Investigators are working to figure out why a plane crashed in Kazakhstan, leaving more than two dozen people dead. And what police say might have caused a taxicab to jump the curb and plow into pedestrians in New York City. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024.

Questions surround plane crash in Kazakhstan, 38 killed

The cause of a plane crash in Kazakhstan that killed at least 38 people is still under investigation, though several different theories are being discussed and circulating. One centers on a possible connection to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

The Azerbaijan Airlines flight originated Wednesday morning, Dec. 25, from the capital city of Baku and was en route to Grozny in Russia when the plane, an Embraer 190 aircraft, attempted to make an emergency landing approximately two miles from Akta in western Kazakhstan. That’s when it did what appeared to be a figure-eight in the air then slammed into the ground, killing at least 38 people on board while 29 others survived.

According to Russia’s civil aviation authority, a bird strike led to the attempted emergency landing. Reuters reported that Russian news agencies said the flight had been re-routed due to fog in Grozny. 

During a press conference, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said it was too soon to give a reason behind the crash. He also said the weather had forced the plane to change from its planned course. 

The plane crash-landed in a field and burst into flames before making it to the destination. 

On Wednesday evening, a Wall Street Journal story cited an aviation security firm’s take on the incident. It said Osprey Flight Solutions assessed footage of the crash, plane damage and recent military developments in the area between Russia and Ukraine. The U.K.-based firm said the flight was “likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system.”  

Just hours before the crash, Russia’s defense ministry downed 59 Ukrainian drones in the region. 

Matt Borie, Osprey’s chief intelligence officer, said, “Video of the wreckage and the circumstances around the airspace security environment in southwest Russia indicates the possibility the aircraft was hit by some form of anti-aircraft fire.” 

Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian national security official, gave a similar viewpoint on X, saying the plane “was shot down by a Russian air-defense system,” citing visible damage to the plane. Kovalenko said Russia should have closed the airspace over Grozny. 

Though Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his condolences to the victims, Russian officials have not yet responded to these remarks and theories. 

Reports said the cockpit recorder has been recovered as Azerbaijani and Kazakh authorities launch their investigation. There were 62 passengers and 5 crew members on the flight, including 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian nationals, six Kazakhs and three Kyrgyzstan nationals, according to Kazakh officials.

Zelenskyy says Russia launched ‘inhumane’ attack on power grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces launched an “inhumane” Christmas Day attack on Ukraine’s power grid. He said more than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than 100 drones targeted the energy infrastructure in Ukraine. 

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted more than 50 missiles and most of the drones, but some facilities were still hit, causing power outages in various regions of Ukraine. The Russian attack on the power grid left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without heat in very cold temperatures.

Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date.

Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane? Over 70 missiles,… pic.twitter.com/GMD8rTomoX

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 25, 2024

Ukrainian forces said they launched an airstrike against a Russian command post in Lgov, part of the Ukrainian-occupied areas in the Kursk region. The acting Russian governor of Kursk said at least four people died and five more were hurt in the attack. 

Russian forces also said they shot down a Ukrainian drone in the north Ossetia region. Debris from that air battle caused an explosion and a fire at a shopping center, leaving one person dead.

Body discovered in wheel well of United Airlines flight at Hawaii airport

Investigators are continuing to search for answers after a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane on Christmas Eve after a flight from Chicago to Maui. 

A United Airlines spokesperson said, “the wheel well is only accessible from outside the aircraft.” The airline is working with law enforcement to figure out how the person was able to get in. 

According to flight tracking website FlightAware, the plane had previously flown from São Paulo, Brazil on a direct flight to Chicago. The plane then had about a four-and-a-half-hour layover before the flight to Maui, which takes a little over nine hours on average. 

So far, there is no identity on the person who died.

3 hospitalized after taxi hits 6 pedestrians in New York City

In New York City, paramedics rushed three people to the hospital after a taxicab struck six pedestrians, including a 9-year-old boy, on Christmas Day. Police said the cab veered onto the sidewalk on 6th Street near Herald Square in midtown Manhattan just after 4 p.m. ET. 

They said the taxi driver might have suffered a medical episode, but that’s still under investigation. No charges or citations have been filed, as of yet.

Mega Millions jackpot soars to $1.15 billion after no Christmas Eve winner

If you were hoping for the $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot for Christmas, you did not get your Christmas wish. There were no jackpot-winning tickets in the Christmas Eve drawing on Tuesday, Dec. 24, which means the jackpot has now gone up to $1.15 billion. 

Four people won $3 million apiece for matching five numbers. 

The next drawing will be Friday night, Dec. 27.

Beyoncé performs during NFL’s Netflix debut

The Baltimore Ravens crushed the Houston Texans 31-2 in the second game of the NFL’s Christmas double-header Wednesday. However, according to social media and online reviews, the big winner of the day was Beyoncé. 

The 32-time Grammy-award winner performed during halftime of the game, which was part of the NFL’s debut on Netflix. Dubbed the “Beyoncé Bowl” by the streaming service, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer was joined on the field by entertainers Post Malone and Shaboozey, as well as her daughter Blue Ivey. 

This marked the first time Beyoncé sang songs off her country album “Cowboy Carter” in front of a live audience. The album has garnered 11 Grammy nominations. 

Just to be clear, this was the halftime show of the Christmas Day game, not the Super Bowl. That one will be performed by Kendrick Lamar.

Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, who at one point was President-elect Trump’s pick for attorney general, is reacting to the House Ethics Committee’s report. And former President Bill Clinton remains hospitalized after developing a fever. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024.

Gaetz responds after House Ethics Committee releases report

The House Ethics Committee released its report on its investigation into former Congressman Matt Gaetz on Monday, Dec. 23. Now, the controversial former lawmaker has responded to the committee’s findings.

The investigation found “substantial evidence” President-elect Donald Trump’s first pick for attorney general broke state and federal laws while in office, including statutory rape of a 17-year-old girl.

Gaetz resigned from Congress in November after Trump elected him to lead the Department of Justice. He withdrew his name for consideration once stories about his alleged misconduct were revealed. The allegations caused him to lose support with Republican senators needed for confirmation.

Investigators with the House Ethics Committee conducted numerous interviews, reviewed thousands of documents and submitted dozens of subpoenas.

The committee typically doesn’t release its findings but a vote from the majority of the members said the report should be made public.

The House Ethics Committee said Gaetz attempted to derail its three-year investigation by refusing to be interviewed and failing to provide exonerating evidence.

Gaetz denies all allegations, calling them nothing more than “smears” from his political enemies.

He posted on X that he was “fully exonerated” by the DOJ following a federal investigation into sex trafficking claims in 2021. He said his actions were embarrassing but not criminal and he leads a different life now.

“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court,” Gaetz wrote.

“My 30’s were an era of working very hard – and playing hard too. It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life.”

The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes.

I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.

Then, the very “witnesses” DOJ deemed not-credible were…

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 18, 2024

Gaetz is suing the committee in federal court for releasing the report after he resigned from Congress. His lawyers argue the report will lead to irreversible damage to his reputation.

Gaetz has never been charged with a crime related to the report or any other allegations.

Straight Arrow News’ Political Correspondent Ray Bogan has a full report on the committee’s findings here.

Clinton remains hospitalized in D.C., recovering from fever

Former President Bill Clinton remains hospitalized in Washington, D.C. as he recovers from a fever. According to Angel Ureña, his deputy chief of staff, Clinton was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Monday afternoon for testing and observation. 

The 42nd president is said to be in good spirits. Ureña told CNN Clinton hopes to be home for Christmas. 

A New York Post source suspected that the hospital trip came after the former president suffered from dehydration.

Bill Clinton is 78 years old. He has faced a number of health scares in the past, including being hospitalized in California in 2021 for a urinary tract infection. He also underwent two heart procedures at New York-Presbyterian Hospital — in 2004 and 2010.

California pier partially collapses, sending 3 into the Pacific Ocean

Rescuers pulled two people to safety and another person made it out on their own, after the Santa Cruz Pier in California partially collapsed Monday under a major storm surge. 

About 150 feet of the pier had already been closed to the public because of damage from previous storms. That’s the portion that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. It included a restroom building and construction equipment used for repairing the wharf. 

Authorities said one of those who fell into the water was a manager on the construction project and the other two were contractors. 

Investigators immediately evacuated the wharf. It will remain closed indefinitely. 

The National Weather Service said the dangerous storm that led to the collapse will continue to impact beaches along the Pacific coast throughout Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate charges in deadly ‘Rust’ shooting

Prosecutors in New Mexico have dropped their appeal to reinstate criminal charges against actor Alec Baldwin in connection with the deadly shooting on the set of the movie “Rust.” A judge previously dismissed the case against Baldwin in July after the defense accused prosecutors of withholding evidence.

Baldwin had been facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin was holding a prop gun that had been loaded with a live round when it discharged on the set near Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

Baldwin has maintained he never pulled the trigger on the gun and did not know it was loaded with a live round. Prosecutors withdrew the appeal after the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office said it “did not intend to exhaustively pursue the appeal on behalf of the prosecution.”

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupting again

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is erupting again. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory said the eruption, which started about 2:30 a.m. Monday local time, is confined to a remote, closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. 

Experts said the biggest concern right now is the threat of volcanic smog, or “vog,” which could reach homes downwind. 

Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Where are you likely to see a ‘white Christmas’ this year?

Those dreaming of a white Christmas are more likely to see one this year than last, which saw the least snow coverage on Christmas morning since record-keeping began in 2003. According to The Weather Channel, higher elevations of the West and areas near the Canadian border have the best chance of snow this year. 

Meteorologists said there’s a good chance of a white Christmas from North Dakota and northern Minnesota into the Upper peninsula of Michigan and parts of northern New England, as well sections of the Northeast — mainly west of I-95 — and in the upper-Mississippi Valley. 

So, what exactly is a white Christmas? It’s defined as one inch of snow accumulation on the ground on the morning of Dec. 25.

President Biden commutes the sentences of most federal death row inmates. Calling it a “common sense revolution,” President-elect Donald Trump delivers a rally-style speech about the transition and policy, less than a month from taking office. And two big-name auto companies officially announce plans to join forces. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.

Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates

President Joe Biden granted clemency to almost all the inmates on federal death row Monday morning, Dec. 23. Now, the sentences of 37 of the 40 people facing death will be commuted to life without parole.

“I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level,” Biden said in a statement. “In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.”

The three men not granted clemency are: Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015; Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history; and  Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombers.

In 2021, the Justice Department imposed a moratorium on executions so it could review policies and procedures. No federal inmate has been executed during the Biden administration, though this year the DOJ said it would seek the death penalty for a white gunman who killed 10 Black people during a racially motivated shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York in 2022.

