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.

At least five people were killed when an explosion hit a mosque in Nigeria during evening prayers. Police say early evidence suggests a suicide attack, citing fragments of what appeared to be a suicide vest found at the scene.

The headline looks back at nine legendary artists who recorded some of the most loved Christmas songs and have since passed away, noting that their festive hits continue to endure through their music.

A woman in her 20s has died following a crash on the M2 on Christmas Eve. Police have informed her next of kin.

Queen’s previously unreleased Christmas track “Not For Sale (Polar Bear),” recorded during the 1974 sessions for the band’s second album, has been aired publicly for the first time and is set to appear on the 2026 reissue of “Queen II.”

The headline asks how deeply Egypt’s military is embedded in the country’s economy, noting its long-standing role in controlling major household brands and industries. With interests ranging from pasta to petrol, the military’s reach raises questions about how this shapes competition, investment, and overall economic direction in the region’s most populous country.

On Dec. 25, 2020, an RV exploded in downtown Nashville, killing the vehicle’s driver and injuring eight other people.

Dec. 25 features several notable birthdays, including actor Terry Hu turning 30 and actor CCH Pounder turning 73.

Kent's idyllic coastal walk is a 10-mile route through Dover's White Cliff Country, offering a full-day outing along dramatic coastline scenery with three castle landmarks along the way.

“What Is My Favorite Color Quiz” invites users to answer a set of personality and preference questions to predict which color they might like most. It also offers a brief overview of color psychology, describing common emotional associations tied to colors such as red, blue, green, white, and black.

Lucinda Hawksley, who says she is Charles Dickens’s great-great-great-granddaughter, argues that Dickens would be considered socially progressive today, and she offers that perspective as a message to people celebrating Christmas this year.

The headline, “US Justice Department finds million more potential Epstein files,” comes as the Justice Department delays releasing all Epstein-related files after missing the original congressionally mandated deadline that was set for last Friday.

Resurfaced clips of Manic Street Preachers frontman James Dean Bradfield are being shared online, including his stripped-back 1996 TV performance of Wham!’s “Last Christmas” and a 2010 radio session featuring another rendition, plus a duet of “Fairytale of New York” with KT Tunstall with slightly altered lyrics. The renewed attention comes as “Last Christmas” remains a perennial seasonal hit, newly cemented by its recent Christmas number-one success.

Best of 2025: Top five defining moments in the European Parliament — a year shaped by shifting alliances, repeated efforts to unseat the European Commission president, and another corruption investigation, culminating in five standout moments that defined 2025.

Gas Explosion at Bucks County Nursing Home Kills Resident and Employee

A suspected gas explosion partially collapsed a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, killing a resident and an employee. Twenty others were injured.

Actor Pat Finn, known for roles on Friends and The Middle, dies at 60

Pat Finn, an actor recognized for appearances on Friends and The Middle, has died at 60. He was also an improvisational performer and worked across numerous sitcoms in the 1990s and 2000s.

AccuWeather: Mostly quiet Christmas before a winter storm hits the Philadelphia area Friday

AccuWeather says Christmas Day in the Philadelphia region should be mostly cloudy and largely calm, with only a chance of a brief morning shower, before a winter storm moves in on Friday.

A Little-Known White House Aide Plays a Key Role Enforcing Trump’s Agenda

Trump’s “enforcer” is emerging as James Blair, a top but little-known White House adviser who has become a focal point for internal GOP pressure. During a summer meeting with Republican lawmakers, Trump reportedly berated House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris over objections to the president’s tax-and-spending legislation and told him to fall in line before leaving abruptly. Afterward, Harris confronted Blair, accusing him of trying to recruit a primary challenger against him, while Blair said he was simply carrying out the president’s wishes.

If Jesus Were Born Today, Would He Survive America’s Police State?

“If Jesus Were Born Today, Would He Survive The American Police State?” argues that the Nativity story began under a repressive empire and says similar dynamics now exist in the United States. It contends that modern surveillance, immigration enforcement, data collection, militarized policing, and the criminalization of homelessness and dissent would likely label Jesus and his family as suspicious or extremist, exposing them to detention or violence. The piece urges churches and Christians to apply Jesus’ teachings on mercy, justice, and peace to contemporary issues, and warns against blending Christianity with nationalism, militarism, and unquestioning loyalty to government power.

Trump-backed candidate wins narrowly in Honduran election

A Trump-backed candidate has won a closely contested election in Honduras. Rival Salvador Nasralla says he will not accept the result but is urging his supporters to stay calm.

Delaware State Police identify trooper killed in shooting at New Castle County DMV

Delaware State Police said the trooper killed in a shooting at a DMV facility in New Castle County on Tuesday afternoon was identified as Cpl. Matthew T. Snook.

Christmas Eve Fire Damages Multiple Homes in Chester, Delaware County

A two-alarm fire broke out on Christmas Eve in Chester, Delaware County, prompting a response from local firefighters and causing damage to multiple homes.

