WASHINGTON — A dozen U.S. senators are calling on the Justice Department’s watchdog to examine the department’s failure to release all records pertaining to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by last Friday’s congressionally mandated deadline, saying victims “deserve full disclosure” and the “peace of mind” of an independent audit.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined 11 Democrats in signing a letter Wednesday urging Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume to audit the Justice Department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the law enacted last month that requires the government to open its files on Epstein and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell.

“Given the [Trump] Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. Full transparency, they said, “is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes.”

Murkowski and Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led the letter-writing group. Others included Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Adam Schiff of California, Dick Durbin of Illinois, both Cory Booker and Andy Kim of New Jersey, Gary Peters of Michigan, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a co-sponsor of the transparency act, posted Wednesday on X: “DOJ did break the law by making illegal redactions and by missing the deadline.”

Despite the deadline, the Justice Department has said it plans to release records on a rolling basis. It blamed the delay on the time-consuming process of obscuring survivors’ names and other identifying information. More batches of records were posted over the weekend and on Tuesday. The department has not given any notice when more records might arrive.

“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Deputy Atty. Gen. Todd Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”

Records that have been released, including photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents, were either already public or heavily blacked out, and many lacked necessary context. Records that hadn’t been seen before include transcripts of grand jury testimony from FBI agents who described interviews they had with several girls and young women who described being paid to perform sex acts for Epstein.

Other records made public in recent days include a note from a federal prosecutor from January 2020 that said Trump had flown on the financier’s private plane more often than had been previously known and emails between Maxwell and someone who signs off with the initial “A.” They contain other references that suggest the writer was Britain’s former Prince Andrew. In one, “A” writes: “How’s LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?”

The senators’ call Wednesday for an inspector general audit comes days after Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) introduced a resolution that, if passed, would direct the Senate to file or join lawsuits aimed at forcing the Justice Department to comply with the disclosure and deadline requirements. In a statement, he called the staggered, heavily redacted release “a blatant cover-up.”

Sisak writes for the Associated Press.

Are top-drawer college football teams and their name, image and likeness collectives simply trying to protect themselves from willy-nilly transfers or are they bullying players to stay put with threats of lawsuits?

Adding liquidated damage fee clauses to NIL contracts became all the rage in 2025, a year that will be remembered as the first time players have been paid directly by schools. But some experts say such fees cannot be used as a cudgel to punish players that break a contract and transfer.

It’s no surprise that the issue has resulted in a lawsuit — make that two lawsuits — before the calendar flipped to 2026.

Less than a month after Georgia filed a lawsuit against defensive end Damon Wilson II to obtain $390,000 in damages because he transferred to Missouri, Wilson went to court himself, claiming Georgia is misusing the liquidated damages clause to “punish Wilson for entering the portal.”

Wilson’s countersuit in Boone County, Mo., says he was among a small group of Bulldog stars pressured into signing the contract Dec. 21, 2024. The lawsuit also claims that Wilson was misused as an elite pass rusher, that the Georgia defensive scheme called for him to drop back into pass coverage. Wilson, who will be a senior next fall, led Missouri with nine sacks this season.

Georgia paid Wilson $30,000, the first monthly installment of his $500,000 NIL deal, before he entered the transfer portal on Jan. 6, four days after Georgia lost to Notre Dame in a College Football Playoffs quarterfinal.

Bulldogs brass was not pleased. Wilson alleges in his lawsuit that Georgia dragged its feet in putting his name in the portal and spread misinformation to other schools about him and his contractual obligations.

“When the University of Georgia Athletic Association enters binding agreements with student-athletes, we honor our commitments and expect student-athletes to do the same,” Georgia spokesperson Steven Drummond said in a statement after the school filed the lawsuit.

Wilson’s countersuit turned that comment on its head, claiming it injured his reputation because it implies he was dishonest. He is seeking unspecified damages in addition to not owing the Bulldogs anything. Georgia’s lawsuit asked that the dispute be resolved through arbitration.

A liquidated damage fee is a predetermined amount of money written into a contract that one party pays the other for specific breaches. The fee is intended to provide a fair estimate of anticipated losses when actual damages are difficult to calculate, and cannot be used to punish one party for breaking the contract.

Wilson’s case could have far-reaching implications because it is the first that could determine whether schools can enforce liquidated damage clauses. While it could be understandable that schools want to protect themselves from players transferring soon after receiving NIL money, legal experts say liquidated damage fees might not be the proper way to do so.

As 2025 comes to an end, there is still no sign of peace in Sudan.

The conflict between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began more than two and a half years ago and has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.

This week, the prime minister presented a peace plan to the United Nations Security Council. It would see the RSF give up its weapons and the territory it controls.

The RSF says the plan is “closer to fantasy than to politics”.

Where does this leave Sudan’s future?

Presenter: Sami Zeidan

Guests:

Ahmad Ibrahim – independent Sudan analyst

Cameron Hudson – former director of African affairs at the United States National Security Council

Khalid Medani – chairperson of the African studies programme at Canada’s McGill University

BNP plans historic rally as Rahman, seen as a key leader, marks his highly anticipated homecoming.

Bangladesh’s main opposition party says it is preparing a vast show of support as its leader, Tarique Rahman, prepares to return home after nearly 17 years in exile.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) aims to mobilise up to five million supporters in the capital to welcome Rahman, who is widely viewed as the party’s prime ministerial frontrunner for the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February.

