Napoleon’s rocket ride through the French Revolution

Napoleon Bonaparte goes from junior artillery officer to a national force of nature, with early wins at Toulon, a brutal, career-making shutdown of royalist rebels in Paris, and those fast, audacious Italy campaigns. The piece frames it around his tidy maxim, “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake,” which is basically the original life hack—except the hack is conquest.

Southwest Airlines ends two sacred cows (assigned seating and new plus-size rules)

Southwest will start assigned seating on Jan. 27, 2026, and it’s also implementing new requirements for plus-size customers. A bold pivot for the airline whose brand identity has long been “we are not like other airlines,” right up until it is.

Trump-era highway enforcement push aims to reshape U.S. trucking

Supporters say a 2025 crackdown is laying groundwork for a trucking revival, via an executive order stressing English proficiency, probes into allegedly fraudulent non-domiciled CDLs, a freeze on certain work visas used by trucking firms, and expanded roadside immigration enforcement through 287(g) cooperation. Backers argue it boosts wages and safety; critics point to internal resistance and legal challenges. Industry chatter flags higher spot rates and rejection levels as possible signs of an upturn if the compliance squeeze runs into 2026.

Tomos Williams sparks chatter against his future club, Saracens

Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams drew big reactions after a striking moment in a match against Saracens, the team he’s set to join next season when he leaves Gloucester. Nothing says “see you soon” like giving your future colleagues something to argue about in the group chat.

UK has a record number of foreign national offenders eligible for deportation but still present

Britain reports 19,491 foreign national offenders released from prison who are eligible for deportation but remain in the UK, nearly tripling from 5,933 in 2017. The total is up by almost 5,000 in three years, including about 1,000 since Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister, despite new September powers meant to speed removals. Ministers promise appeals and human-rights rule changes as opposition criticism intensifies.

North Carolina Republicans tighten the screws on the governor’s office

Inside the North Carolina GOP’s push to expand power, recent shifts in state authority have significantly weakened the governor’s office, leaving the state’s governor ranked last in power among U.S. governors. If you ever wanted to see “small government” interpreted as “small executive, bigger legislature,” congratulations—you’re living the civics lesson.

Heart disease risk, inflammation marker CRP may tell more than LDL alone

Heart disease remains the leading U.S. killer, and risk checks often lean heavily on cholesterol, especially LDL. Growing research suggests C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, may predict heart risk better than LDL alone, underscoring that cardiovascular disease isn’t just about lipid numbers—it’s also about inflammation biology.

Backlash after Trump pardons Honduras ex-president Juan Orlando Hernández

Observers are stunned by Donald Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández, Honduras’s former president, because it reportedly undercuts what Bloomberg Businessweek calls one of the Justice Department’s most ambitious narcotics investigations. When a central figure in a major trafficking-linked case gets the presidential eraser, it tends to make prosecutors feel like they just built a skyscraper out of sand.

Avalanche tragedy in central Greece

Four hikers, three men and a woman, were found dead after an avalanche in central Greece. Search teams began looking after the group was reported missing on Christmas Day.

Italy arrests nine in alleged Hamas financing probe

Italian authorities arrested nine suspects and seized about €8 million in an investigation into alleged financing of Hamas. Officials say the money was intended to support terrorist attacks.

Mass pile-up on highway in central Japan

A crash involving about 50 vehicles on a central Japan highway has left two people dead and 26 others injured, according to police. Proof, once again, that “drive carefully” is not a decorative slogan.

AI backlash swells as generative tech collides with real life

Public and political resistance to rapid generative AI deployment intensified in 2025. Rural U.S. communities pushed back on data center projects over pollution, health worries, infrastructure strain, and rising electricity costs, while consumers and workers criticized AI-driven customer service and workplace automation. Meanwhile, the boom helped supercharge scams and forged content, prompting activism like Pause AI, protests, hunger strikes, and growing calls from politicians across the spectrum for limits, pauses, and tighter regulation, because nothing says “responsible innovation” like deploying first and discovering consequences later.

Celebrity wedding security spectacle in Wiltshire

Security staff with dogs were seen patrolling Kin House in Wiltshire during Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay’s wedding celebrations. The attention comes amid reports of a family rift and an apparent decision to exclude Peaty’s parents from the guest list, because even joy now needs perimeter control and a subplot.

