China has sided with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a long-standing dispute with Iran over three islands in the Persian Gulf. This has caused tension between China and Iran, highlighting the challenges of China's relationships in the Middle East. The islands are strategically important because they are near a key oil shipping route.
Key Facts
China supports UAE's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands.
Iran criticized this move, viewing it as a threat to its own sovereignty over the islands.
The islands are close to the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for global oil supply.
China aims to balance its relationships with both Arab Gulf states and Iran.
The dispute over the islands has been ongoing since Iran took control in 1971.
British files showed that there were past agreements involving shared administration of the islands.
Iran rejects international arbitration regarding the islands, insisting they are part of its territory.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object, passed through our solar system. It came closest to Earth in December 2025 but posed no threat. The comet is on a path that will eventually lead it out of the solar system.
Key Facts
Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1, 2025, by a telescope in Chile.
It is one of only three known interstellar objects to enter our solar system.
The comet came closest to Earth on December 19, 2025, at 168 million miles away.
This distance is over 700 times the distance between Earth and the moon.
It was not visible to the naked eye but could be seen through telescopes.
The comet is on a hyperbolic path, meaning it is not orbiting the sun and will leave the solar system.
It approached from the Sagittarius constellation and was closest to the sun on October 30, 2025.
Rotten Tomatoes announced the top-rated films of 2025, highlighting several movies with high ratings on the site. It examines films across different genres, including a Chinese epic, a documentary on U.S. gun laws, and a Taiwanese family drama. These films received high praise for their storytelling and thematic depth.
Key Facts
Rotten Tomatoes is a website that collects and organizes movie reviews from critics.
It was created by Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang in August 1998.
The website was originally inspired by Jackie Chan's movies.
A 2018 survey found that many U.S. adults check Rotten Tomatoes before choosing a film.
"Caught by the Tides," a Chinese love story, received a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
"The Perfect Neighbor," a documentary on Florida's gun laws, also got a 99% rating.
"Left-Handed Girl," focusing on a Taiwanese family, achieved a 99% rating.
"No Other Choice," a dark comedy about unemployment, is based on a book by Donald Westlake.
Ahmed Al Ahmed, known as the "Bondi hero," received A$2.5 million in community donations while recovering in the hospital from shooting injuries. He intervened during an attack at Bondi Beach, disarming a gunman, but was shot multiple times and might lose his arm. The attack resulted in at least 15 deaths, and Australia's Prime Minister praised Mr. Ahmed for his bravery.
Key Facts
Ahmed Al Ahmed is recovering in the hospital after being injured in a shooting.
He intervened in an attack at Bondi Beach by disarming one of the attackers.
Mr. Ahmed was shot several times during the incident.
He might lose his arm due to the injuries he sustained.
At least 15 people died in the attack at Bondi Beach.
The community donated A$2.5 million to Mr. Ahmed while he is in the hospital.
Australia's Prime Minister visited him and praised his actions.
A cat named Mufasa was reunited with its owner after being missing for seven years. The cat had been living in a cat colony and was returned after a local shelter scanned its microchip. This story gained significant attention on social media, with many people expressing surprise and joy.
Key Facts
Mufasa the cat was reunited with its owner after being missing for seven years.
The cat was found thanks to a microchip that linked back to the owner.
Mufasa had been living in a cat colony for several months before being found.
The local shelter took care of Mufasa's medical needs, like vaccinations and ear mite treatment.
The shelter received many adoption inquiries after posting about Mufasa online.
Mufasa was three years old when he initially went missing.
The International Cat Care organization advises quick action and microchipping to reunite lost pets with owners.
The United States has used four aircraft carriers to show military power in the Indo-Pacific region this year. Three of these ships, the USS Carl Vinson, USS Nimitz, and USS George Washington, finished their missions, while the USS Abraham Lincoln is still active in the area. These carriers help the U.S. maintain a strong naval presence globally.
Key Facts
The U.S. deployed four aircraft carriers in the Indo-Pacific in 2025.
The USS Carl Vinson completed a nine-month mission across the Pacific, Middle East, and Indian Oceans.
The USS Nimitz also completed a nine-month mission, ending as it returned to Washington State.
The USS George Washington finished its patrol in the western Pacific and briefly returned to Japan, also hosting President Trump in October.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently active in the Philippine Sea and recently visited Guam.
The U.S. has the largest fleet of aircraft carriers in the world, with 10 Nimitz-class and one Gerald R. Ford-class vessels.
China has criticized U.S. military activities in contested areas like the South China Sea.
U.S. aircraft carriers participated in joint exercises with French, Japanese, and British naval forces to demonstrate allied military strength.
The European Union has agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan to support its military and economic needs for the next two years. The decision was made during a summit in Brussels after failing to use frozen Russian assets for funding. This loan aims to offer critical financial support as Ukraine faces a cash shortfall.
Key Facts
The EU agreed on a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
This decision came after discussions at a summit in Brussels.
The loan will help meet Ukraine's needs for the next two years.
