Iniaes

Shooting call at Atlanta airport ends with apparent self-inflicted injury

Police responded Sunday around 3:30 p.m. to reports of a shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in the South Terminal pre-security area near baggage claim. Authorities said a man suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, was taken to a nearby hospital alert and breathing, the firearm was secured, and no other injuries were reported. Airport operations were not affected as the investigation continues.

University of Bristol talk disrupted, legal threats follow

Professor Alice Sullivan said her talk at the University of Bristol was disrupted by a protest, which she described as resembling a "zombie apocalypse". The university is now facing threats of legal action over what happened during the event.

Nick Reiner arrest follows deaths of parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner

Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested Dec. 14 after his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their Brentwood, California, home. Court records say he is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 7. Sources allege longstanding family concerns about his unpredictable outbursts, substance abuse, and a history of violence, including claims that his sister Romy Reiner was afraid of him living nearby, even while she and brother Jake continued supporting him as the case proceeds.

Teachers urge year-round school singing, not just Christmas shows

Teachers say singing in schools should be encouraged throughout the year rather than confined to Christmas performances. New data suggests singing is much more common in primary and private schools than in state secondary schools.

Advice column, how to keep Christmas gatherings from imploding

An expert advice piece offers practical tips for keeping holiday get-togethers calm, including ways to defuse small flashpoints like picky eating, TV-remote arguments, and other minor irritations that can escalate into family rows.

Why UK rail looks chaotic at Christmas, engineering closures

Britain’s rail network often faces disruption over Christmas because key sections are shut for major engineering work. The planned closures enable upgrades and maintenance, but also raise questions about whether the holiday period is the right time to take major routes out of service.

Philadelphia area forecast, cooler start to holiday week

AccuWeather reports a cooler-than-normal start to the holiday week in the Philadelphia area, with Monday highs near 40°F and rain and snow showers developing overnight.

Hit-and-run kills West Philadelphia cyclist June Rodriguez

Police identified the cyclist killed in a hit-and-run early Saturday in West Philadelphia’s Overbrook neighborhood as June Rodriguez, 54, a longtime DJ and employee at Bob and Barbara’s Lounge. Investigators say a red SUV, possibly a Jeep Grand Cherokee, struck him around 3:44 a.m. near North 56th Street and Lancaster Avenue and fled. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 4:47 a.m. A vigil was held Sunday at Penn Treaty Park, and Philadelphia police are asking the public for tips.

Actor James Ransone dies at 46

James Ransone, known for playing Ziggy Sobotka in Season 2 of HBO’s The Wire, has died at 46. Los Angeles authorities reported his death as a suicide, and the medical examiner listed the cause as hanging. He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and two children, and his family highlighted a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Ransone also appeared in Generation Kill, Treme, Bosch, Poker Face, and films including Sinister, Tangerine, It Chapter Two, and The Black Phone.

Two die in three-vehicle crash in Pembury

A man and a woman in their 30s died after a three-vehicle collision in Pembury. Police said they were the rider and passenger on a motorbike and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Welsh museum joins UK project to raise awareness of the climate emergency

Ceredigion Museum in Aberystwyth has been selected as one of 12 organisations for the Natural History Museum-led Fixing Our Broken Planet: Interconnected programme. The initiative provides funding, resources and access to scientists to help communities understand climate risks and take action. Ceredigion Museum will work with young people from the Dyfi region to produce a short film about the Dyfi Estuary, capturing what they value and their worries and hopes as the climate changes. The film will be shown in the museum’s Archaeology Gallery and will also feed into the Changing Tides coastal adaptation handbook developed with local residents.

Anthony Joshua’s Win Over Jake Paul Sparks Debate About Authenticity in Entertainment

The piece describes Anthony Joshua’s decisive defeat of Jake Paul as a satisfying restoration of boxing’s hierarchy, while arguing that Paul is less an ethical crisis than a symbol of a broader cultural unease. It contrasts real, physical events—like a boxing match—with staged “immersive experiences” and AI-generated online content, suggesting modern leisure is increasingly packaged, monetized, and inauthentic. The conclusion urges people to seek messy, tangible reality and community over curated simulations.

Cyprus Unveils Logo and Work Programme for Its EU Council Presidency

Ten days before Cyprus begins its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the government presented the official logo and its work programme for the first half of 2026.

