Iniaes

Make the Proposed Trump-Class Battleship More Like the F-47 NGAD and Less Like an Iowa-Class Battleship

Make the Trump-class “battleship” a modern, networked warfighting hub—closer in concept to the F-47 NGAD than a revived Iowa-class gunship. The idea emphasizes size for power generation, large missile capacity, advanced sensors, and resilient command-and-control, with the ship serving as a central coordinator for maritime operations rather than a platform built around big guns.

Microsoft releases an out-of-band update to fix a Message Queuing bug

Microsoft has issued an out-of-band update to resolve a Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) problem introduced in the December 2025 update, aiming to mitigate the issue outside the normal patch schedule.

UK government confirms it sought legal advice on the Ajax armoured vehicle programme

The Ministry of Defence confirmed it has asked the Government Legal Department for legal advice on the troubled Ajax armoured vehicle programme, in response to a written question from Conservative MP Mark Francois. The confirmation comes amid renewed scrutiny after Army training was paused following reports of noise and vibration symptoms among soldiers, prompting a fresh safety investigation and a new ministerial-led review. MPs have also raised concerns about workmanship, quality control, potential medical impacts, and the basis for declaring Initial Operating Capability, while the MoD has not said what the legal advice covered or when it was sought.

Germany’s export-driven economy is strained as demand drops in the US and China

Germany’s export model is coming under pressure as shipments to both the US and China decline at the same time, exposing structural weaknesses in Europe’s largest economy, a new study says.

What’s Open and Closed on Christmas Day 2025: Pharmacies, Grocery Stores, and More

A guide to what may be open or closed on Christmas Day 2025, with a focus on pharmacy and grocery store availability and other essential services.

Microsoft is testing a wider Run dialog box in Windows 11 and explains how to try it

Microsoft is testing a refreshed, wider version of the Windows 11 Run dialog box, updating its older-looking design while keeping the same basic function. To try it, you’ll need to be on a Windows Insider build.

Men convicted of plotting a gun attack on Manchester’s Jewish community

Men have been found guilty of a plot to carry out a gun attack targeting Manchester’s Jewish community. Greater Manchester Police said the plan had the potential to become “the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history.”

Indian Supreme Court judge suggests people with nothing to hide should not fear surveillance

A hearing over alleged illegal phone tapping in Telangana widened into a debate about privacy and state power. Justice B.V. Nagarathna questioned why citizens would object to monitoring, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta warned against normalizing unauthorized surveillance and cited the Puttaswamy ruling affirming privacy as a constitutional right tied to dignity and liberty. The case involves former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao, accused of directing unlawful tapping and mishandling sensitive personal data; the court extended his custody until December 25, ordered his release afterward, and scheduled the next hearing for January 16.

California wildlife officials capture the wrong bear during Altadena home operation

California wildlife officials tried to lure a bear out from beneath a man’s home in Altadena, but the capture effort ended up catching a different bear than the one they were targeting.

DOJ Releases Third Set of Epstein Case Files, Including Flight Logs Mentioning Trump

The Department of Justice released a third batch of records related to the Jeffrey Epstein case on Tuesday, including flight logs that reference President Donald Trump.

Billy Porter shares health update after sepsis

Billy Porter says he is recovering after a sepsis battle that forced him to step away from Broadway’s “Cabaret” last fall.

Man traveled from London to Cardiff with shotgun, attacked wrong person

A man allegedly traveled with a shotgun and assaulted someone he mistakenly believed was linked to a drug debt. The victim, Cody Hudd, was repeatedly kicked, and Michael Dumbaya, 37, is accused of standing on his chest to restrict his breathing.

“Hidden” UK wild swimming spots ranked, safety officials warn about cold-water shock

A ranking of lesser-known UK wild swimming locations put Llyn Cau, a glacial lake below Cadair Idris in Eryri National Park, at number one. The Watkins Path waterfalls and pools also made the list at number five. Water safety officials warn many waters stay below 16°C year-round and can trigger cold-water shock, urging guidance like “float to live” and “call, tell, throw” in emergencies.

MAHA coalition shows internal strain as agenda stalls

The MAHA coalition is showing signs of internal tension as its agenda struggles to gain traction, with staffing problems cited as a major obstacle to turning goals into action.

