China conducts second day of military drills around Taiwan

The fight over Christian nationalism in a small Tennessee town

A controversy kicked off after two religious podcasters moved into an Appalachian hill town deep in the Bible Belt.

Brazil's Bolsonaro undergoes second medical procedure for hiccups

The former far-right leader receives second treatment in three days for chronic hiccups.

Photographing the hidden world of slime mould

Meet Barry Webb and his award-winning images of the tiny world of slime mould.

Naan: How the 'world's best bread' travelled from Islamic courts to our plates

Naan, a leavened flatbread, was once the food of nobility but is now a global culinary delight.

China launches live-firing drills around Taiwan in its biggest war games to date

This marks China’s sixth major round of war games since 2022.

Coups, elections and protests - a difficult year for democracy in Africa

Post-election violence in Tanzania and more coups were part of a turbulent 12 months on the continent.

Explainer-What is 'Taiwan independence' and is Taiwan already independent?

TAIPEI, Dec 30 - China said on Tuesday it would \"never hesitate to combat separatism\" as it held a second day of war games around Taiwan, describing the drills it calls \"Justice Mission 2025\" as a warning against independence and foreign interference.

‘Wicked: For Good’ Hits Streaming — How to Watch Part Two at Home

When and where to stream Jon M. Chu's 2025 film adaptation online.

Russia's losses in Ukraine rise faster than ever, as US pushes for peace deal

A steep rise in soldiers' obituaries is documented by the BBC as part of its work in counting Russian war losses.

Trump hopes to reach phase two of Gaza ceasefire 'very quickly'

The US president also warns Hamas will have "hell to pay" if it does not disarm, after talks with Netanyahu.

North Korea’s Kim says new rocket launchers can ‘annihilate the enemy’

This comes a day after Pyongyang carried out a test-fire of two strategic long-range cruise missiles.

Woman stabbed at Tokyo apartment, suspect held in Chiba

The attacker had allegedly been a customer at the salon where the victim worked.

US military says it killed 2 'narco-terrorists' in eastern Pacific

The U.S. military said Monday it had targeted another alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two “narco-terrorists” as it continued its counternarcotics campaign off the coast of South America. The U.S. forces blew up the vessel, which was operated by a

Israeli recognition of Somaliland prompts global outcry, emergency U.N. meeting

Israel’s diplomatic move makes it an outlier in the international community.

The world wants more ube. Philippine farmers are struggling to keep up

Ube exports have quadrupled in recent years to about 200 tonnes annually.

5 takeaways on Trump-Netanyahu meeting at Mar-a-Lago

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were in lockstep on Monday during a press conference following their lunch meeting at Mar-a-Lago, ramping up pressure on Hamas to disarm and threatening to renew attacks on Iran if it seeks to build up its ballistic

Pentagon announces $8.6 billion Boeing contract for F-15 jets for Israel

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Boeing was given an $8.6 billion contract for the F-15 Israel Program, the Pentagon said on Monday, after U.S. President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. "This contract provides for the

Israel defends Somaliland move at UN amid concerns over Gaza motives

By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Israel defended on Monday its formal recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, but several countries at the United Nations questioned whether the move aimed to relocate Palestinians from Gaza or to establish

Trump says US hit 'big facility' linked to alleged Venezuelan drug boats

The president said it was a dock area "where they load the boats up with drugs".

None of us are at good at action RPGs as the Path of Exile 2 player who beat one of its toughest bosses without any gear: 'What did I just witness?'

No weapons, no armor, and no healing flasks.

Screen time these holidays doesn't need to be a bad thing

With five weeks of school summer holidays (that's around 25 days of weekday activities to organize), being online is a major attraction for most kids and a concern for most parents and caregivers.

General Motors stock on track to beat auto rivals like Tesla, Ford in 2025

The stock has soared more than 55% so far this year to a record price of more than $80 a share as of Friday’s close – setting the automaker up for its best year since it exited bankruptcy in 2009.

The fashion lover’s guide to 10 standout Thai brands you should know now and where to shop

From quiet luxury to Y2K nostalgia, these are the Thai fashion brands that those in the know can’t stop buying.

Pompeo: Putin has 'conceded literally nothing' in Ukraine peace talks

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “conceded literally nothing” in talks to end the war in Ukraine. “The adversary here, Vladimir Putin, has — to best I can tell — conceded literally nothing to date. And while they say there's

‘Stranger Things 5’ Finale Has 1.1 Million RSVPs in Movie Theaters, Says Ross Duffer: ‘3,500 Showtimes Are Completely Full’

The “Stranger Things” series finale is shaping up to be a major theatrical event. 1.1 million people have RSVP’d to watch the final episode of the Netflix sci-fi series in theaters on New Year’s Eve, according to an Instagram post from co-creator Ross Duffer, who also said that

Joe Rogan Says Donald Trump Attacking Rob Reiner After His Death Is ‘So Disappointing’ and ‘Not Funny’: ‘There’s No Justification For What He Did’

Joe Rogan is the latest industry heavyweight speaking out against Donald Trump’s repeated attacks against Rob Reiner after the director’s tragic death. Trump alleged that Reiner’s death was “due to the anger he caused others” from being outspokenly anti-Trump. Reiner’s son,

Fallen Aces's second episode won't be out this year, but it will feature a first-person car chase with a tommy gun in both hands and a foot-operated steering wheel

Bad news, rad news.

