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.
A 1-year-old cat named Miklo, known for his fetching skills, won Newsweek's "Pet of the Week." Miklo was rescued by his owners, Domingo and Lydia Longoria, after being abandoned. Several other pets were finalists, each with unique characteristics and stories.
Key Facts
Miklo, a cat, won Newsweek's "Pet of the Week" due to his fetching skills.
Owners Domingo and Lydia Longoria rescued Miklo when he was abandoned.
Miklo looks like a "distinguished gentleman" in his bow tie.
Lydia shares that Miklo became interested in fetch at about 6 months old.
A Labrador and Australian shepherd mix named Doggo was a finalist, known for being camera-shy.
Another finalist, a 15-year-old Maltese named Benji, enjoys wearing outfits.
A cat named Jack is also a finalist, adopted after being bullied by other cats.
Newsweek invites readers to submit stories and photos of their pets for future features.
The United States is urging a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly as violence escalates in the Kordofan region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the urgent need for aid and emphasized the role of external support in continuing the conflict. The fighting involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with the U.S. and other countries engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
Key Facts
The U.S. is calling for a humanitarian truce in Sudan, especially due to increased violence in the Kordofan region.
Over 100 civilians have died, and more than 50,000 people have been displaced since early December due to the conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken about the importance of stopping the violence and providing aid.
The conflict is sustained by weapons supplied from outside countries.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are the main fighting groups.
The UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are making efforts to mediate the conflict.
The UN condemned an attack on a peacekeepers' base that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
The World Health Organization reported that attacks on medical facilities in Sudan were responsible for most global deaths from such strikes this year.
The Australian state of New South Wales plans to ban the phrase "globalise the intifada" after a shooting at Bondi Beach. The attack, motivated by extremist ideologies, resulted in 15 deaths and has led to proposed tougher laws on hate speech and firearms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced a gun buyback program to reduce illegal firearms.
Key Facts
New South Wales wants to ban the phrase "globalise the intifada" as hate speech.
A deadly shooting at Bondi Beach killed 15 people during a Jewish festival.
The attackers were reportedly motivated by "Islamic State ideology."
Authorities propose stricter hate speech and gun restrictions.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns seeks a Royal Commission to investigate the attack.
A gun buyback scheme aims to remove illegal firearms from circulation.
A national day of reflection will mark one week since the attack, with observances across Australia.
Flags will fly at half-mast, and Australians are encouraged to light candles in memory of the victims.
The United States has imposed new sanctions on family members and associates of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The sanctions target seven people related to Maduro's nephew and a Panamanian businessman, aiming to address corruption and drug trafficking activities. These actions come as the U.S. does not recognize Maduro's presidency and continues to pressure his government.
Key Facts
The U.S. announced sanctions on family members and associates of President Maduro.
Seven individuals are targeted, including relatives of Maduro's nephew, Carlos Erik Malpica Flores.
The sanctions also target Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero.
The U.S. does not recognize Maduro’s presidency due to disputed elections in 2024.
The U.S. Treasury aims to dismantle what it calls a "narco-corruption structure."
The U.S. accuses Maduro and his associates of involvement in drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government denies these accusations and says the U.S. wants to control its oil reserves.
President Trump warned of possible military action against Venezuela.
Bangladesh is having a national day of mourning following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the 2024 student-led uprising. Hadi's death led to protests and violence throughout the country. His funeral was held at the South Plaza of Bangladesh's parliament.
Key Facts
Sharif Osman Hadi was a leader in Bangladesh's 2024 student-led uprising.
Hadi was shot in the head by masked attackers on December 12 and later died in Singapore.
Following his death, protests and violence erupted across several cities in Bangladesh.
The Bangladeshi flag was flown at half-mast to mark the day of mourning.
Authorities deployed police with body cameras in Dhaka for the funeral.
Protests included arson attacks on cultural institutions and news outlets.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and newspapers like Prothom Alo suspended events and kept publishing online due to safety concerns.
Hadi was running for parliament in the upcoming 2026 elections.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold public hearings in January 2026 to consider accusations of genocide against Myanmar over its treatment of the Rohingya people. The case, brought by The Gambia, alleges Myanmar violated the UN genocide convention during a military crackdown in 2017. Myanmar will present its defense following The Gambia's arguments, with closed sessions scheduled for witness testimonies.
