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A German engineer, Michaela Benthaus, has become the world's first wheelchair user to go into space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft. Benthaus, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a mountain bike accident seven years ago, was helped by a retired SpaceX manager, Hans Koenigsmann, to organize the historic 10-minute flight. The mission demonstrates that space is accessible to everyone, according to Blue Origin. Benthaus, who works at the European Space Agency, praised the experience, citing the thrill of going up and the view in micro-gravity. The flight is part of Blue Origin's suborbital space tourism launches, which have taken dozens of tourists to space. The company's efforts come as private space companies compete for dominance in space tourism.

Hong Kong billionaire Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of national security offences and faces life in prison. Lai, a key figure in the 2019 pro-democracy protests, used his media empire to advocate for democracy and criticize the Chinese Communist Party. He refused to leave Hong Kong despite being a UK citizen and was arrested in 2020. Lai's Catholic faith deepened in prison, where he prayed six hours a day and made drawings of Christ. The verdict was welcomed by Hong Kong's chief executive, who said Lai had used his newspaper to create social conflicts and glorify violence.

The article discusses how a grassroots group of hostage families in Israel became a powerful international lobbying force after the 2023 Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum was formed to support the families of the hostages and campaign for their release. Despite facing challenges and tensions with the Israeli government, the group worked with thousands of volunteers and successfully brought attention to the hostage issue worldwide. The article highlights the personal stories of family members, the group's efforts to influence public opinion, and their interactions with government officials and international leaders.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to further jail terms following a fraud case involving state gifts. They were convicted of breaking Pakistan's rules on gifts after Bibi was given a luxury jewellery set by Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman during a 2021 state visit. The pair are already serving time in prison for earlier convictions, and the new sentences will reportedly run concurrently to their earlier terms. Khan's lawyer has stated that they plan to challenge the verdict in the high court, describing the charges as politically motivated.

Two Palestinian men, Sami al-Saei and 'Ahmed', have alleged that they were sexually abused by Israeli prison guards while being detained. The allegations come amid reports of widespread torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails. The men claim they were subjected to beatings, sexual abuse, and humiliation. The Israel Prison Service has denied the allegations, stating that it operates in accordance with the law and ensures the safety and welfare of inmates. The allegations have sparked concerns about the treatment of prisoners and detainees accused of supporting Hamas.

A 27-year-old man, identified as Chang Wen, went on a knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, killing three people and injuring nine others. The attacker set off smoke bombs at Taipei's main metro station before stabbing people at another station in a busy shopping district. He later died after falling from a multi-storey building. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai has ordered increased security at metro and railway stations, as well as airports, and promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

Togo's President Faure Gnassingbé is navigating a delicate diplomatic balance between Russia and France, cultivating relationships with various international partners while maintaining his country's regional influence. Gnassingbé has strengthened ties with Russia, allowing Russian vessels to use Lomé's port, and has also maintained good relations with France. This diplomatic diversification is part of a broader strategy to assert Togo's independence and regional leadership. However, Gnassingbé's domestic political maneuvers, including a constitutional change that allows him to remain in power, have been met with controversy and criticism from human rights groups and Western governments.

Australia has defeated England in the third Test of the Ashes series, winning the match by 82 runs and retaining the urn with an unassailable 3-0 lead. England's team, led by captain Ben Stokes, had high expectations but underwhelming performances led to a historic defeat in just 11 days. The loss matches the unwanted record of Nasser Hussain's squad in 2002-03 for surrendering the Ashes in the shortest number of days. Australia's victory was dominant, with the team showing resilience and adaptability throughout the series. England will now aim to avoid a 5-0 whitewash in the remaining two Tests.

A 33-year-old German-born engineer, Michaela Benthaus, who became wheelchair-bound after a mountain biking accident, has become the first wheelchair user to travel to the edge of space on a Blue Origin flight. Benthaus, part of the European Space Agency's graduate trainee program, experienced weightlessness during the 10-minute sub-orbital flight. The journey, Blue Origin's 37th commercial spaceflight, was made possible with minor adjustments to the New Shepard capsule, including a patient transfer board to facilitate her entry. Benthaus expressed her excitement and fulfillment, stating it was the 'coolest experience' and emphasizing not giving up on dreams.

