The United States deployed large amounts of troops and special operations aircraft to the Caribbean this week as tensions continue to escalate between Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The fleet includes no fewer than ten CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, C-17 cargo aircraft, as well as troops and other equipment which all arrived Monday, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

The troops could potentially be special operations as well, as the bases the aircraft came from house special ops units, though it is not yet clear what types of troops were being sent. 

Trump has called the US buildup in the region ‘a massive armada, the biggest we’ve ever had’ in a press conference Monday. He also said it would be ‘smart’ for Maduro to step down. 

He added: ‘Soon we will be starting the same program on land.’

At least 11 ships and 15,000 troops have already been deployed in the vicinity of the South American country. 

So far, the Trump administration’s drone strike campaign against Venezuelan boats have killed 95 people. 

‘It is standard practice to routinely rotate equipment and personnel to any military installation,’ a spokesperson for US Southern Command said in a statement. 

The United States deployed large amounts of troops and special operations aircraft to the Caribbean this week as tensions continue to escalate between Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro

Trump has called the US stockpile in the region ‘a massive armada, the biggest we’ve ever had’ in a press conference Monday, where he also said it would be ‘smart’ for Maduro to step down

‘And as a standard practice, due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on U.S. assets or personnel operational movements and activities, nor disclose details of specific operations or routes.’

The Pentagon declined comment, while The Daily Mail has also reached out to the White House. 

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s most recent attempt to leverage Maduro has come in the form of seizing oil tankers. 

The tankers are part of what the Trump administration has said is a fleet Venezuela uses to evade US economic sanctions.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by Venezuela, US Ambassador Mike Waltz on Tuesday stressed that sanctioned oil tankers ‘operate as the primary economic lifeline for Maduro and his illegitimate regime.’

‘Maduro´s ability to sell Venezuela´s oil enables his fraudulent claim to power and his narco-terrorist activities,’ Waltz said. 

‘The United States will impose and enforce sanctions to the maximum extent to deprive Maduro of the resources he uses to fund Cartel de los Soles.’

Cartel de los Soles – a term used to refer to high-ranking military officers who get rich by running drugs – was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration last month. 

That armada includes no fewer than ten CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft

So far, the Trump administration’s drone strike campaign against Venezuelan boats have killed 95 people

Venezuela´s parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that criminalizes the seizures.

The bill – introduced, debated and approved within two days in the National Assembly – follows this month’s seizures by US forces of two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters. 

The seizures are the latest strategy Trump’s four-month pressure campaign on Maduro.

The US Coast Guard on Saturday seized a Panama-flagged vessel called Centuries that officials said was part of the fleet moving sanctioned cargo. 

With assistance from the US Navy, it seized a rogue tanker called Skipper on December 10. That ship was registered in Panama.

Trump, after that first seizure, said the US would carry out a ‘blockade’ of Venezuela. 

He later demanded that Venezuela return assets that it seized from U.S. oil companies years ago, justifying anew his announcement of the blockade against sanctioned oil tankers traveling to or from the South American country.

Maduro, 62, has been in the crosshairs of the American justice system since March 2020, when he was indicted in the Southern District of New York on a litany of charges related to drug trafficking.

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (pictured) have continued to turn up the heat on Maduro

Trump’s most recent attempt to leverage Maduro has come in the form of seizing oil tankers

They included narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

Immediately after the indictment, the first Trump administration offered a $15million reward for Maduro’s capture.

President Joe Biden’s State Department increased that to $25million, and the second Trump administration doubled it to $50million in August.

Maduro has been the president of Venezuela since April 2013 and in that time, he has been accused of consolidating power in executive agencies while simultaneously wrestling it away from the elected National Assembly.

There was so much doubt over the veracity of the 2018 presidential elections, which he won, that the president of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, was declared the true leader of Venezuela by anti-Maduro legislators.

Guaidó was even invited as a special guest to Trump’s State of the Union address in February 2020.

Democrats and Republicans alike cheered for Guaidó after Trump called him ‘the true and legitimate president of Venezuela’.

In 2024, Maduro ran for a third term as president. He was declared the winner in July by the Maduro-aligned election authority, which did not release the voting tallies from each of the 30,000 polling booths in the nation.

The opposition party, who ran Edmundo González as their candidate, also claimed victory.

In November 2024, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially recognized González as the president-elect of Venezuela.

The Trump administration has held the same position, with current Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing Maduro of election tampering. 

Guaidó and González fled the country after both men had arrest warrants issued for them by Maduro’s government. 

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A professional cleaner has shared her top tips to keep your fridge smelling fresh for longer – and it involves using a baking staple that you probably already have in your cupboard

If your fridge isn’t smelling its best, don’t worry, as it’s easy to freshen it up using a baking staple(Image: helena babanova via Getty Images)

Unpleasant odours from the fridge can be a real nuisance, potentially spoiling the taste of your food. While appliances can sometimes be overlooked during cleaning, maintaining hygiene is crucial for keeping food fresh.

To tackle these lingering smells, a professional cleaner known as Zapatas Cleaning Services has shared her top four hacks to combat bad odours in a TikTok video. One of these tips involves using a common baking ingredient to neutralise nasty smells.

Kellsie stated: “As a pro cleaner, these are four tricks I swear by for smelly spots in the home. They work way better than candles or sprays and they’re quick fixes you can try today.”

Fridges can easily become dirty due to spills and leftover food. If the shelves and interior of the appliance aren’t cleaned properly, you could end up with persistent unpleasant odours.

If removing spoiled food doesn’t solve the smell issue, a thorough deep clean may be necessary. This involves taking out all the shelves and drawers from the fridge and giving them a good wipe down, reports the Express.

Vanilla extract will continue to deodorise smells long after it’s been cleaned(Image: Getty)

Kellsie disclosed that the secret weapon against bad smells is vanilla extract. Combine two tablespoons of vanilla extract with one and a half cups of water in a spray bottle.

