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The article discusses the potential acceleration of America's economy in 2026, driven by the effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBB), a tax-cutting law enacted in July 2025. The law is expected to provide $191 billion in tax cuts to Americans, with refunds reflecting retroactive tax cuts on income from 2025 and reduced levies on monthly earnings. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is optimistic about the prospects for 2026, expecting faster economic growth. The article highlights the potential positive impact of the tax cuts on the economy, citing the views of experts and data from investment banks.

The article argues that Britain and the EU should be bolder in getting closer, nearly a decade after Britain's vote to leave the EU. The years following Brexit have been marked by tortuous negotiations and a damaging Brexit deal that has hurt Britain's economy. Most Britons now think Brexit was a mistake and favour closer ties with the EU. Some voices in Britain's governing Labour Party are even considering rejoining the customs union.

The Chinese property market has been in crisis since 2021, and analysts are finding it increasingly difficult to track its woes due to government censorship. The government has been suppressing negative information on social media and pressuring estate agents to keep unfavorable data under wraps. Two major private sources of property data stopped providing monthly home-sales figures in November, reportedly at the government's command. The article suggests that China's property woes could last until 2030.

The article discusses OpenAI's significant cash burn and its potential impact on the venture capital industry in 2026. OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is expected to tap private investors for as much as $100bn in 2026, which is almost four times the amount raised by the biggest stockmarket listing ever. The article highlights the confidence of private markets in AI startups, with $150bn invested in big AI startups such as OpenAI and Anthropic in 2025. The article questions whether this level of investment is sustainable and whether it will lead to a bubble.

The article discusses RedBird, a relatively small investment firm with $12 billion in assets under management, which has been involved in significant media deals. Notably, RedBird backed Paramount's hostile $108 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery alongside other major investors such as Apollo and several Gulf sovereign-wealth funds. The firm's involvement in such large-scale transactions highlights its growing influence in the media industry, with interests spanning from Hollywood to European football clubs like AC Milan.

The Economist's annual tradition of naming a 'country of the year' for 2025 is highlighted in this article. The selection is not based on the country being the happiest or most influential but rather on which country has shown the most improvement in various aspects such as economy, politics, or other significant areas. The article discusses the rationale behind this selection process and teases the reveal of the chosen country for 2025.

The article discusses the future of space exploration and argues that it depends on advancements in biology rather than just technological advancements like rockets. The number of people in space is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, with predictions ranging from a million to settling on Mars. The article highlights the importance of addressing biological needs such as sewage treatment for long-term space missions.

The article discusses the decline in charitable giving among Americans in 2025, challenging the common assumption that this trend is solely attributed to President Donald Trump's policies and attitudes towards philanthropy. It highlights that the reality behind this decline is more complex and multifaceted.

The article 'Your Well Informed guide to surviving Christmas' from The Economist offers evidence-based advice on how to cope with the perils of Yuletide feasting, based on studies reviewed in their 'Well Informed' column throughout 2025. It suggests that moderate indulgence, such as drinking slowly and eating cake, can be part of a healthy approach to the holiday season, emphasizing that having fun is also beneficial for one's well-being. The article is part of a series that has covered various health and well-being topics, from the benefits of red-light masks to the health impacts of butter consumption.

A body was found in the search for missing Texas teen Camila Mendoza Olmos, who vanished from her home on Christmas Eve. The body was discovered in a field near her home, and a gun was recovered at the scene. Authorities believe Olmos was experiencing suicidal ideations and exhibited signs of depression. The medical examiner has yet to confirm the identity of the body, but expects to do so in the next day or two.

A highly decorated NYPD lieutenant, Javier Rodriguez, and his patrol-cop wife, Tanya Rodriguez, were fired by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch in October after refusing to cooperate with an investigation into a suspicious fire at their Long Island home on September 19. The fire prompted Tanya to report Javier missing, but he was later found on an Amtrak train in Baltimore. The couple had previously spotless disciplinary records, with Javier having earned dozens of commendations, including a 2009 Medal for Valor. The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with Nassau County authorities not ruling out foul play, but no charges have been brought yet.

