US conducts airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria following attacks on Christians
President Trump announced that the US launched deadly strikes against Islamic State fighters in northwest Nigeria, who he said had been targeting and killing Christians. The strikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State, killing multiple ISIS terrorists.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Arkansas Powerball player wins $1.817 billion jackpot on Christmas Eve
A Powerball player in Arkansas won a $1.817 billion jackpot in the Christmas Eve drawing, ending a three-month streak without a top-prize winner. This is the second-largest jackpot in US history and the largest Powerball prize of 2025.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Pope Leo XIV urges shedding indifference to suffering in Christmas message
In his first Christmas Day message, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to shed indifference toward those suffering from war, poverty, and displacement, specifically mentioning Gaza, Yemen, and migrants. He emphasized peace through dialogue and solidarity with the weak and oppressed.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Justice Department delays release of Epstein files, discovers over a million new documents
The Justice Department announced it may need a few more weeks to release all records on Jeffrey Epstein after discovering over a million additional documents, missing the congressionally mandated deadline. This delay has sparked criticism and calls for an independent audit from senators.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura declared winner of Honduras presidential election
Nasry Asfura, backed by President Trump, won Honduras' presidential election with 40.27% of the vote, edging out opponent Salvador Nasralla. The election, marked by a slow vote count and accusations of fraud, continues Latin America's shift to the right.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Japanese Cabinet approves record defense spending
Sources: AP News
Russian court sentences pro-war activist and Putin critic to 6 years in prison
Sources: AP News
South Korea vows to end foreign adoptions amid UN pressure to address past abuses
Sources: AP News
Zelenskyy open to creating demilitarized zone in Ukraine's industrial heartland
Sources: AP News
EU warns of possible action after US bars 5 Europeans accused of censorship
Sources: AP News