Allegiant to buy Sun Country in $1.5B deal reshaping budget travel

Low-cost airline Allegiant will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a $1.5 billion deal, including debt, with Sun Country shareholders receiving Allegiant stock and cash for each share, representing a nearly 20% premium. If approved, the combined airline will operate under the Allegiant brand with about 195 aircraft and serve roughly 175 cities on over 650 routes. The merger, headquartered in Las Vegas, is expected to … Continue reading Allegiant to buy Sun Country in $1.5B deal reshaping budget travel

Sen. Rand Paul warns bombing Iran ‘not the answer’ to protests against regime

Republican Sen. Rand Paul warned that bombing Iran, as President Trump threatened if the regime harms protesters, could backfire by rallying Iranians around their government. He argued that military strikes might not aid the freedom movement and emphasized that the U.S. shouldn’t intervene in every foreign protest. Paul also noted that the Constitution requires congressional approval before a president can order military action. He suggested … Continue reading Sen. Rand Paul warns bombing Iran ‘not the answer’ to protests against regime

Trump tells Cuba to ‘make a deal’ or face the consequences

Donald Trump warned Cuba to “make a deal” or face unspecified consequences, declaring that no more Venezuelan oil or money would flow to the island following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. The president claimed the raid killed many Cuban and Venezuelan security personnel, leaving Cuba vulnerable amid its economic crisis. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel vowed to defend the nation, calling it sovereign and ready … Continue reading Trump tells Cuba to ‘make a deal’ or face the consequences

Japan plans to dissolve parliament with possible snap election in February

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to dissolve the Lower House later this month, potentially holding a snap election in February. The move aims to capitalize on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s historic 75% approval rating to strengthen the ruling coalition. Preparations for the election are underway, with prefectural election boards instructed to get ready. The snap election would occur just four months into Takaichi’s term … Continue reading Japan plans to dissolve parliament with possible snap election in February

Denmark’s PM says Greenland showdown at ‘decisive moment’

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the situation over Greenland a “decisive moment” after President Trump renewed threats to seize the Arctic territory by force. She emphasized Denmark’s commitment to defending international law and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination, with Germany and Sweden backing Denmark against the U.S. claims. European leaders warned that a U.S. takeover would violate international law and could set a dangerous precedent, … Continue reading Denmark’s PM says Greenland showdown at ‘decisive moment’

Trump administration officials to meet with Danish officials about Greenland on Wednesday

Trump administration officials are scheduled to meet with Danish representatives on Wednesday to discuss Greenland, following the president’s repeated statements about acquiring the territory. Trump has suggested both a negotiated deal and the possibility of using military force, citing concerns that Russia or China might take the island. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have firmly rejected U.S. ownership, emphasizing Greenland’s status within the Kingdom of Denmark … Continue reading Trump administration officials to meet with Danish officials about Greenland on Wednesday

Deadly avalanche claims 2 snowmobilers in Washington state backcountry

Two men were killed last week when an avalanche struck four snowmobilers near Longs Pass in Washington’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The victims, 38-year-old Paul Markoff and 43-year-old Erik Henne, were partially buried in the snow and later recovered by K9 units and airlifted to the Kittitas County Coroner’s Office. Two survivors, Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, managed to send a distress call and were rescued, … Continue reading Deadly avalanche claims 2 snowmobilers in Washington state backcountry

Suspect arrested after a fire destroys synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi

A suspect has been arrested after a fire destroyed Beth Israel, the only synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, forcing the congregation to rebuild once again. The blaze, which started in the synagogue’s library, caused extensive damage to the library, offices, and sanctuary, and several Torah scrolls were destroyed. Investigators have not determined a motive, but the suspect is expected to face arson charges and will be … Continue reading Suspect arrested after a fire destroys synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi

U-Haul drives into crowd at Los Angeles anti-Iranian regime protest

A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd at an anti-Iranian regime rally in Los Angeles on Sunday, though two people evaluated at the scene declined treatment. The incident occurred in the Westwood neighborhood, prompting the closure of a 405 Freeway ramp, with the FBI working with LAPD to investigate the driver’s motive. The rally coincides with ongoing protests in Iran, where more than 500 people, … Continue reading U-Haul drives into crowd at Los Angeles anti-Iranian regime protest

Chicago man charged in killing of ex-wife, her husband in Ohio to appear in court

Chicago police are searching a Lincoln Park condo for evidence in a double murder case linked to Michael McKee, who is accused of killing his ex-wife Monique and her husband Spencer Tepe in Columbus, Ohio. The couple was found shot to death last month, with no signs of forced entry, after Spencer failed to show up for work. Ohio investigators traveled to Chicago to collect … Continue reading Chicago man charged in killing of ex-wife, her husband in Ohio to appear in court

Fed Chair Powell says he’s under criminal investigation

Federal prosecutors are investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over a $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed’s Washington, D.C., headquarters and his related congressional testimony. Powell said the probe reflects longstanding frustration from President Trump over the Fed’s refusal to cut interest rates as quickly as he demanded, warning it threatens the Fed’s independence. The investigation involves grand jury subpoenas and is being overseen by … Continue reading Fed Chair Powell says he’s under criminal investigation

Bride and groom among 8 killed in gas cylinder blast at wedding in Pakistan’s capital

A gas cylinder exploded early Sunday at a wedding reception in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing at least eight people, including the bride and groom, and injuring seven others. The blast caused part of the house to collapse and damaged nearby homes. Authorities are investigating the cause, while health officials are providing treatment to the injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and ordered a full investigation, … Continue reading Bride and groom among 8 killed in gas cylinder blast at wedding in Pakistan’s capital

