NEWS

Latest News Headlines for Tuesday January 2, 2024 – Israel’s military has initiated the relocation of thousands of troops from the Gaza Strip, emphasizing a continued commitment to a prolonged conflict against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The move follows a statement by Israel’s prime minister anticipating the conflict to extend well into the new year. Despite the troop withdrawal, military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari clarified on Monday that this marks the first significant drawdown since the conflict’s inception, triggered by Hamas’ unprecedented terror attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. In a significant development, Israel’s Supreme Court has invalidated a crucial aspect of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul. This landmark decision has the potential to reopen societal divisions in Israel that preceded the ongoing war against Hamas. The proposed judicial overhaul led to extensive protests, risking a constitutional crisis between the judicial and legislative branches and impacting the military’s unity. The divisions temporarily subsided after the cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, sparking a war that has persisted in Gaza for nearly three months. U.S. Navy helicopters engaged and sank three small boats carrying Houthi militants in the Red Sea. This response followed a distress call from a merchant vessel, as the small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou. Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and the USS Gravely intervened, issuing verbal warnings to the small boats. A tragic incident in upstate New York on New Year’s Day is under investigation as possible terrorism. A fiery crash outside an entertainment venue resulted in two fatalities and five injuries. A Ford Expedition struck a Mitsubishi Outlander near the Kodak Center in Rochester, raising concerns of intentional harm as concertgoers were leaving the venue. A missing Chinese foreign exchange student, Kai Zhuang, was found safe inside a tent on a Utah mountainside, concluding a dayslong search described as a “cyber kidnapping” case. Zhuang, reported missing by his high school, was allegedly abducted, with his parents receiving a photograph from the alleged kidnappers. Kenyan police have recovered the body of a man, strongly believed to have fallen victim to a lion attack while riding a motorcycle near a national reserve in the southern part of the country. Community members alerted the authorities after spotting an abandoned motorcycle along a road near the Marere forested area, close to the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Upon investigation, officers traced lion footprints from the motorcycle to a thicket, where they discovered the remains of the unidentified individual. The police report details the circumstances, indicating that the man’s tragic encounter with the lion occurred in proximity to the abandoned motorcycle. This incident highlights the inherent risks faced by individuals in areas where wildlife intersects with human activities. In the Sacramento area, a father and his son were arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 10-year-old boy. Responding to calls of a shooting at an apartment complex, deputies found the injured boy, who later died at the hospital. Witnesses directed deputies to the apartment where they observed the suspect entering. In his New Year’s address, Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed with conviction that China “will surely” be reunited with Taiwan, coinciding with the island nation’s upcoming presidential elections. According to an official translation provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi emphasized the imperative for all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to share a common sense of purpose and partake in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This resolute stance underscores China’s unwavering commitment to eventual reunification with Taiwan.

Latest News Headlines for Monday January 1, 2024 – The spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, has stated that the conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group is expected to last throughout 2024. According to Hagari, the Israeli military is making adjustments to its deployment of troops in the Gaza Strip as it anticipates the war lasting for the entirety of 2024. He added that as 2024 begins, “The goal of the war requires lengthy fighting, and we are prepared accordingly.” — U.S. immigration officials along the southern border processed more than 300,000 migrants in December, an all-time monthly high that will likely include record numbers of families traveling with children, according to internal government data. The extraordinary number of migrant arrivals this month is the most dire juncture yet of a three-year-long crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border that has strained resources in small and large U.S. communities, left countless migrants in limbo. — A U.S. destroyer patrolling in the Red Sea Saturday shot down two ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen while it was responding to a report that a commercial vessel was itself struck by a missile, U.S. authorities said. Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same U.S. container vessel. U.S. forces opened fire, sinking three of the four boats and killing the crews, U.S. Central Command said. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment. — Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II announced during a New Year’s Eve address that she plans to abdicate the throne, allowing for her son, Crown Prince Frederik, to take charge. The queen said she would step down on Jan. 14, which is the 52nd anniversary of her own accession to the throne on Jan. 14, 1972. Margrethe ascended the throne following the death of her own father, King Frederik IX. In February, the queen underwent a successful back surgery. — Two Democratic mayors said there’s a lack of coordination over the transportation of migrants to their cities and others by the Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which has led to disorder in managing the arrivals. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in an interview with “Face the Nation” on Sunday that Abbott, a Republican, is “determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos” by sending busloads of migrants to the city “without any coordination.” — A Colorado mother suspected of killing two of her children has been found and arrested abroad, authorities confirmed. Kimberlee Singler, 35, was taken into custody in the United Kingdom on December 30, Colorado Springs Police said Sunday evening. Singler has been accused of lying about a burglary at her home earlier this month in which two of her three children were found dead, Colorado Springs police previously said. Singler is suspected of killing two of her children and injuring a third. — The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 10-year-old on a murder charge for allegedly shooting another 10-year-old who died on Saturday. Sheriff’s deputies performed CPR until the Sacramento Metro Fire Department arrived and the juvenile, who was later determined to be 10 years old, was taken to an area hospital. The child — a male — was later pronounced deceased, the sheriff’s office said. He was allegedly shot by another 10-year-old who had gone out to his father’s vehicle to retrieve cigarettes, authorities said. — Cale Yarborough, considered one of NASCAR’s all-time greatest drivers and the first to win three consecutive Cup titles, died Sunday. He was 84. “Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen. His combination of talent, grit and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book,” said Jim France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR. “He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike.”

Latest news headlines for Thursday December 28, 2023 – Some New Year’s Eve celebrants argue that the experience of witnessing the live Times Square ball drop on December 31 is priceless. Exclusive New Year’s Eve party packages are being offered by hotels and restaurants near One Times Square, the iconic site of the New Year’s Eve ball drop. Ticket prices range from $450 to $12,500, typically covering access to food, beverages, live entertainment, and, in some cases, providing views of the Big Ball. — The U.S. declared what officials deem the potentially final package of military aid to Ukraine, contingent on Congress approving stalled supplemental funding legislation. Valued at up to $250 million, the weapons include a variety of air munitions, missiles, artillery, anti-armor systems, ammunition, demolition and medical equipment, and parts. This aid, facilitated through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, will be sourced from Pentagon stockpiles. — President Biden dispatched key officials to Mexico City this week amidst record numbers of migrants crossing the U.S. border and a lack of consensus in Congress on funding for border security. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Biden’s homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall traveled to Mexico on Wednesday. The visit aimed to address the surge in unauthorized border crossings that has strained federal and local resources across the U.S. — On Wednesday, the Colorado Republican Party appealed the state Supreme Court’s decision, which found former President Donald Trump ineligible for the presidency. This move marks a potential initial step toward a confrontation at the nation’s highest court over the interpretation of a 155-year-old constitutional provision barring those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office. The appeal extends the stay of the 4-3 ruling from Colorado’s highest court until Jan. 4 or until the completion of an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. — Two Florida brothers are facing charges after a Christmas Eve altercation ended tragically with the shooting death of their sister. In the midst of an argument over presents, a 14-year-old brother allegedly fatally shot their 23-year-old sister, Abrielle Baldwin, in the chest, as revealed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. In response, the 15-year-old sibling then reportedly shot the 14-year-old. The 14-year-old is now charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm. — Former “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson has been incarcerated in state prison following his conviction for raping two women. The 47-year-old actor was admitted to North Kern State Prison in Delano, where he is undergoing the classification and reception process, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. — Herb Kohl, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Wisconsin and ex-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, passed away at the age of 88. His death was announced by Herb Kohl Philanthropies, which did not disclose the cause but mentioned it followed a brief illness. The foundation emphasized Kohl’s love for Milwaukee and Wisconsin, where he chose to spend his final days. — Gas prices are projected to decrease in 2024 for the second consecutive year, according to exclusive GasBuddy projections shared with CNN. GasBuddy, known for its accurate forecasts, anticipates that U.S. gas prices will average $3.38 a gallon in the pivotal election year of 2024. This marks a notable improvement from the 2023 average of $3.51 a gallon and a significant drop from the 2022 average of $3.95.

