Thousands of people gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square for Christmas celebrations after two years of cancellations due to conflict in Gaza. The event featured a giant Christmas tree and a procession led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land. Many in the area are hoping for a return to normal life, as tourism slowly begins to revive.
Key Facts
Thousands visited Bethlehem's Manger Square for Christmas celebrations.
The festivities had been canceled for the past two years due to the conflict in Gaza.
A large Christmas tree was put up, and a procession was led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Bethlehem's economy relies heavily on tourism, which was greatly affected during the conflict.
Unemployment in Bethlehem rose dramatically during the war, with a rate jumping from 14% to 65%.
Residents hope the return of Christmas festivities signals a step towards normalcy.
Despite the ceasefire in Gaza, tensions and military raids continue in the West Bank.
Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinian Authority has limited control in some areas, including Bethlehem.
A TikTok video of a Jack Russell terrier pretending to be injured has gone viral with over 567,000 views. The video humorously shows the dog acting as if it still has an injury even after the vet removed its cast. Research shows that dogs can sometimes use deceptive behaviors to get what they want.
Key Facts
A Jack Russell terrier became famous on TikTok for pretending to still be hurt after its cast was removed.
The video has been viewed over 567,000 times and has received more than 98,000 likes.
A 2017 study found that dogs can use tricks to improve their chances of getting something they want.
In the study, dogs were able to lead different people to boxes with treats based on what they could gain.
The study showed dogs using sneaky behavior, like leading a competitive person to an empty box.
The video received about 770 comments with users joking that the dog deserves treats for its acting.
TikTok users shared similar stories about pets faking injuries for attention.
The protective shelter at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which contains the radiation from the damaged Reactor 4, may collapse if hit by Russian missiles or drones, according to the plant director. A recent drone strike already damaged the outer shell, known as the New Safe Confinement, which has lost some of its key safety functions.
Key Facts
Chernobyl's shelter is designed to contain radiation from an explosion that happened in 1986.
The shelter includes an inner layer, called the Sarcophagus, and an outer layer, known as the New Safe Confinement.
A Russian drone hit the shelter in February 2025, causing damage and a fire.
The International Atomic Energy Agency found the outer shell lost its main safety functions after the strike.
Repairs are ongoing, with a temporary cover over the damaged area, but the site remains at risk.
The director estimates it will take three to four years to restore full safety functions.
Current radiation levels at the site are stable and within normal limits, but risks stay high due to potential future attacks.
A handmade Christmas gift for a grandmother sparked online discussion. The gift consists of preserved foods, like soups and sauces, presented in jars. While many appreciated the thoughtful gesture, some raised concerns about the elderly woman's ability to open the jars.
Key Facts
A Reddit user shared a homemade Christmas gift for their grandmother, which became popular online.
The gift includes jars of preserved foods such as soups, sauces, and meats.
The post received over 3,900 upvotes and more than 120 comments on Reddit.
Many users praised the gift for being thoughtful and personalized.
Some commenters were worried about the grandmother's ability to open the jars due to her age.
The jars contain foods like beetroot, chicken curry, and braised pork cheeks.
Statista found that 25% of consumers in the U.S. desire food and drinks as Christmas gifts.
The Arab League endorsed a peace plan put forward by Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris and presented to the UN Security Council. The plan aims to establish a ceasefire in Sudan and calls for global supervision of the conflict, though the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) opposed the proposal. Ongoing conflicts in Sudan have resulted in significant civilian displacement and humanitarian challenges.
Key Facts
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab League secretary-general, praised Sudan's peace plan submitted to the UN Security Council.
The peace plan proposes a ceasefire and international monitoring in Sudan.
The Sudanese conflict involves violence between the country's military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Prime Minister Kamil Idris emphasized that the peace plan is a local initiative, not influenced by foreign entities.
The RSF rejected the plan, criticizing its demand for RSF withdrawal and disarmament.
Tens of thousands have died, and approximately 14 million are displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Recent fighting saw the RSF claiming control of Alouba in Sudan's Kordofan region, adding to humanitarian strains.
