Iniaes

Cold War “battlecarriers”, because someone always wants to bolt a flight deck onto a battleship

Late Cold War U.S. Navy planners toyed with converting Iowa-class battleships into “battlecarriers,” adding a flight deck for STOVL aircraft while keeping the big guns. It was part of the recurring military hobby of asking, “What if we duct-taped the future onto the past instead of building a new ship?”

Welsh rugby clubs blast WRU proposals, cite lack of consultation

Several SRC clubs have teamed up to criticize proposals from the Welsh Rugby Union, saying they were not properly consulted. Their objections were outlined in an email sent to WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

DDR5 prices are climbing, laptop makers brace for higher costs and delays

Laptop manufacturers are preparing for record-high DDR5 memory costs, even as some lock in early supply deals with Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. Prices could rise as much as 45 percent by the end of 2026, pushing laptop price hikes, delayed launches, and other workarounds, including letting customers supply their own RAM for custom builds. After a Windows 11 upgrade bump, PC sales could soften in 2026 as sticker shock kicks in.

Family volunteering boosts kids’ confidence, and yes, even a 3-year-old can help

Volunteering as a family can build children’s confidence and responsibility while creating shared memories. One volunteer said people doubted what a 3-year-old could do, but the child succeeded once given a real chance.

Trump’s national security team goes loud, telegenic, and highly performative

As Trump’s national security lineup takes shape, several figures are adopting unusually prominent public profiles with frequent TV hits, dramatic messaging, and attention-grabbing personal branding. The visibility matches Trump’s taste for camera-ready appointees, but critics warn that in national security, showmanship can undermine credibility and raise risk.

JD Vance eyes 2026 midterms as runway for 2028, while staying in Trump’s shadow

Vice President JD Vance is expected to use the 2026 midterms to build national support for a possible 2028 presidential run, traveling to back candidates while staying closely aligned with President Trump. The plan is to raise Vance’s profile without looking overly eager, since Trump tends to monopolize the spotlight.

Flu season worries rise as influenza A K subclade spreads

Health concerns this flu season are being driven by the spread of the K subclade of influenza A. Related subtypes have historically been linked to higher hospitalization and death rates than other strains.

Pritzker cruises in governor primary, but his Senate pick faces trouble

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is expected to easily win the March 17 Democratic gubernatorial primary as he seeks a third term, but his political clout is being tested in the state’s U.S. Senate primary. He is backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, but she is struggling against two major rivals, and a loss would be an awkward setback for the billionaire governor and possible 2028 contender.

Zelensky expected at Mar-a-Lago to meet Trump, present revised peace plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Mar-a-Lago to meet with President Trump and present a revised 20-point plan aimed at ending the war with Russia. Zelensky says two major unresolved issues remain: the future of Donbas and control of a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant, as Russia continues attacks on Ukraine.

The U.S. Air Force Cannot Restart Production of New F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters

Forget the F-35 or J-20: the Air Force can’t build new F-22 Raptor stealth fighters because the jet’s production ecosystem has effectively disappeared. Studies delivered to Congress say the industrial base is gone—tooling was mothballed, suppliers have moved on, and restarting the line would take billions of dollars before a single new aircraft could be assembled.

Week 17 NFL Picks: Straight Up, Against the Spread, and Survivor Pool (Sunday Edition)

A Sunday edition rundown of Week 17 NFL picks, including straight-up winners, against-the-spread selections, and survivor pool choices.

The 2028 U.S. Presidential Race Has No Clear Front-Runner

Zachary Wolf argues that trying to forecast the 2028 presidential election this far out is futile, especially in a volatile political climate. Still, he suggests the race is likely to feature new Republican and Democratic options, without a Trump, Clinton, or Bush on the ballot.

U.S. Navy Deploys Aircraft Carriers and F-35s to the Western Pacific

The U.S. Navy is rebuilding sustained naval presence in the Indo-Pacific after years focused on the Middle East, combining a forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Japan with additional surge forces. The USS George Washington’s return to Yokosuka after refueling restores a continuous carrier presence meant to reassure allies and speed crisis response. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s arrival in Guam adds overlapping carrier coverage in the region, alongside deployments that include F-35 stealth fighters.

Brigitte Bardot Dies at 91 After a Career From 1960s Film Icon to Animal Rights Activist

Brigitte Bardot, whose image shaped an era of cinema and style, has died at 91. She leaves a legacy preserved in some of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century, spanning her rise as a 1960s screen symbol to her later animal rights activism.

