Trump confirms U.S. strike on suspected drug trafficking port in Venezuela

Trump confirmed that the United States struck a dock area in Venezuela that officials believe is used to transfer drugs onto boats for international distribution.

Swedish workplaces test a “friendship hour” to reduce loneliness

Swedish workers are taking part in a pilot “friendship hour” at work aimed at tackling loneliness, with some staff also receiving free money to help cover the cost of social activities with friends.

Multiway Dress in 31 Colors Can Be Styled 72 Different Ways

An “extremely flattering” multiway dress is available in 31 colors and can be worn 72 different ways, offering flexible styling options. One customer said she chose it for her bridesmaids and that they all looked beautiful.

Philadelphia Records a Historic Decline in Homicides, but More Work Remains

Philadelphia has recorded 218 homicides through Dec. 28, a nearly 17% drop compared with the same period last year, marking a historic decline. Officials stress that continued efforts are still needed.

More Kennedy Center Performers Cancel After Board Renames Venue the Trump-Kennedy Center

More performers are withdrawing from scheduled appearances at the Kennedy Center after at least three additional events were canceled following a board vote—by members selected by President Donald Trump—to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center.

Top Political Headlines of 2025

Host Matt O'Donnell and a panel review the year’s biggest political stories in a New Year’s edition, while also offering predictions for the major political headlines expected in 2026.

Korean telecom’s weak femtocell security exposed customers to spying and payment fraud

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT found that Korea Telecom, or KT, deployed thousands of poorly secured femtocells, including a certificate stored in plaintext and reused across many devices. The weaknesses enabled attackers to intercept customer communications and carry out micropayments fraud, potentially over a period of years.

Researchers Develop Neuromorphic-Inspired Artificial Skin for Robots

Researchers built a modular “e-skin” that uses spiking signals—loosely inspired by how biological nerves communicate—to report pressure and sensor identity, while also sending regular “I’m still here” health checks. A second processing layer can localize touch, filter signals, and trigger simple reflexes, like moving a robotic arm away from potentially damaging force, before passing consolidated data to a higher-level controller. The snap-together skin segments use magnetic interlocks and unique ID codes so damaged sections can be quickly swapped out, and the design can pair with energy-efficient spiking-neural hardware for AI-based control.

Spanish woman who became famous for a botched fresco restoration has died

Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish woman who gained global attention after an attempted restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco went wrong—leading to the nickname “Monkey Christ”—has died.

How growing up in war affects an 11-year-old

Journalist Fergal Keane’s reporting and research explore how growing up in war affects an 11-year-old, focusing on the long-term psychological impact of trauma and examining what interventions, if any, can help children recover.

Candlelight vigil in Hockessin honors fallen Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook

Hundreds of people gathered in Hockessin as the Police Athletic League of Delaware held a candlelight vigil to honor fallen Delaware State Police trooper Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook.

Candlelight vigil planned for Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook

The Police Athletic League of Delaware is holding a candlelight vigil to honor fallen Delaware State Police trooper Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook.

John F. Kennedy Quote of the Day: Humanity Must End War or Be Destroyed by It

Today’s entry highlights John F. Kennedy’s warning that humanity must end war or face its own destruction—a Cold War–era reminder that in the nuclear age, modern conflict could mean total annihilation, with no true victors.

Beyoncé Becomes the Fifth Musician to Reach Billionaire Status

Beyoncé has become the fifth musician to attain billionaire status after 35 years of major album sales, highly profitable tours, and a range of business ventures.

Bonus Quote of the Day

In a bonus quote of the day, President Trump told reporters the new White House ballroom is larger than he previously described, and emphasized its security features, including bulletproof glass and a “drone-free” roof.

Trump Says He Wants to Move Quickly to the Next Phase of the Gaza Ceasefire

Trump said he wants to reach the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire “very quickly” after talks with Netanyahu, and warned Hamas it would face severe consequences if it does not disarm.