Draft Pentagon report says China has likely loaded over 100 ICBMs in newer silo fields

A draft Pentagon report says China likely loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles across three newer silo fields and suggests Beijing is not interested in arms control talks. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists also says China is expanding and modernizing its nuclear arsenal faster than any other nuclear-armed country.

Russian strikes across Ukraine kill at least three, injure 12, cause widespread outages

Russian forces carried out a wave of strikes across Ukraine, killing at least three people and injuring 12. The attacks also triggered major power outages, leaving many regions without electricity.

Loose Women yoga segment leaves some viewers unimpressed

ITV’s Loose Women ended Monday’s show with an impromptu yoga demonstration featuring Nadia Sawalha, Judi Love, Jane Moore and Frankie Bridge. It began with a “legs up the wall” pose, known as Viparita Karani, then moved into more poses and laughter. The segment drew mixed social media reactions, including complaints from viewers who said they didn’t want to see it.

Joe Marler warns rugby decision-makers about an unresolved issue

Former England prop Joe Marler issued a warning to rugby decision-makers about one of the sport’s biggest unresolved issues, pointing to Sam Warburton as part of his call for action.

Novo Nordisk shares jump after FDA approves oral Wegovy semaglutide pill

Novo Nordisk shares surged more than 7% after the U.S. FDA approved a once-daily 25 mg oral semaglutide Wegovy pill for long-term weight loss and maintenance, and for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events. Backed by the OASIS 4 trial showing average weight loss of 16.6%, the approval gives Novo a potential first-mover advantage in oral GLP-1 weight management, with U.S. availability expected in early January.

AFCON 2025 Day Two delivers drama

AFCON 2025 got moving with three tight group games, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana grabbed a win, and Mohamed Salah did that thing where a single superstar strolls in and rescues an entire national mood. Football is a team sport, except when it is not.

Video game executive Vince Zampella dies at 55

Vince Zampella, described as a co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise, has died in a car crash at 55. Whatever you think about modern gaming’s obsession with sequels and monetization, a sudden loss like this is stark, and condolences go to his family, friends, and colleagues.

New Banksy artwork appears in London, twice

A new Banksy showing two children lying down and pointing at the sky has appeared in west London, with a second identical piece unveiled in central London. Nothing says “anti-establishment street art” like instantly becoming a citywide scavenger hunt for property developers and Instagram accounts.

Ukrainian soldier turns a year of war into paintings

Ukrainian soldier Vlad has been painting his last year fighting Russia’s war on Ukraine, capturing fear and hope while diplomacy grinds from Berlin to Miami and peace still looks distant. It is grimly refreshing to see truth told with brushstrokes instead of podium slogans.

Sky Sports viewers furious as football briefly becomes darts

Sky Sports briefly switched Monday Night Football from Fulham vs Nottingham Forest to the World Darts Championship for over a minute near the 80th minute, because apparently the remote control is now running the network. Fulham still won 1 to 0 at Craven Cottage, sealed by Raul Jimenez’s first-half stoppage-time penalty, so at least the plot survived the channel roulette.

Man dies weeks after pub assault in East London

A man has died in hospital three weeks after being assaulted at an East London pub. Police have named the victim and are asking witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, because accountability should not depend on luck or the passage of time.

Florida hotel pool incident leads to aggravated child abuse charge

Authorities say a 36-year-old woman, Tiffany Lee Griffith, was arrested after an incident at the Gaylord Palms Hotel pool in Kissimmee where she allegedly held a 6-year-old boy underwater for two to four seconds. She claimed she was protecting her nonverbal autistic son, but deputies said security footage did not show a prior incident and instead supported witnesses, she was charged with aggravated child abuse and had a court appearance scheduled.

Dec. 23 birthdays

Dec. 23 marks birthdays including Carla Bruni turning 58 and Susan Lucci turning 79. Another year older, another year the rest of us try to pretend time is not coming for everyone with the same unblinking efficiency.

Trump Appoints Greenland Envoy as Denmark Condemns Suggestion the Territory Should Become Part of the U.S.

Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, calling the semi-autonomous Danish territory vital to U.S. defense and saying the U.S. “needs” it for national security. Landry echoed that aim on social media, saying he would work to make Greenland “part of the U.S.” Denmark’s government said it was given no warning, and Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the move and remarks unacceptable. Danish and Greenlandic leaders jointly rejected any U.S. takeover and stressed sovereignty under international law. Greenland’s prime minister said Greenlanders will decide their own future, with polling showing strong opposition to joining the U.S., even as the island’s strategic base and rare-earth resources draw growing global interest.

Hunter Biden Says the Controversial Laptop Was Fabricated

In an interview on “The Shawn Ryan Show” that aired Monday, Hunter Biden said the laptop central to an October 2020 New York Post report was essentially a fabrication. He claimed Rudy Giuliani and others “cobbled together” stolen or manipulated digital material, rather than it being a straightforward device abandoned at a repair shop. He acknowledged there may have been a physical laptop, but argued the broader dataset was concocted and too extensive to have come from one machine. The report also notes that multiple outlets later said they verified at least some of the data’s authenticity, and it references Biden’s recent legal cases, including a 2024 gun conviction, a tax case resolved by a guilty plea, and a presidential pardon in December 2024.

Vince Zampella, co-creator of "Call of Duty," dies in Ferrari crash

Vince Zampella, the video game developer who co-created "Call of Duty," was killed Sunday in a fiery Ferrari crash north of Los Angeles. He was 55.

AccuWeather Forecast: Morning Rain and Wet Snow Showers on Tuesday

AccuWeather reports a damp start to Tuesday with morning rain and wet snow showers, followed by a cloudy, dry afternoon that stays relatively mild.

Uber and Lyft plan to introduce Baidu robotaxis in London in 2026

Uber and Lyft are preparing to bring Baidu-powered robotaxis to London in 2026, with UK authorities signaling support for autonomous ride-hailing even as traditional cab drivers have historically opposed Uber’s expansion.

Ohio Police Say Children as Young as 8 Led a Car Chase After Learning Car Theft on YouTube

Police in Newburgh Heights, Ohio, say a license plate alert on a stolen Hyundai led to a brief chase that ended when the car crashed into a house. Authorities said an 11-year-old was driving with two other children, ages 8 and 12, and the group later told investigators they learned how to steal cars by watching YouTube videos and used a hotwiring method. No one was injured, and the children are expected to face juvenile court charges.

At least six killed in Mexican Navy plane crash off the Texas coast

At least six people were killed when a Mexican Navy aircraft carrying eight people crashed into Galveston Bay off the Texas coast on Monday afternoon, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Mexico’s Navy said the plane was conducting a medical support mission at the time of the crash.

China Warns South Korea–U.S. Nuclear Submarine Talks Could Harm Nonproliferation

Chinese state media reported that Beijing strongly opposes any potential South Korea–U.S. cooperation on nuclear submarines, arguing it could weaken the global nonproliferation regime.

Education Department opens Clery Act review of Brown after deadly campus shooting

The U.S. Department of Education is reviewing Brown University for potential Clery Act violations after a Dec. 13 shooting that killed two students and injured nine. Investigators are probing campus surveillance expectations, emergency notification practices, and whether the university provided timely information while the suspect fled. Brown has been asked to submit recent annual security reports, 2021 to 2024 weapons and drugs records, and documentation of its emergency notification policies and procedures.

Newspaper front pages feature Chris Rea tributes, plus a “king of industry” spotlight

Tuesday’s newspaper front pages are led by tributes to singer Chris Rea following reports of his death, alongside coverage focusing on a prominent figure framed as a “king of industry.”

Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella dies in Los Angeles highway crash

Video game developer Vince Zampella, described as influential and a co-creator of Call of Duty, died after his car crashed on a Los Angeles highway and caught fire.

Bill Simmons remark ignites new Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce baby rumors

A comment by sports podcaster Bill Simmons sparked renewed online speculation that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might be having a baby. While discussing the Chiefs’ latest loss, Simmons casually mentioned “having a kid with her” among perks he attributed to Kelce’s life, then used it to suggest Kelce consider stepping away from football. The comment wasn’t clarified and there’s no evidence Swift is pregnant, but it fueled fan chatter amid ongoing engagement rumors and retirement talk.

Regulators approve pill form of Wegovy

U.S. regulators approved a pill version of Wegovy, making it the first of the newer weight-loss medicines authorized in oral form and the only one so far approved as both an injection and a pill.