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber Remains Largely Unseen as the U.S. B-21 Advances

The United States and China are pursuing next-generation flying-wing stealth bombers designed to operate in contested airspace. The U.S. B-21 Raider is already moving into production, built for rapid upgrades and both nuclear and conventional missions with broad integration across forces. China’s H-20, still largely out of public view, is expected to emphasize long-range standoff strike capability.

Navy Quote of the Day from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz: A Call for Courage to Stand by What Is Right

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet shortly after Pearl Harbor and helped stabilize America’s naval recovery. His defining decision came at Midway, where he trusted intelligence and empowered commanders such as Frank Jack Fletcher and Raymond Spruance to strike first, a move that severely damaged Japan’s carrier force. The featured quote emphasizes the courage to stand by one’s convictions even under pressure.

Reform UK says it would prosecute civil servants who knowingly grant asylum to sex offenders

Reform UK says it would introduce a new offence of “dishonestly determining an asylum claim” and prosecute civil servants who knowingly grant asylum to sex offenders, with penalties of up to two years in prison, dismissal for gross misconduct, and potential loss of pensions. Nigel Farage said officials who allow in people they believe pose a risk should be held accountable, while policy chief Zia Yusuf proposed a task force to review past decisions. The Government said civil servants are already working to remove foreign national offenders and noted increased removals and returns, adding it is tightening rules to block anyone whose convictions would place them on the sex offenders register from receiving refugee status.

Active Travel: Changing Attitudes in Wales in 2026

This reflects on 12 years since the Active Travel (Wales) Act and argues that progress in shifting people from cars to walking and cycling has been slow, partly due to funding constraints and gaps such as not fully integrating access to bus and rail. It highlights safety and confidence as key barriers for new cyclists and calls for better evaluation of active travel projects by counting benefits like health gains, reduced congestion and emissions, and stronger links to public transport and local economies.

After visiting 50 cities in one year to mark her 50th birthday, she shares her top city and country

Deborah celebrated turning 50 by visiting 50 cities in a single year, driven by what she calls “Extreme Day Trips,” a fast-paced style of travel built around quick, intensive visits.

Common Cliché Words on CVs That May Hurt Your Job Prospects

A study says the most cliché words used on CVs may be stopping people from getting a job, because they’re repeated by a staggering number of applicants and make applications blend together instead of standing out.

Mount Etna Erupts as Skiers Watch from the Slopes

Mount Etna’s northeastern crater lit up Sicily’s night sky with Strombolian eruptions visible from nearby ski slopes, drawing onlookers as they skied. A 2.4-magnitude earthquake followed, underscoring the volcano’s ongoing activity.

Notable birthdays on Dec. 28 include Denzel Washington and John Legend

Dec. 28 birthdays include actor Denzel Washington and TV personality Gayle King, who both turn 70, along with singer John Legend.

On Dec. 28, 2014, Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501 Crashed, Killing 162

On Dec. 28, 2014, Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed into the Java Sea, killing 155 passengers and seven crew members.

Arterial road closed as police block London-bound traffic throughout the morning

Commuters travelling from Kent to London may face delays this morning after police blocked London-bound traffic and closed an arterial road for the entire morning.

Four Best Ways to Keep Christmas Lights from Tangling for Next Year

This highlights simple storage methods that keep light strings neat and easy to reuse, saving time and frustration when the next holiday season rolls around.

A20 closed all morning as police shut London-bound road after HGV crash

The A20 was closed for the entire morning after police shut the London-bound route following a crash involving a heavy goods vehicle.

2026 Set to Be a Pivotal Year for Global Ocean Policy

2026 is shaping up as a turning point for the world’s oceans, with major decisions expected on implementing the High Seas Treaty, regulating or expanding deep-sea mining, and setting priorities through ocean summits. The year will also test the direction of EU marine policy as governments weigh environmental protection against economic and geopolitical pressures.

In 2025, AI-generated low-quality content went mainstream. Is the internet ready to mature now?

2025 was the year AI-generated low-quality content went mainstream, and as the hype cools, analysts say the technology has already reshaped how people experience the internet—often by flooding it with low-effort content. They argue the next phase will favor “boring” AI that quietly improves workflows and services over flashy consumer tools, raising the question of whether online platforms and users are prepared to adapt and prioritize quality.

Zelenskyy and Trump to discuss Ukraine’s territorial issues and U.S. security guarantees

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to meet in Florida on Sunday to discuss Ukraine’s territories and potential U.S. security guarantees. Trump has said he would only meet Zelenskyy when peace talks are in their final stage, and Zelenskyy claims a peace plan is about 90% complete. The meeting will test whether they can agree on the remaining, most sensitive issues.

