â–¼ Monday, December 29

Chinese military conducts drills near Taiwan to caution against external interference, planning live-fire exercises around Taiwan.
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Military drills have been conducted following Beijing's displeasure over U.S. arms sales and Japan's warning of potential involvement if China acts against Taiwan. These exercises mark the end of a period of calm in the Taiwan Strait and coincide with recent arms sales by the Trump administration to Taiwan.
  • Chinese military stages drills around Taiwan to warn 'external forces'
    www.npr.org
  • China Will Hold Live-Fire Military Exercises Around Taiwan
    www.nytimes.com
Trump and Netanyahu meet in Florida amid Gaza ceasefire concerns. Zelenskyy thanks Trump for peace talks progress in Ukraine. Peace deal efforts continue.
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President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy held peace talks at Mar-a-Lago, with both leaders describing the discussions as positive. They reported progress in reaching a comprehensive plan for peace in Ukraine, despite ongoing territorial disputes with Russia. The U.S. president expressed optimism about a potential deal being close, although some issues, such as territory, remain unresolved. Russia has rejected several proposals put forward by the joint U.S.-Ukraine team.
  • Trump and Netanyahu to meet in Florida at a crucial moment for the Gaza ceasefire
    www.npr.org
  • WATCH: Zelenskyy thanks Trump after peace talks at Mar-a-Lago
    abcnews.go.com
  • Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but 'thorny issues' remain
    www.bbc.com
  • Trump and Zelensky Meet to Iron Out Peace Plan, but Deal Remains Elusive
    www.nytimes.com
  • Trump, Zelenskyy say Ukraine peace deal close but 'thorny issues' remain after Florida talks
    www.foxnews.com
European markets open flat for the last trading week of 2025, while Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed as the week begins.
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European stocks are predicted to open the last trading week of the year without much change. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei 225 index is expected to open higher based on futures trading in Chicago.
  • European markets set to start the last trading week of 2025 in flat territory
    www.cnbc.com
  • Asia-Pacific markets set to trade mixed as investors kick off final trading week of 2025
    www.cnbc.com
Body found on Santa Cruz County beach after swimmer went missing in possible shark attack. Shark spotted nearby.
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A body has been found near the location where a swimmer, Erica Fox, went missing in California last week. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery, which follows a recent shark attack in the area.
  • Body discovered after swimmer went missing in possible shark attack in California
    abcnews.go.com
  • Body found on beach in Santa Cruz County north of site where shark was spotted, officials say
    www.latimes.com
Gov. Tim Walz defends against fraud allegations after viral video exposes Somali aid scheme in Minnesota daycare.
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An independent journalist named Nick Shirley published a 43-minute video on Friday where he and a Minnesotan named David visit childcare and learning centers in Minneapolis allegedly owned by Somali immigrants. The video has raised questions about fraud oversight in these facilities, prompting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to defend his administration's actions.
  • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on the defense as fraud allegations mount in wake of viral video that uncovered Somali aid scheme
    nypost.com
  • Tim Walz pushes back on Minnesota fraud allegations following viral daycare video
    www.foxnews.com
Thirteen people died in a train derailment in southern Mexico, according to the Mexican president.
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Mexican President confirms that 13 people died in a train derailment in southern Mexico. The Interoceanic Train was carrying approximately 250 passengers and crew members on a route connecting the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. Almost 100 individuals sustained injuries in the incident.
  • Mexican president says 13 people died in the Interoceanic Train derailment in southern Mexico
    abcnews.go.com
  • Mexico Train Derailment Kills 13 People
    www.nytimes.com
FBI increases resources in Minnesota to tackle fraud schemes, with $250M scheme just the beginning. Patel warns of more.
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FBI Director Kash Patel is sending more federal agents and resources to Minnesota to address a fraud scandal primarily affecting Somali immigrants in the state. The investigation aims to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs.