The city of Kosti is overwhelmed with refugees and displaced people, leading to urgent calls for international assistance.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a new peace plan aimed at possibly withdrawing Ukrainian troops from the eastern region, which Russia has demanded. The plan includes security guarantees for Ukraine from the US, NATO, and Europe if Russia invades again. Sensitive territorial issues still need resolution, and options like a demilitarized zone or free economic zone are being considered.
Key Facts
The new peace plan offers potential Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the east to meet Russian demands.
The plan was agreed upon by US and Ukrainian officials in Florida.
Ukraine would receive security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European countries under the plan.
A 20-point plan updates an earlier 28-point document previously discussed with Russia.
Russia wants Ukraine to pull out from almost a quarter of its territory in the Donetsk region for peace.
Discussions include setting up a free economic zone or a demilitarized zone in Ukraine's eastern region.
Zelensky emphasized the need for Russian troops to leave several Ukrainian regions including Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv.
The plan discusses setting up an economic zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control.
Venezuela and the United States are having a dispute at the United Nations over the U.S. seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers. The U.S. claims this action is part of its effort to stop drug trafficking, while Venezuela criticizes it as illegal and likens it to extortion. The situation has drawn criticism from countries like Russia and China, who have accused the U.S. of aggressive actions.
Key Facts
The U.S. seized two Venezuelan oil tankers and is pursuing a third one.
President Trump stated that the oil and tankers will be kept or sold by the U.S.
The U.S. has deployed 15,000 troops to the Caribbean, aiming to stop drug trafficking.
Venezuela accuses the U.S. of illegal actions and extortion.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.
Russia and China criticized the U.S., accusing it of bullying and aggression.
The U.S. does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader due to his alleged ties to drug trafficking.
There have been recent U.S. actions against more than 20 other vessels, with fatalities reported.
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett spoke about issues related to free speech in the United Kingdom during a podcast interview. She compared the U.K.'s restrictions to the U.S., where the First Amendment protects free speech. The U.K. has recently faced criticism for laws like the Online Safety Act, which some claim broadly censors speech.
Key Facts
Amy Coney Barrett is a U.S. Supreme Court Justice appointed by President Donald Trump in 2020.
Barrett expressed concerns about free speech being limited in the U.K.
She highlighted that the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protects free speech and encourages tolerance.
The U.K.'s Online Safety Act requires social media companies to remove illegal content, leading to claims of censorship.
A British Catholic woman was charged for silently praying outside an abortion clinic under new laws.
Barrett discussed these issues in an interview with Bishop Robert Barron.
Vice President JD Vance also highlighted free speech concerns in Britain and Europe.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended free speech but supports protecting children from harmful content.
A TikTok video showing ancient stone ruins preserved inside an H&M store in Rhodes, Greece, has gained widespread attention online. The store was designed around these historical ruins in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture. The video highlights the unique integration of modern retail spaces with Greece's cultural heritage.
Key Facts
A TikTok video of ancient ruins inside an H&M store in Rhodes, Greece, went viral with over 34 million views.
The video was shared by a user who moved from the U.S. to Rhodes.
The H&M store was designed to incorporate historical ruins as part of the building.
The company worked with the Greek Ministry of Culture to preserve the ruins.
The store's design aims to balance modern retail with cultural history.
TikTok users expressed excitement about the unique integration of shopping and heritage.
The video reflects on how historical sites are preserved in Greece compared to other places.
Chris Rea, a musician from Middlesbrough, passed away recently at age 74. Before his music career started, he went to a radio station to ask a presenter to play his song. Rea was known for his connection to his hometown and his work in music and his family's ice cream business.
Key Facts
Chris Rea was a musician from Middlesbrough, born in 1951.
Rea initially worked in his family's ice cream and cafe business.
As a young man, Rea shared his music by going to a radio station with a tape of his song.
He taught himself to play guitar and joined local bands.
Rea got his first record deal with Magnet Records in the mid-1970s.