BREAKING: Biden commutes the sentences of 37 out of 40 inmates on federal death row pic.twitter.com/dLr9HkThcz

— BNO News (@BNONews) December 23, 2024

Biden’s move of presidential commutation, which is irreversible, comes just weeks before President-elect Trump takes office. Trump has said he would resume executions and may attempt to expand the crimes that qualify for capital punishment.

President-elect Donald Trump previews his ‘common sense revolution’

A government shutdown was averted over the weekend, thanks to the passing of a stopgap spending bill. Now, attention turns to the incoming administration. 

In just a few weeks, Donald Trump will become the 47th President of the United States. On Sunday, Dec. 22, he took to the podium to touch on several topics as he nears inauguration day. 

“That’s what I call it: a ‘common sense revolution’ that’s coming soon to America, to a theater near you, right?” he said. “But it’s coming to you through your President Donald J. Trump. The people have given us their trust and in return, we’re going to give them the best Day 1, the biggest first week, and the most extraordinary first 100 days of any president in American history.” 

Trump spoke for over an hour to a crowd at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. It was his first rally-type speech since winning the election last month. 

In his address, Trump repeated his plans to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China to target illegal immigration and drugs entering the U.S. He also mentioned his administration will create an ad campaign to warn Americans of the dangers of drugs like fentanyl. 

Regarding Russia and Ukraine, Trump described the war as “horrible” and called for its end, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to meet with him “as soon as possible.” 

Trump also brought up the Panama Canal, claiming the country of Panama is charging excessive fees to for the U.S. Navy and American businesses to use the passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. If the fees don’t change, Trump threatened for America to take back control of the canal. The U.S. owned the canal until it was handed over to Panama in 1999. 

The president of Panama reacted to Trump’s comments, saying on social media, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and the surrounding area belongs to Panama, and will continue to.” 

Trump responded to that with a post saying, “We’ll see about that.” 

Also in his speech, the president-elect addressed the criticism he is facing concerning the influence of his ally Telsa owner and CEO Elon Musk. Some Democrats have mockingly labeled him “President Musk.” Trump called those allegations just another hoax. 

“No, he’s not taking the presidency,” Trump said. “I like having smart people. They’re on a new kick – ‘Russia, Russia, Russia,’ ‘Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine,’ all the different hoaxes and the new one is ‘President Trump has ceded the presidency to Elon Musk.’ No, that’s not happening but Elon’s done an amazing job. Isn’t it nice to have smart people that we can rely on?” 

Trump joked that Musk, who will head the new Department of Government Efficiency, couldn’t become president even if he wanted to because the tech billionaire wasn’t even born in this country; Musk was born in South Africa.

German authorities search for motive in deadly Christmas market attack

Investigators in Germany are working to figure out why a man drove a rented SUV into a Christmas market Friday, Dec. 20, killing five people and injuring more than 200 others. 

The suspect has been identified as 50-year-old psychiatrist Talib Al Abdulmohsen, a Saudi Arabian citizen who moved to Germany nearly 20 years ago. 

The head of Germany’s Federal Criminal Office said authorities had been aware of Abdulmohsen and received a warning about him from Saudi Arabia in November 2023. However, he said the tip was “so unspecific,” German authorities did not see it as a real threat. Officials said Abdulmohsen did not fit their profile of an Islamic extremist, so they had not categorized him as a potential threat. 

German authorities said they’re examining the suspect’s “dissatisfaction” with Germany’s treatment of refugees, but more time is needed to establish a motive. Abdulmohsen is being held in detention while the investigation continues.

Man in custody after setting woman on fire on NYC subway, killing her

Police in New York City said a man is in custody after he set a woman’s clothes on fire with a lighter on a subway train, killing her. The New York Post has reported the suspect is a 33-year-old Guatemalan migrant, who crossed into the United States through Arizona in 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU4HW_t5VDo

Police said surveillance footage shows the man walk up to the woman without saying a word Sunday morning, Dec. 22, on the F train in New York and set her on fire. He then sat down on a station bench to watch as the police responded. 

Police said they initially believed the woman was sleeping when the attack happened but now say while she was motionless when it happened, it’s unclear if she was asleep. They have not released the identity of the victim.

Honda, Nissan begin talks to merge by August 2026

There’s developing news this morning from the auto industry. Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have agreed to begin talks of a merger, which would create the world’s third-largest automaker in terms of sales. At a press conference Monday, Dec. 23, the two companies, along with smaller automaker Mitsubishi Motors, announced they signed a memorandum of understanding to formally begin merger talks. 

Over the next six months, Honda and Nissan will discuss the best ways to combine their operations, with the goal of a completed deal for August 2026. (Editor’s note: The graphic in the video above incorrectly states “August 2025.”)

Currently, Honda sells nearly 4 million vehicles a year and Nissan more than 3 million. Meanwhile, Toyota, the No. 1 car brand in the world, sells around 11 million and Volkswagen, the No. 2 automaker, sells approximately 9 million vehicles a year.

More Starbucks workers join nationwide strike ahead of Christmas

Starbucks employees in three more major cities have joined a growing strike just days before Christmas. Workers in Boston, Dallas, and Portland, Oregon followed the leads of Starbucks employees in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles in walking off the job. 