Car crashes into Delaware realty office, two people report minor injuries

Two people suffered minor injuries after a light-colored car drove into the first floor of a realty company on the 100 block of Brandywine Boulevard in Talleyville, Delaware, shortly before 11 a.m. Monday. Firefighters from a station across the street arrived within a minute. Both the driver and another person were taken to the hospital and are expected to be OK. The vehicle was removed, the building was boarded up, and police are investigating what caused the crash.

Eagles fans keep the Grinch from spoiling a Philadelphia school event

At Henry C. Lea Elementary School in West Philadelphia, Eagles fans made sure the Grinch did not ruin the spirit of the event.

Viral “DOJ Epstein suicide footage” clip appears to be hoax, link later blocked

A short clip claimed to be DOJ-released footage of Jeffrey Epstein attempting suicide spread widely on X after users said it was hosted on a DOJ domain and had a timestamp matching the day he died in custody in 2019. The link later returned an “access denied” error, and multiple influencers who shared it walked back their claims, saying it appeared to be an old hoax—possibly CGI or AI—rather than official jail footage. The resurfacing followed a DOJ rollout of Epstein-related records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, with officials saying more releases will continue after reviews and victim protections.

First Alert in effect Tuesday morning as snow and rain move through the region

A First Alert is in effect from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday for southeastern Pennsylvania and Mercer County, New Jersey, as a fast-moving system brings rain and snow after midnight. Snow showers are most likely north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a wintry mix is expected along the I-95 corridor, and mainly rain is forecast for South Jersey and Delaware. Tuesday afternoon should be dry but cloudy with highs near 40, warming to around 50 and mostly sunny on Wednesday, with another possible wintry mix late Friday into Saturday.

Target offers gift cards to customers affected by last week’s online ordering problems

Target is providing gift cards to customers impacted by last week’s technical problems, which reportedly blocked shoppers and employees from accessing parts of the company’s website and online systems.

Philadelphia Expands New Year’s Eve Fireworks to More Locations

Philadelphia is adding two more fireworks launch sites for New Year’s Eve so more residents can watch from their own neighborhoods, city officials said Monday. The city will also host a free concert on Dec. 31.

Former Republican lawyer George Conway files to run for the U.S. House as a Democrat

Former Republican lawyer George Conway, a onetime conservative attorney who later became a prominent critic of President Donald Trump, has filed to run for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat.

Conservative Welsh Parliament member supports Labour minister in Welsh language dispute

Conservative Senedd Member Andrew RT Davies defended Labour’s Wales Secretary Jo Stevens after she was criticised for communicating with constituents only in English. Stevens said most of her electorate speaks English and that MPs are not legally required to provide bilingual communications, while still recognising the importance of Welsh. Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell accused her of disrespecting the language, but Davies condemned attacks on non-Welsh speakers and argued that Welsh-only constituency naming can exclude English-only voters. Plaid Cymru did not comment.

Barry Manilow Announces He Has Lung Cancer

Barry Manilow, 82, said he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery. He shared the news in an Instagram post on Monday.

Viral video shows a Welshman returning to Wales for Christmas

A viral TikTok clip by Welsh voice actor and impressionist Scheiffer Bates, titled “Every Welsh person returning to Wales from England,” jokes about the moment someone crosses back into Wales—spotting the “Welcome to Wales / Croeso i Gymru” sign and instantly slipping into a stronger Welsh accent and pride. First posted on Christmas Eve a couple of years ago, it’s been widely reshared and has surpassed a million views, with a warning for strong language.

Two men jailed for thefts targeting Grindr users

Two men were jailed after arranging to meet people at their homes through Grindr, then stealing cash and phones and forcing victims to hand over passwords.

Who Is Jeff Landry, Trump’s Newly Appointed Envoy to Greenland?

President Trump has named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland, a territory Trump has previously floated acquiring for the United States. Announcing the move on Truth Social, Trump said Landry understands Greenland’s importance to national security and will push U.S. interests.

Meta-analysis finds high rates of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among transgender and gender-diverse youth

Half of transgender and gender-diverse youth reported suicidal thoughts or self-injury, and about one in four reported a suicide attempt, according to a global meta-analysis. The study pooled data on 131,429 transgender and gender-diverse people ages 25 and younger.