His songs, such as "Steel River," were influenced by Middlesbrough's industrial identity.
Rea's cousin and his sound engineer reflected on how his health affected his recent years.
Local fans and music professionals have paid tribute to Rea.
Ukrainian authorities report that 52 villagers from the Sumy region were taken to Russia by Russian forces in a nighttime raid. The Ukrainian military states the attack also led to the capture of 13 Ukrainian soldiers, and fighting continues in the area. Ukraine's President Zelensky and officials expressed concern over the treatment of these civilians.
Key Facts
Russian forces reportedly captured 52 villagers from Hrabovske and took them to Russia.
The incident happened during a night raid involving about 100 Russian troops.
Ukrainian soldiers numbering 13 were also captured in the Sumy region village.
Reports suggest the civilians might be held in Belgorod, a city inside Russia.
Ukrainian authorities indicate civilians were first gathered in a church before being moved.
Fighting continues in the southern part of Hrabovske, according to Ukrainian military sources.
Ukrainian forces have also withdrawn from another town in the eastern Donetsk region.
Ukrainian officials emphasize that such actions violate international humanitarian law.
An 81-year-old man named John, who was abandoned as a baby in London during World War II, discovered he had a brother through a DNA test taken by a family member. The DNA results revealed that John and another man named Lucas, who grew up as an only child, are brothers. They recently met and have formed a close bond.
Key Facts
John was abandoned as a newborn on Christmas Eve in 1944 in London.
A policeman found him and took him to a hospital, where nurses called him "Bobby."
John grew up in a children's home for four years before being adopted.
He believed he would never find his biological family due to lack of records.
Lucas's daughter took a DNA test, which showed a 25% match with John.
Further testing revealed Lucas and John were siblings with a 50% match.
They met for the first time on Easter Sunday and have since developed a strong relationship.
Both discovered they might have unknowingly crossed paths in South London during their childhoods.
Police in China conducted raids shortly before Christmas, detaining many people connected to a major church. This event underscores China's strict control over religion, especially Christianity. The government allows worship only in registered, state-approved locations.
Key Facts
China has strict rules on organized religion, including Christianity, which about 1% of the population practices.
Public worship is only allowed in government-approved locations, and all religious places must register with the government.
Sermons are checked to ensure they don’t criticize the state or disturb public order.
A 2018 agreement between the Vatican and China lets China propose bishops, raising concerns about government influence.
Children under 18 cannot join Christmas celebrations, even in registered churches.
Authorities recently detained around 30 people connected to the Zion Church, a large unregistered church network.
The U.S. government criticized China’s actions against the Zion Church, calling it religious hostility.
Enforcement of these rules varies by location in China.
Israel accused Hamas of not following the Gaza ceasefire by refusing to disarm, a key part of a peace deal arranged by President Donald Trump. The Israeli prime minister's office stated that Israel would take action in response to these violations.
Key Facts
Israel claims Hamas violated the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier was injured, according to Israel.
Hamas is accused of not disarming, which is a crucial part of President Trump's peace plan.
Israel says Hamas needs to step down from leadership and reduce military capabilities.
Hamas has also accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire agreement.
The situation is part of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Cardi B's past comment about not supporting the Republican Party resurfaced after Nicki Minaj showed support for President Trump at an event. This has sparked discussions about political views in the music industry. The comment originally posted in 2024 was brought back into the spotlight by social media users in 2025.
Key Facts
Cardi B made a post in 2024 saying she would never turn Republican.
The post resurfaced online after Nicki Minaj supported President Trump at a Turning Point USA event.
Minaj's support for Trump caused mixed reactions in her fan base.
Cardi B's comment was reshared on social media and received over 50,000 likes.
The incident highlights how political views are impacting discussions in the music industry.
Cardi B is known for expressing her political opinions publicly.
Cardi B is set to appear in season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race airing in January.
