Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty of abuse of power and money laundering related to the 1MDB scandal involving the illegal movement of funds from Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund. The court found him guilty of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering tied to the misappropriation of funds worth about $543 million. Najib, who is already serving a reduced sentence from a previous conviction, claims the charges are politically motivated.
Key Facts
Najib Razak, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, was found guilty of abuse of power and money laundering.
The case is connected to the 1MDB scandal involving the misuse of Malaysia’s state-owned wealth fund.
Najib was found guilty of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering.
The illegal transfer amounted to about 2.2 billion Malaysian ringgit ($543 million).
Each charge could lead to 15-20 years in prison, though sentencing is pending.
In a previous trial related to 1MDB, Najib was convicted and received a partial pardon, reducing his sentence.
Investigators reported that, overall, $4.5 billion was misdirected from 1MDB.
Najib and his supporters argue that the charges are politically driven, but the judge dismissed these claims based on evidence.
1MDB, or 1Malaysia Development Berhad, was established in 2009 to boost Malaysian development through international investments.
President Trump plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss a peace deal. Talks have been ongoing between U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian representatives, and they have made progress on the agreement. The meeting aims to finalize a peace plan involving security guarantees and ceasefire logistics.
Key Facts
President Trump will meet President Zelensky on Sunday to discuss a U.S. peace plan.
The meeting follows talks in Florida between Trump advisers and top negotiators from Ukraine and Russia.
U.S. and Ukraine have mostly agreed on security guarantees for Ukraine.
A sticking point is Russia's demand for control of the Donbas region.
Zelensky wants any territorial concessions to be approved in a referendum.
A ceasefire might be part of the deal, but its duration is still under negotiation.
The U.S. plan includes a military response if Russia invades Ukraine again.
Ongoing discussions involved Christmas Day meetings between key officials.
A golden retriever named Levi went viral for refusing to go on a walk with his owner's boyfriend. Levi prefers his owner, Natalia, to take him for walks. The video of his protest was shared on TikTok and received a lot of attention and likes.
Key Facts
A video of a golden retriever named Levi from Scottsdale, Arizona, went viral on TikTok.
The video shows Levi refusing to walk with his owner's boyfriend and being lightly dragged on the hallway floor.
The video has been watched over 9.7 million times and received more than 2.6 million likes.
Natalia Klopotowski, Levi's owner, explained that Levi prefers her to take him for walks.
Some commenters were concerned about carpet burns, but the owner assured that Levi was not harmed.
Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate and expressive personalities.
Many people related to the experience of having a pet with strong preferences, sharing similar stories.
Manjula Sood, the UK's first female Asian lord mayor, has passed away at the age of 80. She was a well-regarded community leader in Leicester, where she served as a councillor and assistant mayor. Details about her memorial service will be announced later.
Key Facts
Manjula Sood was the first female Asian lord mayor in the UK.
She served as a councillor and assistant mayor in Leicester.
She moved from India to Leicester in 1970 and became a primary school teacher.
She became a councillor in 1996 and a lord mayor in 2008.
She was appointed an MBE and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester.
Tributes describe her as a dedicated community leader and an inspiration.
Her family has requested privacy following her death.
Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent country, making it the first nation to do so. This decision is significant for Somaliland, which has been seeking international acknowledgment since it separated from Somalia in 1991. The move has caused mixed reactions in the Horn of Africa, with some countries protesting.
Key Facts
Israel is the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
Somaliland has been operating independently since 1991 but lacked official recognition.
Israel's recognition is part of an effort to cooperate on agriculture, health, technology, and economic growth.
The agreement aligns with the Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and some Arab countries.
Israel and Somaliland plan to set up embassies and appoint ambassadors in each other's countries.
Somalia and some regional powers oppose Israel's decision, emphasizing Somalia's territorial integrity.
Somaliland hopes that Israel's recognition will lead other nations to follow suit.
Historically, Somaliland has had its government and currency separate from Somalia.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the future of a peace deal for Gaza. The meeting is crucial as the U.S. aims to introduce a Palestinian government plan and stabilize Gaza, but there are disagreements between Trump’s team and Netanyahu on the approach. The outcome of this meeting will impact the next steps in the Middle East peace process.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to make announcements about the Gaza peace deal in January.
The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is crucial for progressing the peace deal.
The U.S. intends to introduce a new Palestinian government and stabilization efforts in Gaza.
There is tension between Netanyahu and Trump's advisers over the peace process.
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have been negotiating with other countries to support the deal.
Netanyahu has doubts about the proposed demilitarization of Gaza.
Trump's team is concerned Netanyahu might resume the conflict with Hamas.
The meeting stems from a December 1 phone call initiated by Netanyahu to discuss these issues.
President Donald Trump ordered a military strike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day. Former Representative Adam Kinzinger, despite his criticism of Trump, supported the decision, citing the need to combat ISIS terrorism. The U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strikes, which were coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered a military strike in northwest Nigeria against ISIS on Christmas Day.