Workers United, the union representing Starbucks employees, said in a statement nearly 50 stores nationwide have been forced to shut down because of the work stoppage. The union said the strike, which started Thursday, Dec. 19, is over unfair labor practices and comes after negotiations, ongoing since February, stalled. 

Starbucks said the union “prematurely ended” its bargaining session last week. The labor action comes during what the union says are Starbucks’ busiest days of the year.

A government shutdown looms nearer after the House rejected a bill that would have kept it funded into March. And drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey after a spate of mysterious sightings. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

House votes against latest stopgap bill aimed to avoid government shutdown

The House rejected a stopgap bill Thursday, Dec. 19, that would have kept the government running. The vote came ahead of a potential shutdown starting at midnight Saturday, Dec. 21, when lawmakers head home for the holidays.

The bill fell short of the needed two-thirds majority to speed up its passage. More than three dozen Republicans joined 197 Democrats in voting against it. Republicans split with each other on how the bill handles government spending.

“Three hundred and thirty billion dollars. Congratulations. You’ve added to the debt since you were given the majority again on Nov. 5,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said.

Roy voted against the bill.

He added, “It’s embarrassing. It’s shameful. Yes, I think this bill is better than it was yesterday in certain respects. But to take this bill, to take this bill yesterday and congratulate yourself because it’s shorter in pages but increases the debt by $5 trillion, is asinine.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said on the House floor, “The deal on the table will keep the government open for the American people and if you guys so choose to shut it down, it will be on you but not the Republican Party.”

She added, “We will not be going back to the table. This deal stands as it is. So let you go back home on Christmas and explain to your people why you shut down the government because we won’t be doing it.”

The latest spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, is a quickly amended bill tailored to the liking of President-elect Donald Trump and his top ally Elon Musk.

Musk posted repeatedly on X condemning the original bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., worked on it with bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats.

However, when both Musk and Trump opposed the bill, that guaranteed most House Republicans would vote against it and forced Johnson to craft a new bill.

Now, there are two conflicting interests. Musk wants major government spending cuts, and while Trump agrees, he also wants to permanently suspend the debt ceiling.

The new plan lifts the debt limit, leading Trump to support the bill in a Truth Social post.

“Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish,” Trump posted.

But Democrats attacked the bill over what spending Republicans chose to cut.

“The Musk-Johnson proposal is not serious, it’s laughable,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. “Extreme MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown.”

The bill removed funding for a bipartisan program for pediatric cancer research, studying genetic conditions like Down syndrome and treatment options for sickle cell disease as well as cancers.

It will be on Johnson to craft a bill to secure votes from the majority of the House. 

However, Johnson may not have the political leeway to rely on support from Democrats. He’ll need nearly every returning member of the House Republican caucus to vote for him next month to remain speaker.

The new Congress takes office in the new year.

New details of accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter’s plan emerge

Newly unsealed court documents put into perspective what led up to the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A federal complaint shed light on 26-year-old Luigi Mangione’s “hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.” 

In a notebook found on Mangione when he was arrested, he allegedly wrote of his plans to “wack” an insurance company CEO at its investor conference. Federal prosecutors said he traveled from Georgia to New York to stalk and kill Thompson. 

Magione appeared in a New York courtroom Thursday, and four new federal charges were levied against him. The charges included murder with a firearm, which is an offense punishable by the death penalty.

The hearing followed Mangione’s extradition from Pennsylvania, where police arrested him on Dec. 9, to New York.

Armed guards surrounded Mangione as NYPD officers walked him off a helicopter upon his arrival in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the walk.

“Police Commissioner [Jessica] Tisch and I all want to send a very clear and loud message that this act of terrorism and the violence that stems from it is something that will not be tolerated in this city,” Adams told the press at the site of the helicopter arrival.

Mangione already faces state-level charges in New York. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought charges against him Tuesday, Dec. 17, including for murder as an act of terrorism.

However, Mangione also received a hero’s welcome from protesters outside the courthouse. Thompson’s killing sparked backlash against the health insurance industry and its coverage policies.

While judges have not set any dates yet, Mangione will face state-level charges first. A federal trial will follow.

New York abolished the death penalty, meaning it’s not an option for Mangione in the state-level case. However, the death penalty can still be exercised in the federal case.

FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New York and New Jersey

Drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey — at least for the time being. It comes amid an investigation into multiple mysterious sightings over the last month that set off fear and speculation. 

In a statement, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Federal Aviation Administration’s bans are “purely precautionary.” Meanwhile, the FAA’s restrictions in New Jersey are largely aimed at limiting drone flights over power stations and infrastructure.

The FAA implemented emergency flight restrictions across New Jersey, prohibiting drone operations until Jan. 17, 2025, for “special security reasons.” Unless operators obtain special government clearance, the directive bans uncrewed aircraft within a one-nautical-mile radius of designated areas and up to 400 feet in altitude.

The FAA designated areas such as Camden, Jersey City, Elizabeth and South Brunswick as “National Defense Airspace.”

Violators may face severe penalties, including interception, detention, certificate revocation and potential criminal charges. In extreme cases, authorities are authorized to use “deadly force” against drones posing an “imminent security threat.”

These restrictions follow a surge in unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey and nearby states that began in mid-November. Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense (DOD), received over 5,000 reports of drone activity.

Dow Jones snaps worst losing streak in 50 years

The Dow Jones Industrial Average snapped its worst losing streak in 50 years Thursday. The losing streak lasted 10 days.

