Starting February 1, 2026, tourists in Rome will need to pay a €2 fee to get close to the Trevi Fountain. The money collected will be used by the city to maintain the area and manage visitor flow. Children under five and people with disabilities can view the fountain near up at no cost.
Key Facts
A €2 fee will be required for tourists to see the Trevi Fountain up close in Rome.
This fee starts on February 1, 2026.
The collected fees will help the city with maintenance and managing visitors.
Rome expects to collect about €6.5 million each year from this fee.
The mayor of Rome believes this will reduce crowd chaos.
Children under five and disabled visitors, with one accompanying person, are exempt from the fee.
Residents of Rome will have free access to various sites that currently charge, but tourists will pay.
Tourists can still view the fountain for free from a distance.
A Cessna jet carrying seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, crashed near Statesville, North Carolina, shortly after takeoff, killing all on board. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are looking into why the jet tried to return to the airport and the circumstances of the crash.
Key Facts
The crash killed former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his family, and three others.
The jet crashed into light poles and trees near the runway and caught fire.
Investigators don't know why the jet turned back or who was the lead pilot.
The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered for investigation.
Biffle and two others on board held pilot licenses, but only one was rated for the jet.
The plane's path showed significant speed and altitude changes during the flight.
No emergency calls were made from the plane before the crash.
Greg Biffle was recognized for his humanitarian aid efforts after Hurricane Helene.
The Department of Justice released numerous files related to Jeffrey Epstein, including several pictures of former President Bill Clinton. These files were released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires revealing all investigation materials on Epstein. The act mandates protecting the privacy of victims by redacting sensitive information.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice made files about Jeffrey Epstein public, including images of Bill Clinton.
The release is part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed to improve transparency.
The act requires declassifying all investigation materials but allows redactions to protect victim privacy.
Photos show Clinton with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, but the location and dates are not specified.
The law was enacted in November and signed by President Donald Trump.
Some files remain heavily redacted, like the "Masseuses" List, due to privacy concerns.
No high-profile individuals depicted in the photos, including Clinton, have been accused of wrongdoing in Epstein's crimes.
The DOJ plans to release more materials as they continue their review to comply with legal requirements.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian troops are making progress in Ukraine and is confident they will meet their goals unless Ukraine agrees to Russia's conditions for peace talks. The press conference highlighted Russia's demands, including recognizing certain areas as Russian territory, and addressed the ongoing conflict and peace efforts involving U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
President Putin held an annual news conference where he discussed military progress in Ukraine.
He claimed Russian forces are advancing and will achieve their objectives if peace talks with Ukraine do not succeed.
Russia has specific demands, such as recognizing the Crimean Peninsula and areas in eastern Ukraine as Russian territory.
Putin praised U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts for peace and mentioned agreed compromises at a summit in Alaska.
Ukraine has rejected Russia’s demands and is not willing to cede territory.
Russia’s other conditions include Ukraine not joining NATO and recognizing Russian as an official language.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is open to dropping NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees.
At his yearly question and answer event on TV, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not comment on when the war in Ukraine might end. The topic of the war was a significant part of the discussion, but Putin did not provide an answer about its conclusion.
Key Facts
Vladimir Putin held an annual televised question and answer session.
The situation in Ukraine was a main topic during the event.
Putin did not give a clear answer about when the war in Ukraine could end.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing.
The public was seeking clarity on the duration of the war.
Six British activists are on a hunger strike in jail, which puts their lives at risk according to doctors and their families. They are refusing food while awaiting trial for protests linked to military sites.
Key Facts
Six British hunger strikers are involved.
They are linked to the protest group called Palestine Action.
Their protests targeted defense and military locations.
They have been refusing food for almost seven weeks.
Doctors and family members warn that the hunger strikers could die.
Australia has strict gun control laws that were introduced after a mass shooting in 1996. A recent attack in Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people, has raised concerns about gun ownership in the country. There are now over four million privately-owned guns in Australia.
Key Facts
In 1996, a mass shooting in Port Arthur, Australia, led to the country introducing strict gun laws.
A recent shooting in Bondi Beach killed 15 people during a Jewish event.
Roland Browne, a gun control advocate, is campaigning for tighter gun laws in Australia.
Australia has over four million privately-owned firearms, nearly double from 20 years ago.
