Separatists in southern Yemen have accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes against their forces in the Hadramout governorate. The Southern Transitional Council, supported by the UAE, claims these strikes followed Saudi Arabia's warning for them to withdraw from areas they recently occupied. Tensions are high in the region as these actions challenge the Saudi-led coalition fighting against Houthi rebels.
Key Facts
The Southern Transitional Council accused Saudi Arabia of airstrikes in Hadramout, Yemen.
The Council is backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Saudi Arabia had warned the Council to withdraw from certain areas before the strikes occurred.
The airstrikes reportedly happened after Council forces faced attacks, resulting in casualties.
The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Houthi rebels in northern Yemen for a decade.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE is strained due to differing support for Yemen factions.
Historic ties include South Yemen being a separate nation until reunification in 1990.
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have shown conflicting interests in regional stability efforts.
A British pantomime, which is a type of family-friendly play with comedy and audience involvement, combines the classic tale "Snow White" with Muslim culture and humor. The show is popular and includes playful interactions that address online critics.
Key Facts
Pantomime, also known as panto, is a comedy play popular in the UK, especially during the holiday season.
The current production is a version of "Snow White."
This version mixes traditional pantomime elements with Muslim cultural themes and humor.
The show is experiencing strong ticket sales, indicating high interest.
The performance includes jokes aimed at online commenters who have critiqued or trolled the show.
Minnie Stephenson from Independent Television News reported on this production.
A man named Matthew Upham went missing during a swim on Christmas Day in Budleigh Salterton, Devon. Matthew's family shared a tribute to him on social media, expressing their gratitude to the emergency services that searched for him. The search operation was called off, but police say inquiries are still ongoing.
Key Facts
Matthew Upham is identified as one of the missing swimmers.
The incident occurred during a Christmas Day swim.
Matthew owned an antiques shop in Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
The coastguard search began on a Thursday and stopped around 17:00.
The family posted a tribute on Matthew's Instagram business page.
The family thanked the emergency services for their efforts.
Police say the men remain missing, and investigations continue.
Officers keep a presence at the location of the incident.
The film "Wicked: For Good" will be available for digital purchase from December 30, 2025, on various platforms like Prime Video. People can pre-order physical copies, which will release on January 20, 2026. The release includes bonus features such as deleted scenes and a Sing-Along version.
Key Facts
"Wicked: For Good" will be available on digital platforms starting December 30, 2025.
Physical copies (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD) release on January 20, 2026.
Bonus features include Sing-Along version, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes content.
The film's physical and digital releases are handled by Universal Pictures.
There is no official streaming release date yet.
Bonus features vary by retailer and format.
Featured stars include Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum.
Israel has officially recognized Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent nation. This decision, which includes plans for diplomatic ties, was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Several countries, including Somalia and Egypt, have opposed this recognition.
Key Facts
Israel is the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the move and plans for cooperation in areas like agriculture and technology.
Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, described the recognition as a "historic moment."
Israel's recognition may lead other countries to follow suit, enhancing Somaliland's diplomatic standing.
Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti have condemned Israel's decision, supporting Somalia's unity.
Somaliland plans to join the Abraham Accords, aiming for regional peace and collaboration.
Somaliland has its own currency, passports, and security forces, operating independently since 1991.
The region is strategically located by the Gulf of Aden and has a population of nearly six million.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to meet President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss ways to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Key topics will include territorial disputes, the status of eastern Ukraine, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The meeting aims to finalize agreements on economic and security issues.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet President Trump in Florida on Sunday.
The meeting's main goal is to discuss territorial disputes between Russia and Ukraine.
They will talk about eastern Ukraine and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia controls.
Ukraine rejects Russia’s demand to withdraw from parts of Donetsk; they want a stop to the fighting.
The U.S. has suggested creating a free economic zone if Ukraine gives up the contested area.
Zelenskyy says any land deals need public approval, possibly through a referendum.
Agreements on economic issues and security guarantees with the U.S. are almost ready.
Russia accuses Ukraine of disrupting peace talks, while Zelenskyy announces progress.
Japan's Cabinet approved a defense budget of over 9 trillion yen, aiming to strengthen its military in response to rising tensions with China. The budget is part of Japan's plan to increase military spending to 2% of its GDP, focusing on enhancing its missile and drone capabilities for coastal defense. The decision comes amid concerns about China's military activities and Japan's strategic challenges in the region.
Key Facts
Japan's defense budget for fiscal 2026 exceeds 9 trillion yen ($58 billion).
The budget is up 9.4% from the previous year and is part of a plan to double defense spending to 2% of GDP.
Japan plans to enhance its strike-back capability with long-range missiles and drones.
