Iniaes

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.

U.S. military strikes alleged Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria

The U.S. military carried out strikes in northwest Nigeria on Thursday targeting alleged Islamic State militants, described as retaliation for Islamist attacks on Christians.

Apple Settles Brazil Antitrust Case, Will Allow Third-Party App Stores and External Payment Links

Apple has reached a settlement with Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, ending a 2022 investigation into whether App Store rules restricted competition. The agreement requires Apple to allow third-party app stores on iPhones in Brazil and lets developers offer alternative payment methods or direct users to external payment options. Fees will differ by payment route: Apple’s in-app system keeps a 10% or 25% commission plus a 5% transaction fee, clickable external payment links trigger a 15% fee, static text directions are free, and third-party app stores will pay a 5% Core Technology Commission.

Trump Says the U.S. Carried Out an Airstrike on ISIS in Nigeria

President Trump said on Thursday that the United States conducted what he described as a “powerful and deadly” strike against ISIS fighters in Nigeria, claiming the group had been targeting and killing civilians, particularly Christians.

Sydney Sweeney Says She Wants to Make Films That Save Lives

Sydney Sweeney says she wants to make films that can save people’s lives as she stars in “The Housemaid,” a psychological thriller adapted from Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel.

Britain’s growing deer population is causing damage costing millions

Britain is facing a growing deer problem, with numbers surging over the past 40 years and rising even faster since the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to widespread damage that costs millions to address.

US carries out strikes against ISIS in Nigeria

President Trump said the United States launched strikes on Thursday against ISIS in northwest Nigeria, describing the operation as aimed at militants accused of targeting and killing Christians and other civilians in the region.

Louisiana National Guard Deploys to New Orleans for Mardi Gras

Up to 350 Louisiana National Guard members are deploying in New Orleans through Mardi Gras to support peace and public safety across the city.

Quiz of the Year 2025, Part 2: What Did Katy Perry Sing on the All-Female Space Flight?

Quiz of the Year 2025 continues with Part 2, challenging readers to recall key moments from April through June, including the question of what Katy Perry sang during an all-female space flight.

Trump says US carried out airstrikes on ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria

Donald Trump said the US military launched what he called a “powerful and deadly” strike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, accusing the group of targeting and killing Christians. He said the operation was coordinated with and approved by the Nigerian government, though the number of deaths from the strikes was not disclosed. The action follows Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of concern” over alleged religious-freedom abuses and amid ongoing militant violence in the region.

250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner

“250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner” compiles love notes, texts, longer paragraphs, and quotes designed to comfort a partner and strengthen a relationship. It groups examples by situation—emotional reassurance, tough times, the future, long-distance relationships, and quick texts—as well as messages tailored for boyfriends and girlfriends. Expert guidance is included on why reassurance matters, when to offer it, and supportive actions that build trust and connection.

NVIDIA open-sources CUDA Tile IR licensing

NVIDIA quietly removed the proprietary license from the CUDA Tile intermediate representation and released it as open-source, meaning developers can now use the IR without the usual corporate choke collar.

Severe storms kill two in Southern California

Two people have died as severe storms hit Southern California, with hazardous weather expected to continue through Friday. A state of emergency has been declared, and evacuations are underway in some areas.

The candy cane’s surprisingly unholy origin story

Candy canes started as plain white “sugar sticks” in 17th-century Germany, later spreading across Europe and to the U.S. with 19th-century immigrants. Popular Christian symbolism stories are long on vibes and short on evidence. More credible history points to tree ornament use, including a documented Ohio example in 1847. The term “candy cane” shows up by the 1860s; peppermint and red striping likely arrived in the early 1900s; and mid-20th-century mechanization turned them into the mass-produced seasonal juggernaut now sold mostly between Thanksgiving and Christmas, including an expanding circus of novelty flavors.

Finance world “breaks free” from ESG and DEI

A commentary argues corporations are quietly pulling back from ESG and DEI activism, framing it as a course correction toward fiduciary-focused stewardship and investment fundamentals over political agendas. In other words, Wall Street discovered spreadsheets again.

A Christmas morning walk in Wales, and then, potatoes

Ben Wildsmith describes an anxious Christmas morning phone call that leads to an impulsive walk: a reflective loop to a river with winter sunshine, decorations, and three ducks. He returns home feeling calmer and grateful, then goes back to normal life, including peeling potatoes.

Indiana babysitter charged after infant seriously injured

Police in Fort Wayne, Indiana, say babysitter Emily Duran, 27, slapped and backhanded a 7-month-old boy, leaving severe facial bruising and a brain bleed. Doctors reportedly concluded the injuries were inflicted, not accidental. Duran was arrested and charged with neglect of a dependent and battery causing serious bodily injury, with a next court date of Jan. 12.

Two men missing after Christmas swim as coastguard ends search role

Two men remain missing after a Christmas swim. The coastguard has ended its involvement after what it described as extensive searches.

What Kwanzaa is, and how Philadelphia can celebrate

Kwanzaa is a non-religious cultural holiday created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, observed from December 26 to January 1 to strengthen ties to family, culture, and community. It centers on the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles symbolized by seven candles in pan-African colors, and culminates in Karamu, a communal feast. The piece highlights multiple ways to participate in Philadelphia.

Dean Burnett remembers Nana Phyllis meeting Ray Gravell

Writer and neuroscientist Dean Burnett shares a social media tribute about his grandmother meeting Welsh rugby icon Ray Gravell, reflecting on Wales’s small-world connections and Gravell’s larger-than-life legacy before his death in 2007.

Prince Andrew Spends Christmas About 140 Miles Away From Daughters Beatrice and Eugenie

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was seen leaving Royal Lodge alone on Christmas Day while the wider royal family gathered around 140 miles away at Sandringham. He was reportedly not invited for a second consecutive year amid ongoing controversy over his past links to Jeffrey Epstein. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie attended the Sandringham church walk with their husbands, as King Charles hosted the traditional festivities.

