Somalia's electronic visa website has a security issue that could let people access personal information like passport details and full names from e-visas. Al Jazeera confirmed the problem and reported it to Somali authorities, who have not yet responded. A previous breach already exposed data from over 35,000 visa applicants last month.
Key Facts
Somalia's new e-visa system has a security flaw that could expose sensitive personal data.
The data at risk includes passport information, full names, and birthdates.
Al Jazeera confirmed the vulnerability after receiving a tip from a source with web development knowledge.
Despite reporting the issue, Somali authorities have not yet addressed the vulnerability.
Last month, a similar breach leaked data from over 35,000 e-visa applicants.
The leaked data included names, photos, birth details, and contact information.
Somalia's authorities have changed the e-visa domain and launched an investigation following previous breaches.
The e-visa system was praised for its role in preventing entry of ISIL fighters, according to Somalia’s Defense Minister.
Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children died in a plane crash while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The crash, which happened at 10:20 a.m., is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Cristina had posted online about making the most of life just months before the accident.
Key Facts
Greg Biffle and his family died in a plane crash in North Carolina.
The crash took place around 10:20 a.m. at Statesville Regional Airport.
The Biffle family was on a trip to visit friends.
The plane involved was a Cessna C550 jet.
FAA and NTSB are conducting an investigation into the crash.
Cristina Biffle previously posted on Instagram about living life fully.
Greg Biffle was a famous NASCAR driver, winning titles in two racing series.
King Charles visited a new brewery in London's Covent Garden, where he poured and tasted a pint of Guinness as part of a public engagement. This was his first appearance since announcing positive news about his cancer treatment. During the visit, he engaged with the public and toured the brewery's facilities.
Key Facts
King Charles visited the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden, London.
The King poured and tasted a "perfect" pint of Guinness.
This visit marked his first public appearance following positive news about his cancer treatment.
During the visit, he interacted with the public, wishing them a Merry Christmas and shaking hands.
The brewery is a new visitor attraction with a £73 million investment.
King Charles received a tour of the brewery and participated in tasting sessions.
He was shown how to pour a pint at a 45-degree angle, letting it settle for 60 to 70 seconds.
Director Gurinder Chadha attended the event, and King Charles expressed interest in her new film.
Doctors in Gaza are using 3D printers to make medical devices because they lack proper medical supplies. They rely on solar energy to power these printers due to ongoing conflict in the area.
Key Facts
Doctors in Gaza use 3D printers to create medical devices.
3D printing helps treat injuries when medical supplies are scarce.
The printers run on solar energy due to limited resources.
This innovation aims to prevent patient amputations.
The situation results from ongoing conflict in the region.
Authorities are looking into a possible link between a shooting at Brown University, where two students were killed and nine were injured, and the death of an MIT professor, Nuno F.G. Loureiro. A person of interest has been identified, and investigators are trying to find this individual. Both incidents happened within a few days and about 50 miles apart.
Key Facts
A mass shooting occurred at Brown University, killing two students and injuring nine.
The shooting suspect is still at large.
An MIT professor, Nuno F.G. Loureiro, was shot at home and died later at a hospital.
The two events took place within about 50 miles of each other.
Authorities have identified a person of interest in connection with these incidents.
The investigation is ongoing, and details are still developing.
A judge has approved nearly £20 million in payments to children injured in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. Sixteen claims were settled in court, with further claims by adults also expected to be resolved. The attack resulted in 22 deaths and many injuries, with inquiries revealing security shortcomings.
Key Facts
Payments totaling nearly £20 million will be given to children injured in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
Sixteen claims have been settled, with payouts ranging from £11.4 million to £2,770.
The attack happened after an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017, resulting in 22 deaths.
The attack was carried out by suicide bomber Salman Abedi using a homemade bomb.
A public inquiry found missed chances to stop the attack and serious security failures.
The compensation will come from several organizations, including SMG Europe Holdings and Greater Manchester Police.
Further claims involving adult victims and families are expected to be settled outside of court.
All four organizations involved have apologized for their failings and promised changes to prevent future attacks.
Prosecutors in different areas have charged four people with serial killings this year. These individuals are accused of multiple murders in separate events. All four people have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Key Facts
Jesse Calhoun has been charged with second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse related to four deaths from 2022 and 2023. He has pleaded not guilty.
Rockim Prowell is accused of two murders and has been charged with a special circumstance of multiple murders. He allegedly met the victims through a dating app and has pleaded not guilty.
