Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine using over 650 drones and dozens of missiles, resulting in the death of at least three people, including a child. The attacks hit homes and power systems across 13 regions of Ukraine, causing significant power outages. The strike occurred amid ongoing peace talks involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe.
Key Facts
Russia fired more than 650 drones and 38 missiles at Ukraine.
At least three people were killed in the attack, including a 4-year-old child.
The assault affected 13 regions and caused major power outages in Ukraine.
Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted 587 drones and 34 missiles.
President Putin continues to pursue the invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said.
The attack damaged energy infrastructure across several regions in Ukraine.
This was the ninth large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy system by Russia this year.
U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a peace agreement, but negotiations are complicated by differing demands from Russia and Ukraine.
A video of a former street dog named Betty, now living in London, has gone viral. Betty's owner took her to see Christmas lights, wrapping her in a blanket, which touched many viewers' hearts. Betty and her sister were rescued from Texas and are now enjoying a happy life with their new family.
Key Facts
A video shows a former street dog, Betty, watching Christmas lights in London.
Betty was wrapped in a warm blanket by her owner during the outing.
Betty lived on the streets in Texas before being rescued in 2018.
She has a sister named Bean, and both dogs were adopted by the same family.
Betty and Bean were adopted through the Texas Chihuahua Rescue.
The family relocated from Canada to London, where they now live.
The video received over 4.1 million views and 340,000 likes on social media.
The video went viral because of its heartwarming nature and the dog’s evident happiness.
Ukraine reported that Russian forces used hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles to attack homes and energy sites overnight. This attack resulted in several civilian deaths and injuries, including a young child.
Key Facts
Russian forces attacked Ukraine using drones and missiles.
The attack happened overnight.
Homes and energy facilities in Ukraine were hit.
Several civilians died or were injured in the attack.
Philip Young, a former councillor, appeared in court facing 56 charges of sexual offences against his ex-wife over 13 years. He remains in custody and will have a hearing at Swindon Crown Court in January.
Key Facts
Philip Young is charged with 56 sexual offences against his ex-wife, Joanne Young.
The charges include multiple counts of rape and using a substance to stupefy.
The alleged offences happened over a 13-year period.
Philip Young is 49 years old and now lives in Enfield.
Joanne Young is 48 years old and has given up her legal right to anonymity.
Six men in total are charged with offences against Joanne Young.
Philip Young confirmed his name and address in Swindon Magistrates' Court.
His next court appearance is set for January 23 at Swindon Crown Court.
Police leaders in the UK plan to recommend ending the practice of recording non-crime hate incidents due to concerns over resource allocation and freedom of speech. These incidents, which are not crimes but are motivated by prejudice, are logged as potential risk factors for more serious harm. The final decision on this proposal will be made by the Home Secretary.
Key Facts
Non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) are recorded due to hostility but do not qualify as crimes.
Critics argue that NCHIs take up police time and may limit freedom of speech.
NCHIs remain on police records and can appear in background checks.
UK police began recording NCHIs after a 2005 inquiry into a racially motivated murder.
Lord Herbert, College of Policing chair, suggests focusing on more serious incidents.
The final decision on changes to NCHI policy will be made by the Home Secretary.
Some believe NCHIs draw police into unnecessary social media disputes.
In 2022, the Metropolitan Police stated they would stop investigating NCHIs to prioritize criminal matters.
Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris presented a peace plan to the United Nations Security Council to end the ongoing war in Sudan. The plan includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal and disarmament of paramilitary forces, and a future transition to civilian government. Despite these efforts, heavy fighting and a humanitarian crisis continue in the country.
Key Facts
Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris proposed a peace plan to the UN Security Council.
The plan includes a ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces.
It calls for disarmament and reintegration of RSF fighters into society.
Idris promised to organize free elections after a transition period.
The ongoing conflict began in April 2023 between Sudan's military and the RSF.
The United States and other countries proposed a separate humanitarian truce.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and over 14 million displaced people.
Aid groups report severe humanitarian issues, including lacking supplies in displacement camps.
Many popular TV series will return with new seasons in 2026. Shows like "The Pitt" and "Bridgerton" have announced specific release dates. Several other series are also expected to come back next year, although they haven't announced exact dates yet.
Key Facts
"The Pitt" and "The Traitors" will return in January 2026.
"Bridgerton" will return on January 29, 2026, with its fourth season.
"Family Guy" comes back with Season 24 on February 15, 2026.
"Outlander" will have its eighth season starting March 6, 2026.
"Euphoria," not on air since 2022, is expected back in April 2026.
"American Horror Story" Season 13 premieres on October 31, 2026.
Other shows expected to return in 2026 include "Ted Lasso," "House of the Dragon," and "The Witcher."
