UK Tories face another by-election after MP ousted December 19, 2023 at 11:30PM

The Conservative party faces another potentially bruising by-election in the Wellingborough constituency after Peter Bone, its Tory lawmaker, was ousted following allegations of misconduct. If the Tories lose in Wellingborough, it will increase pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sunak, who became UK leader in October last year, has been unable to revive the party's fortunes and has consistently trailed the Labour opposition in polls. The by-election, which could take place in February, was triggered after 10% of voters signed a petition to recall Bone.

Ukraine says it defeated Russian drone attack on Kyiv December 19, 2023 at 11:26PM

Ukrainian military officials reported that Russia launched its fifth air attack targeting Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, and other regions, deploying 19 attack drones. Air defense systems successfully destroyed 18 drones, with no immediate information on the number destroyed over Kyiv. The Ukrainian air force also repelled a missile attack in the Kharkiv region. In a separate incident, nine residents, including four children, were injured in a Russian drone attack on Kherson. Civilian objects and residential buildings were damaged.

Ukrainians prepare for first wartime Christmas on new calendar December 19, 2023 at 11:30PM

China's earthquake survivors endure frigid temperatures and mourn the dead December 19, 2023 at 11:12PM

Survivors in remote mountains mourned the dead and endured frigid cold after an earthquake. Houses collapsed, killing 131 people and injuring over 900. Most casualties were in Gansu province. In makeshift shelters, survivors retrieved belongings from the ruins of their houses. Nearly 15,000 homes collapsed and over 87,000 people have been resettled. The death toll rose to 18 and the number of injured approached 1,000. Experts attributed the high toll to shallow depth and poor construction.