Following a significant incursion of suspected Russian drones, Poland is set to complete new anti-drone fortifications along its eastern border within two years. The new air defense systems, costing over €2 billion, will integrate with existing defenses, incorporating various protective layers, including machine guns, missiles, and drone-jamming systems. These fortifications are part of a broader effort, including the Eastern Shield, to prevent future Russian aggression, especially considering the rise in suspected sabotage and arson activities linked to Russian intelligence. This strategic investment underscores Poland’s commitment to defense, with increased spending and the implementation of civil preparedness programs, while simultaneously building logistics hubs in all border municipalities.
Read More
A 15-year-old girl was reported missing on Christmas Day after failing to return from a walk with her dog in Porter, Texas. Using parental controls on his phone, the girl’s father tracked her to a secluded area where he found her and her dog inside a pickup truck with a 23-year-old man. The father helped his daughter escape and contacted authorities, who arrested Giovanni Rosales Espinoza on charges of aggravated kidnapping and indecency with a child, alleging he threatened the girl with a knife. Espinoza remains in jail without bond.
Read More
Starting Friday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement a new regulation requiring all individuals entering or leaving the United States to be photographed. This new regulation also allows U.S. customs officials to capture fingerprints in some cases. These measures are intended to address national security concerns, such as fraudulent use of travel documents. While concerns have been raised, DHS has assured that the data will not be used for “blanket surveillance” and will retain the personal data for up to 75 years. The program is expected to roll out gradually over the next three to five years.
Read More
On December 24, 2025, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was transported from prison to a hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, for surgery the following day. An Associated Press photograph captured the scene, highlighting the presence of a Bolsonaro supporter’s shadow cast upon an image of the former president displayed outside the hospital. This visual element underscored the continued support for Bolsonaro even amidst his incarceration and imminent medical procedure. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the political divisions within the nation.
Read More
On Saturday, December 27, 2025, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 32 km off the coast of Yilan, Taiwan. The earthquake, with a depth of 73 km, was felt across northern Taiwan, including in Taipei. While there were no immediate reports of major damage, over 3,000 homes in Yilan briefly lost power. Taiwan’s location near two tectonic plates makes it particularly susceptible to earthquakes, as demonstrated by past events, including a 2016 quake that resulted in over 100 fatalities and a 1999 quake that killed more than 2,000 people.
Read More
In Lakeland, Florida, a man fatally shot his wife, critically injured his stepdaughter, and then took his own life following an argument over the television channel. Jason Kenney, 47, and Crystal Kenney, 38, began arguing after she expressed a desire to change the channel from “Monday Night Football,” where Kenney had been drinking. The argument escalated, leading Kenney to shoot his wife and stepdaughter, while the couple’s baby was unharmed. The shooter then fled the scene, contacted his sister, and was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Read More
Former Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters is petitioning the state appeals court to recognize Donald Trump’s pardon of her state convictions as valid, citing a precedent from the Whiskey Rebellion. Peters’ lawyers argue the pardon removes the court’s jurisdiction and requests her release from prison. The Colorado Attorney General’s office, defending the conviction, has been given until January 8 to respond. The court previously denied Peters’ federal court bid for release.
Read More
AP News reports the passing of Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, at the age of 85, due to complications from kidney disease. Holland, who was next in line to become the church president after President Dallin H. Oaks, was known for his impactful sermons and long tenure within the church. He previously served as the president of Brigham Young University, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and influence within the church. Holland’s death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, which will be filled by Oaks in the coming months.
Read More
In an effort to expedite his legislative agenda, Donald Trump has advocated for ending the Senate filibuster, arguing it hinders effective governance and could prevent future government shutdowns. He believes eliminating the filibuster would enable Republicans to pass key priorities, including healthcare reform. Trump’s push comes as the Republican party holds a narrow Senate majority, leaving little room for error in passing legislation. This stance is seen as a way to circumvent potential gridlock and focus on economic issues, particularly “pricing,” which he believes will resonate with voters in the upcoming midterm elections.
Read More
Days after acquiring luxury vehicles for personal use, FBI Director Kash Patel announced a cost-saving measure to relocate the bureau’s headquarters. Patel stated the FBI would forgo a nearly $5 billion plan to construct a new headquarters and instead move into the existing Reagan Building, aiming to save billions. This decision comes amid scrutiny over Patel’s use of taxpayer funds, including the purchase of expensive BMWs for personal use and the use of the FBI’s jet for personal outings. Despite these controversies, no exact timeline was provided for the Reagan Building’s readiness or the overall financial savings of the move.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker