The US Department of Justice has confirmed that 5.2 million pages of material related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation remain under review, highlighting the extraordinary scale of the case. A government document seen by Reuters indicates

Five people have reportedly sustained injuries following an alleged attack by a man wielding a crowbar at a hospital. Merseyside Police arrested a 20 year old man after they were called to the Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows this afternoon, Tuesday.

With major banks predicting a weaker U.S. dollar in 2026, Rabobank’s Head of FX Strategy Jane Foley is urging caution against assumptions of a smooth or sustained decline. While markets increasingly price in Federal Reserve rate cuts and shifting global capital flows, Foley argues that U.S. economic resilience, policy uncertainty, and shifting investor positioning are more likely to drive volatile, range-bound trading rather than a one-way fall for the greenback.

Newly released files from the Tony Blair era have reopened fundamental questions about transparency, intelligence, and political accountability. Internal documents reveal that senior figures were aware of uncertainties and disputed intelligence claims long before firm assurances were presented to the public. The material highlights a clear gap between private assessments and public messaging, fuelling renewed debate over whether information was selectively withheld or framed to secure political consent. As these files resurface, they serve as a stark reminder of how decisions made behind closed doors can shape public trust and undermine it for decades.

A 41-year-old Moroccan man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court over a €3.74 million cocaine seizure at Rosslare Europort. More than 55kg of cocaine was found concealed in a vehicle’s exhaust system after it arrived from France. Investigations are ongoing.

AfD leader Alice Weidel has reignited controversy by claiming the COVID-19 pandemic functioned as a “test run” for government control over populations. Pointing to strict lockdowns, isolation measures, and extensive media messaging, Weidel argued that many citizens complied with unprecedented restrictions with little resistance. Her remarks have sparked strong reactions across Germany, reopening wider debates around public trust, civil liberties, media influence, and the limits of government power during national emergencies.

Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has been injured in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people, according to local reports. The collision occurred on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, with Joshua sustaining non life threatening injuries as authorities launch an investigation into the fatal incident.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago as efforts intensify to push forward a second, more complex phase of Gaza ceasefire talks. While an initial ceasefire has largely held, negotiations on long term security, governance, and reconstruction remain stalled, with the meeting seen as potentially pivotal to the next stage of diplomacy.

At least 13 people have died and 98 others injured after a passenger train partially derailed in Nizanda, Oaxaca, Mexico, on December 29. The Interoceanic train, operated by the Mexican Navy, went off the tracks during a journey in southern Oaxaca, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving army and civil protection personnel.

Aaron Joyce - Newswire - LTT Media

China has launched large-scale military drills encircling Taiwan, mobilizing army, navy, air, and rocket forces as part of “Justice Mission 2025.” Beijing described the exercises as a “stern warning” against separatist forces and foreign interference, while Taiwan has condemned the manoeuvres as provocative and placed its military on high alert, highlighting rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Seven Turkish police officers were wounded during a clash with suspected Islamic State militants in northwest Turkey on December 29, after security forces launched an operation targeting a suspected hideout in Yalova province. Authorities said the injuries were not life threatening, as Turkish security services continue nationwide operations aimed at disrupting extremist networks ahead of the New Year.

Aaron Joyce - Newswire - LTT Media

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a long range strategic cruise missile launching drill, according to state media reports carried by Reuters, in a move likely to further heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The test, conducted on December 28, was described by Pyongyang as a demonstration of its nuclear deterrent and rapid counter strike capability, as regional militaries confirmed they were monitoring the launches closely.

Talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 28th have injected renewed momentum into diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Both leaders struck an optimistic tone following extensive discussions in Florida, with President Trump stating that a peace framework was “closer than ever.” While no final agreement was announced, negotiations continue around unresolved issues, including territorial disputes and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro as its official currency from 1 January 2026, marking a historic milestone in the country’s economic and political integration with the European Union. Following final approval by the European Council in July 2025, Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the eurozone, with the Bulgarian lev converted at a fixed rate of 1.95583 to one euro. While government leaders have described the move as a step toward greater financial stability and investment, public opinion remains divided, with concerns over prices and cost-of-living impacts continuing to shape debate as the changeover approaches.

A shipment of lobster valued at approximately $400,000 was stolen while en route to Costco stores, according to the president of the freight company transporting the load. The high-value theft has triggered an investigation and renewed concerns over cargo crime targeting premium food products within supply chains.

Kyiv was struck by a major Russian drone and missile assault, with widely shared video footage appearing to show a drone hitting a residential building in the Ukrainian capital. The attack, described by Moscow as a “massive strike,” left at least one civilian dead, injured dozens more, and caused significant damage to homes and energy infrastructure. The escalation comes at a critical diplomatic moment, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets U.S. President Donald Trump today in Florida to discuss security guarantees, territorial issues in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, and a proposed roadmap for Ukraine’s future prosperity.

Global stock markets are closing out the year on a strong footing, with major indices in the United States and Asia pushing to record or multi-week highs. Investor confidence has been boosted by easing inflation expectations, hopes of interest-rate cuts in 2026, and continued strength in the technology sector, even as gold and silver surge to record levels amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Silver prices surged by nearly 9% to a fresh all-time high on December 26, as a wider rally across precious metals gathered pace globally. Gold, platinum and palladium also reached record levels, driven by tightening supply, strong industrial demand and growing investor appetite amid economic uncertainty. Analysts say ongoing market deficits and expectations of looser monetary policy could keep precious metals elevated into 2026.

Nearly €200,000 Worth of Methamphetamine Seized at Slovak-Ukrainian Border

Slovak authorities have intercepted around 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine being smuggled into Ukraine, with an estimated street value of €191,000. Two Ukrainian nationals have been detained, and investigations into a potential cross-border trafficking network are ongoing.

Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 26 December 2025

Social media platforms that use infinite scrolling, auto-play and algorithm-driven feeds will be required to display warning labels about potential mental health risks to young users under new legislation announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The law aims to increase transparency around platform design features and their impact on children and teenagers, as governments worldwide move to strengthen protections for young people online.