Kelsey Grammer's daughter Greer revealed on the 'Pretty Basic' podcast that her father told her he didn't want her to use his last name when she was growing up. Greer was hurt by this revelation, which came after they reconnected at age 16 following 12 years of estrangement. Despite the initial pain, Greer acknowledged that her father's advice was 'fair.' The two have since developed a good relationship, with Grammer paying for her college education and Greer appearing alongside him in the 'Frasier' reboot. Greer shared details about their reconnection, which occurred when Grammer approached her at a Christmas tree lot where she was completing community service as Miss Teen Malibu.

A case of measles was detected at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey during peak holiday travel. The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed the case in a passenger at terminals B & C on Dec. 12. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, and rash, and the airborne virus can spread through coughing or sneezing. Officials are working on contact tracing and notifying those who may have been exposed. This year, there have been 11 confirmed cases of measles in New Jersey and 2,012 cases in the U.S. according to the CDC. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also confirmed a measles case in a traveler who flew into Boston Logan International Airport from Texas.

NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal is assisting Jordan Wilmore, a 7-foot-3 former professional basketball player who failed the Texas state peace officer exam by one point. Wilmore had completed the police academy and was set to join the Kemah Police Department but fell short of the required score. O'Neal, who has law enforcement experience and has received honorary titles from law enforcement agencies, has offered to sponsor Wilmore as he retakes the exam. Wilmore is determined to become a police officer despite being told his height would make him more suited for a basketball career.

The Trump administration has halted all childcare payments to Minnesota due to allegations of a massive billion-dollar fraud scandal involving the state's human services department. Deputy Health and Human Services Secretary Jim O'Neill announced the freeze, citing the need for a comprehensive audit of the state's day care centers. Minnesota has received $185 million in childcare payments this year, and the administration demands proof that funds are being spent legitimately. The scandal involves millions of dollars funneled to allegedly fraudulent daycares, with at least $1 billion in confirmed fraud and 92 people charged, mostly Somali immigrants. The administration has launched a hotline to report fraud and is demanding a comprehensive audit of the centers.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's plan to build a new 'Golden Fleet' of Trump-class battleships, which are three times the size of the current Zumwalt class. The author argues that while the ships may look impressive, they are not the right choice for modern naval warfare. The article highlights the limitations of battleships in WWII and how they were outclassed by air power. It also notes that the Navy has been moving towards a distributed operations model, using a large number of vessels and aircraft together, and that Trump's proposed battleships reverse this approach. The author suggests that the focus should be on building a fleet of smaller, uncrewed vessels that can provide more bang for the buck.

Linda Stevenson, the wife of Bill Stevenson, Jill Biden's ex-husband, was found dead in their Delaware home after a domestic dispute call on Sunday. The police responded to the scene and found Linda unresponsive on the living room floor. The investigation is ongoing, with the police treating the case as a 'death investigation.' Linda's daughter, Christina Vettori, claimed that the police were investigating it as a murder, but the police denied this. The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy. Bill Stevenson was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, and he had previously accused Jill of having an affair with Joe Biden before their divorce.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has been hospitalized with meningitis and placed in an induced coma. Martyn, 54, fell ill on December 26 and is being treated in a Queensland hospital. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg and former teammates Adam Gilchrist and Darren Lehmann have expressed their support and well-wishes for Martyn's recovery. Martyn played 67 Test matches for Australia between 1992 and 2006, winning two World Cups and scoring over 4,400 Test runs. His condition is considered serious, but his family is hopeful that he can be brought out of his coma in the coming days.

