A Pakistani court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison for selling state gifts at below-market prices. Khan plans to appeal the decision, which his party criticizes as unjust. He was ousted from office in 2022 and remains a notable political figure in Pakistan.
Key Facts
Imran Khan and his wife were sentenced to 17 years in prison by a Pakistani court.
They were found guilty of selling state gifts, including jewelry from Saudi Arabia, at prices much lower than their true value.
Khan and his wife pleaded not guilty, asserting they did not intend to commit any wrongdoing.
Their lawyer plans to appeal the court's decision.
Pakistani law requires officials to buy state gifts at market value and declare any sale profits.
Khan’s political party, PTI, criticized the trial and sentencing as unfair and politically motivated.
Imran Khan was removed from power in April 2022 and claims his ouster was driven by a conspiracy.
Despite ongoing legal issues, Khan remains a prominent political figure in Pakistan.
An autopsy has confirmed that Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a suspect in shootings at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor, died by suicide. Valente, a former Brown University student, is believed to have acted alone in the incidents, using firearms linked to both crime scenes. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind these events.
Key Facts
Claudio Manuel Neves Valente is suspected of a mass shooting at Brown University and killing an MIT professor.
Valente died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was found in a New Hampshire storage unit.
The shootings occurred on December 13 at Brown and two days later in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Two handguns were found with Valente; one matched the gun used in each shooting.
The shooting at Brown University resulted in two student deaths and nine injuries.
Valente had attended Brown University as a graduate physics student but withdrew in 2003.
Authorities are still trying to determine why he committed these acts.
An investigation is underway into false evidence given by MI5, the UK security service, related to a neo-Nazi informant known as Agent X. The false claims were made to three courts and an MI5 regulator, leading to a call for information from MI5 staff. The investigation, led by Sir Brian Leveson and Sir John Goldring, seeks to uncover errors and missing information in MI5's past dealings.
Key Facts
MI5 is the UK security service focusing on national security and intelligence.
The investigation involves false evidence provided by MI5 about Agent X, a neo-Nazi state informant.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ordered the investigation after MI5's false claims were revealed by the BBC.
Investigators have asked all MI5 staff for information that could help the investigation.
Sir Brian Leveson is overseeing the investigation, which has involved interviews with 36 people.
MI5 had falsely told courts it followed a policy of not revealing informants' identities.
The investigation has found new lines of inquiry beyond initial disclosures.
MI5's Director General issued an apology for the false evidence, but previous inquiries found no deliberate wrongdoing.
A Russian missile strike on the Odesa port in Ukraine killed at least eight people and injured 27 others. This attack is part of ongoing military actions in the region, while peace talks, including U.S. officials, continue without much progress. Russia and Ukraine are both launching attacks, with disputes over territory being a major obstacle in negotiations.
Key Facts
A Russian missile strike killed at least eight people in Ukraine's Odesa port.
The missile hit port infrastructure, including logistics areas, and injured 27 people.
Over two million people in Odesa are facing power outages and lack heating due to ongoing attacks.
Both Russia and Ukraine are launching military strikes, including in eastern regions and the Black Sea.
Peace talks are happening in Miami with U.S., European, Russian, and Ukrainian officials.
Territorial disputes are a major issue in the peace negotiations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin demands Ukraine give up territories occupied by Russian forces.
The U.S. military carried out strikes on over 70 ISIS targets in Syria after an attack on American troops. This operation, involving jets and helicopters, was in retaliation for the deaths of U.S. service members and aimed to weaken ISIS presence in the region. The interim Syrian government supported the U.S. actions, signaling cooperation between the two countries.
Key Facts
The U.S. released video of strikes targeting ISIS in Syria.
The strikes were in response to an attack on U.S. troops on December 13, which resulted in three American deaths.
The operation, called Operation Hawkeye Strike, involved U.S. jets, helicopters, and rocket systems.
Jordanian fighter jets supported the U.S. operation.