The EU decided not to use frozen Russian assets, as no agreement was reached.
Ukraine needs an estimated €135 billion extra over the next two years to sustain itself.
The financial aid is crucial as Ukraine risks running out of money without it.
EU leaders chose loan borrowing over using Russian assets to maintain unity.
The United States and Russia are set to discuss a peace plan in Miami.
Police in Sri Lanka arrested three men accused of using flaming torches to burn a wild elephant to chase it away. Despite treatment, the elephant died from severe burns and a gunshot wound. This incident has sparked outrage and calls for legal action.
Key Facts
Three men were arrested in Sri Lanka for allegedly using torches to burn an elephant.
The incident was widely shared on social media, causing public outrage.
The elephant, which suffered severe burns and a gunshot wound, died despite veterinary care.
A petition against the perpetrators gathered over 400 signatures.
Elephants are sacred in Sri Lanka and often take part in religious events.
Killing an elephant in Sri Lanka can lead to the death penalty.
Human-elephant conflicts have led to nearly 400 elephant deaths this year.
Over 100 people have died from elephant attacks in Sri Lanka in the same timeframe.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for five U.S. states due to expected heavy snow and strong winds. These conditions could lead to dangerous roads, power outages, and increased risk of avalanches. Travelers are warned about potential disruptions, especially in mountain areas and major passes.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are issued for five states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Up to three feet of snow is expected, especially in higher mountain elevations.
Strong winds could make roads impassable and cause power outages.
The NWS warns of possible life-threatening weather and advises against traveling in affected areas.
States like Wyoming are predicted to face the most severe conditions with potential for more than three feet of snow and winds up to 55 mph.
Additional weather advisories are in effect for other regions, including parts of the Midwest and New York.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national gun buyback program in response to a deadly attack in Sydney, which resulted in 15 deaths. The plan aims to remove newly-banned, surplus, and illegal firearms from circulation. The buyback is similar to the one initiated after the Port Arthur massacre, which was Australia's deadliest mass shooting.
Key Facts
Australia will start a national gun buyback scheme.
This action follows a shooting at Bondi Beach where 15 people died.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the current buyback as the largest since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
More than four million firearms exist in Australia, prompting concerns.
State and territory authorities will collect the guns for the buyback.
The goal is to collect and destroy hundreds of thousands of firearms.
Australia has one of the lowest gun homicide rates globally due to strict gun laws.
The Prime Minister has also announced new hate speech laws and a national day of reflection after the attack.
A woman named Jessica Alzamora shared a tip on TikTok for wearing a fur hooded coat in a way that keeps your ears warm better, by turning the fur inward. Her video explaining this idea has gained a lot of attention, with over 7 million views.
Key Facts
Jessica Alzamora posted a TikTok video showing how to wear a fur hooded coat to keep ears warm by turning the fur inward.
The video was filmed on a cold day in Chicago and has received over 7 million views.
She claims this method makes her feel much warmer in cold weather.
Some people question the idea since traditional fur coat designs have the fur outward to block wind.
Jessica has been using this trick for several years when it's very cold.
Research indicates women often feel colder than men due to body and hormonal differences.
Studies show women's thermal responses can vary with life stages, like pregnancy and menopause.
Taiwan's top security agency revealed that Japan and the Philippines, both U.S. allies, are deploying ship-killer missiles near China. These deployments respond to rising regional tensions due to China's growing military activities. Both countries have territorial disputes with China, and China sees these missile placements as threats to regional peace.
Key Facts
Taiwan's security agency announced Japan and the Philippines' plans for missile deployments.
China has increased naval activities, causing regional tensions.
Japan and the Philippines have ongoing territorial disputes with China.
The missile system, known as Typhon, was sent to the Philippines in 2024 and Japan in 2025 for military exercises.
China has criticized these deployments, calling them destabilizing.
The U.S. also moved another missile system, NMESIS, to strategic locations in the Philippines and Japan.
Future plans include the Philippines deploying BrahMos missiles and Japan placing Hypersonic Glide Vehicles on select islands.
The situation could lead to an arms race in the region due to heightened military activities.
The suspect of a shooting at Brown University, which resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, was found dead. Authorities reported the suspect was a 48-year-old Portuguese national and a student at the university.
Key Facts
The suspect was involved in a shooting at Brown University.
The shooting killed two people and injured nine others.
The suspect was a 48-year-old Portuguese national and a student at Brown.
Officials say the suspect died by apparent suicide.
The incident took place during final exams at the university.
The FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.
The deceased victims were Ella Cook, a sophomore, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman.
An on-campus memorial has been set up for the victims.
The European Union has approved a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan to Ukraine to help it manage the costs of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The loan agreement does not impact the financial obligations of countries like Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia to the EU budget. Ukraine is expected to repay the loan once Russia compensates for war damages.
Key Facts
The EU agreed to lend Ukraine €90 billion ($105 billion) to support it during the conflict with Russia.
The loan is funded by borrowing from the EU and won't affect the contributions of Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia to the EU's budget.