The French right-wing is pushing for a national tribute to honor film star Brigitte Bardot, who died at 91. Éric Ciotti, leader of the right-wing UDR party, launched a petition that garnered over 23,000 signatures. However, opponents on the left argue that national homages are reserved for those who have rendered 'exceptional services to the nation.' Bardot was known for her iconic film career and her later life devoted to animal welfare, but also for her far-right sympathies and controversial remarks. President Emmanuel Macron has praised Bardot as a 'legend of the century,' and the mayor of Nice plans to name an 'iconic site' after her.

Guinea's junta chief, Gen Mamady Doumbouya, has won the presidency in a controversial election, securing 86.72% of the vote. The election was criticized by opposition candidates and civil society groups, who alleged irregularities and 'systematic fraudulent practices.' Doumbouya had previously promised not to run for office after seizing power in a coup four years ago. The victory gives him a seven-year mandate, but the results are likely to be challenged. Guinea has significant mineral resources, but over half of the population lives in poverty.

Isiah Whitlock Jr, a renowned actor known for his roles in The Wire and Veep, has died at the age of 71. His manager, Brian Liebman, announced his passing on Instagram, stating that Whitlock died in New York after a short illness. Whitlock was a longtime collaborator with director Spike Lee, who paid tribute to him on social media. He was known for his memorable performances in various films and TV shows, including Goodfellas, The Chappelle Show, and Law and Order franchise. Whitlock's catchphrase, a profane word, became popularized after his appearance in The Wire.

Tatiana Schlossberg, the 35-year-old granddaughter of former US President John F. Kennedy, has died after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Schlossberg, a climate journalist, announced her diagnosis in November and wrote about her experience in an essay published in The New Yorker. She was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, and her family has a history of tragedy, including the assassination of her grandfather and the death of her uncle in a plane crash. Schlossberg's essay detailed her treatment and prognosis, as well as her concerns about the impact of her passing on her family. Tributes have been paid to Schlossberg, including from her relative Maria Shriver, who praised her strength and courage.

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers captured in July during deadly border clashes as part of a new ceasefire deal with Cambodia. The handover was delayed due to Thai concerns over alleged ceasefire violations by Cambodia, but was facilitated by Chinese diplomatic pressure. The ceasefire agreement includes freezing front lines, banning reinforcements, and allowing civilians to return to border areas. The release of the soldiers was a key demand of the Cambodian government and is seen as a demonstration of goodwill by Thailand. The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back over a century, with recent tensions escalating due to a series of incidents, including the killing of a Cambodian soldier and the displacement of thousands of civilians.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced it will withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen after Saudi Arabia backed a demand from the Yemeni presidential council for them to leave within 24 hours. The decision follows a Saudi-led military coalition air strike on a shipment in the southern port of Mukalla, which the UAE denied contained weapons. The strike has deepened a rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have been allies in the war against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement. The Yemeni presidential council had ordered the UAE's withdrawal, citing the need to safeguard the security of all citizens and affirm commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, seeks independence for southern Yemen and has launched offensives in two eastern provinces, putting them in direct conflict with government forces.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR) and its impact on local tourism and economy. The LCR has brought a surge in Chinese tourists and investments, but Laotians are questioning whether it benefits their economy. Chinese tourists mostly arrive on group tours, staying within Chinese-owned ecosystems, limiting the benefits for local businesses. The influx of Chinese money and influence has also raised concerns about cultural heritage and local economic opportunities.

The article discusses how climate change has affected the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the southern coastal regions, leading to displacement and migration. The story of Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant worker in Singapore, is highlighted. Emran left his village in Gabura Union of the Satkhira district due to the devastating impact of climate change on his family's livelihood. The article explains how recurring disasters such as storms and floods have crippled the local economy, pushing people to migrate to other countries, including Singapore, in search of better opportunities. Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with a projected 30cm of sea-level rise by 2050 potentially displacing millions more people.