Police say dog owner followed and assaulted driver after dog was hit by car

In Polk County, Missouri, police say Charles Cooper followed a 21-year-old man to a basketball game at Pleasant Hope Middle School after the man struck something on the way there, later learning it was a dog. Investigators allege Cooper confronted the driver in the parking lot, beat him with a metal flashlight, and punched him while making threats and demanding he cry. The victim was hospitalized, and Cooper was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.

Ursid meteor shower to peak Sunday night, closing out 2025’s major skywatching events

The Ursid meteor shower will reach its peak Sunday night into early Monday morning, marking the last major celestial event on the 2025 skywatching calendar.

Teen girl taken into custody after man stabbed to death in Roxborough, police say

A 16-year-old girl was taken into custody Sunday morning after a 57-year-old man was stabbed in the ribs inside a home on the 500 block of Wartman Street in Philadelphia’s Roxborough neighborhood, police said. Officers responded around 9:45 a.m., and the man was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:19 a.m. Police said the girl was being held for further investigation as of mid-afternoon, and no motive or charging decision had been announced.

Campaigner links racially motivated attack on Ukrainian girl to Reform UK's anti-migrant rhetoric

A 14-year-old Ukrainian girl, Polina Rudakov, was assaulted in Caerphilly after a school trip on 18 December, with her mother saying three older girls followed her, shouted abuse including “go back to Ukraine,” and attacked her. The incident has been reported to police, and the family is seeking witnesses and CCTV. A local Ukrainian community spokesperson argued that hostile political messaging about migrants and refugees has helped normalise hatred, pointing to Reform UK’s recent by-election campaign attacking Wales’s Nation of Sanctuary programme, while the local Plaid Cymru representative condemned the attack and cautioned against speculation about influences.

Teen Girl Taken Into Custody After Fatal Stabbing in Roxborough

S4C awards digital content contract to Welsh producers as it shifts to a digital-first strategy

S4C has awarded a competitive digital content contract to Welsh production companies Darlun (north Wales) and Slam (south Wales) as part of its plan to become a digital-first broadcaster. The partnership will produce 675 minutes of original short-form Welsh-language content over two years, with at least 275 minutes published by 31 March 2026. Content will be created specifically for YouTube and supported by social media distribution to reach 25–44-year-olds. The package aims to showcase Welsh voices and culture and is expected to launch in early 2026, alongside additional development work with Carlam focused on relationships with existing creators.

Report Alleges Jermaine Jackson Is Profiting From Michael Jackson’s Legacy

A blind item claims that Jermaine Jackson, described as the alliterative sibling of a permanent A-list singer, has found a new way to profit from his late brother Michael Jackson’s name and legacy.

Nana Akua reviews GB News highlights from 2025

Nana Akua reflects on the channel’s progress after an unsteady start, pointing to awards, expanded US coverage, and a claimed rise to the top of the ratings. She also revisits personal on-air moments and political flashpoints, including Rachel Reeves becoming emotional in the House of Commons and Angela Rayner’s repeated calls for Conservative ministers to resign amid controversy.

Blind Item #4: Canadian Rapper-Singer May Face Backlash Early in the New Year

Blind Item #4 claims a Canadian rapper-singer, accused of racist behavior and known by a name that resembles a stock ticker symbol, could be among the first public figures to face cancellation in the New Year.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba tops Week 16 fantasy football wide receiver rankings

Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads UPI senior sports writer Alex Butler’s Week 16 top-50 fantasy football wide receiver rankings, with Amon-Ra St. Brown also featured near the top.

Bitcoin’s Quantum Computing Debate Returns as Markets Pay Attention

Bitcoin’s quantum computing debate is resurfacing as markets start to notice, highlighting a growing gap between developers who say quantum attacks are decades away and investors who want clearer preparation now. Critics warn that sufficiently advanced quantum machines could eventually compromise elliptic-curve cryptography and expose some older wallets, even if the network wouldn’t fail overnight. With governments and major companies moving toward quantum-resistant standards, attention is turning to proposals like BIP-360, which would add quantum-resistant address formats and allow a gradual, opt-in migration to new signature schemes.

Elderly ram becomes an unexpected family pet after acting like a dog

An elderly ram who thinks he’s a dog has become an unlikely family pet, regularly wandering into the kitchen for treats and a bit of petting.

