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A devastating fire ravaged Portland, Maines historic Old Port waterfront, damaging iconic buildings and boats. The blaze, which broke out on Christmas Day, is still under investigation. Firefighters battled frozen hydrants and sinking boats, with one firefighter sustaining minor injuries. Despite the damage, all staff at Porthole Restaurant are safe. The community awaits news on the extent of the damage to these irreplaceable landmarks.

Guineas presidential election today is expected to secure a seven-year term for Mamady Doumbouya, the military leader who took power in a 2021 coup. Despite eight other candidates, Doumbouya faces no real challenge in this fragmented race. The vote marks a shift back to civilian rule after years of military control. Doumbouya, who has taken credit for advancing the Simandou iron ore project, is seen as a fresh start by many young people. However, concerns arise over his potential use of the win to solidify military influence. Opposition voices have been suppressed, and the elections credibility is questioned due to reports of protest bans, press curbs, and intimidation. As votes come in, the world watches to see if Doumbouyas promises of modernity and development will be fulfilled amid Guineas resource wealth and political instability.

Myanmars military junta is holding general elections in three phases starting this Sunday, December twenty-eighth, twenty twenty-five, the first vote in nearly four years since the army seized power in a coup. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is the clear frontrunner, facing little real competition amid a raging civil war. Critics, including the United Nations, Western countries, and human rights groups, call the polls a sham, not free, fair, or credible. Key opposition parties arent even competing, and Nobel winner Aung San Suu Kyi remains locked up after her landslide win in twenty twenty. Mass protests after the coup turned into armed rebellion, with fighting still fierce in many areas. Voters on the streets of big cities like Yangon seem dejected, with one thirty-one-year-old man saying no matter who he picks, the military party will win anyway. The voting rolls out over three Sundays, but the military doesnt control everywhere, and UN human rights chief Volker Turk warns theres no room for free speech or assembly in this violent climate. State media hails it as a new chapter of hope and rebuilding, but the campaign feels flat with no real buzz. Analysts say holding elections during war is risky, and any resulting government will struggle for international legitimacy.

Kosovos parliamentary election on Sunday is a pivotal moment, with Prime Minister Albin Kurtis Vetevendosje party aiming for a majority to end a political deadlock. The second vote this year comes after failed coalition talks, risking missed EU and World Bank loans. Voters express disillusionment, with neither side offering significant changes. Kurti promises public worker bonuses, capital projects, and an organized crime unit, while the opposition focuses on better living standards. No polls predict the outcome, making the elections impact uncertain.

Russias billionaire count hits record high amid war with Ukraine, but their political clout wanes. Oleg Tinkovs bank nationalization and exile exemplify this shift. The chaotic nineties saw oligarchs gain power, but Putins rule has changed that. Sanctions and war spending have boosted loyalists, forging a new wave of dependent power players.

Dolly Parton debunks death rumors, British teen Bella Culley released from prison, and Epstein files unsealed - test your news recall with our final Christmas quiz covering October to December. Relive the years highs, lows, and surprises as we ring in the new year.

Israel and Somaliland forge new alliance, sparking regional tensions: Israel becomes the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, aiming to cooperate in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. This move, tied to the Abraham Accords, is met with strong outrage from Somalias leaders and rejection by the EU, US, and many other countries, potentially reshaping alliances and tensions in the region.

Mulatu Astatke, the Ethio-jazz pioneer, played his final concert in London, blending Ethiopian Orthodox melodies with global jazz vibes. Born in Ethiopia, he studied at Berklee College of Music and later in London, drawing from traditional instruments. Despite early pushback, he persisted, creating a unique sound that continues to inspire.

Voters in Myanmar cast ballots in the first phase of the countrys general election, held under military rule amidst a civil war and widespread repression. The election, marred by boycotts and criticism as a sham, saw security forces on high alert and electronic voting machines used for the first time. Despite threats from resistance groups, the vote proceeded relatively smoothly. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is expected to dominate, with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing maintaining power as the civil war and displacements continue.