Trump and Netanyahu Meet to Discuss the Gaza War and Warn Iran on Nuclear Ambitions

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met privately at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss next steps toward ending the war in Gaza, as the U.S. seeks to move a brokered agreement from phase one to phase two. Trump said they reached conclusions but offered no details, reiterated that Hamas must disarm, and voiced full support for Israel amid mutual accusations of ceasefire violations. He also floated the possibility of international involvement in Gaza’s next phase, including a technocratic administration, a stabilization force, and potential Turkish participation. The leaders also discussed Iran, with Trump warning of strong consequences if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program and signaling support for possible Israeli strikes if Iran continues missile or nuclear development.

Music in 2026: Upcoming Album Releases and Whether Oasis Will Play Knebworth

Music in 2026 will feature major new album releases alongside a packed schedule of tours and festivals, with a close look at which artists are expected to return with new music and whether Oasis might play Knebworth.

In a Tough Job Market, Some People Use Dating Apps to Find Interviews

Some job seekers are using dating apps to land interviews, trying to bypass automated hiring systems and overloaded application portals by treating platforms like Hinge as networking tools. A 20-year-old design student in California reworked her dating profile to connect with people who could offer referrals, leading to real-world networking and interview advice—though not much romance. With U.S. unemployment rising to 4.6% in 2025 and more degree-holders out of work, a survey found about a third of dating app users have pursued matches for career connections, reflecting a growing reliance on “who you know” to reach actual hiring managers.

A New Dispute in the FCAS Fighter Program Focuses on the Eurofighter Typhoon

France’s National Assembly has revived the long-running cost comparison between the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, arguing the Eurofighter’s unit price and lifetime operating costs are significantly higher and blaming multinational program management for inefficiency. Procurement figures cited show a meaningful cost gap, though they do not fully support the claim that the Eurofighter is “twice as expensive.” The renewed debate lands at a sensitive moment for the Future Combat Air System program, adding fresh pressure to already contentious partner negotiations.

MacArthur’s old-school warning about war

Army General Douglas MacArthur is quoted warning that going to war without a clear commitment to victory is a disaster—the kind of blunt clarity modern leaders treat like an allergen. The piece pairs that with a quick tour of how he built his legend: early fighting in the Philippines, the Veracruz expedition, and decorated World War I frontline leadership that accelerated his rise.

Swalwell floats 2026 pressure campaign over Epstein-related files

Rep. Eric Swalwell says Democrats should publicly signal they might pursue impeachment and cut funding for Trump administration officials over files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein if Democrats win back the House in 2026. He also cited tools like inherent contempt and other enforcement options to push compliance, because in Washington, the only thing rarer than transparency is consequences.

Mark Few wants Congress to intervene in college sports chaos

Gonzaga men’s basketball coach Mark Few says college sports may need congressional help as coaches grow frustrated with system changes. He pointed to name, image and likeness payments and looser transfer rules reshaping roster management, which is a polite way of saying everyone is trying to run a program while the ground keeps moving and the rulebook is now interpretive dance.

Don Bacon urges Trump to verify Russia’s claims about Ukraine

Rep. Don Bacon criticized President Trump for seeming to accept Russia’s claim that Ukraine tried to launch a drone attack on a residence linked to Vladimir Putin. Bacon urged Trump and his team to check facts before assigning blame, arguing that Putin lies frequently—a statement so safe it could be printed on a Moscow souvenir mug.

Trump says he would back an Israeli strike if Iran expands missile program

President Trump said he would support a potential Israeli attack on Iran if Tehran continues expanding and testing its ballistic missile program. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump framed it as swift action tied to concerns about Iran’s nuclear and missile activities, because nothing says stability like conditional endorsements of bombing.

Winter storm pounds Midwest, Northeast faces freezing rain

A winter storm is sweeping across the Midwest with strong winds, snow, and ice, triggering flight cancellations and major disruptions. The Northeast, including Massachusetts and Maine, is bracing for freezing rain that could create dangerous roads and power problems.