Virginia's 'data center alley' gives glimpse into America's AI future

{beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story Virginia's 'data center alley' gives glimpse into America's AI future As data centers hurtle to the forefront of the national debate over AI and energy costs, northern Virginia offers a preview of the political fights that will

Ex-Kiss Guitarist Claims $250 CD Single ‘Is Worth More Than Most Entire Albums’

Vinnie Vincent has been sparring with fans on social media over what he feels his music is worth

First round of Rural Health Fund payments divvied out

Click in for more news from The Hill {beacon} Health Care Health Care The Big Story First round of Rural Health Fund payments divvied out The Trump administration on Monday issued the first round of payments from its $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program

K-pop band NewJeans breaks up after bitter feud with record label

Ador says it has dropped NewJeans member Danielle Marsh while the return of Minji remains uncertain.

New York state to hike overtime thresholds starting Jan. 1

The new adjustments – which the State Department of Labor releases annually – will largely apply to employees who work in an executive or administrative capacity.

Israel hands Trump another international award, after Nobel snub

US President Donald Trump will receive Israel's highest civilian honor in 2026, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that his country will break with decades of tradition to recognize a non-citizen. Speaking after a cordial Florida meet-up with Trump,

Imagine Your Way to a Better Relationship

Picturing positive encounters can make you like a person more The post Imagine Your Way to a Better Relationship appeared first on Nautilus .

Trump: US made Christmas Eve strike on Venezuela facility

Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security The Big Story Trump: US made Xmas Eve strike on Venezuela facility President Trump during a recent radio interview revealed that the U.S. “knocked out” a “big” facility in Venezuela. ©

MIT scientists find a way to rejuvenate the immune system as we age

As the immune system weakens with age, scientists have found a way to restore some of its lost strength. By delivering mRNA to the liver, they created a temporary source of immune-boosting signals that normally come from the thymus. Older mice treated this way produced more

Ryan Coogler's X-Files reboot coming before Black Panther 3

The X-Files is coming back, thanks to Creed, Sinners and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler.

SBA halts grants to Minnesota in wake of fraud scandal

Small Business Administration (SBA) head Kelly Loeffler said Monday that her department is halting annual grants to Minnesota, amid an investigation into alleged fraud in COVID-era lending programs. Loeffler said on the social platform X that the SBA is pausing yearly funding

Trump says he and Netanyahu don't fully agree on West Bank

By Andrea Shalal and Kanishka Singh PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not agree fully on the issue of the Israeli-occupied West Bank but the Republican leader did not lay

Kalshi purges affiliate accounts for antisemitic posts including offensive depiction of NBA Commish Adam Silver

The posts spread on X, where several meme-style accounts displaying Kalshi affiliate badges shared or amplified the content.

Chilean Ambassador to New Zealand under fire after Rapa Nui post

Diplomatic circles in Santiago are still shaky after last week's comment by the South American country's Ambassador to New Zealand, favoring self-rule by Easter Island's native Rapa Nui community.

Chevy Chase Had ‘Meltdown’ on ‘Community’ Set After N-Word Incident Went Public and Said ‘My Career Is Ruined,’ Claims Director; Crew Chanted ‘F— You, Chevy!’ at Wrap Party

“Community” director Jay Chandrasekhar is interviewed in the upcoming CNN documentary “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” and recalls that he “was there, directing, the night that Chevy Chase got fired” from the NBC sitcom (via People). Chandrasekhar, who is best known for his

Ethan Gach’s Top 10 Games Of 2025

Can I just pick Final Fantasy Tactics 10 times? The post Ethan Gach’s Top 10 Games Of 2025 appeared first on Kotaku .

Oldest Post Office scandal victim made OBE

Betty Brown says she is accepting the honour on behalf of all the victims of the scandal.

The reason behind the flip-flop boycott in Brazil

Angry over a new ad campaign for the famous Brazilian sandal brand Havaianas, the right is trying to get consumers to boycott the iconic flip flops.

Greene claims Trump said his 'friends will get hurt' on Epstein files

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) claimed in a New York Times profile that President Trump said his “friends will get hurt” by exposing abusers connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to the story told by Greene, she received a call from Trump after