During the losing streak, the market wiped out all of its post-election gains. The Dow ended Wednesday down 2.5% from when Trump won the election.

Also on Wednesday, Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, had its second-biggest percentage spike in history. The VIX shot up 74% after the Federal Reserve shared its outlook for the coming year.

On Wednesday, the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate for a third time in 2024, which was widely predicted.

Feeling the holiday blues?

The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the season can bring about sadness and stress for many. This -emotional shift, commonly known as the “holiday blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can affect millions of people across the country.

Licensed adult psychiatrist Dr. Patrice Mann said the holiday blues are due to several factors. They include social pressures, disruptive routines and financial strain.

“Things like having a bunch of holiday events on the calendar, not to say we don’t look forward to them oftentimes, but they take a toll on us,” says Dr. Mann. “You’re up late, interacting with a lot of people, and that’s not everyone’s nature.”

Grief and seasonal depression can also complicate these feelings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression affects millions of Americans every year, but many may not even realize they have it.

Symptoms of holiday blues and seasonal depression can include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities and changes in eating or sleeping habits. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, Dr. Mann said it could indicate a more serious depressive episode. In such cases, seeking professional help is important.

Dr. Mann recommended several self-care strategies to help manage both the holiday blues and seasonal depression. She suggested getting tested for vitamin D deficiency and taking supplements during winter. Vitamin D plays a vital role in mood and energy levels.

She also advised getting as much sunlight as possible during the shorter winter days. Light therapy boxes can mimic outdoor sunlight if natural sunlight isn’t available. Using them for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning can help trick the brain and improve mood.

For those experiencing grief during the holidays, Dr. Mann encouraged reflecting on personal needs and communicating with trusted friends or family members. She also recommended incorporating new social activities into your routine and checking in with yourself after attending events.

For those supporting others through grief, it’s important to recognize that everyone processes emotions differently. Dr. Mann suggested engaging in activities with those less open about mental health, such as cooking or playing games, to help create a comfortable environment for them to express themselves.

While the holiday season brings unique challenges, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining routines and reaching out for support are important practices to help manage holiday stress.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that professional help is available. The National Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988.

As the final days of the holiday shopping season begin, Amazon workers nationwide are going on strike. And the CDC announces the first severe case of bird flu in a human in the United States. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

Amazon workers strike as last-minute holiday shopping rush gets underway

As shoppers have less than a week now to cross off their holiday lists, Amazon workers across the country are headed to the picket lines. Thousands of Amazon employees are striking after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said the company ignored its Dec. 15 deadline for contract negotiations.

The Teamsters represent nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities. That accounts for about 1% of the company’s hourly workforce.

A facility in New York’s Staten Island became Amazon’s first-ever unionized warehouse in 2022, but since then, workers there have said the company has refused to recognize the union and negotiate a contract. 

In a statement on X, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien said, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it.”

TEAMSTERS LAUNCH LARGEST STRIKE AGAINST AMAZON IN AMERICAN HISTORY

The Teamsters will launch the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history beginning at 6 a.m. EST on Thurs., Dec. 19. The nationwide action follows Amazon’s repeated refusal to follow the law and bargain with… pic.twitter.com/A06NKciCDB

— Teamsters (@Teamsters) December 19, 2024

Amazon denied the claims.

“The truth is that the teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement. 

The Seattle-based online retailer seeks to re-do the election that led to the union victory in Staten Island. It filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board. 

Despite the Teamsters calling this strike the largest in Amazon’s history, the company said it does not expect the strike to impact operations.

Israeli airstrikes target Houthi infrastructure in Yemen

The Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes in Yemen early Thursday, Dec. 19, killing at least nine people. The strikes happened right after Israel said it intercepted a Houthi missile targeted at the central part of the country. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was a coincidence, and Thursday’s strikes targeting the Iran-backed militant group’s infrastructure were in the works for months.

⭕️ IAF fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen.

Over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in… pic.twitter.com/hYNRstbhxP

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 19, 2024

“Over the last 14 months, the Iran-backed Houthi terror regime in Yemen has launched hundreds of missile and UAV attacks against the State of Israel,” Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a video statement. “In the last two weeks only, the Houthis fired a drone that hit an apartment block in southern Israel, and on Sunday [Dec. 15], they fired a long-range missile towards central Israel. The Houthis have been carrying out attacks against Israel in violation of international law.” 

Hagari added, “Israel will not hesitate to act in order to defend itself and its citizens from the Houthi’s attacks.” 

The strikes risk escalating the ongoing conflict with the Houthis, whose attacks on the Red Sea corridor have drastically impacted global shipping. The Houthis started launching those attacks after Hamas — another group backed by Iran — attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The October ambush started the ongoing war in Gaza.

Government shutdown looms as Trump, Musk reject stopgap bill

It’s back to the drawing board for congressional leaders as the stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown this weekend is reportedly in jeopardy. The 1,500-page measure aimed to extend government funding through mid-March. A government shutdown is possible if Congress doesn’t take action by Friday night’s deadline.

The bill included aid for farmers and disaster victims and a pay raise for members of Congress, among many other items. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, President-elect Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk rejected the bill.

Musk, who will lead Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency come January, posted about the bill to X more than 100 times. He warned congressional members who vote for the bill, saying they “deserve to be voted out in two years!”

Trump echoed the sentiment, saying Republicans who vote in favor of the bill need to be “primaried.” He released a joint statement with Vice President-elect JD Vance, saying Congress should pass a “streamlined spending bill.” 

