Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China's plan to boost birth rates
Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt.
Notable Events Around the World on - 2025-12-31
New Year’s Eve celebrations as the world welcomes 2026
As the world enters 2026, cities celebrate with fireworks, concerts and gatherings across different time zones.
aljazeera.com
Trump says ‘removing’ National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland
US president backs away from troop deployment to US cities amid legal setbacks, vows return when crime 'begins to soar'.
aljazeera.com
Starmer says he is frustrated at pace of change in New Year message
Prime Minister says ‘for many, life is still harder than it should be’ but aims to overcome ‘decline and division’ in UK
ft.com
Keir Starmer to woo voters and MPs with new year plan to cut cost of living
PM to highlight energy bill and interest rate cuts, plus end to two-child benefit cap, and to invite his MPs to ChequersKeir Starmer will attempt to rescue his relationship with disillusioned voter...
theguardian.com
Jacqueline de Ribes, Tastemaker and Fashion Avatar, Dies at 96
Jacqueline de Ribes in 1953. She designed clothes for herself and for a socially prominent clientele.
nytimes.com
Bulgaria joins the euro after rocky path to new currency
The move is dividing the nation - some welcome it as a bold leap forwards, but others fear it will lead to economic stagnation.
bbc.com
Palestinians in Gaza say ‘lives will be destroyed’ by Israel’s NGO ban
Displaced people in Gaza warn new restrictions on aid group will 'lead to catastrophe' in devastated enclave.
aljazeera.com
Trump Media company announces plans to award shareholders digital tokens
President Donald Trump, the majority shareholder for Trump Media, has actively championed the growth of cryptocurrency.
aljazeera.com
Most of Iran Shuts Down as Government Grapples With Protests and Economy
Tehran on Wednesday as businesses, universities and most government offices were told to close.
nytimes.com
Mohammad Bakri, 72, Outspoken Palestinian Actor and Director, Dies
His work, including the 2002 documentary “Jenin, Jenin,” exposed the often harsh realities of life experienced by his fellow Arabs in Israel.
nytimes.com
Finland seizes ship sailing from Russia after suspected cable sabotage
New telecommunications cable damage discovered in Finland's exclusive economic zone.
aljazeera.com
Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders slam Israel’s Gaza ban
Humanitarian organisations Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders are slamming Israel’s decision to ban them from Gaza.
aljazeera.com
New Year’s 2026 Celebrations Around the World: Photos and Videos
A fireworks show over the Chao Phraya River rang in the New Year in Bangkok.
nytimes.com
Richard Smallwood, 77, Choral Leader and Composer of Gospel Hits, Dies
Richard Smallwood with his gospel chorus performing at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan in 2005. He wrote and arranged the group’s music, played piano and sang baritone.
nytimes.com
Fireworks, drums and light shows: How the world is welcoming 2026
Countries around the world celebrated the new year with colourful shows and long held traditions.
bbc.com
Littler: I have 'no regrets' about crowd comments at Worlds
Luke Littler admitted that he was "not expecting" the crowd to be against him in his win over Rob Cross but does not regret his post-match comments to the Alexandra Palace audience.
skysports.com
Huge year of sport ahead! 2026 storylines to follow
2026 promises to be another thrilling year in the world of sport, with plenty of drama expected and World Cups in football and cricket. From title races in the Premier League, Formula 1, darts and...
skysports.com
Will Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso bloc reshape the Sahel?
A recent summit of The Alliance of Sahel States has raised security and economic hopes for Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
aljazeera.com
Caitlin Clark talks new shoe, football on Kelces' 'New Heights' podcast
The Indiana Fever guard discussed the process of creating her signature shoe, which will debut this spring, among other topics.
espn.com
The Guardian view on hard times for Britain’s charities: struggling to do more with less | Editorial
Over the holiday period, the Guardian leader column is looking ahead at the themes of 2026. Today, the challenges facing the voluntary sector as it attempts to cope with an ongoing funding crisisSp...
theguardian.com
Trump media group plans new token with Crypto.com
TMTG shares jump on news company will hand shareholders a new cryptocurrency with unnamed perks
ft.com
In New Year’s Message to War-Weary Russia, Putin Says Little About War
In a photo distributed by Russian state media, President Vladimir V. Putin delivered his annual New Year’s Eve address in Moscow in 2024.
nytimes.com
In Ukraine, an Arsenal of Killer A.I. Drones Is Being Born in War Against Russia
Bumblebee attack drones at a combat testing range outside Kharkiv, Ukraine.
nytimes.com
A marriage of three: Will Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso bloc reshape the Sahel?