A Welsh Christmas Video Is Winning Hearts

A Welsh Christmas video is winning hearts, with Celtica Electronica teaming up with Aleighcia Scott on a new version of the Welsh classic “Ar Hyd y Nos.” It’s paired with a gentle festive video starring eight-year-old Cadno and her dog Caradog, nicknamed Coco and Cwtsh. The clip follows the pair exploring Christmas together, while Scott—also set to appear as a coach on Y Llais—adds warmth to a cosy, orchestral holiday track.

Power Mostly Restored After Unexplained Blackout in San Francisco

Power has been mostly restored after a widespread, unexplained blackout left parts of San Francisco without electricity on Saturday.

More than 41,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year

More than 41,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2025, with the total reaching 41,455 after 803 people arrived in 13 dinghies from northern France between Friday night and Saturday. Saturday’s figure was the highest daily total since 8 October and appears to be a record for a December day, though December’s overall total so far is 2,163—below the monthly record of 3,254 set in 2024. Border Force brought groups into Dover following incidents in the Channel as the UK and neighbouring countries pursue measures targeting smuggling, including a new German law raising potential penalties and French plans to stop boats at sea.

At Least 16 Epstein-Related Files Removed from the Justice Department Website

At least 16 files tied to Justice Department materials on Jeffrey Epstein appeared to be removed from a DOJ webpage after being posted the day before. The missing uploads included photos showing paintings of nude women and a credenza displaying various photographs, including one of Donald Trump.

How Trump’s Administration Reshaped the Federal Government in One Year

Trump’s first year back in office saw major upheaval across Washington: missions were altered or dismantled, entire agencies were eliminated, and nearly 300,000 federal employees were pushed out. The administration froze or cut billions in scientific research, reduced or removed civil rights and diversity programs, changed hiring rules to prioritize presidential loyalty, and trimmed Social Security while expanding ICE’s footprint nationwide. Officials also planned further cuts, including tens of thousands of vacant VA positions, lower performance ratings across government, and a shift in State Department human-rights messaging away from condemning torture and persecution toward focusing on abortion and youth gender transition policies abroad.

Turning Point USA Aligns Behind JD Vance

Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is lining up behind JD Vance, with Vance set to close a major conference on Sunday as the group quietly builds political infrastructure for a possible 2028 presidential run. Turning Point plans to place representatives in all 99 Iowa counties ahead of the caucuses, aiming to lock in early grassroots support in a key nominating state.

Rights groups criticize Saudi Arabia after a record number of executions

Rights organizations have condemned Saudi Arabia for carrying out a record number of executions, with the UK-based campaign group Reprieve reporting at least 347 people put to death so far this year.

Trump Expands Presidential Power and Personal Pageantry to New Extremes

Reports describe Trump’s first year back in office as a blend of intensified executive power and overt personal glorification. The details cite lavish changes such as gold trim in the Oval Office, plans to demolish the East Wing for a large ballroom, and branding government spaces with his name and image, including references to the Kennedy Center. The account also notes moves like marking his birthday with free admission at national parks, alongside limited pushback from Congress or the Supreme Court.

Trump Allies Split as Netflix and Paramount Compete for Warner Bros. Discovery

Trump-linked power brokers are lining up on opposite sides as the fight over Warner Bros. Discovery heats up. Netflix is pursuing Warner’s studios and the HBO Max streaming business, while Paramount is aiming to acquire the entire company, setting up a multibillion-dollar contest over its future.

US and Russian officials hold a second day of Ukraine peace talks in Miami

US and Russian officials met in Miami for a second day of talks on ending the war in Ukraine, with a Kremlin envoy calling the discussions “constructive.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States proposed the first direct Ukraine–Russia meeting in six months.

Germany Places First Order for 84 RCH155 Wheeled Howitzers

Germany has placed its first production order for the RCH155 wheeled howitzer, beginning the introduction of a remote-controlled artillery system under a long-term framework agreement that could eventually total up to 500 vehicles. The German Armed Forces awarded the contract to ARTEC GmbH for the first 84 RCH155 systems.

U.S. Air Force chooses Raytheon radar for the X-62A aircraft

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Raytheon a contract to install its PhantomStrike fire-control radar on the autonomous X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft, or VISTA. The upgrade is intended to support and expand testing of autonomous combat aviation capabilities by integrating the radar into the X-62A platform.

