Canada has appointed Mark Wiseman as its new ambassador to the United States, ahead of important trade talks. The relationship between the two countries has been tense due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Wiseman will work on improving trade and investment ties between Canada and the US.
Key Facts
Mark Wiseman, a former BlackRock executive, is the new Canadian ambassador to the US.
Trade and tariff negotiations are a key focus of Wiseman's new role.
Canada and the US have experienced tension due to tariffs imposed by President Trump.
These tariffs included a 25 percent tax on certain Canadian imports like automobiles, steel, and aluminum.
Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned Wiseman would focus on secure borders and a stronger trade relationship.
Trump and Carney previously reached agreements to reduce some trade measures.
Discussions to renegotiate the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are set to start in mid-January.
Canada is a major export market for the US, involving goods and services worth nearly $2.7 billion daily.
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Fighting in Aleppo, Syria, resulted in at least two deaths, involving Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Syrian government plans to integrate the SDF into state institutions by the end of the year.
Key Facts
Clashes occurred in Aleppo, Syria.
At least two people died in the fighting.
The conflict involved Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led SDF.
The SDF controls parts of northeastern Syria.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed an agreement with the SDF in March.
The agreement aims to integrate the SDF into Syrian state institutions by the end of the year.
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Security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds at campaign events for Ugandan presidential candidate Bobi Wine in Kampala. Bobi Wine is preparing for Uganda’s elections set for January 2026. This action follows official warnings about interference in the election process.
Key Facts
Bobi Wine is a presidential candidate in Uganda.
He is also a pop star who has turned to politics.
The elections in Uganda are scheduled for January 2026.
Police used tear gas to break up crowds at Wine’s rallies.
These events took place in Kampala, Uganda's capital.
Officials in Uganda have warned against election interference.
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Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse are criticizing the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) for not fully releasing all files related to its investigation, as required by law. They sent a letter to Congress, asking them to hold the DOJ accountable for the delays and lack of communication about the files. Some members of Congress are considering legal action to ensure the files are released completely.
Key Facts
Over a dozen Epstein survivors wrote to Congress, urging them to ensure the DOJ releases all files related to Epstein's case.
The DOJ missed the deadline to release these files and heavily redacted documents, leaving out many details.
A grand jury document of 119 pages was released but fully redacted, revealing no new information.
Survivors find the files difficult to navigate and say they were not informed about what was withheld from them.
Congress members Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia are looking into legal actions against the DOJ for not meeting the requirements.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a resolution for the Senate to take legal action regarding the file releases.
The files included images of Epstein with prominent figures like former President Clinton and President Trump.
A photo of President Trump initially removed from the files was later restored, raising concerns about selective information withholding.
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Two men were sentenced to a total of eight-and-a-half years in prison for targeting and stealing from men they met through the Grindr app in London. Over six months, they committed 35 burglaries and 20 frauds, taking £68,000 in total. They tricked victims into giving access to their homes and belongings, using this to commit further theft and fraud.
Key Facts
The two men carried out their crimes in London using the Grindr dating app.
They stole phones, passports, and wallets, committing 35 burglaries and 20 frauds.
The total value of the stolen goods and frauds was £68,000.
One victim was hospitalized due to stress from financial damages.
They used tactics like asking to play music on victims' phones or inviting them to take a shower.
The court noted the crimes were opportunistic but didn't label them explicitly as hate crimes.
Mohammadi received a five-year prison sentence, while Hotak got three-and-a-half years.
The men made multiple profiles on the app to repeatedly target new victims.
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A group of 130 Nigerian schoolchildren has been released after being kidnapped last month. These children were part of a larger group of over 300 taken from a school in Niger state, highlighting issues with security and ransom kidnappings in Nigeria.
Key Facts
130 Nigerian schoolchildren were freed after being abducted last month.
They were taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state.
Over 300 children were kidnapped in this incident.
The kidnapping brought global attention to security problems in Nigeria.
Ransom kidnappings of schoolchildren are a growing concern in the country.
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Qesser Zuhrah, a supporter of the Palestine Action group and one of eight detainees on hunger strike, has ended her protest after 48 days. The hunger strike aims to challenge the imprisonment conditions and the ban on Palestine Action. Some detainees are still participating, and their lawyers are urging government talks, threatening legal action if no response is received.
Key Facts
Qesser Zuhrah stopped her hunger strike after 48 days; she was initially part of a group of eight.
