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

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

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

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

Philadelphia Expands New Year’s Eve Fireworks to More Locations

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

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

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

Conservative Welsh Parliament member supports Labour minister in Welsh language dispute

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

Barry Manilow Announces He Has Lung Cancer

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

Viral video shows a Welshman returning to Wales for Christmas

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

Two men jailed for thefts targeting Grindr users

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump Administration Pauses Offshore Wind Farm Leases Citing National Security Concerns

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

Which Londoners Can Get Half-Price Tickets on TfL Services

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

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

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

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

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

Romania confirms ransomware attack hits national water management systems

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

Analysts warn U.S. Venezuela escalation could backfire globally

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

Guide explains how to build contact microphones with piezo discs

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

Weekly cyber recap, the quiet intrusions are piling up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Russian General Killed in Suspected Car Bomb in Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian General Reportedly Killed in Moscow Car Bombing, Officials Say

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.