Clashes recently occurred in Aleppo between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as they face a year-end deadline to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army. While an agreement was signed earlier this year to incorporate SDF fighters, disputes over how to execute this agreement have led to tensions.
Key Facts
The fighting in Aleppo involved Syrian government troops and the SDF, a Kurdish-led group.
The clashes happened as a deadline to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army approaches.
A truce was quickly agreed upon after the fighting began.
An agreement for integration was signed in March 2025 between the Syrian government and the SDF.
The SDF is mostly made up of People’s Defense Units (YPG), linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Turkey opposes the PKK, which it considers a terrorist group, and supports Syria's stance against the SDF.
Analysts say disagreements over how to integrate the SDF fighters have stalled progress.
Turkey has threatened military action if no resolution is reached peacefully.
The first-ever crossword puzzle was published in the United States in the New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913. Created by journalist Arthur Wynne, it featured a diamond-shaped grid with simple clues and no black squares. Crossword puzzles became very popular in the U.S., especially after publishers Simon and Schuster started compiling them into books.
Key Facts
The first crossword puzzle appeared in the New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913.
Arthur Wynne, from Liverpool, England, created this first puzzle.
The puzzle used a diamond-shaped grid without black squares.
Clues were simple and noncryptic, asking solvers to fill in words based on definitions.
Crosswords became popular in the U.S. and spread to England by 1923.
Simon and Schuster played a key role in popularizing crosswords by publishing them in book form.
By the 1920s, most newspapers in the U.S. featured crosswords.
Crosswords now appear in various forms, with different patterns and structures.
The article describes life in Kyiv, Ukraine, during Russian air raids, which have been frequent since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. These raids typically occur at night and result in widespread blackouts due to damage to power infrastructure, leaving residents to rely on gadgets and rechargeable lamps to cope with the darkness.
Key Facts
Russian air raids in Kyiv have been occurring since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Over 1,800 air raids have taken place, and they are increasingly using drones and missiles.
The raids usually occur at night and can last until dawn.
Electricity and heat are frequently disrupted due to attacks on power stations and infrastructure.
"Planned outages," lasting 2 to 8 hours, occur three times a day.
Residents rely on rechargeable lamps and battery-powered gadgets to manage during blackouts.
The article reflects on the resilience of people in Kyiv, including high school graduates celebrating despite the raids.
A small plane belonging to the Mexican Navy crashed in Galveston Bay, Texas, while transporting a young medical patient and seven others. At least five people, including both Navy officers and civilians, died in the crash, and investigations into the cause are underway.
Key Facts
The crash involved a Mexican Navy plane near Galveston, Texas.
The plane had eight people on board: four Navy officers and four civilians, including a child.
At least five people died, including both military and civilian passengers.
The plane was on a medical mission helping a nonprofit that aids severely burned Mexican children.
The crash happened on Monday afternoon near Galveston Bay.
Rescue efforts included search teams and emergency responders.
Weather conditions were foggy, with limited visibility at the time of the crash.
U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican officials are investigating the cause of the accident.
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will keep or possibly sell oil from tankers seized off Venezuela's coast. The U.S. government is using these actions to pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to step down. The U.S. claims Venezuela uses its oil revenue for illegal activities, but Venezuela calls this act "piracy."
Key Facts
The U.S. seized two oil tankers from Venezuela and plans to keep or sell the oil and the vessels.
President Trump suggested the U.S. might also use the oil for its Strategic Reserves.
The U.S. government aims to pressure Nicolas Maduro to leave power in Venezuela.
Venezuela accuses the U.S. of "piracy" and condemns the seizures.
The U.S. military pursued a third Venezuelan oil tanker, calling it part of a "dark fleet" that avoids U.S. sanctions.
President Trump mentioned the possibility of land strikes similar to naval operations against Venezuelan smuggling boats.
Trump increased the reward for information on Maduro and labeled his government a foreign terrorist organization.
The UN Security Council plans to discuss the situation following a request by Venezuela.
A terrier mix named Sprinkles is looking for a home after being deemed "unsellable" by a breeder due to a minor injury in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Despite the label, Sprinkles is healthy, loving, and friendly with children and other pets. The dog's story highlights challenges faced by dogs with minor medical issues in getting adopted.
Key Facts
Sprinkles is a 3-year-old terrier mix with a healed injury on a toe.
A breeder labeled him "unsellable" because of this minor imperfection.
Sprinkles is currently at a rescue center in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
He is friendly, affectionate, and gets along well with other dogs, children, and cats.
Dogs with minor medical issues often take longer to get adopted than healthy ones.
Research shows that people are more willing to adopt dogs with abuse histories than those with medical problems.
The rescue hopes to find Sprinkles a permanent or foster home before the holidays.
The pet industry faces challenges with high numbers of dogs in shelters.
Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine resulted in three deaths and caused emergency power outages. The attacks occurred as the U.S.-led peace talks between Ukraine and Russia continued without any breakthrough. Poland scrambled jets to protect its airspace due to heightened risks from the nearby conflict.
Key Facts
Russia attacked regions across Ukraine with missiles and drones.
At least three people died, including a four-year-old child.
The attacks led to emergency power outages in Ukraine.
Ukraine's air force reported widespread air raid alerts.
The strikes included dozens of missiles and over 600 drones.
Poland deployed jets to secure its airspace near the Ukrainian border.
U.S. peace talks with Ukraine and Russia occurred in Miami but made slow progress.
Ukraine continues counterattacks on Russian targets despite ongoing peace efforts.
The U.S. military reported that it carried out a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, which they claimed was involved in drug smuggling, resulting in one death. U.S. Southern Command said the boat was traveling along established drug trafficking routes, but provided no proof of drug smuggling. The Trump administration has increased such actions to combat drug smuggling and apply pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro.
Key Facts
The U.S. military struck a boat in the eastern Pacific, claiming it was smuggling drugs.
One person died in this military action.
U.S. Southern Command mentioned the boat was in a known drug trafficking area but gave no evidence of smuggling.
A video shared by Southern Command showed the boat on fire.
The Trump administration says these actions aim to stop drug flow into the U.S.
Since September, there have been 29 strikes leading to 105 deaths.
Some U.S. lawmakers and human rights groups are concerned about the lack of evidence and consider the actions as possible extrajudicial killings.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also active in stopping oil shipments to increase pressure on Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro.
President Donald Trump announced plans for a new class of naval battleships called the Trump-class, which he claims will be significantly more powerful than past battleships. The U.S. Navy is developing these ships, which will include advanced features like hypersonic missiles and high-powered lasers. The project involves high costs and ambitious timelines.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. Navy will create a new group of battleships named after him.
These ships are part of a new "Golden Fleet" and are claimed to be 100 times more powerful than any previous battleship.
The Navy plans to buy up to 25 Trump-class ships, with the first one, USS Defiant, to be built in the early 2030s.
The ships will feature advanced technologies like hypersonic missiles, which travel faster than the speed of sound.
They are expected to be much larger than current Navy ships, measuring up to 880 feet in length.
The cost of each ship could be around $15 billion.
The Navy faces challenges such as shipbuilding delays and manpower shortages.
Some experts question if the size and cost will limit the total number of ships available to the Navy.
Metacritic released its list of the best albums of 2025, featuring a mix of different music styles. The rankings are based on scores assigned to each album released throughout the year. Bad Bunny's album topped the list, tied with Rosalía's new release at the highest score.
Key Facts
Metacritic revealed its annual list of top albums for 2025.
The list includes full-length albums or mixtapes released from January 1 to December 31.
These rankings are based on Metascores as of December 17, 2025.
Bad Bunny's album "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS" and Rosalía's "Lux" both scored 97, topping the rankings.
The top 10 includes a mix of genres like reggaeton, alternative metal, and indie rock.
Notable albums also came from artists like Dove Ellis, Dijon, and Hayley Williams.
The rankings exclude EPs, reissues, live albums, and compilations.
A peace deal between the M23 rebel group and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has failed to hold, despite initial optimism. The rebels resumed fighting and temporarily took over the city of Uvira, raising fears of the conflict expanding regionally. The M23 is accused of being supported by Rwanda, though Rwanda denies involvement.
Key Facts
Qatar helped broker a peace deal between M23 rebels and the DRC government, but it failed to maintain peace.
M23 rebels have been fighting against the Congolese army since late 2021, leading to thousands of deaths.
The conflict has displaced nearly a million people in eastern DRC.
The M23 briefly seized the strategic city of Uvira, then withdrew, citing a "trust-building measure".
Uvira is an important transport and economic hub, located near the Rwandan and Burundian borders.
Accusations persist that Rwanda is backing the M23, but Rwanda denies these claims.
Similar peace efforts in the past have collapsed, such as talks led by the African Union and Angola in late 2024.
There is concern that the conflict could escalate into a regional issue due to its proximity to Rwanda and Burundi.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" is the third movie in James Cameron's "Avatar" series. The next film, "Avatar 4", is expected to release on December 21, 2029, continuing the story from the third movie. The director also plans a fifth movie for December 2031.
Key Facts
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" is the third film in the "Avatar" series by James Cameron.
The movie series started in 2009 with "Avatar", followed by "Avatar: The Way of Water".
"Avatar" is the highest-grossing movie ever, earning $2.9 billion globally.
"Avatar: The Way of Water" earned $2.3 billion, making it the third-highest-grossing film.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" has made over $347 million worldwide so far.
"Avatar 4" is planned for release on December 21, 2029.
The story of "Avatar 4" will continue from "Avatar: Fire and Ash".
Several actors, including Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, are expected to return in "Avatar 4".
