A dog named Walter was left tied up outside a Connecticut animal shelter with a note saying he was found abandoned at a dog park. The shelter shared his story on social media to find him a new home. Walter has been checked by a vet and is now ready for adoption.
Key Facts
Walter is a 2-year-old dog left outside Stratford Animal Control in Connecticut.
A note left with Walter said he was found abandoned at a local dog park.
Shelter staff took photos of Walter with Santa Claus to help find him a home.
Walter has been vaccinated, microchipped, and tested for diseases.
The shelter is looking for a family to adopt Walter.
Dog adoption rates usually rise in the last part of the year.
Walter's story was shared on Facebook, attracting hundreds of reactions and shares.
Heavy rains in the Gaza Strip have worsened the living conditions for thousands of displaced Palestinians. Many families have lost their shelters and belongings, and several people have died due to the cold and structural collapses. Despite increased aid efforts from UN agencies like Unicef, many people still lack adequate supplies to withstand the harsh winter weather.
Key Facts
Heavy rains have affected nearly 55,000 families in Gaza, damaging shelters and belongings.
Unicef reports severe weather, including up to 15cm of rain, causing significant flooding.
A two-week-old baby and at least 11 other people have died due to hypothermia and building collapses.
Over 40 emergency shelters were heavily flooded, forcing additional relocations.
Unicef has delivered winter kits, blankets, and tents, but aid is still insufficient.
People living in makeshift shelters face risks from cold temperatures and strong winds.
Many affected families have been displaced repeatedly over two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
President Donald Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for two U.S. National Guard members and a civilian interpreter killed in Syria. The three were killed in an ambush by an Islamic State gunman. The ceremony took place in Delaware and honored the service members who lost their lives.
Key Facts
President Trump attended a ceremony for two U.S. soldiers and a civilian killed in Syria.
The dignified transfer ceremony was held at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
The U.S. Central Command reported the ambush by an Islamic State gunman.
The soldiers were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29.
Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a U.S. civilian interpreter, was also killed.
Three other U.S. service members were injured in the attack.
The attacker was engaged and killed during the incident.
Two Syrian service members were also reported injured in the attack.
King Charles met with rail staff and passengers who showed bravery during a knife attack on a train last month. Eleven people were hurt in the attack, and Anthony Williams has been charged with attempted murder. The event took place on a train traveling from Doncaster to London.
Key Facts
King Charles met with people who acted bravely during a train knife attack last month.
The attack happened on a train going from Doncaster to London King's Cross.
Eleven people were injured and treated in the hospital.
Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder for the attack.
Railway worker Samir Zitouni, train driver Andrew Johnson, and others were praised for their actions during the attack.
Andrew Johnson was praised for diverting the train to a slower track after the alarm was raised.
The Home Secretary praised the "breathtaking bravery" of passengers and train staff.
MPs called for awarding the George Cross to those who showed great bravery.
Leaders in Latin America and the United Nations are worried about rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela over oil exports. President Trump has threatened to blockade oil tankers, aiming to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Regional leaders are calling for calm and urge peaceful solutions to avoid conflict.
Key Facts
The United States and Venezuela are in conflict over oil exports.
President Trump threatened a full blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers.
Oil is Venezuela’s main export and crucial for its economy.
The United Nations and Latin American leaders are calling for calm.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wants more UN action to avoid conflict.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has offered to mediate discussions.
President Trump has increased military presence in the Caribbean.
Trump labeled Maduro’s government a “foreign terrorist organisation.”
The UK government has decided to rejoin the Erasmus study program, which allows students to study abroad in other European countries. The decision involves a cost of £570 million, and some people are discussing whether it's worth the expense.
Key Facts
The UK announced it will rejoin the Erasmus student exchange program.
The program is aimed at allowing students to study in other European countries.
The return to the Erasmus scheme will cost the UK £570 million.
The announcement included discussions with Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister for EU relations.
Andrea Egan was named as the new secretary general of Unison, the UK's largest union.
There is discussion on how Unison's leadership change might impact the Labour Party and Keir Starmer.
Newscast provides daily analysis of political news from the BBC.
The Oscars will move from ABC to YouTube starting in 2029, allowing people worldwide to stream the show online. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the new deal, which will make the event free to watch globally on YouTube.
Key Facts
The Oscars will start streaming on YouTube in 2029.
YouTube will have the exclusive global streaming rights from 2029 through 2033.
The Oscars have been broadcast on ABC since 1976.