Christmas Day water incident leaves two men missing

A swimmer said they were dragged to safety during a Christmas Day incident in which two men remain missing. One of the missing men has been named locally, and his family said he was deeply loved.

Finsbury Park station shut after report of person on the tracks

Finsbury Park station has been closed after a person was reported on the tracks, with part of the Victoria line suspended while the incident is handled. London transit, where your timetable is more of a mood board.

M6 closures planned in Cumbria for Clifton Bridge replacement

Motorists are being warned of major disruption on the M6 in Cumbria next week, with a full closure in both directions between junction 39, Shap, and junction 40, Penrith, while Network Rail replaces Clifton Bridge over the motorway. Closures run 8pm Friday 3 January to 5am Monday 6 January, and 8pm Friday 10 January to 5am Monday 13 January, with diversions in place and significant delays expected on routes including the A6 and A66.

Cardiff’s North Star pub and music venue to close

The owners of the North Star in Cardiff say it will close due to financial pressures, citing rising costs and mounting bills. The venue will shut for the final time on New Year’s Eve, after years of community events and live music, another reminder that “the market” has an impressive appetite for killing the places people actually like.

Ex-army spokesperson slams Trump Ukraine peace plan as surrender

Former British Army spokesperson Major Mike Shearer criticised Donald Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace plan, saying it would pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky to cede territory to Russia and amount to surrender. He urged Britain and other Western countries to boost funding and accelerate weapons production, as Ukraine reported a major overnight Russian attack involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, damaging homes and energy infrastructure and leaving large parts of Kyiv without power.

Starmer squeezed on EU ties as unions push a “closest possible” reset

Keir Starmer is facing renewed Brexit pressure after TUC general secretary Paul Nowak urged the government to keep a customs union option on the table to boost growth and ease the cost-of-living crunch. Starmer says he wants better relations with Brussels but still rules out rejoining the single market or customs union, because apparently the national hobby is wanting the benefits without the labels.

Israel recognizes Somaliland, Welsh Somaliland community celebrates

Members of Wales’s Somaliland community are celebrating after Israel signed an agreement recognizing Somaliland’s independence and establishing full diplomatic relations, including plans for embassies and ambassadors. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago and has built relatively stable democratic institutions, supporters say recognition could boost trade and development and encourage others to follow. Community leaders also stressed opposition to violence against Palestinians while welcoming a move they see as opening wider regional engagement.

UK proposes paid “military gap years” for under-25s (from 2026)

The UK plans to offer paid “military gap years” as part of a broader “whole of society” defence push. An initial cohort of about 150 young people would take placements up to two years, with ambitions to exceed 1,000 participants annually, opening from March 2026. Participants would receive training and work experience, including a 13-week basic training block in the Army’s two-year track, and would not be deployed on active operations, with pay not yet confirmed. The Navy is expected to run a one-year scheme, and the RAF is still developing options.

Met Police hotspot campaign reports crime cuts, City Hall cites broader 2025 drop

A targeted Met Police campaign reportedly reduced crime across 20 London hotspots within months, while City Hall also points to a broader fall in crime across London in 2025, despite the Met’s constrained resources. The story spotlights focused policing as a lever for faster gains than spreading effort thinly across the entire city.

Kazakh gore-horror series breaks out after platforms initially balk

A Kazakh horror series, deemed too intense by some streaming platforms, has become a festival favourite among gore fans. It has won international audiences with graphic horror rooted in Kazakh folklore and a plot centered on an ancient evil, because nothing says “global crossover” like culturally specific nightmares served extra crispy.

England win chaotic two-day Melbourne Test, end long Australia drought

England pulled off a four-wicket victory in a frenetic two-day Test in Melbourne, ending an 18-match winless run in Australia and avoiding an Ashes series whitewash.

Luke Littler reveals childhood surgery for strabismus

World champion Luke Littler said he had surgery around age four or five to correct strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not properly align.

Football scouting list, 10 “wonderkids” outside Europe’s big five leagues

BBC Sport highlights 10 standout young players performing outside Europe’s five major leagues, using rankings compiled by the CIES Football Observatory.

New Year fitness routine advice, seven tips to stay consistent

A health expert shares seven practical tips aimed at helping people start a New Year fitness routine and stick with it long enough to become a lasting habit.

Dec. 27 remembrance, Beirut car bomb that killed Mohamad Chatah and others

An “on this day” item recalls the Dec. 27, 2013 car bomb in Beirut that killed seven people, including Mohamad Chatah, Lebanon’s former ambassador to the United States.