Trump said the bill should be paired with a measure suspending the debt limit.

It’s unclear what steps House Speaker Mike Johnson will take, but he held a late-night meeting with lawmakers in his office Wednesday.

Following the meeting, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise confirmed the original stopgap bill was dead and hoped the House could find a resolution Thursday.

Teacher, student killed in Wisconsin school shooting identified

Authorities identified the teacher and student killed during a shooting inside a Madison, Wisconsin, school earlier this week. The medical examiner released their names late Wednesday evening, a day after a vigil was held for the victims. 

Erin M. West, 42, and Rubi P. Vergara, 14, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the suspected shooter, 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, opened fire in a classroom at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday morning, Dec. 16. She killed two and injured six others before turning the weapon on herself, police said.

Two students remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Four others, identified as three students and a teacher, were released from the hospital. 

As the investigation continues, authorities said they recovered two guns at the school, but only one was used during the shooting. They said the motive appears to be a combination of factors.

CDC confirms first severe human case of bird flu in the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first severe human case of bird flu in the U.S. A patient in Louisiana has been hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms, state health officials said. 

Officials said the patient is over the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions. The CDC said the person has a version of the virus recently found to be spreading in wild birds and poultry in the U.S. It was also found in some human cases in Canada and Washington state. 

This version of the illness is different from the specific version of the virus that’s been spreading in dairy cows across the U.S. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over bird flu since the state has the highest number of infected cattle in the U.S. Since April, 61 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the U.S.; 33 of them in California. 

You can find our full report on the situation in California here.

ABC reaches new deal with George Stephanopoulos days after Trump settlement

George Stephanopoulos signed a new deal with ABC News, securing his position as anchor of “Good Morning America.” The Los Angeles Times was the first to report on the new contract. 

While details about his offer are unknown, he’s previously been one of the highest-paid faces on television, earning $18 million a year.

The agreement comes amid speculation about his future with the network after Disney paid $15 million in a legal settlement over comments Stephanoupolos made about Trump during an interview in 2024. 

The libel lawsuit revolved around the anchor saying Trump was “found liable for rape” in the case with writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury in that civil case had actually found Trump liable for sexual abuse. Reports suggested Stephanopoulos was blindsided by ABC’s settlement. 

His new contract with ABC comes as parent company Disney is said to be looking to trim costs, which follows a trend right now among media giants. Many are scaling back amid a shift in the industry.

Congressional leaders unveil a stopgap bill to fund the government until March. And a mega-merger between Nissan and Honda might be revving up. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.

Congressional leaders unveil stopgap government funding bill

With just days left to prevent a shutdown, Congress unveiled a stopgap bill to keep the government funded into March. It’ll be down to the wire with the Dec. 20 deadline, as House leaders are supposed to wait 72 hours before bringing proposed legislation to the floor for a vote. This practice allows lawmakers time to review the bill.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday, Dec. 17, that he believes in adhering to the 72-hour rule, but with the deadline approaching so quickly that might not be feasible.

This new stopgap bill includes more than $100 billion in disaster aid, a one-year extension to the farm bill, $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers, a bill to renew expiring health care programs and a measure to restrict U.S. investments in China. 

Right now, the government is funded through Friday by a different stopgap measure approved by lawmakers in September.

I am particularly proud that this bill advances some of my key priorities including strong proposals to help the United States out-compete the Chinese Communist Party. pic.twitter.com/k73axXhUl0

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 18, 2024

In a statement last night, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he’s “pleased these negotiations led to a bipartisan government funding agreement free of cuts and poison pills, while also securing Democratic priorities like millions for child care, workforce training and job placement, assistance for the key bridge rebuild, additional disaster relief funding and more.” 

If approved, this new stopgap bill would keep the government open through March 14, after the GOP has gained control of both the House and Senate.

Luigi Mangione charged with first-degree murder as an act of terrorism

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month, has been indicted of first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. 

In a press conference Tuesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called the shooting outside a Manhattan hotel a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.” 

Mangione faces 11 counts, including two second-degree murder charges. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole. 

Mangione, who remains in a Pennsylvania prison, is set for two hearings on Thursday, Dec. 19. One for charges he faces in the Keystone State and another hearing for his extradition to New York.

1 dead, 9 hurt in Baltimore shooting

A shooting near a Baltimore, Maryland, funeral home left one person dead and nine others injured. 

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said officers responded to reports of shots fired at around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday and found a vehicle lying on its side in flames. McCullough said it appears the car was involved in an incident that caused it to crash and catch on fire but did not say how that was related to the shooting. 

“We know that there are some additional scenes that we’re investigating right now where other gunfire took place throughout the neighborhood,” McCullough said. “And that was evidenced by the multiple calls for service from the neighbors who were calling 911 about the gunshots in the community.” 

McCullough said the incident was “intentional and targeted.” No arrests have been made in connection with this case.

Madison school shooting motive appears to be ‘combination of factors’: Police

Wisconsin authorities provided more information on Tuesday about the shooting inside a Christian school classroom that left three dead: a teacher, a student and the 15-year-old suspect.

In a press conference, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said the motive appears to be “a combination of factors.” Barnes added investigators are speaking with other students to see if bullying was one of those factors.

“Some have asked if people were specifically targeted,” Barnes said. “Everyone was targeted in this incident, and everyone was put in equal danger.” 

