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Australias Prime Minister hailed fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed as a national hero for confronting a gunman during a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah event in Sydney. Mr. Ahmed, shot multiple times, is scheduled for further surgery and has received widespread support, including from former US President Donald Trump and a US billionaire. His bravery in disarming the alleged gunman and signaling to police has inspired many.

This holiday season, the story of artificial Christmas trees reveals a complex global trade narrative. Despite tariffs causing a price hike, most American companies wont move production back to the U.S. due to labor intensity, component availability, and price sensitivity. The convenience and cost of overseas production make domestic manufacturing largely unfeasible, potentially impacting sales and the joy of Christmas for some.

Los Angeles police prepare to present their case against Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, in a shocking Brentwood home tragedy. Rob, a celebrated actor and director, and Michele, a photographer and LGBTQ+ advocate, were well-known and loved in Hollywood and political circles. Nick, struggling with addiction, was seen with his family just months ago. The Reiners were influential in entertainment and liberal causes, leaving many mourning their sudden and violent deaths.

Thousands bid farewell to beloved pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Tokyos Ueno Zoo, as they prepare to return to China. The twins departure marks Japans first panda-less period in over fifty years, with uncertain prospects for new pandas due to strained Japan-China relations. Despite current tensions, hope remains for future panda diplomacy, as pandas were first sent to Japan in 1972 to mark normalized diplomatic ties.

Authorities hunt for gunman after Brown University shooting; community frustrated with security measures; reward offered for information leading to arrest

EU Envoys Race to Finalize Plan for Ukraines Financial Lifeline: Billions in Frozen Russian Assets at Stake European Union envoys are working tirelessly to finalize a plan to use billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets as collateral for a large loan to support Ukraines economic and military needs over the next two years. The urgency is underscored by Swedens EU Affairs Minister, Jessica Rosencrantz, who warns that the cost of inaction is far greater than the risk of Russian retaliation. However, Belgium, where most of these assets are held, opposes the plan due to fears of legal action from Moscow. The EU froze these assets after Russias invasion of Ukraine and is now considering two main options: a reparations loan or borrowing on financial markets. The reparations loan has political advantages but requires only a qualified majority vote, while borrowing on markets needs unanimous approval. European Council President António Costa insists that leaders should not leave Brussels until a decision is reached, aiming to provide a significant financial security guarantee for Ukraine.

Crews in Tukwila, Washington, swiftly reinforced an earthen levee after a small breach on December 15th, following a week of intense rainfall. The breach led to an evacuation order for parts of three suburbs, but no injuries were reported. The levee, located along the Green River, had been under close watch due to unusually high water levels. Despite earlier efforts to manage water with a seepage blanket, the levees stability remained a concern. The immediate area is now managed, but future impacts are still possible. The National Weather Service refined the flash flood warning to a smaller area.

Japan lifts megaquake advisory after week-long warning, following magnitude seven point five earthquake off northern Japans coast. Probability of megaquake decreased, but residents urged to remain vigilant. Initial advisory issued after magnitude seven point five quake caused mild injuries and home damage, with tsunami alerts issued but no reported damage. Contrasting with previous ambiguous advisory in summer of two thousand twenty-four, this recent warning saw calm response from locals and officials.

US Military Conducts Deadly Strikes on Suspected Drug Smuggling Boats in Pacific, Caribbean; Eight Dead, Eighty-Seven in Four Months; Trump Declares Fentanyl a Weapon of Mass Destruction