This Week in Headlines
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Welcome to another review of the most important news of the week. Did you pay attention this week?
Following the Bondi Beach attack last week, Australia plans to enforce stricter gun control laws. Although weapon restrictions there are considered some of the toughest, reinforced after the Port Arthur shooting in 1996, the Hannukkah shooting has initiated a debate on their effectiveness. At least 15 people were killed and the assault was targetted at the Jewish community celebrating at the beach.
A loan to Ukraine was proposed by the EU. Some €90bn will be provided to Ukraine for the 2026-2027 period. The earlier proposed plan to redistribute Russian immobilised assets has not yet been agreed upon, so an alternative Ukraine funding method was implemented. The €210bn in Russian assets will remain frozen until war reparations are paid to Ukraine by Moscow.
The Epstein files release faced criticism over the scarcity of detail and frequent redactions. The US Justice Department released the long-awaited files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein - convicted sex trafficker. Unexpectedly, pictures of Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson were brought to light. However, without context, the celebrities' links to Epstein are still uncertain. One document was entirely censored upon release.
The US attacked Syria in two strikes that were issued on 70 targets. It followed the death of two American soldiers which was linked to ISIS. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that it's not the beginning of war, but rather "a declaration of vengeance."
Since the next news summary will be released after Christmas, we hope that you manage to get some rest and spend some quality time with family and friends. See you next week!