YouTube will also stream additional content like a red carpet show and behind-the-scenes footage.
The Oscars were first shown on TV in 1953, originally on NBC.
This move is part of a trend where more award shows are going to streaming platforms.
Streaming makes the Oscars available to more than two billion people worldwide.
Canada's population decreased by over 76,000 from July to October 2025 because of reduced immigration. The government is limiting temporary residents to better balance the ability to support new arrivals with current needs. This marks a significant change, as Canada previously relied heavily on immigration for population growth.
Key Facts
Canada's population fell by 76,068 between July and October 2025.
The decline is due to restrictions on immigration, focusing on temporary residents.
By 2027, Canada plans to limit temporary residents to 5% of its population.
The population previously grew by over 1 million in 2022, largely from immigration.
The shift aims to ease housing costs and reduce stress on social services.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has reduced new temporary resident targets from 673,650 to 385,000 next year.
Statistics Canada recorded this as the largest quarterly population drop since records began in 1971.
Ontario and British Columbia experienced the largest population decreases, while Alberta and Nunavut saw growth.
The Oscars will start streaming on YouTube in 2029, ending its long-time broadcast on ABC, due to a new deal. This change aims to reach more people worldwide. The Oscars have been on ABC since 1976.
Key Facts
The Oscars will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029.
YouTube will have global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The show has been aired on ABC for almost 50 years.
The Academy wants to reach a larger global audience with this move.
Oscar ratings fell in 2025, similar to other award shows like the Golden Globes.
ABC will continue to host the next three Oscar telecasts.
Streaming sites like YouTube continue to gain importance as more people turn to them for content.
Susan Boyle, a Scottish singer, felt very honored by comments made by U.S. actor Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet named Boyle as one of his top British heroes, alongside other well-known figures, because of her memorable 2009 performance on Britain's Got Talent.
Key Facts
Susan Boyle was moved by Timothée Chalamet's recognition of her as one of his British heroes.
Chalamet praised Boyle for her famous 2009 audition performance on Britain's Got Talent.
He also named other British figures like Lewis Hamilton and David Beckham as heroes.
Boyle responded by expressing gratitude and talked about the importance of dreaming big.
Chalamet mentioned Boyle while promoting his new film "Marty Supreme."
Boyle's audition was a significant moment for Chalamet, who was 13 at the time, and it became quickly popular online.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) is expanding its control in eastern Yemen, specifically in the governorates of Hadramout and al-Mahra. This move highlights the complexity of Yemen's conflict, which involves multiple groups, not just the government and Houthis. The STC aims for independence in the south and east, and this has caused new tensions affecting Yemen's stability and economy.
Key Facts
The STC is gaining influence in the eastern parts of Yemen, specifically Hadramout and al-Mahra.
Yemen's conflict involves several groups, not just the government and Houthis.
The STC wants to form an independent state like the former South Yemen.
The expansion of the STC is affecting Yemen's economic and security situation.
Yemen's President Rashad al-Alimi warned about the economic impact of the STC's actions.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly suspended activities in Yemen.
Security instability affects salary distribution, fuel, services, and donor confidence.
Local forces in eastern Yemen, separate from the STC, are also strengthening their positions.
The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 is airing on ABC and will include a variety of popular music performances. This year's event is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Elvis Duran and will feature artists from genres like pop, hip-hop, and Latin music. Viewers can watch the event live on ABC or stream it on Fubo.
Key Facts
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 airs on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET.
The event can be watched on ABC or streamed live on Fubo.
The show features a mix of pop, hip-hop, R&B, Latin, and global music acts.
Some of the performers include Ed Sheeran, MONSTA X, Conan Gray, Feid, and Nelly.
Ryan Seacrest and Elvis Duran are hosting the show.
Special appearances will be made by celebrities like Robert De Niro, Chelsea Handler, and Tiffany Haddish.
There may be regional restrictions for the live stream on Fubo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would extend its military actions in Ukraine if peace talks do not meet Moscow's demands. President Trump has been trying to negotiate an end to the conflict, but Russia and Ukraine have opposing needs. Russia wants the recognition of territories it controls, while Ukraine seeks security guarantees without ceding land.
Key Facts
President Putin warned that Russia might continue military actions in Ukraine if peace talks fail.
President Donald Trump is working on diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and fighting continues since then.
Putin claims Russia will use military means if its territorial demands are not met.
Moscow wants recognized control over certain Ukrainian regions, including Crimea.
Ukraine insists on joining NATO for security but is open to alternatives.
