Russia launches 650 kamikaze drones at Ukraine in pre-Christmas blitz

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing more than 650 drones and dozens of missiles that struck residential areas and energy infrastructure across 13 regions. At least three civilians were killed, including a 4-year-old child, just days before Christmas, as the attacks caused widespread power outages during freezing weather. Ukrainian officials said air defenses intercepted most of the drones and missiles, but significant … Continue reading Russia launches 650 kamikaze drones at Ukraine in pre-Christmas blitz

Supreme Court rules on legality of Trump National Guard deployment to Illinois

The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s emergency request to immediately deploy federalized National Guard troops to Chicago, temporarily blocking the plan. The justices upheld a lower court ruling that said the government failed to show legal authority to use the military to enforce laws in Illinois, with three conservative justices dissenting. The decision marks a rare setback for President Trump, who has largely prevailed … Continue reading Supreme Court rules on legality of Trump National Guard deployment to Illinois

2 dead, others missing after explosion at Pennsylvania nursing home

At least two people were killed and others remain missing after an apparent gas explosion partially collapsed the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, in Bristol Township near Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon. The blast occurred around 2:15 p.m. while PECO crews were responding to reports of a gas odor, sending flames and debris into the air and prompting a … Continue reading 2 dead, others missing after explosion at Pennsylvania nursing home

Trump calls the New York Times ‘a threat to national security’

President Donald Trump accused the New York Times of endangering national security, calling it “a serious threat” in a late-night post on his Truth Social platform and alleging false, biased reporting. He did not specify which article prompted the attack, but it continues a pattern of repeated public criticism of the paper and the media. Earlier this month, Trump accused the Times of “seditious” or … Continue reading Trump calls the New York Times ‘a threat to national security’

At least two killed in Aleppo clashes between Syrian army, Kurdish-led SDF

Clashes erupted in Aleppo between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), killing at least two civilians and injuring 11 others ahead of a deadline to integrate the SDF into state institutions. Heavy gunfire and mortar shelling forced dozens of families to flee, and two Syrian Civil Defence rescuers were injured during the violence. Syria’s Interior Ministry reported injuries to two security personnel … Continue reading At least two killed in Aleppo clashes between Syrian army, Kurdish-led SDF

Trump admin recalling around 30 ambassadors as part of State Dept realignment

The Trump administration is recalling about 30 U.S. ambassadors worldwide to align diplomatic representation with President Trump’s America First agenda, Fox News reported. Officials emphasized the recalls are standard practice, with ambassadors being reassigned within the State Department rather than fired or punished. The administration said decisions were made to maintain continuity, avoiding recalls from countries at war or involved in critical negotiations. The large-scale … Continue reading Trump admin recalling around 30 ambassadors as part of State Dept realignment

Australian move to fast-track new gun and protest laws

New South Wales (NSW) is fast-tracking laws to restrict guns, protests, and hate speech following the Bondi shootings, which killed 15 people. The reforms cap firearm ownership, increase licence renewal frequency, and allow police to limit demonstrations at religious sites while removing face coverings during protests. Critics, including civil liberties groups and pro-gun advocates, argue the measures unfairly target law-abiding gun owners and restrict democratic … Continue reading Australian move to fast-track new gun and protest laws

Thailand and Cambodia agree to meet amid renewed cross-border fighting

Thailand and Cambodia will hold a meeting of defense officials on Wednesday to address ongoing violence along their shared border, announced Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The talks follow a failed ceasefire brokered earlier this year by ASEAN and U.S. President Donald Trump after cross-border fighting erupted in July. Despite the planned meeting, clashes have continued, with Cambodia reporting Thai airstrikes and Thailand citing Cambodian … Continue reading Thailand and Cambodia agree to meet amid renewed cross-border fighting

Car bomb kills Russian general in Moscow

A car bomb killed Russian Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov on Monday, marking the third high-ranking military assassination in just over a year, with investigators suggesting Ukraine may be behind the attack. Sarvarov, 56, led the Operational Training Directorate of Russia’s General Staff and had fought in Chechnya and Syria. Previous killings include Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, killed by a bomb on an electric scooter, and … Continue reading Car bomb kills Russian general in Moscow

