Iniaes

Mt Baldy fall victim identified

Authorities identified the teen who died after falling about 500 feet from a trail on California’s Mt Baldy as 19-year-old Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova. His family described him as an avid sailor and outdoorsman.

UC Berkeley study, how brains “read the room”

UC Berkeley researchers say differences in how people interpret situations may come from how the brain combines facial expressions with surrounding context. Many people lean on the clearest cue—face when the background is fuzzy, context when the face is unclear—while others average cues more evenly, a simpler strategy that could be less demanding or tied to cognitive deficits.

Medieval cemetery mystery, evidence points to women’s religious community

Researchers say there is growing evidence that women buried in a medieval cemetery may have belonged to an early female religious community, potentially resolving a long-running mystery about why they were buried there.

Anthony Joshua released from hospital after Nigeria crash

Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital following a car crash in Nigeria. Two of the former world champion’s closest friends were killed in the accident on Monday.

The Traitors casts a detective and crime novelist

The new season of The Traitors will include a detective and a crime novelist among the contestants, along with a barrister, a nursery school teacher, and a cyber security expert—all heading into the show’s castle to politely smile while plotting each other’s downfall.

Russia looks toward 2026 as Ukraine war nears year four

Steve Rosenberg reports on conversations across Russia about what people want and expect in 2026, with the war in Ukraine approaching its fourth year—a grim milestone for a conflict that has warped everyday hopes into survival math.

Trump says National Guard leaving Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland

President Donald Trump said the National Guard will leave Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon, while suggesting deployments could resume in the future—because nothing says “stability” like a policy with a built-in trapdoor.

UK welcomes 2026 with fireworks and New Year events

Britons across the UK rang in 2026 with New Year celebrations and fireworks, including major displays in London near the London Eye and events like Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, with coverage highlighting scenes from around the country.

Philadelphia police, man accused of killing brother after money argument

Philadelphia police say a man shot and killed his brother Wednesday evening at the Penrose Plaza Shopping Center in the Eastwick neighborhood after the two argued over money. Officers already on site heard gunfire, took the suspected shooter into custody, and the victim later died at a nearby hospital.

East Bay pinball spot combines framing and games

The Flipper Room is bringing classic pinball to the East Bay, pairing custom framing with a space where visitors can hang out and play. Yes, a business model built on nostalgia and controlled chaos—arguably the most honest thing in retail.

England pilot offers home vaccinations for children in low-income families

Children from low-income families will be offered home vaccinations under a pilot scheme in parts of England, part of a government plan to prioritise children’s health—which is refreshingly practical in a world that usually prefers press releases to outcomes.

Energy bills tick up for millions as temperatures drop

As temperatures fall, millions of households in England, Wales, and Scotland face a small increase in energy bills at the start of the new year, a seasonal tradition almost as reliable as cold weather itself—except this one is optional if you happen to own a private island.

Scotland scraps “not proven” verdict after decades-long campaign

A family said they campaigned for 33 years to end Scotland’s centuries-old “not proven” verdict following their daughter’s murder. After longstanding controversy over its use in Scottish criminal trials, the verdict has now been scrapped.

Israeli Parliament Rejects Bill to Annex Beitar Illit

Israel’s parliament voted on Wednesday against a proposal to annex Beitar Illit, a large Israeli settlement in the West Bank. The vote came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the United States.

Nigel Farage criticises the European Court of Human Rights after judges question the UK ban on Shamima Begum

Nigel Farage has attacked the European Court of Human Rights after Strasbourg judges asked the UK government to respond to Shamima Begum’s case, including whether officials should have considered if she was a trafficking victim before stripping her citizenship. Begum left the UK for Islamic State-held Syria at 15, was deprived of British citizenship in 2019 on national security grounds, and remains in a Syrian camp. Her lawyers argue she was groomed and exploited as a child, while the Home Office says it will robustly defend the decision to keep her out of the UK.