Strikes targeted areas in the Badia desert, including Homs, Deir Az Zor, and Raqqa.
At least five ISIS members were reported killed in Deir Az Zor.
The U.S. has approximately 1,000 soldiers in Syria, and the interim Syrian government is cooperating with the U.S. to combat ISIS.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have received new prison sentences related to a fraud case involving state gifts. They were found guilty of violating gift rules when Bibi received a luxury jewelry set from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince. Imran Khan plans to appeal the verdict, insisting the charges are politically motivated.
Key Facts
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi got jail terms for breaking rules on state gifts.
The case involves a luxury jewelry set from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince.
The new sentences are 10 years for Khan and seven years for Bibi.
The sentences will run concurrently with their previous ones.
Khan has faced over 100 charges, including selling state gifts.
Khan plans to challenge the verdict in high court.
He claims the charges are politically motivated.
Khan was Pakistan's prime minister until removed in April 2022.
Long lines of cars are causing delays at the Port of Dover due to IT problems at French border checks. Around 30,000 cars are expected over the weekend as travelers head out for the Christmas holidays. The port is working with other agencies to fix the issues.
Key Facts
IT issues at French border controls are causing delays at the Port of Dover.
Around 30,000 cars are expected to pass through Dover this weekend.
Some travelers report being stuck in traffic for an hour or more.
The port's chief executive, Doug Bannister, says the IT problems are increasing wait times.
The port advises travelers not to arrive more than two hours before their ferry.
Ferry operators will place delayed travelers on the next available crossing.
Bus services are also affected by the heavy traffic at the docks.
Doctors Without Borders has asked Israel to let aid enter Gaza, as babies and children are dying from the cold due to poor living conditions. The health situation in Gaza worsens with the winter weather, causing serious illnesses and deaths among young children. Ongoing Israeli military actions have also resulted in additional civilian casualties.
Key Facts
Babies and children in Gaza are dying because of cold weather and poor living conditions.
A premature baby in Gaza died from severe cold, with the total death toll from extreme weather reaching 13.
Doctors Without Borders highlighted the high rates of respiratory infections among children under five.
Gaza is facing heavy rain and storms, with many displaced families living in makeshift tents.
Israeli forces have continued military actions, including building demolitions and artillery shelling.
Reports mention that Israeli military strikes killed civilians in a shelter for displaced people.
A TikTok video features twin toddlers switching their identities for fun, leading to a viral online reaction. The twins, Cecilia and Genevieve, playfully answer to each other's names, causing much amusement. Despite their identical appearance, they have different personalities and features that set them apart.
Key Facts
A TikTok video shows twin toddlers pretending to be each other, leading to online amusement.
Their mother, Casey Gonzaga, initially noticed the "identity swap" when they were 18 months old.
Cecilia and Genevieve, the twins, are almost 2 years old now.
Although identical, Evie has a birthmark and different eye color, which helps identify her.
Genevieve is described as calm and likes to read, while Cecilia is more active and playful.
The video highlighting the twins' playful confusion has gained significant attention, with over 741,000 views.
Identical twins are relatively rare, occurring in about 32 out of every 1,000 people.
The twins are the first set of twins in their family on both sides.
Episodes 5 and 6 of "Taylor Swift – The End of an Era" will be available to stream on Disney+ on December 26, 2025. The show provides an inside look at the making of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and features appearances by several notable performers and friends.
Key Facts
"Taylor Swift – The End of an Era" is a series available on Disney+.
Episodes 5 and 6 will release on December 26, 2025, at midnight Pacific Time.
A subscription to Disney+ is required to watch the episodes.
The series gives a behind-the-scenes look at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
The docuseries includes appearances by Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Florence Welch.
A basic Disney+ subscription costs $9.99 per month with ads.
The series finale will air at different times depending on the time zone, such as 4 am BRT and 5 pm AET.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for several U.S. states, predicting heavy snowfall and strong winds. Up to 3 feet of snow is expected in some areas through the weekend, impacting holiday travel for millions. Affected regions include Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming, with advisories extending across several other states.
