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.

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.

The US military has conducted strikes against ISIS-linked militants in Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in the fight against terrorism in the region. This joint operation, planned with Nigerian intelligence, highlights the growing threat of ISIS affiliates in West Africa and raises questions about the role of international cooperation in combating decentralized terrorist networks. The use of military force in this context underscores the complex ethical and geopolitical considerations surrounding AI-driven intelligence and targeted interventions.