan, Montana, and other areas could experience freezing rain and ice, making travel hazardous.
Strong winds in many affected regions could lead to further dangerous conditions like blowing snow and ice accumulation.
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A TikTok video showing two cats using a coffee table as their favorite napping spot has gone viral. The amusing clip captures the cats resting within the table's structure, prompting a wave of humorous comments from viewers.
Key Facts
The TikTok video features two cats sleeping in a coffee table.
The video was shared on December 20 by the user @bowieandblu.
The clip has been viewed over 3 million times and liked by more than 543,000 users.
Viewers made lighthearted comments, joking that the table was designed for cats, not just for coffee.
The video included playful captions and an instrumental tune to enhance the comedic effect.
Newsweek has reached out to the cats' owner for more information.
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Noddy Holder, the lead singer of the band Slade, avoids going to restaurants on Christmas Day because his famous song, "Merry Xmas Everybody," is often played there. His wife, Suzan Holder, shares that it feels awkward as people recognize the song and look at him. The song, a staple of Christmas playlists, was first released in 1973.
Key Facts
Noddy Holder avoids restaurants on Christmas Day because his song is often played.
"Merry Xmas Everybody" was first released in December 1973 by Slade.
Suzan Holder, Noddy's wife, notes it’s awkward when the song plays in public.
Noddy Holder wakes his wife on Christmas morning by singing his famous line from the song.
Holder, originally from Walsall, fronted Slade until 1992.
Holder was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2018 but recovered after treatment.
He has begun performing again with a 10-piece boogie jazz band.
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A senior dog named Remington, living on a farm in southwest Washington, discovered her Christmas present early. She chose a stuffed bunny toy intended for her as a gift, ignoring other presents. The event highlights a trend where more pet owners treat their animals like family by giving them holiday gifts.
Key Facts
Remington is a senior farm dog living in southwest Washington.
She found her Christmas gift, a stuffed bunny, before the holiday.
Remington's owner, Jessi, shared the story and video on Instagram.
The discovery happened when the door to Jessi's gift-stashing room was left open for a short time.
The moment was unexpected due to Remington's age and typically cautious nature.
A 2024 survey shows 76.9% of pet owners plan to give holiday gifts to their pets.
Among dog owners, 80.4% said they buy gifts for their pets compared to 74.1% of cat owners.
The event is part of a wider trend of treating pets like family members during holidays.
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Tarique Rahman, a key political figure in Bangladesh, has returned to the country after 17 years in exile. He is expected to become the next prime minister if his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), wins the upcoming general elections. His return follows the ousting and sentencing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Facts
Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years living in London.
Rahman is the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The BNP aims to win the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year and sentenced to death in absentia.
Hasina is living in exile and her party may not participate in the elections.
Rahman was previously investigated for various charges under Hasina's government but is no longer facing charges.
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Algeria's parliament passed a new law saying that France's colonization of Algeria was a crime. The law also asks France to apologize and pay reparations for the harm caused during the colonial period.
Key Facts
Algeria's parliament voted unanimously for the new law.
The law officially states that French colonization was a crime.
Algeria is asking France for an official apology.
The law also calls for reparations from France.
Lawmakers in Algeria want France to take legal responsibility for the colonial period.
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U.S. Navy warships are operating near Venezuela as part of a blockade ordered by President Trump. The blockade aims to prevent Venezuelan oil tankers, which are under U.S. sanctions, from entering or leaving the country. Tensions are rising as the U.S. increases its naval presence, and the U.N. Security Council discusses the situation.
Key Facts
The U.S. Navy, including the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela.
The MV Ocean Trader, a special warfare support vessel, is involved in the operations.
President Trump ordered a complete blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, increasing pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government.
U.S. military actions have led to criticism and reports of multiple operations and fatalities.
The U.N. Security Council held a session to address rising tensions over U.S. military actions in the Caribbean.
Venezuela's government condemned the blockade, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz stated that Maduro's regime is seen as a threat to regional stability.
The U.S. focus includes disrupting drug trafficking and applying sanctions on Venezuelan resources.
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Christmas celebrations resumed in Bethlehem for the first time in two years, combining festive traditions with reminders of ongoing conflict. Amid these events, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem highlighted themes of peace and resilience despite recent hardships in the region.
Key Facts
Christmas celebrations returned to Bethlehem after a two-year pause.
The pause was due to solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid conflict.
Bethlehem is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus and a key Christian site.
Israeli military actions and raids continue in the West Bank.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a Catholic leader, expressed hope and resilience.
Approximately 1,500 people attended the celebrations in Bethlehem.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict affects Christian communities in the region.
A ceasefire in Gaza began in October but tensions remain high.
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The United States is focusing on economic pressure rather than military force against Venezuela, primarily targeting Venezuelan oil through sanctions. President Trump has deployed a large number of US troops to the Caribbean, raising concerns about potential conflict, but the emphasis is on using economic tactics first. The US Coast Guard is tasked with enforcing these sanctions, which some see as a way to avoid escalating into war.
Key Facts
The US plans to apply economic pressure on Venezuela, especially concerning its oil, instead of using military force.
The White House has directed the military to prioritize enforcing a "quarantine" on Venezuelan oil.
President Trump has deployed 15,000 US troops and military equipment to the Caribbean region.
This deployment is the largest US military presence in the Caribbean in decades.
The US has blocked US-sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela following a "total and complete blockade" order.
Oil is crucial for Venezuela's economy, and US sanctions on its oil sector increased significantly in 2019.
The US Coast Guard, a civilian law enforcement agency, is involved in enforcing sanctions, which is a less aggressive approach than using military forces.
The US has conducted airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean suspected of transporting drugs, under President Trump's directive.
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