Use this mixture to wipe down every surface with a piece of kitchen roll or a microfibre cloth, but don’t rinse it off. Kellsie advised: “Vanilla keeps deodorising, so your fridge smells fresh long after you’re done cleaning.”

Nielsen-Massey, a food extract producer, has warned that vanilla extract should be used cautiously for odour control as it’s primarily intended for baking. They recommend applying a few drops directly to a sponge for a more potent fragrance.

If you’re keen to avoid chemical products when cleaning your fridge shelves, there are natural alternatives available. The gurus at Delish suggest using lemon, baking soda and salt.

A professional cleaner said there’s one baking ingredient that’s great at getting rid of smells(Image: Getty)

Delish advises: “If you open a box of baking soda, let it sit in your fridge and it’s not absorbing those aromas, slice some lemon and sprinkle it with baking soda and salt, and let them sit on a plate in the fridge. That should do the trick.”

Baking soda can effectively neutralise unwanted odours by counteracting acidic scents. As an alkaline substance, baking soda reacts with acidic odours to neutralise them.

The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the acid results in a less smelly compound. This alters the pH level, helping to banish the unpleasant smell.

Lemon is also useful for eliminating unwanted smells, thanks to its citric acid content which cuts through bacteria. It’s a natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and bleaching agent, capable of cutting through grease, removing stains, and killing bacteria, making it a versatile eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning products.

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Talks held between Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and the Russian president.

Syria’s foreign and defence ministers met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held discussions on expanding “strategic cooperation in the military industries sector”, Syrian state media has reported.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) ⁠said that Putin’s meeting on Tuesday with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Minister of Defence Murhaf Abu Qasra ‌focused on political, economic and military issues of “mutual interest”, but that “particular emphasis” was on defence.

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According to SANA, Putin and the Syrian ministers discussed a range of defence-related matters, including developing military cooperation to strengthen the Syrian army’s capabilities and ‌modernising its equipment, transferring expertise and cooperation in research and development.

“During the meeting, both sides reviewed ways to advance military and technical partnership in a manner that strengthens the defensive capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army and keeps pace with modern developments in military industries,” SANA reported.

The two sides also discussed political and economic issues, including the “importance of continued political and diplomatic coordination between Damascus and Moscow in international forums”, according to the news agency.

On the economic front, the talks addressed expanding Syrian-Russian cooperation, including in reconstruction projects, infrastructure development and investment in Syria.

Putin also reaffirmed Russian “steadfast support” for Syria and its territorial integrity, while renewing “Moscow’s condemnation of repeated Israeli violations of Syrian territory, describing them as a direct threat to regional security and stability”.

The ministers’ visit to Moscow is the latest by Syria’s new authorities since the removal from power last December of the country’s longtime ruler and Moscow’s former ally in Damascus, Bashar al-Assad.

Russia was a key supporter of al-Assad during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war, providing vital military aid that kept the Assad regime in power, including Russian air support that rained air strikes on rebel-held areas.

Despite al-Assad and his family fleeing to Russia after the toppling of his regime, Moscow is eager to build good relations with the new government in Damascus.

Moscow, in particular, is hoping to secure agreements to continue operating the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where Russian forces continue to be present.

In October, Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, visited Russia, where he said his government ‍would honour all the past deals struck between Damascus and Moscow, a pledge that suggested that the two Russian military bases were secure in the post-Assad period.

Putin said ‍at the time of al-Sharaa’s visit ⁠that Moscow was ready to do all it could to act on what he called the “many interesting and useful beginnings” discussed by the two sides on renewing relations.

Russian ‌state media on Tuesday quoted the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, as saying that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would also hold talks with ‍his Syrian counterpart, Al-Shaibani, during the Syrian delegation’s visit.

During a visit to Moscow in July, Al-Shaibani said his country wanted Russia “by our side”.

“The current period is full of various challenges and threats, but it is also an opportunity to build a united and strong Syria. And, of course, we are interested in having Russia by our side on this path,” Al-Shaibani told Lavrov at the time.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on October 15, 2025 [Pool: Alexander Zemlianichenko via Reuters]



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At least two people have died and several others were injured after an explosion and fire at a Pennsylvania nursing home caused a partial collapse of the building.

Emergency crews were called to the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol at about 14:00 local time (19:00GMT) on Tuesday after receiving reports of a gas odour. When crews arrived, the building exploded causing a massive fire, authorities said.

Five people were still unaccounted for, but officials said they were unsure if those people were in the building.

Responders pulled residents out of windows, stairwells, and elevators and carried them to safety, fire chief Kevin Dippolito told reporters.

“There was one police officer who literally threw two people over his shoulders and ran” with them towards medical staff, he said.

Several people were trapped in the basement of the collapsed building but were rescued, Dippolito said.

“We’re still in rescue mode. We have not transitioned into a recovery mode,” he said.

Emergency crews were still working to rescue people who may be stuck in the building, the fire chief said.

Governor Josh Shapiro said the exact number of injuries was not yet known, and the cause of the blast remained under investigation.

Images and videos posted on social platforms by local media outlets show a partially collapsed building with massive flames billowing out of it.

Shapiro praised the support from authorities around the region who rushed to offer assistance, and said that the residents living near the nursing home were “outstanding”.

“We had residents coming out of their houses offering to help us,” he said. “This is the Pennsylvania way: neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need.”

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The US State Department on Tuesday said it would deny visas to former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and four others in protest of European regulation of social media. 

The measure comes amid increasing tensions between the US and the Europe, with President Donald Trump’s adminstration accusing Brussels of cracking down on freedoms. 

