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Israel recognizes Somaliland as an independent state, marking a significant shift in alliances in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has established a stable government and holds regular elections. Israels recognition could unlock trade, aid, and security deals for Somaliland, while sparking backlash from Somalia. Talks are underway for closer ties, including possible embassy openings and tech cooperation.

Venezuela releases 99 political prisoners amid US pressure, but rights groups question the number, highlighting ongoing tensions and repression.

Returns Season: The Environmental and Financial Impact of Holiday Returns The holiday season may be over, but returns season is in full swing. The National Retail Federation predicts that 17% of holiday purchases will be returned this year, leading to extended return windows and increased staffing. The primary cause of these returns is the guessing game of gift buying, especially when purchasing online. Returns have a significant environmental impact, with each trip back contributing to packaging waste, shipping emissions, and energy consumption. Experts estimate that returns increase an items environmental footprint by 25-30%. Moreover, a third of returns end up in landfills instead of being resold. The financial burden of returns is also substantial, as retailers pass on inspection, repackaging, and waste fees to consumers through higher prices. Even free returns arent truly free, as consumers ultimately bear the costs. To mitigate the environmental and financial impact of returns, consumers are encouraged to return items quickly in original packaging, opt for in-store drops, avoid buying multiple sizes, and consider gift cards for guilt-free gifting. Retailers are also implementing smart software and virtual try-ons to reduce errors and waste.

Ukraines President Zelensky meets with US President Trump to discuss a new peace plan, focusing on security guarantees and a demilitarized economic zone in Donbas. Despite mixed reactions from past meetings, the updated plan includes splitting energy from Europes largest nuclear plant and a demilitarized zone along the front line. Fighting continues, but these high-level talks could potentially lead to lasting peace before the New Year.

Tensions escalate in Syria as a bombing at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque kills eight, wounds eighteen. Authorities suspect explosive devices planted inside. The attack, blamed on remnants of the old regime and ISIS, fuels sectarian and political divides. Fresh clashes in Aleppo add to the instability, threatening Syrias push for peace.

Ukraines President Zelenskyy plans a meeting with President-elect Trump to discuss territory and security, aiming for a resolution before the New Year. Russia claims to have downed British missiles, while Ukraine reports drone strikes on its ports, causing damage but no casualties. Ukraine retaliates by striking a Russian oil refinery, injuring a firefighter. Russian forces capture a settlement in eastern Ukraine as peace talks loom.

U.S. airstrikes target Islamic State militants in Nigeria, following Trumps threat to take unilateral action. The operation, launched on Christmas Day, was a joint effort with Nigeria to protect against terrorism, despite denials of systematic Christian persecution. The Lakurawa sect, a jihadist group linked to Islamic State, was likely the target. However, experts doubt these strikes will significantly impact the insurgents, as Jabo wasnt a known militant hotspot.

Arseniy Konovalov, a former Russian diplomat, sentenced to 12 years for espionage; leaked secrets to U.S. in exchange for cash; case fuels Russia-West tensions; FSB investigates, details classified.