Ukraine will repay this loan after Russia compensates for damages from the war.
EU countries have frozen €210 billion ($247 billion) in Russian assets, which remain immobilized for now.
There was no agreement on using Russian assets for reparations due to legal and political concerns.
Ukrainian President Zelensky thanked the EU for the financial support.
The Kremlin responded negatively, with officials criticizing the EU's decision.
Peace efforts continue, with negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and mediators ongoing.
Surfers and swimmers held a memorial at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of a shooting that killed 15 people and injured many others. They formed a circle in the water and gathered on the shore to pay their respects. Bondi Beach has become a place for mourners to gather and listen to speakers after the attack.
Key Facts
A tribute took place at Bondi Beach to remember shooting victims.
The shooting resulted in 15 deaths and multiple injuries.
Surfers and swimmers created a ring shape in the water as part of the memorial.
Mourners have placed flowers near the park where the shooting happened.
Community members have been listening to speakers in the area since the shooting.
The shooting occurred last weekend and continues to have an impact on the community.
Claudio Neves Valente, a former Brown University student and Portuguese national, was identified as the suspect in a mass shooting at the university. He was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in New Hampshire. Valente allegedly shot two students and injured nine others, and he was also linked to the killing of a Portuguese MIT professor.
Key Facts
Claudio Neves Valente was a former student at Brown University.
He was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in New Hampshire.
He was accused of a mass shooting at Brown University, which resulted in two deaths and nine injuries.
Valente was also suspected of killing a Portuguese MIT professor two days after the university shooting.
Valente studied physics as a graduate student at Brown from fall 2000 to spring 2001.
He had no current connection with the university.
Valente and the slain professor previously attended the same university program in Portugal.
The European Union has delayed signing a large trade deal with South America's Mercosur bloc after protests from EU farmers and opposition from France and Italy. The deal, which had been in negotiation for about 25 years, is now expected to be signed in January. The agreement has faced challenges due to concerns over its impact on European farmers.
Key Facts
The EU-Mercosur trade deal involves South American countries Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
This agreement aims to create the world's largest free-trade area.
France and Italy oppose the deal due to fears it could harm local farmers by allowing cheaper imports.
France's President Macron and Italy's Prime Minister Meloni have demanded more time for discussions.
Protests against the deal included farmers blocking roads in Brussels.
The trade agreement is expected to boost EU exports of vehicles and wines to South America.
Germany, Spain, and Nordic countries support the deal to increase exports affected by U.S. tariffs and to reduce reliance on China.
Drones have been used by scientists to collect breath samples from whales in the Arctic. These samples revealed the presence of a highly infectious virus called cetacean morbillivirus, which can cause mass deaths among marine mammals. This new drone method helps monitor whale health without harming them.
Key Facts
Scientists used drones to collect breath samples from whales such as humpback, fin, and sperm whales in the Arctic.
The drones flew through the whales' exhaled droplets, called "blows," to collect samples on sterile petri dishes.
Researchers detected cetacean morbillivirus, a virus known to cause mass strandings of whales and dolphins.
This virus can easily spread between dolphins, whales, and porpoises, causing severe disease and death.
The study confirms the virus's presence above the Arctic Circle for the first time.
Monitoring with drones allows researchers to check whale health without causing stress or harm to the animals.
The research was conducted by teams from King's College London, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and Nord University.
The findings were published in BMC Veterinary Research and aim to help with early detection of threats to ocean life.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has turned down a request from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for military aid. Petro advocates for resolving the political situation in Venezuela through peaceful and political means without outside military interference. President Trump has increased U.S. military presence in the region, which is heightening tensions.
Key Facts
Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s request for military support.
Maduro asked for military help due to rising tensions with the United States.
President Trump has increased U.S. military forces near Venezuela.
Petro prefers a peaceful and Venezuelan-led political solution to the conflict.
Petro stated that neither he nor Maduro can give each other’s armies orders.
Cooperation between Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Ecuador should have the support of the people and be lawful.
The situation is still developing, with more updates expected.
Fighting and drone attacks have continued in Ukraine and Russia, resulting in several deaths and infrastructure damage. The European Union is discussing using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine financially, while the UK has imposed new sanctions on Russian oil companies. Peace talks involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia are planned for the upcoming weekend.
Key Facts
Three people died in Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian port of Rostov-on-Don and the town of Bataysk.
Russian strikes in Ukraine's Odesa region killed a woman and injured three children; the strikes damaged the energy infrastructure.
About 180,000 people in five Ukrainian regions are without electricity due to Russian attacks.
Russia has formed a military brigade with new hypersonic missiles, which are claimed to be difficult to intercept.
EU leaders are working on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine in 2026 and 2027.
The UK sanctioned several Russian oil companies and individuals linked to unsanctioned oil firms.
Ukrainian and US officials are scheduled for peace talks with Russia in Miami.
A Ukraine-US reconstruction fund plans to start investment reviews in 2026.
