New York plans patriotic NYE ball drop to mark USA's 250th birthday
New York’s Times Square will sparkle in red, white and blue on New Year's Eve as a patriotic ball drop rings in 2026, marking the start of celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Organisers have planned hundreds of events nationwide, including fireworks, parades and volunteer initiat»»»
'We will vote but not with our hearts': Inside the election staged by Myanmar's military rulers
On a patch of rough ground near the Irrawaddy River, aspiring member of parliament and retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw tries to muster some enthusiasm from his audience with a speech promising them better times. He is the candidate for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed»»»
Her husband's kidnapping became Malaysia's biggest mystery. Then came a stunning confession
When Susanna Liew stepped in front of the TV cameras at Kuala Lumpur's High Court last month, she called the moment a "historic and emotional milestone". "Today... the High Court has delivered a judgment of what we have long believed: that Pastor Raymond Koh was a victim of a grave injustice," the »»»
Winter storms cancel at least 1,865 flights, delay many more - UPI.com
Post-holiday travelers on Frontier Airlines and virtually all others are experiencing flight delays and cancellations amid stormy weather from coast to coast. File Photo by CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Winter Storm Devin is slowing road traffic and impacting flights amid post-holiday travel »»»
Two killed in northern Israel by Palestinian stabbing, car ramming attack
At least two people died in a stabbing and car ramming attack in northern Israel on Friday, Israeli police said. Both victims died from their injuries and the alleged attacker, a resident of the occupied West Bank, was injured and hospitalised. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz quickly ordered m»»»
Southern Yemeni separatists accuse Saudi Arabia of air strikes in eastern provinces
Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out air strikes on their positions in the east of the country, a claim Riyadh has not acknowledged. While vowing they will not be deterred, the STC said it remains open to coordination with the kingdo»»»
Judge blocks deportation of British man Trump accused of 'censorship' - UPI.com
Secretary of State Marco Rubio banned visas for five Brits accused of "censorship." On Friday, a judge ruled against a deportation order against one of them, Imran Ahmed. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- A federal judge has blocked the deportation of a British man targ»»»
The Bright Side: Wild cat feared extinct for 30 years rediscovered in Thailand
An elusive wild cat long feared extinct in Thailand has been rediscovered three decades after its last recorded sighting, conservation authorities said. Camera traps in southern Thailand’s Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary captured 29 detections, including a female with her cub, offering rare »»»
Guterres notes Syria’s commitment to combating terrorism
New York,Dec. 27 (SANA) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs, stressing the need to identify those responsible for attacks on civilians and places of worship and bring them to justice. In his statement today, Guter»»»
Israeli gliders drop two sound bombs on the border towns of Aita Al-Shaab and Mais Al-Jabal, South Lebanon: Al-Manar reporter - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli gliders drop two sound bombs on the border towns of Aita Al-Shaab and Mais Al-Jabal, South Lebanon: Al-Manar reporter 26-12-2025 23»»»
Times Square adds July 3 ball drop for nation’s 250th birthday - UPI.com
1 of 3 | A second ball drop will occur for the first time in New York City's Times Square on July 3 to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, the America250 committee said on Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- A red, white and blue glass ball will drop on July 3 in»»»
UAE strongly condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Abu Dhabi,Dec. 27 (SANA) The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that struck a mosque in the city of Homs Friday. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, in a statement, its strong denunciation of such terrorist acts and its constant rejection of all forms of violen»»»
Son arrested in 2022 murder of his mother
Authorities have arrested the son of an 87-year-old woman found burned to death in her Kolonaki apartment in central Athens nearly four years ago, officials said Friday. The January 2022 death of the 87-year-old woman – the widow of a former PASOK minister – was initially treated as accidental but »»»
World Rapid, Blitz Chess Championships Qatar 2025 kicks off
DOHA: The competitions of the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships Qatar 2025 officially got underway at Qatar University's Sports and Events Complex, where the tournament will continue until December 30. The championship brings together the world's elite chess players to compete for four titl»»»
Thousands of US flights disrupted as winter storm looms
Thousands of flights across the US have been cancelled or delayed as the North East braces for a severe winter storm during the peak holiday travel season. As of Friday afternoon, nearly 1,500 flights across the US had been cancelled and 5,400 had been delayed, according to flight tracking website »»»
Thailand’s military strikes Cambodian targets amid cease-fire talks - UPI.com
The Thai military moves armored vehicles on Thursday near the Thai-Cambodian border as cease-fire negotiations continue following military actions on Friday morning. Photo by Rungroj Yongrit/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- The Thai military advanced on Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province on Friday morning af»»»