Key Facts
The ICJ will conduct public hearings on Myanmar's alleged genocide starting January 12, 2026.
The Gambia, with the backing of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, filed the case in 2019.
Myanmar is accused of committing genocide against the Rohingya ethnic group in 2017.
More than 742,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh due to alleged violence from Myanmar's military and militias.
The ICJ instructed Myanmar in 2020 to take measures to prevent further genocide.
Witness testimonies in the hearings will not be open to the public or media.
Myanmar will present its side from January 16 to 20, 2026.
The Gambia's Minister of Justice hopes for a court ruling soon after the hearings.
The article discusses reactions to a recent shooting in Bondi and calls for Jewish communities to find strength and build alliances with Muslims, Palestinians, and other groups facing challenges.
Key Facts
A recent shooting occurred in Bondi, mentioned in the context of discussing antisemitism.
Em Hilton, co-founder of Na’amod, commented on the situation.
Em Hilton has a connection to Bondi, as it is her hometown.
Hilton suggests that Jews should not isolate themselves after the shooting.
She calls for the Jewish community to find moral courage.
There is an emphasis on building relationships with Muslims, Palestinians, and other communities.
A Texas mom named Skylar found her daughter Eloise Lucille in the laundry room late at night. The toddler, who recently learned to walk, managed to navigate through multiple doors in the dark. Skylar shared this surprising moment on TikTok, where the video went viral.
Key Facts
Skylar, a mom from Texas, heard noises from the laundry room around 11:30 p.m.
She found her toddler daughter, Eloise Lucille, who had gotten out of bed.
Skylar initially thought the noise was from an animal.
Eloise had navigated past four doors in the dark to reach the room.
The video of this incident gained over 7.1 million views on TikTok.
Eloise has recently started walking and is exploring the house more.
Skylar realized she needs to toddler-proof her home further.
A jellyfish named Turritopsis dohrnii can reverse its life cycle when faced with stress, effectively "cheating death." Researchers believe studying this jellyfish could help develop new medical therapies to heal damaged tissues and organs.
Key Facts
Turritopsis dohrnii is a jellyfish capable of rejuvenating its life cycle.
It was discovered that this jellyfish could reverse its aging process about 100 years after it was first found in 1883.
This process is called transdifferentiation, where adult jellyfish turn into a ball of tissue and then grow into a new polyp.
The rejuvenation process takes about 24 to 36 hours.
Jellyfish colonies were able to naturally rejuvenate themselves up to 10 times over two years.
This ability involves activating many genes related to cell regeneration and repair.
Other cnidarians, like corals and Hydra, also show similar rejuvenation abilities.
While termed "immortal," these jellyfish can still fall prey to other sea animals.
The U.S. Department of Justice has released many files related to its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. These files include images of Epstein's properties and photos of well-known individuals, such as Bill Clinton and Michael Jackson. The release follows a law that requires the Justice Department to make these files public.
Key Facts
The files released are part of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Files include images of Epstein’s properties.
Photos in the files feature well-known people, such as Bill Clinton and Michael Jackson.
Audio files and various other documents are also included.
The release was mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The Department of Justice made the files public.
The information was analyzed by BBC reporter Nada Tawfik.
A Maryland mom, Natalie McCarter, captured her husband Ray and their children during Christmas, not knowing it would be his last celebration with them. Ray was killed in February 2019 in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Natalie now shares their story to encourage others to cherish time with loved ones.
Key Facts
Natalie and Ray McCarter were from Maryland and had two children, Raina and Cole.
Ray McCarter died in a car accident on February 16, 2019, after being hit by a drunk driver.
The accident happened while Ray was driving home.
Natalie and Ray had been married for 11 years.
Before the accident, Natalie filmed Ray and the kids during Christmas, the last time with the whole family together.
Natalie shares her story to raise awareness about cherishing time with loved ones.
Natalie describes her grief as a challenging journey and emphasizes living in the moment.
Despite the loss, Natalie and her children continue to find meaning and love in their lives today.
