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On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 11 people and injuring over a dozen. One attacker was killed, the other critically wounded and in custody. The attack targeted Sydney's Jewish community amid rising antisemitism, prompting condemnation from Australian and Israeli leaders.
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Lionel Messi's scheduled appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was marred by chaos after he left early, leading to fan violence, vandalism, and arrests. The event was poorly managed, with ticket holders unable to see Messi, prompting apologies from officials and an investigation.
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On December 14, 2025, a gunman linked to ISIS attacked US and Syrian forces near Palmyra, killing two US soldiers and a civilian. The attacker, a Syrian security member, was shot dead. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Syria's desert region amid expanding US cooperation with Syrian forces.
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Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Ales Bialiatski, following negotiations with the US over sanctions. The move signals a potential shift in Belarus' relations with the West amid ongoing political repression.
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Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel laureate and human rights activist, was re-arrested in Iran after denouncing the suspicious death of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. She was previously released from prison for medical treatment and has long campaigned for women's rights and against the death penalty. Her physical condition appears poor following the arrest.
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iRobot, known for its robotic vacuums, has filed for bankruptcy and is being acquired by its main manufacturer, Picea. The move follows failed acquisition attempts by Amazon and ongoing financial struggles, including declining sales and a significant stock drop. The company aims to continue operations during the bankruptcy process.
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A father and son attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 and injuring dozens. The incident has prompted the Australian government to propose stricter gun laws, including limiting firearm licenses and types of legal weapons. The attack is linked to rising antisemitism amid regional tensions.
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Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya accused Israel of violating the October ceasefire by killing Hamas commander Raad Saad and others. Despite ongoing Israeli attacks and violations of humanitarian access, Hamas insists the role of international forces should be limited to maintaining the ceasefire, rejecting any internal intervention.
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On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials under the national security law. Lai, a British citizen and founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily, has spent five years in custody, with his health reportedly deteriorating. The verdict marks a significant moment in Beijing's crackdown on dissent.
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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, with a curfew imposed in Thailand's Trat province amid ongoing border clashes. A civilian has been killed, and both sides accuse each other of targeting infrastructure. Despite claims of ceasefire talks, hostilities continue, raising regional security concerns.
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On December 13, 2025, a drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan, killed six Bangladeshi troops and injured eight. The Sudanese military blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which denied involvement. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, calling it a potential war crime amid Sudan's ongoing civil war.
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Israeli forces targeted and killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas figure involved in weapons manufacturing, in Gaza. The strike, which Hamas condemned as a ceasefire violation, resulted in four deaths and injuries to others. The incident marks the highest-profile assassination since the October ceasefire, amid ongoing tensions and accusations of violations.
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A terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney has killed 15 people, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and injured dozens. The attack targeted families during the first night of Hanukkah, with one gunman killed and another in critical condition. Authorities are investigating as a hate crime.
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Zelensky announced Ukraine will seek legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and others instead of NATO membership, as diplomatic talks in Berlin aim to end the conflict with Russia. The move marks a major policy shift amid ongoing negotiations and military tensions.
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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, displacing over 500,000 civilians and causing casualties on both sides. Heavy weaponry has been used, with civilians fleeing to evacuation centers amid shortages of food, water, and shelter. The conflict, rooted in colonial-era border disputes, is the deadliest since July, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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Reddit has filed a legal challenge in the High Court against Australia's new law requiring social media platforms to restrict users under 16. The company argues the law infringes on free political communication and is improperly applied, despite plans to comply. The case follows similar challenges from other platforms and government enforcement efforts.
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Recent reports detail ongoing violence in Sudan, including mass killings and atrocities by RSF fighters in El Fasher. The UK has imposed sanctions on RSF commanders involved in war crimes, amid ongoing fighting and humanitarian crises. UN efforts seek peace talks, but access remains limited.
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European Union's planned trade agreement with Mercosur faces delays as France and other countries demand stronger safeguards for agriculture and environmental standards. The deal, agreed a year ago, aims to open markets but is now under threat amid farmer protests and political disagreements. The vote is scheduled for December 20, 2025.
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Chile's presidential runoff resulted in a victory for Jose Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate advocating tough-on-crime policies and anti-migrant measures. His win marks a significant political shift, aligning Chile with regional trends of rightward movement amid concerns over crime and migration. The outcome impacts Chile's future policy direction.
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Hong Kong's Democratic Party announced its disbandment on December 14, 2025, after nearly 30 years. The decision follows Beijing's tightening control, including the national security law enacted in 2020, which led to arrests and the shutdown of pro-democracy groups. The party's liquidation reflects the shrinking space for opposition in the city.
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A deadly gun attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, has killed at least 11 people and wounded dozens. The incident, linked to rising antisemitism fueled by regional tensions, marks one of Australia's worst mass shootings and prompts international outrage and security concerns.
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Filipino fishermen were injured and vessels damaged after Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons and cut anchor lines near Sabina Shoal, within the Philippines' EEZ. The Philippines condemned China's actions, which were defended by Beijing as necessary for sovereignty. The US expressed support for Manila amid ongoing territorial disputes.