The hunger strike began on November 2, with protesters objecting to their treatment and the ban on Palestine Action.
Three out of the eight hunger strikers have halted their protest, while others continue.
Lawyers for the group have warned they may go to court if ministers do not agree to talks.
Hunger strikers are being monitored by prison and NHS clinicians, who can only provide care with consent.
The group's representatives claim this is the largest coordinated hunger strike in the UK since 1981.
Cases related to these protests are pending trial in 2026 and 2027 and are under legal reporting restrictions.
The Care Quality Commission is investigating the conditions in prisons where the protests occur.
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A legal case about cat waste has reached a high court. A homeowner in Bedwas is concerned about health risks from cats using his garden as a toilet. The court asked the local council to reconsider if this situation is a public nuisance.
Key Facts
A homeowner in Bedwas, Richard Williamson, raised a complaint about cats using his garden as a toilet.
Williamson is worried about health risks to his newborn, who will soon play in the garden.
Caerphilly Council investigated and found that current laws do not control where cats can roam like they do for dogs.
The council visited the cat owner and confirmed there were litter trays at the property.
A judge ordered the council to reassess the complaint to determine if the situation is a "statutory nuisance" under environmental laws.
The complaint was originally emailed to the council in October 2024.
The court did not decide the final outcome but focused on whether the issue needs re-evaluation as a health risk.
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Russia has increased its attacks on the Odesa region in southern Ukraine, leading to power cuts and damage to important ports. Ukrainian officials say these attacks aim to block Ukraine's access to sea routes. Diplomatic talks involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia continue, but no clear progress has been made toward ending the conflict.
Key Facts
Russia has stepped up strikes on Odesa, causing power cuts and damaging maritime facilities.
The attacks aim to limit Ukraine's access to sea transportation routes.
A recent missile strike in the region resulted in several casualties, including deaths and injuries.
Odesa is a major Ukrainian port essential for exporting wheat and corn.
Diplomatic efforts led by the US involve a 20-point peace plan proposed by Ukraine.
Despite talks, there is no significant progress in ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia's "shadow fleet" refers to tankers used to get around Western sanctions.
A new air force commander may be chosen for the Odesa region after the previous one was dismissed.
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A winter storm is expected to hit the Northeast, leading to school closures and early dismissals in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The storm could make traveling difficult due to snow and low visibility, especially during the morning commute. The weather may improve by Wednesday, but more wintry conditions might return later in the week, affecting holiday travel.
Key Facts
A quick winter storm is expected to affect the Northeast on Tuesday.
Predictions suggest 3 to 5 inches of snow across New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine.
School closures and early dismissals are announced in New Hampshire and Massachusetts due to the storm.
Schools in Massachusetts like Veritas Prep and Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence will be closed.
In New Hampshire, more than a dozen schools, including Kingswood Regional High School, announced closures.
Dangerous driving conditions are expected with low visibility and moderate to heavy snow.
The storm is predicted to impact Tuesday's morning commute and possibly Wednesday morning travel.
Holiday travel might be disrupted, with 122.4 million Americans expected to travel during the holiday period.
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Fighting has increased between Thailand and Cambodia, causing many people to leave their homes. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is working to stop the violence and make peace. The United States, under President Donald Trump, tried to help end the conflict, but those efforts did not succeed.
Key Facts
There is ongoing fighting between Thailand and Cambodia.
Many civilians have been forced to flee due to the conflict.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is leading efforts to stop the violence.
President Donald Trump tried to help end the conflict, but it did not work.
Foreign ministers from Thailand and Cambodia are planning to meet to discuss a ceasefire.
Thailand has asked Cambodia for a unilateral ceasefire.
The conflict has a long history, with ongoing disputes at the border.
Cambodia claims Thailand bombed an area at the border where a casino is located.
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President Donald Trump appointed Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, which has caused tension with Denmark. The disagreement arises because President Trump has expressed interest in making Greenland part of the United States, while Greenland insists on its right to decide its own future.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump appointed Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland.
Jeff Landry is the Republican governor of Louisiana.
President Trump has shown interest in annexing Greenland to the U.S.
Greenland's prime minister stated that Greenland should decide its own future.
The disagreement over Greenland comes amidst increased strategic interest in the Arctic region.
Melting ice in the Arctic is opening new shipping routes and access to minerals.
The appointment of Landry has increased diplomatic tension between the U.S. and Denmark.