Kevin J. Lino, already serving a prison sentence for two previous murders, has been arraigned for two additional murders committed in 2010 and 2012.
Antonio Reyes faces charges for five murders that happened in 2020 in Chicago. He has been in custody since 2021 and has pleaded not guilty.
The FBI defines serial murder as the illegal killing of two or more victims by the same person in separate incidents.
The Trump administration is dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, which is a major federal research center on climate change. The White House plans to redistribute the lab's weather research functions and has criticized the lab for its current research directions. The move has met with opposition from scientists and politicians who argue that NCAR's research is crucial for understanding and preparing for severe weather and climate change.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is dissolving the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado.
NCAR houses the largest federal research program on climate change.
White House budget director Russ Vought announced a comprehensive review of the lab.
Activities like weather research will be moved to a different entity or location.
NCAR's research supports predictions and responses to severe weather and natural disasters.
The lab is managed by a nonprofit group for the National Science Foundation.
Critics, including scientists and Colorado politicians, argue that dismantling NCAR risks important scientific advancements.
President Trump’s administration aims to restore the lab's focus to its original purpose.
European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss a plan to use $250 billion in frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine's war efforts. The decision is controversial, with concerns about legal and financial risks and potential backlash from Russia. The proposal requires a majority vote among EU member states and is facing opposition, particularly from Belgium.
Key Facts
The EU proposal involves using about 210 billion euros in frozen Russian central bank assets as a loan to Ukraine.
U.S. financial aid to Ukraine is decreasing under President Trump, increasing the pressure on the EU to provide support.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy warned that without EU funds, Ukraine risks running out of money by April next year.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to oppose the plan, which needs unanimous approval from all 27 EU states.
Belgium is hesitant due to legal and financial concerns, seeking assurances from other EU states to cover any potential liabilities.
The proposal would be unprecedented as seizing foreign state assets has not been done, even during World War II.
Russia said it would sue European banks over any use of frozen assets and sees this move as potentially starting a financial conflict with the EU.
Most frozen Russian assets are held by Euroclear, a Brussels-based company.
Israel conducted airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah as a deadline to disarm the group approaches. A committee, including the U.S., France, and the U.N., is meeting to oversee a ceasefire agreement aimed at reducing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon's army is working with other countries to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah along the border.
Key Facts
Israel launched airstrikes in southern and northeastern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah sites.
The airstrikes happen as a deadline to disarm Hezbollah approaches.
A committee with representatives from several countries is overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon's army commander is meeting with U.S., French, and Saudi officials to get support for the Lebanese army.
France and other countries plan to hold a conference to support Lebanon's military in February.
Lebanon aims to clear Hezbollah from the border area south of the Litani River by the end of the year.
The Israeli military stated the airstrikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and operations.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has included regular airstrikes and a ceasefire mechanism is in place to reduce hostilities.
Police in Lynnwood, Washington, found a puppy in a dumpster after receiving a call about a dog crying. The officers named the puppy Oscar and are currently fostering him, planning to adopt if no one claims him.
Key Facts
On November 11, a resident called police after hearing a dog crying in a dumpster.
An officer from the Lynnwood Police Department found a scared puppy in the dumpster.
The puppy was named Oscar and is thought to be less than a year old.
Officers took Oscar to the vet and then temporarily to the police station.
One officer is fostering Oscar and plans to adopt him if no one claims him in 30 days.
The police have not identified who left Oscar in the dumpster.
Oscar quickly gained attention online with his rescue story shared on Facebook.
Steve Witkoff, a White House envoy, plans to meet with officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in Miami to discuss the next steps for ending the conflict in Gaza. The meeting is part of efforts to ensure both Israel and Hamas follow through on their commitments to the peace deal. President Trump has expressed concerns about Israel's actions, which the U.S. believes violate the ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff will meet with officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to discuss the Gaza peace deal.
The U.S. and these countries are concerned that Israel and Hamas are delaying the peace deal's implementation.
The meeting is to plan action for encouraging both parties to meet their commitments.
Qatari, Turkish, and Egyptian foreign ministers will join the talks.
The Gaza agreement requires Hamas to relinquish power and agree to international oversight.
Israel needs to reopen a key crossing and allow international forces into Gaza.
The Trump administration has expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's recent actions in Gaza.
President Trump is expected to announce further plans for Gaza in January.
