Customs agents seize 22,000 fake Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers shipped from Israel

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 20,000 counterfeit Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers shipped from Israel to Philadelphia. The stickers, discovered in two separate shipments on Nov. 26 and Dec. 9, were confirmed as fake by Pennsylvania authorities. While the agency did not disclose who sent or was to receive the stickers, they would have been worth $1.4 million if real, the Associated Press has … Continue reading Customs agents seize 22,000 fake Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers shipped from Israel

Sinkhole on New Jersey interstate was caused by collapse of abandoned mineshaft

A sinkhole on Interstate 80 eastbound in Wharton, northern New Jersey, caused by the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft, has been closed for over 24 hours. The New Jersey Department of Transportation reported that crews began stabilizing the area and excavation work on Thursday night. The closure will remain in effect until further notice, with no estimated reopening time due to weather conditions and the … Continue reading Sinkhole on New Jersey interstate was caused by collapse of abandoned mineshaft

U.S. homelessness jumps to another record high, amid affordable housing shortage

A federal report on homelessness by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals that over 770,000 people were living in shelters or outside in January, an 18% increase from the previous year and the highest since HUD began the survey in 2007. The rise is attributed to a shortage of affordable housing, higher living costs, and a surge in asylum seekers, with family … Continue reading U.S. homelessness jumps to another record high, amid affordable housing shortage

‘Shocking’ bodycam video released of New York officers fatally beating prisoner

New York’s attorney general released body camera footage showing the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks, 43, by correctional officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility. The officers punched and kicked Brooks while he was handcuffed to a bed, leading to his death on December 10. The incident, which has sparked outrage, is under investigation, with 14 workers suspended, including officers and a nurse. Governor Kathy … Continue reading ‘Shocking’ bodycam video released of New York officers fatally beating prisoner

Finland seizes Russia-linked tanker suspected of cutting vital undersea cables

Finland has seized an oil tanker, the Eagle S, suspected of cutting undersea power and internet cables between Finland and Estonia, with authorities believing the vessel may belong to Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade Western sanctions. The incident, which occurred amid heightened tensions from the war in Ukraine, has prompted NATO to bolster its military presence in the Baltic Sea. Finland and Estonia are … Continue reading Finland seizes Russia-linked tanker suspected of cutting vital undersea cables

Dozen skeletons found in hidden graves in Mexico near U.S. border

Mexican authorities discovered 12 bodies in 11 clandestine graves in Chihuahua state, near the U.S. border, during searches conducted from December 18 to 20. The remains were sent to forensic labs in Ciudad Juarez for identification and cause-of-death analysis. Such graves are commonly used by drug cartels and kidnapping gangs to dispose of victims. Chihuahua, plagued by organized crime violence, has recorded nearly 4,000 missing … Continue reading Dozen skeletons found in hidden graves in Mexico near U.S. border

51-year-old man missing after going overboard during Caribbean cruise

A 51-year-old man went overboard from a Norwegian cruise ship on Thursday while traveling from Jamaica to the Bahamas. Despite an extensive search led by the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center, he was not found, and the ship continued its journey. The circumstances of the fall remain unclear, and it’s uncertain if the search will resume, NBC News has reported. The man was traveling with relatives, … Continue reading 51-year-old man missing after going overboard during Caribbean cruise

Chinese man sentenced to death for killing 35 people after driving into a crowd

A Chinese court sentenced Fan Weiqiu to death for killing 35 people and injuring 43 by driving into a crowd at a sports center in Zhuhai. Fan, angered by his divorce settlement, pleaded guilty to endangering public safety. The court described his actions as cruel and causing severe social harm. The attack, part of a recent surge in mass killings, prompted Chinese leader Xi Jinping … Continue reading Chinese man sentenced to death for killing 35 people after driving into a crowd

Survivors of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash report hearing bangs, explosions during flight

An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of 67 passengers. Survivors reported hearing thuds and explosions from outside the aircraft before the crash. The plane, rerouted from Grozny due to heavy fog, showed signs of external damage, with bullet holes observed in the wreckage. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are investigating, with early indications suggesting possible Russian air defense involvement. U.S. officials noted … Continue reading Survivors of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash report hearing bangs, explosions during flight

Pregnant woman stabbed 14 times by pizza delivery driver over $2 tip

A pregnant woman in Kissimmee, Florida, was stabbed 14 times by a pizza delivery driver reportedly upset over receiving a $2 tip. Melinda Irizarry, the victim, was attacked in her motel room by 22-year-old Brianna Alvelo, who returned with an armed male accomplice after delivering the pizza. Irizarry suffered stab wounds to her chest, arms, legs, and abdomen but is now in stable condition following … Continue reading Pregnant woman stabbed 14 times by pizza delivery driver over $2 tip

Ohio corrections officer killed in Christmas Day prison attack

Veteran corrections officer Andrew Lansing was fatally assaulted by an inmate on Christmas Day at Ohio’s Ross Correctional Institution. The unidentified inmate has been transferred to a maximum-security prison, and the facility is now on lockdown as authorities investigate. Lansing, described as a respected and professional officer, was attacked under unclear circumstances and later died at a hospital. The prison, operating with staff shortages and … Continue reading Ohio corrections officer killed in Christmas Day prison attack

New York to fine fossil fuel companies $75 billion under new climate law

New York will fine fossil fuel companies $75 billion over 25 years under a new law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, aiming to shift climate recovery costs from taxpayers to oil, gas, and coal companies. Funds will be used to upgrade infrastructure and mitigate climate impacts. Companies responsible for over 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2018 will pay into a … Continue reading New York to fine fossil fuel companies $75 billion under new climate law