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President Trump chose Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to be his special envoy to Greenland. Denmark criticized this decision. There were also announcements about new warships, a car bomb in Moscow, and changes at a Jim Beam distillery in Kentucky.
Key Facts
President Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland.
Denmark disagreed with the decision to appoint an envoy to Greenland.
President Trump announced a plan for a new type of warship called the 'Trump class.'
A car bomb in Moscow killed a high-ranking Russian general.
Jim Beam will stop production for a year at its main distillery in Kentucky.
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The TV special "Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion - Part 2" will air on CBS. The reunion features original cast members and behind-the-scenes stories. Viewers can watch it on CBS or stream it live through Fubo.
Key Facts
"Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion - Part 2" will air on CBS.
The airing date is Monday, December 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET.
The show will feature stars like Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, and series creator Phil Rosenthal.
It will include behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from the cast and producers.
The first part of the reunion aired in November and had over 10 million viewers.
The episode was filmed on a recreated set of the Barone family living room.
Fubo offers a free trial to watch the event live without cable, with some regional restrictions.
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CBS News decided not to air a 60 Minutes report about alleged abuse in a prison in El Salvador. The report focused on people deported from the U.S. under President Trump’s administration. The Editor-in-Chief said the segment would be shown later after getting comments from the administration.
Key Facts
CBS News canceled a planned segment on 60 Minutes.
The report was about allegations of abuse and torture in an El Salvador prison.
The individuals in the prison were deported by the Trump administration.
Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss stated the segment would air eventually.
The delay was due to the need for comments from the administration.
William Brangham discussed the issue with Brian Stelter.
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New Israeli registration rules may force international aid groups to stop working in Gaza and the West Bank. If these groups cannot register by December 31, they could be shut down, affecting vital services in these areas. Both the UN and aid groups are worried this could harm healthcare and other essential services.
Key Facts
Israel has introduced new registration rules for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Gaza and the West Bank.
INGOs must register by December 31 or face closure of their operations in Israel within 60 days.
At this time, 14 out of about 100 applications have been rejected, and 21 have been approved.
The rules allow rejections based on criteria such as denying Israel’s status as a Jewish state or supporting armed struggles against Israel.
The Humanitarian Country Team warns that closing INGOs could significantly disrupt healthcare and other services in Gaza.
INGOs currently manage many key health and sanitation services in Gaza, supporting critical emergency needs.
There is concern that the closure of INGOs could put Palestinian lives at risk, especially with an approaching winter.
Israel’s ministry believes the new rules should not affect aid delivery, claiming that INGOs were given enough time to register.
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In Israel, people affected by the events of October 7 marked the end of Hanukkah, a holiday known for themes of dedication and perseverance. Survivors, their families, and those of lost loved ones found special meaning in this year's celebrations. The report focuses on two Israeli communities as they recover from recent violence.
Key Facts
Hanukkah ended on Monday evening for Jewish people worldwide.
The holiday is important for themes of dedication and perseverance.
In Israel, this year's celebration was especially meaningful for survivors of October 7.
October 7 refers to a significant event involving violence in Israeli communities.
The report comes from two kibbutzes, a type of communal settlement in Israel.
These communities are working to bounce back from recent tragic events.
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In a recent podcast episode called "Settle In," host Geoff Bennett talks with epidemiologist Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz. They discuss health data, misinformation, and a campaign led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Key Facts
Geoff Bennett hosts a podcast named "Settle In."
The guest on the recent episode is Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz, an epidemiologist.
Meyerowitz-Katz writes a blog called "Health Nerd."
He helps people understand health-related data in the news.
The discussion covers issues of bad science and misconceptions about food.
They also talk about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign "Make America Healthy Again."
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Eleven Ecuadorean soldiers received 34-year prison sentences after being found guilty of causing the forced disappearance of four boys in 2022. The boys, aged 11 to 15, were kidnapped and later found dead near a military base in Guayaquil. The court declared them innocent victims of a state crime and ordered apologies and human rights training for military personnel.
Key Facts
Eleven Ecuadorean soldiers were sentenced to 34 years in prison each.
The soldiers were found guilty of the forced disappearance of four boys aged 11 to 15.
The incident occurred in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 2022.
Seventeen soldiers were on trial; five received lesser sentences, and one was declared not guilty.
The court found the boys were kidnapped and later found dead, with their bodies burned.
A judge ruled the boys were innocent and ordered an official apology to their families.
The incident was part of a government crackdown on criminal gangs in Ecuador.
Military personnel must now undergo human rights training due to this case.
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