Ukraine faces emergency blackouts as Russian strikes on energy facilities cripple the power grid, forcing reliance on EU imports amidst a cold snap. Ukrenergo initiates controlled shutdowns nationwide, citing significant electricity shortage due to Russian attacks and increased consumption. Kyiv reports 10% household disconnection, while Lviv witnesses city center darkness. The severity of outages remains unclear. Ukrenergo announces rationed electricity for businesses on Wednesday. The strikes mark some of Russia's most devastating assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in recent months, escalating tensions and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

In an ambush near Rouen, Normandy, two French prison officers were killed as gunmen attacked a prison van transporting inmate Mohamed Amra, also known as "The Fly." The assailants rammed the van at a toll booth and opened fire, leaving two officers dead and two critically injured. Amra, convicted of burglary and tied to a Marseille gang, escaped during the ambush. French President Emmanuel Macron assured that authorities are diligently pursuing the perpetrators. Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti vowed to apprehend those responsible, denouncing the attack as a "vile crime." Roadblocks have been set up as part of a massive manhunt.            

Stormy Daniels' attorney, Clark Brewster, revealed to CNN that Daniels wore a bulletproof vest to court due to security concerns before her testimony last week. Brewster cited fears of potential harm from a rogue actor targeting her because of her trial testimony. Daniels testified over two days about her alleged sexual encounter with former President Donald Trump in 2006 and a subsequent payment of $130,000 for her silence before the 2016 election. Trump denies all allegations. Meanwhile, Trump faces trial in New York City, becoming the first former U.S. president tried on criminal charges.

Renowned portrait artist Jonathan Yeo unveiled the first official painted portrait of the King since his coronation at Buckingham Palace. The portrait, commissioned by The Drapers' Company, was created over four sittings between June 2021 and November 2023. Yeo, known for his work displayed at prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Arts and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, captured the King's transformation from Prince of Wales to monarch. The unveiling marks a significant moment in the King's public image, symbolizing his evolving role in national life.

A viral video capturing a massive crowd attempting to board a bus in Ruislip, West London, stirred a passionate online debate. The chaotic scene, recorded by an observer, drew over 1 million views on social media. Internet users expressed astonishment and concern over the lack of orderly queuing. Questions arose about civility and respect as viewers discussed the breakdown of societal norms. The incident underscores broader discussions on urban overcrowding and public etiquette. While the exact date of the video remains unverified, its impact highlights ongoing challenges in managing public transportation in metropolitan areas.            

Renowned Canadian writer Alice Munro, celebrated for her poignant portrayals of small-town women, passed away at 92. Suffering from dementia for over a decade, Munro's profound short stories earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013. Her works, delving into themes of love, aging, and moral conflict, resonated globally. Often likened to Anton Chekhov, Munro's mastery of the short story form illuminated existential questions. Her impact transcended literature, with her story "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" adapted into the Oscar-nominated film "Away From Her." Munro's legacy endures through her timeless tales of ordinary lives.

Riot police clash with protesters at Georgia's parliament following approval of the contentious "foreign agents" bill, sparking outrage over perceived threats to press and civic freedoms. Tear gas fills the air as demonstrators express anger over the legislation, likened to laws utilized by Russia's President Putin. Critics denounce the bill's potential impact on democratic principles and Georgia's EU aspirations. The opposition labels it "the Russian law," alleging Moscow's influence. Amid escalating tensions, European Parliament voices solidarity with Georgian citizens. Despite the passage, hope remains as avenues for reversal are explored, highlighting ongoing defiance against perceived government overreach.

Georgia Laurie, 31, is set to receive the prestigious King's Gallantry Medal for her heroic act of punching an 80kg crocodile to save her twin sister Melissa in Mexico in June 2021. Melissa was dragged underwater by the crocodile while swimming in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido. Georgia bravely fought off the reptile, sustaining injuries herself, to rescue her sister. Expressing surprise and gratitude, Georgia credited her sister's bravery for giving her the strength to keep fighting. Melissa, who survived the ordeal, suffered severe injuries but has since recovered. The Laurie sisters' courage has garnered widespread admiration.    

A Columbia University graduates made a bold statement at their social work graduation ceremony, ripping their diplomas on stage in a Pro-Palestinian protest. The graduates, wearing zip ties and a keffiyeh, tore their degree in two and held up their graduation cap, decorated with the name of a Palestinian prisoner. The protest was met with applause from some in attendance. This incident is the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian protests at the university, which have led to arrests and tensions with university officials. The graduate's actions have gone viral on social media.

Kami Rita Sherpa, Nepali Sherpa broke his own record by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 29th time on Sunday. He extended his lead as the person with the most Everest summits. British climber Kenton Cool also set a new record for foreigners with his 18th summit. Sherpa, 54, first climbed Everest in 1994 and has made the peak almost every year since. He reached the summit at 7:30 local time on Sunday. The climbing season has just begun, and hundreds are expected to attempt the trek in the coming weeks. Sherpa's feat is a remarkable achievement in the world of mountaineering.