Since withdrawing from ECOWAS, the post-coup countries have inaugurated a new bank, TV station and joint military force.
aljazeera.com
Investors predict AI is coming for labor in 2026
The exact impact AI will have on the enterprise labor market is unclear but investors predict trends will start to emerge in 2026.
techcrunch.com
How is Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill changing US taxes and healthcare in 2026?
Big changes are coming in the new year as healthcare subsidies expire and requirements for food assistance take effect.
aljazeera.com
US jobless claims slow in last full week of 2025 amid weak labour market
November saw highest unemployment since 2021, largely attributed to federal worker reductions under Trump.
aljazeera.com
Oldham child gang-rape suspect later attempted to murder wife
Exclusive: Greater Manchester police ignored claim ‘Offender J’ among men who had abused 12-year-old, paperwork shows‘They thought we were problem children’: how grooming victims were failed in Old...
theguardian.com
These are the best gadgets for your pet right now
From AI smart cameras that describe your pet's actions to a smart door that knows when they want to go outside, these are the best pet gadgets of 2025.
techcrunch.com
Ahead of New Year, Sydney Holds Vigil for Bondi Beach Attack Victims
Thousands gathered around the harbor to lift candles and phone lights during a minute of silence in solidarity with the Jewish community that was targeted in the attack.
nytimes.com
In pictures: New Year's welcomed around the world
From spectacular firework displays to chilly sea dips, nations celebrate the start of 2026.
bbc.com
Loughnane chalks up record-breaking 222nd win of the year
Billy Loughnane broke the 21st century record for winners in a calendar year after he registered his 222nd success on Invited at Lingfield Park on New Year’s Eve.
skysports.com
Last-gasp Loughnane sets 21st Century record for most calendar year wins
Teenage jockey Billy Loughnane breaks the record for the most wins in a calendar year in the 21st Century.
bbc.com
These are the countries attacked by Israel in 2025
In 2025, Israel carried out thousands of attacks in Gaza, with at least 10,600 attacks record across multiple countries
aljazeera.com
Every fusion startup that has raised over $100M
Fusion startups have raised $7.1 billion to date, with the majority of it going to a handful of companies.
techcrunch.com
The 10 top government, legal startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield
Here is the full list of the government and legal Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on what made us select them for the competition.
techcrunch.com
How the climate crisis showed up in Americans’ lives this year: ‘The shift has been swift and stark’
Guardian US readers share how global heating and biodiversity loss affected their lives in ways that don’t always make the headlines The past year was another one of record-setting heat and catastr...
theguardian.com
€1m Picasso portrait up for grabs for €100 in charity auction
Artwork by one of the most influential artists of 20th century raffled to fund Alzheimer’s researchHis work is consistently ranked among the world’s most expensive art, with paintings fetching more...
theguardian.com
Companies line up $1tn of asset sales as activists push break-ups
Global companies offloaded everything from ice cream to cement businesses in 2025
ft.com
New Year’s 2026 Celebrations Around the World: Photos and Videos
Celebrations for the turn of the year in Sydney.
nytimes.com
The key points in Welsh rugby's New Year's Day derbies
Dragons, Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff aim to start 2026 with a bang in New Year's Day derbies in the United Rugby Championship.
bbc.com
Global stocks shrug off trade turmoil to post double-digit gains in 2025
Wall Street’s S&P 500 is up 17%, beating analysts’ forecasts, while broader global index has risen 20%
ft.com
Ofcom urged to investigate GB News Trump interview over inaccuracy claims
US president’s assertions climate change is ‘a hoax’ and London has police no-go areas left unchallenged, say criticsBritain’s media regulator Ofcom is under pressure to investigate a GB News inter...
theguardian.com
Sources: Keller, Thompson, Jones make US roster
Clayton Keller, Tage Thompson and Seth Jones have all made the U.S. Olympic roster, sources tell ESPN.