Kevin O’Leary Says Tariff Policy Will Likely Be Adjusted Soon

Businessman and “Shark Tank” judge Kevin O’Leary said President Trump is likely to make changes to his tariff policy in the new year, arguing it “needs to be fine-tuned.” Speaking on NewsNation’s “On Balance,” he pointed to tariffs affecting Canada and India, which include levies of 35% and 50%, respectively.

Rep. Mike Lawler says Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is now the face of the Democratic Party

Rep. Mike Lawler said New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has become the public face of the Democratic Party and argued that Mamdani’s rise will pressure other Democrats to adopt more left-leaning positions, pointing to previous shifts associated with figures like Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Blind Items Revealed #7: Allegations About Zac Brown

In “Blind Items Revealed #7,” Zac Brown is the subject of online speculation that he has recently embraced Satanism. Some point to his latest concert as fueling the rumors and note there has been little effort to dispel them.

Newly released Epstein jail surveillance videos raise questions about prison camera footage

A newly released set of surveillance videos from New York City’s Metropolitan Correctional Center is prompting fresh scrutiny of the camera system at the facility where Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019. The footage was included in a larger Department of Justice release on Dec. 23 under the congressionally mandated Epstein Files Transparency Act, and it appears to complicate the official account and conflict with earlier statements about the prison’s surveillance setup.

Action News Reviews Community Events from 2025

Action News highlights the community events that brought neighbors together throughout 2025, featuring daily coverage of local gatherings and activities.

Products That Can Help You Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Nearly 80% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions, but a set of goal-supporting products aims to help you stay consistent and finish the year among the 20% who follow through.

Philadelphia families celebrate the New Year early at the Please Touch Museum

At the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, more than 3,000 children and families attended the annual daytime “Countdown to New Year’s” event, celebrating the start of 2026 with two early countdowns at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., plus dancing and activities throughout the museum. Organizers said the event offers a safe, family-friendly way to celebrate, and some parents, like Cherelle Moore, used it to mark milestones such as her son Qadir’s second birthday.

New SNAP Purchase Restrictions Take Effect Thursday in Five States

Starting Thursday, SNAP recipients in five states will face new limits on what they can buy with benefits. Additional states are set to roll out similar rules, with at least 18 states planning to implement new restrictions beginning in 2026.

Texas search for missing 19-year-old turns grim

Authorities searching in Texas for Camila Mendoza Olmos, missing since Dec. 24, found a body—an update that lands like a brick through a window.

CDC panel to review aluminum salts used in vaccines

A CDC advisory group is preparing to examine safety questions around aluminum salts, a common vaccine ingredient, because nothing says “modern life” like needing a committee meeting to confirm chemistry we’ve used for ages.

Florida alligator takes a midnight pool dip

A Florida family called authorities after a large alligator wandered into their backyard pool for an after-hours swim—proof that in Florida even the wildlife has a nightlife and no respect for property lines.

Intel Meteor Lake on Linux gets an end-of-year performance checkup

New benchmarks revisit the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H “Meteor Lake” on Ubuntu Linux, tracking how performance has shifted over two years of updates and setting a baseline ahead of expected Intel Panther Lake laptop previews at CES.

Ukraine and Russia talks, the security guarantee problem refuses to die

As peace talks gain momentum, the biggest unresolved question is what lasting security guarantees Ukraine would get. The debate circles three familiar U.S. playbooks: a mutual defense treaty with high escalation risk, a Taiwan-style deterrence model without explicit guarantees, or a partner-support framework that boosts defenses without full alliance commitments.

Two stabbed in South London

Two men, 19 and 31, were stabbed by a group carrying knives in South London and taken to hospital—another needless reminder that some people treat the streets like a contest to see who can be the biggest liability.

Old street interview resurfaces featuring NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani

A 2020 man-on-the-street comedy clip recirculated showing a person identified as mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani suggesting action franchises like “Bad Boys” and “Rush Hour” could be remade with women as the leads. The video is spreading online ahead of his Jan. 1, 2026 inauguration.