4 die on Christmas Day in New Hampshire home from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Four people were found dead in a Wakefield, New Hampshire home on Christmas Day, suspected to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Police discovered the bodies of two older and two younger adults during a welfare check after family members reported them missing from a holiday gathering. Authorities believe the deaths were accidental, linked to a gas heating system, and noted the home lacked carbon … Continue reading 4 die on Christmas Day in New Hampshire home from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Family dispute leaves 3 shot and 1 stabbed at Phoenix airport Christmas night

A family dispute at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Christmas night led to three people being shot and one stabbed near a Terminal 4 restaurant. Police found three gunshot victims and a stabbed man, all hospitalized, with one woman in critical condition. A juvenile female and a man with stab wounds were detained. Authorities recovered weapons, and no charges have been filed yet. Airport … Continue reading Family dispute leaves 3 shot and 1 stabbed at Phoenix airport Christmas night

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says 3,000 North Koreans killed or wounded in the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting for Russia in the Kursk region since Ukraine’s cross-border incursion began in August. Ukrainian special forces reported inflicting over 100 casualties on North Korean troops in recent days and claimed Russia is issuing fake identity documents to conceal their presence. U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials estimate up … Continue reading Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says 3,000 North Koreans killed or wounded in the war

At least 6,000 inmates escape Mozambique jail amid post-election riots

At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, on Christmas Day amid ongoing post-election riots. The rebellion, sparked by protests after the ruling Frelimo party’s election victory was confirmed, resulted in 33 prisoner deaths and 15 injuries during clashes with security forces. Inmates seized weapons, freed others—including 29 convicted terrorists—and breached a prison wall. Police Commander Bernardino Rafael urged fugitives to … Continue reading At least 6,000 inmates escape Mozambique jail amid post-election riots

Pope Francis opens sacred portal, ‘holy door’ at one of largest prisons in Italy

Pope Francis visited Italy’s Rebibbia prison, becoming the first pope to open a “holy door” in a jail as part of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee. Addressing inmates, he emphasized hope as an anchor and urged them not to lose faith in difficult times. The door, one of five for the “jubilee of hope,” symbolizes forgiveness and reintegration. The pope previously opened the first holy door at St. Peter’s … Continue reading Pope Francis opens sacred portal, ‘holy door’ at one of largest prisons in Italy

Two die in Sydney to Hobart yacht race

Two sailors died in separate incidents during Australia’s annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race after being struck by a boom. The fatalities occurred on the Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, with both crews attempting life-saving measures unsuccessfully. The race, which began Thursday, continues despite challenging weather causing several boats to withdraw. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences, calling the losses heartbreaking, the BBC has reported. The event, … Continue reading Two die in Sydney to Hobart yacht race

Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen while the WHO chief says he was meters away

Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including Sanaa’s airport and multiple ports, after Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel. The strikes damaged airport infrastructure near WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as he prepared to depart, injuring a UN crew member and killing at least three people. Tedros and his team are safe but unable to leave until repairs are made. Israel claimed the … Continue reading Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen while the WHO chief says he was meters away

Two arrested in Egypt after attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the bottom of the sea

Two men were arrested in Egypt for attempting to traffic 448 ancient artifacts recovered from the bottom of Abu Qir Bay in Alexandria. The items, which included coins, statues, axes, and other relics dating back to Greek and Roman times, were found by the men during a dive. The men confessed their plan to sell the artifacts, which feature bronze depictions of soldiers, toga-clad figures, … Continue reading Two arrested in Egypt after attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the bottom of the sea

Senate NASA bill focuses on commercial space stations, science mission overruns

The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2024, introduced in the Senate on December 18, aims to accelerate NASA’s work on commercial space stations and address cost overruns in science programs. The bill authorizes $25.478 billion for NASA in fiscal year 2025, slightly above previous proposals. It emphasizes a smooth transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial stations by the end of the decade, … Continue reading Senate NASA bill focuses on commercial space stations, science mission overruns

Scientists await signal from spacecraft after historic close encounter with the sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made history on Christmas Eve by coming within 3.8 million miles of the sun’s surface, the closest any spacecraft has ever gotten. The probe reached speeds of 430,000 mph, setting a new record for the fastest human-made object. Launched in 2018, Parker’s mission aims to uncover the sun’s mysteries, such as the cause of its hot outer atmosphere and the origins … Continue reading Scientists await signal from spacecraft after historic close encounter with the sun

World braces for unveiling of record 1000-foot ‘Megalodon’ rollercoaster

A new 1,000-foot tall roller coaster is set to break all speed and height records, surpassing the Kingda Ka in New Jersey. Expected to open in 2025, the coaster will be twice as tall as any existing ride, making it the world’s tallest. Developed using advanced technology and AI-assisted design, it will feature a unique braking system to manage its extreme speed. The coaster’s location … Continue reading World braces for unveiling of record 1000-foot ‘Megalodon’ rollercoaster

President of Barstool Sports Dave Portnoy commits $60,000 to keep Baltimore pizza shop open

Dave Portnoy, President of Barstool Sports, visited TinyBrickOven, a Baltimore pizza shop, and surprised the owner, Will Fagg, with a $60,000 gift to help keep the business open for another year. Fagg had planned to close the shop due to difficulties in obtaining a liquor license, which affected sales. After learning of the shop’s struggles, Portnoy promised the money and rated the pizza a 7.9. … Continue reading President of Barstool Sports Dave Portnoy commits $60,000 to keep Baltimore pizza shop open

Biggest banks sue the Federal Reserve over annual stress tests

A group of banks and business organizations, including the Bank Policy Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are suing the Federal Reserve over its annual bank stress tests. The plaintiffs argue that the process lacks transparency and violates federal law by not allowing public input. While they support stress testing, they claim the current process imposes inconsistent and unclear restrictions on bank capital. The … Continue reading Biggest banks sue the Federal Reserve over annual stress tests