Ukraine strikes oil terminal, planes and ships in an array of strikes inside Russia

Ukrainian forces carried out a series of strikes on Russian soil, hitting an oil terminal, a pipeline, two ships, an ammunition depot, and a drone launch site, officials said Monday. Ukrainian military intelligence also said partisans set fire to two Russian jet fighters at an air base near Lipetsk. The attacks are part of Ukraine’s broader effort to disrupt Russia’s war capabilities and counter Moscow’s … Continue reading Ukraine strikes oil terminal, planes and ships in an array of strikes inside Russia

Bondi gunmen threw homemade bombs before shooting and conducted training

Investigators allege a father and son accused of killing 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach threw four homemade explosive devices at the crowd before opening fire. Court documents say the suspects trained in advance, recorded a video citing extremist motivations, and were inspired by the Islamic State group. Police are examining whether they received outside support, including during a recent trip to … Continue reading Bondi gunmen threw homemade bombs before shooting and conducted training

Trump announces new class of U.S. battleships named after himself

President Donald Trump announced a new class of nuclear-capable U.S. battleships that will bear his name, called “Trump-class battleships.” Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, Navy Secretary John Phelan said the ships, including the USS Defiant, will be heavily armed with missiles, hypersonic weapons, rail guns, lasers, and nuclear-armed cruise missiles. Trump said the Navy aims to build 20 to 25 of the battleships, which are expected to … Continue reading Trump announces new class of U.S. battleships named after himself

Epstein’s alleged victims accuse DOJ of legal violations over state of files released

A group of alleged Jeffrey Epstein victims accused the Department of Justice of violating the law in its partial release of Epstein-related investigation files, citing excessive redactions and withheld documents. Although Congress imposed a deadline for full disclosure, the DOJ released only a portion of the records and acknowledged more materials remain under review. The women said victim identities were improperly left unredacted, while key … Continue reading Epstein’s alleged victims accuse DOJ of legal violations over state of files released

Trump says US will keep oil and ships seized near Venezuela

President Trump said the U.S. will temporarily keep oil and two oil tankers seized off Venezuela, with options to sell the oil, retain it, or add it to the strategic reserve. The U.S. Coast Guard, aided by the Navy, seized the first tanker, Skipper, carrying about 1.8 million barrels of crude oil and falsely flying Guyana’s flag. Days later, the administration announced a blockade on … Continue reading Trump says US will keep oil and ships seized near Venezuela

Seven men arrested in Sydney over alleged fear of ‘violent act being planned’ released without charge

Seven men in Sydney’s south-west, aged 19 to 24, were released without charge after being detained over a suspected plot to commit violence. NSW police conducted a high-risk vehicle stop in Liverpool following information about a possible violent act, seizing only a knife and finding no definitive links to the Bondi gunmen. Authorities said the men had traveled from Victoria and were known to police … Continue reading Seven men arrested in Sydney over alleged fear of ‘violent act being planned’ released without charge

Australian PM announces gun buy-back plan, day of reflection following Bondi Beach shooting

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national firearms buy-back scheme to remove surplus, newly banned, and illegal guns following the Bondi Beach massacre. The scheme, funded jointly with states and territories, aims to collect and destroy hundreds of thousands of firearms, with state authorities handling collection and payments and federal police responsible for destruction. A day of reflection for the victims will be held … Continue reading Australian PM announces gun buy-back plan, day of reflection following Bondi Beach shooting

Violent protests in Bangladesh after pro-democracy figure dies in hospital

Violence erupted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, after 32-year-old pro-democracy leader Sharif Osman Hadi, injured in an assassination attempt on December 12, died in a Singapore hospital. Thousands of protesters took to the streets, setting fire to several buildings, including the offices of the country’s two largest newspapers, Daily Star and Prothom Alo, while also attacking other sites and blocking key roads. Hadi had been a prominent … Continue reading Violent protests in Bangladesh after pro-democracy figure dies in hospital

