Author: Rasmita Jena

On Christmas Eve, a 39-year-old man was shot by police in Redditch, Worcestershire, after a long standoff. Police received a call around 2 PM saying the man had a knife and was a danger to himself. They tried to talk to him and resolve the situation peacefully for several hours. However, at about 7:40 PM, the police shot him, and he was declared dead shortly after 8 PM.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating what happened. They found a knife at the scene, and officers had tried using tasers during the standoff. Investigators are reviewing video footage from the police cameras to figure out what led to the shooting.

A friend of the man said he was a nice person who wouldn’t hurt anyone. The friend expressed shock and sadness at the news. West Mercia Police acknowledged the community’s distress and promised full cooperation with the investigation.

The IOPC’s investigation is just beginning, and they aim to understand the officers’ actions during the incident. They have confirmed that no one else was in the building when the shooting occurred. On Christmas Day, police continued to guard the area, and tributes to the man were shared online by friends and family.

This shooting is the third fatal police shooting in the UK in 2024, according to a charity that keeps track of such incidents.

A post-mortem examination is expected, and the coroner has been notified.

Pope Francis, in his Christmas message, called for people everywhere to find courage and work towards peace this Holy Year. He wants everyone to put down their weapons and come together, especially in places suffering from violence, like Ukraine and the Middle East.

In his speech, known as “Urbi et Orbi” (meaning “To the City and the World”), he highlighted serious issues like war, hunger, and crisis in different nations. He mentioned the suffering of people and communities affected by conflict, like the Christian communities in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. The Pope also asked for the release of hostages taken during the violence in Israel by Hamas.

Pope Francis talked about the urgent need to care for children who are hungry, the elderly who are alone, and those fleeing from their homes. He opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the start of the 2025 Holy Year, which symbolizes hope and God’s mercy. Many pilgrims visited the basilica on Christmas Day, feeling emotional and relieved as they passed through the door.

This Christmas was also special because it fell on the same day as Hanukkah, a Jewish festival. This rare occurrence brought together Jewish and Latino communities in Houston for celebrations that included traditional foods. However, the joy of the holiday was shadowed by worries about violence and rising antisemitism.

In Iraq, Christians celebrated Christmas at their local church, yet many feel uncertain about their safety and future. Their numbers have decreased greatly due to past violence and conflicts.

In Germany, the Christmas spirit was affected by a tragic attack at a market that resulted in several deaths, including a young boy. The German President expressed deep sadness and called for unity in the face of hate.

Prince Harry celebrated his 40th birthday by playing tennis at a charity event. He wore a T-shirt, khakis, and a blazer and looked very happy. Harry told the BBC, “I was worried about turning 30, but I’m excited about turning 40!” Now a father to Archie and Lilibet, he says his goal is to “do good in the world.”

For his birthday, Harry had a small dinner party organized by his wife, Meghan Markle, with close friends. He also received birthday wishes from his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William.

Harry’s friend shared with Closer Magazine that he feels hopeful about improving his relationship with his dad this year. Although Harry and William still have some problems, Harry loves his brother very much.

Leaving England was hard for Harry, but he chose to prioritize his wife and family. Living in California has made his relationship with Meghan stronger, and they are still very much in love.

One important lesson Harry has learned is to always follow your heart. Although he has made some mistakes, he continues to try to do what is right.

Harry’s life is also influenced by the memories of his mother, Princess Diana, and father, King Charles. After Diana’s tragic death, Charles expressed the deep sadness he felt. They had a difficult divorce, but both remembered the love they shared when they married in 1981.