The article analyzes the impact of Donald Trump's second term as US President on the global order. It argues that Trump's presidency has supercharged a pre-existing trend towards a 'new global dis-order', characterized by strong-man politics, fragmentation, and the erosion of international law and institutions. Trump's legitimization of conquest through force against sovereign nations has emboldened other countries and groups to pursue their own expansionist agendas, such as Russia in Ukraine, China in the South China Sea, and Israel in the West Bank and Gaza. The article also notes that Trump's isolationist policies have undermined the transatlantic relationship and the 'Western world' order that has maintained global stability since 1945. The author, Professor Michael Clarke, warns that 2025 may be remembered as the year when the global order began to unravel.

The parents of Jennifer Kesse, who went missing nearly 20 years ago, are hopeful that AI-enhanced technology and new DNA evidence will help solve her case. Jennifer's car was found abandoned a mile from her home in Orlando, Florida, with CCTV footage showing a suspect walking away from the vehicle. Although the footage was grainy, AI technology is being used to enhance an image of the suspect's ear, which could potentially identify them. The case was initially handled by the Orlando Police Department, but the family became frustrated with the lack of progress and sued the police to access case files. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) took on the case in 2022 and found untested DNA evidence from the car. The Kesses continue to appeal for information and hold out hope that they will finally find out what happened to their daughter.

The article discusses the case of Ran 'Rani' Gvili, the last Israeli hostage still held in Gaza, whose body Hamas claims not to know the location of. Rani's return is crucial for the progression of phase two of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which involves disarming Hamas and establishing an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza. Rani's mother, Talik, is adamant that Hamas knows where her son is and threatens that 'we will finish Hamas' if they don't return him. The article provides background on Rani's capture, the efforts to locate his body, and the complications surrounding the ceasefire agreement.

Lifeguards at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, held a memorial service to honor the victims of a recent massacre at a Hanukkah celebration. The lifeguards played a critical role in the aftermath of the attack, providing first aid and helping to evacuate people from the scene. Many of the lifeguards were deeply traumatized by what they saw, with some having been close by attending a Christmas party at their club. The article also shares the experiences of a 20-year-old surf lifesaver, JJ, who helped get people to safety, and Grigoriy Raunshteyn, who livestreamed the attack on Facebook and attempted to save those around him, including a British-born rabbi who did not survive.

China has simplified its visa process for Indian nationals, allowing them to apply online from December 22, in a move to normalize economic ties and tap into India's growing travel market worth US$21.6 billion. The decision comes after a five-year rift and follows the resumption of direct flights between the two countries in October. Analysts see this as a positive step towards improving China-India relations, which have been strained since a deadly Himalayan border clash in 2020.

China has increased its armour steel production speed by 30% through technological upgrades, while a major US steelmaker, Cleveland-Cliffs, has ceased operations at its Conshohocken plate finishing facility in Pennsylvania due to financial losses. Chinese military supplier Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group solved key technical challenges to boost manufacturing levels, highlighting a growing gap in industrial capacity between the two nations. Armour steel is a critical material for national defence, possessing extreme properties such as ultra-high strength and hardness. The production challenges were overcome by upgrading cutting tools with ultra-hard materials and reducing production temperatures.

China's top court, the Supreme People's Court, has made a ruling that employers do not have to pay compensation to employees who are fired for sexual harassment. The ruling was part of five cases highlighted to promote 'core socialist values' in various settings. In the specific case, a man named Wu was fired by a restaurant in Guangdong province after being accused of sexually harassing a colleague. Wu sued the restaurant for illegal dismissal and demanded compensation, but the court ruled in favor of the restaurant, stating that Wu's actions violated company regulations. Lawyers believe this ruling will make it easier for victims of sexual harassment to take action against their harassers.

