Heavy rain storms in California leave three dead as of Christmas night
The storms have brought flash flooding and mudslides during a time of busy holiday travel.
Notable Events Around the World on - 2025-12-25
Venezuela frees dozens detained during protests against Maduro
Families celebrate Christmas releases while calling for full freedom of detainees.
aljazeera.com
There’s an itsy-bitsy fear I want to overcome. I will never be a fan, but can I at least be Normal about spiders? | Rebecca Shaw
In order to be less scared, I imagine the huge Australian huntsman as a girlie, just chilling and listening to us yap. It sounds dumb, but it worked (a little bit)Read more summer essentialsI am so...
theguardian.com
Zelensky hails 'new ideas' on peace after talks with US envoys
Ukraine's leader gives an upbeat assessment after discussing the plan with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
bbc.com
Remembering Those Who Died This Year
We look back at the lives of some of the artists, innovators and thinkers we lost in 2025.
nytimes.com
‘No negotiation, no truce’ with RSF, says senior Sudan official
Comments come days after PM Kamil Idris presented a plan to end the country’s nearly three-year war.
aljazeera.com
John Carey, Literary Eminence Who Excoriated Snobbery, Dies at 91
An Oxford professor and renowned critic, he was pugnacious, fearless and disdainful of the received wisdom of his intellectual milieu.
nytimes.com
Robert Lindsey, Times Reporter and Reagan Ghostwriter, Dies at 90
Robert Lindsey in 1979, when he was the Los Angeles bureau chief for The New York Times.
nytimes.com
Syria says senior ISIL commander killed in Damascus countryside raid
Interior Ministry says the raid killed Mohammed Shahadeh, describing him as one of ISIL’s senior commanders in Syria.
aljazeera.com
Photos: A Venezuelan family Christmas – from the US dream to poverty
More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled economic collapse, but many are now returning home to face bleak realities.
aljazeera.com
Turkiye and Libya intensify probe into deadly plane crash near Ankara
Search teams find site of crash that killed Libyan army chief and seven other people, including three crew members.
aljazeera.com
Brazil ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's surgery for hernia 'successful'
The former leader is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election.
bbc.com
Five Killed in Helicopter Crash on Kilimanjaro, Africa’s Highest Peak
The snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, as seen from Kimana, Kenya. The Tanzanian authorities were making arrangements with the relevant embassies to return the bodies of those killed in the...
nytimes.com
How a Spanish virus brought Google to Málaga
Spanish entrepreneur Bernardo Quintero, whose company is at the root of Google's Málaga cybersecurity hub, identified the author of the computer virus that influenced his career.
techcrunch.com
The Guardian view on May 2026 elections: a new political geography is coming into view across Britain | Editorial
Over the holiday period, the Guardian leader column is looking ahead at the themes of 2026. Today we look at the impact of devolution on growing volatility of party political allegianceNext year wi...
theguardian.com
The best distraction blockers to jumpstart your focus in the new year
Whether you need to limit social media scrolling or block off time to be productive, there are different tools that can help you stay on task
techcrunch.com
Watch: Pope Leo's plea for peace in Christmas message
Pope Leo calls for an end to conflicts around the world in Christmas speech.
bbc.com
‘Lost decade’ of progress after UK introduced shared parental leave, say experts
Research suggests fewer than one in 60 public sector workers share leave with partners when they have a babyWhy shared parental leave is a monumental dud of a policyExperts have criticised a “lost...
theguardian.com
Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri dies at 72
Celebrated director of 'Jenin, Jenin' documentary leaves behind legacy of artistic resistance.
aljazeera.com
Forest fulcrum Robertson - 'a talented, highly skilled, unbelievable outside-left'
John Robertson, who has died aged 72, was dubbed "the Picasso of football" and made Brian Clough's great Nottingham Forest side tick, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
bbc.com
End of shareholder revolt register ‘will help UK firms bury pay controversies’
Fears for transparency and governance after closure of public log meant to curb ‘abuses and excess’ in boardroomsUK-listed companies will be able to bury controversies over executive pay for the fi...
theguardian.com
Five people killed in firefight on Tajik-Afghan border, Tajikistan says
The incident is the third of its kind in recent weeks in which Tajik border guards and civilians have been killed.
aljazeera.com
Palestine Action: Prison hunger strikes that shaped history
Four Palestine Action members are continuing hunger strikes in the UK, following a protest practice with a long history.
aljazeera.com
Christmas Around the World in Photos
A Christmas Eve service at the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Basra, Iraq.