People think Trump is channeling JFK now, apparently

One of 2025’s stranger narratives is the perception that Donald Trump is adopting or echoing elements associated with John F. Kennedy, because politics is now part ideology, part cosplay, and part algorithmic fever dream.

Bulgaria adopts the euro on Jan. 1

Bulgaria will begin using the euro on Thursday, Jan. 1, with officials expecting a growth boost while some worry about the transition, because changing the money always sounds cleaner on PowerPoint than in real life.

House Oversight to hold Minnesota social services fraud hearings

Rep. James Comer said the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold early 2026 hearings on fraud concerns in Minnesota’s social services programs. The first hearing is slated for Jan. 7, with testimony expected from Minnesota state Reps. Kristin Robbins, Walter Hudson, and Marion Rarick.

George Clooney slams TV networks for settling Trump defamation suits

George Clooney criticized CBS and ABC for settling defamation lawsuits brought by President Trump, arguing they should have fought instead of paying to end the cases and warning that surrendering on principle has broader consequences.

China showcases alleged test of ship-launched YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile

China released video it says shows a “finalization test” of the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile, reportedly fired from a PLAN Type 055 destroyer. The footage appears to depict a cold launch from an aft vertical launch system cell and a successful strike on a maritime target.

DOJ letters to medical journals raise concerns about politicizing scientific debate

Several medical journals received April letters from the U.S. Department of Justice asking whether they had become “partisans in various scientific debates.” A new report reviews what has unfolded since those inquiries went out.

2026 Tank Rankings Say Armor Still Matters, If You Actually Use It Well

Another year, another “tanks are back” sermon, with the usual five-part checklist: firepower, protection, sensors, mobility, and combat performance. The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams takes the crown for upgraded lethality, modern thermals, and the Trophy active protection system, while Germany’s Leopard 2A7V lurks close behind with modular armor, updated electronics, and its own Trophy integration. In other words, heavy metal still rules—assuming someone budgets for more than patriotic speeches.

Berlin Wakes Up to Fresh Snow as Colder Weather Settles In

Berlin got a fresh coat of snow and, for a brief shining moment, the city looks like a winter postcard instead of a damp argument about public transit. Colder weather is taking hold, and the streets have entered their annual showdown between physics and footwear.

China’s Stealth Fighters Could Get a Big Range Boost Thanks to Tankers

China’s J-20 and carrier-capable J-35 may get dramatically more useful—not because stealth suddenly became magic, but because logistics exist. A growing fleet of aerial refueling tankers, led by the Y-20U, could keep those jets in the air longer and push operations farther from base. The glamour is in the fighters; the power is in the gas station with wings.

German Chancellor’s New Year Address Frames a World in Constant Crisis

In his New Year’s speech, set to air 31 December, Germany’s chancellor paints the planet as a perpetual emergency and insists Germany will not be a pawn of major powers, while emphasizing his ability to take action. Translation: “Everything is on fire, but I have a fire extinguisher—please clap.”

Broadcom Plans Unified Security Agent Combining Symantec and Carbon Black

Broadcom says it is consolidating Symantec and Carbon Black into a single-agent security framework with AI-driven detection, aiming to help small and mid-sized businesses that lack deep security resources. It’s a sensible pitch in an era where attackers automate everything and defenders are told to “do more with less,” which is management-speak for “good luck, champ.”

Benjamin Franklin Quote Feature, Money Never Fully Satisfies

A Benjamin Franklin quote feature argues money rarely satisfies and can create a vacuum of wanting more, tying the idea to Franklin’s rise from limited schooling in Boston to printing success in Philadelphia and later politics. A timeless lesson: wealth is a treadmill, and the scenery is mostly people trying to sell you the treadmill.

U.S. Worries It Could Lose Access to Diego Garcia as China’s Influence Grows

Concern is rising that the United States could lose its Diego Garcia military base, described as a vital regional lifeline after the loss of Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base. Strategic posture is fun like that: you spend decades building a network, then discover geopolitics doesn’t honor your long-term lease.

