Party City to close its stores as company files for bankruptcy

Party City announced it will close nearly 700 stores and wind down operations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in two years. Despite eliminating nearly $1 billion in debt during its 2023 restructuring, the company couldn’t overcome inflation, rising costs, and increased competition from Walmart, Target, and seasonal pop-up stores like Spirit Halloween. Party City will retain over 95% of its … Continue reading Party City to close its stores as company files for bankruptcy

IRS Sending ‘Special’ Stimulus Checks to 1 Million Americans

The IRS will issue $2.4 billion in automatic payments to 1 million taxpayers who didn’t claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on their returns. These payments, up to $1,400 per person, are for individuals who missed out on stimulus checks issued between 2020 and 2021. Eligible taxpayers don’t need to take any action and will receive the payments via direct deposit or paper checks by … Continue reading IRS Sending ‘Special’ Stimulus Checks to 1 Million Americans

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, 68, was hospitalized after being thrown from a horse while riding with family on Sunday. He was initially taken to Columbus Community Hospital before being transferred to Omaha’s University of Nebraska Medical Center as a precaution. While his injuries weren’t detailed, he’s expected to remain hospitalized for several days, CBS News has reported. Pillen, elected governor in 2022, remains alert and … Continue reading Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse

Trump says Putin wants a meeting as soon as possible about the war with Ukraine

President-elect Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to meet with him soon to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at Turning Point’s America Fest, Trump reiterated his claim that he could end the conflict “in 24 hours” and criticized President Biden’s policy allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with U.S. weapons. Trump also hinted at reducing U.S. military aid to Ukraine … Continue reading Trump says Putin wants a meeting as soon as possible about the war with Ukraine

Russia’s Putin holds talks with Slovakian PM Fico

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare visit by an EU leader to the Kremlin since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Their talks focused on international issues and natural gas supplies, as Slovakia faces potential disruptions when the current transit deal through Ukraine expires this year. Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance, has ended Slovakia’s military aid to … Continue reading Russia’s Putin holds talks with Slovakian PM Fico

UK opens door to banning Musk political donations with new law

The UK government is considering reforms that could block Elon Musk from donating millions to Reform UK. Labour’s Lucy Powell suggested future electoral reforms might address political donations, though no immediate plans exist. Nigel Farage recently revealed Musk is considering a significant donation, speculated to be around $100 million (£78.8 million), The Telegraph has reported. While foreign donations are already banned, UK-based companies can legally … Continue reading UK opens door to banning Musk political donations with new law

‘Missing’ Republican Congresswoman Finally Found Living at Dementia Care Home

Republican Congresswoman Kay Granger, who had been absent from public life for six months, has been located in an assisted living facility specializing in memory care. Granger, who has represented Texas’s 12th Congressional District since 1997, disappeared from public view after her last vote in July. Investigative efforts by Dallas Express reporter Carlos Turcios revealed she had been residing at the facility after being found … Continue reading ‘Missing’ Republican Congresswoman Finally Found Living at Dementia Care Home

11 people, including Venezuelan gang members, facing potential charges in abduction, police say

Eleven people, including members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, are facing potential charges for the violent abduction and beating of a couple in a Denver suburb. Eight suspects are detained by federal authorities, while three remain at large. The incident stemmed from a video the wife filmed of a fight at the apartment complex, which was posted online. The armed suspects kidnapped the … Continue reading 11 people, including Venezuelan gang members, facing potential charges in abduction, police say

Police believe a Utah father killed his wife, 3 kids and wounded 17-year-old son

Five members of a Utah family were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in their West Valley City home on Tuesday. The victims include a father, mother, and three children, aged 11, 9, and 2. A 17-year-old survivor with a gunshot wound was discovered in the garage and hospitalized. Police were initially unable to make contact with anyone in the home after a family member … Continue reading Police believe a Utah father killed his wife, 3 kids and wounded 17-year-old son

Delphi murders: Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years for killing Indiana teens

Richard Allen, convicted of murdering two middle school girls in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017, was sentenced to 130 years in prison on Friday. Allen, 52, was found guilty of the deaths of Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14, whose bodies were discovered near a hiking trail. After a years-long investigation, Allen was arrested in October 2022. The girls’ deaths were linked to Allen through … Continue reading Delphi murders: Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years for killing Indiana teens

Native American tribe is closer to acquiring more land in Arizona after decades of delay

Federal and Arizona state officials have started fulfilling a nearly 30-year-old settlement agreement with the Hopi Tribe by transferring over 31 square miles of state land into trust for the tribe. This marks a historic moment for the Hopi, who will pay nearly $4 million for the land near Winslow. The transfer is part of efforts to consolidate land for the tribe’s ranching and agricultural … Continue reading Native American tribe is closer to acquiring more land in Arizona after decades of delay

Top-ranking NYPD officer abruptly resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

The highest-ranking uniformed officer in the New York Police Department, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, resigned following allegations of sexual harassment. Lt. Quathisha Epps accused Maddrey of coercing her into performing sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities. She also claimed retaliation after resisting his advances. Maddrey’s departure follows other allegations of misconduct, including unwanted advances toward a police captain. The NYPD is investigating the … Continue reading Top-ranking NYPD officer abruptly resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

Multiple people hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect shot, killed by police