Syria reaffirms its support for Yemen’s unity
Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA)The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Syria’s firm stance in support of Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing full backing for the legitimate Yemeni government and for Saudi and Emirati efforts to contain tensions in several Yemeni pro»»»
Coast guard rescues 70 migrants off Crete, bringing Friday’s total to 460
The Hellenic Coast Guard rescued 70 migrants off the coast of Crete, bringing the total number of people saved south of the island on Friday to 460. The migrants were found aboard two inflatable boats in a sea area south of Kaloi Limenes, in the municipality of Phaistos. According to the coast guar»»»
Two dead following fire in central Athens apartment
Two men were found dead in an apartment in Kallithea, central Athens, after a fire broke out on Friday night. According to reports, the blaze erupted following an explosion inside the building. Fifteen firefighters, supported by five fire engines and a ladder truck, were deployed to extinguish the »»»
Son arrested for 2022 murder of mother
Authorities have arrested the son of an 87-year-old woman found burned to death in her Kolonaki apartment in central Athens nearly four years ago, officials said Friday. The January 2022 death of the 87-year-old woman – the widow of a former PASOK minister – was initially treated as accidental but »»»
China sanctions more US arms producers and executives
China has slapped sanctions on 20 additional US weapons manufacturers and ten executives in retaliation for the latest US arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the measures on Friday, which expand an existing blacklist targeting the US defense sector. Beijing said it was respo»»»
Reports: Saudi Arabia fires on separatist holdings in Yemen - UPI.com
People wave South Yemen flags on Thursday during a rally in Aden, Yemen, calling for the region's independence that was organized by the Southern Transitional Council separatist group. Photo by Najeeb Mohamed/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia has reportedly fired on the eastern Hadramout province i»»»
15 injured in knife, liquid attack in Japan
Tokyo: 15 people were injured at a factory in central Japan Friday in an attack involving a knife and an unknown liquid. According to media reports, eight people were stabbed, and seven others were injured by a bleaching agent that was thrown on them. At least five people required emergency medical»»»
Four hikers found dead on Greek mountain
Athens: Four hikers were found dead on Friday on Mount Vardousia in central Greece, near Delphi, according to the Greek national broadcaster ERT. The group, including three men and one woman, was reported missing on Christmas morning after relatives and friends were unable to reach them by mobile p»»»
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Jeddah, Dec. 26 (SANA) The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, stressing its categorical rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.The General Secretariat explained, in its stateme»»»
Worried there won’t be a white Christmas again in Hungary? Here’s the latest forecast – there’s still hope
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Tragic prospects: Snow may disappear from Hungary by the end of the century
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Sharp cold snap to close the year in Hungary as arctic air sweeps in
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Illinois' rejected vanity plates include 'IBPOOPN,' 'BRICKED' - UPI.com
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Illinois officials revealed some of the personalized license plate applications that were rejected in 2025, including plates reading "IBPOOPN" and "ICUP." Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias appeared in a video posted to his office's official YouTube channel to share some of the y»»»
War in Ukraine live: Zelensky to meet with Trump in Florida Sunday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s invasion. The proposals – which Moscow has yet to respond to – include possible territorial adjustments and security arrangements. Follow ou»»»
Europe Rendezvous - Denmark: An open economy, but a closed immigration system (part 1)
FRANCE 24 heads north to the kingdom of Denmark. The Scandinavian country has been in the spotlight this year, holding the rotating presidency of the European Council from July to December and pushing forward its priorities such as migration and the energy transition – topics that we dive»»»
France condemns the terrorist attack in Homs
Paris, Dec. 26 (SANA) France strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, stressing that it is part of a deliberate strategy to destabilize Syria. “This heinous terrorist act, similar to the attack that targeted St. Elias Church in Damascus last June, is part»»»
Ecuador restricts border crossings with Colombia, Peru - UPI.com
The Huaquillas border crossing between Ecuador and Peru remains open. File Photo by Jose Jacome/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Ecuador restricted most of its border crossings with Colombia and Peru for "national security reasons," leaving only two international crossings open for the formal movement of peopl»»»
Bahrain condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Manama, Dec. 26 (SANA) The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned the heinous terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, affirming its full solidarity with Syria and its support for the country’s security and stability in the face of terrorism and extremism. In a statement today, »»»
World Rapid, Blitz Chess Cup Qatar 2025 kicks off in Doha