Key Facts
The NWS has issued winter storm warnings for Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Up to 3 feet of snow is expected in Washington's Cascade Mountains.
Wyoming's mountain ranges and Yellowstone could receive 4 to 12 inches of snow.
Winds up to 70 miles per hour are expected in these regions.
Winter weather advisories are also in place for the Rocky Mountains, Northern Plains, and Great Lakes.
Colorado could see 2 to 8 inches of snow, with more in northern areas.
Snowfalls of 3 to 7 inches are predicted for the Great Lakes region, including Michigan and Minnesota.
The NWS advises against unnecessary travel and suggests preparedness with emergency kits.
The Justice Department released documents and photos from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. These materials include images of Bill Clinton at a pool with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Clinton's spokesman responded, emphasizing that Clinton is not the focus of the investigation.
Key Facts
The Justice Department released files related to Jeffrey Epstein following the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The files include undated photos of Bill Clinton with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at a swimming pool.
Clinton's images are prominent in the release, but the photos lack context or details linking him to any crimes.
The Justice Department stated there is no evidence to investigate uncharged public figures further, including Clinton.
Clinton's chief of staff called out President Trump's focus on Clinton, stating it is misplaced.
The White House claims transparency in releasing documents and emphasized Trump's call for further investigations.
Lawmakers criticized the release for redacting too much information and potentially omitting important files.
Iran executed Aghil Keshavarz, accused of spying for Israel's Mossad, after a court upheld his conviction. Keshavarz, an architecture student, was caught photographing a military site. Iran has increased executions for espionage, following a recent conflict involving Israel and the U.S.
Key Facts
Iran executed Aghil Keshavarz for allegedly spying for Israel.
Keshavarz was arrested in Urmia for photographing an army building.
He was convicted of more than 200 spy missions for Israel across multiple Iranian cities.
Alleged missions included taking photos, polling opinions, and monitoring traffic.
Authorities claim Keshavarz used encrypted messages to communicate with Mossad.
Executions for espionage in Iran have increased since a conflict in June.
Iran's new law makes espionage punishable by death and asset confiscation.
The June conflict involved Israeli air attacks on Iran and responses from Iran.
The United States is reviving an old policy from the 1800s that views Latin America as a key area of interest. This has led to increased U.S. military activities in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, causing concerns about legal issues and instability. Uruguay's Foreign Minister discusses these actions, regional tensions, and China's influence in the area.
Key Facts
The U.S. is focusing on Latin America as an important region.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Critics are worried that the U.S. actions might break legal rules.
There are concerns about growing instability in the region.
Uruguay's Foreign Minister is talking about these issues on Al Jazeera.
Topics include U.S. military actions, Venezuela, migration, and China's role.
The discussion also involves diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict in the region.
Cherry, a pet owner from Minnesota, decided to euthanize her dog, Jinx, after a severe health issue. Jinx was diagnosed with blastomycosis, a serious fungal infection, after initially showing symptoms of kennel cough. The infection spread quickly, leaving Cherry with the difficult choice to euthanize Jinx to prevent further suffering.
Key Facts
Cherry celebrated her dog Jinx’s second birthday, knowing it would be the last due to Jinx's health issues.
Jinx was diagnosed with blastomycosis, a fungal infection common in the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Blastomycosis spreads through spores inhaled from soil or decaying wood and can affect a dog's organs.
Jinx's health declined quickly after initially being diagnosed with kennel cough.
Despite medication, Jinx developed severe symptoms and did not improve over a month.
Cherry had to choose between further treatment or euthanasia due to Jinx's severe suffering.
According to Cherry, although a tough decision, euthanasia was chosen to prevent respiratory failure.
The vet handled the euthanasia process in a calm and comforting manner, helping Cherry with the grieving process.