Ronald Reagan Quote Feature, “Peace Through Strength” and Deterrence

A 1982 Reagan quote argues wars erupt when adversaries think you lack strength, spotlighting his “peace through strength” deterrence approach. The feature places it amid economic strain and Cold War tensions and links it to Reagan-era defense expansion policies intended to discourage aggression.

Philadelphia Rings in New Year’s Eve With Fireworks, a Free Concert, and More

Philadelphia is hosting major New Year’s Eve events tonight, including three fireworks shows and a free concert, plus early lead-in celebrations toward the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Nothing says civic pride like synchronized explosions and a countdown to a birthday party two years early.

Autopsy Reports Not Released for Michele and Rob Reiner, Bodies Cremated

Autopsy reports for Michele and Rob Reiner have not been released, and their bodies were cremated at Mount Sinai Mortuary.

Released archives reveal Labour divisions over expanding Wales’s powers

Newly opened National Archives files show turmoil in Labour after the 2004 Richard Commission urged stronger legislative authority for the National Assembly, more members, and STV elections. Tony Blair’s cabinet and many MPs resisted immediate primary law-making powers, while First Minister Rhodri Morgan pushed at least for the ability to amend devolved laws to shield Wales from future Westminster Conservative policies. Documents described by former Welsh Labour minister Leighton Andrews point to prolonged negotiations involving Peter Hain, leading to a compromise system allowing Assembly laws with Westminster approval and a pathway to primary powers via referendum—eventually endorsed in 2011.

South Korea to Prioritize Confirming the Fate of Relatives of Separated Families in North Korea

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said it will prioritize efforts to confirm the fate of relatives of separated families in North Korea if strained inter-Korean relations begin to improve.

Welsh political leaders issue New Year messages

Welsh political leaders have shared New Year greetings. First Minister Eluned Morgan highlighted hope and pledged action on NHS waiting lists, housing, and public transport, while calling for unity and an end to global conflicts. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said the new year should bring change, using his message to promote his party’s plans on taxes and public services ahead of upcoming Senedd elections, and to criticise Labour and other parties.

Charity Promotes Veganism as the Ultimate New Year’s Resolution

A charity is urging people to go vegan, arguing it can spare up to around 200 animals per person each year, cut diet-related greenhouse gas emissions, and improve health. The campaign also criticises intensive poultry farming in Wales for animal welfare harms, river pollution, and increased avian flu risk, while pointing to growing availability of vegan options in Welsh restaurants and shops.

Queen praises the Hunt family’s bravery after three murders

The Queen praised the Hunt family for their bravery following three murders, speaking with John and Amy Hunt about violence against women and sharing her own experience of assault.

BBC Weather predicts a pleasant New Year’s Day in London, with one drawback

BBC Weather says New Year’s Day in London should be ideal for a winter walk, with encouraging conditions overall, though one catch could affect plans.

Famous birthdays for Dec. 31 include Hunter Schafer and Diane von Furstenberg

Dec. 31 marks birthdays for several notable figures, including actor Hunter Schafer, who turns 26, and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, who turns 79.

Brexit Trade Agreement Takes Effect on Dec. 31

On Dec. 31, 2020, the Brexit trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union entered legal force in Britain just hours before the transition period officially ended.

Experts explain why your period may be heavier in January

Many people report heavier, more painful periods after the Christmas season, and experts attribute the change to factors linked to the holidays.

Diane Keaton, Pope Francis, and Ozzy Osbourne among notable deaths in 2025

Diane Keaton, Pope Francis, and Ozzy Osbourne are listed among the well-known figures reported to have died in 2025.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe Hits Late Shot to Lift 76ers Past Grizzlies

Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored with 1.7 seconds left in overtime to give the Philadelphia 76ers a dramatic win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Hillingdon road closures in January, including one lasting three months

Hillingdon will see several road closures in January, including one scheduled to remain shut for three months, to allow roadworks in Harefield, Ickenham and Ruislip.