Latest News Headlines for Wednesday December 27, 2023 – Israel escalated its offensive against Hamas, launching heavy strikes across central and southern Gaza overnight and into Wednesday. This included areas where Palestinians had been instructed to seek shelter earlier in the conflict. Residents reported substantial bombing in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza and the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, where tens of thousands sought refuge amid the destruction of northern Gaza. Rami Abu Mosab described it as a night of unprecedented bombing since the conflict’s onset. — Ukrainian officials reported that Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine, shelling a train station in Kherson where around 140 civilians were gathered. This attack resulted in at least five deaths and extensive power outages in the southern city. The bombardment struck residential areas, a mall, and the power grid, leaving approximately 70% of households in Kherson without electricity during the winter. The timing and restoration of power remain uncertain. — The United Nations appointed the outgoing deputy prime minister of the Netherlands, Sigrid Kaag, to oversee the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This appointment follows a UN Security Council resolution addressing the crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Kaag, named senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, will facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza. She will also establish a UN mechanism to expedite aid delivery through states not party to the conflict. — In contrast to the dismal performance last year, the stock market surged to record highs in 2023. The S&P 500, tracking most people’s 401(k)’s, rose nearly 25%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 13%, and the Nasdaq, dominated by tech stocks, soared an impressive 44%. The central question facing Wall Street is whether the positive momentum will continue. The remarkable performance is largely attributed to optimism about the prospects for a “soft landing.” — Missing Texas teen Savanah Nicole Soto, who was due to give birth any day, and her boyfriend have been found dead following a multi-day search, a family member confirmed Tuesday. Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, who was also reported missing, were found dead inside a vehicle, a family member told CBS San Antonio affiliate KENS 5. The Leon Valley Police Department earlier told CBS News that Soto, 18, was reported missing by her family and was last seen on Friday, Dec. 22, a day before she was scheduled to be induced. — A fire at the Tides at Meadowbrook Apartment complex in East Fort Worth on Christmas Eve resulted in one fatality and over two dozen people becoming homeless. The building’s neighbor, Kyron Kelly, described the shock upon hearing sirens while celebrating Christmas with his family. — Two Indiana fishermen happened upon a crashed motorist who survived almost a week by drinking rainwater while trapped in his mangled truck after it overturned into a creek, police said. “Quite frankly, it’s a miracle that he’s alive,” Indiana State Police spokesperson sergeant Glen Fifield said during a press briefing Tuesday, after the 27-year-old driver was freed from the truck with severe, potentially life-threatening injuries. — Tom Smothers, who was half of the Smothers Brothers comedy team, died Tuesday at the age of 86 following a battle with cancer, the National Comedy Center announced Wednesday. “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” his brother and comedy partner, Dick Smothers, said in a statement. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years.”

Latest News Headlines for Thursday Dec 21, 2023 – Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed directly to President Joe Biden at their recent summit that China plans to reunify with Taiwan. While the approach remains unclear, Xi suggested an initial preference for peaceful efforts. This statement, made bluntly during a summit aimed at improving relations, underscores the significance of China’s stance on Taiwan reunification. — After thwarting Ukraine’s summer counteroffensive, Russia is amassing resources for a winter stage of the war. This could involve extending gains in the east and dealing significant blows to Ukraine’s vital infrastructure. President Vladimir Putin seems to rely on military pressure, changing Western political dynamics, and global attention on the Israeli-Hamas conflict to weaken support for Ukraine. — As Israeli forces targeted over 300 Gaza Strip locations, the head of IDF’s Southern Command declared the military at “another significant phase of the offensive in new areas.” Israel Defense Forces hit more than 300 infrastructure targets, including a raid on a Hamas headquarters in Khan Yunis by the 55th Brigade paratroopers. — Former President Donald Trump urged the Supreme Court to deny a request from special counsel Jack Smith and decline to consider Trump’s claims of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution before an appeals court can examine the matter. Trump’s attorneys argue that regular review procedures will let the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit address the appeal first. — A federal judge granted former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss’ request to expedite their $148 million judgment against Rudy Giuliani. The judge noted that Freeman and Moss have “good cause” to fear Giuliani may attempt to avoid paying them. Giuliani was ordered to pay nearly $150 million for defaming the women with false accusations related to the 2020 election. — Hackers exploited a vulnerability in a third-party vendor servicing Xfinity, leading to the theft of some customer information, according to a state attorney general’s report. Approximately 36 million people could be affected, and the hack originated from a vulnerability in Citrix software, initially patched by Xfinity but requiring additional measures. — Southern border towns in the U.S. are experiencing a familiar scene: thousands of migrants overwhelming Border Patrol agents. Last week, nearly 7,900 migrants were apprehended daily across the southern border, up from an average of 6,000 per day in October. On a specific Wednesday, more than 10,500 migrants crossed into the U.S., with over 4,000 in Texas’ Del Rio sector alone. — Toyota is recalling approximately 1 million cars in the U.S. due to a potential defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat. This defect could cause a short circuit, leading to improper detection of the passenger’s presence and weight, risking failure of the front passenger airbags to deploy properly in a crash.