Trump’s new US national security strategy rattles Europe

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Besides Breton, the US visa ban targets: 

• Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of the German NGO HateAid
• Imran Ahmed, the British CEO of the US-based Center for Countering Digital Hate
• Clare ​Melford, co-founder of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI)

Why is the US denying their visas?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the five people targeted with visa bans “have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize and suppress American viewpoints they oppose.”

He did not initially name those facing the visa ban, but Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers later identified them in a post on social media. 

Rogers described Breton as the “mastermind” of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes content moderation and other standards on major social media platforms operating in Europe.

The State Department said HateAid functions as a trusted flagger for enforcing the DSA.

What was the reaction?

Breton decried the ban as a “witch hunt.”

“To our American friends: Censorship isn’t where you think it is,” he wrote in a post on X. 

The GDI called the US action “immoral, unlawful, and un-American” and “an authoritarian attack on free speech and an egregious act of government censorship.”

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker meets with Pope Leo XIV

Illinois Democratic Gov. Jay Robert “JB” Pritzker met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, a fellow native of the Land of Lincoln, at the Vatican this week. (Credit: REUTERS — No use Fox Weather/Outkick)

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Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday he was “very disappointed” after his home state of Illinois approved a law allowing medically assisted suicide.

Leo, who grew up in Chicago, said he had spoken “explicitly” with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker while the legislation was on his desk and urged him not to sign the bill into law, saying the measure undermines respect for human life from “the very beginning to the very end.”

“Unfortunately, for different reasons, he decided to sign that bill,” Leo told reporters outside Rome. “I am very disappointed about that.”

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, also referred to as “Deb’s Law,” was signed into law by Pritzker on Dec. 12 and allows eligible terminally ill adult patients to obtain life-ending medication after consultation with their doctors.

NY GOV. HOCHUL TO SIGN BILL TO LEGALIZE PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE: ‘WHO AM I TO DENY YOU?’

Pope Leo XIV met with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on Nov. 19 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

The measure was named after Deb Robertson, a lifelong Illinois resident with a rare terminal illness who had pushed for the bill’s approval.

The law takes effect in September 2026, giving participating healthcare providers and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) time to implement required processes and protections.

Leo said Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich also urged Pritzker not to sign the bill, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

BISHOPS, CATHOLIC GROUPS SLAM CARDINAL CUPICH’S PLAN TO HONOR PRO-ABORTION SEN DICK DURBIN: ‘GREAT SCANDAL’

Pope Leo XIV said he was very disappointed” that Illinois passed a law allowing medically assisted suicide. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)

“I would invite all people, especially in these Christmas days, to reflect upon the nature of human life, the goodness of human life,” Leo said. “God became human like us to show us what it means really to live human life, and I hope and pray that the respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence, from conception to natural death.”

The state’s six Catholic dioceses have also criticized Pritzker’s decision to sign the bill, saying it puts Illinois “on a dangerous and heartbreaking path.”

Illinois joins a growing list of states allowing medically assisted suicide. Eleven other states and the District of Columbia allow medically assisted suicide, according to the advocacy group, Death with Dignity, and seven other states are considering allowing it.

After signing the bill, Pritzker said the legislation would allow patients with terminal illnesses to “avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives,” and said it would be “thoughtfully implemented” to guide physicians and patients through deeply personal decisions.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act on Dec. 12, allowing eligible terminally ill adult patients to obtain life-ending medication after consultation with their doctors. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Fox News Digital has reached out to Pritzker’s office for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

An explosion at a nursing home in Pennsylvania has left at least two people dead as rescue crews rush to find victims or survivors of the fiery blast.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said at a news conference late Tuesday that at least two people had been killed in the explosion that left residents trapped inside.

Shapiro asked people to pray “for this community, for those who are still missing, for those who are injured, and for those families who are about to celebrate Christmas with an empty chair at their table.”

The explosion happened Tuesday around 2 p.m. ET at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, in Bristol Township, about 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia.

“We understand that there are people trapped inside,” said Ruth Miller, a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency spokesperson, per The Associated Press.

Emergency crews raced to the 174-bed facility to search for people who may have gone missing in the blast. Video footage from local outlets showed cop cars, ambulances and fire trucks with flashing lights.

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An explosion at a nursing home in Pennsylvania has left residents trapped as rescue crews rush to find possible victims of the fiery blast (Bastiaan Slabbers/REUTERS)

WPVI’s cameras filmed flames and black smoke billowing from the nursing home. There was structural damage to the building, including blown out windows and a roof that had collapsed.

Bristol Township’s fire chief, Kevin Dippolito, said at the Tuesday evening news conference that five people were still unaccounted for but that some may have left the nursing home with family.

The Upper Makefield Township Police Department has called the explosion a “mass casualty incident.”

“Please avoid that area of Bucks County as there is a large emergency personnel response,” the department wrote on Facebook.

Lieutenant Sean Cosgrove with Bristol Township police told Levittown Now that residents were evacuated by emergency crews, staff and even bystanders.

Jim Morgan, president of the Bristol Township School Board, said buses would transport people from the nursing home to Truman High School, where a reunification center has been set up, the AP reported.

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The explosion happened Tuesday around 2 p.m. ET at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, in Bristol Township (WPVI-TV/6ABC via AP)

It’s unclear how many people have been injured in the blast or what caused the explosion.

“I do not know if everyone is accounted for or not yet,” the officer said. “I’m not aware of any critical injuries but there definitely were injuries.”

State Representative Tina Davis, whose district includes the nursing home, recalled that she saw as she approached the chaotic scene in her car.

“I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city, from all over,” Davis said, per the AP.

Nils Hagen-Frederiksen, press secretary at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, said emergency officials were describing the incident as a gas explosion, the AP reported.

Local gas utility, PECO, said it had crews responding to reports of a gas order at the nursing home around the time of the explosion, according to the AP.

“PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents,” the company said.

The cause of the blast has yet to be confirmed.

