Armed conflicts and attacks

At least three people are killed and dozens of others are injured after gunfire erupts during Alawite-led protests in Latakia, Syria, demanding decentralization and for the transitional government to release Assadist detainees. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/three-dead-alawite-protests-syrian-coast-local-officials-say-2025-12-28/

Armed conflicts and attacks

Israel introduces new rules for aid groups, forbidding activities or criticism that "delegitimizes" Israel, without providing specific definitions. Aid groups say that the requirements are political and may hinder criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. (ABC News)

• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-29/aid-agencies-fear-lifesaving-program-blockage-into-gaza-/106181964

Arts and culture

After months of a high-profile legal dispute, entertainment agency ADOR terminates its contract with singer Danielle and expels her from the South Korean girl group NewJeans. (The Independent) (Korea JoongAng Daily)

• https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/news/ador-newjeans-danielle-marsh-contract-terminated-b2891490.html
• https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12-29/national/socialAffairs/NewJeans-agency-ADOR-cuts-off-member-Danielle-warns-legal-measures-against-her-familys-responsibility-for-the-conflict/2488289

Disasters and accidents

At least 13 people are killed and 98 others are injured, including five critically, when a Tren Interoceánico train carrying 250 people derails in Asunción Ixtaltepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. (Reuters) (Infobae in Spanish)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/least-13-dead-after-train-derails-mexico-2025-12-29/
• https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2025/12/28/tren-interoceanico-gobernador-de-oaxaca-reporta-15-heridos-tras-el-descarrilamiento/

Disasters and accidents

Sixteen people are killed and three others sustain burn injuries after a fire breaks out at a retirement home in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-fire-kills-16-people-retirement-home-2025-12-29/

Disasters and accidents

Three people, including a toddler, are killed and three others are injured when a building collapses in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. (AP)

• https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-building-collapse-three-dead-66df10b356572c092dc132f293e57181

Law and crime

Nine people are killed, including five children, and three others are injured, including the perpetrator and another child, in a mass stabbing spree at multiple houses in Richelieu, Commewijne District, Suriname. (AP)

• https://apnews.com/article/suriname-knife-attack-children-7485dabfe9e7939b490b726c942c0af2

Politics and elections

Citizens of Myanmar vote in the first phase to elect the nation's legislature. Two further phases of voting are expected in January.(AP)

• https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-election-yangon-suu-kyi-hlaing-military-f361d4962d30b9c5c4741110bb1271ef

Politics and elections

Citizens of the Central African Republic vote to elect a president and 140 members of the National Assembly. Incumbent president Faustin-Archange Touadéra seeks a third term in office. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/central-african-republic-votes-russia-ally-touadera-seeks-third-term-2025-12-28/

Politics and elections

Guineans vote for a president as incumbent Mamady Doumbouya seeks to be elected four years after leading a coup. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/guinea-votes-presidential-election-expected-cement-doumbouyas-rule-2025-12-28/

Politics and elections

Kosovans vote for the second time in a year to elect the members of the Kuvendi. (AP via ABC News)

• https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/kosovo-heads-snap-vote-end-political-deadlock-128716540