L3Harris selected to support E-4C communications

L3Harris Technologies has been chosen to provide assured communications support for the U.S. Air Force’s E-4C aircraft under the Survivable Airborne Operations Center program. The company will participate as a subcontractor, extending its role in a highly sensitive command-and-control mission.

U.S. Army Considers UH-60M Upgrades to Keep It in Service After 2050

The Army signals it intends to keep the UH-60M Black Hawk flying well past mid-century by starting early efforts to modernize and sustain the fleet. The Capability Program Executive Aviation, via its Utility Helicopters Project Office, is initiating work aimed at adapting the platform to evolving operational demands and technology.

Boeing and Anduril Partner on U.S. Army Air Defense Program

Boeing has teamed with Anduril Industries to pursue a future air defense interceptor for the U.S. Army under the Integrated Fires Protection Capability program, aimed at countering emerging aerial threats. Anduril said it will contribute key propulsion technology, including the solid rocket motor.

France and Spain Advance Tiger Mid-Life Upgrade Modernization

France and Spain have taken a step forward in the Tiger Mid Life Upgrade modernization program as Airbus Helicopters activates a full-scale ground test facility. The new “Helicopter 0” test bed is designed to replicate the complete Tiger helicopter and reduce technical risk ahead of flight testing planned for 2026.

Lithuania Approves Purchase of 100 CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Lithuania’s State Defense Council has approved plans to acquire 100 Swedish-made CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles through a joint procurement with five other NATO allies. The purchase is intended to modernize Lithuania’s ground forces and strengthen regional industrial cooperation.

NIST considered shutting down NTP servers after a blackout caused atomic clock drift

After a power outage near Boulder, Colorado triggered timing errors linked to atomic clock drift, a staffer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology reportedly attempted to disable backup generators supporting parts of NIST’s Network Time Protocol infrastructure—an unusually deliberate move that risked inducing an outage rather than preventing one.

Hackney bin collection schedule changes over Christmas and New Year, including how to recycle trees

Hackney’s usual bin collection days in the East London borough will be disrupted over the Christmas and New Year period. Residents should expect changes to their regular schedule and follow the council’s guidance for recycling real Christmas trees.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert Returns with a Special London Show

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert is returning with a special performance in London, featuring the film shown on-screen and accompanied by a live orchestra.

Jenny Beth Martin: President Trump’s Approach to Combating Global Antisemitism

In “Jenny Beth Martin: President Trump’s Example In Addressing Global Antisemitism,” Martin argues that a recent deadly attack at a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney reflects a broader rise in antisemitic violence worldwide and in the United States. She says President Trump has responded by condemning radical Islamist terrorism, signing executive orders aimed at combating antisemitism, directing a multi-agency task force focused on schools and campuses, and backing investigations and funding actions involving universities accused of failing to address antisemitic harassment. Martin also points to U.S. alignment with Israel as part of this approach.

Ten Awards from the Eagles–Commanders Game

Handing out 10 awards from the Eagles–Commanders matchup after Philadelphia clinched the NFC East title by beating its division rival, the Washington Commanders, who fell to 4–11.

One Dead and Dozens Displaced After Drexel Hill Apartment Fire Traps Residents on Balconies

One person died and dozens of residents were displaced after an early Saturday morning fire at the Llanerch Place Apartments on Township Line Road in Drexel Hill, Upper Darby Township. Rescues were carried out as residents reported smoke-filled hallways, panic, and people forced onto balconies to escape the smoke.

Newborn puppies found abandoned in South Philadelphia

Eight newborn puppies are receiving emergency care after they were found abandoned Friday night in a South Philadelphia parking lot during freezing temperatures.

One Dead and Seven Injured in Delaware County Apartment Fire, Dozens Displaced

An apartment fire at the Llanerch Place building on Township Line Road in Upper Darby Township, Delaware County, killed one person and injured seven on Saturday. Firefighters reported the blaze started on the second floor of the three-story building. One rescued victim died at the hospital and another remains in critical condition, while six others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Significant fire, smoke, and water damage displaced roughly 75 residents, and the cause is under investigation by local and state fire marshals and police.