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There was structural damage to the building, including blown out windows and a roof that had collapsed (Bastiaan Slabbers/REUTERS)

The nursing home’s last fire safety inspection was in September 2024, and it has not received any fire safety or emergency preparedness citations, according to Medicare.gov. But the facility has an overall 1-star rating with health inspections considered “mush below average.”

The Independent has reached out to the Bristol Township police and fire departments as well as the Upper Makefield Township Police Department for comment.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, wrote on X that he has been briefed on the incident “and my Administration is in contact with local officials and first responders on the ground.”

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania State Police “have offered their full support and any resources needed,” Shapiro said.

“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Bristol community.”

Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, called the explosion a “tragic situation.”

“Gisele and I extend our deepest condolences to all the lives impacted by this awful development,” he wrote on X.

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It’s unclear what caused the blast, but officials were reportedly describing the incident as a gas explosion (Bastiaan Slabbers/REUTERS)

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican who represents Bristol Township, said he and his team “are closely monitoring developments as authorities work to secure the scene and care for those affected.”

“For everyone’s safety, I urge you to please avoid the area. Please also join me in praying for the safety of the residents of the nursing home, the dedicated staff who care for them, and our brave first responders who rushed to the scene and ran toward danger without hesitation,” the congressman added.

Conservative commentator Nick Sortor reacted to the explosion, writing, “So sad to see this happen so close to Christmas. Prayers up!”

“This is just terrible. Please pray,” Benny Johnson, another MAGA influencer, wrote.

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Police say residents were evacuated by emergency crews, staff and even bystanders (Monica Herndon/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)



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A quality tote bag pulls a lot of weight. It needs to hold everything for busy errand days, stay comfortable on your shoulder without weighing you down, and still look nice enough to take along while traveling. 

Reese Witherspoon just proved how useful the right tote can be: On a weekend Target run, she was spotted wearing what looks like the same woven bag that she carried while traveling to London last month. That repeat wear says it all. Inspired by Witherspoon’s go-anywhere style, we found similar woven tote bags at Amazon that work just as well for everyday errands as they do for carry-on travel — starting at $34.

Reese Witherspoon-Inspired Woven Totes at Amazon

Reese Witherspoon / Instagram

Lovevook Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

This woven tote is a close match to the one Witherspoon carried. It’s made from soft vegan leather that’s easy to wipe clean and has a full-zip top to keep items secure. There are two zip pockets and a slip pocket inside, so it’s easier to stay organized without digging for keys or your phone. The roomy interior and removable strap let you wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody. 

One shopper said they were “beyond impressed with the quality,” adding that even the hardware felt exceptional. Another reviewer found it “crazy” that it could  hold so much as a carry-on, including an iPad, headphones, two power banks, a toiletry bag, and more.

SporGenius Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

If staying organized is a priority, this pick stands out. It has long handles that sit comfortably on your shoulder and a magnetic closure for easy access. It also comes with a zippered clutch to help keep smaller items contained inside. One reviewer called it “incredibly functional,” and noted that it was spacious enough to carry everything they needed for errands, work, or even beach days — without feeling bulky.

Jinmanxue Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

This slouchy woven tote is a great option if you like a softer shape. Made from vegan leather with a snap closure, it has interior pockets to keep essentials organized while maintaining a relaxed look. At $50, it’s also at its lowest price in 30 days. 

Shoppers mentioned that it “looks way more expensive than it is,” with one reviewer sharing that “the color and feel of the leather is very luxurious.”

Whether you’re heading out for everyday errands or packing for a holiday trip, these Reese Witherspoon-inspired woven totes make it easy to carry everything you need in one stylish bag. 

Keep scrolling for more woven handbags at Amazon that work for all of your busy days ahead.

Queenoris Woven Tote Bag, $59 with coupon

Amazon

Yonglee Artee Woven Tote Bag, $52 with coupon

Amazon

Jotofit Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

Melolila Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

Geelyda Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

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By INDERDEEP BAINS, DEPUTY CHIEF REPORTER

Published: 16:17 GMT, 23 December 2025 | Updated: 01:34 GMT, 24 December 2025

Police are continuing to search for a seventh suspect in relation to the case of a former Tory councillor who is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting his wife with five men over 13 years.

A series of pictures of the large set man were released as part of a Crimewatch appeal earlier this year.

Wiltshire Police said on Tuesday that investigators ‘remain very keen to identify’ the individual who could be anywhere in the country.

As part of the original appeal, the alleged victim, who has now been identified as Joanne Young after she waived her right to anonymity, said in a statement: ‘I jump constantly at noises, movements, and even shadows.

‘I wake up having recurring nightmares that someone is there touching me, and although I am screaming, no sound comes out and nobody is coming to save me. I try to survive each day and hope the next one is better.’

Speaking at the time, DS Smith praised her bravery, and said it was ‘very important’ that anyone with information that may help to identify the man come forward.

He said: ‘We appreciate the graphic nature of these images and that they may be triggering to some people, however we need the public’s help to identify this man.

A series of pictures of the large set man were released as part of a Crimewatch appeal earlier this year

The pictures of the heavy set man who police would like to speak to connection with sexual assault were believed to have been taken in 2022

Ms Young’s former husband business consultant Philip Young (pictured), appeared in court accused of 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, against her

The seventh man police want to speak to has a distinctive tattoo on his chest

‘It is unknown whether he lives in Swindon or from outside the county, which is why we request that this is shared as widely as possible to assist our bid to identify him.’

Ms Young’s former husband business consultant Philip Young, appeared in court accused of 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, against her.

Ms Young, 48, can be named as the alleged victim after choosing to waive her right to anonymity, which is granted automatically to sexual offence complainants.

Six other suspects also appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court to face charges in relation to the investigation.

Norman Macksoni, 47, Dean Hamilton, 47, Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, Richard Wilkins, 61, and Mohammed Hassan, 37, have been charged with offences including rape, sexual touching, sexual penetration and possession of extreme images.

