Greta Thunberg was arrested in London during a protest supporting Palestine Action activists who are on hunger strike. She was detained for displaying a sign that supported the group, which is considered illegal under UK terrorism law. Police also arrested other participants for suspected criminal damage during the protest.
Key Facts
Greta Thunberg was arrested in London for supporting Palestine Action.
The protest aimed to support Palestine Action activists on hunger strike in prison.
Thunberg was taken into custody for holding a sign backing a banned group.
UK law classifies Palestine Action as a proscribed or banned organization.
The protest involved damage to a building with hammers and red paint.
A man and a woman at the protest were arrested for possible criminal damage.
Several Palestine Action activists on hunger strike have been hospitalized.
Thunberg has been involved in various pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor handed over his gun licence to the Metropolitan Police after they asked him to do so. This happened as he prepared to move from his home in Windsor to a new property in Norfolk next year.
Key Facts
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor voluntarily gave up his gun licence after police requested it.
The Metropolitan Police visited his home in Windsor to ask for the surrender of his firearms and shotgun certificate.
The police did not explain why they asked for the licence, but Andrew can still use guns if supervised.
Surrendering the licence does not mean Andrew will lose all access to his firearms.
Andrew plans to move to a property on the Sandringham estate next year after being stripped of his royal titles.
His move arises from his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, which has faced public and legal scrutiny.
Recently, a photo featuring Andrew was released in the US government's Epstein files, though it doesn't imply a crime.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pro-war ideas and images in Israel are becoming more common, with fewer voices speaking against them. Society and politics in Israel are influencing each other to support these extreme views.
Key Facts
Pro-war ideas and images are becoming more popular in Israel.
People who disagree with these views are less likely to be heard.
Al Jazeera journalist Nour Odeh reported this from the West Bank.
Israeli society and politics are making each other more extreme.
The focus of this trend is in the occupied West Bank region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman named Adriana Lisovschi found a dog tied to a chair with the owner's passport at a Bulgarian train station, indicating the dog had been abandoned. Lisovschi took the dog, which she named Misha, to her home in Romania, where she adopted her and provided a new home.
Key Facts
Adriana Lisovschi discovered the abandoned dog at a train station in Bulgaria.
The dog was left tied to a chair with the owner's passport nearby.
Lisovschi took the dog home to Romania and adopted her, naming her Misha.
Misha quickly adapted and bonded with Lisovschi's other dog, a Bernese mountain dog.
Reports show that stray dogs are a significant issue in Bulgaria, with over 17,000 captured in 2024.
Approximately 22 percent of these captured stray dogs were adopted that year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump stated that Greenland is important for U.S. national security, appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the island. This move led to protests from Denmark and Greenland's leaders. Trump has previously expressed interest in Greenland for strategic reasons, but Denmark has opposed any U.S. acquisition efforts.
Key Facts
President Trump says Greenland is vital for U.S. national security.
Trump appointed Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland.
Denmark and Greenland leaders protested against the U.S. interest in Greenland.
Trump mentioned Russian and Chinese ships near Greenland as part of the security concern.
Trump has shown interest in Greenland since his first term as president.
Denmark and European countries rejected the idea of U.S. acquiring Greenland.
Greenland is geographically part of North America and has a population of 57,000.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nearly all of California is experiencing weather warnings due to a strong storm system known as an atmospheric river. This storm is causing heavy rain, snow, and strong winds, leading to flood warnings and power outages across the state. People in affected areas are advised to stay alert and cautious as travel conditions worsen.
Key Facts
An atmospheric river is causing severe weather across California.
The National Weather Service has issued various warnings, including for winter storms and flooding.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and snow.
Significant flooding and rising water levels in reservoirs are possible.
There are concerns about power outages and difficult travel conditions.
Over 4,400 power outages have already been reported in California.
Residents are warned that conditions may worsen, affecting roads and power lines.
Atmospheric rivers are more common in California during the winter.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Syrian government troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have stopped fighting in Aleppo after a violent night. The clashes caused the deaths of several civilians. This happens as a deadline approaches for the SDF to merge with the Syrian army.
Key Facts
The Syrian army and the SDF have agreed to a cease-fire.
Fighting took place in Aleppo.
Several civilians were killed during the clashes.
The violence erupted before a deadline for the SDF to join the Syrian army.
Both groups agreed to stop fighting after the clashes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A job opening is available for a ranger on Handa, an uninhabited island in Scotland. The role involves wildlife monitoring, leading volunteers, and managing visitors, with challenges like communal living and dependence on a ferry for mainland trips. The position is for six months, with a salary and accommodation provided.
Key Facts
The job is located on Handa Island in northwest Scotland.
The position is offered by the Scottish Wildlife Trust for six months.