His expected arrival from London on Thursday comes as the BNP regains momentum after the removal of longtime leader Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising last year.

Rahman, 60, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and currently serves as the BNP’s acting chairman.

Since 1991, power in Bangladesh has largely alternated between Zia and Hasina, apart from brief caretaker administrations. With Hasina’s Awami League barred from contesting the February 12 vote, the BNP now appears positioned to dominate the race.

‘A defining political moment’

BNP leaders say they are coordinating security arrangements with authorities for what they call an “unprecedented” mobilisation, with supporters expected to line the route from the airport to the reception venue.

“This will be a defining political moment,” senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said.

Rahman has lived in London since 2008 after facing multiple criminal convictions in Bangladesh, including money laundering and charges linked to an alleged plot to assassinate Hasina. Courts acquitted him following Hasina’s removal from office, removing the legal obstacles that had delayed his return.

BNP officials said Rahman will proceed directly from the airport to the rally venue before visiting his mother, who has been seriously ill for months.

The homecoming unfolds during a fragile transition overseen by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The election is seen as a critical test of Bangladesh’s ability to restore democratic legitimacy after years of political turmoil.

Concerns persist over sporadic violence and recent attacks on media outlets, raising questions about the state’s capacity to ensure a credible vote.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the youth protest movement that toppled Hasina, welcomed Rahman’s return.

“Rahman was forced into exile under severe pressure and threats, so his homecoming carries symbolic weight,” said NCP spokesperson Khan Muhammad Mursalin. “His arrival will undoubtedly energise party leaders and supporters … On the path to democracy, we will stand with him.”

Described as ‘haunting’ and ‘disturbing’ the 12-episode show is certainly not for the faint of heart

A supernatural horror series on Netflix is winning rave reviews from viewers who are hailing it as ‘perfect’ and ‘disturbing’ – and it boasts a rare 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes rating.

The Summer Hikaru Died centres around a town still recovering from the disappearance of a young schoolboy, Hikaru (Shuichiro Umeda), who vanishes for a week into a forbidden forest in the mountains. When he returns, it becomes apparent to his best friend Yoshiki (Chiaki Kobayashi) that he has come back fundamentally changed – but by what?

As per Netflix’s synopsis: “Two best friends living in a rural Japanese village: Yoshiki and Hikaru. Growing up together, they were inseparable… until the day Hikaru came back from the mountains, and was no longer himself. Something has taken over Hikaru’s body, memories, feelings… and everything they know begins to unravel.”

As Yoshiki grapples with the grief of his losing his best friend while maintaining a friendship with the shell of him, he finds himself losing grip of his emotions and questioning if he’s truly safe with Hikaru in his life.

Love horror? Sign up for our free TV, film and streaming newsletter Scream Society so you never miss a new release

The 12-part anime series blends horror with a coming-of-age tale, and many have praised its LGBTQ+ undertones. It is based on a comic of the same name by manga creator Mokumokuren.

At time of writing the Japanese language show has an impressive 100 per cent critics’ score while viewers awarded it a strong 87 per cent, with plenty of praise for the animation style.

One glowing review praising its director read: “Ryohei Takeshita’s direction is something to behold. His masterful orchestration of perspective, textures, and spatial composition is reminiscent of Twin Peaks in its gift for making the ordinary feel faintly poisoned.”

“The Summer Hikaru Died is the perfect series for horror fans to experience a haunting, heartfelt reminder that anime still has the power to surprise, disturb, and move viewers,” another show fan penned, while a third added: “Each episode leaves you with a constant feeling of unease, which doesn’t rely too heavily on jump scares but instead focuses on building tension.”

Tentative anime watchers were reassured by one viewer, who gushed: “This is the most interesting animated series I’ve ever seen. It’s use of animation is so fun and unique, working perfectly in tandem with the surreal plot. The whole tone of the show is spectacular.”

The Summer Hikaru Died is now streaming on Netflix

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a March presidential memorandum to revoke the security clearance of prominent Washington attorney Mark Zaid, ruling that the order — which also targeted 14 other individuals — could not be applied to him.

The decision marked the administration’s second legal setback on Tuesday, after the Supreme Court declined to allow Trump to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area, capping a first year in office in which President Trump’s efforts to impose a sweeping agenda and pursue retribution against political adversaries have been repeatedly slowed by the courts.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali in Washington granted Zaid’s request for a preliminary injunction, after he sued the Trump administration in May over the revocation of his security clearance. Zaid’s request called it an act of “improper political retribution” that jeopardized his ability to continue representing clients in sensitive national security cases.

The March presidential memorandum singled out Zaid and 14 other individuals who the White House asserted were unsuitable to retain their clearances because it was “no longer in the national interest.” The list included targets of Trump’s fury from both the political and legal spheres, including former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former President Joe Biden and members of his family.

The action was part of a much broader retribution campaign that Trump has waged since returning to the White House, including directing specific Justice Department investigations against perceived adversaries and issuing sweeping executive orders targeting law firms over legal work he does not like.

In August, the Trump administration said it was revoking the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials. Ordering the revocation of clearances has been a favored retributive tactic that Trump has wielded — or at least tried to — against high-profile political figures, lawyers and intelligence officials in his second term.

