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Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at age eighty-five. Holland, who was next in line to become church president, led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and was known for his service at Brigham Young University. His death creates a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, and he leaves behind his wife and numerous family members.

In Homs, Syria, a mosque bombing kills eight and injures eighteen, with early investigations suggesting explosives planted inside. The attack targets Alawites, viewed as apostates by hard-line Islamists. A local neighbor describes the chaos and horror. The mosque, known for its inclusivity, becomes a site of mourning as mourners chant and bury their dead amidst rising sectarian tensions.

Italys parliament approves controversial reform, weakening auditor powers and sparking debate on checks and balances. Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis right-wing coalition pushes through changes limiting auditor oversight, aiming to speed up public works and ease politicians fears. Critics warn of potential wasteful spending and increased illegality, as tensions between the government and judiciary escalate.

Italian police arrest nine for allegedly raising €7M for Hamas, disguised as humanitarian aid for Gaza. The funds were funneled to Hamass military wing and families of suicide bombers. The operation uncovered a complex fundraising network and seized over €8M in assets.

Mo Amers Netflix series, Mo, returns with season two, following Palestinian refugee Mo Najjars journey to asylum in the US. The show, praised for its authentic portrayal of Arab and Muslim experiences, has broken records and earned critical acclaim. It explores Israeli-Palestinian tensions and life in immigration detention centers, contributing to a shift in how Arabs and Muslims are represented on screen. Despite progress, creators like Amer advocate for more diverse voices and positive portrayals to combat anti-Muslim policies.

Tragic End to Christmas Hike: Four Hikers Lost in Greek Avalanche Four hikers, including a woman, went missing in Greeces Vardousia Mountains on Christmas Day. Despite a massive search, their bodies were found on Friday evening, buried under an avalanche. The group, consisting of three men and a woman, were experienced hikers but fell victim to the harsh winter conditions. The rescue operation was hampered by freezing temperatures and zero visibility, but a ground team eventually located the bodies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mountain climbing, even for seasoned hikers.

Tragic Highway Pile-Up in Japan: Two Dead, Twenty-Six Injured in Chain Reaction Crash Amid Heavy Snow