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CBC.ca

Meet Pascal, the therapy horse providing 'magical' experiences to Quebec care home residents

Twenty-odd animals — guinea pigs, doves, cats, bunnies and dogs — accompany Pascal the mini horse year-round. But his owner says he remains the star of the show when visiting residences, care homes and hospitals.

U.S. launches 'powerful and deadly' airstrikes in northwest Nigeria

The United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy says latest peace talks with U.S. negotiators were positive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he spoke with special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner for "nearly an hour" about how to end the war with Russia.

Bodies of man and child recovered after tractor falls into Quebec lake

The bodies of a man and child have been recovered after a tractor fell into a lake in the Lanaudière region of Quebec on Wednesday evening.

California storm blamed for at least 2 deaths with possibly more heavy rain, mudslides

Southern California is bracing Thursday for another powerful storm system that could cause more flooding and mudslides, a day after heavy rain and gusty winds were blamed for at least two deaths, as people reported getting trapped. "We're a little sad and upset that we're not going to be home with our families," said one resident.

Istanbul police detain 115 suspected ISIS members believed planning Christmas attacks in Turkey

Turkish authorities have detained 115 suspected ISIS members they believe were planning to carry out attacks on Christmas and new year celebrations in the country, the chief prosecutor's office said Thursday.

Pickleball's on the rise in Canada. So are injuries from playing it

As the sport grows in Canada, medical professionals say they are seeing the effect it is having on people physically.
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Toronto Star

'My son breached his bail and he was killed for that': Family won't stop fighting for man shot by Peel police

Ann-Marie White is embroiled in a legal battle to hold Peel police liable for the death of her son, after Ontario's police watchdog cleared the Peel officer who killed Jamal Francique of any criminal wrongdoing.

City Hall crafts Plan B for giant Scarborough co-op after multimillion dollar land sale to help bankroll it is delayed

Problems with Toronto’s largest co-op development in decades shines a light on difficulties in the public-private affordable housing dynamic across the city — particularly in a shaky real estate market.

Restaurants left struggling as cuts to Canada's immigration inflict more pain on industry

Naan Kabob's Fahim Ahmadi says immigration cuts will make it harder for temporary workers to gain permanent residency through restaurant work and harder for restaurants to find workers.

Special weather alert warns of ‘significant snow’ in Toronto Friday

Environment Canada's advisory says up to 12 centimetres of snowfall is expected in Toronto and across the GTA, making travel difficult.

Drugs, Olympic medals, high-end motorcycles seized in raids at Mexican homes linked to ex-Olympic snowboarder and fugitive Ryan Wedding

Authorities described the target as “a former Olympic athlete who is among the 10 most wanted fugitives by U.S. authorities.”

A hot Christmas meal and an anonymous donor with a U-hall full of warm clothes deliver the spirit of holiday giving

The Scott Mission in Toronto hosted its annual feast for those in need today.

Trump says US struck Islamic State targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians

The president’s social media post did not include information about how the strike was carried out. The White House did not immediately provide further details.

Jimmy Kimmel jokes about fascism in an 'alternative Christmas message' for Britain

The talk show host took aim at U.S. President Donald Trump and the rise of fascism in an address to U.K. viewers.

Looking back at Brad Treliving's moves as Maple Leafs GM: one disastrous trade deadline, one clear win, no home runs

Brad Treliving was hired by Toronto on May 31, 2023 and he set out to change the team's DNA. We break down all his trades.

Inside the $11M 'most famous house in Mississauga,' featured in the TV show 'Suits'

At 2215 Doulton Dr., this "massive" seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence spans more than 17,000 square feet, listing agent Shervin Rezaei said.
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Globe and Mail

Many working Americans suffering without health care coverage

Some make too much to qualify for Medicaid and too little to afford private insurance

Ottawa turns to Alberta as it moves to revive trade with China

Federal government in talks with Invest Alberta, whose chief says the province has remained engaged with Beijing

Trump administration strikes Islamic State militants in Nigeria

Trump claims ⁠IS has been targeting Christians in the region

Pope Leo XIV urges faithful to shed indifference in Christmas address

Pope Leo XIV revived the tradition of offering Christmas greetings in multiple languages on Thursday and urged the faithful to shed indifference in the face of those who have lost everything.

