The Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and other senior embassy posts as it moves to reshape the US diplomatic posture abroad with personnel deemed fully supportive of Donald Trump’s “America first” priorities. That changed on Wednesday when they began to receive notices from officials in Washington DC about their imminent departures. The state department declined to comment on specific numbers or ambassadors affected, but defended the changes, calling them “a standard process in any administration”. Politico was the first to report on the ambassadorial recalls, which have drawn concern from some lawmakers and the union representing American diplomats. This article was amended on 22 December 2025 to give the correct name for the country of North Macedonia.

MONTREAL — Sweden will soon have the capability to conduct deep strikes far behind enemy lines, as the Gripen will be integrated with the German-made Taurus cruise missile earlier than planned, the Swedish air chief said. A document published in February by agency officials noted that the planned initial operational capability of the Taurus KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missile on the JAS39 Gripen C/D was first expected by 2028. The missile was developed by Taurus Systems GmbH, a German-Swedish joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Saab. A South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jet releases a Taurus missile during a drill off the country's western coast on Sept. 13, 2017. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)“The capability itself is very important because we haven’t had any deep-strike or offensive counter-air capabilities before.

Thirty women were sheltering in the Saudi maternity hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, on 28 October when the massacre began. Most of these attacks have taken place in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of pregnant women are trapped in war zones. They constitute a pattern of reproductive violence.”View image in fullscreen A baby in Pokrovsk maternity hospital in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. The Guardian has reported from frontline maternity hospitals where births have been forced underground and stress has caused birth complications. But shelling in the city of Goma in January hit the neonatal ward at Charity maternity hospital, killing mothers, babies and nurses.

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day. He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. The statement added, “The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 25th December 2025; Friday, 26th December 2025; and Thursday, 1st January 2026 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations respectively. “The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building. “The Minister wishes all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

The International Press Institute, Nigeria, on December 2, 2025, honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, while unveiling its first-of-its-kind Book of Infamy. The record, according to the President, IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, is intended as a permanent accountability mechanism, documenting public officials whose actions undermine media freedom in Nigeria. While defending its positive stance on the activities of the DSS DG since he assumed office, the IPI said under his leadership, the DSS had demonstrated restraint and professionalism in its dealings with media organisations. Those who know the DSS DG closely would tell you, without being biased, that he is a no-nonsense official, loyal only to his job. What explanation can one offer for this other than the fact that the DSS DG is a golden fish.

Communication and marketing analytics expert, Chinyere Agbasiere, has noted that AI adoption can enhance workplace performance by reshaping skills, driving efficiency and preparing employees for an AI-enabled economy. Speaking with The Guardian recently, she stated that AI adoption is transforming workplace skills and emphasises continuous learning, strategic planning and ethical implementation to boost productivity. AI adoption, she explained, is altering how tasks are performed rather than simply eliminating roles. She further pointed out that AI adoption can either widen or reduce workforce inequalities. Looking ahead, Agbasiere further divulged that AI adoption is a present reality shaping the workforce today.

Gowon Akpodonor is a sports journalist for the editorial arm of The Guardian Nigeria. Her triple-gold triumph not only showcased her individual brilliance but also reinforced Nigeria’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in continental weightlifting. The African Youth Games serve as a vital platform for discovering and developing young stars across the continent. Always remember that youth games are developmental platforms and not solely for laurels. Read more »NBA, FIBA, others set to celebrate World Basketball DayGowon Akpodonor is a sports journalist for the editorial arm of The Guardian Nigeria.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf appeared to punch a fan during the 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Television footage showed Metcalf approaching the Lions fan, who was leaning over the railings at the front of the stand, in the second quarter at Ford Field. He then appeared to grab the spectator's blue wig before swinging his right fist. "He went over and the fan said something to him," CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said during coverage of the match. "Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there.

Aston Villa stepped up their unexpected Premier League title challenge as Morgan Rogers’ brilliant brace sealed a 2-1 win against Manchester United on Sunday. Unai Emery’s side took the lead through Rogers’ stunning strike late in the first half at Villa Park. Villa are on their best winning run in all competitions since 1914, when they secured 11 successive victories. Losing Fernandes for the second half was a hammer blow and the irrepressible Rogers restored Villa’s advantage in the 57th minute. Amorim sent on Jack Fletcher, the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, for his debut, but the teenager’s first game was destined to end in defeat.

NASA’s PUNCH mission, led by the Southwest Research Institute, has captured never-before-seen images revealing the Sun’s corona and solar wind as a unified, dynamic system. The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has unveiled groundbreaking results from NASA’s PUNCH mission, revealing a breathtaking, continuous view of the solar corona and solar wind in unprecedented detail. The study marks a milestone in heliophysics, offering scientists a clearer understanding of the Sun’s dynamic influence across the solar system. “Seeing solar activity sweeping across the moon, planets and even passing comets gives us a sense of place in our solar system. “PUNCH can actually show us directly the violence of space weather as clouds of electrons cross the solar system,” DeForest noted.

The recent decision by the United States government to impose sweeping visa restrictions on Nigerian nationals has provoked understandable anger, disappointment, and a sense of collective humiliation across Nigeria and its global diaspora. While no sovereign nation can be denied the right to protect its borders, the blanket profiling of Nigeria and Nigerians is unjust, excessive, and deeply troubling. President Bola Tinubu has what it takes to ensure that history will not only remember the visa restrictions imposed on us, but also how we turned this external humiliation into Nigerian renewal. Fifth, the President must work towards restoring national values and rebuilding trust in leadership. Once again, history must not be allowed to remember only the visa restrictions imposed on us, but also how we responded—turning those restrictions into a national rebirth, renewal, and restoration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Therefore, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, should cancel the tinted glass enforcement order. The police should let factory-fitted tinted glass vehicle owners be and focus on exorcising their own demons. So, the IG should call off the tinted glass enforcement. The tinted glass permit order looks suspicious. How many of these atrocities were linked to tinted glass vehicles?

DK METCALF could find himself suspended in the midst of a playoff push. During the Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers game, CBS cameras caught Metcalf walking up to a fan in the stands. The fan appeared to be wearing a blue wig, and Metcalf was clutching onto it while saying something to the fan. He then extended his arm and appeared to land a punch on the fan. “He went over and the fan said something to him,” CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said.

The Defence Headquarters has announced that proactive measures are in place to prevent attacks during the Christmas festivities across Nigeria. Unit commanders have been directed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and maintain close collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups, and state security formations. Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command, on Sunday, nnounced enhanced security measures for the Yuletide season, with tactical units deployed to waterways, recreational centres, and other identified hotspots across the state. “The Rivers State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding lives and property before, during, and after the Christmas celebration. “The Rivers State Police Command extends warm wishes to all Christians for a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” she added.

Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility will depend largely on improved energy access and the development of renewable-powered charging infrastructure, the Chief Executive Officer of Bankrol Camel EV, Suleiman Yusuf, has said. Yusuf described electric mobility as an inevitable outcome of global energy transition pressures, climate commitments and the growing demand for affordable and efficient transportation. He said Nigeria’s ability to scale EV adoption would be shaped by its capacity to strengthen power infrastructure, particularly through clean and renewable energy solutions. As EV adoption grows, there must be a corresponding expansion in power supply, especially renewable energy, to sustain it,” he said. Yusuf added that efforts were also underway to address other barriers to EV adoption, including skills shortages, financing constraints and maintenance capacity.