The strike aimed to combat ISIS militants targeting Christians in the region.
Former Representative Adam Kinzinger supported the decision, despite generally being critical of Trump.
Kinzinger mentioned Nigeria's request for assistance and called the strike appropriate.
Other politicians, like Justin Amash, questioned the need for Congressional approval for such military actions.
The U.S. Africa Command, working with Nigerian authorities, confirmed the strikes were successful.
General Dagvin Anderson highlighted ongoing cooperation to counter terrorism in the region.
A bombing at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria, killed at least eight people and injured 18 others during Friday prayers. Authorities believe explosives were placed inside the mosque, and they are searching for those responsible. The attack occurred amid ongoing tensions and instability following the fall of President Bashar Assad.
Key Facts
The bombing took place at a mosque in Homs, Syria, during Friday prayers.
At least eight people died and 18 were injured in the attack.
The mosque is in a neighborhood mostly inhabited by the Alawite minority.
Initial investigations suggest explosive devices were put inside the mosque.
Security forces are looking for the people responsible for the bombing.
The Syrian government and neighboring countries condemned the attack.
Syria has faced increased tensions and violence following the fall of President Bashar Assad.
A ceasefire was announced after recent clashes in Aleppo between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led fighters.
Parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes region in the U.S. are experiencing severe winter weather conditions. The National Weather Service forecasted hazardous travel due to a mix of freezing rain and sleet, with heavy snow expected in certain areas.
Key Facts
A winter storm is affecting the Northeast and Great Lakes region after Christmas.
The storm includes freezing rain, sleet, and heavy snow.
Freezing rain could accumulate over a quarter inch from northwest Pennsylvania to western Maryland.
Heavy snow is expected in central New York, northeast Pennsylvania, and the Tri-State area.
New York City could see 3 to 6 inches of snow, depending on whether sleet or rain mixes in.
Travel hazards due to freezing rain are expected in lower Michigan, southern Ontario, northern Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and the Virginias.
The weather system is expected to move from west to east, improving by Saturday morning.
Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect across parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.
An explosion at a mosque in Homs, Syria, killed at least six people and injured over 20. The attack happened at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque shortly after Friday prayers, and authorities are investigating the cause.
Key Facts
The explosion happened at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab area of Homs, Syria.
At least six people were killed, and more than 20 were injured in the blast.
The attack took place shortly after Friday prayers.
Authorities are investigating, and there is a possibility it was a suicide bomber or explosives.
No group has taken responsibility for the attack so far.
The area is home to various religious groups, including Alawites, Christians, and Sunni Muslims.
There has been a recent increase in ISIL (ISIS) activity in Syria.
The United States recently bombed ISIL positions in Syria after the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts announced she is pregnant with her first child. She shared that she is five months along and expects to have her baby in spring with her partner, Mitch Hahn.
Key Facts
Nicola Roberts is a member of the music group Girls Aloud.
She is five months pregnant with her first child.
Her partner is footballer Mitch Hahn.
She announced the pregnancy in a social media post.
Fellow celebrities and friends congratulated her on Instagram.
Girls Aloud reunited for a UK and Ireland tour last year, dedicating it to their late bandmate Sarah Harding.
The group formed 21 years ago after winning the TV show, Popstars: The Rivals.
Nicola Roberts is currently performing in a musical in London's West End.
A cat owner tried to introduce a new rescue kitten to her home, but her current cat reacted negatively. The current cat displayed anger towards the owner, leading her to find a new home for the kitten. The event was captured in a viral Instagram video that gathered over 1.4 million views.
Key Facts
A video showing a cat's displeased reaction to a new kitten went viral on Instagram.
The cat showed signs of anger, including hitting and biting the owner, when introduced to the kitten.
The owner decided to rehome the kitten, believing it was the best option.
Cats can be social but sometimes prefer to live alone or feel stressed by another cat's presence.
Signs of a cat needing companionship can include changes in behavior such as increased clinginess or restlessness.
The video has received over 1.4 million views and 119,000 likes.
Reactions on social media included empathy for the older cat and discussion about how cats react to new pets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. This meeting follows ongoing peace talks involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, with discussions covering topics like security guarantees and potential troop withdrawals in eastern Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Zelensky will meet President Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday.
The meeting aims to further discuss peace negotiations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.
Zelensky mentioned a "broad agenda" for the meeting, including security guarantees for Ukraine.
Recent talks involved U.S. representatives and Russian negotiators in Miami.
Ukraine has suggested a demilitarized zone if Russia also agrees to withdraw troops.
Russia claims annexation of several Ukrainian regions, which Ukraine aims to reclaim.
The 20-point peace plan includes Ukraine receiving security assurances similar to NATO's Article 5.
Discussions continue on issues like control of Europe's largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia.