Barnes said investigators are looking into the suspect’s social activity. Police identified the suspect as Natalie Rupnow and asked anyone who knew her to contact them.

Police said Rupnow opened fire Monday morning, Dec. 16, during a study hall full of students from multiple grade levels at Abundant Life Christian School. She struck several people before shooting herself. Six others were injured in the shooting and two remain in critical condition.

Nissan shares surge amid rumors of merger with Honda

Shares for Nissan surged following reports of potential merger talks with Honda. Both automotive giants released a statement to media confirming the whispers of a possible “business integration,” but not confirming any decisions set in stone yet. 

The two have already collaborated on electric vehicles and battery technology, but the companies could benefit from deepening ties as both have seen challenges this year.

Nissan and Honda have seen dwindling sales in China, the world’s largest car market. Additionally, both automakers are navigating a slow shift to the electric vehicle market amid growing competition. 

Talks of the potential merger saw Nissan shares notch their best day in more than 40 years with a 24% surge, though Honda saw a dip.

Some reports suggested the two will sign “a memorandum of understanding” on the potential deal soon. Mitsubishi is said to be a potential third player in the mix.

Tom Cruise receives Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award

Nearly 40 years after he first starred as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the film “Top Gun,” actor Tom Cruise was awarded the U.S. Navy’s top civilian honor on Tuesday.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the Distinguished Public Service Award to Cruise during a ceremony in London for his contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps. 

“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said during the ceremony. “I know in life something that is very true to me is that is to lead is to serve, and I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women. I see that in you, and you understand that. And I appreciate everyone’s dedication. And it’s a true honor to represent them. And I’m just very proud.” 

The Navy said the 62-year-old actor’s efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for its “highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”

As for what’s next for Cruise, his film “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” is set to be released in theaters in May.

A top Russian general was killed in a blast in Moscow, according to officials. And police identify the suspect in a deadly school shooting in Wisconsin. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.

Officials say explosion kills Russian general in Moscow

Russian officials said an explosion near an apartment building in Moscow killed the head of Russia’s nuclear and chemical forces Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. Officials said the explosive device, which was planted in a scooter and triggered remotely, killed Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov and his assistant.

Russia’s investigative committee said it is treating the bombing as a terrorist attack. Kirillov has been the head of Russia’s nuclear defense forces since April 2017.

On Monday, Dec. 16, Ukraine’s security services charged Kirillov with the use of banned chemical weapons during the war. He also faced sanctions from several countries, including the U.K. and Canada, for his role in the war in Ukraine. 

A Ukrainian official, who spoke to the Associated Press anonymously, said the security service carried out the attack.

2 charged in connection with drone strike that killed 3 American soldiers

Two Iranian men, one of whom is a dual-American citizen, were charged in connection with a deadly drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan earlier this year. 

FBI specialists analyzed the drone and were able to trace its navigation system to an Iranian company operated by one of the defendants. According to prosecutors, the defendant relied on parts and technology funneled into the country by his alleged co-conspirator. 

Authorities identified the suspects as Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedini. Prosecutors said Sadeghi worked at a Massachusetts-based semiconductor company. Abedini was arrested in Italy, and the Justice Department is seeking extradition to Massachusetts. 

Both men are charged with export control violations. Abedini also faces charges of conspiring to provide material support to Iran.

Police identify 15-year-old suspect in deadly Wisconsin school shooting

New details are emerging about a deadly school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. Three people died, including the suspected shooter.

Police said a 15-year-old girl, who was a student at Abundant Life Christian School, opened fire inside a classroom Monday morning. Another student and a teacher were killed.

“The shooter has now been identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who went by the name Samantha,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said. “She was a student at the school and evidence suggests she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” 

Barnes added, “At this time, we believe there was only one shooter involved. We are still working to determine a motive. Detectives have talked to her family members this evening as well as conduct a search of the shooter’s home here in Madison.” 

Six others were injured in the shooting. Police said two of the injured students remain in critical condition. Authorities said it is not clear if the teacher and teenage student who were killed were targeted. 

In response to the shooting, President Joe Biden issued a statement that called for Congress to pass more gun safety laws. He called for universal background checks, a national red flag law and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Judge rejects Trump’s bid to throw out hush money conviction

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year on presidential immunity, a New York judge said he will not throw out President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 charges of falsifying business records related to payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels to influence the 2016 presidential election. 

Trump denied any wrongdoing regarding Daniels’ claims of a sexual relationship between the two.  

Trump was originally set to be sentenced in the so-called “hush money” case on Nov. 22, but Judge Juan Merchan postponed it to allow both sides more time to present arguments related to potentially dismissing the case. Trump’s lawyers asked to dismiss the case, citing the SCOTUS ruling in July giving a president wide immunity from prosecution. 

Trump communications director Steven Cheung called Monday’s decision to allow the case to continue a “direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity, and other longstanding jurisprudence.” 

It’s still unclear when or if a sentencing date will be set. Prosecutors have already agreed the president-elect would not be sentenced while he is in office. However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has argued in legal filings that the felony conviction should still stand.

Trump meets with TikTok CEO as app faces U.S. ban

President-elect Trump met with the CEO of TikTok Monday at his Mar-a-Lago resort, according to multiple reports. The meeting came as the popular social media platform faces a ban in the U.S. 