espn.com
Putin says Russia believes it will win in Ukraine in New Year’s Eve address
'We believe in you and our victory,' Putin says in his address, calling on Russians to support the troops.
aljazeera.com
It’s easy to feel powerless about climate chaos. Here’s what gives me hope | Nina Lakhani
I’ve spent six years writing about environmental justice. The uncomfortable truth is that we’re not all in it together – but people power is reshaping the fightIt’s been another year of climate cha...
theguardian.com
The dumbest things that happened in tech this year
From Sam Altman's olive oil "scandal" to Soham Parekh's viral moment, a lot of silly stuff has gone down in tech this year.
techcrunch.com
How Donald Trump launched a new push to amass US government data in 2025
Proponents say compiling personal information in a single database is more efficient. But critics fear risks to privacy.
aljazeera.com
Celebrini joins star-studded Team Canada roster
Macklin Celebrini, 19, has been added to the Team Canada roster for the Olympics along with Nick Suzuki, Bo Horvat, Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper.
espn.com
Cards' Harrison Jr.'s injury-plagued season over
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s second season in the NFL is over after being ruled out vs. the Rams on Sunday. Harrison's season was plagued with injuries, the latest being a left foot injury.
espn.com
Pats' Barmore facing assault and battery charge
Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a household/family member stemming from an August incident, according to court documents.
espn.com
‘A hell of a lot of fun!’ Your favourite podcasts of 2025
True crime, AI, romantasy and strange stories from a small Welsh town are among your picks of the best podcasts of the yearI stumbled across this podcast a few weeks ago and romped through the firs...
theguardian.com
NBA betting: Why a single injury could give long shots a real chance to win MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear leader to win the NBA's MVP award after the Nikola Jokic injury, but if SGA misses extended time a whole cast of long shots have a chance to win.
espn.com
Roblox, James Bond and a billion-dollar multiplayer – here are our most-read gaming stories of 2025
In this week’s newsletter: The year’s most popular stories reveal how play, power and politics collided in the past 12 months – and what you’re psyched for in 2026• Don’t get Pushing Buttons delive...
theguardian.com
‘Life is pain without you’: Cary Elwes and Martin Scorsese pay tribute to Rob Reiner as autopsy reports sealed
As a judge puts a security hold on Rob and Michele Reiner’s cases and Joe Rogan criticises Donald Trump’s comments about Reiner’s death, collaborators continue to pay tributeMore than two weeks aft...
theguardian.com
West Ham cool interest in £40m Strand Larsen
West Ham's interest in Norway forward Jorgen Strand Larsen has cooled after discovering Wolves want £40m for the 25-year-old.
bbc.com
'Who wants a Chinese?' - Hood achieves his 'dream'
English debutant Justin Hood closes in on his lifelong dream - opening up a Chinese takeaway - by producing a stunning performance to reach the PDC World Championship quarter-finals.
bbc.com
A polycrisis has shattered our world this year. But with care, we can put it back together | Elif Shafak
The challenges and strains have been almost too much to take. But in 2025, words of depth and courage have been an antidote to numbnessI once saw a young glassblower in Istanbul, still new to his c...
theguardian.com
Joshua spends second night in hospital after fatal car crash in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua remains in a Nigerian hospital recovering from the car crash that killed two of the British boxer's close friends.
skysports.com
Which aid groups is Israel banning from Gaza now – and what will it mean?
Israel's latest move could amplify a deep humanitarian crisis spawned by its genocidal war on Gaza.
aljazeera.com
'That is divine!' - watch every PL goal of the month winnner from 2025
Watch every winner from Match of the Day's goal of the month votes in 2025, and a selection of December's best Premier League goals.
bbc.com
Heavy police presence in Sydney for New Year's celebrations after Bondi attack
Thousands of officers are deployed around Sydney Harbour and across the city, with some carrying high-grade weapons as part of heightened security measures.
bbc.com
Here is to a quarter century of US military havoc
The US has waged its 'war on terror' for 25 years now, sowing death and destruction across the world.
aljazeera.com
Turkiye arrests 125 ISIL suspects in new raids that mark widening crackdown
The operation follows a series of clashes and attacks linked to ISIL, which is feared to be making a resurgence.