The year 2025 saw multiple regions worldwide break temperature records. Central Asia, the Sahel region, and northern Europe experienced their hottest year on record. Globally, the last 12 months are expected to be the third-hottest ever recorded. Countries in Central Asia, such as Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Uzbekistan, saw temperatures 2-3°C above their seasonal average. The Sahel region, including Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Chad, also experienced record-breaking temperatures. In Europe, around 10 countries are on the verge of breaking their annual temperature record, with Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and Britain recording their worst summer on record. The extreme heat events have become almost 10 times more likely since 2015 due to human-induced climate change.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the United States, 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, ultimately leading to its closure. The tariffs, which reached as high as 145%, disproportionately affected small retailers, who were unable to absorb the costs like larger retailers such as Walmart and Target. The article highlights the impact of the trade war on the toy industry, with small businesses making up 96% of the ecosystem, and the resulting 'Christmas economy split' between big-box retailers and small shopkeepers.

The article discusses the impending expiration of government subsidies for health insurance under the 'Obamacare' program, which is expected to cause a significant increase in health costs for millions of Americans in 2026. The subsidies, which were expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic, were not extended by the Republican Party, led by President Donald Trump, due to concerns over cost and abuse. As a result, many Americans, including Iowa farmer Aaron Lehman and retiree Audrey Horn, are facing substantial premium hikes, with some expected to forgo insurance or dip into savings. Experts warn that this could lead to the largest rollback in health coverage in US history, with potentially severe consequences for mortality and healthcare costs.

The US Justice Department is reviewing 5.2 million pages of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and needs 400 lawyers to help with the process. The review is expected to extend the final release of the documents beyond the initial deadline of December 19. The files are related to criminal probes of Epstein, who was friends with US President Donald Trump in the 1990s. The Justice Department is offering incentives to lawyers who assist with the review, including telework options and time off awards.

The year 2025 was one of the three hottest years on record, with the three-year temperature average breaking through the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Scientists attribute this to human behavior, particularly the continued burning of fossil fuels, which sends planet-warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The analysis by World Weather Attribution researchers identified 157 extreme weather events in 2025, including heat waves, droughts, and floods, which were made more likely by climate change. Experts stress that keeping the Earth below the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit is crucial to preventing catastrophic environmental destruction and saving lives. However, the geopolitical landscape is mixed, with some countries making progress in renewable energy while others continue to invest in fossil fuels.

Cecilia Giménez, a Spanish woman known for her botched restoration of a century-old fresco of Jesus Christ, has died at the age of 94. The restoration, which was done with the best of intentions, resulted in a cartoonish and unrecognizable version of the original painting, sparking global headlines and a flood of online reactions. Giménez's attempt added a mane to the figure of Christ, earning it the nickname 'Monkey Christ.' Despite the controversy, the incident turned Borja, the town where the fresco is located, into a tourist destination, with 57,000 visitors the following year. Giménez later had an art exhibition featuring her own paintings.

George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their 8-year-old twins have been granted French citizenship. The naturalizations were announced in the Journal Officiel, France's official government publication. The Clooneys purchased an estate in France in 2021 and have since made it their primary residence. George Clooney expressed his desire to raise his children away from the Hollywood culture and paparazzi, stating that their life in France is much better for their children. The family's new citizenship does not necessarily mean they have given up their American citizenship, as it is unclear whether George Clooney retained his US citizenship. Amal Clooney was naturalized under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The Clooneys own properties in various locations including Italy, England, New York, and Kentucky, but George Clooney stated that their French home is where they are happiest.

The search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370) is resuming in the Indian Ocean, 12 years after it vanished with 239 people on board. The search is being conducted by British-American deep sea robotics company Ocean Infinity using advanced underwater drones. The drones are capable of diving nearly 20,000 feet and creating detailed 3D images of the seafloor. The search area has been narrowed down to around 5,800 square miles using drift analysis. To date, fewer than 30 fragments believed to be from MH370 have been found, but no remains of the crew or passengers have been recovered. Malaysia's government has agreed to pay Ocean Infinity $70 million if they find the missing plane.