BBC Visits a Myanmar Polling Station Amid Ongoing Civil War

BBC South East Asia Correspondent Jonathan Head reports from a polling station in Myanmar, where voters say the election is being held in a climate of fear as the country’s civil war continues.

Shoppers Say Victoria Beckham Body Oil Makes Them Feel Beautiful and Loved

Some shoppers report feeling “beautiful and loved” when using Victoria Beckham body oil, praising its fragrance and saying it smells so heavenly they don’t want to waste a drop.

Post-holiday shoppers come to Suburban Square to make returns and spend gift cards

Post-holiday shoppers continued to fill Suburban Square in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, carrying bags as they browsed, made returns, and spent gift cards while keeping some seasonal cheer going.

Water Main Break Leaves Manayunk Streets Icy and Slush-Covered

A water main break in Manayunk sent water rushing down streets on Saturday, freezing in already cold conditions and leaving residents to deal with sheets of ice and slushy, hazardous roadways.

Leaked Details of Trump’s Proposed Oversight of High-Risk Virus Research

Leaked details describe a Trump administration plan to restrict and monitor high-risk “gain-of-function” pathogen research following a May 5 executive order. The approach would use a risk-based review with multiple checkpoints involving the proposing scientist, the scientist’s institution, the funding agency, and a new government-wide Independent Review Board that has not yet been created. The plan includes potential penalties such as debarring researchers or institutions that bypass the process, while participation in the review system would provide a form of safe harbor. Interagency coordination has reportedly been contentious, and the final policy is expected to be released in early 2026.

Iran’s president says Iran is in a full-scale war with the United States, Israel, and Europe

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a Saturday interview that Iran is engaged in a “full-scale war” with the United States and Israel, and with Europe more broadly, arguing that these powers are seeking to destabilize the country.

Donald Trump’s 25 Most Significant False Claims of the Year

Donald Trump’s first full calendar year back in the White House featured a high volume of false claims. In 2025, the range of those claims narrowed, with Trump repeatedly relying on a core set of familiar assertions that persisted despite being repeatedly debunked.

Vivek Ramaswamy Seeks a New Political Image

Vivek Ramaswamy, who entered politics with an aggressive, inflammatory style and provocative rhetoric on culture and race, now says he wants to be “conservative without being combative.” He is repositioning himself ahead of a potential run for Ohio governor and to stake out a distinct place in the Republican Party’s ongoing debates over racial and political identity.

Trump Expands Personal Branding Across Federal Institutions and Programs

Trump’s second term has featured a growing number of government-linked items and initiatives bearing his name or image, including proposed renamings of institutions and venues, branded accounts for newborns, a “gold card” residency program for wealthy applicants, prominent portraits on federal buildings, and plans for Trump-branded Navy ships and a commemorative coin for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The moves extend a long-running strategy of monetizing and promoting his name, now applied to public symbols and federal programs in an unprecedented way for a U.S. president.

Philadelphia Region Weather, Showers and Possible Freezing Rain

AccuWeather says the Philadelphia area could see isolated showers Sunday, with a chance of freezing rain in parts of the northern Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, because winter always needs a little extra chaos.

Front Pages Juggle Ukraine War Developments and a Celebrity Wedding

Sunday’s papers split their attention between war developments and peace prospects in Ukraine and the high-profile wedding of Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay, proving humanity can process ballistic missiles and table settings in the same emotional register.

Russia Hits Kyiv Ahead of Zelenskyy and Trump Talks

Authorities say Russia struck Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones on Saturday, killing at least one person and injuring 27. The attack came a day before scheduled talks between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. leader Donald Trump.

Kate McCann on the Long Aftermath of Madeleine’s Disappearance

Kate McCann described the lasting toll of Madeleine’s 2007 disappearance: daily fear, exhaustion, and the strain of living between hope and heartbreak. She urged timely support for families of missing children and highlighted the UK helpline charity SafeCall. Her comments follow renewed distress after harassment by a woman who falsely claimed to be Madeleine and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Karl Rove Warns Trump About First-Year Approval Ratings

Republican strategist Karl Rove said the Trump administration should spend more time promoting its accomplishments ahead of the midterms, warning President Trump was on track to end the year with historically low first-year approval ratings.

A Nuclear-Powered Mystery, The CIA and a Missing Plutonium Generator

A plutonium-fueled generator reportedly vanished during a secret U.S. mission on one of the world’s highest mountains, and the government still has not publicly explained what happened. Comforting, in the same way a smoke alarm with no batteries is “minimalist.”