aljazeera.com
As the world welcomes a new year, we, in Gaza, dread what it will bring
We have seen so much evil this year that we are afraid to imagine the future.
aljazeera.com
Wetzel: How college basketball ended up signing NBA draft picks
The fault falls to college sports' leaders who spent decades defending amateurism with dated legal arguments.
espn.com
Hyam eyes Wrexham improvement before Rovers return
Dom Hyam heads back to Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Day believing Wrexham must improve their away form in 2026 if they are to earn a Championship play-off place.
bbc.com
‘They didn’t de-extinct anything’: can Colossal’s genetically engineered animals ever be the real thing?
The bioscience startup has attracted billions in investment – and a flurry of criticism, but founder tells the Guardian plans to bring back the woolly mammoth will not be derailedDeath and taxes ar...
theguardian.com
AI-Powered Dating Is All Hype. IRL Cruising Is the Future
Dating apps and AI companies have been touting bot wingmen for months. But the future might just be good old-fashioned meet-cutes.
wired.com
Fears Mount That US Federal Cybersecurity Is Stagnating—or Worse
Government staffing cuts and instability, including this year’s prolonged shutdown, could be hindering US digital defense and creating vulnerabilities.
wired.com
From the US to China, 2025 a blockbuster year for stock markets
Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 sees third year of double-digit gains, while non-US stocks register best run since 2009.
aljazeera.com
Researchers find ADHD strengths linked to better mental health
New research reveals a brighter side of ADHD, showing that adults who recognize and use their strengths feel happier, healthier, and less stressed. People with ADHD were more likely to identify tra...
sciencedaily.com
Memories of a Dream: How Music Revives a Woman’s Lost Dream
Memories of a Dream: How Music Revives a Woman’s Lost Dream
aljazeera.com
Israeli ban on Gaza aid groups is “going to be catastrophic”
Emergency physician James Smith talks about the consequences for Palestinians in Gaza if Israel implements a ban on aid.
aljazeera.com
Myanmar military reports 50 percent turnout in first election phase
Military hails elections as a victory despite criticism from rights groups and reduced turnout compared with past polls.
aljazeera.com
How We Tracked Abuses in the Russian Army
President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the Russian society can tolerate the high human cost of the war in Ukraine. But we’ve analyzed more than 6,000 official complaints by soldiers and their lo...
nytimes.com
‘The television event of the decade!’ It’s your top TV of 2025
From the phenomenal Vince Gilligan show Pluribus to horny, life-changing ice-hockey drama Heated Rivalry and much more … here are Guardian readers’ shows of the year(Disney+) It’s embarrassing to s...
theguardian.com
Discovering the Dimensions of a New Cold War
The United States’ plan for dealing with Putin’s Russia and Xi’s China remains ill-defined among a shifting global order. That must change.
wired.com
Iran replaces central bank head in effort to contain cost-of-living protests
Anger over collapse of currency has provoked largest demonstrations in Islamic republic in years
ft.com
What being a woman in Gaza means in this genocidal war?
Mothers starving to feed children, surgeries without anaesthesia and loss of privacy define female experience in Gaza.
aljazeera.com
China forecast to have sold one in every 10 new cars in UK in 2025
Carmakers such as MG, BYD and Chery are set to pass 200,000 mark in sales, analysis suggests, double 2024’s totalChinese brands are on course to account for one in every 10 new cars sold in Britain...
theguardian.com
This is 2025 from A to Z by the words that marked the year
From AI to Zohran Mamdani, this is an A-Z of 2025's biggest stories
aljazeera.com
Hundreds of thousands mourn Bangladesh's ex-PM at state funeral
A sea of mourners have gathered in Dhaka to pay final respects to Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday aged 80.
bbc.com
Protests, strikes after Iran’s economic situation rapidly deteriorates
Protests erupted across Iran after the rial plunged to a record low against the US dollar.
aljazeera.com
2025 F1 report cards: Is a title enough to earn Norris an A?
With the calendar set to turn to 2026, ESPN looks back at the 2025 F1 season to assign letter grades to all 21 drivers in the world championship.