A nine-year-old boy named Adyan Alam became critically ill with sepsis after a hiking trip in Wales, U.K. The condition led to severe complications, including the need for leg amputation. Adyan's family is now focused on raising awareness about sepsis and adjusting to changes in their lives.
Key Facts
Adyan Alam, 9, fell ill after a hiking trip in Wales, U.K.
He collapsed at a service station and had two cardiac arrests.
Doctors diagnosed Adyan with sepsis, a serious illness that affects the body's response to infection.
Sepsis caused poor blood flow, leading to tissue damage in his legs.
Adyan spent 10 weeks in intensive care and was in a coma for eight days.
Part of his left leg was amputated due to the damage from sepsis.
The family is looking for a new accessible home as Adyan uses a wheelchair.
Adyan's parents are trying to raise awareness about sepsis.
Russia and China have increased their joint military air patrols since 2019, with flights extending beyond East Asia into the Pacific and near Alaska. These operations involve bombers, some capable of carrying nuclear weapons, as part of their military cooperation aimed at addressing regional security challenges. The patrols are largely seen as political demonstrations to show military presence and cooperation between the two countries.
Key Facts
Russia and China have been conducting joint air patrols since 2019.
The patrols involve bombers, including some that can carry nuclear weapons.
The flights have expanded beyond East Asia, reaching the broader Pacific region and near Alaska.
Russia and China describe these actions as efforts to enhance their regional security cooperation.
The December 9 air patrol near Japan was the 10th joint patrol conducted.
China considers these patrols a key part of its defense strategy.
Joint patrols increased in frequency in 2022, with some missions involving reciprocal visits to each other's airfields.
The patrols operate within air defense identification zones but not within the sovereign airspace of South Korea and Japan.
A Labrador named Gideon was diagnosed with a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, giving him only a few months to live. The dog's owners decided on a life-saving surgery that involved removing his nose, which ultimately allowed Gideon to recover and continue living normally. The surgery was funded through a combination of community fundraising and a grant, and the dog is now in good health with no limitations on his activities.
Key Facts
Gideon, a Labrador, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive cancer, in 2025.
Initially, the veterinarians gave Gideon only a few months to live.
A specialist suggested a surgery to remove Gideon's nose could save his life and extend it by three to six years.
The family used a crowdfunding website and a grant to pay for the surgery.
Dr. Ficklin performed the successful surgery, which lasted over five hours.
Gideon recovered well and resumed his usual activities without any restrictions.
Regular check-ups, including X-rays, are needed to ensure the cancer does not return.
Gideon's owner shares his recovery story on social media, where videos have gone viral.
A map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that if sea levels rise by 10 feet, many parts of California's coast could go underwater. Coastal cities like San Francisco and San Diego, as well as wildlife areas, would be affected. Experts say this might not happen before 2100, but small sea level increases can already impact coastal areas.
Key Facts
NOAA's map shows a potential 10-foot sea level rise could flood parts of California's coast.
Cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego could be partly underwater.
Important wildlife areas like Humboldt Bay would also be affected.
Rising sea levels are partly due to higher global temperatures and melting ice caps.
A 10-foot sea level rise is not expected before 2100 but could still impact costs and communities.
Experts suggest improving stormwater management and building barriers to mitigate flooding.
Areas like the Golden Gate National Recreation Area could be heavily affected.
Planning for resilience is essential to address potential future impacts.
A series of earthquakes occurred in California's Bay Area on the evening of December 19. No damage or injuries were reported, and no tsunami warnings were issued. The earthquakes ranged from magnitudes of 2.9 to 4.0.
Key Facts
Multiple earthquakes hit California's Bay Area within 30 minutes on December 19.
The first earthquake struck at 7:49 p.m. with a magnitude of 3.8.
Another earthquake soon after had a magnitude of 4.0 near San Ramon.
Subsequent earthquakes had smaller magnitudes, with the last one being a magnitude of 2.9 at 8:10 p.m.
Earthquakes in the area are common, often due to energy released along fault lines.
No injuries or property damage were reported from this series of earthquakes.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks.
There is a 5% chance of a larger earthquake occurring within three days after a moderate one.