Forbes says Beyoncé is now a billionaire

Forbes declared Beyoncé a billionaire, placing her in the tiny club of music stars with billion-dollar fortunes, alongside Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and her husband Jay-Z. Another reminder that the entertainment economy can mint monarchs while the rest of us argue with our grocery receipts.

2026 superhero slate, more capes, more multiverses

A roundup previews five major superhero movies and TV releases slated for 2026 from Marvel, DC, and other franchises, ranging from “Supergirl” to “Avengers: Doomsday.” The content promises fresh entries, because in the superhero industrial complex, retirement is for mortals.

Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria car crash that killed two

Nigerian-British boxer and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two other passengers. Details on his injuries were not fully specified in the summary, and the focus remains on the loss of life and the seriousness of the incident.

Tunnel to Towers to pay off mortgage for fallen Delaware trooper’s family

Tunnel to Towers Foundation says it will cover the mortgage for the family of Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook, a rare moment where someone with resources uses them for something other than a yacht upgrade.

Ryanair flight turns back after severe turbulence over France

Ryanair flight FR1121 from Birmingham to Tenerife returned to Birmingham after severe turbulence around 35,000 feet over Brittany, France, reportedly tossing some passengers from their seats and injuring several while crew were serving. The pilot declared a general emergency, descended to about 10,000 feet, and landed safely about 1 hour 32 minutes after departure. Paramedics met the aircraft at a remote stand, Ryanair said a small number of passengers received medical assistance, and the flight later continued to Tenerife that evening.

Two pilots killed in midair helicopter collision in New Jersey

Both pilots died after their helicopters collided in midair over Hammonton, New Jersey on Sunday.

Tony-winning “Suffs” brings suffragette story to Philadelphia on tour

The Broadway musical “Suffs,” about the suffragettes who fought for and won American women the right to vote, is bringing its first national tour to Philadelphia’s Academy of Music.

Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria car crash that killed two others

Nigerian-British former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a car accident in Nigeria on Monday. Two other passengers were killed.

Caravan park expansion dispute heats up as councillor denies “fabricated lies”

A senior councillor rejected allegations of improper conduct tied to plans by Vale Holiday Parks Ltd to relocate 47 caravan pitches to Ocean Heights Holiday Park near New Quay, expanding the site from 103 to 150. Objections cite traffic, road safety, wastewater capacity, infrastructure strain, and overdevelopment, and New Quay Town Council has been unable to discuss it due to members declaring interests. Councillor Matthew Vaux denies suggesting he would back the scheme regardless of impact or having a conflict, saying he has declared a personal and prejudicial interest linked to an access easement and tourism business involvement. County planners are expected to decide in 2026, because apparently we are governing by geological time.

Philadelphia airport braces for second-busiest Christmas travel day

Philadelphia International Airport expects Monday to be the second-busiest day of the Christmas holiday rush, so pack patience, snacks, and the spiritual acceptance that you live in a system powered by boarding groups and vibes.

Rogan and Gillis slam Trump’s “Presidential Walk of Fame” plaques

Joe Rogan and Shane Gillis criticized President Donald Trump on “The Joe Rogan Experience” over White House “Presidential Walk of Fame” plaques that reportedly include derogatory descriptions of former presidents. They argued it cheapens the office and invites future retaliation, with Gillis saying it adds weight to accusations that Trump governs like a dictator. Reports say plaques attack Joe Biden and Barack Obama while praising Trump, because nothing says “stable institution” like self-curated reviews mounted on the wall.

Netanyahu set to meet Trump in Florida on proposed Gaza peace plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump on Monday in Florida to discuss a proposed peace plan for Gaza.

Mayo Clinic study links financial strain and food insecurity to accelerated heart aging

A new Mayo Clinic study finds financial strain and food insecurity are the strongest factors associated with accelerated heart aging, suggesting economic stress can meaningfully affect cardiovascular health, which is a grim way to learn that poverty is also a cardiac event.