The man who features in the pictures which are believed to have been taken in April-May 2022, is wanted in connection with a ‘serious sexual assault’.

He is said to have scarring to the back of his head, prominent lips, hairy body, balding with short or shaved hair, and one distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest at the time.

Anyone who recognises the man should call 101 and quote reference number 54240080286.

Information can also be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.’

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Police seek SEVENTH man over alleged drugging and raping of wife as six people including her husband appear in court charged with more than 50 offences

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Doctors have reminded Brits of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and other big killers, such as heart problems, as families gather this week to celebrate Christmas

Brits are reminded to watch out for subtle signs of big killers in their loved ones this Christmas.

Families are set to gather for celebrations this week but, during these festivities, symptoms of some of the more serious health conditions are often dismissed. Experts, for instance, stress excessive bloating, napping or “feeling stuffed” can be signs of bowel cancer in rare cases.

Dementia can present itself in different ways, such as relatives getting family members’ names mixed up. Muscle stiffness and reduced mobility are symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which typically affects men aged 50 or older.

Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, has stressed it is important to note how long these issues last before reading deeply into them. Medical advice, most likely from family GPs, should be sought in all cases if Brits are concerned for loved ones.

READ MORE: Adenovirus: Common symptoms in full as mystery disease sweeps globeREAD MORE: ‘I couldn’t get upstairs without gasping for air — and the truth was devastating’A pensioner struggles with her memory (file image)(Image: Getty Images)

Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England national clinical director for dementia said while dementia might not be apparent during a brief interaction, gatherings of family and friends at Christmas — potentially for the first time in months — gives an opportunity to spot the signs.

And Duncan Reid, deputy superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, says being unable to smell the delicious cooking or mulled wine might signal early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Here, we look at the red flags for six big killers you can act on now for a healthier 2026.

The advice comes amid concern cases of adenovirus continue to rise across the globe and, though most bouts are mild, medics are urging both adults and children to be aware of the signs and symptoms. It can present itself in similar ways to Covid-19 or flu, as it is typical to experience a fever, sore throat and frequent sneezing.

READ MORE: Mum catches medieval disease scabies from a fox who watched Netflix on her sofa

1. Dementia

Family members typically spot red flags of undiagnosed dementia before the person themselves. Early signs of the condition “might be getting family members’ names mixed up or getting disoriented around someone else’s home, for example, not being able to find the main living room after using the bathroom,” according to Katie Puckering, information services manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

And changes in the daily routine can also be confusing. Katie explained: “Sitting down for a big family meal at 3pm can be disorientating in the early stages of dementia.”

Early dementia causes a person to repeat themselves or struggle to follow the conversation topic. It can also cause withdrawal and anxiety.

2. Heart problems

Studies suggest heart attacks are more common at Christmas time. Emily McGrath, who is a senior cardiac nurse at British Heart Foundation, told The Sun: “Never ignore chest pain and assume it’s caused by indigestion, especially if it continues over an extended period.

“Angina feels like pressure, tightness or squeezing in your chest and the pain may feel sharp or like a dull ache. You might also feel it in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Heart attack symptoms vary for each person.”

They include sudden pain or discomfort in your chest that doesn’t go away. It can spread to your left or right arm, or to your neck, jaw, back or tummy.

A man experiences trouble with his heart after exercise (file image) (Image: Getty Images)

3. Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or when the insulin it produces isn’t able to work properly to control blood sugar levels.

During Christmas, changes in routine, reduced activity, and extra treats can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Natasha Marsland, a senior clinical adviser at Diabetes UK, explains: “There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2. For type 1 diabetes, we look for four key warning signs known as the 4Ts: toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner.”

You might notice your partner using the toilet more often than usual, even waking during the night. They may seem unusually tired, take daytime naps, or lose weight and appear thinner despite the festive season.

4. Addiction

Has a family member become noticeably more argumentative this Christmas?

Frecurrent arguments, tension at home, or a decline in personal hygiene can sometimes signal a problem with alcohol. Lester Morse, founder and director of Rehabs UK, explains: “Behavioural changes linked to addiction are often the first warning signs noticed by loved ones. A person may continue to use alcohol or drugs even when it’s clearly harming their health, relationships, and everyday life.”

Because heavy drinking is often normalised, the signs of alcoholism can be easy to miss. Many people with a problem also go to great lengths to hide how much they drink.

Mr Lester adds: “Loved ones might notice that the person has become more withdrawn or secretive about how they spend their time. New friends may suddenly appear, with little explanation of where they came from.”

A man srtruggles with chest pain (file image)(Image: Getty Images)

5. Parkinson’s Disease

Have you noticed changes in your intimate relationship?

Duncan Reid from Pharmacy2U explains: “Parkinson’s disease can impact many areas of life, including sexual health. A reduced sex drive may be linked to changes in dopamine levels, which play a role in movement and feelings of pleasure.

“Men with Parkinson’s may experience erectile dysfunction, while women may notice vaginal dryness, and both can find it harder to reach orgasm. Muscle stiffness and reduced mobility can also make physical intimacy more difficult.”

Changes in mood, such as the onset of anxiety or depression, can be early warning signs as well. However, the most recognisable symptom is tremor or shaking, particularly in the hands.

6. Bowel cancer

Surprised by how little your mum, dad, or grandparent ate at Christmas lunch?

A reduced appetite can sometimes be a warning sign of cancer, including bowel cancer. Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, explains: “A persistent feeling of fullness may occur if there’s a blockage or tumour in the bowel. Sharp or ongoing abdominal pain should always be taken seriously.”

Pain that feels concentrated in one area and doesn’t ease after digestion can be particularly concerning. Kiran stresses that it’s important not to put off seeking medical advice until the new year.

“Bowel cancer can also lead to anaemia,” he adds. “Blood loss in the bowel reduces red blood cells, which can cause extreme tiredness.”