Poland intercepts Russian plane over Baltic Sea, reports airspace breaches from Belarus

Countries on NATO’s eastern flank have been on high alert for potential airspace incursions

Southern California braces for more flooding, mudslides as new storm hits

Heavy rain and fierce winds were blamed for at least two deaths on Wednesday

Ukraine, U.S. negotiators discussed how to end war, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President says he spoke with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for about an hour

King Charles praises unity in diversity in annual Christmas message

Monarch praised military veterans and aid workers, saying they gave ​him hope

Son of former Bangladeshi PM returns from exile as frontrunner in vote

Tarique Rahman moved to London 17 years ago for medical treatment after he was tortured while in custody during military-backed government rule

Pope Leo urges faithful to shed indifference to world’s suffering in Christmas address

Leo addressed some 26,000 people in his first ‘Urbi et Orbi’ message
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Global News

Zelenskyy says he’s open to a free economic zone in Ukraine’s east

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters that he would be willing to withdraw troops from the country’s eastern industrial heartland.

EU warns of action after U.S. bars 5 Europeans accused of censorship

The Europeans were characterized by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “radical” activists and “weaponized” nongovernmental organizations.

Two Russian police officers killed in Moscow explosion

The two officers, as well as another person standing nearby, died from their injuries.

Donald Trump says U.S. ‘has to have’ Greenland for ‘national security’

Trump said he named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry special envoy appointed to Greenland to 'lead the charge.'

Car bomb kills Russian general Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow

Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, died from his injuries.

Thousands gather to mark one week since Bondi Beach attack

Thousands of people, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, gathered at Bondi Beach Sunday to mark the Dec. 14 attack on a Hanukkah celebration that left 15 dead.

At least 16 files have disappeared from the DOJ webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein

More than a dozen Epstein-related files vanished from the U.S. Justice Department’s website within a day, with no explanation, raising transparency concerns.

Australia plans tougher laws against displaying extremist flags after Bondi shooting

Australian authorities plan to ban symbols tied to extremism and certain chants after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach killed 15 people and injured many more.

U.S. launches anti-ISIS strikes in Syria after Americans killed: officials

U.S. President Donald Trump had vowed to retaliate after an attack on U.S. personnel last weekend in Syria by a suspected Islamic State member.

Rubio says U.S. wants to ‘partner’ with countries on hemisphere issues

Rubio faced several questions on U.S. military operations in Venezuela, negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing commitment to NATO in a year-end press conference.
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New York Times

From the Shadows to Power: How the Hindu Right Reshaped India

The far-right group known as the R.S.S., whose members include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has spent a century trying to make India a Hindu-first nation.

What to Know About U.S. Military Action in Nigeria

Before the strikes on Thursday, President Trump said he would halt all aid and go in “guns-a-blazing” to target affiliates of a resurgent Islamic State.

New York City Braces for Heavy Snow as Winter Storm Approaches

The region could see accumulations of up to 5 to 7 inches from late Friday into Saturday.

This May Be Our Last Chance to Get It Right in Venezuela

For the past decade, every administration in Washington has said Venezuela represents an extraordinary threat to the United States.

Myanmar’s Health Crisis Spills Over Borders

Fighting has caused the spread of illnesses like malaria and cholera. In a worst-case scenario, the situation could threaten regional health security, experts say.

5 Key Moments in the Rise of India’s Hindu-First Powerhouse

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, known as the R.S.S., has survived bans and vilification to emerge as the force reshaping India’s secular republic into a Hindu nation.