A leading counterterrorism expert warns that the Bondi Beach attack has become a flashpoint for global disinformation and AI-driven hate, fueled by a 'dangerous convergence' of interests between hostile states and terrorist groups. The attack, which was apparently Isis-inspired, triggered a storm of speculation and misinformation on social media, with some mainstream media reports initially incorrectly claiming the perpetrators were Afghan or Pakistani nationals. The expert, Adam Hadley, founder of Tech Against Terrorism, notes that populist agendas and commercial interests are driving this toxic symbiosis, with artificial intelligence accelerating the reach of divisive narratives.

A massive power outage hit San Francisco on Saturday, leaving 130,000 residents without electricity and causing disruptions to public transport and traffic. The city's main power provider, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, reported the outage and stated that crews were working to restore power. Many businesses were forced to close, and commercial areas were quiet during the holiday shopping period. The utility company expected restorations to begin later that evening.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, has stated that the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass and planned major road and rail expansion will boost the city's competitiveness and integration with national development. The new bypass is expected to improve east-west connectivity, reducing travel time between Tseung Kwan O and Yau Ma Tei from 65 minutes to 12 minutes. Chan emphasized the importance of a smart, green, and efficient transport infrastructure network in improving residents' quality of life and promoting social and economic development.

A 27-year-old man named Chang Wen carried out a knife attack in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, on Friday evening, killing at least three people and injuring nine others. The suspect first threw a smoke grenade near an underground exit of the Taipei Main subway station, then stabbed multiple people at the Eslite department store in a popular shopping district. He later jumped from the sixth floor of a department store building and was declared dead at a hospital. Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai ordered increased security at metro and railway stations, as well as airports, in response to the attack. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation.

Pope Leo XIV has summoned the world's cardinals for a two-day meeting to help him govern the church, marking the unofficial start of his pontificate. The consistory, to be held on January 7-8, will be the first time Leo can focus on his own agenda after fulfilling his obligations related to the 2025 Holy Year and wrapping up the outstanding matters of Pope Francis' pontificate. This gathering signifies a shift from Francis' governance style, which relied on a small group of hand-picked advisers, to a more inclusive approach involving all cardinals.

The article provides a rare look inside the secret LEGO Museum at the company's headquarters in Denmark, showcasing the evolution of the iconic toy brand. The museum features vintage LEGO sets, intricate creations, and the first LEGO 'system' assembled in 1955. The company's designers emphasize the importance of creativity and freedom in LEGO's enduring appeal. However, the article also highlights the environmental issue of LEGO's reliance on plastic and the company's struggles to find sustainable materials. Despite testing over 600 materials, LEGO has yet to find a suitable replacement for its current plastic bricks.

The city of Rome has introduced a 2-euro tourist fee for visitors to the Trevi Fountain during prime-time daylight hours, starting February 1. The fee is part of the city's efforts to manage tourist flows, improve the experience, and offset maintenance costs. The measure is expected to net the city $7.6 million extra a year. Residents of Rome are exempt from the fee, while tourists can pay in advance online, while waiting in line, or at tourist locations around town. The fee follows a similar ticketing system at Rome's Pantheon monument and is part of a broader plan to broaden the number of museums that are free for registered Roman residents. The move is aimed at curbing overtourism and preserving the city's cultural heritage.

TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a consortium of American investors, meeting a requirement set by a law passed last year that mandated ByteDance, TikTok's China-based parent company, to either sever ties with the social media platform's American operations or lose access to U.S. app stores and web-hosting services. The deal establishes a 'joint venture' based in the U.S., with a majority of U.S. investors and owners, and a majority of Americans on its board of directors. Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX will collectively own 45% of the U.S. entity. The deal aims to address concerns about TikTok's potential risks to national security, but some lawmakers are likely to see it as not going far enough, particularly regarding TikTok's algorithm.