Dec. 27 celebrity birthdays roundup

A birthdays list notes Dec. 27 birthdays including actor Timothée Chalamet (turning 30) and news correspondent Savannah Guthrie (turning 54).

Carse’s surprise promotion to No. 3 leaves England confused in Melbourne Test

England appeared unsettled on day two of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne when Brydon Carse unexpectedly came out to bat at number three, prompting confusion over the team’s batting order.

Trump Urges Release of Epstein Files Naming Democrats

Trump said the Justice Department should move faster on the Jeffrey Epstein document trove, while calling for the public release of names he claims would implicate prominent Democrats. He argued that releasing those names would “embarrass them” and allow the department to refocus on other priorities.

Josh Shapiro Prepares for a Book Tour

Josh Shapiro is preparing for a book tour ahead of the Jan. 27 release of his memoir, which is expected to cover his life and political career, including the Passover-night arson attempt at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while his family slept inside. The tour is likely to raise speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run as Shapiro builds a national profile while also preparing to seek reelection in Pennsylvania next year.

London’s oldest surviving house has stood for 411 years, including through the Great Fire

London’s oldest surviving house has remained standing for more than 400 years, enduring repeated attempts to demolish it and surviving the Great Fire. Over the centuries, it has taken on many different uses, reflecting a long and varied history.

New Jersey Declares State of Emergency as Winter Storm Arrives

New Jersey declared a state of emergency after a winter storm moved into the region Friday evening.

Joe Walsh criticizes reported ICE raids conducted over Christmas

Former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh criticized the Trump administration over immigration enforcement raids reportedly carried out throughout the Christmas holiday, saying he tried to tune out the news from Christmas Eve onward but felt compelled to speak out.

AccuWeather Warns of Slippery Conditions Early

AccuWeather advises caution for slippery conditions early on, with improving weather expected Saturday morning. Another system is forecast to develop late Sunday into Monday.

Philadelphia residents stock up as sleet and snow cover the city

Philadelphia residents stocked up on supplies as sleet and snow blanketed the city, while officials reported several weather-related accidents across the region, including one on City Avenue in Wynnefield Heights and another involving an overturned vehicle on Bells Mill Road in Andorra.

Former Putin ally Yuri Sadovenko dies of reported heart disease on Christmas Day months after being dismissed

Colonel-General Yuri Sadovenko, a former deputy defence minister and longtime Putin associate, died on Christmas Day at 56, with Russian media citing “heart disease” and offering few details. Sadovenko was dismissed by Vladimir Putin in May 2024 during a defence ministry shake-up amid setbacks in Ukraine, and was widely viewed as a trusted gatekeeper and “keeper of secrets” tied to the war’s early stages. His death adds to a growing list of senior Russian figures who have died suddenly or under unclear circumstances in recent years.

NTSB Issues Update on Fatal Nursing Home Explosion in Bucks County

The National Transportation Safety Board issued an update Friday on the fatal explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Bucks County.

Police: Suspect entered Haddonfield home, stole keys, and took car

Police in Haddonfield, New Jersey, are searching for a suspect accused of entering an unlocked vehicle and accessing a garage on West High End Avenue early Friday evening, then going into the home and taking car keys from the kitchen before driving off in the victim’s vehicle. Residents were home but did not encounter the suspect and were initially unaware the car had been stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact Haddonfield Police.

Trump touts marble “armrests” as Kennedy Center renaming fight escalates

President Donald Trump posted photos of proposed black-and-white marble armrests for seats at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, calling them “unlike anything ever done or seen before” on Truth Social. Since taking office, Trump has replaced board members and named himself chair. The renaming has triggered praise, backlash, a lawsuit from Rep. Joyce Beatty arguing only Congress can change the center’s statutory name, and at least one performer canceling in protest. Trump also shared images of a renovated White House Palm Room.

Man accused of stealing Washington State Patrol cruiser after attacking trooper

Washington State Patrol said Alexander Eugene Smith allegedly ran across lanes of Interstate 5 in Seattle on Christmas Day, approached a marked patrol car, pulled a lieutenant out, pushed her down, and drove off in the cruiser. Multiple agencies pursued the vehicle before troopers stopped it in Lynnwood by striking it. Police said Smith resisted arrest and was Tasered, then booked on suspicion of felony eluding, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault on a law enforcement officer, and DUI, with blood test results pending. The lieutenant had minor injuries, several vehicles were damaged, and the investigation continues.