The ranger will monitor wildlife, especially seabirds, and manage 8,000 summer visitors.
Applicants need good wildlife knowledge and strong interpersonal skills.
The ranger must take weekly ferry trips to the mainland for supplies and laundry.
Accommodation is provided in a ranger station on the island.
The job requires planning around unpredictable weather which can affect ferry schedules.
The role includes a salary of £26,112.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia launched a large-scale attack on multiple Ukrainian cities, killing at least three people and targeting energy systems. The attack involved over 600 drones and 30 missiles, leaving many areas without power. Ukraine also reportedly struck a Russian petrochemical plant.
Key Facts
Russia attacked several Ukrainian cities, killing at least three people, including a child.
Over 600 drones and 30 missiles targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Following the attacks, several regions of Ukraine are experiencing power outages.
Russia's defense ministry claimed they aimed at energy and transport infrastructure.
Ukraine reportedly hit a Russian petrochemical plant with a drone; no casualties were reported.
Emergency power shutdowns are ongoing in Ukraine due to damage from the strikes.
Ukrainian MP mentioned that some areas might be without power for days.
The attack happened after talks in Miami about ending the conflict, but Russia rejected a proposed Christmas truce.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nick Bright, a presenter for BBC Radio 1Xtra, will leave the station after 15 years. His last show will air on January 3rd. He has hosted many popular programs and been involved in BBC Sport and Radio 5 Live.
Key Facts
Nick Bright joined BBC Radio 1Xtra as part of the production team in 2009.
He started presenting the early breakfast show a year after joining.
Over the years, he has hosted weekend breakfast and a Saturday mid-morning program.
His final show will be on January 3rd from 10 am to 1 pm.
Colleagues have praised him, including Greg James and Richie Brave, for his contributions.
BBC 1Xtra will announce plans for his replacement soon.
Outside radio, Nick has worked with BBC Sport and Radio 5 Live, covering events like The Hundred cricket tournament and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A fish and chip shop owner in Southampton, England, plans to give away 100 free meals on Christmas Eve to support people who are alone or struggling financially. Raj Khaira, the owner of Top Catch, has organized this initiative as a way to give back to the community. The shop has also arranged a toy and present drop-off for local hospitals.
Key Facts
The owner, Raj Khaira, has run Top Catch in Southampton for five years.
The shop plans to give 100 free meals to people in need on Christmas Eve.
The meals include portions of sausage and chips.
Raj Khaira is motivated by his desire to help people who might not have family around or can't afford a hot meal.
The initiative aims to support lonely and elderly community members during the festive period.
The shop has received positive publicity after sharing the plan on social media.
In addition to meals, the shop is facilitating a toy and present drop-off at Southampton hospitals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government is recalling several ambassadors and senior diplomats to make sure they align with President Donald Trump’s "America First" priorities. The recall targets around 30 diplomats, and many are being removed from smaller countries, notably in Africa. The State Department views this as a standard practice for any administration.
Key Facts
The U.S. is recalling dozens of ambassadors and diplomats to fit President Trump's "America First" agenda.
The State Department did not release a list of names for those being recalled.
Nearly 30 diplomats are being called back, especially from smaller countries where diplomats are usually non-political.
Ambassadors from 13 African countries and others from Asia, Europe, and South America received recall notices.
Diplomatic changes are routine and ambassadors can be seen as representatives of the president.
Affected diplomats will return to Washington for other roles if they choose.
Reports indicate these changes could impact U.S. credibility internationally.
Jeanne Shaheen, a U.S. Senator, criticized the decision, suggesting it benefits countries like China and Russia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thousands of people have fled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to increased violence and have sought refuge in Burundi. Aid agencies report that these refugees face tough living conditions with little food and water. The conflict in eastern DR Congo, involving the M23 rebels, has displaced many, and aid organizations are working to provide necessary assistance.
Key Facts
Around 90,000 refugees have fled from DR Congo to Burundi due to violence in the region.
The M23 rebels recently took control of the city of Uvira in DR Congo, causing mass displacement.
Medical charity MSF is providing emergency help and reports treating about 200 people daily.
Many of the displaced include children and women, with some going without food for days.
There is a high risk of outbreak of diseases like cholera and measles among the refugees.
The UN’s World Food Programme is increasing aid efforts to assist over 210,000 displaced people.
Services in the affected regions are failing, with health centers looted and schools closed.
A peace agreement was brokered by the US between DR Congo and Rwanda, but M23 rebels were not part of it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Aleppo, Syria, fighting broke out between the Syrian military and Kurdish-led SDF forces, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her teenage son. Al Jazeera reports that the violence began after discussions in Damascus about bringing the SDF forces into the Syrian army.
