Global News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Heavy rains and atmospheric rivers have caused devastating floods and mudslides in California, resulting in three fatalities. Los Angeles County received eleven inches of rain, leading to evacuations and road closures. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for southern counties. Rescue teams saved several people from floodwaters, but a man in San Diego, a woman in Mendocino County, and a man in Redding lost their lives. Local leaders urge caution during the holiday travel rush, warning residents to avoid roads if possible. The storms are expected to last through Friday, with flash flood warnings and evacuation alerts in place. Winds reached one hundred miles per hour near San Jose, and more stream overflows are predicted. Stay informed and heed warnings as crews monitor the situation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasizes missile and artillery production, signs off on factory modernization plans ahead of a major party congress. He also inspects a nuclear-powered submarine construction and oversees long-range missile tests, signaling no slowdown in defense advancements.

Mikaela Shiffrin continues her dominant ski season, winning four slalom races and setting her sights on a record-breaking streak. After overcoming injuries and crashes, she heads to Semmering, Austria for giant slalom and slalom races. With impressive performances in giant slalom and a successful super-G test, Shiffrin is poised for another record-breaking season, potentially aiming for four events at the Milan Cortina Olympics alongside Lindsey Vonn.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses optimism after a call with US envoys, praising their new peace plan ideas. The plan includes a Ukrainian troop withdrawal, demilitarized zone, and security guarantees from the US, NATO, and Europe. Zelensky sends Christmas greetings to Trump and his family. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reviews proposals from the US, and diplomacy continues while battles rage on the ground.

Mariela Gómez, a Venezuelan immigrant, was forced to return home after Trumps administration cracked down on border crossings. She fled Venezuelas economic collapse a decade ago but found herself deported, facing widespread unemployment and poverty. Despite the hardships, she cherishes her reunion with her daughter and looks forward to making traditional hallacas for New Years Eve, hoping for good health and continued family time amidst uncertainty.

In Jenin, Palestinian Authority police arrest suspects for torching a Christmas tree at a Catholic church, sparking sectarian tensions. The church swiftly rebuilds, hosting a unity ceremony with Muslim leaders. This incident underscores challenges for the West Banks small Christian community amid rising threats and violence, yet highlights a shared resolve to protect holy sites and maintain harmony.

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazils imprisoned former president, underwent successful hernia surgery. He endorsed his son, Flávio, for the 2026 presidential race in a handwritten letter. Despite conviction, Bolsonaro remains influential, with Congress passing a bill to reduce his sentence, vetoed by President Lula. Lula plans to run again in October 2026, keeping political drama alive.

Asian markets showed mixed performance amid holiday closures, with Tokyos Nikkei gaining nearly 30% this year. Chinas Shanghai Composite rose, supported by the Peoples Bank of Chinas reassuring statement. U.S. markets closed higher before Christmas Eve, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq all up. Jobless claims dropped, and Dynavax Technologies shares surged after Sanofis buyout announcement. Attention now shifts to the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserves interest rate decision in January.