What to Know About ISIS Terror Attacks

The terror group has lost its territorial stronghold, but it still orchestrates and inspires violence through affiliates across Africa and beyond.

Death Toll in UPS Plane Crash Rises to 15

Alain Rodriguez Colina, who was injured when a cargo plane crashed into his Kentucky workplace more than a month ago, died on Christmas Day.

California Prepares for More Rain After a Soggy Christmas

Officials warned that driving would remain hazardous across much of the state, with heavy rain still to fall in some places that broke records on Christmas Eve.

U.S. Strikes ISIS in Nigeria After Trump Warned of Attacks on Christians

The attack comes after President Trump ordered the Defense Department last month to prepare to intervene militarily in Nigeria to protect Christians from Islamic militants.

CNBC

Nvidia buying AI chip startup Groq's assets for about $20 billion in its largest deal on record

Nvidia is making its largest purchase ever, acquiring assets from nine-year-old chip startup Groq for about $20 billion.

The Trump-class battleship faces a large obstacle in its way: reality.

Even if it were technically feasible, the cost of building the battleship would be prohibitive.

Google is rolling out a new feature allowing users to change their Gmail address

Google says it is rolling out a feature that lets users change their Gmail addresses in a long-requested update to their email policy.

Asia markets edge higher amid holiday-thinned trade; gold and silver hit fresh highs

Australia and Hong Kong markets were closed for the holidays.

Monetizers vs manufacturers: How the AI market could splinter in 2026

AI infrastructure firms are set to win from the evolution of once asset-light Big Tech firms.

'Humans are the most important part' of investing, says a fund manager whose firm makes every call with algorithms

The AI-driven fund has seen higher annual returns across a 10-year period compared with an industry benchmark, per the firm.

Most people think these are 5 signs of chemistry—but they're actually 'red flags,' says psychology expert

Clinical psychologist Dr. Amy Tran shares her best advice for how to spot red flags that often masquerade as romantic chemistry.

Why buying Berkshire was Warren Buffett's biggest mistake

As Warren Buffett goes into his last week as Berkshire Hathaway's CEO, a 2010 CNBC video clip has him explaining why buying the company was his biggest mistake.

Wall Street wrote off Palantir as too expensive. Retail investors can't get enough

The stock, which made its market debut in 2020, is an indisputable star of the retail investing world.

Tariffs hit boots, bags and more as leather prices jump — and relief could be years away

Leather prices are expected to continue rising in 2026 as Trump's tariffs crimple a global supply-chain while domestic manufacturing and cattle herds are down.

Washington Post

New Egyptian museum brings fresh pressure for return of Nefertiti’s bust

One of Egypt’s most famous and beautiful artifacts lies in a Berlin museum, and the calls for its return have received a renewed push with the opening of a new museum.

She spent the war planning to stay in Gaza. Now she is ready to leave.

Displaced seven times, Diana Shams intended to return to her home, which survived years of war in Gaza only to be destroyed in the final hours before the ceasefire.

Pope Leo speaks about Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan in his first Christmas address

The pope called for peace, especially for the victims of “forgotten” wars, naming several conflicts in Africa.

Venezuela’s Maduro using U.S. military threat to crack down on dissent

Authorities have “used U.S. pressure as an excuse to deploy the military, label critics as ‘traitors’ and arrest dozens,” a Human Rights Watch researcher says.

‘Carol of the Bells’ was born in a Ukrainian city destroyed by Russia

The music school dedicated to the song’s Ukrainian composer, Mykola Leontovych, was destroyed in Pokrovsk but has been reborn in exile.

AI spending frenzy reaches India, sparking enthusiasm and concern

Amazon, Microsoft and Google have pledged a combined $67.5 billion in Indian investments since October. Eighty percent of those commitments came this month.

Trump-backed conservative candidate wins Honduran presidential election

Nasry Asfura’s win comes after weeks of delays and intervention by President Donald Trump, and amid accusations of electoral fraud by Asfura’s main opponent.