Federal judge blocks California policy limiting parental notification on student gender identity

U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez issued a permanent injunction stopping California education officials from enforcing policies that restrict parents from being informed when a student uses a different name, pronouns, or gender presentation at school. The order bars school employees from misleading parents, blocking access to educational records, or using different names and pronouns with parents than those used at school. The judge called the policies overly broad and not sufficiently tailored to parental rights.

Philadelphia shooting leaves 35-year-old dead, police detain multiple people

Police said a 35-year-old man was fatally shot in an apparent shootout near North 20th Street and West Susquehanna Avenue in Philadelphia on Friday around 4:43 p.m. Officers found him with multiple gunshot wounds and took him to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:59 p.m. His identity has not been released. Investigators say the victim and an unidentified man exchanged gunfire, and another man drove off in the victim’s vehicle before being stopped by police at a hospital. Multiple people were detained as police continue searching for the shooter.

UK papers report possible royal US trip aimed at smoothing relations with Trump

Several Saturday newspapers led with reported plans for a royal trip to the United States early next year intended to improve relations with Donald Trump. The same front pages also highlighted a new Army recruitment push aimed at young people through a “gap year” style scheme.

The Cure musician Perry Archangelo Bamonte dies at 65

Perry Archangelo Bamonte, a longtime guitarist and keyboardist for influential goth band The Cure, has died at the age of 65.

Upper Darby Township homicide-suicide under investigation after Christmas visit

Police in Upper Darby Township are investigating after a 45-year-old man allegedly shot and killed the mother of his children following a Christmas visit on Friday, then took his own life.

Two killed in Israel in suspected Palestinian attack involving vehicle strike and stabbing

Two people were killed in Israel in an attack police suspect was carried out by a Palestinian assailant. Police said the attacker, from the occupied West Bank, first ran over at least one person and later stabbed another victim several miles away.

Palm-sized ESP32 gadget spits out PAL or NTSC test patterns for old TVs

An ESP32-based, battery-powered test pattern generator outputs composite video (PAL or NTSC) to help diagnose vintage TVs and CRTs. A push button cycles patterns, a side switch flips PAL or NTSC, and a tiny add-on circuit—two resistors plus an RCA jack—handles the composite signal. It also includes a small color screen that mirrors the selected pattern, basically a fast, pocketable alternative to dragging out older hardware.

Times Square plans two Ball Drop events for America’s 250th anniversary

Times Square will mark the nation’s 250th anniversary next year with two events featuring the Times Square Ball: the usual New Year’s Eve drop plus a special ball drop in July. Because nothing says “historic reflection” like doing the same trick twice, louder.

Senators push back on proposed national park entrance fee hikes

Senator Ron Wyden and other senators are urging the Trump administration to halt a proposal to raise national park entrance fees, arguing the increase would be discriminatory. Apparently the plan is to make “the great outdoors” feel like a members-only lounge, but with more mosquitoes.

Blind-item targets Smokey Robinson amid harassment lawsuit allegations

A blind-item claim identifies Smokey Robinson, noting he received a dedicated Christmas channel on SiriusXM this year and alleging he is spreading false stories to distract from multiple sexual harassment lawsuits filed by women and men. These are allegations in a gossip-style item, not established facts, so treat accordingly.

Shooting investigation in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania

Police in Upper Darby Township are investigating a shooting on the 200 block of Copley Road where a man and a woman were found with gunshot wounds. Authorities say it was an isolated incident with no ongoing public threat, and they have not released identities or circumstances.

Russia’s Kirov-class “carrier killer” battlecruisers, big ambition, zero combat

A review looks at the Soviet Kirov-class nuclear-powered battlecruisers, built to menace NATO carrier groups with Granit anti-ship missiles, heavy guns, armor, and ASW helicopters. It then tracks how post–Cold War budgets and aging hulls sidelined the class, leaving the “carrier killer” legend mostly as branding, without a combat record.

Israel recognizes Somaliland as independent, first country to do so

Israel said it has recognized Somaliland as an independent state, the first country to do so. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel plans to expand relations through cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.

The Cure multi-instrumentalist Perry Bamonte dies at 65

Perry Bamonte, who played guitar, keyboards, and six-string bass for The Cure, died over the Christmas holiday, according to multiple reports. He was 65.

