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Mark Carney appoints Mark Wiseman as Canadas new ambassador to the US, aiming to reset relations and tackle CUSMA review. Wiseman, a former BlackRock executive, faces backlash from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre over immigration stance. He takes over from Kirsten Hillman amid Trumps targeted tariffs and public hearings for CUSMA review.

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Washington, DC, challenging its ban on registering semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15. This move, led by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, is seen as a violation of the Second Amendment right to bear arms. The lawsuit comes amidst a broader conflict between Democrat-led DC and Republicans in the federal government, with the Trump administration seeking to loosen gun restrictions. DC maintains strict gun control measures, allowing registration only for certain firearms under specific conditions. Despite recent violence, violent crime in DC is down twenty-eight percent this year, with homicides falling nearly a third. The lawsuit highlights the delicate balance between gun rights and safety in the capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expresses optimism about ongoing negotiations with the US and European nations to end the war with Russia. A twenty-point plan from the US, revised after Ukrainian and European input, is now on the table. Discussions cover security guarantees and economic recovery, with basic documents ready but sticking points remaining. Zelenskiy calls for more pressure on Russia, including sanctions and lower oil prices, to push towards peace.

Eleven Ecuadorian soldiers convicted for the brutal murder of four boys, aged 11 to 15, in Guayaquil. The soldiers forced the kids to strip, beat them, hurled racist insults, and staged a mock execution before dumping them in a dangerous wasteland. The boys burned bodies were found near a military base. The soldiers received 34 years and 8 months in prison, while five cooperating soldiers got lighter sentences. The judge ruled the boys innocent victims of a state crime, ordering an official apology and human rights training for the military.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighted Irans recent missile exercises and emphasized Israels commitment to stability, prosperity, and peace. Netanyahu also discussed the need for Iran to cut uranium enrichment. The talks will cover advancing Trumps Gaza plan, addressing Hezbollah militants, and stopping Houthi forces from blocking shipping lanes. Additionally, Netanyahu, along with Greek and Cypriot leaders, agreed to boost security ties and promote projects like a sea and rail link and an undersea power cable to connect their grids with Europe and the Arabian Peninsula.

Spains Christmas lottery, El Gordo, brought immense joy to León province, particularly to small towns like La Bañeza, Villablino, and La Pola de Gordón. These towns, which had recently suffered from wildfires and job losses, won hundreds of millions of euros from the lottery. La Bañeza, with a population of around eleven thousand, shared four hundred sixty-eight million euros from the winning number seven nine four three two. Villablino won two hundred million euros, mostly from tickets sold by an Alzheimers association. La Pola de Gordón, another fire-hit town, shared sixty million euros. These wins came as a relief after the fires and other hardships the region had faced.

Eleven soldiers in Ecuador convicted for disappearing and murdering four boys aged 11-15 during a military crackdown on organized crime. Boys vanished in December, found charred weeks later. Families demand justice, protest outside courthouse.

Protests escalate in Tirana as demonstrators demand PM Ramas resignation following corruption charges against Deputy PM Balluku. Tensions rise over allegations of misusing state funds in infrastructure projects. Balluku denies wrongdoing, but Special Prosecution Office seeks her arrest, keeping Albanias political scene in turmoil.

Barry Manilow, the 82-year-old music icon, shares his cancer diagnosis, postponing January concerts for surgery. Despite the news, he maintains a positive attitude, joking about his recovery plans. The stage one tumor is treatable, with surgery scheduled for late December. Fans can look forward to his return in February, with rescheduled January shows.