The budget allocates 970 billion yen ($6.2 billion) to increase missile capabilities.
A new "SHIELD" system will deploy unmanned drones for surveillance and defense by March 2028.
Japan's military strategy shift includes the use of offensive weapons, a change from its post-World War II policy.
China is identified as Japan's biggest strategic challenge in its security strategy.
Increased tensions with China have been linked to actions near Taiwan and the East China Sea.
Fighting continues between Thailand and Cambodia despite ongoing talks aimed at halting the conflict along their border. Both countries accuse each other of breaking a fragile ceasefire first agreed upon five months ago, with recent clashes involving air strikes and troops. The UN and other international entities are involved, aiming to facilitate peace discussions.
Key Facts
Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in armed clashes along their shared border.
Fighting broke out in early December, ending a previous ceasefire from five months earlier.
On Friday, Thailand used F-16 jets to bomb a village in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province.
Thailand claims the military action was necessary to protect its province, Sa Kaeo.
Territorial disputes along the border have fueled tensions between the two countries.
Mediation efforts, including those involving President Donald Trump, led to the initial ceasefire.
Casualty reports include 26 Thai soldiers, 1 Thai civilian, 30 Cambodian civilians killed, and 90 more injured.
Talks between military officials of both nations are ongoing, with the aim to reach a formal agreement soon.
Trail hunts occurred in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire during Boxing Day, although the government plans to ban the activity soon. The government aims to ban trail hunting as part of a new animal welfare strategy, which comes years after making fox hunting illegal. Supporters of the hunts argue for their cultural and social value, while opponents believe they continue to harm wildlife.
Key Facts
Boxing Day trail hunts took place in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
The government plans to ban trail hunting as part of a new animal welfare strategy.
Fox hunting has been illegal for 20 years in the UK.
Trail hunting involves hounds following a pre-laid scent instead of a live animal.
Some, like the Countryside Alliance, oppose the ban and want to protect hunting-related jobs and hounds.
Opponents, such as Hull Wildlife Protectors, claim trail hunting covers illegal wildlife hunting.
The government has not announced when the ban will begin but is committed to it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a framework for ending the war with Russia. Zelensky is willing to call a referendum on the plan if Russia agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. Both leaders aim to finalize agreements, including security guarantees, during their meeting.
Key Facts
Zelensky wants to meet with President Trump to discuss ending the war with Russia.
He is open to a referendum on the plan if there is a 60-day ceasefire from Russia.
The plan requires Ukraine to make territorial concessions.
A ceasefire is necessary for the referendum to be held safely.
Zelensky mentioned that logistical and security issues could complicate the referendum.
U.S. and Ukraine need their legislatures to ratify security guarantees.
Zelensky hopes for a longer than proposed 15-year security agreement.
Both leaders plan to connect with European leaders on the matter.
The article lists the favorite movies of 2025, picked by critics Linda Holmes and Mike Sargent. It discusses a range of films, highlighting standout features and why these critics recommend them. They provide a diverse selection from different genres and styles.
Key Facts
Linda Holmes and Mike Sargent shared their favorite movies of 2025.
"Sinners" is considered a standout film by Linda Holmes.
"Superman" is praised by Linda Holmes for staying true to the character.
Mike Sargent favors "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" as the best of the series.
"The Perfect Neighbor" deals with racial tension and ends tragically.
"My Mom Jayne" is a documentary praised for its honesty.
"Orwell: 2+2=5" is noted for its timely themes.
Mike Sargent highlights "Arco" for its excellent animation.
"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" is a movie where Puss goes on an adventure to restore his nine lives. He competes against various fairy-tale characters to find the magical Wishing Star while being pursued by a dangerous opponent.
Key Facts
The movie is titled "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish".
It involves a character named Puss trying to get his nine lives back.
Puss needs to find a magical map to the Wishing Star.
He faces several fairy-tale characters during his quest.
The host of "Big Brother," Julie Chen Moonves, paid tribute to Mickey Lee, a former contestant who passed away at 35. Lee's death was due to multiple heart attacks following flu complications. A GoFundMe page raised funds to support her family during this difficult time.
Key Facts
Julie Chen Moonves is the host of the reality TV show "Big Brother."
Mickey Lee, a former contestant on "Big Brother" Season 27, passed away at the age of 35.
She died from multiple cardiac arrests related to flu complications.
Lee was a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and lived in Atlanta, Georgia.
Her family started a GoFundMe page that raised over $35,000.
Prior to her death, Lee spoke openly about surviving a serious ATV accident and was born with a heart defect.
Fellow contestant Rachel Reilly expressed sadness over Lee’s death, emphasizing the bond formed during their time on the show.