Britain is in talks with NATO to counter Russia and China in the Arctic

Britain is in talks with NATO allies about strengthening security in the Arctic amid growing concerns over Russian and Chinese activity, a government minister said. Officials stressed the discussions are routine and not a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about potentially acquiring Greenland. Trump argued Greenland is strategically important to prevent influence from Russia or China, though Denmark and other allies have … Continue reading Britain is in talks with NATO to counter Russia and China in the Arctic

Hamas says it will dissolve its Gaza government when new Palestinian body takes over

Hamas said it will dissolve its governing authority in Gaza once a technocratic Palestinian committee takes control under a U.S.-brokered peace plan, though no timeline was given. The identities of the non-political technocrats have not been announced, and it is unclear whether Israel and the U.S. will approve them. An international “Board of Peace,” led by Trump, is meant to oversee Gaza’s governance, Hamas’s disarmament, … Continue reading Hamas says it will dissolve its Gaza government when new Palestinian body takes over

One person dead and 300 buildings destroyed in Australia bushfires

At least one person has died and around 300 properties have been destroyed as severe bushfires burn across south-east Australia. The worst impacts are in Victoria, where a state of emergency has been declared and more than 350,000 hectares have burned amid extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds. Thousands of firefighters and dozens of aircraft are battling about 30 active fires, many still threatening … Continue reading One person dead and 300 buildings destroyed in Australia bushfires

Human heads found hanging on a beach in southwestern Ecuador

Five severed human heads were found hanging from ropes on a beach in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, amid escalating drug-related violence, police said. Authorities linked the gruesome display to a conflict between criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and extortion of fishermen. The incident occurred in Manabi province, where rival gangs are fighting for control of trafficking routes tied to transnational cartels. Police have increased security … Continue reading Human heads found hanging on a beach in southwestern Ecuador

Federal judge blocks Trump from cutting funds to Democratic states over fraud concerns

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from cutting childcare subsidies in five states, including Minnesota, over alleged fraud. Judge Arun Subramanian allowed the funding to continue for at least two weeks while legal arguments proceed. The freeze targeted programs like the Child Care and Development Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Social Services Block Grant, which support low-income families. The states—California, Colorado, … Continue reading Federal judge blocks Trump from cutting funds to Democratic states over fraud concerns

Chinese, Russian and Iranian warships arrive for drills in South Africa

Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships have arrived off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, for a week-long joint naval exercise amid rising geopolitical tensions. The drills, held under the BRICS framework, aim to practice maritime safety, anti-piracy operations, and improve cooperation among participating navies. Their arrival coincides with heightened tensions following U.S. military action in Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan-linked oil tankers, which … Continue reading Chinese, Russian and Iranian warships arrive for drills in South Africa

Mound of garbage collapses at Philippine landfill, burying and trapping 38 people

An avalanche of garbage at a landfill in Binaliw, Cebu City, Philippines, buried workers in low-lying buildings, killing one person, injuring a dozen, and leaving 38 others missing. Rescuers recovered 13 survivors overnight, but search efforts continued for those still trapped under the debris. One rescued worker died en route to the hospital, while others sustained injuries, and some narrowly escaped by crawling through the … Continue reading Mound of garbage collapses at Philippine landfill, burying and trapping 38 people

North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across border

North Korea accused South Korea of flying drones into its airspace, claiming it downed two drones using electronic warfare and warning of consequences for what it called provocative acts. South Korea denied the allegations, saying it did not operate drones on the dates cited and ordered an investigation. The incident is expected to further strain relations and complicate South Korea’s liberal government’s efforts to revive … Continue reading North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across border

Separatist group in south Yemen announces dissolution after leader flees to UAE

Yemen’s main southern separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced it would dissolve its institutions following weeks of unrest and the flight of its leader to the United Arab Emirates. The group’s secretary-general cited internal disputes and regional pressure, though the decision was disputed by an STC spokesman, underscoring deep divisions within the movement. The turmoil followed STC military advances into oil-rich southern regions, … Continue reading Separatist group in south Yemen announces dissolution after leader flees to UAE

The US economy added just 50,000 jobs last month, but the unemployment rate fell

The U.S. economy added only 50,000 jobs in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate edged down slightly to 4.4% from a revised 4.5%. Overall, 2025 recorded the weakest annual job growth since 2003, with just 584,000 jobs added during the year. The slowdown prompted the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates three times in 2025 to support the labor market, … Continue reading The US economy added just 50,000 jobs last month, but the unemployment rate fell

Jeep and Chrysler kill plug-in hybrid models for 2026

Stellantis will stop making plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models for Jeep and Chrysler starting with the 2026 model year, shifting focus to mild hybrids and range-extended hybrid vehicles. The decision comes as PHEV sales fell, the vehicles faced recalls, and eased U.S. emissions standards reduced the need for plug-ins. Stellantis plans to introduce mild hybrids like the refreshed Jeep Cherokee and range-extended hybrids for the Grand … Continue reading Jeep and Chrysler kill plug-in hybrid models for 2026

Mortgage rates drop to lowest level in nearly 3 years

Mortgage rates fell sharply after President Donald Trump announced plans for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities, aiming to make homeownership more affordable. The 30-year mortgage rate dropped to 5.99%, matching its lowest level since February 2023. Analysts say the MBS purchases could reduce rates by 10–25 basis points, slightly lowering monthly payments for buyers and potentially boosting demand. … Continue reading Mortgage rates drop to lowest level in nearly 3 years

Trump calls for 1-year 10% cap on credit card interest rates

President Donald Trump announced a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%, blaming the Biden administration for allowing rates to reach 20–30%. He said the cap would take effect on January 20, 2026, marking one year since his return to the White House. Sen. Bernie Sanders had previously proposed a similar 10% cap lasting until 2031 and criticized Trump for not acting sooner, … Continue reading Trump calls for 1-year 10% cap on credit card interest rates