Five killed as US military destroys two more vessels in Pacific Ocean

U.S. forces have killed five more people on vessels in the eastern Pacific, raising the death toll in the Trump administration’s anti-narcotics campaign to at least 104 since September. The strikes, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, targeted two boats, killing three on one and two on the other, though Washington has provided no proof the vessels were involved in drug trafficking. Hegseth faces scrutiny … Continue reading Five killed as US military destroys two more vessels in Pacific Ocean

Brian Walshe sentenced to life in prison for murdering and dismembering wife

Brian Walshe was sentenced to life in prison without parole after a Massachusetts jury found him guilty of killing and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, the mother of their three children. Ana, 39, went missing on January 1, 2023, and her body has never been recovered. Evidence presented at trial included surveillance footage, receipts for tools and supplies, blood-stained items from dumpsters, and internet searches … Continue reading Brian Walshe sentenced to life in prison for murdering and dismembering wife

Mangione pre-trial hearing wraps, but judge won’t rule on evidence for months

Pretrial suppression hearings in Luigi Mangione’s New York case have concluded after nearly three weeks, focusing on whether key evidence can be used at trial. Mangione, 27, faces state charges including murder for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as well as weapons and forgery charges. Central to the hearings is a backpack Mangione carried at his arrest, containing a 9 mm handgun, a … Continue reading Mangione pre-trial hearing wraps, but judge won’t rule on evidence for months

Menards settles with several states in suit over 11% Rebate Program, COVID price gouging

Menards has reached a $4.25 million settlement with multiple states, including Minnesota, over allegations of deceptive marketing in its “11% Rebate Program” and pandemic-era price gouging. Minnesota will receive $632,167 from the settlement, which also involves Wisconsin, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota. Attorneys general claimed Menards misled customers by advertising “11% off everything” while requiring rebate forms for future in-store … Continue reading Menards settles with several states in suit over 11% Rebate Program, COVID price gouging

NOAA says its new AI-driven weather models improve forecast speed and accuracy

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has launched new AI-driven weather forecasting models designed to deliver faster and more accurate predictions while using far less computing power. The AI models—AIGFS, AIGEFS, and Hybrid-GEFS—leverage decades of historical data and traditional equation-based models like the Global Forecast System to improve forecasts without replacing existing systems. AIGFS can generate a 16-day forecast using just 0.3% of the … Continue reading NOAA says its new AI-driven weather models improve forecast speed and accuracy

Trump Media announces $6 billion merger with fusion company TAE Technologies

Trump Media and Technology Group announced a $6 billion all-stock merger with fusion energy company TAE Technologies, expected to close in mid-2026, giving shareholders of each firm roughly equal stakes. Trump Media shares jumped 33% after the announcement, despite the company’s ongoing financial struggles and minimal revenue from its Truth Social platform. The merger aims to create one of the first publicly traded fusion companies, … Continue reading Trump Media announces $6 billion merger with fusion company TAE Technologies

Nike shares fall 10% as China sales plunge, tariffs hit profits

Nike reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat Wall Street expectations, driven by strong North American sales, though shares fell about 10% in after-hours trading due to weakness in China. For its second fiscal quarter of 2026, Nike posted earnings of 53 cents per share versus 38 cents expected, and revenue of $12.43 billion versus $12.22 billion expected. North American sales rose 9% to $5.63 … Continue reading Nike shares fall 10% as China sales plunge, tariffs hit profits

Astronomers find mysterious lemon-shaped exoplanet with NASA’s Webb telescope

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has revealed a highly unusual exoplanet, PSR J2322-2650b, orbiting a pulsar in a black widow system. Unlike typical exoplanets, it is distorted into an oblong “lemon” shape by the pulsar’s intense gravity. Its atmosphere is dominated by helium and carbon, with molecular carbon present instead of more common compounds like water or methane. Scientists are puzzled by its formation, as … Continue reading Astronomers find mysterious lemon-shaped exoplanet with NASA’s Webb telescope