Actor William Rush, known for his role in the TV show "Waterloo Road," has died at the age of 31. His mother, actress Debbie Rush, shared the news on Instagram, highlighting his decision to be an organ donor. The cause of his death has not been made public.
Key Facts
William Rush was an actor who played Josh Stevenson in the BBC drama "Waterloo Road."
He appeared in 168 episodes of "Waterloo Road" between 2009 and 2013.
William Rush also acted in shows like "Grange Hill," "Shameless," "Casualty," and "Vera."
His mother is actress Debbie Rush, known for "Coronation Street."
William auditioned for "The X Factor" in 2016 and reached the "six-chair challenge."
Debbie Rush announced his death on Instagram and mentioned his choice to be an organ donor.
There has been no public announcement of the cause of his death.
Tributes from fellow actors have been shared, expressing shock and sadness at his passing.
European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels to decide if they can use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, which needs financial support. The decision is important due to Ukraine's major funding gap.
Key Facts
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
The purpose of the meeting is to vote on using frozen Russian assets.
These assets are worth billions of dollars.
The funds would support Ukraine financially.
Ukraine currently faces a significant funding shortfall.
Al Jazeera's Step Vaessen is reporting from the summit.
Chris Evans is confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Captain America in the upcoming film "Avengers: Doomsday." In a teaser trailer, it was revealed that Steve Rogers, played by Evans, has a child. The film will be released on December 16, 2026.
Key Facts
Chris Evans will return as Captain America in "Avengers: Doomsday."
A teaser trailer showed Steve Rogers with a child, which is a major new twist.
The film will be released on December 16, 2026.
The trailer showed Rogers riding a motorcycle and visiting a house from the end of "Avengers: Endgame."
The teaser included a countdown to the movie's release date.
The casting reveal for the film was a six-hour-long YouTube video.
Robert Downey Jr. is also returning, but as the character Doctor Doom.
The teaser suggests there are more character-focused teasers planned for release.
A small jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, killing NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and their children. Officials confirmed a federal investigation into the crash as the plane, linked to Biffle's company, crashed during landing.
Key Facts
The crash happened on December 18, 2025, around 10:20 a.m. at Statesville Regional Airport.
Greg Biffle's family, including his wife and two children, were on the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading the crash investigation.
The aircraft, a Cessna C550, is registered to GB Aviation Leasing, linked to Biffle.
Garrett Mitchell, a friend of Biffle, confirmed the family's presence on the plane.
Greg Biffle is known for winning NASCAR championships in both the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series.
Authorities are looking for a person of interest after a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island. The shooting led to the deaths of two students and injured nine others. The suspect left the scene, and police and the FBI have released images of the individual.
Key Facts
The shooting took place at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
The incident occurred in a classroom during final exams.
Two students died and nine others were injured.
The suspect is a male who fled the engineering building after the shooting.
Authorities have identified a person of interest in connection with the shooting.
Police and the FBI have released surveillance images of the person of interest.
The images show the person walking in a neighborhood near Brown University.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected to follow.
The UK government has stopped testing its new Ajax armored vehicles after a soldier became ill from vibrations during trials. Multiple investigations are underway following similar incidents affecting soldiers in earlier exercises.
Key Facts
The UK paused testing of Ajax vehicles after a soldier got sick from vibrations.
About 30 soldiers fell ill from noise and vibration during past training.
The government suspended 23 vehicles earlier due to these issues.
New findings on these vehicles will be released early next year.
A defence minister stated the latest incident did not require hospital care.
The Ajax vehicles are made by General Dynamics and were planned to be ready by 2017.
The program costs £6.3 billion and has faced many delays and problems.
Pulitzer Prize-winning war reporter Peter Arnett has died at age 91 in California, where he was receiving hospice care for prostate cancer. Arnett, born in New Zealand, was known for his reporting on the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, and for interviewing significant figures like Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden.
Key Facts
Peter Arnett died at 91 in California from prostate cancer.
He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist best known for covering wars in Vietnam and the Gulf.
Arnett started his career with the Associated Press in Vietnam from 1962 to 1975.
He gained fame through his work with CNN during the first Gulf War.
Arnett was one of few Western reporters in Baghdad during the Gulf War.
He conducted a groundbreaking interview with Osama Bin Laden in 1997.
Arnett faced dismissal from NBC after an interview on Iraqi TV but was soon hired by the Daily Mirror.
He was originally from New Zealand but became an American citizen.