Poll: Most Americans Are Not Making Year-End Charitable Donations

Most Americans aren’t making year-end charitable contributions, according to a poll, as everyday donors juggle competing financial priorities this year.

Bari Weiss’s CBS decision could let the Trump administration block unfavorable coverage

Bari Weiss, described as a controversial editor-in-chief at CBS, delayed a planned 60 Minutes segment on alleged torture and harsh conditions at El Salvador’s CECOT prison, where the Trump administration has sent hundreds of deportees. Weiss said the piece wasn’t ready and insisted Trump administration officials be on the record for it to air. Lead reporter Sharyn Alfonsi criticized the move as political, warning that treating an administration’s refusal to comment as grounds to hold a story effectively gives officials a veto over coverage and could shape how CBS reports on contentious national security and foreign policy issues.

Gold and silver prices reach new highs as investors seek safe-haven assets

Gold and silver prices climbed to record highs on Monday, as investors moved into safe-haven assets amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Tow Truck Driver Acquitted After Moving an ICE Vehicle During a Downtown Los Angeles Arrest

A tow truck driver was acquitted after towing an ICE law enforcement vehicle during an arrest in downtown Los Angeles. His attorneys said the vehicle was blocking an apartment complex driveway, and that he moved it only one block away.

Judge denies NSO request to pause order blocking WhatsApp spyware installs during appeal

A judge ruled that NSO Group cannot keep installing spyware through WhatsApp while it appeals, rejecting the company’s request to put the order on hold. The case involves allegations that NSO targeted about 1,400 WhatsApp users in 2019 using its zero-click Pegasus spyware.

U.S. Seizes Another Ship in International Waters Off Venezuela

U.S. officials said the Coast Guard interdicted and seized another vessel off Venezuela, following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a “total and complete blockade” targeting sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuelan crude. The operation, described as ongoing, was referred by the Pentagon and Coast Guard to the White House for comment. Reports identify the ship as the Panama-flagged oil tanker Centuries, and the seizure would be the second such action in recent weeks, amid efforts to tighten enforcement of sanctions that affect shipments to foreign buyers, including China, with potential implications for Venezuelan exports and oil prices.

Photographer Rankin and Artist Phillip Toledano Discuss the Role of AI in Art

Under the “Artistic Impressions” forum, photographer Rankin and artist Phillip Toledano discuss how AI is influencing their creative work and what it could mean for the wider art world.

Cynthia Erivo to Receive Honor at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards

The London Critics' Circle Film Awards will honor "Wicked" star Cynthia Erivo with the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation.

Trump Administration Pauses Offshore Wind Farm Leases Citing National Security Concerns

The Department of the Interior announced an immediate pause on leases for five U.S. offshore wind projects—Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind, Empire Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and Sunrise Wind—citing national security risks. The agency said recently completed classified reports flagged concerns that will be evaluated, including potential radar interference, or “clutter,” from turbine blades and reflective towers. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the pause is intended to allow agencies to work with leaseholders and state partners on assessing and potentially mitigating the risks.

Which Londoners Can Get Half-Price Tickets on TfL Services

Transport for London offers eligible London residents half-price fares across its network, including the Underground, buses, and trains.

‘It Was a Horror Show’: French sub slips through U.S. carrier defenses in NATO drill

An older French nuclear attack submarine, the Saphir, reportedly penetrated a U.S. carrier strike group during a 2015 NATO exercise and scored a simulated torpedo “kill” on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Everyone survived because it was training, but the takeaway is deliciously uncomfortable: anti-submarine warfare is good, not magical, and even a carrier wrapped in escorts and helicopters can still get surprise-tagged.

Philadelphia grief programs help kids mourning loved ones lost to gun violence

Schools and community groups in Philadelphia are expanding grief support for children and teens affected by gun violence, offering safe spaces, counseling, and mental health resources. Drexel University’s Wealth + Work Futures Lab fellows are contributing projects like a holiday-focused grief video to spark conversations, while groups including Mothers in Charge, the Center for Grieving Children, and E.M.I.R. Healing Center provide support groups and crisis response. Advocates say normalizing grief support can reduce anger-driven behavior and help prevent further violence.