Putin publicly showcases Oreshnik missile system in Belarus, with claimed rapid strike times to parts of Europe

Vladimir Putin has publicly showcased Russia’s Oreshnik missile system for the first time, with footage showing nuclear-capable missiles being moved on combat vehicles at an undisclosed site in Belarus. Russian and Belarusian officials claim the missiles are difficult to intercept, can exceed Mach 10, and have a reported range of up to 3,100 miles—putting much of NATO within reach. Estimates cited by observers suggest a strike on London could take about eight minutes, while Russia’s Tass reported around 11 minutes to a Polish air base and 17 minutes to NATO headquarters in Brussels. Belarus framed the deployment as a deterrent message to the West as the war in Ukraine continues.

Stephen Moore: Economists Misjudged the 2025 Economy

Stephen Moore argues that many academic and financial economists wrongly forecast weak growth and higher inflation for 2025, citing stronger-than-expected recent GDP growth and lower-than-predicted inflation. He contends that forecasters have repeatedly underestimated the economy under Donald Trump, attributing their errors to bias and a failure to account for the effects of policies such as deregulation, tax cuts, and expanded domestic energy production.

Eurostar Passengers Angry After Trains Stranded for Hours Overnight on New Year’s Eve

Eurostar passengers were left stranded for hours overnight on New Year’s Eve after Channel Tunnel disruption caused by overhead power supply problems and a failed LeShuttle train. Two services from London to Paris and Amsterdam were stuck in Kent after departing before 9pm, with some travellers reporting no electricity, limited toilet access, and little information. Eurostar cancelled all London-to-Europe services, advised customers to rebook for free, and said the disruption was outside its control, while delays continued into the early hours.

Flattering jumpsuit is easy to remove for bathroom breaks

A flattering jumpsuit is being praised for smoothing over lumps and bumps while still being easy to take off when you need to use the toilet.

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn is in a coma with meningitis

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn, 54, who played 67 Test matches, fell ill on Friday and is now in a coma in a Queensland hospital with meningitis.

What interesting projects have you worked on this year?

A post invites people to share interesting projects they have completed this year, in the spirit of weekly “what are you doing” update threads.

Affordable Solar Power Is Reshaping Lives and Economies Across Africa

Affordable Chinese-made solar panels and batteries are rapidly expanding across Africa, with South Africa showing the most dramatic shift as households and businesses adopt solar to escape chronic power cuts. Solar has grown from near-zero in 2019 to about 10% of South Africa’s electricity-generating capacity, with more than 7 gigawatts installed in five years—mostly through private, bottom-up investment rather than utilities—forcing the coal-based power sector and the national utility to rethink their roles. Across the continent, Chinese solar imports rose 50% in the first 10 months of 2025, boosting energy independence for those who can pay, while raising concerns about unequal access, limited job creation beyond installation work, and increased geopolitical influence tied to China’s clean-energy dominance.

Missing elderly person found in freezing woods after police use a thermal-imaging drone

Police in Pennsylvania said officers found a missing elderly person in a wooded area during bitter cold conditions after West Chester Police assisted a neighboring agency with a thermal-imaging drone. A cross-trained drone pilot used the drone’s heat-sensing camera and spotlight to locate the person and guide ground crews to them, with medical care provided quickly.

Shamima Begum case revived as ECHR questions UK citizenship stripping

The European Court of Human Rights has contacted the UK Home Office with four questions about whether removing Shamima Begum’s citizenship breached human-rights and anti-trafficking obligations, including possible violations of Article 4. The move tees up a potential London-versus-Strasbourg showdown, with senior Conservatives already urging the UK to block any return and floating withdrawal from the court. Begum left east London for Syria at 15 to join ISIS, has lived in the al-Roj camp since 2019, and the UK Supreme Court previously upheld the citizenship decision.

NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani invites residents to inauguration block party, bans Raspberry Pi devices

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is marking his inauguration with a block party and, in a sentence nobody expected to exist, told attendees not to bring Raspberry Pi devices. Nothing says “civic celebration” like preemptively disarming the roaming army of hobbyists who might otherwise try to run City Hall on a breadboard.

Pipe bomb suspect indicted in Washington, D.C., judge keeps him jailed

A man accused of building and placing pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., has been indicted and will remain in jail after a detention hearing, despite defense arguments for pretrial release.

China stealth aircraft rumors flare after video suggests third “J-36” prototype flight

A video posted on Chinese social media on December 25 has fueled speculation that China has flown a third prototype of its large, tailless stealth combat aircraft, often dubbed the J-36. The distant footage appears to show the aircraft flying alongside a J-10C that likely served as a chase or safety jet, keeping interest in the program high even though the visuals are limited.

Windstorm knocks out power for thousands, utility pole fire burns for hours in Radnor Township

A windstorm toppled trees and cut electricity to thousands across the region. In Radnor Township, a utility pole reportedly burned for hours as smoke drifted uphill, leaving nearby residents without power overnight.

Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora return to Times Square for New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora are set to host and perform in Times Square for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” because nothing says “fresh start” like watching the same ritual of celebrity stamina and network scheduling march on with near-military reliability.

Questionable “Mossad-linked” X account urges Iran protests amid economic strain

A Farsi-language X account described by some outlets as linked to Israel’s Mossad urged Iranians to continue protests and suggested on-the-ground involvement. The demonstrations were driven by inflation, a weakening currency, and wider economic pressure under U.S. sanctions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for central bank leadership changes and said the government would engage with protesters’ representatives, while U.S. and Israeli figures voiced support for the protests.

US Air Force proposes new F-22 upgrade package with embedded infrared sensors

The Air Force’s proposed FY2026 budget includes a new F-22 viability upgrade package intended to keep the Raptor effective into the 2030s. A key element is IRDS, embedded infrared sensors designed to improve threat warning, target tracking, and survivability against increasingly capable Chinese and Russian air defenses.

Body found in search for missing Texas teen Camila Mendoza Olmos, no foul play indicated

Officials say a body has been found during the search for Camila Mendoza Olmos, a Texas teenager last seen on Christmas Eve. The sheriff said there is currently no indication of foul play.

China’s Sixth-Generation Stealth Fighter Programs Face Engine Challenges

China is unveiling ambitious next-generation stealth aircraft designs at a rapid pace, but reliable high-performance jet engines remain a key hurdle. A GE Aerospace executive said China is closing the gap quickly thanks to large-scale investment, deep engineering talent, and years of technology acquisition through both legitimate transfers and espionage. While China’s engine portfolio is expanding, propulsion is still the limiting factor for its most advanced fighter ambitions.

Police: Man Accused of Trying to Lure 13-Year-Old Girl into His Vehicle

In Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, police are investigating a report that a man driving a white Dodge Ram pickup truck followed a 13-year-old girl and tried to coax her into the vehicle while she walked on the 8200 block of West Chester Pike. The girl refused and went to a nearby business for help, and an adult witness confronted the driver before he fled. Police later identified and arrested a suspect, who is expected to face criminal charges, and are asking the public to report any similar incidents involving a white Dodge Ram.

The U.S. Navy Needs to Address Challenges with Its Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carriers

The Navy’s carrier challenge is increasingly about timing and capacity, not just next-generation technology. With Ford-class carriers facing delays and shipyards burdened by backlogs, Nimitz-class carriers continue to carry much of the operational load for global presence. Keeping them effective will require focused upgrades such as modern landing systems like JPALS, stronger command-and-control connectivity, and improved integration with newer systems.