  • Patel surging FBI resources to ‘dismantle’ Minnesota fraud schemes
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • FBI surges resources to Minnesota as Patel calls $250M fraud scheme 'tip of iceberg'
    www.foxnews.com
DC pipe bomb suspect confessed to targeting RNC and DNC due to election claims, stating someone needed to 'speak up.'
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A man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters in Washington, D.C., before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot allegedly confessed to investigators that he felt compelled to "speak up" for those who believed the 2020 election was stolen. The accused, Brian Cole, a Virginia man, believed the election had been "tampered with" and expressed feeling "bewildered" by the election outcome. Court documents revealed these details in a memo unsealed on Sunday.
  • DC pipe bomb suspect says someone needed to 'speak up' about stolen election claims
    www.foxnews.com
  • Jan. 6 pipe bomb suspect targeted RNC and DNC because ‘they were in charge,’ memo says
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Suspect Confessed to Planting Pipe Bombs Near the Capitol Before Jan. 6
    www.nytimes.com
NFL Week 17 saw AFC North and NFC South titles up for grabs. Week 18 will determine two division winners.
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In Week 17 of the NFL, some teams improved their playoff chances, but the AFC North and NFC South division titles will be decided in Week 18. The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens, and the Carolina Panthers will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in crucial matchups to determine the division winners.
  • NFL Week 17 scores: AFC North, NFC South up for grabs as playoff picture almost complete
    www.foxnews.com
  • 2 NFL division titles on the line in Week 18 after crucial losses tighten playoff picture
    www.foxnews.com

â–¼ Sunday, December 28

Summary: Tributes pour in for French icon Brigitte Bardot, Hollywood actress and animal rights activist, who passed away at 91.
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French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot passed away at the age of 91. She was known for her charisma and attitude onscreen, which made her a star in the 1950s and 1960s. Celebrities and President Macron have honored her as a legend who embodied freedom. Bardot's stardom was solidified through both her films and photography.
  • Five Brigitte Bardot Movies to Stream
    www.nytimes.com
  • Brigitte Bardot’s final days before her death at 91 as tributes pour in for French icon
    www.foxnews.com
  • Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
    www.npr.org
Bernie Sanders expresses concern about AI controlling the world, calls for a halt on new data centers to curb its advancement.
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Bernie Sanders expressed concern about the potential for AI to dominate the world during a recent interview, stating that the fear of this scenario is no longer just science fiction. He proposed a moratorium on data-processing sites that power AI in order to better regulate the technology and ensure it benefits more than just the wealthy elite.
  • Sanders says 'science-fiction fear' of AI running the world 'not quite so outrageous'
    www.foxnews.com
  • Bernie Sanders demands moratorium on new data centers to slow down AI: ‘Fearful of a lot’
    nypost.com
Winter storm hits Minnesota with dangerous travel conditions. 'Bomb cyclone' brings heavy snow to Midwest and Northeast, affecting holiday travel.
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A powerful winter storm, known as a 'bomb cyclone,' is intensifying severe winter weather across the U.S., leading to blizzard warnings in the western part of the state and whiteout conditions causing numerous crashes. The storm is expected to disrupt holiday travel and knock out power for millions of people. Over 40 million are on alert as the next winter storm is forecast to bring inclement weather from the Dakotas into northern New England. The storm has already impacted parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills, leading to flight cancellations and delays across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions.
  • Winter Storm Batters Minnesota, Bringing ‘Potentially Life-Threatening Travel Conditions’
    www.nytimes.com
  • 'Bomb cyclone' forecasted to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions and dangerous travel
    www.npr.org
  • New winter storm heads for Midwest, Northeast with 40 million people on alert
    abcnews.go.com
  • Winter storm snarls holiday travel across Northeast, Great Lakes
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Thousands of US flights disrupted as winter storm looms
    www.bbc.com
Pelosi denies seeking Trump's third impeachment, blames past impeachments on his actions. Vows Democrats will regain House in 2026.
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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi advised House Democrats to be cautious about pursuing impeachment against President Trump if they regain power in Congress after the midterms. Pelosi, who is not seeking reelection in November, criticized congressional Republicans for following Trump's directives. She predicted that Democrats would win back the House in the 2026 midterms and discussed her career in a recent interview with ABC's Jonathan Karl on "This Week."