Canadian authorities have charged a 26-year-old man, Waleed Khan, with conspiring with the Islamic State (ISIS) to provide information and commit murder. Khan, along with two other men, Osman Azizov and Fahad Sadaat, are also accused of hate crimes targeting members of the Jewish community and attempting to kidnap women in the Greater Toronto Area. The three men face a total of 79 charges, including attempted kidnapping with a firearm, sexual assault with a weapon, and hate crimes. Police discovered a trove of guns and evidence suggesting additional hate crimes targeting the Jewish community after taking the suspects into custody.

The US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that preparations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan are underway following high-level talks in Miami with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. The talks focused on establishing a unified Gazan authority to govern Gaza, regional integration measures, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. The first phase of the ceasefire yielded progress, including the release of hostages and a reduction in hostilities.

The article discusses how Hezbollah has expanded its operations on Margarita Island, Venezuela, which has become a key foothold for the group in the Western Hemisphere. The island's strategic location and lax law enforcement have made it an attractive hub for Hezbollah's activities, including drug trafficking and smuggling. US officials warn that the group's presence on the island poses a significant threat to national security, particularly given its ties to Iran and the Maduro regime. The article cites experts who say that Israel's recent strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon have forced the group to rely more heavily on its overseas networks, including those in Venezuela.

The article reports on a dissident group's claim that Iran executed a record 2,013 prisoners in 2025 under President Masoud Pezeshkian, more than doubling the total executions counted by the United Nations in 2024. The report cites factors such as a free-falling Iranian currency, nationwide protests, and factional power struggles as contributing to the increase. The US State Department has condemned Iran's human rights abuses, and experts call for more action from Washington to support Iranian protesters. The MEK has urged US policymakers to recognize the Iranian people's right to resist and overthrow the regime.

Australian authorities have released seven men detained over concerns they were planning a violent act, possibly inspired by the same ideology as the Bondi Beach gunman who attacked a Hanukkah celebration. The men, aged 19-24 from Victoria, were stopped by police while traveling in two cars. Although police acted quickly to prevent any potential threat, they found insufficient evidence to charge the men. The incident is being investigated, and the men will continue to be monitored.

Iraq is facing its worst drought in a century, with the Tigris and Euphrates rivers shrinking dramatically due to severe drought and upstream dams. The country has entered a controversial oil-for-water deal with Turkey, where Turkish firms will build new infrastructure to improve Iraq's water efficiency and storage, financed by Iraqi oil revenues. The agreement has drawn skepticism from some Iraqi politicians and water experts, who fear it could weaken Iraq's long-term control over its natural resources and compromise its sovereignty. Meanwhile, the water crisis is having a devastating impact on Iraqi farmers and communities, with over 168,000 people displaced by climate and environmental pressures.

The article discusses the use of remote-controlled armored evacuation land drones, dubbed 'Maulka', by the Ukrainian military to evacuate wounded soldiers from the front lines in eastern Ukraine. The drones have become a crucial tool in saving lives as traditional medical evacuations have become increasingly difficult due to the presence of Russian drones loaded with explosives. The article highlights the story of a soldier, Maksym, who was trapped on the front line for 33 days before being evacuated using one of these drones. It also explores the development of Ukraine's drone industry and the challenges faced by the military in responding to the evolving drone technology used by Russia.

South Korea plans to join the elite group of countries operating nuclear-powered submarines, with the blessing of US President Donald Trump. This move could help counter North Korean and Chinese naval presence, freeing up US Navy's nuclear-powered attack subs to focus on other hotspots. The plan involves building nuclear-powered submarines, potentially at a shipyard in South Korea or the US. Experts say it could take over 10 years to develop the capability, and there are concerns about technology transfer and the location of production.

The US Marshals Service conducted a massive, multi-state sting operation called 'Operation Northern Lights' and rescued 43 'critically missing children' across 14 counties over two weeks. The children, ranging in age from 1 to 17 years old, were victims of sex trafficking. Nine people were arrested, and additional charges of human trafficking, child endangerment, and custodial interference are expected. The operation involved law enforcement agencies from multiple states, including Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The rescued children are receiving physical and psychological care to help them heal.