Romania confirms ransomware attack hits national water management systems

Romania’s cybersecurity agency says a ransomware attack compromised about 1,000 systems at the national water management administration. Staff are keeping essential operations running on site, while many regions deal with encrypted PCs and ongoing remediation—because nothing says “modern infrastructure” like being held hostage by a password prompt.

Analysts warn U.S. Venezuela escalation could backfire globally

Analysts say the Trump administration’s stepped-up maritime operations around Venezuela, including strikes on vessels it alleges are trafficking drugs, tighter blockade actions, and oil tanker seizures, could have wider geopolitical consequences. Critics argue the approach may complicate efforts to rally allies against coercion in other arenas, including a potential Chinese move on Taiwan, and could also be intended to pressure Cuba by disrupting access to Venezuelan oil.

Guide explains how to build contact microphones with piezo discs

A how-to guide walks through building a practical contact microphone using a piezo disc to convert vibrations into an electrical signal. It covers soldering to connectors with shielded wire, an optional dual-disc balanced XLR setup to reduce noise, mounting ideas like flexible arms or suction cups, and demos ranging from boiling water and snapping spaghetti to underwater recording, with a follow-up on why active amplification can help.

Weekly cyber recap, the quiet intrusions are piling up

A weekly cybersecurity recap warns that recent threats are leaning less on headline-grabbing mega-breaches and more on quietly exploiting everyday, trusted tools such as firewalls, browser add-ons, and smart TVs. The risk comes from lots of small, hard-to-spot footholds inside networks, where minor weaknesses can stack into major compromises.

Eagles snap counts, Brandon Graham is doing more with less, again

In Philadelphia’s 29-18 division-clinching win in Washington, 37-year-old Brandon Graham, who started the 2025 season retired, played nine snaps and still recorded a sack, giving him three sacks on 16 snaps over two games. He lined up at defensive tackle while the team awaits Jalen Carter’s return. Nakobe Dean left after 13 snaps with a hamstring injury as Jihaad Campbell filled in for 36, and Moro Ojomo led the defensive tackle rotation with 43. On offense, Saquon Barkley played 54 snaps with 132 yards and a touchdown, Dallas Goedert caught his 10th TD to tie the franchise tight end record, and starters were rested late with Tanner McKee taking the victory formation.

All Pupils Abducted from a Catholic School in Nigeria Have Been Released, Officials Say

Officials say all the pupils kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State last month have now been released, including the remaining students who were still being held.

US Justice Department Restores Trump Photo in Epstein Files After Public Backlash

The US Justice Department reinstated an image of Donald Trump included in its online Jeffrey Epstein files after backlash. A US official said the photo had been removed, along with several others, from the department’s website following concerns raised by victims.

Tomori Says Tuchel and Life in Italy Have Helped Him Feel His Best

Fikayo Tomori says his form at AC Milan has left him feeling better than ever, and he credits his experience in Italy with proving that English players can move abroad, adapt to a different lifestyle, and still thrive.

Senior Russian General Killed in Suspected Car Bomb in Moscow

A senior Russian military officer, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, was killed on Monday in an explosion in Moscow that is being treated as a suspected car bombing. Authorities have opened an investigation.

On Dec. 22, the U.S. Military Repealed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy

On Dec. 22, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a law repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, ending the ban that prevented gay and lesbian service members from serving openly in the U.S. military.

Notable birthdays on Dec. 22 include Diane Sawyer and Rick Nielsen

Dec. 22 birthdays include broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer, who turns 80, and musician Rick Nielsen, who turns 77.

A Pilot Explains What Happens If You Don’t Use Airplane Mode on a Flight

A pilot explains the practical impact of leaving your phone off airplane mode during a flight, including what it can and can’t affect, and why passengers are repeatedly asked to switch it on before takeoff.

Russian General Reportedly Killed in Moscow Car Bombing, Officials Say

Russian officials say a car bomb in Moscow killed Fanil Sarvarov, who led the Russian armed forces' operational training department, according to the Investigative Committee.

Siblings Head to Australia for the Ashes Even After England’s Series Loss

“Everyone’s giving me grief about the Ashes being over before I get there,” as four siblings from Lancashire say they’re still flying to Australia for the fourth and fifth Tests, even though England have already lost the series, after booking the trip 12 months ago.

