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Swedish Pharmacy Staff Trial ‘Friendship Hour’ to Tackle Loneliness

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Staff at Swedish pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat are taking part in a pilot “friendcare” scheme, giving employees paid time off to connect with friends and strengthen social bonds. Participants, like pharmacy worker Yasmine Lindberg, are granted 15 minutes a week or an hour a month during working hours to meet, call, or message friends. Volunteers also receive 1,000 kronor annually to spend on friendship-based activities and online training on recognising and addressing loneliness.

The initiative is part of Sweden’s broader effort to address a growing loneliness concern. Health Minister Jakob Forssmed and other officials are encouraging businesses to play an active role, noting that loneliness poses significant public health risks and economic costs. Around 14% of Swedes report feeling lonely some or all of the time, with structural factors like single-person households, cold winters, and a culture of valuing personal space contributing to social isolation.

Apotek Hjärtat CEO Monica Magnusson says early results from self-assessment surveys show participants reporting higher life satisfaction. The company is collaborating with other Nordic firms through the ‘Together against involuntary loneliness’ network to share strategies and best practices. Psychologists highlight that while these programs help lower the threshold for social interaction, deeper societal issues like income inequality, urban design, and digital habits also need attention for lasting solutions.

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George and Amal Clooney Granted French Citizenship to Protect Family Privacy

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Actor George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their twin children, Alexander and Ella, have been granted French citizenship, according to official government documents. The move comes after Clooney expressed concerns about raising his children amid the pressures and scrutiny of Hollywood. The family, who also hold U.S., British, and Lebanese ties, primarily reside on a farm in France, while maintaining homes in England and Kentucky.

Clooney has openly discussed his desire to provide his children with a more normal upbringing, away from the constant attention of paparazzi and Hollywood fame. “I was worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood. France – they kind of don’t give a sh*t about fame,” he told the New York Times, emphasizing that the country offers a safer and more private environment for his family. He has also previously written to media outlets requesting that his children’s faces not be published.

France’s strict privacy laws make it illegal to photograph individuals in private spaces or share personal information such as home addresses. Celebrities in France are further protected, as photographers can face legal action if they capture images outside official appearances, a system that Clooney and other public figures have welcomed as a safeguard for their personal lives.

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Zelensky Accuses Russia of Blocking Peace Ahead of Talks With Trump in Florida

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a revised U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending nearly four years of war with Russia. The talks come amid intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv, which Zelensky said prove that Moscow “doesn’t want peace.” The leaders will meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, where security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial issues are expected to dominate discussions.

The meeting follows a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv over the weekend that killed at least two people, injured dozens and damaged energy infrastructure, leaving large parts of the capital without heating. Zelensky said the bombardment was Russia’s response to diplomatic efforts, while Moscow accused Ukraine of delaying a peaceful resolution. Russia currently controls most of the eastern Donbas region, a key sticking point in negotiations.

Zelensky has expressed optimism about the updated 20-point peace plan, calling it a “foundational document” that is close to completion, though Trump cautioned that no deal would proceed without his approval. European and Nato leaders have reiterated support for Kyiv, with Zelensky urging “strong positions” to push talks forward. Despite diplomatic momentum, continued fighting on both sides underscores the fragility of any potential agreement.

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Bulgaria Introduces Euro Coins Featuring National Icons

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Bulgaria has unveiled its new euro coins, showcasing key symbols of its cultural and historical heritage. The designs feature motifs already familiar from the lev, Bulgaria’s currency since 1881, named after an archaic word meaning “lion.” The coins will circulate starting Thursday, marking the country’s official adoption of the euro.

The one, two, five, 10, 20, and 50-cent coins depict the Madara Rider, an ancient rock relief from the early eighth century near Madara village. The relief shows a knight triumphing over a lion and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, reflecting Bulgaria’s early statehood and artistic legacy.

The one-euro coin honors Bulgaria’s patron saint, John of Rila, founder of the Rila Monastery, while the two-euro coin features Paisius of Hilandar, an 18th-century monk whose writings were pivotal in Bulgaria’s national revival. The edge of the two-euro coin carries the inscription “God protect Bulgaria,” highlighting the country’s spiritual and historical pride.

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Brigitte Bardot, French Cinema Icon, Dies at 91

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French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot, known as “BB,” has passed away at the age of 91. Rising to fame in the 1950s, Bardot became a global symbol of beauty and sexual liberation through iconic films like And God Created Woman. She acted in nearly 50 films before retiring in 1973 to dedicate herself to animal welfare, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to her as “a legend of the century,” highlighting her cinematic achievements and lifelong dedication to animal causes.

Bardot’s career spanned dramatic, comedic, and romantic roles, with standout performances in Contempt, The Truth, and Viva Maria!. Beyond cinema, she influenced global fashion trends, popularizing the Bardot neckline and her signature blonde tousled hair and winged eyeliner. Her personal life included four marriages and one son, Nicolas, who tragically passed away in September. Despite her international fame, Bardot retired early, stating she would devote her wisdom and experience to protecting animals rather than continuing her acting career.