Joe Rogan calls Trump White House plaque about Biden “so crazy”

Joe Rogan criticized a President Trump-era White House plaque describing former President Biden’s time in office, calling it “so crazy” and warning it sets a bad precedent. Translation: if you normalize petty historical graffiti, don’t act shocked when the next guy shows up with a Sharpie and a grudge.

Russia develops Laika (Husky) class nuclear submarine for around 2030

Russia is developing the Laika (Husky) class, a fifth-generation nuclear submarine aimed at rebuilding undersea capability, with projected service around 2030. It is expected to carry Tsirkon hypersonic missiles plus Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles, and feature advanced sonar and a quieter hull to replace aging Akula and Sierra boats.

Sidus Space pops on defense contract news

Small space-tech firm Sidus Space saw its shares jump after announcing it secured a spot on a major U.S. defense contract tied to the Trump-era “Golden Dome” program.

King George VI Chase thriller at Kempton

Harry Redknapp’s horse, The Jukebox Man, surged late to win the King George VI Chase in dramatic fashion at Kempton Park.

House fire leaves three unaccounted for

One person escaped a house fire, while three others believed to have been inside remain unaccounted for.

Boxing Day footfall fades again

Boxing Day shopping disappointed once more, with bargain hunters still chasing deals but fewer people visiting high streets and shopping centres than last year.

Big companies boom while small businesses bleed

Major U.S. corporations are hitting record highs on strong profits and AI-fueled market excitement, while small businesses cut staff and scale back amid persistent inflation, cautious consumers, and tariff uncertainty. ADP data show firms with fewer than 50 employees have shed jobs for six straight months, including 120,000 cuts in November, even as midsize and large companies kept hiring. The Fed says overall consumer spending is weakening while higher-end spending holds up, widening the gap in who benefits from wage gains and stock market wealth.

SEPTA fatality suspends Wawa Line service

A man was fatally struck by an outbound SEPTA train near Morton Station around 9:25 a.m. Friday. Service on the Wawa Line has been suspended in both directions while the incident is investigated.

Reddit sues Australia over social media age rules

Reddit filed a court challenge to Australian social media laws, arguing they violate privacy and free speech, becoming the first major company to sue over the rules. The government says the restrictions will stand to protect children, but reports indicate many children bypass the ban using accounts not tied to their real identity, while adults face intrusive age-verification requirements.

Kennedy Center jazz concert canceled over Trump naming dispute

The Kennedy Center’s annual Christmas Eve jazz concert was canceled after host Chuck Redd said he learned the venue’s name and exterior signage had been changed to include President Donald Trump. The White House said a Trump-appointed board approved the change, while some scholars argue it conflicts with a 1964 law establishing the center as a memorial to John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy family opposed the change, and Kerry Kennedy said she would seek to remove Trump’s name after he leaves office.

Winter storm prompts Pennsylvania travel restrictions

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission plan to restrict certain vehicles on interstates and other heavily traveled roads across Pennsylvania as a winter storm approaches on a busy holiday travel day.

Shelter Me spotlights Snow from Phoenix Animal Rescue

This week, 6abc’s Shelter Me featured Snow from Phoenix Animal Rescue.

Philadelphia Fishing Show returns in January

The Philadelphia Fishing Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks from Friday through Sunday, Jan. 9–11, bringing anglers, outfitters, and regional fishing culture together for an indoor winter weekend.

Joe Rogan blasts Trump White House plaque about Biden

Joe Rogan criticized a President Trump White House plaque describing former President Joe Biden’s time in office, calling it “so crazy” and warning it sets a bad precedent. Rogan made the remarks while speaking with comedian Shane Gillis on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience released on Christmas Day.

Jordyn Woods and Karl-Anthony Towns announce engagement

Model Jordyn Woods is engaged to New York Knicks center-forward Karl-Anthony Towns. The couple shared the news in an Instagram photo carousel on Thursday.

Thailand bombs area near the Cambodian border while ceasefire talks continue

Thailand carried out bombing in a border area near Cambodia as ceasefire negotiations entered a third day after weeks of renewed fighting. Cambodia accused Thailand of carrying out indiscriminate attacks.

Cardiff vs Dragons: Live Updates, Team News, TV Channel, and Kick-Off Time

Cardiff face the Dragons in the Boxing Day derby at Cardiff Arms Park, with live updates covering team news, the TV channel, and kick-off time.