nytimes.com
Rescue helicopter crashes, killing five on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners seeking medical evacuation are among those killed in the crash on Africa's highest mountain.
aljazeera.com
Ex-Nottingham Forest and Scotland winger Robertson dies aged 72
Former Nottingham Forest and Scotland winger John Robertson has died at the age of 72.
skysports.com
'Picasso' of football Robertson dies aged 72
Former Scotland, Nottingham Forest and Derby County winger John Robertson - once described by manager Brian Clough as "a Picasso of our game" - dies at the age of 72.
bbc.com
Jaguars CB Lewis out for season with foot injury
Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis will miss the remainder of the season because of a foot injury that will require surgery.
espn.com
Atmospheric river storm causes flooding across Southern California
A powerful winter storm has unleashed torrential rain across Southern California, triggering flash flooding.
aljazeera.com
Pope Leo Makes Christmas Call for Dialogue to Address World’s Conflicts
Pope Leo XIV greeting the crowd gathered at the Vatican on Christmas Day.
nytimes.com
Ukraine accepts demilitarised zone to end Russia war, but do DMZs work?
The latest proposal involves DMZs in the Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. But DMZs have a mixed track record globally.
aljazeera.com
Indonesians hold Christmas mass at flood-devastated area
Residents of Aek Ngadol village, in Indonesia’s North Sumatra, gathered for Christmas mass amid the wreckage.
aljazeera.com
This popular painkiller may do more harm than good
Tramadol, a popular opioid often seen as a “safer” painkiller, may not live up to its reputation. A large analysis of clinical trials found that while it does reduce chronic pain, the relief is mod...
sciencedaily.com
Pope Leo urges 'courage' to end Ukraine war in first Christmas address
The pope also laments the condition of Palestinians during his address to worshippers at the Vatican.
bbc.com
Pope Leo laments suffering of Gaza Palestinians in first Christmas sermon
Global wars are 'leaving behind rubble and open wounds', pontiff says.
aljazeera.com
Michael Mann: ‘I make films for a large presentation’
As his epic crime thriller Heat turns 30, the director talks about pairing acting legends, his thoughts on AI and what’s happening with Heat 2Hannibal Lecter’s first movie appearance was in 1986’s...
theguardian.com
Oceans are supercharging hurricanes past Category 5
Deep ocean hot spots packed with heat are making the strongest hurricanes and typhoons more likely—and more dangerous. These regions, especially near the Philippines and the Caribbean, are expandin...
sciencedaily.com
Key figures in creation of Milton Keynes criticise UK’s new towns plan
Exclusive: Planners behind postwar new towns hit out at government over lack of ambition and commitment to social housingSenior planners involved in building the country’s postwar new towns have ra...
theguardian.com
‘We were treated like enemies of society’: Japan’s dangerous hardcore punk scene looks back to its roots
The pressure to conform in Japanese society made being a punk risky – even before you factor in the flamethrowers. As a new rash of reissues arrives, 80s stalwarts Lip Cream, Death Side and the Nu...
theguardian.com
AI ‘world models’ promise to reshape $190bn video games industry
Google DeepMind and Fei-Fei Li’s World Labs target gaming with AI-generated 3D environments
ft.com
The Gloves Are Off in the Fight for Your Right to Repair
This year, the right-to-repair movement got a boost from—surprisingly—big tech, tariffs, and economic downturn. But the companies controlling who fixes their stuff aren’t giving up that power willi...
wired.com
Sitting with Ferguson and getting 'knocked out' - a photographer's tales
Magi Haroun, the first Premier League-accredited female photographer, shares her stories about sitting in the dugout with Sir Alex Ferguson and more.
bbc.com
Pope Leo Surprises St. Peter’s Crowd Before Christmas Eve Mass
Pope Leo XIV, center, performed the Christmas Eve mass at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Wednesday.
nytimes.com
Pope Leo Surprises St. Peter’s Crowd Before Christmas Eve Mass
Pope Leo XIV, center, performed the Christmas Eve mass at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Wednesday.
nytimes.com
First Christmas in Gaza in two years: A story of hope and survival
Christians in Gaza celebrate Christmas after two years of Israel's war and enduring pain, displacement and destruction.
aljazeera.com
Turkey arrests 115 IS suspects 'planning New Year's attacks'
Turkish authorities say firearms were seized and efforts to trace further suspected members are continuing.
bbc.com
Palestinian couple’s wedding turned to funeral after Israeli attack in Gaza
A Palestinian couple’s long-delayed wedding ended in tragedy when an Israeli attack struck their school-turned-shelter.