The article explains that Christianity began in the Middle East, specifically in areas that are now Palestine, Syria, and surrounding countries. It argues that the Western view of Christmas as a Western tradition overlooks its roots in the Middle East. The modern perception of Bethlehem often ignores the current struggles of its residents.
Key Facts
Christianity originated in the Middle East, not in the West.
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is located in present-day Palestine.
Western countries often celebrate Christmas with consumerism and nostalgia.
Bethlehem is currently under occupation and has many political and social challenges.
Many Western Christians are unaware or uninterested in the realities faced by Palestinian Christians today.
The article challenges Western Christians to reconnect with the true origins and message of Christmas.
Amy Gardiner-Gibson, a detainee linked with the Palestine Action group, ended a hunger strike after more than 50 days. She joined three others who also ended their protests. Their actions are part of ongoing disputes over the group's treatment and the ban against Palestine Action.
Key Facts
Amy Gardiner-Gibson ended a hunger strike after over 50 days.
The hunger strike started on November 2nd, led by her and Qesser Zuhrah.
Four people ended their hunger strikes; three others are still refusing to eat.
The group's lawyers threatened a High Court challenge, seeking government response by a set deadline.
Hunger strikes are common, with an average of over 200 occurrences each year in prisons.
The High Court is examining the decision to ban Palestine Action, with a judgment expected next year.
Prison and NHS guidelines require clinicians to manage hunger strikers' treatment.
Supporters argue for better treatment of detainees and lifting the ban on Palestine Action.
The state of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia passed strict new gun and protest laws after a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The new rules include limiting public protests in specific areas following terrorism declarations and tightening gun restrictions. Some advocacy groups plan to challenge these laws in court, arguing they restrict free speech.
Key Facts
New South Wales (NSW) introduced tough gun and protest laws after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach.
The shooting resulted in 15 deaths during a Jewish celebration.
The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 allows police to limit public protests for up to three months in certain areas after a terrorism declaration.
Certain types of guns will only be available for use by farmers under the new gun laws.
The laws include banning the public display of symbols of prohibited organizations.
Advocacy groups plan to legally challenge the new anti-protest laws, claiming they suppress political dissent and free speech.
Over 100,000 people recently marched in Sydney against Israel's actions in Gaza, which the new laws aim to address.
Australia joined over 145 UN member states in recognizing Palestinian statehood earlier this year.
China has accused two Taiwanese nationals of smuggling frozen goods using a ship that damaged undersea cables in February. The damaged cables have increased tensions between China and Taiwan, with China denying any intentional sabotage. A Taiwanese court sentenced the ship's Chinese captain for the cable damage, but China continues to refute claims of deliberate malfeasance.
Key Facts
China accuses two Taiwanese men of operating a ship that damaged undersea cables.
The ship involved, Hong Tai 58, is registered in Togo.
The incident increased tensions between China and Taiwan.
China denies any sabotage claims, calling the damage a common maritime occurrence.
A Taiwanese court gave a three-year jail sentence to the ship's Chinese captain.
Two Taiwanese nationals involved in the smuggling have been wanted by Chinese customs since 2014.
Subsea cables are crucial for internet and telecoms, but are prone to breaks from sea movements or human activity.
Seneca Falls, New York, is involved in a disagreement over its large landfill, Seneca Meadows. The landfill, providing financial and employment benefits to the community, faces potential closure due to environmental concerns, with a decision expected by the end of the year.
Key Facts
Seneca Falls resembles Bedford Falls from the film "It’s a Wonderful Life" and may have inspired its creation.
The town is currently in a dispute about Seneca Meadows Landfill, the largest landfill in New York State.
The landfill has been in operation since 1983 and benefits the community with jobs and financial contributions.
Concerns include environmental and health impacts, like bad odors and toxic chemicals.
The landfill's state operating permit and the financial agreement with the town are set to expire on December 31.
A town law passed in 2016 requires the landfill to close by the end of the year, but its validity is being reviewed by the New York State Court of Appeals.
Seneca Meadows Inc. aims to extend the landfill's operation until 2040 and expand its size.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is still reviewing the application for extension.
