A Russian court has sentenced pro-war activist Sergei Udaltsov to six years in prison for justifying terrorism. Udaltsov, a critic of President Vladimir Putin, was arrested last year. The charges relate to an article he posted supporting activists accused of forming a terrorist organization, according to Russian independent news site Mediazona. Those activists received prison sentences earlier this month. Udaltsov, who has rejected the charges as fabricated, announced a hunger strike after the verdict. He will serve his sentence in a maximum-security penal colony. Udaltsov was a prominent opposition figure during the 2011-12 mass protests in Russia, triggered by reports of widespread rigging of a parliamentary election.

MARACAY, Venezuela (AP) — After months on the move through jungles, seas and borders, Venezuelan migrants Mariela Gómez, her partner Abraham Castro and her two children, abandoned their attempt to reach the United States. They returned to spend Christmas back…

King Charles III has urged people to focus on kindness instead of conflict in his annual Christmas address. Speaking from Westminster Abbey on Thursday, he highlighted the importance of companionship and kindness, especially during uncertain times. The speech, which concluded with a Christmas carol sung by a Ukrainian choir, comes as European leaders rally support for Ukraine. At home, British politics remain tense over immigration issues. Charles emphasized learning from the past, referencing World War II's lessons of courage and unity. The message was clear: peace and hope are always possible.

Many retirement developments serve as a tranquil refuge for older people who can no longer travel to faraway places or engage in bold adventures. But residents of hundreds of senior living communities can return to their days of wanderlust and thrill-seeking when staff members schedule a date for them to take turns donning virtual reality headsets. The headsets may transport them to Europe, immerse them in the ocean depths or send them soaring on hang-gliding expeditions while they sit by each other. Although VR can be isolating, a Massachusetts company has turned the technology into a catalyst for better cognition and social connections in 800 retirement communities in the United States and Canada.

Mikaela Shiffrin has plenty to celebrate this Christmas. The American skiing standout is off to a perfect start in slalom during the Olympic season with four wins in four World Cup races. And she’s regaining her form in other disciplines following the two biggest crashes of her career. Shiffrin says she's been able this season to "bring top level turns in those pressure moments.” This weekend Shiffrin returns to the Austrian resort of Semmering where she’s claimed seven of her record 105 World Cup victories. Shiffrin has claimed three victories in three days in Semmering on two occasions. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will be held February 6-22.

Asian shares are mixed in thin holiday trading, with most markets in the region and elsewhere closed for Christmas. Shares rose in Tokyo and Shanghai but fell in Bangkok and Jakarta. On Wednesday, U.S. stocks drifted to more records in a holiday-shortened trading session. The S&P 500 rose 0.3%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up 0.2%. The S&P 500 is up more than 17% this year, driven by optimism about artificial intelligence and deregulatory policies. Investors' focus is on the U.S. economy's direction and Federal Reserve interest rate policy. Unemployment claims fell last week, indicating a still-healthy labor market.

A bomb has exploded during prayers at a mosque in Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri, killing five people. Police describe it as a likely suicide attack. On Wednesday night, 35 people were injured in the explosion. Police say they found remnants of a suicide vest at the site. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Nigeria's troubled northern region. No group has claimed responsibility, but Boko Haram is often linked to such attacks. Analysts note the group's use of suicide bombers has decreased but remains a threat.

Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras’ presidential election, according to electoral authorities. This result continues Latin America's shift to the right, following Chile's recent election of a far-right leader. Asfura, of the conservative National Party, narrowly defeated Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party. The election faced delays and accusations of fraud, with Asfura's supporters celebrating his victory. Trump endorsed Asfura days before the vote, sparking controversy. The European Union and other leaders have congratulated Asfura. The election is seen as a setback for the current leftist leader, Xiomara Castro, and her party.