Pop culture in 2025: A ring for Taylor, an ill-timed KissCam … and whatever ‘6-7’ means
From the inexplicable to the familiar, here’s our annual, highly selective journey down pop culture memory lane.
News
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says progress in US-led peace talks is ‘quite solid’
Initial drafts of U.S. proposals for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia meet many of Kyiv’s demands, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday, although he suggested that neither side in the almost four-year war is likely to get everything it wants in talks on reaching a settlement.
Hundreds mourn Brown University sophomore Ella Cook, killed in campus shooting
A Brown University sophomore who was killed in an attack at the Rhode Island university was remembered Monday as “smart, confident, curious, kind, principled, brave,” at a funeral in her home state of Alabama.
Amrit Palace to Open Second Location in Gainesville
Amrit Palace to open a second location in Gainesville, expanding the charm of the restaurant to a wider community.
Poet with Global Reach, Local Roots to Debut New Book in Ocala Dec. 23
Poet, author and “freedom worker” Dr. Jaiya John, PhD, has family in Ocala, and has chosen the location to debut his new book on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Market Brought Festive Flavors to Downtown Ocala
The Winter Wonderland Market turned the Ocala Downtown Market space into, well, a winter wonderland for weekend shoppers and foodies.
Marion County HCA Hospitals Support Interfaith Emergency Services
Employees of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital showed up for Interfaith Emergency Services this month for days of community service.
Ocala Resident Dies in Early Morning Vehicle Accident
An Ocala motorist died Dec. 22, 2025, as the result of a vehicle collision, that involved three pickup trucks.
352 WORKWEEK WEATHER DEC. 22-26: A Very Florida Christmas
The Marion County area weather forecast for the week calls for days in the 70s and nights in the 50s.
Oddities Market Returns to Ocala Before the Holidays
The oddities market hits the Ocala Downtown Market for a final time before the new year.