Zaid said in his lawsuit that he has represented clients across the political spectrum over nearly 35 years, including government officials, law enforcement and military officials and whistleblowers. In 2019, he represented an intelligence community whistleblower whose account of a conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy helped set the stage for the first of two impeachment cases against Trump in his first term.

“This court joins the several others in this district that have enjoined the government from using the summary revocation of security clearances to penalize lawyers for representing people adverse to it,” Ali wrote in his order.

Ali emphasized that his order does not prevent the government from revoking or suspending Zaid’s clearance for reasons independent of the presidential memorandum and through normal agency processes. The preliminary injunction does not go into effect until January 13.

Zaid said in a statement, “This is not just a victory for me, it’s an indictment of the Trump administration’s attempts to intimidate and silence the legal community, especially lawyers who represent people who dare to question or hold this government accountable.”

Cappelletti writes for the Associated Press. AP reporter Eric Tucker contributed to this report.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says it is “impossible” to replace captain Bruno Fernandes, who is set for up to a month out with injury, but other players “must step up”.

READ MORE: ‘Impossible to replace’ – Fernandes could miss up to a month

Dec. 24 (UPI) — Three days following a massive San Francisco blackout that disrupted its driverless operations, Waymo said it will upgrade its fleet to better handle future power outages.

Saturday’s outage, which was sparked by a substation fire that damaged local infrastructure, left about 130,000 customers without power at its peak and 21,000 still offline by Sunday, according to Pacific Gas and Electric.

“We’ve always focused on developing the Waymo Driver for the world as it is, including when infrastructure fails,” the company said Tuesday.

Traffic gridlock followed as lights went dark with videos showing Waymo cars stalled across the city.

“We directed our fleet to pull over and park appropriately so we could return vehicles to our depots in waves,” Waymo wrote. “This ensured we did not further add to the congestion or obstruct emergency vehicles during the peak of the recovery effort.”

The Alphabet-owned company said it will take three immediate steps.

According to Waymo, it will update its vehicles to recognize regional outages, strengthen emergency response protocol and expand training and coordination with local first responders and city officials.

“Backed by 100M+ miles of fully autonomous driving experience and a record of improving road safety, we are undaunted by the opportunity to challenge the status quo of our roads, and we’re proud to continue serving San Franciscan residents and visitors,” Waymo officials continued in Tuesday’s blog.

Waymo operates ride-hailing services in San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

It recently surpassed 450,000 weekly rides and expects to exceed 20 million total trips by year’s end.

“In San Francisco, we’ll continue to coordinate with Mayor [Daniel] Lurie’s team to identify areas of greater collaboration in our existing emergency preparedness plans,” the company stated.

Three people – including two police officers – have been killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian authorities have said.

Two traffic police officers saw a “suspicious individual” near a police car on the city’s Yeletskaya Street, and when they approached the suspect to detain him, an explosive device was detonated, Russia’s Investigative Committee has said.

Reports in Russia say the third person killed was the suspect, but this has not been officially confirmed.

The blast took place close to the location where a senior Russian general was killed in a car bombing in the capital on Monday. Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov died after an explosive device – which had been planted under a car – was detonated.

Investigate Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said in a statement on Telegram that a criminal case was being investigated in Moscow “regarding an attempt on the lives of traffic police officers”.

The officers have been named by Russian media as Ilya Klimanov, 24, and Maxim Gorbunov, 25.

Sources in Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, told the BBC that a local resident, eliminated two representatives of the Russian law enforcement agency, “as a sign of disagreement with the Kremlin’s aggressive policy” and said that a man “threw an explosive package through the car window, causing an explosion”.

According to the HUR sources, two other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Ukrainian military sources also told the BBC on Wednesday that the two officers killed had “participated in hostilities against Ukraine,” and added there was “evidence of their involvement in the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war”.

There are no details and Moscow has not commented.

Speaking to Reuters news agency, Alexander, a resident who lives close by, said: “There was an explosion.

“It was loud bang – like with the car a few days ago.”

Russia said it suspected Ukraine was behind Monday’s explosion, without providing any evidence.

However Ukraine has not said whether it was involved in Fanil Sarvarov’s death.

It is also not known whether the two explosions are linked.

Sarvarov, 56, was the head of the armed forces’ operational training department.

He was the third military official to have been killed in bomb attacks in the Russian capital over the last year.

The limited series is one to binge-watch this Christmas period

For those seeking a break from traditional festive TV, Netflix is currently streaming a tense crime drama that had viewers hooked from the very first scene.

The Glass Dome (or Glaskupan) originally dropped in April and quickly climbed the streaming giant’s most-watched charts, but it may have slipped under your radar.

Set in a small Swedish community, the six-part show follows criminologist Leijla as she sets out to investigate the vanishing of a local girl, in the same town she was once held captive.

The search brings up difficult feelings for Leijla, who still hasn’t discovered the truth behind her own kidnapping. While it sounds like a simple whodunnit drama, the limited series is packed with plot twists that most viewers won’t see coming.

Swedish actress Léonie Vincent leads the show as accomplished career woman Leijla. Viewers first meet the main character while she is working in the United States, before she receives a concerning phone call begging her to return to Sweden.

She’s joined by fellow Stockholm-born actor Johan Hedenberg as her adoptive father Valter, who is also keen to uncover the truth.