The U.S. removal of two displays honoring Black World War II troops from a cemetery in the Netherlands has sparked widespread anger and controversy. The American Battle Monuments Commission, a U.S. government agency, removed the panels without explanation, citing that they did not fall within their commemorative mission. The move is seen as part of a larger pattern of erasing the history of Black soldiers who fought in World War II. Dutch officials, local residents, and families of U.S. soldiers have condemned the removal, with many calling for the panels to be returned.

European stocks are expected to open lower on the last trading day of 2025, with the UK's FTSE index predicted to fall 0.2%, Germany's DAX down 0.3%, and France's CAC 40 down 0.3%. Despite this, regional stocks had extended gains on Tuesday, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index closing 0.7% higher and notching a fresh record high. Mining stocks were among the top performers, with Fresnillo gaining 6% and other miners such as Anglo American, Antofagasta, and Glencore rising around 3%. The markets will be closed on Thursday for the New Year's Day holiday and will reopen on Friday. There are no major data releases in Europe on Wednesday.

Karl Bushby, a British adventurer, has been walking around the world for 27 years, completing his 'Goliath Expedition'. He started his journey in 1998 with $500 and survival gear, following two rules: to only walk or swim and not return home until he arrives entirely on foot. Bushby has faced numerous challenges, including crossing the Darien Gap, being detained by Russian authorities, and swimming across the Caspian Sea. Despite these challenges, he has learned that happiness comes from relationships and that people are generally kind across cultures. Bushby expects to complete his journey and return home to England next year.

California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna is launching a bipartisan investigation into state-level fraud after endorsing a wealth tax, which sparked backlash from Silicon Valley elites. The proposed tax on billionaires aims to address a potential shortfall in California's health-care budget. Khanna's effort seeks to ensure that funds generated from the tax are used effectively and transparently, addressing concerns about corruption and waste in government.

Europe's banking sector has had a strong year in 2025, with lenders posting their best annual performance since 1997. The Stoxx 600 Banks Index has surged nearly 60% since the start of the year, driven by strong earnings and profit beats from major banks such as HSBC and UBS. As the sector looks to maintain its momentum into 2026, banks are now faced with the challenge of deciding how to utilize their significant excess capital. Strategists expect a focus on inorganic growth through M&A activity, particularly in Italy and the UK, as well as share buybacks and capital dividends. The sector is seen as a strong diversification play for investors in 2026, with European banks offering a relatively low valuation and a good environment for growth.

The article discusses how successful couples strengthen their relationships during the holiday season and heading into the new year. According to New York-based psychologist Sabrina Romanoff, couples use this time to reflect on their relationship, create new traditions, and communicate about what matters to them. The No. 1 thing successful couples do is have a conversation that involves looking back on the past year and reflecting on what worked in their relationship, and then looking forward to improve their relationship in the coming year. Romanoff suggests that couples focus on moments of deep connection, express appreciation, and frame desired changes as reinforcement rather than criticism.

The US Health and Human Services Department has paused child care funding to Minnesota due to a fraud scandal involving day care centers, mostly run by people of Somali origin. The decision blocks $185 million in annual aid. The scandal has led to over 90 people being charged and at least 60 convicted in federal investigations. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been combating fraud but faces criticism from President Trump and state Republicans. The Health Department has demanded a thorough audit and taken steps to secure the national Administration for Children and Families system.

The article discusses the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, an immigrant who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador and then brought back to the US to face indictment. Emails released by a federal judge suggest that senior Justice Department officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, played a greater role in bringing charges against Abrego Garcia than previously acknowledged. The emails contradict the department's claims that local prosecutors acted alone and raise questions about whether the department misled the judge overseeing the case. The case has sparked concerns about vindictive prosecution and has led to rebukes from multiple judges.

The US Justice Department is reviewing approximately 5.2 million pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's investigations, with the help of around 400 lawyers. The department was required by Congress to release these files by December 19, but only managed to release about 100,000 pages on that date. The review process is expected to take until at least January 20. The department has defended its handling of the matter, stating that it is working to protect victims and national security. The delay in releasing the documents has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans.