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NASA is preparing for upcoming Artemis lunar missions, including deploying robotic rover MAPP to study lunar dust and plasma environments. Meanwhile, a new report emphasizes prioritizing Mars life detection and resource utilization, amid strategic competition with China. NASA's plans involve international collaboration and private sector engagement.
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Heavy rain and flash floods in Morocco have killed at least 21 people, injured dozens, and caused widespread damage. The floods affected multiple cities, including Safi, Tetouan, and Tinghir, amid increasing climate unpredictability linked to drought and changing weather patterns. Authorities warn more heavy rain is expected.
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Over 25 countries are preparing to send representatives to a conference on deploying an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, aiming for deployment as early as next month. The force will not fight Hamas and will focus on stabilization, with plans for gradual Israeli troop withdrawal linked to demilitarization standards.
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A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney has left at least 11 dead and several injured. Authorities say two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, with one attacker killed at the scene and the other critically wounded. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack, marking Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
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U.S. health officials, under the influence of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have reversed decades of vaccination policy by ending universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. The move, driven by a panel with controversial appointees, faces widespread criticism from medical groups and public health experts, raising concerns over increased hepatitis B risks.
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Hong Kong's High Court found pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the national security law. Lai faces a potential life sentence, amid international criticism of the trial's fairness and concerns over Hong Kong's judicial independence. The verdict marks a significant step in Beijing's crackdown on dissent.
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The US intercepted the Skipper tanker off Venezuela, marking the first seizure of Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions in 2019. The move comes amid a military buildup in the Caribbean and regional support for Maduro, raising regional tensions and affecting Venezuelan oil exports and Cuba's power supply.
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EU leaders are considering a plan to use €210 billion of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's military and economy. The move involves complex legal and diplomatic challenges, including Russia's opposition and lawsuits against Euroclear, which holds most of the assets. The decision will be made at the upcoming EU summit.
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A shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island left two students dead and nine wounded. The incident occurred during a Principles of Economics review session, with the suspect detained 12 hours later. Students hid or tried to escape as gunfire erupted in the engineering building. The suspect remains at large.
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A surge in violence and disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has displaced over 500,000 people since December 1, including many children at risk of violence, disease, and malnutrition. UNICEF warns that ongoing conflict, underfunded health plans, and outbreaks of cholera and measles threaten vulnerable populations, especially children, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
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U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials are meeting in Berlin to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict. Talks focus on security guarantees, territorial control, and a potential ceasefire, with key leaders including Zelensky, Macron, and Tusk. A deal is targeted by Christmas, amid ongoing hostilities.
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Pakistan reports a decline in polio cases to 30 since January, down from 74 last year, amid ongoing vaccination campaigns despite security threats. The campaign is synchronized with Afghanistan to prevent cross-border transmission, with significant progress noted in virus containment.
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A mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, mostly students. The suspect, a male in his 30s dressed in black, remains at large after opening fire during final exams. The campus was locked down, and a manhunt is ongoing as authorities seek the shooter.
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ECOWAS leaders have declared a state of emergency amid recent military coups in West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau and Benin. The bloc is moving from reactive sanctions to proactive military and diplomatic actions, with Nigeria supporting Benin's government and deploying forces to restore order. The situation underscores regional instability.
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French museum workers at the Louvre are planning a strike on December 15, citing security failures, resource shortages, and deteriorating working conditions following a high-profile jewelry theft and ongoing operational issues. The strike could lead to temporary closures during the busy holiday season.
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The ELN rebel group announced an armed strike from Sunday to Wednesday, involving civilian confinement and restricted activities, citing regional 'counterinsurgency' and 'imperialist' threats. President Petro responded by ordering security forces to attack the ELN, amid heightened US military activity in the region.
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A suspect was detained after a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, injuring nine students, two of whom died. The attack occurred during exams on Saturday afternoon. Police continue to investigate the motive while maintaining campus security.
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German authorities detained five suspects, including an imam, over a suspected Islamist plot to carry out a vehicle attack at a Bavarian Christmas market. The suspects, detained near the Austria border, allegedly planned to target a market with a vehicle, echoing past attacks in Germany. The plot was thwarted through strong security cooperation.
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Researchers found vertebrae near Darwin indicating a giant shark predator from 115 million years ago, predating previous finds by 15 million years. The creature was estimated to be about 8 meters long, revealing early evolution of large predatory sharks in the Cretaceous period.
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Berlin police are increasing security measures around the Brandenburg Gate during Hanukkah celebrations, following a deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney. Other cities like New York, Warsaw, London, and Paris are also boosting security at Jewish sites amid ongoing threats. The events include lighting a large menorah and prayers for victims.
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Two students were killed and nine injured in a mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, marking the second time survivors like Mia Tretta and Zoe Weissman have faced such violence. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and safety on U.S. campuses.