A glowing IMDb review from the time of release said: “From the very beginning, it pulls you in with its intense atmosphere and never lets go.

“The plot is packed with brutal and unexpected twists that hit you when you least expect them, and the tension only escalates with each episode.”

The same fan added: “Just when you think you’ve figured it out, everything changes again. It’s unpredictable, addictive, and full of surprises right up to the final scene. If you enjoy clever, suspenseful storytelling, this series is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss.”

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.

Someone else raved: “One of those rare thrillers that hooks you from the very first scene. The storyline is well crafted — just when you think you’ve figured out who’s behind the crime, the plot twists and makes you question everything again.

“It’s a true whodunnit that keeps your brain ticking till the very end.”

While another impressed viewer raved on X, formerly Twitter: “Just binged Glaskupan (The Glass Dome) on Netflix and wow, this Nordic thriller had me on edge! Perfect mix of suspense and mystery, after True Detective, Mind Hunter, The Chestnut Man, This one got me. 7/10, Highly recommend!”

Another X user shared: “Y’all… ‘The Glass Dome’ on Netflix was completely wild to me. I swear I didn’t expect that twist. I did not see that s*** coming,” while a third described it as “mind blowing”.

The Glass Dome is streaming now on Netflix

C. Montgomery Johnson, 81, a veteran political strategist and former Washington state Republican Party chairman, died of complications from a stroke and diabetes May 21 in Olympia, Wash.

Widely known as “Gummie,” Johnson directed Daniel J. Evans’ successful 1964 gubernatorial campaign.

He was the first full-time chairman of the state Republican Central Committee from 1964 to 1971, during which he helped purge members of the John Birch Society from the state party.

During that time, Johnson also served as an executive member of the Republican National Committee.

In partnership with his third wife, Democratic lobbyist Ann Quantock, he founded the political consulting firm C. Montgomery Johnson Associates.

The cigar-smoking Johnson, who was known for being opinionated, profane and progressive, campaigned for public education, the environment, Native Americans, libraries and hospitals. As a champion of equal rights for women, Johnson advised the campaign that elected the state’s first female governor, conservative Democrat Dixy Lee Ray, in 1976.

The Seattle native received a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Washington in 1950, and later worked as a forest ranger before becoming public relations director for Weyerhaeuser, a forest products company.

Former professional poker player James Bord has been chosen as the preferred bidder to take over Sheffield Wednesday, BBC Sport can confirm.

The Owls have been in administration since October, ending 10 years under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri.

On Wednesday, the troubled Championship club’s administrators announced a deal had been reached with a potential buyer.

London-born Bord started his career working for gambling firms Starlizard and Smartodds before winning $4.3m (£3.18m) on the poker circuit.

He now runs data company Short Circuit Science, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) for sports analytics and was involved in an advisory role to COH Sports after its takeover of Sheffield United in the summer, though he now has no connection to the Owls’ rivals.

Under the banner of Park Bench SFC LLC, Bord also has a stake in Spanish Segunda Division side Cordoba CF and Bulgarian club Septemvri Sofia.

Bord, who is based in Las Vegas, has owned Dunfermline along with partner Evan Sofer for almost a year. He attended his first game in person at the weekend, a 3-2 home loss to Ayr United.

At present it is unclear who is part of Bord’s consortium to buy Wednesday, who are bottom of the Championship table on -9 points due to deductions, or if it will be part of Park Bench SFC LLC.

The Bord bid still has to pass the EFL’s Owners and Directors’ test, which may have some hurdles to overcome due to his past involvement in gambling.

Dec. 24 (UPI) — President Donald Trump’s newly tapped special envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, has denied suggestions the United States is “trying to conquer” the island, which belongs to Denmark.

Landry made the remarks Tuesday during an appearance on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show.

He said the United States wants an open dialogue with the people of Greenland, which is self-governing, to understand what they want.

“What are they looking for?” Landry said. “What opportunities have they not gotten? Why haven’t they gotten the protection that they actually deserve.”

He added that the United States “has always been a welcoming party.”

“We don’t go in there trying to conquer anybody and trying to … take over anybody’s country,” Landry added. “We say, ‘Listen, we represent liberty, we represent economic strength, we represent protection.'”

Trump named Landry his special envoy to Greenland on Monday, sparking concern from the Danish foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who summoned the U.S. ambassador in response. Rasmussen said the appointment showed that the United States has not given up on Trump’s idea of trying to buy Greenland from Denmark.

“We insist that everyone, including the U.S., must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Rasmussen said.

Greenland is a territory of Denmark, but controls its own government. Trump has discussed the possibility of annexing the island nation, saying the United States needs it for national and world security.

“I think we’re going to get it, one way or another,” Trump said in a televised speech in March.

Trump announced his appointment of Landry as special envoy in a post on Truth Social on Monday.

“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our national security and will strongly advance our country’s interests for the safety, security and survival of our allies and, indeed, the world. Congratulations Jeff!” Trump posted.

Beyond armies and violence, France built its empire through language, schooling and cultural influence. This film explores how assimilation became a method of rule and a source of resistance.