MCG Curator “In Shock” After England’s Two-Day Boxing Day Test Win

Melbourne Cricket Ground head curator Matthew Page said he was in a “state of shock” during England’s two-day win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test, a result that apparently arrived so fast the pitch didn’t have time to blink.

Mulatu Astatke Plays Final Live Concert

Mulatu Astatke, widely known as the godfather of Ethiopian jazz, has played his last live concert after a six-decade career blending Ethiopian sounds with global jazz influences.

Researchers Demonstrate Voice-Based Humanoid Robot Hijack That Spreads

Cybersecurity researchers from DARKNAVY showed a commercially available humanoid robot could be taken over using spoken commands that exploit weaknesses in AI control systems. In the test, the compromised robot used short-range wireless communication to pass the exploit to a second robot that was not network-connected, illustrating how an initial breach could spread across multiple machines. The hijacked robot was also made to move toward a mannequin and strike it to demonstrate potential physical risk.

PDC World Championship, Littler Advances, Bunting Out

Luke Littler cruised into round four to reach the last 16, while fourth seed Stephen Bunting became the highest-ranked player eliminated from this year’s PDC World Championship.

Gloucester County Crash, Woman Dies After Vehicle Slides on Ice into Water

Police say a 26-year-old woman from Franklin Township died Saturday morning after her 2025 Kia Sportage slid on an icy stretch of W. Malaga Road near Bracken Drive in Monroe Township, Gloucester County, left the road into a small body of water, and overturned. A passerby found the vehicle just after 9 a.m., and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call 856-875-2940 or submit a tip.

Nighttime Awakenings Reduce Cognitive Performance Regardless of Total Sleep Time

A study of older adults found that spending more time awake after initially falling asleep predicted worse next-day cognitive performance, regardless of total hours slept. Participants with more nighttime wakefulness showed slower information processing and poorer visual working memory on cognitive tests, suggesting sleep quality may be key to day-to-day cognitive functioning and may help identify risk for later impairment.

Welsh destination named among the world’s best places to visit this winter

Lonely Planet has included Eryri National Park in northern Wales on its list of top winter travel destinations. It highlights the park’s mix of mountains, coastline, lakes, ancient woodland, and waterfalls, along with winter activities such as guided hikes that teach safety skills, year-round white-water rafting at the National White Water Centre, and adventure experiences in former mining sites.

NHS apologises after the wrong body is cremated following a hospital mortuary mix-up

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has apologised after a labelling error at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow led to one family cremating the wrong body and another burying the wrong person, with the mistake discovered only after both funerals. The health board said identification procedures were not followed, staff linked to the incident have been suspended, and an investigation is under way while both families receive support.

Patel plans to permanently close the FBI’s Hoover headquarters building

Patel is planning a permanent closure of the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover headquarters in Washington, as the agency prepares to vacate the building and relocate to a different site.

Harry Styles Shares 'Forever, Forever' Video on YouTube

Harry Styles posted an 8.5-minute video titled "Forever, Forever" on YouTube on Saturday, drawing nearly 1 million views within the first two hours.

Police: Suspect Used a Garage Door Opener to Steal a Car From a New Jersey Home

Haddonfield police are investigating a vehicle theft on West End Avenue in which a suspect accessed a garage—possibly by using a garage door opener from an unlocked vehicle—entered the home, took car keys from the kitchen, and drove off while the residents were inside and unaware. Police have not released descriptions of the suspect or the vehicle and are asking anyone with information to contact the department.

Decks: An all-in-one workspace for learning, notes, projects, and organization

Decks is an all-in-one learning and productivity workspace that combines note-taking, flashcards, task tracking, and project management in a single flow. It helps users capture and structure knowledge into actionable work, reinforce key ideas with flashcards, and support long-term goals with journals and timelines so learning and project execution stay connected.

Tommy Freeman leads Northampton past Bath to take top spot

Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick as Northampton beat Bath 41–21, leapfrogging them to move to the top of the Premiership table.

Welsh Somalilanders celebrate Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland

Members of Wales’ Somaliland community are celebrating after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence and agree to full diplomatic relations, including ambassadors and embassies. Somaliland, a former British protectorate that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after civil war, has built democratic institutions but has long lacked international recognition. Supporters say Israel’s move could boost trade and development and may encourage other countries to follow, while the decision is also seen as strategically significant given Somaliland’s location near Yemen.

Miles Teller Has His Wife’s Wedding Dress Recreated After It Was Lost in a Wildfire

Miles Teller had his wife Keleigh’s wedding dress remade after it was destroyed in a January wildfire that also burned down their home.

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.