The final episode of "Heated Rivalry" Season 1 will be available to stream on HBO Max on December 26, 2025. Each episode has aired weekly on Fridays, with a streaming release time of 9 pm PT on December 25 and 12 am ET on December 26. A second season of "Heated Rivalry" is also planned.
Key Facts
"Heated Rivalry" Season 1 Episode 6 airs on December 26, 2025.
New episodes are released on Fridays on HBO Max.
Episode 6 is available at 9 pm PT / 12 am ET for streaming.
An HBO Max subscription is required to watch the series.
A basic subscription with ads costs $10.99 per month.
"Heated Rivalry" episodes are about 44 to 50 minutes long.
The episode is titled "The Cottage," with no detailed synopsis yet.
A second season for "Heated Rivalry" is confirmed.
An army barracks in Kent, used to house asylum seekers, has closed. The Napier Barracks faced criticism for poor living conditions and will be handed over to a property developer.
Key Facts
Napier Barracks is in Folkestone, Kent.
It housed asylum seekers from 2020 until its closure.
The site faced criticism for poor conditions during a Covid outbreak.
The barracks will be vacated by the end of the month.
A property developer will take over the site in March.
The site housed over 300 asylum seekers at its peak.
Fewer than 100 asylum seekers remained before closure.
The government plans to use other barracks to house asylum seekers in Crowborough and Inverness.
Students at the Islamic University of Gaza have returned to on-site classes after two years. The university is also a place of refuge for many families displaced by conflict, and much of its infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. This situation reflects the broader impact on education in Gaza due to ongoing violence.
Key Facts
The Islamic University of Gaza reopened for in-person classes following a ceasefire in October 2023.
The university currently shelters about 500 families who lost their homes.
Over 95% of higher education campuses in Gaza have been severely damaged or destroyed since the war began.
Approximately 750,000 Palestinian students have missed two academic years of schooling.
Recent violence has resulted in 494 schools and universities being partially or completely destroyed.
12,800 students, along with 760 teachers and 150 academics, have died due to the conflict.
Professors at the Islamic University are using limited resources and makeshift setups to teach.
The destruction and ongoing conflict impact not only schooling but also basic needs like food, water, and medicine.
Ukraine launched drone strikes on two vessels linked to Russia on the same day. The attacks targeted a Russian patrol ship and an oil platform in the Caspian Sea and a separate tanker in the Mediterranean Sea. This highlights Ukraine's use of drones to target parts of Russia's oil operations.
Key Facts
Ukraine claimed responsibility for drone attacks on a Russian patrol ship and an oil platform in the Caspian Sea.
Another strike targeted a Russian oil tanker, described as part of a "shadow fleet," in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Russian ship targeted was a Project 22460 Hunter, part of the Russian Coast Guard.
The oil platform is located at the Filanovsky oil and gas field, owned by Russian company Lukoil.
The tanker attacked in the Mediterranean was reportedly empty and flagged under Oman.
Ukrainian drones aim to disrupt Russian oil operations that fund its military actions.
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces say they are using these strikes to counter Russian aggression.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an inquiry into the government's response to the October 7, 2023, attacks, which he will lead. Many in Israel want an independent inquiry led by a Supreme Court justice, but Netanyahu's plan involves appointing members politically. A significant portion of the Israeli public, military leaders, and families of attack victims support an independent investigation.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to lead an inquiry into his government's handling of the October 7 attacks.
Many Israelis want an independent state inquiry, headed by a judge.
Netanyahu's proposal includes appointing inquiry members politically, with Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana involved.
A poll shows three out of four Israelis support an independent inquiry.
Military leaders and families of victims have been vocal in demanding a state inquiry.
Netanyahu and his coalition argue a Supreme Court judge-led inquiry wouldn't be impartial.
An inquiry team of six members will be appointed, choosing a chair from among themselves.
Netanyahu is also involved in a separate corruption trial, with related proceedings impacting his public perception.