On average, each licensed gun owner in Australia has more than four guns.
Queensland has the highest number of registered guns, followed by New South Wales and Victoria.
Western Australia is the only place in Australia with a limit on the number of guns a person can own.
One of the alleged attackers in the Bondi shooting owned six registered firearms.
The Justice Department started releasing a large number of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. These include photos, call records, and court papers, although many parts are edited out or redacted.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Thousands of pages of files are included in this release.
The documents have sections that are heavily redacted, meaning text is blacked out to hide some information.
The release includes various types of documents such as photos, call logs, and court filings.
White House correspondent Liz Landers is reporting on the release.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna is also discussing the released materials.
Investigators are working to find out why a man killed two students at Brown University and a professor at MIT. The suspect was found dead in a New Hampshire storage facility. An anonymous tip helped change the direction of the investigation.
Key Facts
A suspect was involved in the shootings of two students at Brown University.
The same suspect is also connected to the murder of a professor at MIT.
The suspect was found dead in a storage facility in New Hampshire.
Authorities are still trying to find out the suspect's motive for the killings.
An anonymous tip played a key role in redirecting the investigation.
The U.S. Department of Justice released a large number of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. These documents include photos, flight logs, and business records. The release was required by a new law signed by President Trump that mandates public disclosure of these materials.
Key Facts
The Justice Department released many records about Jeffrey Epstein, but some are heavily edited to hide certain details.
A new law, signed by President Trump, requires the Department of Justice to release all unclassified documents about Epstein by December 19.
The law was pushed through Congress by bipartisan efforts and a procedural move called a discharge petition.
Some documents and materials, like draft indictments and witness interviews, are missing or heavily redacted.
Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie were key proponents of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The records include photos, flight logs, contact lists, business documents, and more.
The Attorney General can withhold some information that might identify victims or affect ongoing investigations, but must explain why.
More documents will be released over the coming weeks according to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while there's been progress in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, much work remains. Ukrainian officials, including peace negotiator Rustem Umerov, attended talks in the U.S., emphasizing the need for reliable security guarantees. President Trump has engaged in major diplomatic efforts, but significant disagreements between Russia and Ukraine persist.
Key Facts
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated progress in talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war but noted more work is necessary.
Ukrainian officials are in the U.S. for discussions aimed at resolving the conflict, involving European and American partners.
President Trump and his administration are actively pursuing diplomatic solutions to end the hostilities.
Ukraine's peace framework includes a 20-point plan and agreements on security and reconstruction, but territorial disputes remain unresolved.
Russian President Vladimir Putin demands Ukraine cede certain territories, which Ukraine has refused.
Ukraine has shown flexibility on NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees from Western countries.
Rubio mentioned that wars typically end through surrender or negotiation, with no surrender seen soon, pointing to a negotiated settlement as the likely solution.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on reports about Hamas considering giving up some weapons. He stated that peace is not possible if Hamas can still threaten Israel.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State.
Rubio responded to reports about Hamas and its weapons.
Reports suggest Hamas might give up heavy weapons but keep smaller ones.
Rubio believes peace cannot happen if Hamas can still threaten Israel.
The focus is on the relationship and conflict between Hamas and Israel.
The actor Matt Smith accidentally revealed on a UK talk show that "House of the Dragon" Season 3 will come out in August 2026. The filming for the season has already finished, and the series is based on George R.R. Martin's book "Fire & Blood." A fourth season is also planned and is currently in production.
Key Facts
Matt Smith said "House of the Dragon" Season 3 will release in August 2026.
The release information was not officially announced by HBO yet.
Filming for Season 3 began in March 2025 and finished in October 2025.
The series adapts George R.R. Martin's book "Fire & Blood."
Season 3 will include events like the Battle of the Gullet and the fight at the Isle of Faces.
HBO confirmed there will be a Season 4, planned for release in 2028.
Foreign prison officers in the UK have received a temporary exemption from new visa rules due to staffing challenges in jails. These changes initially increased the salary requirement for skilled worker visas, potentially affecting many overseas prison staff, especially from Nigeria and Ghana. The exemption allows current foreign staff to work under a lower salary threshold until 2027.
Key Facts
Foreign prison officers working in the UK are temporarily exempt from stricter visa salary rules.
The UK government raised the minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas from £38,700 to £41,700 in July.