Maria Sole Agnelli, leading shareholder in the Fiat-linked Agnelli family group, dies at 100

Maria Sole Agnelli, a prominent member of the Agnelli industrial dynasty, has died at the age of 100. She was a major shareholder in the family holding company that controls Exor and has long held Fiat, and she was the aunt of Stellantis president John Elkann.

Zelensky to Visit Mar-a-Lago for Talks with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to seek agreement on a U.S. peace plan. The planned meeting suggests talks have advanced, after Trump previously said he would only meet Zelensky if a deal appeared close.

Zelensky Says He Will Meet With Trump Soon

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump will take place in the near future, pointing to renewed high-level talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. Zelensky said discussions have included U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and suggested significant decisions could come before the New Year, though Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on territorial demands. Fighting continued as Russia struck multiple Ukrainian regions, and Ukraine reported hitting a major oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region with Storm Shadow missiles.

Jimmy Kimmel Delivers Alternative Christmas Message to the UK, Warning That Tyranny Is Rising in the U.S.

Jimmy Kimmel used Channel 4’s annual Alternative Christmas Message slot to send a filmed holiday address to UK viewers, saying “tyranny is booming” in the United States. The segment follows the broadcaster’s tradition, running since 1993, of featuring a current and often controversial celebrity delivering a Christmas message in the style of the monarch.

NVIDIA Ends Pascal Support on Linux, Creating Problems for Arch Linux Users

NVIDIA has ended driver support for older GPUs such as Pascal (GTX 10xx) and Maxwell on Linux, and Arch Linux updates can leave affected systems unable to load the new driver, booting to a command-line interface instead of the desktop. A common workaround is installing a legacy driver from the Arch User Repository, but that approach can be risky and may break Steam due to mismatched official NVIDIA dependencies, requiring additional fixes. Continued legacy support largely depends on community maintenance, while the open-source Nouveau driver remains an alternative with typical reverse-engineering limitations.

Acts of Solidarity Amid Sudan’s War

As violence and atrocities escalate in Sudan’s war, reports often focus on the scale of human cruelty. Yet alongside that devastation, many Sudanese are taking serious personal risks to protect and support their neighbors. One example is Dr. Jamal Eltaeb, a traumatology chief, whose work highlights the lifesaving efforts continuing amid the crisis.

South London woman recalls last Christmas with her brother before his 1985 killing

A woman from south London has remembered spending Christmas with her brother, Jeffrey McNish, months before he was stabbed to death at a Caribbean festival in Toxteth in August 1985.

AccuWeather forecasts light snow and sleet today in the Philadelphia region

AccuWeather says snow will move into the Philadelphia area late this afternoon into the evening, then transition quickly to sleet across most of the region.

Study of Free-Roaming Cats in Wales Could Inform European Wildcat Reintroduction

Research into free-roaming cats in rural Wales may hold clues for wildcat reintroduction by mapping how feral cats live, move, and interact with wildlife, farms, and people. Researchers from Aberystwyth University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Vincent Wildlife Trust will use camera traps, genetic testing, and sample analysis to estimate cat numbers, track movements, assess connectivity between groups, and screen for parasites, bacteria, and viruses that could affect wildlife, livestock, and humans. The results are intended to fill major knowledge gaps about rural cat populations and support evidence-based decisions on whether parts of Wales could sustainably support the return of the European wildcat.

Dec. 26, 1935: Shenandoah National Park Established in Virginia

On Dec. 26, 1935, Shenandoah National Park was established in northern Virginia, following years of fundraising to buy the land for the park.

Notable birthdays on Dec. 26: Jared Leto and Eden Sher

Dec. 26 includes several notable birthdays, with actor and musician Jared Leto turning 54 and actor Eden Sher turning 34.

Roman party dress described as slimming and waist-enhancing

A Roman party dress is being promoted as flattering and slimming, highlighting the waist while downplaying the stomach, with just enough sparkle for a Christmas party without feeling over-the-top.

Trump Says U.S. Carried Out Strike on ISIS Fighters in Nigeria

President Trump said Thursday on his social media platform that the United States carried out what he described as a “powerful and deadly” strike against ISIS fighters in Nigeria. He said the militants had been targeting and killing civilians, “primarily” Christians.

A Boxing Day walk near London that ends at Britain’s oldest pub

With Boxing Day expected to be the only dry day over the festive period, a suggested walk about 30 minutes from London offers a seasonal outing that finishes at a venue described as Britain’s oldest pub.