  • Pelosi insists Dems don’t seek to impeach Trump a third time, says prez forced them to previously
    nypost.com
  • Pelosi says GOP has ‘abolished’ Congress, vows Democrats will retake House in 2026
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Pelosi predicts Dems win House gavel back in ‘26, reflects on career, Jan. 6 attack
    abcnews.go.com
One person died and another was critically injured in a mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey.
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Two helicopters collided mid-air in Hammonton, New Jersey, resulting in one pilot being killed and another pilot in critical condition. The crash took place in Hammonton, with authorities confirming the tragic incident.
  • One dead after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey
    www.bbc.com
  • Pilot Is Dead After Helicopters Crash in New Jersey
    www.nytimes.com
  • Deadly helicopter collision in New Jersey kills one, critically injures another
    www.foxnews.com
NFL legend predicts Travis Kelce's future as he considers retirement, while teammate urges him to play one more year.
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Former New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski shared his opinion on what Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce might do this offseason. Meanwhile, Chiefs star Chris Jones made a plea for Kelce to stay with the team for at least one more season following a recent loss to the Denver Broncos.
  • NFL legend makes bold Travis Kelce prediction as Chiefs star mulls future
    www.foxnews.com
  • Travis Kelce's Chiefs teammate makes emotional plea for star to play one more year
    www.foxnews.com
Broncos linebacker criticizes Chiefs in social media posts after Broncos clinch AFC West title, ending Chiefs' reign.
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Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper criticized the Kansas City Chiefs after the Broncos clinched the AFC West title following the Los Angeles Chargers' loss to the Houston Texans. The Chiefs had held the division title since 2016.
  • Broncos linebacker rips Chiefs in explicit posts after team clinches AFC West title
    www.foxnews.com
  • Broncos officially end Chiefs' reign as AFC West champs with Chargers' loss to Texans
    www.foxnews.com
Raiders' Maxx Crosby upset over IR decision, leaves facility after being ruled out in game. Team defends move.
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FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that Maxx Crosby was unhappy with the Las Vegas Raiders for placing him on injured reserve for the final two weeks of the season. The Raiders defended their decision, stating it was necessary with the No. 1 draft pick at stake. Crosby left the team's facility in frustration after being ruled out for a crucial game.
  • Raiders' Maxx Crosby upset with team over IR decision, NFL insider says
    www.foxnews.com
  • Raiders defend Maxx Crosby IR decision as drama builds around move
    www.foxnews.com
  • Raiders star Maxx Crosby leaves team facility after getting ruled out in game for No 1 pick
    www.foxnews.com
Man charged after fatal shooting during Christmas target practice in Oklahoma. Stray bullet kills woman on porch.
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An Oklahoma man accidentally shot and killed a woman while shooting at an energy drink can with his newly purchased Glock .45 handgun on Christmas Day. The tragic incident occurred when a bullet fired during target practice struck the woman on her porch.
  • Man Charged in Fatal Shooting During Backyard Target Practice
    www.nytimes.com
  • Christmas target practice turns deadly as stray bullet kills Oklahoma woman sitting on porch
    www.foxnews.com
Erika Kirk remains strong after Charlie's death, vows to continue TPUSA campus debates nationwide without fear.
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Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, plans to resume the organization's college presence following her husband Charlie Kirk's tragic death during a campus event in Utah. In an interview with "Fox News Sunday," Erika Kirk discussed her faith and relationship with God in the wake of her husband's assassination.
  • ‘We are not afraid’: Erika Kirk vows TPUSA will continue campus debates nationwide
    www.foxnews.com
  • Erika Kirk says her conversations with God are the same since Charlie's death, doesn't ask, 'Why me?'
    www.foxnews.com
Ravens QB supports Shedeur Sanders before game. Sanders' challenging 2025 started with draft disappointment but ends with optimism.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley offered words of encouragement to Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders before their game on Sunday. Shedeur Sanders, who experienced a surprising drop in the NFL Draft, has emerged as a key player for the Browns despite facing criticism, setbacks, and off-field challenges in his rookie season.
