EU greenlights €90B Ukraine loan as Starmer’s plan flops; Japan hikes rates; UK actors snub AI scans; Korea DMZ bill fight; Sri Lanka elephant arson arrests; Milwaukee judge convicted; Brown shooting suspect dead; Chester fire mother dies; Jogye Temple Christmas tree; Dems drop more Epstein estate photos

EU Rejects Starmer’s Ukraine Funding Proposal as Brussels Approves €90 Billion Support Fund
Keir Starmer’s preferred approach to funding Ukraine—using frozen Russian assets—failed to win EU backing, as Brussels instead agreed on a €90 billion interest-free loan funded by member states. The UK had urged repurposing immobilised Russian money, much of it held in Belgium, raising concerns about legal risk and potential retaliation from Russia. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he had previously been threatened over the assets, while the UK says it wants the frozen funds used to support Ukraine and signal continued resolve against Vladimir Putin.
Suspect in Brown University shooting found dead, police say
Police say the suspect in last week’s mass shooting at Brown University has been found dead. Investigators also say the suspect is linked to the murder of an MIT professor on Monday.
Jogye Temple Lights Christmas Tree as Interfaith Leaders Meet
A Christmas tree was lit at Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul during a ceremony hosted by South Korea’s largest Buddhist order, bringing together leaders from multiple faiths.
Democrats Release Additional Epstein Estate Photos Ahead of Friday Deadline
Democrats released 68 more photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate on Thursday ahead of a Friday deadline, bringing the total provided to the House Oversight Committee to more than 95,000.
Mother dies from injuries weeks after Chester house fire that killed her son
Officials confirmed Thursday that a mother seriously injured in a Chester house fire last month has died from her injuries. Her son also died in the fire.
EU Agrees to a €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine Without Using Frozen Russian Assets
The EU has agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan, but will not fund it by tapping frozen Russian assets. Ukraine had pushed for the use of roughly €200 billion in immobilized Russian funds, while Belgium opposed that approach.
Unification Ministry Supports DMZ Legislation and Disputes UN Command Armistice Objections
The Unification Ministry endorsed a bill related to the Demilitarized Zone, arguing that the Korean War armistice is military in nature and does not prohibit peaceful use of the DMZ. The ministry’s position challenges objections from the United Nations Command, which claims the bill conflicts with armistice terms.
Three Arrested in Sri Lanka Over Alleged Burning of Wild Elephant
Three people have been arrested in Sri Lanka after police said villagers used flaming torches to drive away a wild elephant, which later died.
UK Actors Vote to Refuse Digital Scanning in Pushback Against AI
UK actors in the Equity union voted overwhelmingly to refuse on-set digital scanning to stop their likeness being reused by AI, with 99% backing the move in an indicative ballot of more than 7,000 members on a 75% turnout. Equity plans to press producers’ group Pact for new minimum pay and stronger terms for film and TV work, and may call a formal ballot that could provide legal protection for actors who refuse scanning during negotiations.
Japan raises interest rate to its highest level since 1995 as inflation rises
Japan has raised its interest rate to the highest level since 1995 as inflation intensifies. The move comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wants inflation to cool while also trying to keep government borrowing costs low.
Milwaukee County judge convicted of obstructing federal immigration agents in courthouse incident
A jury found Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of felony obstruction for interfering with federal immigration agents attempting to serve a warrant at a courthouse. Prosecutors said Dugan helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his attorney leave the courtroom through a back door after she learned plainclothes ICE agents were in the building. She faces up to five years in prison and was acquitted on a separate misdemeanor charge of concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Her defense team said it plans to continue challenging the case.