espn.com
War in Sudan: Humanitarian collapse, fighting, deadlock, December 2025
Paramilitary RSF seize Heglig oilfield, Kordofan battles rage, and UN aid cuts prompt famine fears.
aljazeera.com
I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not review – abundant talent showcases in profile of SNL’s champion insult comic
Archive material shows Chase’s abilities but the times have changed around the self-aggrandising actor and comedian – and not to his benefitFeature films and documentaries can sometimes struggle to...
theguardian.com
England women's cricket fixtures for 2026, including T20 World Cup
Full fixtures for England's women's side in 2026, including the home T20 World Cup.
skysports.com
Five things in the EFL: New year, new hopes and fears
BBC Sport picks out five highlights to keep an eye on in the New Year's Day fixture list.
bbc.com
BBC Sport's 2025 Quiz: 12 months, 12 questions, how many can you get?
How much have you paid attention to what has happened in the world of sport over the past 12 months?
bbc.com
Jailed Hong Kong tycoon's 'teeth rotting and fingernails falling off'
The daughter of Jimmy Lai tells the BBC that her father's health is deteriorating in prison.
bbc.com
Clarke Q&A in full: World Cup 'vindication', Barnes talks, USA plans & more
In a wide-ranging interview, Steve Clarke reflects on Scotland qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, his plans for the USA, talks with Newcastle Utd's Harvey Barnes and much m...
skysports.com
The hill I will die on: That stone-cold classic you love isn’t a party starter – it’s a party destroyer | Nels Abbey
Cameo’s Candy is one of the all-time great funk records, but after a six-minute dance formation everyone is heading for the doorIt’s that moment at a Black party you either love or hate. Cameo’s Ca...
theguardian.com
Clarke reveals 'vindication' after criticism, World Cup plans and Barnes talks
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke ended 2024 with some fans criticising his style of play, squad selection and more following a winless Euros campaign in Germany.
skysports.com
Notable deaths 2025
Pope Francis, Ozzy Osbourne and Diane Keaton are among those who died this year.
bbc.com
Protests in Iran spread amid deep discontent over economic duress
Students have joined protests prompted by plummeting currency as government pledges to listen to legitimate concerns.
aljazeera.com
Trump confirms U.S. military strike on dock in Venezuela
President Trump confirmed a recent U.S. strike on a Venezuelan dock he claims was used by drug smugglers, prompting questions about the size and scope of the U.S. mission.
npr.org
Ohio State's Carnell Tate has always been 'one of those dudes'
Tate's emergence began on a 7-on-7 team filled with future Ohio State teammates and other college standouts.
espn.com
Displacement camps swell with people fleeing Sudan’s war-ravaged el-Fasher
Satellites show one camp spanning 500,000 square metres near the city of al-Dabba, as tens of thousands seek refuge.
aljazeera.com
French public broadcaster under fire as right sets up parliamentary inquiry
Investigation established by UDR party to look at ‘neutrality, workings and financing’ of state TV and radioThe French public broadcaster is at the centre of a political row as a parliamentary inq...
theguardian.com
NBA Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stack up heading into the new year
Our NBA insiders lay out where all 30 teams stack up in the last power rankings of 2025.
espn.com
Keep, dump or extend? Seven questions Liverpool must answer in the January transfer window
The January transfer window opens soon, and top clubs like Liverpool have big and expensive decisions to make.
espn.com
What NBA moment will define 2025? Looking back at the most memorable events since 1954
On the heels of the new year, ESPN analyst Zach Kram picks a moment from each basketball season that NBA fans will most likely learn about and remember for years to come.
espn.com
Menus-Plaisirs: Les Troisgros review – Frederick Wiseman’s mammoth feast for the eyes
Over four hours, cinema-verite demigod Wiseman takes a gastronomic tour through the minutiae of running a triple-starred Michelin restaurantAmerican cinema-verite demigod Frederick Wiseman’s latest...
theguardian.com
NFL playoff fatal flaws: Weaknesses that could send 16 teams home early -- including two this weekend
We found fatal flaws for all 12 clinched teams in the playoff field -- plus the AFC North and NFC South teams trying to join them entering Week 18.
espn.com
An A-Z list of 2025’s biggest stories
From artificial intelligence to Zohran Mamdani, Al Jazeera compiles an A-Z list of 2025's biggest stories.
aljazeera.com
After the floods of 2025, can we keep 2026 above water?