Acceptable Packet or Session Modification by Network Operators

In a NANOG post on Dec. 30, Lukas Tribus notes that path MTU discovery can fail when the last router before an MTU bottleneck does not send ICMP Type 3 Code 4 “fragmentation needed” messages. He points out that common Cisco configurations such as “no ip unreachables” can suppress all ICMP Type 3 responses, and mentions additional causes like uRPF dropping traffic with non-routable source addresses and ICMP rate limiting.

Federal judge temporarily blocks deportations of South Sudanese nationals

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to reinstate Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese citizens, temporarily halting their deportations.

Body of Woman Believed Killed in California Shark Attack Found

The body of a missing woman believed to have been attacked by a shark was recovered on a California beach about 25 miles from where she disappeared on Dec. 21.

Blind Item Reveal #6

The post notes the anniversary of Kim Porter’s death and repeats an unverified allegation that producer and aspiring rapper Sean Combs was responsible for her death.

Trump’s Threats Against Artists Who Decline Kennedy Center Performances Appear Unfounded

Plans for political intimidation at the renamed Kennedy Center are portrayed as largely hollow, with threats to punish artists who refuse to perform unlikely to carry real consequences.

Pop Star Donates 64,000 Meals to Wales’ Largest Dog Rescue Centre

Brit Award-winning singer Will Young, co-founder of dog food brand Miraculous Meals and a patron of Hope Rescue in Llanharan, South Wales, donated 64,000 meals—about eight tonnes of food—to support the centre over the festive period. Young also helped deliver the shipment in person and said the partnership will expand to help ensure Hope Rescue’s dogs are fed throughout 2026, with the brand’s new dry food launching in January. Hope Rescue, which rehomes more than 800 dogs a year, said the donation provides vital stability at a time when UK rescues face increased demand and surrenders due to financial pressures.

Ron Paul cheers Trump’s marijuana rescheduling, while reminding everyone the feds still love handcuffs

Ron Paul praised President Trump for signing an executive order shifting marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, calling it a real step toward liberty. He said it could expand medical research and ease punitive tax treatment for state-legal cannabis businesses, while stressing it does not end federal criminalization. Paul argued the Constitution gives the federal government no authority to ban drugs, and urged full repeal of federal drug prohibition, citing civil-liberties abuses fueled by the drug war.

Dog treats recalled in seven states over possible salmonella risk

Dog treats sold across seven states are being recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall covers two products made by the same Iowa-based company.

Military Quote of the Day, Patton’s blunt reminder that war is not a group therapy session

A featured quote from Army General George S. Patton says war’s purpose is not self-sacrifice; it is defeating the enemy. The accompanying notes describe Patton as a commander obsessed with speed, shock, and decisive victory—charismatic and effective, but also controversial and difficult to manage in public.

Russia claims a massive drone attack near Putin’s residence, Ukraine calls it disinformation

Russia alleged Ukraine launched a large drone attack targeting one of President Vladimir Putin’s official residences near Valdai in the Novgorod region. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said 91 drones were intercepted, with no damage or casualties, but Russia has offered no public evidence and there are no independent reports confirming the claim. Ukraine rejected the allegation as disinformation. As U.S.-backed peace talks continue, Moscow warned it could harden its negotiating stance and threatened retaliation. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of trying to derail diplomacy, and Dmitry Medvedev escalated rhetoric with personal attacks on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Donald Trump said Putin told him about the alleged incident, while conceding it was possible the strike did not happen.

Omar El Akkad’s “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” examines the politics of hindsight

National Book Award winner Omar El Akkad’s work draws on his widely shared October 25, 2023 tweet, posted three weeks into the bombardment of Gaza. The tweet warns that people often condemn atrocities only once it is safe and accountability is impossible, and it has been viewed more than 10 million times.

Pro Football Hall of Fame names 15 modern-era finalists, some big names still watching from the couch

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 15 modern-era finalists, including Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Frank Gore. Hines Ward and Steve Smith were not among the finalists.