At the heart of French colonial rule was the mission “civilisatrice”, a doctrine that claimed to lift up colonised societies through education, administration and the French language. In practice, this system sought to reshape colonised people’s identities, loyalties and cultures, replacing local traditions with French norms while maintaining strict political and economic control. Schools, legal systems and bureaucracies became tools of empire as powerful as armies.

Through case studies in Algeria, Indochina and West Africa, the documentary shows how colonial administrations operated on the ground. In Algeria, settler colonialism and mass repression led to war. In Indochina, education and bureaucracy coexisted with exploitation and nationalist resistance. In West Africa, language policy and indirect rule reshaped social hierarchies and governance.

This episode examines how resistance movements challenged the promise of civilisation, forcing France to confront the contradictions at the heart of its empire. Anticolonial struggles, intellectual movements and armed uprisings not only weakened imperial rule but reshaped French politics, culture and identity itself.

The documentary also places French colonial strategies in a broader modern context. In the contemporary world, the United States projects influence less through formal empire and more through soft power. Hollywood cinema, television and digital platforms circulate American values, lifestyles and narratives globally, shaping cultural imagination in ways that echo earlier imperial projects. At the same time, US dominance in higher education, academic publishing and institutional standards helps define what knowledge is valued, taught and legitimised worldwide.

It also draws direct connections between French colonialism and the modern world. Contemporary debates over language, immigration, secularism and inequality are deeply rooted in colonial systems designed to classify, discipline and extract. Many modern state institutions, education models and economic relationships reflect structures first imposed under empire.

By tracing how cultural control, education and administration functioned as instruments of power, the documentary reveals how the legacy of French colonialism continues to shape modern capitalism, global inequality and postcolonial relations today.

JO Whiley has revealed the “horrifying” secret ingredient she uses to make the perfect Christmas dinner.

The radio host says that her husband was left disgusted when he realised how she was pulling together the family’s feast.

Talking on her Dig It podcast with co-host Zoe Ball, Jo said: “My secret ingredient has always been a really good dash of ketchup.

“It gives that slightly vinegary and everyone loves it.”

Jo’s husband Steve Morton only recently discovered the dinner addition, and wasn’t best pleased

She laughed: “Last year, my husband actually saw me put the ketchup in and was genuinely horrified.

MIDDLE MAN

Junior Andre reveals how he’s splitting Christmas between warring parents

FESTIVE FURYS

Molly-Mae Hague reveals Christmas plans at £5m Cheshire mansion –

“He’s been eating this gravy for years and praising it. But now, he insists its wrong?”

“Obviously i’m going to keep doing it, Jo added, before asking fans what their thoughts were.

She also made a call-out for any other strange food combos that listeners do at Christmas time.

From marmite to garlic, commenters had plenty of secret ingredients to share.

“I put a small spoon of jam . Everyone loves it,” wrote one fan.

Another said: “My husband always adds brown sauce to our gravy”.

Jo and Zoe have hosted Dig It since July this year, with the longtime friends discussing the everyday reality of trying to live well on the show.

While they will continue their podcast, the duo won’t be seeing one another in the BBC offices now after Zoe stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 show earlier this month.

After nearly two decades at Radio 2, Zoe said she will be stepping down in the new year but will return to host specials for the station.

She took on the show after quitting as the voice of the Radio 2 Breakfast show in 2024, which she helmed for six years.

The 55-year-old’s departure followed the news the BBC bosses have lined up a “Golden Ten” shortlist of presenters to step into the shoes of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

The Sun revealed that Zoe Ball was one of the ten stars put through their paces in order to find the perfect on screen partnership in a top-secret chemistry test.

Zoe is yet to speak out on the speculation.

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive arm on Wednesday warned that it would take action against any “unjustified measures” after the U.S. State Department barred five Europeans it accuses of pressuring U.S. technology firms to censor or suppress American viewpoints.

The Europeans were characterized by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “radical” activists and “weaponized” nongovernmental organizations. They include the former EU commissioner responsible for supervising social media rules, Thierry Breton.

Breton, a businessman and former French finance minister, clashed last year on social media with tech billionaire Elon Musk over broadcasting an online interview with Donald Trump in the months leading up to the U.S. election.

The European Commission, the EU’s powerful executive branch and which supervises tech regulation in Europe, said that it “strongly condemns the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions” and that it has requested clarification about the move. French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned it.

“If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures,” the commission said in a statement, without elaborating.

Rubio wrote in an X post on Tuesday that “for far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose.”

“The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship,” he posted.

The European Commission countered that “the EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments.”

“Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination,” it said.

Macron said that the visa restrictions “amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty,” he posted on X.

Macron said that the EU’s digital rules were adopted by “a democratic and sovereign process” involving all member countries and the European Parliament. He said that the rules “ensure fair competition among platforms, without targeting any third country.”

He underlined that “the rules governing the European Union’s digital space are not meant to be determined outside Europe.”

Breton and the group of Europeans fell afoul of a new visa policy announced in May to restrict the entry of foreigners deemed responsible for censorship of protected speech in the United States.

The four others are: Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate; Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, leaders of HateAid, a German organization; and Clare Melford, who runs the Global Disinformation Index.

Rubio said the five had advanced foreign government censorship campaigns against Americans and U.S. companies, which he said created “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences” for the United States.