The article discusses Rep. Elise Stefanik's withdrawal from the New York gubernatorial race and its potential implications for Gov. Kathy Hochul's re-election bid. The author argues that Stefanik's exit could embolden Hochul to adopt a more far-left agenda, potentially leading to a more pronounced shift towards socialism in New York. The article highlights Stefanik's strong credentials as a GOP candidate and her potential to challenge Hochul, while also noting the challenges faced by the GOP in the deeply Democratic state.

A massive power outage struck San Francisco on Saturday, December 20, 2025, leaving over 130,000 homes and businesses without electricity. The outage affected nearly 30% of the city, primarily in the northwest part of San Francisco, including the Richmond, Sunset, Presidio, and Golden Gate Park sections. As of early Sunday morning, around 36,000 people were still without power. The outage caused significant disruptions, including the suspension of Waymo's driverless car service, shutdowns of rail lines and traffic signals, and changes to city bus routes. A fire at a Pacific Gas and Electric substation was blamed for part of the outage. Mayor Daniel Lurie urged residents to stay safe and check on their neighbors. By late Saturday, power had been restored to approximately 90,000 customers, with crews continuing to work on the remaining outages.

The article discusses the recent release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex-trafficking operation and how they implicate former US President Bill Clinton. The documents include photos of Clinton in compromising situations with young women, including one where he is shirtless in a hot tub with an unknown person. The article suggests that Clinton is unable to escape scandal despite his attempts to distance himself from Epstein.

The article discusses how climate change is affecting Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, leading to increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods and storms. This has resulted in many young people, like 24-year-old Md Emran Hosain, leaving their homes and families to work abroad in countries like Singapore to rebuild their lives and support their families. The article highlights the devastating impact of climate change on Bangladesh's agrarian economy and the displacement of millions of people, with predictions that one in seven Bangladeshis will be displaced by 2050.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs. Despite assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, they eventually increased, forcing Bergman to raise prices or lose money. The tariffs disproportionately affected small businesses, which make up 96% of the toy industry, while big-box retailers like Walmart and Target were able to absorb the costs. The article highlights the impact of the trade war on the toy industry, with US imports sinking 5% to $340 billion by August 2025. The tone is critical of Trump's trade policies, and the sentiment is negative towards the impact of tariffs on small businesses.

The article tells the story of 8-year-old Matviy Holovko, a Ukrainian boy who lost his arm and mother in a Russian missile attack on his hometown of Kryvyi Rih. The missile, an Iskander 9M723, was manufactured in Russia but contained components from companies based in the United States and other Western countries, despite export controls and sanctions. The attack killed 20 people, including 9 children, and was one of many that have targeted civilians in Ukraine. Matviy is now receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the Superhumans Center in Vynnyky, Ukraine. The article highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the role of Western technology in Russian military equipment.

The article discusses the history of Venezuela's nationalization of its oil industry, which began in 1976 when the government assumed control of the country's petroleum industry, nationalizing hundreds of private businesses and foreign-owned assets, including projects operated by ExxonMobil. The article is prompted by recent statements made by Trump regarding Venezuela's alleged theft of U.S. oil, land, and assets. The history of Venezuela's nationalization is presented as a backdrop to understand the context of Trump's claims.

The annual gathering of Turning Point USA, AmericaFest, has turned into a platform for right-wing leaders to criticize each other, marking a significant shift from its usual unified stance against the 'woke' left. The event has been characterized by infighting, with prominent figures like Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and Candace Owens clashing over issues such as antisemitism, conspiracy theories, and the concept of 'heritage Americans.' The absence of Charlie Kirk, the group's co-founder who was assassinated three months prior, has created a power vacuum, leading to a jockeying for influence within the MAGA movement.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ordered a review of federal intelligence and policing processes in the lead-up to a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people during a Hanukah event. The review, led by former Asio chief Dennis Richardson, will examine whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the right measures to keep Australians safe. The decision comes amid growing pressure for a royal commission into the attack. The opposition has criticized the review as 'wholly inadequate' and called for a royal commission. Asio's director-general, Mike Burgess, has offered full cooperation for the review and initiated an internal review of decision-making processes.