  • Ravens quarterback hopes to provide words of encouragement to Shedeur Sanders before Browns-Steelers game
    www.foxnews.com
  • Shedeur Sanders' wild 2025 began with draft fall, but it's ending with hope after tumultuous turns
    www.foxnews.com
Elon Musk criticizes Mamdani's choice of FDNY commissioner, warning of potential fatalities due to lack of experience.
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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani appointed Lillian Bonsignore as the FDNY commissioner, which drew criticism from Elon Musk due to her lack of operational firefighting experience. Musk warned that this appointment could have deadly consequences. The exchange between Mamdani and Musk has sparked a social media feud.
  • Mamdani hits back at Musk after claim ‘people will die’ over mayor-elect’s FDNY pick
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Elon Musk warns 'people will die' over Mamdani's FDNY commissioner pick, Lillian Bonsignore
    www.foxnews.com
  • Elon Musk slams Mamdani’s appointment on Lillian Bonsignore as FDNY commissioner over lack of experience: ‘People will die’
    nypost.com
Trump mediated a cease-fire between Thailand and Cambodia, leading to a new peace agreement to end border fighting.
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President Trump announced that the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia will temporarily cease, with the US playing a larger peacekeeping role. A ceasefire deal was signed between the two countries, following accusations of airstrikes by Thailand against Cambodia. The new peace agreement, facilitated by President Trump and signed in Malaysia, aims to end the border conflict that erupted earlier this month. The agreement includes provisions for no military movements or airspace violations by either side. The 72-hour ceasefire could lead to a resolution of the conflict that has caused casualties and displacement over the past three weeks.
  • Trump declares cease-fire between Thailand and Cambodia again — and says US has become world’s peace-keeper
    nypost.com
  • Thailand and Cambodia reach new peace agreement after Trump-pushed ceasefire broke down
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting
    www.npr.org
  • Thailand and Cambodia Reach Cease-Fire in Brutal Border War
    www.nytimes.com
Losers of 2025 included Trump and Republicans due to affordability issues. 2025 was marked by shocking moments on the campaign trail.
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In 2025, the Democratic Party is experiencing internal divisions as progressives challenge establishment figures, while President Joe Biden's legacy weakens and party leaders grapple with direction. Despite this, Democrats have secured significant election victories by focusing on affordability and addressing inflation concerns that had impacted them in the 2024 races. The political landscape in 2025 saw power shifts, with Trump influencing redistricting battles and Democrats performing strongly in elections, setting the stage for the 2026 midterms.
  • The biggest losers of 2025: Who fell flat as the year closed
    www.foxnews.com
  • Affordability: The issue that boosted Trump and Republicans in 2024 deflated them in 2025
    www.foxnews.com
  • 2025 shockers: The biggest moments that rocked the campaign trail
    www.foxnews.com
Summary: Memorable viral and pop culture moments of 2025 were highlighted on December 28 and 27, respectively.
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Here are some trending topics to choose from: the "Kiss Cam" incident at a Coldplay concert, the Labubu toy craze, and the Louvre crown jewels heist. You can also choose between Katy Perry going to space with Blue Origin, K-Pop demon hunters, or Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announcing their engagement.
  • 2025 Most Memorable Viral Moments: December 28, 2025
    www.foxnews.com
  • 2025 Most Memorable Pop Culture Moments: December 27, 2025
    www.foxnews.com
January Social Security payments start in 17 days, with $994 direct payments in three days.
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The first round of January Social Security payments for retirees, capped at $5,108, will be issued in 17 days. Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on Jan. 14. The second round of payments will be sent out on Jan. 21. January 2026 Supplemental Security Income payments, up to $994, will be issued to recipients in three days on Dec. 31.
  • First round of January Social Security payments goes out in 17 days
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • January Social Security direct payment worth $994 goes out in three days
    www.washingtonexaminer.com