Senior Russian General Killed in Moscow Car Bomb as Kremlin Blames Ukraine

Russian officials said Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, 56, was killed after an explosive device planted under his Kia Sorento detonated in a Moscow car park near an apartment building as he was preparing to leave for work. Witnesses reported a powerful blast in the Yasenevo district that destroyed the vehicle and damaged a nearby car, and Sarvarov was pronounced dead from multiple shrapnel wounds. Russia’s Investigative Committee said it is pursuing several lines of inquiry, including a claim that Ukrainian intelligence services were involved.

I Visited Rick Stein’s Only London Restaurant to See If It Lives Up to the Hype

Rick Stein’s only London restaurant is located on the Thames in Barnes, and a visit to try its festive menu puts the spotlight on whether the cooking matches the reputation and is truly worth the fuss.

Job vacancies declined for the fifth consecutive month in November, report says

Job vacancies fell for a fifth straight month in November, with employers staying cautious amid economic uncertainty, according to Adzuna. The jobs site said firms are adjusting to the impact of the autumn Budget after vacancy growth earlier in 2025 reversed from July. Vacancies dropped 6.4% from October to 745,448, and Adzuna said 2025 has been one of the toughest years for jobseekers, especially new entrants, though wage growth has continued.

China’s one-child policy blowback keeps landing on families

China’s nationwide one-child policy, launched in 1979, is catching fresh criticism as today’s adults get saddled with the increasingly brutal math of elder care. Turns out social engineering has a long tail, and it is wagging a lot of exhausted middle-aged people.

South Korean opposition slams president’s North Korea stance as “surrender”

PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk ripped President Lee’s approach to North Korea, saying it is not about peaceful reunification, it is about conceding. In politics, “peace plan” is often just the glow-up label for “please stop yelling at us.”

Florida teens charged with murder of 14-year-old will be tried as adults

Florida prosecutors say Gabriel Williams, 16, and Kimahri Blevins, 14, will stand trial as adults on first-degree premeditated murder charges in the death of 14-year-old Danika Troy. Investigators allege she was lured to a wooded path near Pace after an online dispute, shot multiple times, and her body was set on fire. They are being held without bond, and prosecutors say the case could bring life in prison, or the death penalty if pursued.

Bank of Korea moves to calm FX markets as the won weakens

The Bank of Korea said it will temporarily ease some regulations and offer incentives to financial institutions to help stabilize the foreign exchange market. Translation: the adults are trying to keep the currency from doing gymnastics on a tightrope made of global uncertainty.

US and Ukraine call Miami talks “productive,” still no breakthrough

The United States and Ukraine described talks in Miami as productive, but acknowledged no major breakthrough. Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukraine’s top negotiator issued a joint statement after discussing updated peace proposals, which is diplomatic-speak for “we talked, we typed, nothing exploded.”

US targets another alleged Venezuela-linked “dark fleet” tanker

A US official said the United States is pursuing a third oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, described as a sanctioned “dark fleet” vessel allegedly helping Venezuela evade sanctions. It is the second action this weekend and the third in under two weeks, because nothing says “normal energy markets” like maritime whack-a-mole.

Essay warns the West could slide toward a “new dark age”

An opinion piece asks whether the West could enter a new dark age, pointing to complacency from wealth, weakening civic norms, shrinking middle classes, tribalism, migration pressures, inflation and debt, declining education and literacy, fraying infrastructure, and collapsing trust in institutions and elites. It also argues societies can self-correct if they find unity, honesty, and political courage—three traits currently treated like contraband in modern politics.

Vance and Minnesota senator trade insults, comedy remains the real victim

After Vice President Vance mocked Minnesota state Sen. Omar Fateh at Turning Point AmericaFest, Fateh brushed it off as an attempted joke and said Vance “took time away from the couch to try out comedy.” Politics continues its proud tradition of dunking contests, except the hoop is on fire and the crowd is paying for it.

Utah court gives two consecutive 25-to-life sentences for parents’ killings

A Utah court sentenced 30-year-old Mia Bailey to two consecutive 25-years-to-life terms for fatally shooting her parents, Gail and Joseph Bailey, in Washington City in June 2024. Prosecutors said she went intending to kill them and also fired toward her brother and sister-in-law, who escaped, called police, and she was arrested about 16 hours later. Bailey sought to avoid the hearing, cited mental health issues via a statement read by her lawyer, and said she converted to Islam while incarcerated.