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Since a ceasefire in October, Gaza faces ongoing humanitarian challenges. Over 9,300 children treated for malnutrition in October, with aid flows still insufficient. WHO reports over 1,000 deaths since July 2024, amid continued restrictions and delays in aid delivery. The UN calls for full humanitarian access.
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Four young men in Herat, Afghanistan, were detained by Taliban authorities for dressing as characters from Peaky Blinders, citing promotion of foreign culture. The group gained online attention for vintage-style outfits inspired by the series, but the Taliban accused them of promoting un-Islamic values. The men were released after expressing remorse.
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Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a renowned zoologist and elephant conservationist, died at age 83 in Kenya. He dedicated decades to protecting elephants, exposing poaching crises, and advocating for wildlife. His death marks a significant loss for conservation efforts worldwide.
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Recent days have seen intensified Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, including a drone attack on Saratov that killed two. Russia responded with hypersonic missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and energy facilities. Ukraine seeks security guarantees in upcoming negotiations, while both sides prepare for potential peace talks in Germany.
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Five Below's stock has surged 85% this year after CEO Winnie Park refocused the retailer on core teen and tween customers, improving merchandise and store operations amid industry challenges. The company aims to recover from recent underperformance and inflation pressures.
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A DoorDash worker in Indiana was charged after allegedly spraying a substance on a delivery, causing illness to the recipients. The incident was caught on a doorbell camera, and the driver was arrested after being identified. The case raises concerns about food safety and delivery platform oversight.
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Lindsey Vonn, at age 41, won her 83rd World Cup race in St. Moritz, becoming the oldest winner in circuit history. Her performance signals a potential extended season and Olympic success, challenging perceptions of age in elite sports.
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Seven men and two women were found dead in Ras Asfour, Morocco, from exposure to extreme cold. Most were from sub-Saharan Africa, with one from Guinea. The incident highlights ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via North Africa, amid increased border enforcement and humanitarian concerns.
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Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, the only pandas in Japan, are scheduled to be returned to China by late January amid strained diplomatic relations. Their departure marks the end of a long-standing panda diplomacy tradition, with prospects for replacement now uncertain due to deteriorating China-Japan ties.
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China will impose a 13% VAT on contraceptive products starting January 2026, reversing a long-standing exemption. The move aims to encourage higher fertility amid population decline but raises concerns about increased unplanned pregnancies and health risks. Experts believe the impact on birth rates will be limited.
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In South Sudan, communities like Akuak are building and maintaining islands using traditional methods to combat rising floodwaters driven by climate change. Recent years have seen catastrophic flooding, displacing hundreds of thousands, but local resilience and new infrastructure projects are helping communities adapt and survive.
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Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least three people today, despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah members accused of reestablishing infrastructure, violating the November 2024 ceasefire. Lebanon's army intervened to prevent further strikes, amid ongoing tensions and Israeli occupation of southern hilltops.
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Recent weeks have seen increased hostility towards Somali Americans in Minnesota, driven by inflammatory remarks from President Trump, immigration enforcement actions, and a major welfare fraud scandal. Community members report rising racism, arrests, and fear, amid political and social upheaval.
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Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025. The legendary actor and entertainer, known for 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'Mary Poppins,' has shared insights on longevity, overcoming health challenges, and maintaining his vibrant spirit through exercise, positivity, and his Midwestern roots. Multiple sources highlight his career, resilience, and ongoing influence.
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Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan is set to stand trial on charges of obstruction and concealment after she allegedly helped a defendant avoid federal arrest in court. The case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and judicial independence amid political debates. The trial begins today, December 15, 2025.
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A series of cold air masses have brought below-normal temperatures across the US, with record lows expected in some regions. The cold wave, driven by the polar vortex, has led to early-season snow and significant temperature drops, impacting daily life and forecasts for the upcoming weeks.
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A winter storm caused heavy snowfall and icy conditions in New York City, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Ground stops and snow removal efforts significantly slowed air traffic, with delays exceeding five hours in some cases. The storm is expected to clear by Sunday afternoon.
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Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are enduring severe winter conditions, with repeated flooding damaging tents and homes. Despite a ceasefire, aid remains insufficient, and many live in cold, damp shelters amid ongoing conflict and displacement, with recent storms worsening their plight.
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A federal appeals court in the U.S. has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using remaining California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, ruling that conditions have changed and the deployment is illegal. The decision halts the military presence, which had lasted six months amid protests over immigration enforcement.
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The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the removal of books on race, gender, and sexuality from a rural Texas library. The lower court's decision, which sided with the county, allows the ban to stand, raising concerns about free speech and First Amendment rights amid ongoing book bans nationwide.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is participating in meetings in Berlin with US and European officials to discuss proposals for ending the Ukraine conflict. The talks include US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, ahead of a summit with European leaders on Monday. Details of the negotiations remain undisclosed.
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Federal grand juries in Virginia declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James twice in a week, marking rare rejections of prosecutors' efforts. The cases, linked to her property purchase, are seen as politically motivated. The decisions highlight challenges faced by the Justice Department in prosecuting political opponents.