England bowled out for 110 on a chaotic first day in Melbourne

England’s Ashes tour slid deeper into trouble after they were bowled out for just 110 on an error-strewn, chaotic opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Joachim Trier Discusses His Grand Prix-Winning Film ‘Sentimental Value’

Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix winner ‘Sentimental Value’ is Joachim Trier’s most personal film yet, centered on hope and the lingering memory of a home. The film opens in the UK today, and Trier discusses why it has become one of the year’s most emotionally resonant releases.

Why London, Bali, and Dubai Were Among the World’s Most Popular Destinations in 2025

London, Bali, and Dubai ranked among the most visited places in 2025, alongside destinations like Hanoi, as travelers sought a blend of culture, food experiences, and romantic getaways.

Nebraska grandfather dies in accident at McDonald’s drive-thru

Michael Dickinson, 69, of Grand Island, Nebraska, died Tuesday morning after being pinned between his vehicle and a McDonald’s drive-thru payment window. Police said he appeared to open his door to reach the window and the vehicle may have moved forward, trapping him against the counter. A McDonald’s employee was injured while trying to rescue him, and the incident remains under investigation.

Stokes’ catch dismisses Starc as Carse’s delivery is checked for a possible no-ball

Ben Stokes took a sharp catch to dismiss Mitchell Starc off Brydon Carse, with replays suggesting Carse’s front foot narrowly stayed behind the line. Australia ended day one of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne on 152 for 8.

Trump says the US carried out lethal strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria

Trump said the United States launched deadly strikes on Islamic State targets in Nigeria, accusing the group of killing Christians. Nigeria’s foreign minister said the action was a joint operation with Nigeria and insisted it was not motivated by religion.

Turkey says it has arrested 115 suspected ISIS militants

Turkey says police arrested 115 people suspected of ISIS ties in raids announced Thursday. Prosecutors in Istanbul alleged the group was planning attacks linked to upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, with non-Muslim individuals described as potential targets.

Gordon Chang says Trump reversed a Biden-era ban on exporting advanced chips to China

Gordon Chang argues that President Donald Trump reversed a Biden-era restriction on selling advanced AI chips to China by approving exports of Nvidia’s H200, a move Nvidia told Chinese customers could enable shipments before mid-February. Citing CrowdStrike co-founder Dmitri Alperovitch, the commentary says selling high-end GPUs would help China train competitive AI models while it continues building domestic alternatives, ultimately eroding a key U.S. advantage. It also warns that, under China’s “military-civil fusion,” the chips could bolster Chinese military capabilities despite U.S. licensing for “approved customers,” and notes the administration has launched an interagency review of the proposed sales.

William Way LGBT Community Center Distributes Free Holiday Meals

Free holiday meals were served at the William Way LGBT Community Center, where about 150 meals were handed out from the doorstep at 1315 Spruce Street in Center City. Recipients, including Catherine Colon, expressed immediate gratitude.

Elkins Park synagogue continues Christmas cookie tradition for first responders

An Elkins Park synagogue is continuing its annual Christmas cookie tradition for first responders, with about eight to 10 bakers spending several days preparing, packaging, and delivering cookies on Christmas morning.

Crowds visit Center City Philadelphia holiday attractions on Christmas Day

Crowds gathered in Center City Philadelphia on Christmas Day as unseasonably pleasant weather drew families and visitors outdoors to enjoy holiday displays, ice skating, and time in the sunshine.

Crews Contain Second-Alarm Fire at TD Bank in South Jersey

Crews battled a fire at a TD Bank in South Jersey that escalated to a second alarm before being brought under control around 4 p.m.

Trump Administration Officials Highlight Religious Themes in Christmas Messages

Trump administration officials used official government accounts to post Christmas messages emphasizing Jesus and the religious meaning of the holiday, drawing criticism from those citing the separation of church and state. Many lawmakers from both parties instead shared more universal greetings focused on love, joy, and peace.

Two people injured in a Christmas Day shooting in North Philadelphia

Two people were injured in a shooting on Christmas Day in North Philadelphia, and no further details about the circumstances have been released.

U.S. Strikes Islamic State Targets in Nigeria

U.S. forces carried out strikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria on Thursday evening, according to U.S. and Nigerian officials, following President Donald Trump’s threats to attack Nigeria in response to killings of Christians.