Brazilian midfielder Oscar returns to Sao Paulo
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Brazilian international midfielder Oscar, who played for Chelsea, is returning to Sao Paulo, where he started his career, the club announced on Tuesday.
'Wemby' and 'Ant
New York (AFP) – Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards will play Christmas Day games for the first time on Wednesday as the NBA delivers its 77th year of contests on the holiday.
US agency focused on foreign disinformation shuts down
Washington (AFP) – A leading US government agency that tracks foreign disinformation has terminated its operations, the State Department said Tuesday, after Congress failed to extend its funding following years of Republican criticism.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis launches holy Jubilee year
Vatican City (AFP) – Pope Francis opened the “Holy Door” of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, launching the Jubilee year of Catholic celebrations set to draw more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
Gaza Christians pray for end of 'death and destruction'
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Hundreds of Christians in war-ravaged Gaza City gathered at a church on Tuesday, praying for an end to the war that has devastated much of the Palestinian territory.
Sombre Christmas in Bethlehem an 'escape' from war for Palestinians
Bethlehem (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – With no Christmas tree or decorations adorning the Church of the Nativity, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, holiday cheer was absent in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem on Tuesday.
'Like a dream': AFP photographer's return to Syria
Douma (Syria) (AFP) – AFP photographer Sameer al-Doumy never dreamed he would be able to return to the hometown in Syria that he escaped through a tunnel seven years ago after it was besieged by Bashar al-Assad’s forces.
Chiefs seek top seed in holiday test for playoff
Washington (AFP) – Defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City can clinch a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFL post-season with a victory Wednesday at Pittsburgh as four playoff-bound teams face a holiday test.
Panamanians protest 'public enemy' Trump's canal threat
Panama City (AFP) – Protesters in Panama on Tuesday burned an image of US President-elect Donald Trump following his threat to demand control of the country’s interoceanic canal be returned to Washington.