A truck driver drove through the Killeen Mall in Texas on Saturday evening, injuring at least five people aged 6 to 75. The incident began with a police pursuit after a suspected drunk driver was reported. The suspect drove a black truck through the front glass doors of a JCPenney, striking multiple people. Law enforcement, including Texas DPS and local police, shot and killed the … Continue reading Multiple people hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect shot, killed by police

Germany may expand military to 230,000 troops in NATO push

Germany may increase its armed forces to 230,000 troops, surpassing the current target of 203,000, to meet NATO’s rising capability demands amid ongoing security concerns from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius noted that while the Bundeswehr currently has 180,000 personnel, recruitment challenges persist. NATO plans to set more demanding military targets by 2025, requiring Germany to contribute an additional 20,000–30,000 combat troops, … Continue reading Germany may expand military to 230,000 troops in NATO push

Malaysia plans to restart a private search for the missing Flight MH370

Malaysia plans to allow a renewed private search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared over a decade ago with 239 people on board. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Texas-based marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity will lead the search, focusing on a new 15,000-square-kilometer area in the southern Indian Ocean. Operating on a “no find, no fee” basis, the firm will receive $70 million … Continue reading Malaysia plans to restart a private search for the missing Flight MH370

Eight sentenced in France in connection with murder of teacher Samuel Paty

A French court has sentenced eight people to prison for their roles in the 2020 murder of teacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded after showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad during a class on free speech. Sentences ranged from one to 16 years, with two men receiving 16 years for aiding the attacker and a preacher sentenced to 15 years for leading an online hate … Continue reading Eight sentenced in France in connection with murder of teacher Samuel Paty

Swedish police board Chinese ship in probe over severed cables

Swedish police boarded the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 on Thursday, suspected of damaging two undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea in November. The ship, stationary for a month near Denmark, was investigated by Chinese authorities with Swedish officers observing. The breaches, suspected to be sabotage, occurred in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone and are under Swedish investigation. While Western intelligence believes the vessel caused the damage, … Continue reading Swedish police board Chinese ship in probe over severed cables

More than 700 killed in siege of Sudan’s el-Fasher, UN says

Over 700 people have been killed and more than 1,100 injured in el-Fasher, Sudan, since May amid intense fighting between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces, according to the UN. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk urged the RSF to end its siege of the city, warning that attacks on civilians could amount to war crimes. The conflict, ongoing for … Continue reading More than 700 killed in siege of Sudan’s el-Fasher, UN says

38 people die in a crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil

A bus and truck collision early Saturday in Minas Gerais, Brazil, left 38 dead and 13 injured near Teófilo Otoni. The bus, traveling from São Paulo with 45 passengers, reportedly lost control after a tire blowout or being struck by a granite block. A car also collided with the bus, but its three occupants survived. Authorities are investigating the cause, and both Governor Romeu Zema … Continue reading 38 people die in a crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil

Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident

Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected and survived after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg in a friendly fire incident over the Red Sea. One pilot sustained minor injuries. The event occurred during U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels amid ongoing attacks on shipping in the region. The Red Sea remains highly dangerous due to Houthi missile and drone assaults, … Continue reading Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident

Missile fired from Yemen explodes in south Tel Aviv

A Houthi missile fired from Yemen exploded in a public park in Jaffa, south Tel Aviv, after interception attempts failed, injuring 30 people, including a child. The missile triggered widespread sirens across central Israel early Saturday, sending millions to shelters. This followed a similar incident two days earlier, when a missile hit a school building in Ramat Gan. In response, Israel launched major airstrikes on … Continue reading Missile fired from Yemen explodes in south Tel Aviv

Guatemalan Authorities Raid Orthodox Jewish ‘Cult’; Take 160 Kids, Teens Into Custody

Guatemalan police raided the Lev Tahor cult near the Guatemala-El Salvador border, rescuing 160 children, 40 women, and uncovering evidence of severe abuse, including forced pregnancies, child mistreatment, and rape. Over 400 officials participated in the operation, prompted by testimonies from minors who escaped. Supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, authorities confiscated evidence but made no arrests. Bones of a child were discovered … Continue reading Guatemalan Authorities Raid Orthodox Jewish ‘Cult’; Take 160 Kids, Teens Into Custody

Bone box of Jesus’ brother discovered; ‘Most significant item from time of Christ’

A 2,000-year-old bone box, or ossuary, inscribed with the name “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus” has been displayed in the U.S. at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. The limestone box, discovered in Israel in 1976, is believed by many to have held the remains of James the Just, Jesus’ brother and the first leader of early Christianity in Jerusalem. Although its authenticity was questioned … Continue reading Bone box of Jesus’ brother discovered; ‘Most significant item from time of Christ’

USA kills ISIS leader in precision strike in Syria

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the elimination of ISIS leader Abu Yusif and another operative in a precision strike on Thursday. The strike occurred in an area previously controlled by the Assad regime and Russia. CENTCOM Commander Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the U.S. commitment to preventing ISIS from reconstituting or conducting external operations, targeting leaders and operatives aggressively. This operation follows the recent elimination … Continue reading USA kills ISIS leader in precision strike in Syria

Tesla recalling almost 700,000 vehicles due to tire pressure monitoring system issue

Tesla is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles, including certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y models, due to a tire pressure monitoring system warning light issue. The light may fail to stay illuminated, potentially increasing crash risks. Tesla will address the issue with a free software update, with owner notifications expected by February 15, 2025, the Associated Press has reported. This marks the … Continue reading Tesla recalling almost 700,000 vehicles due to tire pressure monitoring system issue