News headlines for Wednesday Dec 20th: The U.S. is responding to the escalating crisis in the Red Sea by announcing the launch of an international task force for maritime security. However, only nine other politically similar nations have confirmed joining so far. Doubts arise about the coalition’s ability to end militia attacks on vessels in the region and calm anxious shipping companies. State Department officials stated that the Biden administration’s initial goal was to bring together a broad array of international powers to rein in the Houthis, an armed group backed by Iran controlling a significant amount of territory in Yemen. The Israeli army has raided and detained staff at two of the last functioning hospitals in Gaza’s north, where the defense minister said troops were working to completely clear out Hamas militants. Israel bombarded towns across southern Gaza with airstrikes, killing at least 45 Palestinians and pressing ahead with its offensive with renewed backing from the United States, despite rising international alarm. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant warned that the campaign in Gaza’s south will persist for months. A volcano that began erupting on Monday in Iceland continued to spew lava and was accompanied by hundreds of earthquakes across the magma flow on the country’s southwestern coast. The volcanic activity in Sundhnúksgígar on the Reykjanes peninsula appeared to be diminishing, according to Iceland’s Meteorological Office. New aerial images analyzed showed that there are now three vents belching lava southeast of Stóra-Skógfell, down from five at the start of the eruption in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. A federal judge in New York has ordered a vast unsealing of court documents in early 2024 that will make public the names of scores of Jeffrey Epstein’s associates. The documents are part of a settled civil lawsuit alleging Epstein’s one-time paramour Ghislaine Maxwell facilitated the sexual abuse of Virginia Giuffre. Terms of the 2017 settlement were not disclosed. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after she was convicted of sex trafficking and procuring girls for Epstein. The IRS is waiving penalty fees for people who failed to pay back taxes totaling less than $100,000 per year for tax years 2020 and 2021. The relief measure will waive $1 billion in fees for tax returns filed for those years, the IRS said. The tax agency is nixing the fees due to the disruption caused by the pandemic, which threw the IRS into operational turmoil and led to a massive backlog in unprocessed tax returns. The relief is aimed at resolving a quandary caused by the tax agency’s decision to suspend notices that taxpayers owed money. About 60 protesters were arrested Tuesday inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda, as they called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, according to Capitol Police, who said the group entered the building as a tour group. “Not another nickel! Not another dime! No more money for Israel’s crimes!” the group of approximately 60 protesters chanted as they unfurled a “Stop Funding Violence” sign. A former leader of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group was sentenced to more than three years behind bars for joining a plot to attack the U.S. Capitol nearly three years ago. Charles Donohoe was the second Proud Boy to plead guilty to conspiring with other group members to obstruct the Jan. 6, 2021, joint session of Congress for certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. His sentence could be a bellwether for other Proud Boys conspirators who agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. Google will pay millions of U.S. consumers a combined $700 million as part of a settlement with state attorneys general over fees the tech giant charges for use of its app store. The company will shell out $630 million to a fund that will go directly to more than 100 million consumers nationwide, according to details of a settlement made public late Monday. An additional $70 million will be paid into a fund for states to disburse to consumers for similar claims. The settlement resolves a 2021 lawsuit brought against Google over the alleged abuse of its market dominance by charging exorbitant fees for app creators.