Doha: The competitions of the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Cup Qatar 2025 officially got underway today at Qatar University's Sports and Events Complex, where the tournament will continue until December 30. The championship brings together the world's elite chess players to compete for four titles i»»»
Al-Azhar condemns the treacherous terrorist bombing in Homs
Cairo, Dec. 26 (SANA)Al-Azhar strongly condemned the treacherous terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs, stressing that this terrorist crime constitutes a blatant assault on the sanctity of human life and a flagrant violation of the sacredness of places of worship. Al-Azhar affirmed, in i»»»
Israel becomes the first nation to recognize the Republic of Somaliland - UPI.com
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday made Israel the first U.N. member state to formally recognize the independent Republic of Somaliland. File Photo by Ronen Zvulun/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Israel on Friday became the first U.N. member state to formally recognize the Rep»»»
Canada’s Ambassador to Syria strongly condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA) Canada’s Ambassador to Syria and Lebanon, Gregory Galligan, strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs.Ambassador Galligan stated on platform (X) on Friday: “Targeting civilians and places of worship is a reprehensible and unacceptable act,” exp»»»
Germany supports consideration of age limits for social media use
Berlin: Germany has expressed its support for considering age limits on social media use, similar to other countries that have banned those under 16 from having accounts on certain social media platforms. German Minister for Digitalization and Social Renewal, Carsten Feldberger, stated that the ide»»»
UAE strongly condemns terrorist bombing at mosque in Homs, Syria
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist bombing at a mosque in the city of Homs in central Syria, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of innocent civilians. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reaffirmed the UAE's s»»»
Epstein and Bill Clinton visited Russian Far East – US files
Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein flew to Russia on at least three occasions in the early 2000s, including traveling to the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk together with former US President Bill Clinton, files published by the US Department of Justice have revealed. Last week, the DOJ uploaded »»»
China sanctions U.S. companies in retaliation for arms sale to Taiwan - UPI.com
People take photos of Christmas lights decoration at the street on the eve of Christmas in Taipei, Taiwan, Dec. 24. The Ministry of the Interior has deployed up to 17,000 police personnel, civil defense members, and volunteers to enhance security at 137 major events during the holiday season. On Fr»»»
15th victim in Louisville, Ky., UPS plane crash dies - UPI.com
National Transportation Safety Board staff and FBI agents walk the runway looking for evidence from the UPS Flight 2976 MD-11 that crashed November 4 in Louisville, Ky.. A 15th victim has died, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Friday. File Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -»»»
Milei’s government bill cuts state role in Argentina public education - UPI.com
Argentine President Javier Milei's administration is promoting a reform that seeks to redefine the role of the state in public education, curb direct government intervention and give families greater control over their children’s schooling. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo BUENOS AIRES»»»
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Daamoush: Resistance Won’t Confront the Lebanese Army, Rejects Internal Discord
Head of Hezbollah Executive Council Sheikh Ali Daamoush affirmed that the resistance will not be drawn into confrontation with the Lebanese Army and will not permit internal discord, stressing that attempts to provoke division are doomed to fail. Speaking during Friday prayers at the Sayyeda Zainab»»»
Winterland Al Ain opens at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
Al Ain: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening of Winterland Al Ain, a winter games event being held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium until January 15, 2026. The event is part of efforts to expand entertainment and sports options in the region. Winterland Al Ain adds a new at»»»
Midnight Hammer in 2025: Trump Ends Half Measures on Iran
With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office in early 2025, it took less than a year for his revamped “maximum pressure” campaign to set the pace for Iran. What began as an argument over reviving the nuclear deal quickly gave way to a far starker reality: war on Iranian soil, for only the second time »»»
Abu Dhabi Police honour four heroes who saved accident victims
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have honoured four individuals for their quick and selfless actions in assisting victims at the scene of a traffic accident. The individuals were recognised for their humanitarian response and sense of responsibility after rushing to provide first aid and support to thos»»»
Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state, Netanyahu says
Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel intended to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed A»»»
Bukele hails Shakira sellout as singer adds two concerts in El Salvador - UPI.com
Shakira performs on stage during the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on June 7. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Shakira confirmed she will add two additional concerts in El Salvador, bringing the total number o»»»