US seizes second oil tanker near Venezuela amid rising tensions between Donald Trump and Nicolás Maduro

US forces intercepted a second oil tanker near Venezuela, the Panama-flagged Centuries, in a pre-dawn operation east of Barbados, according to officials. US authorities said the ship was part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” moving sanctioned oil, while Venezuela denounced the action as piracy and said it would seek UN action. The Centuries was reportedly carrying about 1.8 million barrels of crude bound for China and had allegedly used a false vessel name. The seizure follows President Trump’s announced blockade of sanctioned oil shipping and comes as regional leaders, including Brazil’s President Lula, warned against military escalation.

A mock funeral for the penny was held at the Lincoln Memorial after the U.S. Mint discontinued it

After the U.S. Mint discontinued the penny last month, a mock funeral was held Saturday outside the Lincoln Memorial. Hundreds attended, including Abraham Lincoln impersonators, with many dressed in black or Victorian-style clothing. Mourners placed pennies into caskets on display or tossed them while making wishes.

Tyler Steen Gets Into a Brawl With the Commanders Defense

A chippy Eagles–Commanders matchup escalated into a sideline brawl after Tyler Steen and Commanders defensive back Mike Sainristil exchanged swipes. Steen was quickly swarmed as multiple Washington defenders and Eagles players piled into the scrum. Several players ended up on the ground and at least one helmet came off, as video clips captured the buildup and chaos.

The F-22 Raptor Faces a Limitation the Air Force Cannot Reverse

The F-22 Raptor has a problem the Air Force can’t fix now: despite entering service in 2005, it has seen far less combat use than the newer F-35. Its only confirmed “kill” cited is the February 4, 2023 shootdown of a Chinese balloon using an AIM-9X missile at high altitude. Supporters argue the Air Force has been cautious in deploying the jet because only 187 F-22s were built.

The Air Force Has No Clear Solution for the A-10 Warthog Debate

The Air Force argues the A-10 Warthog should be retired because it is slow, lacks stealth, and relies on low-altitude attack tactics that are increasingly dangerous against modern air defenses and shoulder-fired missiles. It also says multirole fighters and drones can handle close air support while funding shifts to higher-priority modernization. Critics dispute whether replacements can truly match the A-10’s effectiveness in close air support, leaving the issue unresolved.

Musk Says SpaceX’s Starship Is as Historically Significant as Major Evolutionary Milestones

Elon Musk called SpaceX’s Starship a revolutionary breakthrough in fully reusable rocketry and claimed future historians will rank making life “multi-planetary” alongside major evolutionary milestones like single-cell and multicellular life. He made the remarks during an interview with influencer Katie Miller. The comments come as Starship has repeatedly failed tests and struggled to launch and land without exploding, fueling doubts about its readiness for major missions, including NASA’s planned Moon landing work.

Some Epstein Case Files Removed After Release; Other Documents Face Criticism

Some Jeffrey Epstein case files released Friday by the U.S. Justice Department were no longer available the next day, while other released documents have drawn criticism over their content and handling.

Patent Suggests Tesla Could Build a Satellite Dish Into a Vehicle Moonroof

A recent patent filing describes a radio-frequency-transparent roof assembly designed to support integrated antennas and satellite communications, signaling Tesla could integrate a Starlink dish into a vehicle moonroof. The concept could let Tesla shift vehicle connectivity from third-party cellular networks to satellite links, potentially changing how features like navigation, updates, and premium data services are delivered. Some owners are already mounting Starlink Mini dishes on Tesla moonroofs as a workaround for high-speed internet in weak-coverage areas.

A hardware-store “Marauder’s Map” shows what Clarke-style magic looks like

A creator built a real-world “Marauder’s Map” for a hardware store by 3D-scanning the space with a rover, turning the point cloud into a floor plan, and then using NVIDIA’s DeepStream on a dual-GPU workstation to run detection, tracking, and pose estimation across about 50 CCTV feeds. The system outputs coordinates and plots moving “footprints” on the map—impressive, compute-heavy, and a reminder that powerful surveillance can look a lot like magic.

Hegseth Praises U.S. Seizure of a Venezuelan Oil Tanker

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth praised the U.S. Coast Guard’s seizure of a second oil tanker off Venezuela on Saturday evening. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the operation took place in international waters and was supported by the U.S. Navy, with Hegseth signaling the Trump administration’s intent to intensify pressure in the region.

Pina Bausch classic “Kontakthof” revived with an all Greek cast

Pina Bausch’s landmark dance work “Kontakthof,” first staged in 1978 in Wuppertal, is being revived on the National Theatre’s main stage, performed by an entirely Greek company.