Key Facts
A mother and her teenage son died due to the fighting in Aleppo.
The conflict was between the Syrian military and Kurdish-led SDF forces.
The violence started after talks in Damascus about integrating SDF forces into the Syrian army.
Al Jazeera's reporter Ayman Oghanna is currently covering the situation in Aleppo.
A truce has been announced following the clashes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Comedian Russell Brand is facing new legal charges for rape and sexual assault involving two more women, according to London police. These new charges add to previous accusations, increasing the total number of alleged victims to six.
Key Facts
Russell Brand is a comedian facing legal issues.
London police announced new charges against him.
He now faces accusations from a total of six women.
Charges include rape and sexual assault.
Brand, aged 50, faced similar charges in April.
He pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced the construction of a new "Trump-class" line of large warships for the U.S. Navy. This announcement comes as the U.S. plans to expand its naval fleet amid competition with China's rapidly growing navy. The new ships will feature advanced technology like hypersonic missiles and railguns.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the creation of "Trump-class" warships at Mar-a-Lago.
The new ships aim to be a major part of the "Golden Fleet" project.
These ships will be armed with cutting-edge technology like hypersonic missiles and railguns.
China currently has the largest navy in the world by the number of ships.
The U.S. Navy's shipbuilding pace has slowed compared to China's expansion.
The "Trump-class" ships are similar in size to the older Iowa-class battleships but will be lighter.
Experts note that large ships can be easier targets due to their size and munitions load.
President Trump mentioned ordering two ships initially, with plans for more in the future.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel's parliament has extended a law that lets the country shut down foreign media outlets, like Al Jazeera, if they are considered a threat to national security. This law, now lasting two more years, allows Israel's prime minister and communications minister to close media operations without needing a state of emergency. Al Jazeera, which had its operations in Israel shut down, disputes these actions, saying they go against international laws protecting free press.
Key Facts
Israel extended a law allowing the closure of foreign media for two more years.
The law removes judicial oversight and does not require a state of emergency.
The Israeli Prime Minister and communications minister can shut down media operations if seen as a security threat.
Al Jazeera's operations in Israel were closed under this law.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of harming Israel's security.
Al Jazeera countered these claims, saying the law violates international press freedom laws.
Al Jazeera's website and TV channel are still banned in Israel.
Al Jazeera has faced previous actions from Israel, including the destruction of its office in Gaza in 2021.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A bus accident in Java, Indonesia, killed at least 16 people when a passenger bus crashed on a toll road and overturned. The bus, carrying 34 people, was traveling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta and lost control at a curved exit ramp.
Key Facts
A passenger bus crash in Java, Indonesia, has resulted in at least 16 deaths.
The accident happened after midnight as the bus was traveling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta.
The bus overturned on a curved exit ramp on a toll road in Semarang city, Central Java.
Six passengers died at the scene, and ten others died while being transported to or treated at the hospital.
Eighteen people were injured, with five in critical condition and thirteen in serious condition.
Witnesses reported the bus was speeding before losing control.
The driver was a substitute and sustained severe injuries, but was able to communicate.
The police are investigating the crash and testing the driver for drugs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several cities around the world have canceled or changed their New Year's Eve celebrations due to safety concerns and recent tragic events. Authorities in these cities are taking precautions to protect their communities and show respect for those affected by various incidents. In some places, celebrations will still take place but will be more subdued.
Key Facts
Bali canceled its New Year's Eve fireworks to respect those affected by natural disasters but will hold cultural activities.
Belgrade canceled some events to ensure safety, especially of young attendees, citing past security issues at concerts.
Hong Kong replaced its fireworks display with a different event, aimed at spreading positive energy, after a recent deadly fire.
Jakarta canceled New Year's Eve fireworks to empathize with earthquake victims in Sumatra, opting for modest celebrations.
Paris canceled a planned concert on safety grounds but will still have a fireworks show, following police advice.
Sydney canceled fireworks at Bondi Beach due to recent security concerns following a mass shooting incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel's parliament has extended a law allowing the government to close foreign broadcasters in the country. This law was initially implemented during the Gaza war to address security concerns and now continues for up to two more years, even during peaceful times. Critics argue that this move restricts press freedom and limits access to diverse information.
Key Facts
Israel's parliament extended a law that lets the government close foreign broadcasters.
The law originally started during the Gaza war for security reasons.
The law can now be used for two more years, even during peace, without needing a court order.
Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah was closed under this law in September 2024.
Israel accuses Al Jazeera of bias and supporting Hamas, but Al Jazeera denies this.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) claims this law violates press freedom.
The Israeli cabinet also plans to shut down Army Radio, a military-run station, by March 2026.
Critics say shutting down Army Radio harms freedom of expression and reduces independent public radio in Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