As a result, struggling to stay awake, lacking energy to join in festive activities, shortness of breath, or headaches may also be warning signs.

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The military chief of Libya has been killed alongside four others in a plane crash in Turkey.

Wreckage has been found after a small private jet carrying General Muhammad Ali Ahmad al Haddad crashed near Ankara, the Turkish government said.

In a statement, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibeh said the loss of Haddad, chief of staff of the Libyan army, was a “great loss to the homeland”.

Image:
Pic: AP

He said General Haddad’s adviser, Mohammed al Asawi Diab, was also killed, along with General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil – chief of staff of Libya’s ground forces, General Mahmoud al Qatawi – director of the Military Industrialization Organisation, and military photographer Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub.

Posting on X, Mr Dbeibeh wrote: “This tragic and painful incident occurred during their return from an official trip from the Turkish city of Ankara.

“This grave affliction is a great loss to the homeland, to the military institution, and to all the sons of the people, as we have lost men who served their country with sincerity and dedication, and who were an example of discipline, responsibility, and national commitment.

“Our deepest condolences and sincere solace to the families of those we have lost, and to their comrades in the armed forces.”

Image:
Turkey’s Selcuk Bayraktaroglu (left) with General Haddad on Tuesday. Pic: AP

General Haddad had ‌met with Turkish defence minister Yasar Guler and Turkish counterpart Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, ⁠along with other Turkish military commanders, Turkey’s defence ministry said.

His Falcon 50-type jet took off from Esenboga airport in the capital, Ankara, at 8.30pm, according to the Turkish interior minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Shortly after, the plane issued an emergency landing signal near Haymana, south of the city, before communication was lost.

Read more:
East Libya: Europe’s smuggling frontline
‘This is Europe’s problem’: The migrants stuck in Libyan detention

General Haddad, the top military commander in western Libya, was crucial to ongoing UN-backed efforts to unify the country’s military, which has split.

Libya itself is split, with rival administrations in the east and west, after the nation descended into anarchy following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011.

Mr Dbeibeh runs the internationally-recognised Tripoli-based government in the west, while former Gaddafi commander Khalifa Haftar runs a military dictatorship in the east.

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These are the key developments from day 1,399 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Published On 24 Dec 202524 Dec 2025

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Here is where things stand on Wednesday, December 24:

Fighting

• Russian forces began a “massive attack” on Ukraine on Monday night, killing three people and targeting 13 regions with 650 drones and 30 missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X.
• Those killed in the overnight attack included a four-year-old girl in the central Zhytomyr region, Governor Vitalii Bunechko said on Telegram. “Doctors struggled to save the child’s life, but in the end, they were unable to save her,” Bunechko said, adding that five people were also injured in the attack.
• Russian forces also launched drones and missiles at the Vyshhorod district of Ukraine’s Kyiv region, killing a woman and injuring three people, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said.
• In Ukraine’s western Khmelnytskyi region, one person was killed by Russian shelling, Governor Serhii Tiurin said.
• Russian drone attacks on Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi district left five people injured, said Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

An injured elderly woman looks out of her broken window after an apartment building was hit by a Russian drone during an aerial attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday [Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo]

• Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy said that “emergency power outages” were introduced in several regions across the country due to Russian forces targeting energy infrastructure. The ministry said that it was working to restore electricity to the Rivne, Ternopil and Odesa regions. The ministry said that the situation was “most difficult” in the border regions, “as restoring electricity is complicated by continuous fighting”.
• Ukraine’s General Staff said Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the Donetsk region’s ​​Siversk area after heavy fighting, noting that Moscow’s forces had a “significant advantage” there.
• Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots shot down 621 of 673 Russian “aerial targets” on Tuesday night, including 34 of 35 cruise missiles.
• In Russia, a Ukrainian drone strike on a car killed three men in the Belgorod region on Monday, the region’s emergency response team reported.
• Another Ukrainian drone attack in Belgorod on Tuesday killed one person and injured three, the region’s operational headquarters said on Telegram.
• Russian forces shot down 56 Ukrainian drones in a day, as well as a guided bomb, Russia’s Ministry of Defence said, according to the state news agency TASS.

Ceasefire

• Zelenskyy said in his nightly address, “We sense that America wants to reach a final agreement” to end the war in Ukraine, and that “there is full cooperation” from the Ukrainian side.
• In an earlier post on X, Zelenskyy said that “several draft documents have now been prepared”, following talks in Miami. “In particular, these include documents on security guarantees for Ukraine, on recovery, and on a basic framework for ending this war,” he said.
• Pope ‍Leo said that Russia’s apparent refusal to agree to a ceasefire on December 25 is “among the things that cause me much sadness”.
• “I will make ​an appeal one ‌more time to people of goodwill to respect at least Christmas ‌Day as a day of ‌peace,” Leo told reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

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Watch: The BBC reports on the latest Epstein file release

The US Department of Justice released its latest – and largest – tranche of Jeffrey Epstein files on Tuesday.

The 11,000-plus documents continue a stream of released information that began on Friday, the deadline mandated in a new law that required the department to publicly release all of its investigative files into the deceased paedophile and financier.

Many of the documents released on Tuesday are redacted with names and information blacked out, including names of people who the FBI appears to cite as possible co-conspirators in the Epstein case.

The justice department is facing criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle over the amount of redactions, which the law specifically states can only be done to protect the identity of victims or active criminal investigations.

President Donald Trump’s name appeared more in these new documents than in previous releases. Many were media clippings that mention him, but one notable email from a federal prosecutor indicated Trump flew on Epstein’s jet.

The justice department said some files “contain untrue and sensationalist claims” about Trump.

Being mentioned in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing. BBC has requested comment from individuals named in our reporting.

Email exchange between ‘A’ and Ghislaine Maxwell about ‘girls’

Of the thousands of pages included in this latest release, one 2001 email sent by a person identified as “A” stands out.