Campaigners allowed to set up a fundraising holiday let

Campaigners trying to save Bangor’s Garth Pier have been told they can convert the pier master’s house into a short-term holiday let to raise money for repairs, as Gwynedd Council’s Article 4 Direction restricting holiday homes has been quashed by the High Court. However, the council is seeking to appeal, warning that if the decision is overturned, any change of use made in the meantime could be deemed unauthorised and subject to enforcement action.

Former butler explains the religious themes in King Charles’s Christmas message

King Charles’s former butler, Grant Harrold, said the King’s Christmas address was unusually spiritual, reflecting long-held beliefs about faith, compassion, and respect for people of different religions. He suggested the monarch wants to focus less on personal health updates and more on his duties, while using careful symbolic gestures—such as featuring a Ukrainian choir—to show support without entering politics. In the broadcast, the King drew on a recent Vatican visit and the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” linking it to lessons from the Second World War and urging unity and reconciliation amid global division.

Craig Johnson Releases a New Longmire Christmas Story

Best-selling author Craig Johnson has released a new Sheriff Walt Longmire Christmas story titled “Scents of the Season,” which came out on Thursday.

Italian archbishop faces backlash after saying the Virgin Mary’s obedience is a model for women

Italian archbishop Giuseppe Laterza drew criticism after a sermon in Conversano in which he described the Virgin Mary as “free” because she “knows how to obey,” adding that the point should be told to “some feminists.” Journalists and women’s rights campaigners in Puglia condemned the remarks as promoting female subordination and misrepresenting women’s freedom. Laterza said his comments were about Christian freedom in relation to God, apologised to anyone offended, and said his work in Africa focuses on protecting women’s dignity and supporting girls’ education.

A scruffy robin from Llantwit Major brought joy to thousands of people

During the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, Llantwit Major resident Jackie Swift began photographing an unusually fluffy, unkempt robin she nicknamed “Mr Scruffy” as it nested and raised chicks in her garden. She shared thousands of images online, where the bird quickly attracted a large following, including more than 12,000 Instagram followers, and many people said the photos helped them through lockdown. Scruffy stopped visiting in July 2020, but Swift continues to post previously unseen photos and has since expanded her wildlife photography, recently welcoming a new pair of robins nesting in her garden.

Singer Lucia Cook Describes Performing at the GB News Christmas Carol Concert

Singer Lucia Cook described performing a solo at the GB News Christmas Carol concert, calling it a memorable moment she will treasure. She said she was selected quickly after submitting an audition video, and noted that even after singing at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and St George’s Chapel, Windsor, the festive concert felt especially exciting as her family watched her perform.

Police: Pennsylvania woman charged after allegedly stabbing her adult daughter to death as husband returned home with breakfast

Police in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, say 57-year-old Diane Grovola fatally stabbed her 23-year-old daughter, Daniele Grovola, early Tuesday morning and also injured the family dog. Investigators allege the victim’s father returned from an overnight shift, found his wife holding a knife and saying she had stabbed their daughter, then called 911 after discovering his daughter unresponsive. Officers took the woman into custody at the home. The daughter was pronounced dead at the scene, and the dog survived after veterinary treatment. Grovola faces multiple charges, including criminal homicide and aggravated cruelty to animals, and is being held without bail pending a Jan. 6 court date.

Avoid Feeding Your Dog Six Common Christmas Foods to Prevent Costly Vet Visits

Some holiday favorites and leftovers can make pets seriously ill and lead to an expensive trip to the vet. It’s safest to avoid sharing festive scraps with your pooch and stick to dog-safe treats instead.

Winter Storm Causes Flooding, Mudslides, and Near-Whiteout Snow in California

A powerful winter storm hit California, triggering flash flooding and mudslides and creating near-whiteout snow and hazardous travel conditions across affected areas.

AMD Strix Halo vs. Nvidia DGX Spark: Which AI workstation performs better?

AMD Strix Halo vs. Nvidia DGX Spark pits two compact AI workstations with 128 GB each against one another, underscoring that local AI development still matters even as most generative AI models are trained and run in large datacenter clusters, and that each box brings different strengths for building, testing, and prototyping systems on a desktop.

Pope Leo Calls for Courage to End the War in Ukraine in His First Christmas Address

In his first Christmas address, Pope Leo urged leaders to show courage to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. He also lamented the suffering and living conditions faced by Palestinians while speaking to worshippers at the Vatican.

Chinese social media users criticize authorities in a rare sign of dissent

Chinese social media users criticized authorities in a rare sign of dissent, targeting two sensitive government issues despite heavy online censorship. The death of a former official tied to the one-child policy prompted renewed condemnation of forced abortions and sterilizations. Separately, some users questioned Beijing’s handling of tensions with Japan after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo could intervene to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.

Castrol Deal Brings Private Capital Into the Industrial Sector

A Castrol deal is drawing private capital into industry, reflecting a shift in investor thinking that treats businesses like Castrol less as consumer brands and more as industrial infrastructure woven into the global economy.

Touadéra poised to secure a third term as president of the Central African Republic

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra appears on track to win a third term, with analysts citing his tight control over state institutions as a key factor. Experts say another term would likely deepen Russia’s influence, as Touadéra has shifted security ties toward Moscow and granted Russian economic concessions, even as growth slows. Armed groups remain a major threat, and critics note that security has deteriorated in other countries that recently moved their security partnerships toward Russia.

Take a quiz on classic EastEnders Christmas episodes

Take a quiz on iconic EastEnders Christmas episodes, celebrating the idea that the holiday season isn’t complete without a trip to Albert Square.