Palestinian Christians celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem while dealing with Israel's military occupation and the conflict in Gaza. Many worshippers expressed that the celebrations were a symbol of hope and resilience.
Key Facts
Palestinian Christians gathered in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas.
The event took place despite Israel's military presence in the area.
There is an ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Worshippers described the Christmas celebration as an act of resilience.
The celebrations were seen as a sign of hope by those attending.
Al Jazeera’s reporter, Nida Ibrahim, covered the event and spoke to attendees about their experiences.
Hundreds of people participated in a Christmas Day sea swim in Lowestoft, Suffolk. The event went ahead despite rough conditions leading to the cancellation of other sea swims in Norfolk and Suffolk. Organizers ensured safety by coordinating with coastguards, lifeguards, and medical teams.
Key Facts
A Christmas Day swim took place in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Organizers worked with coastguards, lifeguards, and medical teams for safety.
Several other planned swims in the region were canceled due to unsafe sea conditions.
The sea conditions included wave surges up to 3 meters (10 feet).
The organizer of another event in Sea Palling postponed the swim after consulting with a coastguard.
Safety of participants was the primary concern for organizers.
Hundreds of people walked out of a "Wizard of Oz" show in Manchester, UK, claiming it was not as advertised and of poor quality. The show's producers stated that it never claimed to be a Cirque du Soleil production and noted the lower ticket prices compared to similar performances.
Key Facts
The show in question was called "Wicked Wizard of Oz—A Cirque Spectacular."
It took place at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, on December 23.
Audience members expected a performance similar to Cirque du Soleil.
Reports indicated that the audience found the show "cheap and tacky."
Many theatergoers left the performance early, disappointed by the production.
Producers clarified that the show included circus elements in a pantomime style.
A Facebook group formed for people unhappy with the show.
Producers highlighted the show's lower ticket prices compared to Cirque du Soleil.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and other issues related to the conflict with Russia. They plan to talk about a 20-point plan that is almost ready, as well as potential economic agreements. Zelenskyy also hopes to involve European countries in future discussions.
Key Facts
Zelenskyy will meet President Trump in Florida to discuss security for Ukraine.
The leaders will review a nearly completed 20-point plan.
Talks will also cover an economic agreement, though no decisions are expected immediately.
Ukraine wants Europe to be part of future discussions, but it may not happen soon.
The U.S. is leading diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia's takeover of parts of Ukraine's Donbas region is a major sticking point in negotiations.
Conflict in Ukraine continues, with recent Russian attacks causing casualties and damage.
Ukraine recently targeted Russian oil facilities using long-range missiles supplied by the UK.
In 2025, the U.S. has conducted military strikes in several regions under President Donald Trump's orders. These operations targeted groups like ISIS and others involved in criminal activities. Key areas affected include Nigeria, Syria, the Caribbean, the Pacific, Iran, Yemen, and Somalia.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered a U.S. strike on ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas day.
This strike in Nigeria was coordinated with the Nigerian government and targeted militant camps in Sokoto state.
Earlier in December, the U.S. conducted strikes against ISIS in Syria following attacks on American troops.
In September, the U.S. targeted vessels linked to "narco-terrorist" networks in the Caribbean.
Similar operations happened in the Pacific, focusing on narcotics trafficking.
In June, the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear sites aimed at hindering Iran's nuclear weapon development.
In April, U.S. forces attacked a Houthi-controlled port in Yemen, resulting in over 70 casualties.
In February, precision airstrikes were carried out in Somalia against Islamic State targets.
A cat owner got a second cat after being impressed by her first cat's calm behavior. However, the new cat turned out to be more troublesome, causing chaos in the household. Experts suggest that introducing a new cat should be done gradually to help them get along.
Key Facts
A woman decided to get a second cat because her first cat was calm and loving.
The second cat was not as calm, causing trouble and disturbing the first cat.
A video of the cats went viral, gaining over 766,000 views on Instagram.
Experts recommend a slow process when introducing a new cat to an existing one.
Initial introductions should involve setting up the new cat in a separate room.
Sensory introductions, such as using scent first, can help reduce stress.
Gradual face-to-face meetings with supervision are advised.
Two friends in Birmingham, U.K., discovered two sealed boxes hidden under a staircase in their home during renovations. The boxes contained letters and other mementos connected to a man named Mike. The friends are looking for more information on Mike and the content of the letters.
Key Facts
Two friends, Zoh and Zai, discovered hidden boxes during a house renovation in Birmingham, U.K.
The boxes were behind a staircase panel that had been wallpapered over.
The boxes contained letters, cards, and other love tokens, repeatedly mentioning a man named Mike.
The letters included personal thoughts and emotions, with some items suggesting they were once returned by a woman.
Zai and Zoh are exploring the contents and sharing their findings on Instagram and YouTube.
They hope to learn more about Mike and his past relationships through social media.
A significant number of homeowners in the U.S. also engage in home renovations, often discovering unique items.