The message, to Epstein’s accomplice and close associate Ghislaine Maxwell, says that “A” is at “Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family”.

“A” then asks Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for sex trafficking of minors and other offences: “Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?”

In another email sent later that day, Maxwell writes back: “So sorry to dissapoint you, however the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends.”

The “A” email was sent from the address abx17@dial.pipex.com, with the sender’s name shown as “The Invisible Man”.

An image from a prior Epstein files release showed a different, but similar email – aace@dial.pipex.com – listed in Epstein’s phone book under a contact titled “Duke of York”.

Another exchange in the new files between Maxwell and “The Invisible Man” discusses a trip to Peru.

In October, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lost use of his Duke of York title following scrutiny over his links with Epstein.

He has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing, and said he did not “see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his [Epstein’s] arrest and conviction”.

The BBC has contacted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s team for a response.

FBI email lists out 10 alleged co-conspirators to Epstein

US Department of Justice

Among the documents released are emails appearing to be sent between FBI personnel in 2019 that mention 10 possible “co-conspirators” of Epstein.

The emails said six of the 10 co-conspirators had been served with subpoenas. This included three in Florida, one in Boston, one in New York City, and one in Connecticut.

Four subpoenas were yet to be served when the emails were sent, including to one “wealthy businessman in Ohio”.

Another email sent to FBI New York gives an update on the co-conspirators. This time it appears to mention multiple names. Most are redacted from the file.

Two names were not redacted – (Ghislaine) Maxwell and Wexner.

An email says, “I do not know about Ohio contacting Wexner”.

The email is presumably referring to Former Victoria’s Secret CEO Les Wexner, who had a public friendship with Epstein. In 2019, Wexner said he was “embarrassed” by his ties to the financier.

Lawyers for Wexner told BBC News that “the assistant U.S. attorney in charge of the Epstein investigation stated at the time that Mr. Wexner was neither a co-conspirator nor target”.

“Mr. Wexner cooperated fully by providing background information on Epstein and was never contacted again,” they said.

Possible co-conspirators in Epstein’s crimes are a major focus for his victims, and for several lawmakers who have demanded more transparency from the DOJ.

“There’s 10 co-conspirators potentially that we knew nothing about that the DOJ had been investigating,” Democrat Congressman Suhas Subramanyam told BBC News on Tuesday.

Subramanyam, who sits on the House Oversight Committee, added that he was also “concerned” over the level of redactions that protect names of lawyers and people who are not victims. Lawmakers in both parties have said they are examining legal options to force more transparency.

The law passed by Congress and signed by President Trump states names and information that might be embarrassing or cause “reputational harm” are not allowed to be redacted and specifically asks the justice department for internal communications and memos detailing who was investigated and decisions concerning “to charge, not charge, investigate, or decline to investigate Epstein or his associates”.

Justice Department says Epstein letter to Larry Nassar is a fake

Getty Images

Larry Nassar

A letter included in the released batch of documents got a lot of attention online. But, according to the justice department, it is fake.

The handwritten letter and envelope at first appeared to show Epstein writing to Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor who is serving decades in prison for sexually abusing young female athletes.

“As you know by now I have taken the ‘short route’ home. Good luck!” the faux letter states. “We shared one thing…our love & caring for young ladies and the hope they’d reach their full potential.”

The writer signs it, “Life is unfair, Yours, J. Epstein.”

The letter had been deemed undeliverable, and was sent back to a Manhattan jail where Epstein was detained before his death.

The FBI was alerted to the returned letter and requested an analysis of it. That request was also included in the releases batch of documents.

The justice department on Tuesday called the letter a fake, noting several irregularities with the note and the envelope that held it.

“The writing does not appear to match Jeffrey Epstein’s,” the justice department wrote on X.

“The return address did not list the jail where Epstein was held and did not include his inmate number, which is required for outgoing mail,” they added.

Officials pointed out the envelope bore a postmark from northern Virginia – noting that Epstein was detained in New York. It was also postmarked on 13 August 2019, three days after Epstein died.

Even before the justice department’s announcement of it being fake, the documents raised immediate questions.

The return sender was listed as “J. Epstein” at “Manhattan Correctional” – but the correct name for the now-shuttered jail was “Metropolitan Correctional Center”.

The documents released on Tuesday also show the analysis request by the FBI.

A FBI laboratory request stated that in August 2019, a sender listed as “J. Epstein” at “Manhattan Correctional” tried to send a letter to “Larry Nassar at 9300 S. Wilmot Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85756”, the address of a federal prison.

Nassar is currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

Trump’s travels aboard Epstein’s private jet

Getty Images

Trump’s name appears more in these files than in other batches of documents released by the justice department.

Notably, in a January 2020 email, a federal prosecutor in New York wrote that newly received flight records “reflect that Donald Trump traveled on Epstein’s private jet many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware)”.

The recipient of the email was redacted.

Trump was listed as a passenger on “at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996”, and Ghislaine Maxwell was present on at least four of those flights, the prosecutor wrote. Trump was also “listed as having traveled with, among others and at various times, Marla Maples, his daughter Tiffany, and his son Eric”.

Trump was previously married to Marla Maples, Tiffany’s mother, from 1993 to 1999.

The prosecutor also wrote that “on one flight in 1993, he and Epstein are the only two listed passengers; on another, the only three passengers are Epstein, Trump, and then-20-year-old”, with the third passenger’s name redacted.

“On two other flights, two of the passengers, respectively, were women who would be possible witnesses in a Maxwell case.”

The timing of the trips coincide with years in which federal prosecutors were examining Maxwell’s conduct and travels as part of the criminal case they brought against her. She was ultimately found guilty of conspiring with Epstein to recruit and sexually abuse minors.

