One person is dead and several others are injured in an explosion at a Russian shopping centre.  The explosion in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia happened before the retail hub was open for business and may have been caused by a gas canister. Reportedly, the person who died was a shopping centre worker. Investigators are working to determine the explosion's cause.

With Boxing Day sales about to kick off, Australians are being reminded to stay vigilant against scammers. Online shoppers are being warned about parcel delivery messages and fake websites imitating popular brands. The key to a scam-free festive season is double-checking URLs and avoiding clicking on suspicious links.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino has reasserted the country's sovereignty over the Panama Canal. US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to take control of the canal – describing it as 'a vital national asset'. Mr Trump slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through the canal and demanded control of the waterway be returned to Washington. President Mulino and three former Panamanian presidents reiterated the nation's independence is non-negotiable.

Worshippers gathered in the West Bank town of Bethlehem in the early hours of Christmas morning while the war in nearby Gaza continues. Festivities are cancelled in the historical birthplace of Jesus this year and only religious rituals are taking place. The streets were not decorated and the tree outside the Church of the Nativity was not lit up.

Sky News contributor Louise Roberts declared she is not “holding breath” for a rate cut. 2024 held no reprieve for mortgage holders as the Reserve Bank of Australia slashed prospects of a rate cut. However, the central bank is reportedly optimistic over signs of soft wages that could revive the chances of a rate cut in February. “I’m not holding my breath for a rate cut at all,” Ms Roberts told Sky News host Caroline Marcus.

Victorian Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan “thanks” emergency service workers who have given up their Christmases to battle fires across the state. “My thanks to all the emergency service workers and there are literally thousands of them at the moment right across Victoria,” Mr Heffernan told Sky News Australia. “Who have given up their Christmas with their family and friends. “I want to take this opportunity publicly to thank each and every one of them.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Tim Blair believes a rate cut is going to be “pushed back a little”. 2024 held no reprieve for mortgage holders as the Reserve Bank of Australia slashed prospects of a rate cut. However, the central bank is reportedly optimistic over signs of soft wages that could revive the chances of a rate cut in February. “I think it’s going to be pushed back a little,” Mr Blair told Sky News host Caroline Marcus. “I am no great economic predicting hero … there are so many variables flying around.”

Researchers at the University of New South Wales are working to combat the growing problem of urban overheating. The team has created a national index to measure heat vulnerability in Australia's towns and cities. 2023 marked the country's hottest year on record. UNSW Researcher Lan Ding says some groups are more vulnerable to heat than others.

Image Matrix Tech Editor Djuro Sen encourages post-Christmas shoppers to source a “really good” charger system for the holidays. Big retailers are preparing for returns and refunds of unwanted Christmas gifts, but some brands have introduced time limits for returning or exchanging an item. “The important thing is charges actually,” Mr Sen told Sky News Australia. “You have got to have a really good charger system with a battery that won’t overcharge it. “I think this saves a lot of time and landfill.”

A man's body has been found along the side of a road in regional Far North Queensland this morning. It is reported the man's body was discovered by an off-duty police officer at around 5:20 this morning. Queensland Police said the forensic crash unit in Innisfail has been informed of the incident and is investigating.

Sydney has enjoyed a warm and sunny Christmas Day with an expected change of conditions for the Sydney to Hobart blue water classic. Western Australia's numbers dropped by 20 degrees in 24 hours, returning to a much more comfortable temperature for the festivities. Sky News Weather Meteorologist Marina Neuman explained the heat pushing to the east of the country is courtesy of a wind shift.

There are four maxis in this year’s Sydney to race Hobart, but only three are out to claim line honours. The other, Maritimo 100, will give its crew a different experience of the blue water classic. Owner and skipper, Bill Barry-Cotter, gave Fox Sports News Reporter Luke Doherty a tour of the most luxurious entrant in this year’s fleet.

Menzies Research Centre’s Freya Leach has weighed in on the UK government’s new digital ID advertisement. It comes as the UK government plans to roll out a new law allowing shoppers as well as pub and bar-goers to use their phones to prove their age when buying alcohol. However, the UK government's new ad has received criticism as it appears to paint anyone who uses a physical ID as someone who's just clumsy and outdated. Ms Leach expressed her concerns about the ad, saying it left a "sour taste" in her mouth. "Depicting anyone who prefers the old school ID as somehow stupid or bumbling is just insulting," she said. "While she acknowledged that digital IDs can be convenient, she emphasised that it should not be mandated and that people should have the option to choose.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has joined hundreds of volunteers to help service the country’s biggest free Christmas Day lunch to vulnerable residents and families in need. Speaking at the food charity event organised by Rev. Bill Crews, the New South Wales Premier praised the foundation's efforts, saying, "This is a fantastic annual event, and it's hugely important.” “Whilst most people in New South Wales and Australia get to spend time with family and friends, there are many people out there who may be homeless, maybe without family, might be alone, might be isolated, and they know that there's a place where they can get a warm meal and a friendly smile and be part of a community."

Christians in Syria are protesting after a Christmas tree was set alight in the city of Hama. Footage shows people milling around the tree, pouring liquid onto it from a jerry can. The cause of the fire has yet to be formally identified. Hundreds of Christians rallied in Damascus on Christmas Eve to condemn the video. Church leaders in Syria are advising followers to scale back celebrations this year, despite assurances from rebel forces they are free to practice their religion.

As Vanuatu continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake, the local community is coming together to rebuild and recover. Vanuatu Tourism Office Chief Executive Adela Issachar Aru joined Sky News Australia to share the latest updates on the situation and to spread some festive cheer. "While it is not the best Christmas that we had hoped for, but definitely it's something that we're very hopeful. Vanuatu is full of love as we see our communities working together in rebuilding after the recent devastation of the earthquake," she said. "Just 48 hours after the earthquake, we've noted we were able to go out and recheck and undertake an assessment with all our tourism industry members. We've seen over 70% of the accommodation operators are now operational. They have access to water and light. They're looking forward for getting businesses back on again. "The communities themselves are helping each other clean up the yards, helping each other to rebuild. Thank you to the support that the international community has provided. We've seen so much support for shelter kits provided to communities who have had their homes damaged."

On hot days heat exhaustion can occur quickly, particularly for the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. If a person is unable to cool down at this point, they might feel nauseous and their heart might race. Urban overheating is a growing problem, a group of researchers have created an index to measure and then mitigate heat vulnerability in Australia's towns and cities.

A factory has exploded in northwest Turkey, killing more than 10 people and injuring seven others. The blast severely damaged a building in the village of Kavakli. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene, and an investigation has now commenced. Authorities say there’s no suspicion of foul play or sabotage.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is spending Christmas in Darwin, marking the 50th year anniversary of Cyclone Tracy. At least 66 people lost their lives and more than 70 percent of the city was razed by the cyclone in 1974. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the deadly disaster, Mr Albanese said many people are still feeling the effects of the cyclone today.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn has paid tribute to the victims and survivors of the devastating Cyclone Tracy during a ceremony in Darwin. At least 66 people lost their lives, and more than 70 per cent of the city was razed by the cyclone in 1974.