Talks led by the U.S. are ongoing, but key territorial issues remain unresolved.
Two prisoners involved with Palestine Action ended their hunger strikes while others continue. They are protesting for the lifting of a ban on Palestine Action and the closure of a defense firm linked to Israel. Legal representatives and MPs are pressing the UK government to meet the protesters' demands.
Key Facts
Two Palestine Action prisoners stopped their hunger strikes after 41 and 13 days.
Five other prisoners continue to refuse food in protest.
Protesters demand lifting of Palestine Action ban and closure of an Israeli-linked defense firm.
The hunger strikes started in November and involve alleged break-ins and criminal damage.
Fifty-one MPs and peers have asked the UK government to meet with the protesters' lawyers.
Some protesters have required hospital treatment but have been discharged.
The UK government states it is following proper procedures for handling hunger strikes.
Most voters do not support President Trump's idea of U.S. military action in Venezuela, according to a recent poll. Tension between the U.S. and Venezuela remains high, with a new blockade and concerns about possible conflict. The poll shows broad disagreement with military strikes and a blockade aimed at Venezuelan oil tankers.
Key Facts
A new poll shows 63% of voters oppose U.S. military action in Venezuela.
Only 25% of voters support the idea of military intervention.
Among independent voters, 68% are against military action, while 19% support it.
A majority of Democrats (89%) and a minority of Republicans (33%) oppose military action.
Recent strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean have also faced opposition, with 53% against and 42% in favor.
The poll surveyed 1,035 registered voters with a margin of error of ±3.9 percentage points.
President Trump has ordered a blockade of oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela.
There are legal questions about the strikes on drug smuggling vessels, with critics questioning their legality.
A suspect in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia has been charged with 15 counts of murder. Additionally, Jack Smith privately spoke to lawmakers about evidence against President Trump concerning the 2020 election. Warner Bros. asked its shareholders to decline a takeover offer from Paramount.
Key Facts
A suspect involved in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia is facing 15 murder charges.
Bondi Beach is a popular location in Australia.
Jack Smith, a former special counsel, shared information with lawmakers about President Trump.
The information related to claims that President Trump tried to change the 2020 election results.
Warner Bros. is a major entertainment company.
Warner Bros. has asked shareholders not to accept a takeover bid from another entertainment company, Paramount.
Young resident doctors in the UK are striking to seek higher pay and more training positions. This strike is the 14th strike by doctors in recent years.
Key Facts
UK young resident doctors are on strike.
They want better pay and more training opportunities.
This is the 14th time UK doctors have gone on strike in recent years.
The strikes are to address concerns about pay and training.
The action is part of ongoing issues in the UK's healthcare system.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting decided to continue a clinical trial on puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria, despite calls to stop it. The trial follows recommendations by the Cass Review, which found previous research on the benefits of these drugs to be lacking in quality. Concerns raised include potential risks to brain development, fertility, and bone density.
Key Facts
Wes Streeting is the Health Secretary and made the decision to continue the trial.
Puberty blockers are drugs that can delay or prevent puberty.
A trial was recommended by the Cass Review to better understand the drugs' effectiveness and safety.
The trial, named PATHWAYS, is set to start in January and will monitor children's health closely.
Concerns include the effects of puberty blockers on brain development and fertility.
The trial will include about 226 children aged 10 to almost 16.
Some officials and MPs are worried the trial could harm participants and call it an unnecessary experiment.
The trial will ensure a consent process involving children and their parents.
President Trump announced that the U.S. Navy will block and take control of Venezuelan oil tankers that the U.S. previously sanctioned. This action is part of the ongoing U.S. opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Key Facts
President Trump has ordered a blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers.
This blockade is part of U.S. actions against President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.
The U.S. Navy will be actively involved in blocking and seizing these vessels.
The vessels targeted by the blockade have already been sanctioned by the U.S.
Some people have said this move could be considered an act of war.
A shooting at Brown University resulted in two deaths and injuries to nine people. Authorities have not yet named a suspect in the incident. Ben Greenberg, a student at Brown, sees this event as a painful echo of the attempt on his father's life.
Key Facts
A shooting at Brown University killed two students and injured nine others.
Authorities have not yet identified any suspects related to the shooting.
Ben Greenberg is a student at Brown University and the son of Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
The shooting reminded Ben Greenberg's family of a past trauma: the attempted assassination of his father, Mayor Craig Greenberg, in 2022.
Ben Greenberg and his father discussed the recent incident with Aman Nawaz.