aljazeera.com
With Airspace Closed, a Lonely Christmas for Many Venezuelans
Most foreign flights into and out of Simón Bolivar International Airport, the main airport serving Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, have been canceled.
nytimes.com
Why the Right Is Boycotting Havaianas Flip-Flops
The trouble started for Havaianas with the beginning of a new holiday campaign starring the popular Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres.
nytimes.com
The video games you may have missed in 2025
Date a vending machine, watch intergalactic television and make the most out of your short existence as a fly. Here are the best games you weren’t playing this year• The 20 best video games of 2025...
theguardian.com
Did 2025 mark the end of British parliamentary democracy as we know it? | Andy Beckett
The conventions and rituals that define the way we do politics rapidly eroded this year – setting the UK on a course into the unknownWas this the year that British democracy as we have known it beg...
theguardian.com
'I'm not retiring' - Kipchoge's marathon world tour
Sporting great Eliud Kipchoge says his plan to run marathons on seven different continents is about purpose, not records.
bbc.com
Video: Gaza’s Christians mark first Christmas since fragile ceasefire deal
Gaza’s Christians reflected on the loss they’ve experienced after two years of Israel’s devastating war.
aljazeera.com
Astronomers discover one of the Universe’s largest spinning structures
Scientists have discovered a giant cosmic filament where galaxies spin in sync with the structure that holds them together. The razor-thin chain of galaxies sits inside a much larger filament that...
sciencedaily.com
Photos: Global stories of 2025 in pictures
A powerful visual timeline showcasing the pivotal events that reshaped our global landscape throughout the year.
aljazeera.com
Somali capital holds first direct election in five decades
People in Mogadishu vote in first direct local polls in 56 years amid opposition boycotts.
aljazeera.com
A Christmas tree 80 light-years wide appears in space
This Christmas, astronomers are highlighting a spectacular region of space that looks remarkably like a glowing holiday tree. Known as NGC 2264, this distant star-forming region sits about 2,700 li...
sciencedaily.com
It’s turkey time! The 12 worst films of 2025
This year has brought us some great movies – and also at least a dozen dire-one star disasters. Here are the Guardian’s critics on the pick of the year’s cinematic calamities• Guardian readers’ bes...
theguardian.com
Egypt vs South Africa: AFCON 2025 – Salah, team news, start and lineups
Record winners Egypt, led by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, face South Africa in the first titanic battle of the tournament.
aljazeera.com
Russia claims to have seized more than 5,100 square km of Ukraine in 2025
Analysts and Ukrainian officials doubt Moscow's latest announcements as peace talks stall.
aljazeera.com
Wild animals are great gift givers – and there’s one present in particular I’d love to receive for Christmas | Helen Pilcher
Penguins hand over pebbles; scorpionflies give spitballs. But I’m hankering after a sea sponge presented by a dolphinThis Christmas morning, are you worried you didn’t choose quite the right gift f...
theguardian.com
Eleven suspects arrested over deadly South African tavern shooting
Police said the suspects arrested were found with unlicensed firearms, including four handguns and an AK-47 rifle.
aljazeera.com
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants review – swashbuckling, snicker-inducing silliness
With a turn by Mark Hamill and a saltily suggestive catchphrase for Patrick, the fourth SpongeBob film shows that anything can still happen in Bikini BottomCould the students who snickered their wa...
theguardian.com
Books to look out for in 2026 – nonfiction
Memoirs from Liza Minnelli and Lena Dunham, essays by David Sedaris and Alan Bennett’s diaries are among the highlights of the year aheadOver the past year we’ve been spoiled for memoirs from high-...
theguardian.com
'Coolest thing I've done' - Lowry on Ryder Cup win after 'horrific' leaderboard
Shane Lowry secured Team Europe's historic Ryder Cup title defence in New York, having been concerned about victory slipping through their grasp during a nail-biting Sunday.
skysports.com
For Trump, 'America First' has meant an aggressive use of power in foreign policy
In his first year back in office, President Trump has made clear that America First is far from isolationist, instead it means aggressive use of the country's unilateral power around the world.
npr.org
Former ambassador talks about Trump's foreign policy approach during his second term
Wendy Sherman, a former ambassador who has served under three presidential administrations, analyzes President Trump's approach to foreign policy this year.
npr.org
Front-runner to be Bangladesh PM returns after 17 years in exile
Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, arrives weeks before for pivotal elections are held.
bbc.com
Algeria passes law declaring French colonisation a crime
Algeria’s parliament unanimously passed a law declaring France’s colonisation a crime.