Rome to charge tourists to visit the Trevi Fountain starting Feb. 1, 2026

Tourists will pay a modest fee to visit Rome’s Trevi Fountain in 2026, starting Feb. 1. Locals and certain categories of visitors will be exempt, because even cities built on tourism occasionally want compensation for the eternal selfie stampede.

Kiefer Sutherland recalls filming with Jack Nicholson in “A Few Good Men”

Kiefer Sutherland says he still remembers shooting a standout scene with Jack Nicholson for “A Few Good Men,” sharing the story in a CBS News feature, “Rob Reiner, Scenes From a Life.”

Wales watchtower dispute ends with demolition order

The “ghastly prison watchtower” saga in Rhos on Sea, Conwy is set to end after Planning and Environment Decisions Wales dismissed an appeal by developer Jim Oates of JAM Domestic Properties Ltd. Conwy County Council says the owner has 10 weeks to remove the unauthorised outbuilding that neighbours say overlooks their homes and caused distress. A smaller retrospective application is being considered, but the council says enforcement will not be delayed, which is bureaucratic for “take your weird tower and go.”

Kemi Badenoch backs nurse in NHS changing room dispute after tribunal ruling

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised A&E nurse Sandie Peggie for objecting to sharing a hospital changing room with transgender doctor Beth Upton at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, calling the tribunal’s judgment “pathetic.” Peggie was suspended and placed on special leave after Upton alleged bullying and harassment. Peggie brought claims under the Equality Act 2010, the tribunal upheld her harassment claims but dismissed her discrimination related allegations. Her legal team says she will appeal. The judgment was later amended via a certificate of correction after complaints about an inaccurate quote, without changing the overall outcome.

Sean Strickland says no to proposed White House UFC event

UFC fighter Sean Strickland said he will not take part in a proposed White House fight event next year, citing controversy surrounding Donald Trump and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Strickland said he would be more interested if it included fan opportunities, because nothing says “civic engagement” like a government sanctioned punch up with better seating.

Paraplegic engineer becomes first wheelchair user in space on Blue Origin

A paraplegic engineer has become the first wheelchair user in space, launching aboard a Blue Origin flight, which is a genuinely impressive milestone in a space industry that too often treats humanity like optional payload.

U.S. Coast Guard seizes tanker carrying Venezuelan oil

U.S. Coast Guard personnel stopped and boarded a Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying Venezuelan oil off Venezuela late Friday or early Saturday, and the vessel was seized.

Bowen Yang to leave “Saturday Night Live” mid-season

Bowen Yang is set to depart “Saturday Night Live” mid-season, with his final episode airing Saturday and hosted by his “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande. Yang joined the show as a writer in 2018, became a featured player the next season, and was later promoted to the main cast.

Flooding concerns persist in the Pacific Northwest

Flooding worries remain across the Pacific Northwest as steady rain continues. A flood watch is in effect for the greater Portland area and large parts of western Oregon and southwestern Washington.

Photos in Epstein file release show Prince Andrew with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

A large release of U.S. Department of Justice files includes undated, heavily redacted photographs that appear to show Prince Andrew with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at events and locations linked to the British royal circle, including Ascot and a room reported to be at Sandringham, as well as an image said to be from Balmoral. The release also contains images involving other high-profile figures. U.S. politicians criticized the scale of redactions and argued the government has not fully complied with transparency requirements. The photos themselves do not, on their own, prove wrongdoing.

Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run on Wyoming Avenue; driver not yet identified

A woman was killed Friday night in Philadelphia’s Northeast after being struck by a vehicle around 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Whitaker and Wyoming avenues. Police say the driver fled the scene. Investigators have located the vehicle involved, but the driver has not been identified or arrested, and the investigation remains active.

Person Rescued from Allentown House Fire During Mental Health Crisis; Two Officers Injured

Police and firefighters in Allentown, Pennsylvania, rescued a person from a burning home Friday afternoon after responding to reports that the occupant was in a mental health crisis and may have been armed. The call came from the 700 block of South 10th Street around 1:45 p.m. The person and two police officers were taken to a hospital for evaluation, and officials said all three are recovering. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said there is no danger to the public.

