Episode Details

Good morning, and welcome to the BTW Daily News. I’m Alex Carter, and it’s December 27th, 2025. Let’s jump into the stories that matter most this week.First, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump this week. The talks aim to secure U.S. military aid and discuss the contested Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, whose seizure by Russia threatens the Dnipro River.Moving on, Russia launched a massive airstrike on Kyiv earlier this week, deploying roughly 500 drones and 40 missiles. The attack killed a civilian and injured dozens, prompting Kyiv to accuse Moscow of escalating a war that has already cost thousands of lives.In African news, U.S.-backed airstrikes targeted two ISIS‑linked camps in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The strike reportedly destroyed a command center and killed militants, disrupting the group’s ability to plan further attacks.On the international front, Israel broke new ground by formally recognizing the Republic of Somaliland, the first state to grant diplomatic status. While allies celebrated, former President Trump has said the U.S. is not ready to follow suit.Shifting to commodities, gold surged past $4,500 an ounce, setting a new record, while silver leapt over $75, also hitting all‑time highs. Investors are flocking to precious metals amid geopolitical tension and market volatility.In entertainment, Tyler Perry faces a fresh sexual assault lawsuit. An actor alleges assault and seeks $77 million in damages. Perry’s team has countersued, and the legal battle is set to intensify.In English football, Manchester United edged Newcastle United in a tightly contested match at St. James’s Park. Stars Dorgu and Martinez delivered bright moments, with United’s defense holding firm to secure a vital three points.Turning to Africa again, Morocco and Egypt showcased their prowess at the AFCON, but Morocco fell to Mali in a draw that ended a record win streak, sparking debate over the tournament’s competitive balance.Back on the court, Nikola Jokic erupted for a 56‑point triple‑double in the Nuggets’ playoff win over the Lakers. The dominant performance cemented Denver’s momentum and added another milestone to Jokic’s already impressive resume.Finally, California has dismissed its lawsuit over the federal cut to high‑speed rail funding. The state opted to drop the legal battle, acknowledging that continued litigation may delay the development of a vital transportation corridor.Thank you for joining us on the BTW Daily News. I’m Alex Carter. Have a great day ahead.