UK PM Keir Starmer invited President Donald Trump for a second state visit to Britain, an unprecedented gesture. Trump's acceptance followed discussions on the Ukraine conflict. Starmer urged Trump to involve Kyiv and European leaders in peace talks, while Trump's approach towards Russia and reevaluating US foreign policy stirs European concerns.
Related news
Meghan Markle's demanding leadership style reportedly led several staff members to seek therapy or extended leave due to emotional stress. Individuals described the work environment as comparable to a high-stress teenage drama and indicated that undermining behaviors and harsh scrutiny contributed to their need for professional help.
Indo-Canadian Anita Anand, 58, becomes the minister of innovation, science, and industry in new Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet, while Delhi-born Kamal Khera, 36, is the minister of health. Carney, formerly a central banker, was sworn in with a smaller cabinet of 24 members, including 13 men and 11 women.
The U.S. military conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria this weekend, targeting and killing a senior finance and logistics official of the al-Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din. This operation aimed to disrupt terrorist activities threatening US, allied, and partner personnel. President Trump lauded CENTCOM for their efforts in eliminating the threat.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou faces his first vote of no confidence in parliament Thursday, with the motion unlikely to pass. The speech sparked condemnation from most of the opposition in parliament where Bayrou is well short of an absolute majority, making his government highly vulnerable to a no-confidence vote that, if successful, would force it to resign.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff admitted that Hamas might have deceived him regarding a ceasefire proposal. The terms would have extended the Gaza ceasefire in exchange for hostages, but Hamas stuck to the original agreement, leading to resumed hostilities and US airstrikes against Houthi leaders.
A fire at Plaza Latina shopping center in Dallas killed 579 animals due to smoke inhalation, mainly small birds, along with chickens, hamsters, two dogs, and two cats. The fire, which required 45 firefighters to extinguish, caused significant damage, including a partially collapsed roof. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The United States faces a "quad-demic" this winter, with flu, Covid-19, RSV, and norovirus surging due to increased indoor activities, holiday gatherings, and weakened immune systems. Health officials advocate for vaccinations, hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and staying home when sick to combat the rising infections.
Nasa’s holiday video from the ISS, featuring astronauts in Santa hats and a Christmas tree floating in zero gravity, has sparked online conspiracy theories and questions about how the items reached space. Nasa confirmed a November SpaceX delivery provided the festive items, and astronauts' mission extended due to technical issues with their capsule.
Luigi Mangione, scion of a prominent Baltimore family known for philanthropy and success, has been arrested in New York City for the murder of a health insurance executive. The arrest has shocked the community, given Mangione's privileged upbringing and the family's esteemed legacy. A handwritten document found by police suggests a possible motive, expressing resentment towards corporate elites.
The Trump administration withdrew lawsuits filed by Biden's DOJ against Iowa and Oklahoma over their immigration laws criminalising illegal immigration. GOP leaders welcomed the dismissal, blaming Biden’s border security policies. Despite the DOJ's withdrawal, immigrant rights groups continue to challenge Iowa's law.