The action to bar them from the U.S. is part of a Trump administration campaign against foreign influence over online speech, using immigration law rather than platform regulations or penalties.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Sarah Rogers, the U.S. under secretary of state for public diplomacy, called Breton the “mastermind” behind the EU’s Digital Services Act, which imposes a set of strict requirements designed to keep internet users safe online. This includes flagging harmful or illegal content like hate speech.

Breton responded on X by noting that all 27 EU member countries voted for the Digital Services Act in 2022. “To our American friends: ‘Censorship isn’t where you think it is,’” he wrote.

Cook writes for the Associated Press. AP journalist Angela Charlton contributed to this report from Paris.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 21.

(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

Saturday, 1:30 p.m. TV: CBS, NFL Network.

Line: Chargers by 1½. O/U: 39½.

Houston has been a hard matchup for the Chargers, and can turn up the heat on Justin Herbert. But Jim Harbaugh’s team has found new ways to win, and is capable of outscoring the Texans, who are really struggling in the red zone. Low-scoring and physical.

Pick: Chargers 20, Texans 17

UN experts criticise US blockade for endangering human rights and call for an investigation into alleged violations.

Four United Nations human rights experts have condemned the partial naval blockade of Venezuela by the United States, finding it an illegal armed aggression and calling on the US Congress to intervene.

“There is no right to enforce unilateral sanctions through an armed blockade,” the UN experts said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The US has deployed a major military force in the Caribbean and intercepted oil tankers as part of a naval blockade against Venezuelan vessels it considers to be under sanctions.

A blockade is a prohibited use of military force against another country under the UN Charter, they added.

“It is such a serious use of force that it is also expressly recognised as illegal armed aggression under the General Assembly’s 1974 Definition of Aggression,” the experts said. “The illegal use of force, and threats to use further force at sea and on land, gravely endanger the human right to life and other rights in Venezuela and the region.”

US President Donald Trump accuses Venezuela of using oil, the South American country’s main resource, to finance “narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murders and kidnappings”.

Caracas denies any involvement in drug trafficking. It says Washington is seeking to overthrow its president, Nicolas Maduro, to seize Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest in the world.

Since September, US forces have launched dozens of air strikes on boats that Washington alleges were transporting drugs. It has yet to provide evidence for those accusations. More than 100 people have been killed.

‘US Congress should intervene’

“These killings amount to violations of the right to life. They must be investigated and those responsible held accountable,” the experts said.

“Meanwhile, the US Congress should intervene to prevent further attacks and lift the blockade,” they added.

They called on countries to take measures to stop the blockade and illegal killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The four who signed the joint statement are: Ben Saul, special rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering “terrorism”; George Katrougalos, an expert on promoting a democratic and equitable international order; development expert Surya Deva; and Gina Romero, special rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Whitby was named the most in-demand UK destination over the summer holidays, but if you prefer to explore at a more relaxed pace then winter is a perfect time for a last-minute getaway

Winter often presents an opportunity to take things easy and relax, but if you’ve got some spare time on your hands, it could also be the ideal moment to fit in a spontaneous break before the new year arrives.

The UK boasts numerous stunning destinations, yet during the warmer months, these spots can become swamped with holidaymakers, frequently pushing up costs and making it more challenging to truly savour your travels.

If you’d rather explore without the hustle and bustle, then Emma, a travel specialist and founder of That Travel, has revealed that now is an excellent time to discover Whitby, which earned recognition as one of Britain’s most sought-after staycation destinations.

This past summer, Sykes Holiday Cottages crowned the Yorkshire coastal town as the nation’s top pick for the summer holidays. According to their findings, it emerged as the most coveted destination during the school break, with reservations climbing by 4% compared to the previous year.

She explained: “While Whitby gets masses of crowds in summer, winter remains a pretty peaceful time of year, and they don’t even experience the same Christmas chaos that many other towns and cities in the UK do. In other words? It’s a perfect little Christmas break – just be sure to wrap up warm to survive the crisp sea air.”

Whitby stands out as a distinctive town renowned for its spectacular coastline featuring breathtaking clifftop panoramas, while also carrying an eerie legacy due to its ancient Abbey and links to Dracula. Bram Stoker, the mastermind behind the iconic vampire novel, was so taken by Whitby during his visit in the late 19th century that he wove several of the town’s landmarks into his narrative.

This connection has given birth to the renowned Whitby Goth weekend, a biannual event where the town dons black attire to celebrate alternative cultures through music festivals and various activities.

While Whitby might not be your typical winter getaway, it’s known for its eccentric festivals and hosts an array of intriguing events around the Christmas period.

One such unique activity is the town’s Krampus Run, a parade where participants dress as the mythical creature from folklore.

The festival boasts fire breathers, drummers, and other eye-catching performances, culminating in an effigy burning on the cliffside to ward off the winter chill.

Additionally, the North Yorkshire Moors will be operating a Santa Express this year, offering a stylish way to appreciate the surrounding countryside and partake in a festive sing-along.

For those who relish Christmas tunes, Whitby Abbey will host numerous carol services and be adorned with stunning decorations, allowing visitors to marvel at the vibrant light display.

A winter visit to Whitby provides a stark contrast to the bustling summer season. For those seeking a more tranquil, cosy experience, securing last-minute accommodation during this time is often a breeze.

With its quaint cobbled streets, striking coastline, and delightful independent shops, Whitby is a picturesque destination and an ideal pick for a spontaneous winter getaway.