Fire Spreads to Four Homes in Chester, Displacing Residents

Multiple people were displaced after a fast-moving fire spread across the roofs of four homes in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Christmas Eve. The blaze began shortly before 5:30 p.m. on the 900 block of West 7th Street and was brought under control by firefighters from multiple departments. The homes sustained significant damage, with ceilings collapsing in two residences. At least eight people were displaced, no injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.

3D-Printed Mesh Attachment Lets a Camera Produce Pixel-Art-Like Images

A mesh “lens” lets your camera make pixel-art-like images by swapping glass for a 3D-printed fine grid mounted like a lens. The grid forms parallel tubes that channel light onto the sensor, producing grainy, pixel-art-style close-ups but offering no real focus and only working at a distance of a few centimeters. The creator demonstrates the effect on objects like money, a plant, and an eye, and sells the STL file for others to print.

Russia says its S-500 air defense system is finally “operational”

Moscow claims the long-delayed S-500 Prometheus can swat advanced aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and even U.S. F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters, thanks to long range, rapid reaction, and multi-band radar meant to sniff out stealth. The key word is “claims,” since the performance isn’t independently verified—but you can practically hear the press release doing push-ups.

China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon” reshapes Western Pacific planning

China’s Chengdu J-20 is central to Beijing’s fifth-generation ambitions, giving the PLA Air Force a stealthier, longer-range platform that strengthens anti-access and area-denial pressure around Taiwan. Assessments still tend to rate it behind the U.S. F-22 and F-35 overall, but it’s increasingly treated as a real factor in war planning rather than a parade-ground prop.

Have we forgotten how to do Christmas?

A cultural lament argues classic Christmas films carry “instructions” for family, tradition, and meaning that modern life has misplaced under a pile of receipts. It contrasts the American ideal in It’s a Wonderful Life with the ritual-rich, extended-family Christmas in the opening of Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander, suggesting today’s holiday has become an anxious, consumer-driven performance—and proposing older stories as a way back to something more communal and humane.

Christmas as “magical thinking” in a tech-saturated age

Another essay says mid-December still invites enchantment, even in a supposedly disenchanted era, with angels, stars, and stories that refuse to stay in the rational box. It traces religion’s uneasy relationship with magic, contrasts hopeful “white” magic with coercive “black” magic, and warns that modern technology can act like dark magic when people rely on powerful systems they don’t understand—then frames Christmas imagery as a language of hope and light amid darkness.

The mystery of Britain’s “Orthobros”

Britain is seeing a sharp rise in Eastern Orthodox conversions, especially among men in their 20s, with mass baptisms expanding from a handful to hundreds. Clergy and researchers debate whether the surge is driven by online “Orthobro” influencers blending traditionalist aesthetics with reactionary politics, or by sincere seekers looking for spiritual depth and structure. Church leaders say they welcome genuine converts, warn off ideological tourism, and worry their limited online presence leaves the loudest microphone to unofficial, more extreme voices.

Ezra Pound’s surprisingly devotional Christmas modernism

A literary piece argues early modernism wasn’t purely secular, pointing to Ezra Pound’s 1908 work—especially A Quinzaine for this Yule—which opens with prayers and uses medieval diction, Marian imagery, and Gospel scenes. Through recurring water and light metaphors, it links art and devotion, treating Christmas as the moment divine truth enters human history, and re-reads “Make it new” as renewing prayer and strengthening old dreams rather than burning tradition down for sport.

Russia’s Yasen-Class Attack Submarine Operating Near the United States with Mach 9 Zircon Missiles

Russia’s Yasen-class nuclear attack submarines are being positioned as a key element of its blue-water navy. The newest boat, Perm, is described as having a quieter, long-endurance reactor, advanced sonar, and a large weapons load including Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles, with the notable addition of the Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic missile, often cited at around Mach 9. The report also references a 2024 port call by a sister Yasen submarine as part of broader Russian naval signaling.

Florida woman accused of threatening to shoot Trump fails to pause criminal case

“Be there soon”: Miranda Perez, a Florida woman accused of posting a Facebook threat to go to Trump’s golf course and “be the next shooter,” was found competent to proceed in Palm Beach County court, so her case will continue despite a defense effort to halt it. Perez is charged with making a written or electronic threat to kill or cause bodily harm, has pleaded not guilty, and a status check is set for Jan. 5, 2026. Authorities linked the account to Perez using photos matching her ID and noted a prior 2019 case involving alleged threats on Facebook about a local elementary school, which was later dismissed after she was deemed incompetent at the time.

Military Quote of the Day: Niccolò Machiavelli on Being Loved and Feared

“Military Quote of the Day” highlights Niccolò Machiavelli’s view that leaders ideally should be both loved and feared, but often must choose. The summary notes that Machiavelli, the Florentine diplomat and author of The Prince, formed his unsentimental approach while navigating Italy’s brutal power struggles, watching popes, princes, and mercenaries build and destroy states during his rise from minor official to a top post in Florence’s war and diplomacy administration.