Later in life, Bardot’s reputation became controversial due to remarks about Islam, LGBTQ+ communities, and the #MeToo movement, leading to multiple fines for inciting racial hatred. Nonetheless, her impact on film, fashion, and animal welfare remains enduring, marking her as one of the most influential figures of 20th-century French culture.

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Nine Arrested in Italy for Allegedly Raising Millions for Hamas

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Italian authorities have arrested nine people accused of raising around €7 million over more than two years, allegedly funneling the funds to Hamas. The money, reportedly collected under the guise of humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, was instead sent to the militant group through a “complex fundraising system,” according to a police statement. More than €8 million in assets were seized as part of the investigation.

The operation was carried out jointly by Italy’s counter-terror and financial police. The probe, which began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel, identified suspicious financial transactions linked to the suspects. Investigators said the fundraising network was headquartered in Genoa with branches in Milan, and that over 71% of donations intended for Gaza civilians were diverted to Hamas’s military wing and support for families of suicide bombers or detained terrorists.

Among the arrested is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who denied close ties to Hamas but acknowledged supporting the Palestinian cause. Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi praised the police effort while emphasizing the presumption of innocence at this stage of the investigation. Hannoun maintained that his support is for the “legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people” and not for terrorist activities.

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Kosovo’s Kurti Pledges Quick Government Formation After Election Victory

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Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has vowed to quickly form a new government after his Vetevendosje Party secured nearly half of the votes in Sunday’s snap parliamentary election. The victory could end a year-long political deadlock that stalled parliament and delayed crucial international funding. Kurti emphasized the need for swift action to certify results, constitute parliament, and move forward without delay.

Kurti’s party received 49.3% of votes with 99% counted, while the main opposition parties, the Democratic Party and the Democratic League, garnered 21% and 13.6% respectively. Analysts note that Kurti may need support from smaller Albanian or minority parties to form a stable government, as conditional votes and those from the diaspora have yet to be tallied. Supporters celebrated in Pristina, waving party flags and lighting fireworks despite sub-zero temperatures.

The prolonged political impasse threatens key EU and World Bank loans totaling €1 billion, as well as the election of a new president in April. Kurti’s government faces criticism over his handling of relations with Western allies and Kosovo’s ethnically divided north. To appeal to voters, he has promised increased public sector salaries, capital investment of €1 billion annually, and a new anti-organised crime prosecution unit, aiming to address poverty and instability in the Balkan country.

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TUC Urges Starmer Not to Rule Out EU Customs Union to Boost Growth

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The head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Paul Nowak, has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to keep the option of an EU customs union open as part of efforts to revive the UK economy. Speaking to the BBC, Nowak said the UK needs the “closest possible economic and political relationship” with the European Union, warning that public trust in mainstream politics could erode further if living standards do not improve.

Although Starmer has pledged to reset relations with Brussels, he has ruled out rejoining the EU single market or customs union, citing concerns that it could undermine recent trade deals with countries such as the US and India. Nowak, however, argued that Brexit has contributed to higher prices and trade barriers, particularly affecting industries like aerospace, automotive and steel. He said the government should “rule nothing out” and carefully assess all options to strengthen ties with the UK’s largest trading partner.

Nowak also stressed the importance of delivering fully on the government’s Employment Rights Act to improve job security and living standards, warning that failure to act decisively could push voters away from Labour. With polling showing financial insecurity among many households, he said economic improvement — not rhetoric on immigration — was key to countering political discontent and restoring faith in democratic politics.

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Jokic Shatters Curry’s Record with Historic Christmas Day Triple-Double

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Nikola Jokic delivered a historic performance on Christmas Day, recording a stunning 56-point triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The three-time MVP added 16 rebounds and 15 assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to post at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a single game.

Jokic also broke a long-standing NBA record by scoring 18 points in overtime, surpassing Stephen Curry’s previous mark of 17 set in 2016. His dominance in the extra period proved decisive after the Timberwolves forced overtime by erasing a 15-point deficit in the final five minutes of regulation.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards impressed with 44 points, including the clutch three-pointer that sent the game into overtime. However, his night ended early after he was ejected during the extra period following an argument over foul calls. With the win, Denver remains third in the Western.

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Kyiv Targeted by Russian Strikes Ahead of Zelensky’s Peace Meeting with Trump

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Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine on Saturday, coinciding with heightened security measures ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s key meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. Ukraine’s air force issued a nationwide alert as explosions were heard in the capital, prompting air defense units to intercept incoming missiles and drones. No immediate reports of damage or power outages were recorded.

The attacks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to finalize a U.S.-backed 20-point peace plan aimed at halting the war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Zelensky emphasized that his discussions with Trump would focus on territorial control, including the contested Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as security guarantees. Kyiv seeks legally binding provisions to prevent future Russian aggression, while a free economic zone is proposed for certain areas under U.S. compromise.

Additional issues include control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the eastern Donbas region, both key points of contention in the negotiations. Russia’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, engaged with U.S. officials after Moscow received American proposals for a possible peace deal, although Russia has not publicly disclosed its stance on the documents. Both sides continue dialogue as efforts to resolve the nearly four-year conflict move forward.

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