A Colorado mother who is accused of murdering two of her children has been extradited from the UK to the US, authorities say.

Kimberlee Singler, 37, is alleged to have carried out the attack in Colorado before fleeing to London, where she was arrested in December 2023.

She challenged her extradition at Westminster Magistrates Court – reportedly on the basis that her sentence, if she was convicted, would break European human rights law. But she was unsuccessful.

A district attorney in Colorado confirmed on Tuesday that Ms Singler was back in the US and was in custody. She was being held without bond and was expected to appear in court “in the coming days”.

The district attorney, Michael Allen, said Ms Singler was facing charges of two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of child abuse and one count of assault.

At the extradition hearing in London, the court heard that Ms Singler’s alleged crimes were “committed against the backdrop of acrimonious court proceedings” relating to the custody of her children with her ex-husband.

Prosecutor Joel Smith said police in Colorado Springs responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary at a Colorado residence at 00:29 local time (06:29 GMT) on 19 December 2023.

When officers arrived at the defendant’s address, they found her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son dead and a “blood-stained handgun”, which was discovered on the floor of the bedroom.

Mr Smith said DNA tests were carried out on the gun and a knife which revealed the presence of mixed profiles matching the children and Ms Singler.

A third child, who has not been named, was found with a serious injury to her neck. She was taken to hospital and survived.

Mr Smith said Ms Singler blamed her husband for the attack, but it was found he had been driving a “GPS-tracked truck” in Denver, giving what the prosecutor described as a “complete and verifiable alibi”.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Adrian Vasquez, the Colorado Springs police chief, said the extradition of Ms Singler was “a significant milestone” in the investigation.

Chief Vasquez added: “I know these acts have deeply impacted this community, and our hearts remain with the victims.”

A FORMER Nickelodeon child star has laid bare his life on the streets, revealing a staggering list of drugs he says he is taking even as his mother urges fans not to help him financially.

Tylor Chase, 36, once a fresh-faced teen actor on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, is now roaming the streets of Riverside, California, picking up cigarette butts and discarded Christmas cards.

When reporters found Chase behind a 7-Eleven on Monday, he was digging in the dirt, dressed in a torn jacket, a scruffy LA Raiders polo and pants patched with characters from Rugrats.

His hands were cut and blistered, dirt packed under his fingernails.

Offered food, Chase instead asked for marijuana.

“I could use maybe a joint or a bong. Do you guys smoke weed?” he told the Daily Mail.

He also revealed the list of drugs he says he is taking while living on the streets.

“I like to vape,” Chase said, adding that he takes “Prozac, Adderall, Sudafed, Wellbutrin or also Zoloft,” which he claimed were prescribed by a psychiatrist, though he denied having any diagnosed mental health conditions.

Chase rose to fame at 15 playing brainy Martin Qwerly on the Nickelodeon hit from 2004 to 2007.

After the show wrapped, his acting career fizzled and his life slowly unraveled.

In 2014, he posted bleak poetry online hinting at his mental state.

In one poem titled Bipolar, he wrote: “I’m a leaf in a running gutter with the inevitable fate of ending up in a drain… Perhaps I am doomed. Perhaps I have done nothing. Perhaps I am nothing.”

The former actor eventually moved to Riverside “about seven to nine years” ago, where his mother lives.

He tried to pursue art, self-publishing two fantasy novels in 2020 and continuing to post poetry online until 2021.

But Chase also began spending more time on the streets and racked up a long rap sheet.

Riverside County court records show 12 criminal cases since August 2023, including eight this year.

His most recent arrests involve alleged shoplifting and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Both cases are ongoing.

Riverside Police say Chase is not wanted for any crimes.

Police spokesman Ryan Railsback told the Mail that during all interactions with cops, Chase “has been cordial and cooperative”.

He added that officers offer him shelter, treatment and mental health services weekly, all of which he has declined.

Despite his appearance, Chase insisted he is not homeless.

“I stay around here locally. My mom is here,” he said.

“I have a lot of good people helping me.

“It’s not too shabby. A lot of people help out. It goes a long way.”

Chase said he may move back to Georgia to live with his father and enter a housing assistance programme.

“I’m not really active homeless at this time,” he said.

“I’m thinking that I would like to go see my dad… Probably a housing assistance program in Georgia most likely.”

After videos of Chase looking unrecognisable went viral, a GoFundMe raised more than $1,200.

But his mother, Paula Moisio, demanded it be taken down.

“Tylor needs medical attention not money. But he refuses it,” she wrote in messages shared online.

“Money would not be a benefit to him. He can’t manage money for his meds by himself.”

Christmas is a Christian holiday that observes the birth of Jesus. But did you know that the earliest followers of Jesus did not annually commemorate his birth? Or that Santa Claus is inspired by the acts of kindness of a fourth-century Christian saint? And have you heard about the modern-day Japanese tradition of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas?

Since the early 20th century, Christmas has evolved from a religious holiday to a hugely popular cultural holiday observed by Christian and secular people across the globe who gather with families, exchange gifts and cards and decorate Christmas trees.

Here’s a look at the history, beliefs and the evolution of Christmas:

Origins and early history of Christmas

Early followers of Jesus did not annually commemorate his birth but instead focused on commemorating their belief in his resurrection at Easter.