China Holds Live-Fire Military Drills Around Taiwan to Warn Against Independence Moves

China staged live-fire military drills around Taiwan as a warning to what it called separatist forces. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it launched rapid response exercises, put forces on high alert, and is preparing to defend the island in case the situation escalates.

Nineteen people rescued in Southern California human trafficking sting

In San Diego County, the “Home for the Holidays” Human Trafficking Task Force operation rescued 19 victims and arrested four adult men on charges including pimping, pandering, and violating a protective order.

Holiday Return Policies for 2025: Extended Deadlines and Important Exceptions for Shoppers

Holiday return policies in 2025 may include extended return windows, but shoppers should watch for common exceptions and restrictions that can affect gift returns. BestReviews.com’s Ken Maccarone explains what to check before attempting to return holiday purchases.

Severe Winter Weather Disrupts Post-Holiday Travel

Post-holiday travel is being disrupted by severe winter weather, with tens of millions of Americans under winter weather alerts as they return home from holiday trips.

Iran’s Currency Slide Triggers a Second Day of Trader Protests

Iran saw a second day of trader protests as shopkeepers closed their businesses after the rial fell to new lows on the free market. The drop has intensified worries about rising inflation and underscored the growing gap between official exchange rates and street-market prices.

Abu Dhabi renewable energy company Masdar expands into Malaysia

Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company Masdar will develop a 200-megawatt floating solar power plant at Malaysia’s Chereh dam, the first project under a 10-gigawatt roadmap agreed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2023. The facility is expected to become Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar plant, supplying electricity for more than 100,000 homes, and adds to Masdar’s portfolio across more than 40 countries amid growing overseas expansion by Gulf developers. Masdar says it will need many more projects to meet its goal of delivering 100 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030.

The London neighbourhood where homes are selling faster than anywhere else

A South East London suburb is leading the city for fast home sales, driven by leafy streets, strong transport connections, and a reputation for being relatively safe.

AI-Enabled Toys Can Respond to Children, Raising Safety Questions

A new wave of AI-powered toys is emerging, including stuffed animals that talk back, chessboards with self-moving pieces, and a holographic fairy displayed in a crystal ball—prompting concerns about how safe these interactive devices are for children.

Councillor rejects allegations over caravan pitch relocation plan

A senior Ceredigion councillor, Matthew Vaux, has denied what he called “fabricated lies” after an objector to a proposal to relocate 47 caravan pitches to Ocean Heights Holiday Park near New Quay alleged he would back the scheme regardless of impact and suggested a conflict of interest. Vale Holiday Parks Ltd is seeking to move 17 pitches from Wern Mill Caravan Park and 30 from The Village Holiday Park, taking Ocean Heights from 103 to 150 pitches, with a planning decision expected in 2026. The application has drawn local opposition over road safety, infrastructure capacity, traffic, and wastewater. Vaux says he has declared a personal and prejudicial interest linked to an access easement and tourism business connections.

The 20 Most Anticipated Movies of 2026

Bones, brides and odysseys: a moviegoing guide highlighting 20 unmissable films expected to reach cinemas in the first half of 2026.

More than 300 earthquakes recorded across the UK in 2025

The UK has been shaken by more than 300 earthquakes throughout 2025, with 309 recorded by December 18 in British Geological Survey data. The most active areas included Perthshire and the western Highlands, parts of southern Wales, and Yorkshire and Lancashire. The largest onshore quakes struck near Loch Lyon on October 20, with magnitudes 3.7 and 3.6, followed by a 3.2 event near Silverdale, Lancashire, on December 3, generating hundreds of public reports. The BGS said major, damaging earthquakes are very unlikely, but emphasized the importance of monitoring and studying frequent small events to understand seismic risk to infrastructure.