Flooding has become the world's 'foremost climate hazard', according to experts. So what do we do about it?
aljazeera.com
Thailand releases Cambodian soldiers as ceasefire holds
Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers it had detained since July, after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire.
aljazeera.com
New Year’s Eve TV: explosive fun in hit family sitcom Here We Go
Tom Basden, Alison Steadman and Katherine Parkinson prepare for a disastrous night. Plus: the Hootenanny, of course! Here’s what to watch this evening8pm, BBC OneThe Jessops are going somewhere nic...
theguardian.com
China calls on Netherlands to correct ‘mistake’ over chipmaker Nexperia
The Chinese and Dutch governments are at loggerheads over control of chipmaker amid concerns for global supply chains.
aljazeera.com
Russia deploys hypersonic Oreshnik missiles in Belarus amid Europe tensions
Moscow has positioned nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles in Belarus as tensions rise in Europe.
aljazeera.com
Lily Allen’s live return, Charli xcx’s Wuthering Heights and Simon Rattle’s Janáček: music to listen out for in 2026
Raye, Deftones and Yungblud do UK tours, Jill Scott returns for more neo-soul, and the classical world gears up to celebrate Hungarian composer György Kurtág at 100• More from the 2026 culture prev...
theguardian.com
Zack Polanski offering voters fantasy solutions, says head of Fabian Society
Joe Dromey, head of the Labour thinktank, urges his party to take on the ‘twin populisms’ of Reform UK and the GreensThe Green party leader, Zack Polanski, is offering voters “unicorns” and Labour...
theguardian.com
Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s tweets were wrong, but he is no ‘anti-white Islamist’. Why does the British right want you to believe he is? | Naomi Klein
I have no interest in defending his social media posts, but calls to strip the newly freed activist of British citizenship pile torment on top of tortureWhat is the proper punishment for hateful so...
theguardian.com
Staying in with the old: the best films to watch on New Year’s Eve
For those not going out to celebrate, you can still party with Harry and Sally, play cards with Jack Lemmon and make merry hell at the Overlook HotelAt the end of any especially troublesome year it...
theguardian.com
Curb the cod, park the prawns: top chefs on how to swap out the ‘big five’ seafood
From moules marinière to scallop, bacon and garlic butter rolls, here’s how to cast your culinary net wider and embrace more sustainable speciesFor a nation surrounded by water, Britain’s seafood t...
theguardian.com
Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July
The release is part of a new ceasefire deal after weeks of deadly clashes along the Thai-Cambodia border.
bbc.com
Country diary: There’s a new tenant in my rickety old greenhouse | Phil Gates
Crook, County Durham: In among the dead leaves and stacks of clay flower pots is a wren, in the relative warm of its winter roostIt takes a hard shove to free the greenhouse door from the grip of o...
theguardian.com
Brigitte Bardot’s Legacy of Racist Rhetoric
Brigitte Bardot, center, appeared in court in 1997 on charges of inciting racial hatred.
nytimes.com
European investors must brace for a year of geopolitical instability
Menaced by Russia and bullied by America, a potential Ukraine peace deal is not guaranteed to usher in prosperity
ft.com
Forecasting the world in 2026
FT writers’ predictions for the new year, from the likelihood of higher Trump tariffs to the future of interest rates and the arrival of humanoid helpers
ft.com
Slow Flood Recovery Stirs Anger in Far-Flung Corner of Indonesia
Protests have erupted in Aceh Province on the northern tip of Sumatra island, where anger and frustration are mounting over what many see as inadequate relief efforts by a distracted government.
nytimes.com
AI forecast to put 200,000 European banking jobs at risk by 2030
Morgan Stanley analysts predict roles in back and middle offices will bear brunt
ft.com
Can AI really help us find love?