The story of the birth of Jesus appears only in two of the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew and Luke. They provide different details, though both say Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

The exact day, month and even year of Jesus’s birth are unknown, said Christine Shepardson, a professor at the University of Tennessee who studies early Christianity.

The tradition of celebrating Jesus’ birth on Dec. 25, she said, only emerged in the fourth century.

“It’s hard to overemphasize how important the fourth century is for constructing Christianity as we experience it in our world today,” Shepardson said. It was then, under Emperor Constantine, that Christians began the practice of gathering at churches instead of meeting at homes.

Some theories say the date coincides with existing pagan winter solstice festivals, including the Roman celebration of Sol Invictus, or the “Unconquered Sun,” on Dec 25.

While most Christians celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, some Eastern Orthodox traditions celebrate the holy day on Jan. 7. That’s because they follow the ancient Julian calendar, which runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, used by Catholic and Protestant churches as well as by much of the secular world.

Rowdy medieval celebrations

For centuries, especially during the Middle Ages, Christmas was associated with rowdy street celebrations of feasting and drinking, and for many Christians, it “was not in good standing as a holiday,” said Thomas Ruys Smith, a professor of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia in England.

“Puritans,” he said, “were not fond of Christmas.”

But in the 19th century, he said, Christmas became “respectable” with “the domestic celebration that we understand today — one centered around the home, the family, children, gift-giving.”

The roots of modern-day Christmas can be traced back to Germany. In the late 19th century, there are accounts of Christmas trees and gift-giving that, according to Smith, later spread to Britain and America, helping to revitalize Christmas on both sides of the Atlantic.

Christmas became further popularized with the publication of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens in 1843, and the writings of Washington Irving, who was a fan of St. Nicholas and helped popularize the celebration of Christmas in America.

The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was put up by workers in 1931 to raise spirits during the Great Depression. The tradition stuck as the first tree-lighting ceremony was held in 1933 and remains one of New York City’s most popular holiday attractions.

America’s secular Santa is inspired by a Christian saint

St. Nicholas was a fourth-century Christian bishop from the Mediterranean port city of Myra (in modern-day Turkey). His acts of generosity inspired the secular Santa Claus legend.

The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children. He is believed to have interceded on behalf of wrongly condemned prisoners and miraculously saved sailors from storms.

Devotion to St. Nicholas spread during the Middle Ages across Europe and he became a favorite subject for medieval artists and liturgical plays. He is the patron saint of sailors and children, as well as of Greece, Russia and New York.

Devotion to St. Nicholas seems to have faded after the 16th century Protestant Reformation, except in the Netherlands, where his legend remained as Sinterklaas. In the 17th century, Dutch Protestants who settled in New York brought the Sinterklaas tradition with them.

Eventually, St. Nicholas morphed into the secular Santa Claus.

It’s not just Santa who delivers the gifts

In the U.K., it’s Father Christmas; in Greece and Cyprus, St. Basil (who arrives on New Year’s Eve). In some parts of Italy, it’s St. Lucy (earlier in December) and in other Italian regions, Befana, a witch-like figure, who brings presents on the Epiphany on Jan. 6.

Instead of a friendly Santa Claus, children in Iceland enjoy favors from 13 mischievous troll brothers, called the Yule Lads. They come down from their mountain cave 13 days before Christmas, according to folklore.

Christian traditions of Christmas

One of the oldest traditions around Christmas is bringing greenery — holly, ivy or evergreen trees — into homes. But determining whether it’s a Christian tradition is harder. “For many people, the evergreen can symbolize Christ’s promise of eternal life and his return from death,” Smith said. “So, you can interpret that evergreen tradition within the Christian concept.”

The decorating of evergreen trees is a German custom that began in the 16th century, said Maria Kennedy, a professor at Rutgers University—New Brunswick’s  Department of American Studies. It was later popularized in England and America.

“Mistletoe, an evergreen shrub, was used in celebrations dating back to the ancient Druids — Celtic religious leaders — some 2,000 years ago,” Kennedy writes in The Surprising History of Christmas Traditions.

“Mistletoe represented immortality because it continued to grow in the darkest time of the year and bore white berries when everything else had died.”

Other traditions include Christmas services and Nativity scenes at homes and churches. More recently, Nativity scenes — when erected on public property in the U.S. — have triggered legal battles over the question of the separation of church and state.

Christmas caroling, Kennedy writes, can also be traced back to European traditions, where people would go from home to home during the darkest time of the year to renew relationships within their communities and give wishes for good luck, health and wealth for the forthcoming year.

“They would recite poetry, sing and sometimes perform a skit. The idea was that these acts would bring about good fortune to influence a future harvest,” Kennedy writes.

Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas in Japan

Among the many Christmas traditions that have been adopted and localized globally, there’s one that involves KFC.

In 1974, KFC launched a Christmas campaign where they began to sell fried chicken with a bottle of wine so it could be used for a Christmas party.

KFC says the idea for the campaign came from an employee who overheard a foreign customer at one of its Tokyo restaurants saying that since he couldn’t get turkey in Japan, he’d have to celebrate Christmas with Kentucky Fried Chicken.

“That really stuck,” Smith said. “And still today, you have to order your KFC months in advance to make sure that you’re going to get it at Christmas Day.”

Henao writes for the Associated Press.