aljazeera.com
US will focus on exerting economic pressure on Venezuela: Report
A US official told Reuters that Washington will focus on targeting Venezuela oil in lieu of 'military options'.
aljazeera.com
Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman returns after 17 years in exile
The acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is considered top a PM candidate in February's election.
aljazeera.com
‘The best thing I have ever witnessed on stage’: readers’ favourite theatre of 2025
A transcendent new take on King Lear, a thrilling Evita and a show at Glasgow’s revamped Citizens that reduced one viewer to a ‘blubbering wreck’ are among your highlights• More on the best culture...
theguardian.com
‘Wouldn’t it be lovely if I could shut up?’ Meet Lola Petticrew, TV’s most fearless actor
The award-winning star of Say Nothing and Trespasses refuses to play the fame game when they can fight government inaction. They open up on making amazing TV … and why morals matter more than nice...
theguardian.com
Christmas under occupation: Israeli attacks against Palestinian Christians
Fewer than 50,000 Christians now live in Palestine under threat from Israel’s illegal occupation and attacks.
aljazeera.com
Why China, a One-Party State, Is Backing Elections in This Country
A bilateral meeting between leaders of Myanmar and China in the Guest House of Tianjin, China, in August.
nytimes.com
City of London churches offer sublime music in a divine setting
Secular and sacred performances draw new audiences to the Square Mile’s historic places of worship
ft.com
AI upheaval shows little sign of lessening
If the boom continues its blistering pace through 2026, the stresses could start to show
ft.com
Law firms hire record number of City partners as US players expand aggressively
London law firms hired 668 partners in 2025, up 21% on last year
ft.com
Why Russia Is Likely to Reject the New US-Ukrainian Peace Plan
A resident at an apartment building hit by a Russian drone during an aerial attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday.
nytimes.com
How one politically divided family keeps the peace during the holidays
Talking about politics over the holidays can be difficult for many families, even for politicians themselves. One politically divided family in Colorado makes sure get along, especially during the...
npr.org
Majority of Russians expect Ukraine war to end in 2026, state survey finds
'Main reason for optimism' is a belief that war in Ukraine will end in 2026 with Moscow's 'objectives' achieved.
aljazeera.com
Waterskiing Santas and giant cuts of meat: Christmas around the world
From London to Bethlehem, services and festivities to mark the holiday cheer are in full swing.
bbc.com
Transfer rumors, news: Barcelona eye Murillo, Aké in defensive push
Barcelona want Nottingham Forest defender Murillo or Manchester City's Nathan Aké on loan. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.
espn.com
Scientists found a way to restore brain blood flow in dementia
A new study suggests that dementia may be driven in part by faulty blood flow in the brain. Researchers found that losing a key lipid causes blood vessels to become overactive, disrupting circulati...
sciencedaily.com
European nations, Canada decry Israel’s new, illegal West Bank settlements
Fourteen countries condemn Israel's plans to expand West Bank settlements, express 'resolute support' for Palestinians.
aljazeera.com
As Trump’s tariffs hit Indian fox nuts, the superfood eyes new markets
Fox nuts remain unaffected by US tariffs due to strong domestic demand, coupled with emerging new markets.
aljazeera.com
DOJ says it may need a 'few more weeks' to finish releasing Epstein files
The Justice Department said Wednesday that it may need a "few more weeks" to release its records on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after discovering more than a million potentially relevant...
npr.org
What are asteroids really made of? New analysis brings space mining closer to reality
Scientists are digging into the hidden makeup of carbon-rich asteroids to see whether they could one day fuel space exploration—or even be mined for valuable resources. By analyzing rare meteorites...
sciencedaily.com
Peng Peiyun, 95, Dies; Official Renounced China’s One-Child Policy
Put in charge of imposing birth limits on Chinese couples, Peng Peiyun, a mother herself, worked to relax the policy by appealing directly to the country’s leaders.
nytimes.com
New technology eliminates “forever chemicals” with record-breaking speed and efficiency
A new eco-friendly technology can capture and destroy PFAS, the dangerous “forever chemicals” found worldwide in water. The material works hundreds to thousands of times faster and more efficiently...
sciencedaily.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,400
These are the key developments from day 1,400 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
aljazeera.com
Hawaii caps rally with last-minute TD to stun Cal
Hawaii rallied for a 35-31 victory over California in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
espn.com
Hawaii caps rally with last-minute TD to stun Cal
Hawaii rallied for a 35-31 victory over California in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.