Judge says Trump administration must keep the CFPB funded, nice try though

A federal judge ruled the Trump administration must secure funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or risk violating a court order blocking the agency’s shutdown. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson rejected the government’s argument and said the CFPB must continue requesting the funds needed to keep operating.

Bromley mourns councillor Keith Onslow

Tributes have been paid to Bromley councillor Keith Onslow, described as legendary, who died following an illness. He served on Bromley Council for 11 years.

Report says CIA drone strike hit a Venezuelan port facility, Trump publicly mentions the operation

The CIA reportedly carried out a drone strike on a Venezuelan port facility last week, an operation President Trump disclosed in a Dec. 26 radio interview. If confirmed, it would be the first publicly known U.S. strike on land inside Venezuela as Washington increases pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The strike reportedly hit a remote dock.

M&S rolls out “Nutrient Dense” foods for GLP-1 users

Marks and Spencer is launching a 20-item “Nutrient Dense” range of meals, snacks, and drinks aimed at people using GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, because nothing says “modern wellness” like outsourcing your micronutrients to a branded botanical shot. The line—salads, prepared meals, seeded oaty bread, and an H5O botanical shot—hits M&S Foodhalls January 5, as GLP-1 use surges largely via private purchases while NHS access stays tight.

Prince Harry and Meghan confirm staff cuts at their charity

An adviser named Holt has reportedly resigned as the couple confirmed layoffs at their charity amid ongoing changes. Even philanthropy, it seems, is not immune to the ancient business principle of “restructuring,” which is corporate speak for “brace yourself.”

Cary Elwes speaks out after reported death of Rob Reiner

Actor Cary Elwes issued his first public comments more than two weeks after the reported death of “The Princess Bride” director Rob Reiner earlier this month.

Measles exposure alert tied to Newark Liberty International Airport

New Jersey’s Health Department warned that travelers passing through Newark Liberty International Airport may have been exposed to measles after an infected passenger was there. A reminder that viruses remain wildly committed to travel, even when the rest of us would rather not.

Nine Yorkshire Terriers rescued after owner found dead in Philadelphia

Rescuers saved nine Yorkshire Terriers from a home in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood after the dogs’ owner was found dead.

Philadelphia police investigate fatal Tioga-Nicetown shooting

Philadelphia police are investigating a fatal shooting in the Tioga-Nicetown area after a man was shot multiple times inside a car and later died.

George and Amal Clooney (and twins) granted French citizenship

George and Amal Clooney, along with their twins Ella and Alexander, were granted French citizenship, with their names appearing in the government’s naturalization decree. Amal was listed under her maiden name, Alamuddin, while the others were listed as Clooney, because even paperwork gets starstruck.

The UK’s smallest city gets a tourism love letter

The UK’s smallest city was described as exceptionally beautiful and calm—a peaceful contrast to London’s pace—which is travel writing for “you can hear yourself think, terrifyingly.”

Ed Davey pitches a new bank holiday for England’s “1,100th birthday”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the government to add a bank holiday in 2027 to mark what he called England’s 1,100th birthday, tied to King Athelstan. Ministers pushed back, noting extra bank holidays have economic costs, and you can’t hand out a day off for every historic milestone—an argument that has never once stopped politicians from trying anyway.

Baku spotlighted as a city of old streets and modern reinvention

A look at Baku highlights contrasts between historic streets and contemporary city life, emphasizing preserved areas, revitalized neighborhoods, and a multicultural identity shaped by centuries of coexistence.

Texas lessons for Democrats, focus on cost of living for 2026

Analysis from the Lone Star State argues Democrats need to reconnect with everyday Americans and prioritize practical concerns like the cost of living to improve their odds in the 2026 midterms, because “vibes” don’t pay rent.

Zelensky rejects Russia’s claim of a Ukrainian drone plot against Putin

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow’s claim that Ukraine tried to launch a drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s residence is false and aimed at disrupting potential peace negotiations. Ukraine dismissed it as a familiar Russian disinformation tactic.