Adam Peaty’s brother deletes Instagram post shortly after being excluded from Holly Ramsay wedding

A day after Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty married Holly Ramsay at Bath Abbey, Peaty’s estranged brother James posted an Instagram Story featuring a throwback photo outside the venue with their mother Caroline, captioned “Merry Christmas,” and paired with a remix of The Godfather’s “Speak Softly, Love.” The post disappeared after about 15 minutes, as reports said James was not invited to the wedding amid serious allegations and an ongoing police investigation linked to claims of harassment and threats. The wedding highlighted wider family tensions, with Caroline reportedly barred from attending, and Adam previously saying he and Holly could not discuss the situation due to the investigation.

Councillor Rejects Allegations Over Caravan Pitch Relocation Plan

A senior Ceredigion councillor, Matthew Vaux, has denied allegations from an objector regarding a proposal by Vale Holiday Parks Ltd to relocate 47 caravan pitches to Ocean Heights Holiday Park in Maenygroes, increasing the site from 103 to 150 pitches. The plan would move 17 caravans from Wern Mill Caravan Park and 30 from The Village Holiday Park, and is expected to be decided by the planning committee in 2026. Local councils and residents have raised objections including road safety, infrastructure strain, wastewater capacity, and overdevelopment; New Quay Town Council could not discuss the application after members declared interests. Vaux said claims about his conduct and impartiality were false, and confirmed he has declared a personal and prejudicial interest due to an access easement and his involvement in a tourism-linked business.

Dec. 29, 1975: Bombing at LaGuardia Airport Kills 11

On Dec. 29, 1975, a terrorist bomb exploded at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, killing 11 people and injuring 75.

Famous birthdays on Dec. 29 include Myles Garrett and Dexter Holland

Dec. 29 birthdays include NFL player Myles Garrett, who turns 30, and musician Dexter Holland, who turns 60.

Nigel Farage says Reform UK will target six London councils as a step toward challenging Sadiq Khan

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says his party is aiming to win control of around six London borough councils at the May 7 local elections, focusing on outer-London areas such as Bromley, Bexley, Havering, and Barking & Dagenham. He argues Labour could be weakened by vote-splitting from the Greens and independent candidates, and says council gains would help build momentum for a London mayoral challenge in 2028, when Sadiq Khan has indicated he intends to run again.

Ryanair flight turns back after turbulence injures passengers

A Ryanair flight from Birmingham to Tenerife turned back about 90 minutes after takeoff after hitting severe turbulence during cabin service, injuring several passengers. The pilot declared a general emergency, landed normally back in Birmingham, and emergency crews met the aircraft, with some passengers receiving medical help before the flight later continued to Tenerife.

Midair helicopter collision kills one in New Jersey

One person died after two helicopters collided midair over Hammonton Municipal Airport in New Jersey. The FAA said the aircraft were an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C.

PISA 2022 reading rankings, Singapore leads the pack

An overview of OECD PISA 2022 reading scores for 15-year-olds ranks Singapore first at 543, followed by Japan and Ireland at 516, with Taiwan and Korea close behind at 515. East Asian systems and several Northern European countries, including Estonia at 511, score highly, while Canada (507), the United States (504), and the United Kingdom (494) land in the upper tier above the OECD average of 476.

DIY P25 police scanner build uses RTL-SDR, OP25, and home streaming

A project writeup follows YouTuber MostlyBuilds assembling a networked digital scanner using an RTL-SDR Blog V3 and a ZimaBoard 2 to receive local police radio and decode P25 voice with the open-source OP25 decoder. The setup uses ZimaOS and Docker, streams via Icecast and MediaMTX, includes tips for finding frequencies and avoiding encrypted channels, adds silence between transmissions with a custom Python script, and ends with an ESP32 client prototype that plays the stream through a speaker.

Aaron Levie argues AI will make people do more knowledge work, not less

Aaron Levie says as AI makes knowledge-work tasks dramatically cheaper, demand will rise rather than shrink, pushing people to do far more work overall. He argues much of future AI use will be for new efforts that wouldn’t have happened otherwise, like additional software projects, contract reviews, medical research, and marketing campaigns.