Officials find about one million additional documents that may be linked to the Epstein case

Officials say they have identified roughly one million more documents that could be relevant to the Epstein case. The US Department of Justice said reviewing the material may delay any release by a few more weeks.

Blind Item Claims Tina Turner's Widower Quickly Began Dating Again

A blind-item post alleges that Erwin Bach, widower of singer Tina Turner, began seeing a new girlfriend soon after her death and claims he had frequent hookups with other women even during their marriage.

Will Arnett shares what inspired his new film, "Is This Thing On?"

Will Arnett discusses the inspiration behind his new movie, "Is This Thing On?", which is now playing in theaters.

Amateur Codebreaker Claims to Have Identified the Black Dahlia and Zodiac Killer

An amateur codebreaker says he has solved both the Black Dahlia murder and the Zodiac killings by tying them to a single suspect, former USC premed student and WWII veteran Marvin Margolis. Margolis was questioned after Elizabeth Short’s 1947 murder and later admitted he had lived with her briefly before leaving for Chicago and changing his name. Decades later, the Zodiac’s 1970 “Z13” cipher—long considered too short to crack—was tackled by Alex Baber using AI to generate and filter 71 million possible 13-letter names against public records, which he says narrowed to one identity: “Marvin Merrill,” a name he links back to Margolis.

First-look images and trailer released for Dawn French sitcom featuring Craig Roberts and Mandip Gill

First-look photos and a trailer have been released for BBC’s six-part sitcom Can You Keep a Secret?, starring Dawn French alongside Mark Heap, Welsh actor Craig Roberts, and Doctor Who’s Mandip Gill. French plays Debbie Fendon, who and her husband William exploit a mistaken death declaration by hiding out to claim life insurance, dragging their son Harry into a scheme complicated by his police officer wife. The series is set and filmed in the West Country and premieres on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on January 7.

Two endangered African penguin chicks hatch at Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey

Two endangered African penguin chicks, Oscar and Duffy, have hatched at Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey, becoming the 51st and 52nd chicks born there. The aquarium called the hatchings a notable conservation milestone as African penguins were recently reclassified as critically endangered due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures, with experts warning the species could be functionally extinct by 2035 without continued conservation efforts.

Gas Explosion at Bucks County Nursing Home Kills Two and Injures Others

A suspected gas explosion partially collapsed a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, killing one resident and one employee and sending 20 people to the hospital.

NORAD Santa Tracker: Track Santa Claus’ Journey Around the World Live

NORAD’s Santa Tracker follows Santa Claus’ flight around the world on Christmas Eve, letting viewers watch his route in real time.

Two Aldi Holiday Sweets Recalled Nationwide

Silvestri Sweets Inc. of Geneva, Illinois, expanded its voluntary recall of two varieties of Choceur-branded Holiday Barks sold at Aldi.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro Declares a State of Economic and Social Emergency

Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a state of economic and social emergency, saying the country faces an urgent situation that requires special measures.

Europe Defends Digital Regulations After US Imposes Visa Ban on Thierry Breton

Europe is defending its digital regulations after the Trump administration imposed a visa ban on former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. Brussels and Paris condemned the move, which Washington justified by claiming Breton’s role in enforcing EU digital rules amounted to censorship, escalating tensions over tech regulation.

More shoppers visited UK high streets and retail parks for last-minute Christmas shopping

More shoppers hit high streets and retail parks for late Christmas purchases on Christmas Eve, giving UK retailers a boost amid a difficult year. Early data from MRI Software showed footfall was up 2.4% by 1pm versus the same time last year and 20.5% higher than a week earlier, with retail parks leading the rise at 6.6% year-on-year. High streets and shopping centres also saw modest annual increases, while Wales and London recorded notable gains.

'Love Actually' and the Psychology Behind Holiday Comfort Movies

“Love Actually” and similar holiday romantic comedies work as comfort viewing by feeding fantasies of ideal relationships, a kinder world, and the perfectly happy holiday season, according to experts.

More Than 100 Creative Ways to Say Good Night

“More Than 100 Creative Ways to Say Good Night” offers alternatives to “good night,” organized by tone and audience, including classic, romantic or flirty, funny, and professional options. It also includes suggestions for saying good night to guys, girls, friends, and kids, plus short goodnight texts, Spanish phrases, and a selection of poetic, quote-style lines.

Snapdragon X Elite Laptop Performance on Linux Ends 2025 on a Downturn

End-of-year Linux benchmarks on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite running Ubuntu 25.10 with the latest X1E Concept packages and an X1 Elite–optimized kernel updated to Linux 6.18 show performance regressions versus results from a few months earlier. The findings suggest AMD Ryzen AI and Intel Core Ultra laptops currently offer a better overall Linux experience.

Governors are urged to act quickly to avert a large-scale homelessness crisis

Governors are being called on to take immediate steps to prevent a potential surge in homelessness, as administrators running homelessness programs report growing alarm about what could happen next.