The UNCCD COP16 Presidency launched the Business4Land (B4L) Champions' Council to bring business and policy leaders together on land restoration, and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, with the WEF, announced the Lighthouse Operating System to accelerate manufacturing transformation.
A national security trial opened for three organizers of Hong Kong's annual Tiananmen vigil; one defendant pleaded guilty while two pleaded not guilty, and the trial is expected to last at least 75 days.
Toronto police say no operationally viable plan was presented and have asked the federal government for more information; the federal buyback program gives Canadians about two months to declare interest in turning in banned firearms.
Community drum circles in Lethbridge are bringing residents together for shared rhythm and expression, led locally by facilitator Janice Harmer and supported by University of Lethbridge percussion programs.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged consumers to boycott Chinese-made electric vehicles and said he doubts those companies will establish manufacturing in Canada; he made the remarks at a news conference with automotive industry leaders.
Sara Gilooly says delays and limited testing in B.C. contributed to her breast cancer progressing to metastatic disease; an independent MLA called the problem systemic and provincial health officials did not respond by deadline.
Landslides struck a campground at the base of Mount Maunganui and a nearby house on New Zealand's North Island, and emergency crews were conducting rescue operations with a small number of people reported missing.
Saskatchewan producers welcomed the lifting of China's ban on Canadian beef, saying shipments have begun and the announcement follows a recent tariff agreement between Ottawa and Beijing.
Iranian state television reported 3,117 deaths in protests and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Iran would 'fire back with everything we have' if attacked; independent verification of the toll is not available.
On December 18, 2025, NASA and The Aerospace Corporation launched four DiskSats on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket; all four were deployed and are communicating, confirming the thin, disk-shaped design functions in space.