Media leaders’ 2025 regrets, underestimating Epstein outrage and ignoring a major deal

A roundup of reflections from media commentators and executives lists calls they regret, including dismissing the Epstein scandal as a niche conspiracy and later realizing younger audiences’ anger at elite impunity was real. Another admission says writing off the drawn-out Paramount-to-Skydance sale as boring minutiae missed that it was a consequential media business story deserving sustained attention.

UK deportation push targets Egyptian dissident over resurfaced tweets

An Egyptian dissident is apologising for past tweets after Conservatives escalated demands to deport him from the UK. Labour MP Shabana Mahmood faces pressure to revoke the citizenship of British-Egyptian dual national Alaa Abdel Fattah following resurfaced social media posts.

Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace deal may be “very close” after Zelenskyy meeting

President Donald Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago press conference that a Russia-Ukraine peace deal may be “very close” after a Florida meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about a proposed 20-point plan. Trump said they also spoke with multiple European leaders and reiterated he is “on the side of peace” and wants to stop the war.

Eagles reach 11–5 with road win over Bills

The Philadelphia Eagles improved to 11–5 by beating the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo, with the defense starring while the offense was less impressive. The game recap uses a ten-awards format to highlight key moments and performers.

Eagles edge Bills in messy, defense-led win

Philadelphia beat Buffalo 13 to 12 in a sloppy, weather-affected game, moving to 11 and 5 behind a dominant defense. The Eagles sacked Josh Allen five times, forced key mistakes, and made critical goal-line stops, while the offense sputtered with conservative calls and punts. The finish hinged on Allen missing a wide-open receiver on a potential game-winning two-point try, with disputed calls and late Bills momentum adding extra chaos.

Two helicopters collide in southern New Jersey, one dead

Two helicopters crashed midair Sunday in southern New Jersey, killing one pilot and critically injuring the other. Police responded around 11:25 a.m. and found one helicopter on fire, with heavy smoke reported by witnesses. The FAA identified the aircraft as an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C, with only the pilots aboard. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

Pentagon projects major growth in China’s aircraft carrier fleet

A new Pentagon report says China’s carrier force, which began with its first carrier in 2012 and has expanded rapidly since, could reach as many as nine aircraft carriers by 2035.

South Korean won strengthens, but investors worry about 2025 averages

The won rose over the past week after official measures and hedging by the national pension fund. At the same time, the currency’s 2025 average exchange rate has climbed to its highest level since the global financial crisis, stoking investor concern.

Global leader approvals slide amid inflation and voter fatigue

A late-2025 global survey (Dec. 8 to 14) ranks India’s Narendra Modi first in approval at 71%, down from 75% earlier in 2025. Many leaders saw support erode amid inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and voter fatigue, while some year-end bumps largely reflect new leaders replacing unpopular predecessors. Europe heads into 2026 with many leaders net-negative, France’s Emmanuel Macron ranks last, and the United States’ Donald Trump sits mid-pack, with approval and disapproval roughly even.

South Korea parties clash over press laws and “media gag” lawsuits

South Korea’s Democratic Party urged the People Power Party to apologize for previously backing so-called “media gag” lawsuits, while also criticizing a proposed revision to the Press Arbitration Act.

China airs rare footage of PLA tabletop exercise featuring Rafale “threat”

China broadcast unusual footage of a PLA Air Force war-gaming exercise in Henan province, simulating air combat between eight J-16 fighters and six French Dassault Rafales in a tabletop-style setup. Beijing did not disclose results, but the public release signals confidence in training, modeling, and doctrine, and it spotlights the Rafale as a featured “threat” aircraft in Chinese planning.

South Korea says “junior staff pay for meals” tradition is fading

South Korea’s Interior Ministry says the custom of younger employees paying for group meals is declining as agencies expand anonymous reporting systems and encourage Dutch pay so everyone covers their own share.

