Associated Press
FIFA has reduced the price of some World Cup tickets to $60 following a global backlash from fans. These tickets will be available for every game of the tournament in North America and will be distributed through national federations.
The M23 military group has announced the withdrawal of its forces from the strategic city of Uvira in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The capture of the city caused a humanitarian catastrophe and jeopardized a US-brokered peace agreement.
The US Pentagon reported an attack on three boats in the Pacific Ocean, whose crew is suspected of drug smuggling. As a result, 8 people died, and President Donald Trump justified these attacks as a necessary escalation to stop the flow of drugs into the US.
A mass shooting at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations, which resulted in the deaths of more than 10 people, has been declared an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack. The suspects are a father and son who, according to police, were adherents of ISIS ideology.
In central Mexico, a plane crashed during an attempted emergency landing, with seven people found dead. The accident occurred in the industrial area of San Mateo Atenco, 5 km from Toluca Airport.
Several countries held talks in Iran, agreeing to deepen coordination and calling for the lifting of sanctions against Kabul. Afghanistan, led by the Taliban movement, refused to participate despite an invitation.
A Moscow court recognized the feminist punk band Pussy Riot as an "extremist organization" on December 15, banning its activities in Russia. This decision threatens criminal prosecution for anyone associated with the collective.
In the Chilean presidential elections, ultra-conservative candidate José Antonio Kast is likely to win. His popularity has grown due to promises of mass deportations and strict security measures.
Walt Disney Co. 's sequel "Zootopia 2" topped the box office for the third time, gross grossing $26.3 million in its third weekend. The film's total worldwide gross reached $1.14 billion, making it the second film of 2025 to surpass the $1 billion mark at the global box office.
Thailand said a rocket attack from Cambodia caused the first confirmed civilian death in border fighting. A 63-year-old villager died on Sunday in a shelling in Kantaralak district of Sisaket province.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Berlin for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Witkoff will meet with Zelenskyy and European leaders as Washington pushes for a coordinated plan to end the war.
A shooting near Brown University on December 13 resulted in 2 deaths and 8 injuries. The FBI is investigating the incident that occurred near the engineering faculty.
Football fans have accused FIFA of "monumental betrayal" after 2026 World Cup ticket prices emerged, reaching over $8,000. The lowest price for the final is $4,185, and the highest is $8,680, which differs from FIFA's statements about $60 tickets.
DeCarlos Brown Jr. , accused of murdering Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, will appear in court to determine his mental competency. He faces life imprisonment or the death penalty for the crime.
In Tennessee, 64-year-old Harold Wayne Nichols was executed for the rape and murder of 20-year-old student Karen Pulley in 1988. He was sentenced to death in 1990 and expressed remorse before his execution.
French tennis player Quentin Folliot has been disqualified for 20 years and fined $70,000 for participating in match-fixing. He committed 27 violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program and must return over $44,000.
A San Francisco resident gave birth in a Waymo self-driving taxi while en route to a medical center. Mother and baby arrived at the hospital safely and are doing well.
The first sale of oil leases in the Gulf of Mexico brought in $279 million from 30 companies. This is part of Republican efforts to increase fossil fuel production in the US.
22 people, including a pregnant woman, died in a massive fire that broke out on Tuesday in an office building in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. The fire engulfed the seven-story building, causing panic and thick black smoke.
The Hamas leader threatens not to proceed to the next phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, demanding increased pressure on Israel. Key demands include opening the border crossing, ending deadly strikes, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid.
Cambodia and Thailand continue to fight for two days after a fragile truce broke down. Thousands of residents of border regions are forced to leave their homes and evacuate.
Over 30 people have been killed and 20 injured in a bomb blast in Sange, DR Congo. This happened after clashes between the Congolese army and militia.
The leader of the failed coup in Benin, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, is in hiding. The fate of the hostages held by the rebels remains unclear.
Yemen's airspace was briefly closed after the separatist Southern Transitional Council group seized territory in Hadramaut province. This exacerbated internal divisions within the anti-Houthi forces and led to hundreds of passengers being delayed.
Israeli police forcibly entered the UN compound in East Jerusalem. UNRWA called the incident an unacceptable violation of UN privileges and immunities.
The Russian "African Corps," which entered Mali after Wagner militants, is accused of systematic killings and abuse of the peaceful local population.
Hong Kong police have arrested a man for social media posts criticizing authorities over a fire that killed 159 people. He was accused of inciting hatred against the government.
At least 25 people, including tourists, have died in a fire at a nightclub in the Indian state of Goa. Most of the dead are kitchen workers; the fire was caused by a gas cylinder explosion.
A mass shooting occurred at an illegal hostel bar in the Republic of South Africa. 11 people were killed, including three children, and 14 were injured.
US First Lady Melania Trump spoke with children at the hospital. This is a symbolic visit for the First Lady, who visits hospitals every year before Christmas.