A devastating flood in Indonesia's Aceh Province has left over 1,100 people dead and 400,000 displaced, with many survivors expressing frustration and anger over the slow pace of recovery efforts. The flood was exacerbated by years of unchecked logging, and conservationists are calling for action against companies operating improperly. President Prabowo Subianto has refused to declare a national disaster or accept foreign aid, insisting the situation is 'under control.' Protests have erupted in the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, and elsewhere, with some residents waving white flags to signal their desperation. The government has promised to take action against companies operating improperly and to strengthen supervision and enforcement in the field.

Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of John F. Kennedy, began her journalism career as a rookie reporter at The Record in New Jersey in 2012. Despite her famous family name, she was determined to prove herself and earn the respect of her colleagues. She covered various local stories, including a murder, election preview, and community fund-raising events. Her big breaks came when she covered Hurricane Sandy and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, showcasing her reporting skills and confidence. Schlossberg later worked at The New York Times, became an author and environmental journalist, and disclosed her battle with cancer before passing away at 35.

Airbus has secured major orders for 145 A320 aircraft from Chinese airlines, marking a significant victory over its US rival Boeing in a key market. The orders, worth billions of US dollars, came after Airbus' CEO accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to China. Air China announced it would purchase 60 A320neo narrowbody passenger jets from Airbus for a list price of US$9.53 billion. The deals are pending approval from the companies' shareholders and the Chinese government.

ByteDance plans to spend around $14 billion on Nvidia chips in 2026, a significant increase from $12 billion in 2025, to meet the growing computing demands of its popular apps, cloud unit Volcano Engine, and large language models. The company has been investing in its internal chip design unit and has made progress in developing a processor that matches Nvidia's H20 chip performance at a lower cost. ByteDance is also investing in memory technologies such as high-bandwidth memory.

Hong Kong authorities are stepping up inspections at bus stops and tourist spots as new rules banning smoking while queuing or near designated facilities take effect on Thursday. The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office head, Manny Lam Man-chung, stated that officers will issue penalty tickets to smokers who fail to observe the new rules, but will be more lenient in certain marginal cases. Some residents are aware of the new measures, while tourists are also willing to comply. The authorities will contact the managers of designated premises if the need to increase signage arises.

The article discusses how Muslim businesses in China are targeting Malaysia as a gateway to global halal markets. A Chinese Muslim food festival in Kuala Lumpur has attracted numerous vendors selling halal food and products, with many participants having set up operations in Malaysia to expand into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Malaysia's strong halal standards and international reputation are cited as key factors in this trend.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for increased grain production and modernization of agriculture to ensure food security amid a volatile geopolitical climate and trade tensions with major exporters like the US. Xi emphasized the need for a 'no-relaxation' approach to grain output and improving overall production capacity and efficiency. China's food security concerns have been heightened due to the trade war with the US, which led to temporary suspensions of American soybean imports. Beijing is pushing to become an 'agricultural powerhouse' and is focusing on agricultural modernization and rural development as key economic goals.

George Clooney, his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their 8-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, have been granted French citizenship. The family moved to France to escape the Hollywood culture and paparazzi, seeking a more normal life for their children. Clooney expressed his concerns about raising his kids in L.A. and the impact of fame on their lives. The family now lives on a farm in France, where they enjoy a simpler life, having dinner together and taking part in everyday activities.

Hamas has confirmed the deaths of five senior leaders, including Mohammed al-Sinwar, brother of former Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar, and Abu Obeida, the group's longtime masked spokesperson. The deaths mark a significant blow to the terror organization since the start of the Gaza war. Israel had previously announced the deaths, which occurred during various military operations in Gaza earlier this year. The confirmations come despite a ceasefire in effect since October. US President Donald Trump, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warned that Hamas must disarm soon or face severe consequences, and that the next phase of the Gaza peace plan could move forward if they do so.