The technology is changing the way many people meet and form relationships but some experts believe it may do more harm than good
ft.com
Ten English fire services tackled record number of grass, forest and crop fires in 2025
Fire chief says summer, the UK’s hottest on record, was ‘one of the most challenging for wildfires that we’ve ever faced’Ten English fire services tackled a record number of grassland, woodland and...
theguardian.com
Demon Slayer economics: how the anime juggernaut became a saviour
Once underground art form now props up slumped box office sales and is used by governments to build soft powerAn animated drama featuring hordes of carnivorous fiends might not sound like classic b...
theguardian.com
In one year, Trump pivots fentanyl response from public health to drug war
Experts say Biden's focus on addiction health care saved tens of thousands of lives and slowed fentanyl smuggling. Trump scrapped Biden's approach in favor of military strikes.
npr.org
Isiah Whitlock Jr, actor in The Wire and Veep, dies aged 71
Whitlock’s career spanned decades and included roles in many Spike Lee filmsThe American actor Isiah Whitlock Jr, who played a corrupt politician on HBO crime drama The Wire and had roles in numero...
theguardian.com
Transfer rumors, news: João Cancelo back on Barcelona's radar
Former Barcelona target João Cancelo is once again in the sights of the LaLiga champions. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.
espn.com
New York Times reporter talks about exclusive interviews with Marjorie Taylor Greene
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with the New York Times' Robert Draper about his exclusive interviews with Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
npr.org
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,406
These are the key developments from day 1,406 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
aljazeera.com
Isiah Whitlock Jr., Scene-Stealing Character Actor in ‘The Wire,’ Dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. also performed in a number of Spike Lee films, including “25th Hour.”
nytimes.com
CIA behind strike at Venezuelan dock that Trump claims was used by drug smugglers, AP sources say
The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels. That's according to two people familiar with details of the operation.
npr.org
Kennedy Center renaming prompts a new round of cancellations
The Kennedy Center is ending the year with a new round of artists saying they are canceling scheduled performances after President Donald Trump's name was added to the facility.
npr.org
Disney to pay $10m over alleged breaches of US child privacy laws
Settlement comes after US Federal Trade Commission accused entertainment giant of unlawfully collecting children's data
aljazeera.com
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Former Colorado Senator, Dies at 92
Ben Nighthorse Campbell in 2004, when he announced he would retire from the Senate. His relatively modest legislative accomplishments included the establishment of the National Museum of the Americ...
nytimes.com
Isiah Whitlock Jr: The Wire and Veep actor dies at 71
Whitlock was known for his notably elongated, profane catchphrase, which he used on The Wire and in films.
bbc.com
2025 AAS Town Hall Schedule
247th American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meeting SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 8:30AM – 6:0PM NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) 301DJosh Pepper, Dawn Gelino, Karl Stapelfeldt, Ni...
nasa.gov
TCU rallies past USC for wild OT win in Alamo Bowl
Ken Seals passed for 258 yards and the game-winning touchdown to Jeremy Payne in overtime as TCU rallied to beat No. 16 USC 30-27 on Tuesday night in the Alamo Bowl.
espn.com
2025 AAS Hyperwall Schedule
247th American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meeting Join NASA in the Exhibit Hall (Booth #401 for Hyperwall Storytelling by NASA experts. Full Hyperwall Agenda below. SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 6:45 – 7:00 PM...
nasa.gov
Watch: Underwater chess champions compete for world title
Using weighted pieces and magnetic boards, players of the hybrid sport must complete each move in one breath.
bbc.com
Machu Picchu train crash leaves one dead and dozens injured
A train driver died and at least 40 people were injured in the crash on the single-track line to Machu Picchu.
bbc.com
Train crash near Peru’s Machu Picchu kills driver, injures dozens
Train conductor killed in collision on rail line serving the famed archaeological site, authorities say.
aljazeera.com
The viral moments that grabbed India's attention this year
From a superstar's Met Gala debut to a historic World Cup win, here's a look back at the year India had.
bbc.com
Why 2026 is Keir Starmer's make or break year
With devolved elections, questions over Labour’s direction and internal 'campaigning' already underway according to some insiders, where does this all leave the prime minister?
bbc.com
Oasis reunion and Taylor Swift vinyls fuel boom year for UK music industry
BPI figures show music lovers listened to equivalent of 210.3m albums by UK artists in 2025 in 11th consecutive year of growthNostalgia surrounding the Oasis reunion tour, alongside Taylor Swift fa...