Mummers Parade prep, Greater Kensington String Band rehearses for New Year’s

With New Year’s Day approaching, the Greater Kensington String Band is rehearsing and making final adjustments for the annual Mummers Parade.

Strong cold front to whip up Philadelphia winds into Tuesday

AccuWeather says a strong cold front will move through the Philadelphia region Monday afternoon, with wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph expected to persist through Tuesday.

Yonsei University develops generative AI for drafting medical records

A Yonsei University research team created a generative AI system that drafts medical records, and it is now being used at Severance Hospital.

Rafale fighter spotlight, flexible loadout keeps it potent

France’s Dassault Rafale, a 4.5-generation fighter, remains a capable combat aircraft thanks largely to its adaptable weapons and fuel options. It features a 30mm GIAT cannon, 14 external hardpoints, and can be configured for air-to-air, strike, and other missions.

New Jersey helicopter collision leaves one dead

Two helicopters collided in Hammonton, New Jersey, killing one person and leaving another critically injured.

Kent house fire kills a child

A child died at the scene of an intense house fire in Hamstreet, Kent, according to Kent Fire and Rescue. Another child was taken to hospital.

Zelensky heads to Mar-a-Lago for talks with Trump on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a proposed ceasefire and steps toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Houston airport near-miss as two jets avoid collision

Two jets taking off from a Houston airport narrowly avoided a collision, according to air traffic control recordings obtained by ABC News.

Philadelphia Mummers Parade prep, Greater Kensington String Band rehearses

An inside look at the Greater Kensington String Band rehearsing and making final adjustments for its Mummers Parade performance as New Year’s Day nears.

Study warns built-in device browsers are years out of date

Researchers at KU Leuven’s DistriNet unit found embedded web browsers in products like cars, smart TVs, and e-readers are often years behind current versions, exposing users to phishing and known flaws. Using a crowdsourced testing framework presented at SOUPS 2025, they gathered 76 submissions covering 53 products. Many had browsers at least three years out of date, including some already obsolete at launch. The study also suggests some manufacturers fail to deliver browser security updates despite advertising free updates.

Kyrgios beats Sabalenka in exhibition, hype exceeds substance

Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a Battle of the Sexes-style exhibition match, but the event reportedly fell short of the intensity and entertainment that had been promoted, leaving its value and purpose unclear.

Flood alert declared in Elbląg, Poland

The Polish city of Elbląg declared a flood alert after the Elbląg River exceeded the 590 cm warning threshold and continued rising. Mayor Michał Missan ordered the alert Saturday night.

UK polling shows Reform gaining as Labour and Conservatives slip

Roughly 400 polls since Labour’s 2024 landslide suggest both Labour and the Conservatives have steadily lost support while Reform UK has gained. Weekly averages put Labour and Reform level at around 25% each, Conservatives at 21%, Liberal Democrats at 13%, and Greens at 9%. Analysis suggests Reform’s gains come from both Labour and the Conservatives in roughly equal measure, adding pressure on party leaders ahead of the May 2026 local elections, though polling remains volatile.

Trump welcomes Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, takes swipe at UN

President Trump said he welcomed a newly announced ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, voiced hope the recent fighting would pause and relations would return to an earlier treaty framework, and criticized the United Nations.

Trump allies move to line up 2028 support for JD Vance

GOP allies close to Donald Trump are working to consolidate support behind Ohio Senator JD Vance for a 2028 presidential run and discourage a competitive primary. Turning Point USA plans early organizing across Iowa, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled he would back Vance if he runs.

Tottenham’s Archie Gray scores first senior goal in win at Palace

Nineteen-year-old Archie Gray scored his first senior goal for Tottenham Hotspur, sealing a 1-0 away victory over Crystal Palace.

Premier League “Team of the Week” feature

After each round of Premier League matches, Troy Deeney selects his Team of the Week and invites readers to compare picks and debate the standout performers.

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

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

Welsh rugby clubs blast WRU proposals, cite lack of consultation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flu season worries rise as influenza A K subclade spreads

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

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

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

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

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