The CEO of Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, Maxim Timchenko, has warned that Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid will continue unless President Trump intervenes. Timchenko stated that his company has restored power to over 30 million households despite repeated attacks on critical energy infrastructure. He emphasized Ukraine's dependence on continued global support, particularly from President Trump, to stop the war and restore its energy system. The article highlights the severity of the damage to Ukraine's power grid and the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict.

The US Central Command announced that the US and partner forces have terminated or captured nearly 25 ISIS figures since a December 19 strike in Syria. The operations, conducted between December 20-29, resulted in the killing of at least seven ISIS members and the capture of the remainder. The US and partner forces have carried out activity in Syria over the last 12 months, detaining over 300 terrorists and killing more than 20. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that they 'will not relent' in their commitment to root out the ISIS threat. The recent missions followed Operation Hawkeye Strike on December 19, which struck over 70 targets with more than 100 precision munitions.

The article analyzes President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts over two days in Palm Beach, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump's meetings were marked by controversy and unpredictability, with commitments to bomb Iran, blame Hamas for the faltering Gaza ceasefire, and praise Netanyahu as a wartime leader. The article questions the sincerity and implications of Trump's statements, highlighting divergences between Trump and Netanyahu on Syria and the West Bank. Trump's responses to questions on Venezuela and China also raised eyebrows, with a confirmed attack on a 'big facility' in Venezuela and a nonchalant attitude towards a Chinese military dress rehearsal for a blockade of Taiwan. The article concludes that Trump's diplomacy is often theatrical and may be influenced by his election campaign, leaving many questions about the future of US foreign policy.

Boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two of his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua, 36, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. An eyewitness described Joshua as 'shocked' and unable to talk after the accident. The cause of the crash is being investigated by police, with preliminary findings suggesting excessive speed and wrongful overtaking. Joshua's friends and fellow boxers have paid tribute to the victims and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.

Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for his roles in 'The Wire,' 'Veep,' and several Spike Lee films, has died at the age of 71 after a short illness. Whitlock's memorable performances included his portrayal of corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis on 'The Wire' and appearances in five Spike Lee films. Director Spike Lee and 'The Wire' creator David Simon paid tribute to Whitlock, highlighting his talent, humor, and kind spirit.

The Kennedy Center is facing a new round of cancellations by artists after President Donald Trump's name was added to the facility, prompting the institution's president to accuse performers of making decisions based on politics. Several artists, including The Cookers jazz supergroup and Doug Varone and Dancers, have canceled their scheduled performances, citing concerns about the venue's new direction. The move comes amid declining ticket sales and viewership for the Kennedy Center Honors broadcast, which was down 35% compared to the previous year. The controversy follows Trump's appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center and the ousting of the previous leadership.

Guinea's junta chief, Mamady Doumbouya, has been elected president with 86.72% of the vote in a controversial election marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of irregularities. Doumbouya had initially pledged not to run for office after seizing power in a 2021 coup but reneged on his promise. The election saw a high voter turnout of 80.95%, but the opposition questioned the legitimacy of the results, citing 'electoral charade' and 'serious irregularities'. Doumbouya's victory is seen as a consolidation of his power, having already cracked down on civil liberties and banned protests since taking over.

The Trump administration has imposed 'partial restrictions and entry limitations' on 15 countries, including Tonga, a small Pacific nation with a population of 100,000. The restrictions, effective from January, will limit visa issuance to exceptional circumstances, sparking anger and concern among Tongan community leaders and US politicians. They argue that Tonga is not a security threat to the US and that the restrictions will harm Tongan students and families with ties to the US. The decision has been criticized for targeting communities of color and damaging Pacific island communities.

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was bombed by Russia in 2022, has reopened to the public in the Russia-controlled Donetsk region of Ukraine. The airstrike killed hundreds of civilians, but Russia denies any involvement in the attack. The reopening has been met with controversy, with the event being described as 'glitzy'.