U.S. State Department restricts visas for Honduran officials accused of interfering with election process

The U.S. State Department said Friday it has restricted visas for two Honduran officials, citing national security concerns and alleging they attempted to obstruct a special vote count after last month’s election. The Trump administration revoked the visa of Mario Morazán, a magistrate on Honduras’s Electoral Justice Tribunal, and imposed restrictions on Marlon Ochoa, an election official.

Blind Item #2 – Mounties

The headline points to a controversial book that some have dismissed as a mere prop, but the details say it was real and ghostwritten early in the career of a now-famous writer-director. The book reportedly centered on one of his recurring themes: sexualized father-daughter dynamics framed as something that would happen “if only they were allowed.”

Nick Reiner had been diagnosed with schizophrenia before his parents were killed

Nick Reiner, the son of director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, was reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia and was receiving psychiatric treatment in the weeks before his parents were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered dead inside the residence.

40-year-old man fatally stabbed in a North West London flat

A 40-year-old man was stabbed to death inside a flat in North West London. The suspect has not been caught and remains at large.

Your Take-Home Pay May Increase in January Even Without a Raise

You could start 2026 with higher take-home income than you expected, even if your salary doesn’t change.

Welsh pub named the UK's best place for a seaside pint

Tŷ Coch Inn on the Llŷn Peninsula near Pwllheli has been ranked number one in Big 7 Travel’s UK list of the best spots for a seaside pint, based on Instagram follower votes, editorial picks, and online reviews. Other Welsh venues also featured, including The Griffin in Dale, and The Druidstone in Pembrokeshire, with The Sailor’s Safety and the Penhelig Arms in Aberdyfi appearing further down the wider list.

Tool ranks top Christmas movies to help you pick a film to watch this weekend

A Christmas movie tool ranks what it calls the best Christmas films ever made, making it easier to decide what to stream this weekend.

Local worker says North London area feels unsafe after shooting as suspect remains at large

A worker near the site of a North London shooting says the neighbourhood no longer feels safe, as the suspected killer has not been caught and remains on the run.

Mach 4 Meteor “No Escape” Missile Moves Closer to Integration on the F-35 Stealth Fighter

The Mach 4 Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile is closer to being fielded on the F-35A after MBDA, Lockheed Martin, and the F-35 Joint Program Office completed key ground integration tests. Work at Edwards Air Force Base included ground vibration testing and fit checks to validate hardware responses and confirm the missile can be carried and integrated as planned.

Couple Try a Christmas House Swap Inspired by “The Holiday” and Prefer the Real Experience

“We did a Christmas house swap like in The Holiday, but it was much better than the film,” sums up Matt and Sophie Bailey’s festive experiment. After watching the movie, they swapped their London flat for a cosy home in what they describe as Germany’s most Christmassy town. The trip kicked off a habit, and they’ve since completed 12 house swaps in destinations around the world.

The U.S. Navy Deployed Aircraft Carriers and F-35 Fighters to the Western Pacific Near China

The U.S. surged naval power in the Western Pacific, deploying two aircraft carriers and an amphibious assault ship as China continues expanding its blue-water capabilities. Navy imagery showed USS Abraham Lincoln operating in 7th Fleet waters, while USS George Washington continued operations in the Philippine Sea after a stop near Guam. The deployment also highlighted the use of F-35-capable forces in the region.

Teen shocked after cold-like symptoms lead to cancer diagnosis

Teenager Sophie Claxton, 16 at the time, went to her GP with severe flu-like symptoms and a high temperature, and was sent to A&E with suspected sepsis. After transfer to the Christie Hospital in Manchester, a bone marrow biopsy diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and she began chemotherapy immediately, including intensive care stays and multiple transfusions. Now 19, she has finished chemotherapy, is studying criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University, and continues follow-up checks, including an assessment of potential fertility impacts.

New short film showcases a Welsh town’s history and community resilience after flooding

A new short film produced by Haberdashers’ Monmouth School highlights the heritage, landscapes, and everyday life of Monmouth, featuring historic streets and landmarks linked to Henry V and aviation pioneer Charles Rolls. Narrated by TV presenter Jules Hudson, it includes aerial footage and views along the River Wye to create a visual record for students, families, and the wider public. Although completed before recent flooding disrupted local homes, businesses, and services, its release comes as the town reopens and continues its recovery.

A Small Town 90 Minutes from London Keeps a Charming Christmas Tradition

A small town about 90 minutes from London continues a charming Christmas tradition dating back to the 16th century.

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