Most prison officers start with a salary below the required amount, especially outside London.
The Prison Officers Association warned of losing over 2,500 overseas staff due to the new rules.
The current salary threshold for prison officers is lowered to £33,400 until the end of 2027.
The exemption only applies to foreign officers already in the UK and is valid until the end of 2026.
The Ministry of Justice aims to ensure prison safety and stability during this period.
Category: world
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the BBC that Western leaders have deceived Russia. He stated that Western politicians are to blame for tensions and dismissed claims of Russian plans to attack Europe as "nonsense."
Key Facts
President Vladimir Putin spoke to the BBC, discussing Russian-Western relations.
He accused Western leaders of creating tensions with their actions.
Putin claimed that Western politicians often talk about being prepared for war with Russia.
He denied any plans for Russia to attack European countries, calling such ideas "nonsense."
The interview was part of Putin's annual end-of-year televised event.
The Qatari prime minister reported that there are daily violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which might affect the peace process. The deal was arranged by U.S. President Donald Trump, and there are discussions on what actions he might take to ensure the agreement is respected.
Key Facts
The Gaza ceasefire agreement is being violated daily.
These violations are seen as a threat to the peace process.
The Qatari prime minister played a role in arranging the ceasefire.
President Donald Trump introduced the ceasefire deal.
Experts are discussing possible actions the U.S. might take to maintain the ceasefire.
The discussion involved experts including a public policy professor and a former Israeli negotiator.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an operation to target ISIS in Syria after an attack killed three Americans, including two National Guard members. This operation involves U.S. military strikes in the region, with participation from Syrian forces, following President Trump's promise of retaliation.
Key Facts
The operation aims to eliminate ISIS fighters and their infrastructure in Syria.
Three Americans, including two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. interpreter, died in an attack in Syria on December 13.
President Trump committed to a strong response to the deaths.
U.S. military is using F-15 jets, A-10 aircraft, and Apache helicopters for the strikes.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is reportedly cooperating with U.S. forces against ISIS.
President Trump met with the families of the deceased at Dover Air Force Base for a dignified transfer ceremony.
The operation was publicly announced by Defense Secretary Hegseth on social media.
The U.S. Department of Justice has started releasing a large number of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. These files mention several celebrities and are released under a law signed by President Donald Trump. The release aims to provide insight into the Epstein case, which involves allegations of sex trafficking by powerful figures.
Key Facts
The release of Epstein-related files began on Friday.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the release of these documents.
Hundreds of thousands of files include emails, photos, flight logs, and estate records.
Celebrity names, like Bill Clinton and Kevin Spacey, appear in the documents.
The law allows redaction to protect victims and ongoing investigations.
President Donald Trump signed the mandate for the files' release.
The documents include social interactions and professional correspondence.
The Justice Department will continue to release more documents over time.
The United States conducted airstrikes in Syria aimed at ISIS following an attack that killed U.S. soldiers and a civilian translator. The strikes were a response to the attack that occurred on December 13. U.S. officials stated these actions are part of their commitment to defend American lives.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out airstrikes in Syria against ISIS targets.
The strikes were in response to a recent attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the action as a "declaration of vengeance" and not the start of a war.
The attack on U.S. personnel occurred on December 13.
Secretary Hegseth emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to protecting Americans globally.
This news story is still developing, with more details expected later.
Kylie Minogue's song "XMAS" has become the Christmas number one hit in the UK, surpassing Wham!'s "Last Christmas." Kylie is now the first female artist to have UK number one hits in four different decades. She achieved this milestone partly through promoting her music on Amazon Music and offering exclusive vinyl and CD singles.
Key Facts
Kylie Minogue's song "XMAS" is the Christmas number one in the UK.
This gives Kylie the distinction of being the first female artist to have UK number one hits across four decades.
Wham!'s "Last Christmas" was the top song in both 2023 and 2024 before Kylie's song.
Kylie's song was released through an expanded edition of her album "Kylie Christmas."
The song was available exclusively on Amazon Music and not on Spotify or Apple Music.
Her music had significant sales on Amazon and was supported by limited edition physical releases.
Martin Talbot from the Official Charts Company noted that Kylie actively pursued this achievement.
Other notable songs in the Christmas chart include those by Mariah Carey and Brenda Lee.
