Matthew Upham, owner of a Devon antiques shop, has been identified as one of the two swimmers who went missing on Christmas Day, prompting a large-scale search operation by emergency services. The coastguard search was called off after approximately seven hours, and authorities have confirmed the men remain missing as of Friday afternoon. The family has released a statement expressing their gratitude to the RNLI and coastguard while requesting privacy during this difficult time.

The US military conducted strikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria's Sokoto state, marking a significant escalation in the fight against terrorism in the region. This joint operation, planned with Nigerian intelligence, highlights the growing threat of IS-linked factions and raises questions about the role of international cooperation in combating extremist groups in Africa.

Ukrainian President Zelensky and former U.S. President Trump are scheduled to meet Sunday to discuss a potential U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the complex AI-driven geopolitical landscape and the potential for algorithmic diplomacy. The talks, focusing on a 20-point plan and U.S. security guarantees, occur amidst differing perspectives from Russia, underscoring the challenges of achieving consensus in international relations.

A deadly "rolling terror attack" in northern Israel resulted in two fatalities and sparked immediate retaliatory actions. The suspect, a Palestinian man, allegedly used a vehicle to ram pedestrians and then stabbed a woman before being neutralized, escalating tensions in the region already inflamed by recent incidents. This event underscores the volatile security situation and the potential for rapid escalations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Boxing Day sales are declining as in-person shopping decreases, with high street visits down 2.2% compared to 2024, indicating a shift towards online retail and a more subdued shopping atmosphere. Barclays forecasts a significant drop in overall Boxing Day spending, from £4.6 billion in 2024 to £3.6 billion, reflecting changing consumer behavior and budget consciousness.

NPR's "Goats and Soda" blog saw massive success with its Instagram reels in 2025, garnering millions of views on topics ranging from global health initiatives like Plumpy'Nut distribution to the impact of aid cuts on vulnerable populations. The popularity of these reels underscores the growing importance of short-form video content in disseminating information and raising awareness about critical social issues on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.