Zelensky open to withdrawing troops in new peace draft, awaits Russian reply

It is the first time Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has inched toward any compromise on the issue of territory in the eastern Donbas region, which Russia claims.

Pentagon says China’s nuclear warhead growth slows, commits to stabilizing tensions

The Department of Defense’s new China Military Power Report notes China’s continued buildup, while taking a more conciliatory approach to tensions with Beijing.

Europe condemns U.S. move to bar individuals over tech monitoring

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the State Department would bar several Europeans for their actions in monitoring the internet, which he characterized as censorship.

BBC

US launches strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria

President Donald Trump has previously accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from jihadist groups.

Zelensky hails 'new ideas' on peace after talks with US envoys

Ukraine's leader gives an upbeat assessment after discussing the plan with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Former Malaysia PM Najib Razak found guilty in state funds scandal

Najib was convicted for his role in the billion-dollar scandal involving the country's sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

Search called off for two swimmers missing at sea

Police described the incident as "tragic" and urged people not to get into the water on Boxing Day

Australia lead England by 46 after 20 wickets fall on chaotic opening day of Fourth Test

England's Ashes tour teeters on another crisis as they are bowled out for 110 on an almost farcical first day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

England rolled for 110 on chaotic day in Melbourne

England's Ashes tour teeters on another crisis as they are bowled out for 110 on an almost farcical first day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

England trail by 46 runs as 20 wickets fall on hectic first day

England put in another disappointing batting display by failing to chase down Australia's opening tally of 152, as day one of the fourth Ashes Test closes with the home side leading by 46 runs in Melbourne.

Not rocket science - England's bowlers finally find right length after three defeats

On a day of batting collapses at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England can at take least solace from the fact their bowling attack got their own lengths right.

'It is not rocket science' - England's bowlers finally find right length

On a day of batting collapses at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England can at take least solace from the fact their bowling attack got their own lengths right.

Can an old nuclear power plant have a green future?

It is 70 years since work started on the Chapelcross site which now hopes to become a green energy hub.

The Independent

Top Conservative peer urges Starmer to give Reform seats in House of Lords

Reform’s success means their view ‘should be heard in the upper chamber as well’, says Lord True

Dodo’s closest living relative spotted in remote South Pacific rainforest

Manumea’s first sighting since 2013 raises hope critically endangered species can be saved from extinction

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky says he will meet Trump and hopes for peace breakthrough ‘before New Year’

Kyiv claims successful Storm Shadow strike on major Russian oil refinery

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak convicted in trial over 1MDB corruption scandal

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been convicted in a corruption trial tied to a multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund

Video: Trump launches deadly US strike against Isis in Nigeria

The US has launched a “powerful and deadly strike” against Isis in Nigeria, Donald Trump has said.

Trump announces strikes against ISIS in Nigeria and wishes Merry Christmas to ‘dead terrorists’

The president declared: ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues’

What to know about the militants targeted by US airstrikes in northwest Nigeria

The United States airstrikes targeting militants affiliated with the Islamic State in northwestern Nigeria are a major escalation of an offensive that Nigeria’s overstretched military has struggled with for years

Asian shares are mixed, while gold and silver hit record highs

Shares are mixed in Asia, with Tokyo's Nikkei 225 trading near record high levels after Japan's Cabinet approved a record defense budget plan exceeding $58 billion for the coming fiscal year

Afghanistan's historic Ariana Cinema torn down to make way for shopping center

Through the decades, downtown Kabul’s Ariana Cinema had weathered revolution and war, emerging battered and bruised but still standing to entertain Afghans with Bollywood movies and American action flicks

Nicki Minaj quits Instagram after outrage over her appearance with Erika Kirk at Turning Point USA conference

The rapper made a surprise appearance for the final day of the AmericaFest 2026 summit