But throughout the files released on Tuesday, many of the other mentions of Trump’s name are simply in press clippings mentioning him, his campaigns, and other news moments.

Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in regards to Epstein.

In a statement accompanying Tuesday’s release, the Department of Justice said the new files “contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election”.

“To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already,” the justice department said.

Fake video of Epstein included

Among one of the odder entries in Tuesday’s document drop was a fake video showing an Epstein-like figure in a prison cell, which raised questions of how it had appeared in the department’s official files.

Other documents showed that a man from Florida sent an email to federal investigators in March 2021 with a link to the video. He asked if it was real, but it is not.

BBC Verify used a reverse image search to find a copy of the video had been uploaded to YouTube in October 2020. The user who posted it said the clip had been created using 3D graphics.

According to a 2023 report by the Bureau of Prisons, no video recording from inside Epstein’s cell on the day of his death exists.

The fake video’s inclusion in this release gives a glimpse of the questions that federal authorities have received from the general public, many of whom, having heard conspiracy theories or harboured doubts for years, want answers about Epstein’s life and death.

Shayan Sardarizadeh contributed to this report.

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier used his Christmas address on December 24 to highlight the importance of community, communication and cooperation, and called on his fellow Germans to work together and help each other in difficult times.

“In der Dunkelheit erstrahlt ein Licht,” he said in a televised speech: “A light is shining in the darkness.”

For Steinmeier (Germany’s head of state as opposed to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the head of the current government), many worries big and small can make the world seem dark: illness, loss, loneliness, job insecurity, or global crises and wars.

But he also said light could be found in “community”: family, friends, groups, clubs and any experiences which make people feel welcome and accepted — especially at Christmas, which he said “makes our lives more hopeful, happier, warmer and more optimistic.” 

Early gifts, mulled wine make up German Christmas story

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Steinmeier: ‘We need community’

In a world increasingly dominated by social media and individualism, Steinmeier reminded Germans that “we need community” and encouraged them to reach out to one another.

“I believe that if we join others in the search for goals and guidance, we can gain a great deal, provided that we allow others to speak and listen intently to what they have to say, rather than simply reiterating what we ourselves have always thought was right,” Steinmeier said.  

“Finding a sense of direction by asking genuine questions, being open, engaging in dialogue and taking joint action can illuminate the path that lies ahead of us and give it a purpose.” 

Steinmeier said that Christmas is a time when friendships, partnerships and family ties are renewed via visits or festive greetings, a time when people are reminded of how “essential reliable companions are” as we go through life.

“And we know that we can trust in lasting connections on both good and bad days,” Steinmeier said, while later adding that “we also know that being there for others gives our lives fulfilment and meaning.”  

Germany’s single seniors seek connection amid winter chill

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Solidarity with Ukraine as Russia’s invasion approaches fifth year

There was a political note to Steinmeier’s address, too, as the president offered his solidarity to Ukrainians whose suffering at the hands of Russian aggression is approaching a fifth year.

“In recent days, intensive efforts were made to find ways to end the war,” he said. “Most of us will have followed the events with hope, but also skepticism and concern.”

Nevertheless, he said he drew hope from another form of community: Europe. He said Europeans are required to “become aware together once again of our strength and values and to take action accordingly.” 

“Over the course of centuries, we have learned how important – indeed essential – freedom, human dignity, a just peace and democratic self-determination are,” he said. “We will not give that up, not for ourselves and not for our friends and partners.” 

What could push Putin to accept a draft Ukraine peace plan?

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Edited by: Wesley Dockery 

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El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele responded to allegations by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about the conditions at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), the country’s maximum-security prison that has received migrants deported from the United States. 

Bukele was responding to a post on X by Clinton that was accompanied by an 11-minute video of the PBS Frontline documentary titled: “Surviving CECOT.” 

“Curious to learn more about CECOT?” she wrote. “Hear Juan, Andry, and Wilmer share firsthand how the Trump administration branded them as gang members without evidence and deported them to the brutal El Salvadoran prison.”

’60 MINUTES’ POSTPONES SEGMENT ON MIGRANT INMATES FROM EL SALVADOR’S CECOT PRISON

President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. (EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

The short documentary tells the story of three Venezuelan men — Juan José Ramos Ramos, Andry Blanco Bonilla and Wilmer Vega Sandia — who were deported by the Trump administration to CECOT, a description of the short film states.

All three men were branded by the U.S. government as Tren de Aragua gang members, which they deny. 

In response, Bukele said his country was ready to cooperate if Clinton thinks people have been tortured in the notorious prison that houses many of the country’s gang members and migrants deported from the U.S. 

“We are willing to release our entire prison population (including all gang leaders and all those described as “political prisoners”) to any country willing to receive them,” he wrote. “The only condition is straightforward: it must be everyone.”

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS KILMAR ABREGO GARCIA RELEASED FROM ICE CUSTODY

Hillary Clinton criticized the conditions at El Salvador’s CECOT prison, prompting a response from the country’s President, Nayib Bukele. (Getty Images)

“This would also greatly assist journalists and your favorite NGOs, who would then have thousands of former inmates available for interviews, making it far easier to find additional voices critical of the Salvadoran government (or willing to confirm whatever conclusions are already expected),” added Bukele. “Surely, if these testimonies reflect a systemic reality, a much larger pool of sources should only reinforce the claim, and many governments should be eager to offer protection.”

Until then, he continued, El Salvador will continue prioritizing the human rights of the millions of Salvadorans who today live free from gang rule,” Bukele said. 

Bukele solidified his relationship with President Donald Trump by offering to house certain migrants deported from the U.S. at CECOT. The U.S. has deported Venezuelan migrants deemed to be gang members to El Salvador after their home country refused to take them back. 

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A federal judge on Monday ordered the Trump administration to provide due process to a class of Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador in March, and gave it two weeks to detail how it will do so – setting up another high-stakes clash between the White House and the federal courts.

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