Ukraine and the United States are in talks about how to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Some important issues are still being discussed, such as security guarantees for Ukraine, the control of disputed territories, and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy mentioned that a 20-point plan is under discussion with the United States.
Key unresolved issues include security guarantees, disputed territories, and nuclear plant control.
Ukraine wants clear and enforceable security guarantees, including monitoring mechanisms.
There is disagreement over the fate of territories Russia claims versus Ukraine's stance on not ceding control.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant's future is a major concern due to its occupation and safety issues.
Ukraine insists on the demilitarization of the nuclear plant area and access for Ukrainian workers.
Additional discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine are planned, with a focus on economic recovery as well.
Four men were arrested after a 20-year-old man was shot in the chest on Christmas Day in Sheffield, United Kingdom. The man was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition, while the police have asked the public for information and evidence about the incident.
Key Facts
A man was shot in the chest on Christmas Day in Sheffield, UK.
Authorities received the call about the shooting at around 11:30 PM GMT.
The victim, a 20-year-old man, is in critical and life-threatening condition in the hospital.
Four men, aged 20, 22, 28, and 29, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The suspects are in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police have set up a cordon around the crime scene.
South Yorkshire Police are asking for public help, specifically any CCTV footage or information.
Three people are missing after a house fire in the early hours of Boxing Day in Gloucestershire, England. Emergency services found one person who escaped and is now in the hospital, while efforts continue to find the missing individuals. An investigation is underway to find out what caused the fire.
Key Facts
A house fire occurred on Brimscombe Hill near Stroud, Gloucestershire.
The fire started around 03:00 GMT on Boxing Day.
One person escaped the fire and is in the hospital.
Three people are missing and police are trying to find them.
Part of Brimscombe Hill is currently closed to the public.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
People are advised to stay away from the area while the investigation continues.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a review on pediatric gender dysphoria treatments, highlighting concerns about the use of puberty blockers and hormones in youth. The review discusses weak evidence supporting these treatments and notes that several countries have restricted such practices due to insufficient reliable evidence.
Key Facts
The HHS review is about treatments for pediatric gender dysphoria.
Puberty blockers and hormones are used in these treatments.
The initial research supporting these treatments was based on a small study from the Netherlands involving 70 adolescents.
Some patients from the original study encountered serious health issues, including one fatality.
The review highlights justice concerns about using unproven treatments on gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth.
Finland, Sweden, and the U.K. have restricted such treatments due to a lack of reliable evidence.
HHS review co-authors express concern over the medicalization of gender dysphoria in youth without strong scientific backing.
A couple in Texas discovered what they thought was a coyote in their backyard, only to find out it was a scared puppy. Despite efforts to find the puppy's owner, they eventually decided to adopt him, naming him Yote. They shared their story on social media, where it received a warm response.
Key Facts
A couple in Texas found an animal in their backyard that resembled a coyote.
The animal turned out to be a puppy, not a coyote.
The puppy entered the yard through a gap in the iron fence.
The couple tried to find the puppy’s owner by using social media, calling vets, and posting flyers.
Since no owner was found, the couple decided to adopt the puppy.
They named the puppy Yote and organized an adoption party for him.
The story was shared on Instagram, receiving over 317,000 views.
Viewers on Instagram reacted positively to the couple's decision to adopt Yote.
At least eight people died and 18 were injured in an explosion during Friday prayers at a mosque in Homs, Syria. The jihadist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility for the attack. This incident is part of broader sectarian violence in Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
Key Facts
An explosion occurred during Friday prayers inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria.
At least eight people died, and 18 others were injured in the blast.
The Syrian health ministry confirmed the casualties.
The mosque, located in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, serves many Alawite residents.
A jihadist group named Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility for the attack.
Syria's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a terrorist act.
This group previously surfaced in June after claiming a church bombing in Damascus.
Sectarian tensions have increased in Syria since the rebel forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite.
Clashes have erupted along the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, involving armed groups crossing into Tajikistan. These incidents have resulted in several deaths, including those of Chinese nationals, and have strained relations between Tajikistan and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Key Facts
Tajikistan has reported multiple armed incursions from Afghanistan recently.
Over a dozen people have died in these clashes, including Chinese nationals.
The border area is in a mountainous region of southern Tajikistan and northeastern Afghanistan.
Tajikistan claims the attacks are from a terrorist group, but did not specify which one.
Weapons, such as M-16 rifles and grenades, were found with the attackers.
Tajikistan accuses the Taliban of failing to control such security breaches.
Recent attacks specifically targeted Chinese companies and workers in the region.
China is an important economic partner for Tajikistan, having invested significantly in the country.