Earlier this year, in a show of bipartisan support, Congress passed a measure that would ban TikTok in the U.S. as of Jan. 19, 2025, and President Biden signed it into law. A federal court upheld that move earlier this month. 

Trump originally tried to ban TikTok during his first administration. However, he has since reversed course, vowing on the campaign trail to “save” the app.

During a press conference before Monday’s meeting with TikTok’s CEO, the president-elect addressed the matter. 

“We’ll take a look at TikTok,” he said. “You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points and there are those that say that TikTok has something to do with it.” 

TikTok filed an emergency application with SCOTUS on Monday asking for a temporary injunction that would delay the ban while the company seeks a formal review by the justices. 

Trump is set to meet with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, Dec. 17. He is then expected to sit down with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

‘Red One’ brings in 50 million viewers in record Prime Video debut

Amazon is hoping it’s found the next big holiday hit. “Red One,” the holiday action movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, is now Amazon MGM Studios’ most-watched film debut ever on its Prime Video streaming service. 

The movie pulled in a record-breaking 50 million viewers worldwide during its first four days of streaming. The film, which cost $200 million to make, was originally set to be a Prime Video exclusive. The studio switched course and first premiered it in theaters last month. 

“Red One” surpassed Jake Gyllenhaal’s “Road House” for Prime Video’s most-watched film debut. Now, Amazon said “Red One” will “clearly be a perennial holiday favorite for years to come.”

Calls are growing for Homeland Security to take more action in identifying the drones reported night after night in New Jersey and New York. And ABC News has reached a multi-million-dollar settlement over comments its top political host made about President-elect Donald Trump.

These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.

Lawmakers demand answers as drone sightings grow in NJ, NY

As the number of drone sightings in New Jersey, New York and other parts of the eastern U.S. grows, so do the questions about their origins. Now, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are demanding answers.

For weeks, the drones were mostly seen in the Garden State, but are now appearing elsewhere. U.S. security officials said the drones don’t appear to be the work of a foreign adversary and should not be considered a public safety threat. However, the drones are still causing concern.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D, called for the Department of Homeland Security to do more to deal with the drones, including deploying drone-tracking technology to identify them and their operators. 

“It’s not a bird, it’s not a plane, it’s a drone,” Schumer said. “And when it comes to drones, people in the New York area and all across the country, have more questions than answers. The question is: why haven’t the federal authorities detected them yet? But now we’re pushing them to get this done quickly because it’s been too long where there have been no answers.” 

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed the federal government has deployed additional resources, personnel and technology to assist New Jersey State Police in addressing the drone sightings. He echoed statements from federal agencies during a Saturday, Dec. 14, press call that other aircraft are being mistaken for drones.  

“Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones, some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones and we do see duplicative reporting but there’s no question drones are being sighted,” Mayorkas said. 

Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to be national security adviser, told CBS News the lack of answers shows a lapse in authority between local law enforcement and federal agencies. 

“I think Americans are finding it hard to believe we can’t figure out where these are coming from,” Waltz said. “I could tell you from the Defense Department standpoint, they’re focused on bombers and cruise missiles and it’s pointing to gaps in our capabilities and in our ability to clamp down on what’s going on here and we need to get to the bottom of it and I think the Biden administration is working to do that.”   

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the federal government has agreed to deploy state-of-the-art drone detection systems in the state after a drone caused Stewart International Airport in West Windsor to shut down for an hour Friday night, Dec. 13. 

Meanwhile in Boston, two men were arrested over the weekend for allegedly flying a drone too close to Logan International Airport. A third man is still being sought.

ABC, Stephanopoulos to pay $15M and apologize in Trump defamation suit

ABC News and its top political host, George Stephanopoulos, reached a settlement with President-elect Trump in a defamation suit. Details of the settlement were released Saturday, Dec. 14. 

The lawsuit pertained to comments Stephanopoulos repeatedly made on his Sunday show “This Week” about the E. Jean Carroll lawsuit, in which Stephanopoulos said Trump was “found liable for rape.” Last year, a civil jury ruled Trump sexually abused and defamed Carroll but found Trump not liable for rape. 

ABC News agreed to contribute $15 million toward Trump’s future presidential library and the network must issue a public apology, which will appear as an editor’s note on its website.  

Also Saturday, the president-elect attended the 125th annual Army-Navy football game. He was joined by allies, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, his pick for director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

Marine veteran Daniel Penny, who was acquitted of negligent homicide charges last week, also joined the group as Vance’s personal guest.

Biden tells Democrats to ‘stay engaged’ at DNC holiday reception

In Washington on Sunday, Dec. 15, President Joe Biden urged Democrats to “stay engaged” as he and Vice President Kamala Harris made an appearance at the Democratic National Convention’s holiday reception. They both thanked party members for all they did for Harris’ presidential campaign effort and Biden’s presidency over the past four years. 

Biden highlighted some of what he said were his administration’s biggest accomplishments, including the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which aimed to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. 

“The one thing I’ve always believed about public service, and especially about the presidency, is the importance of asking yourself, ‘Have we left the country in better shape than we found it?’” Biden said. “Today, I can say with every fiber of my being, with all my heart, the answer to that question is a resounding, ‘Yes. Yes!’” 

Biden also said he intends to remain engaged with party politics once he leaves office in January. He also predicted Harris would remain a central figure in the party’s future.

South Korean court to decide president’s fate over martial law attempt

South Korea’s constitutional court has begun reviewing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law attempt. The court is set to hold its first public hearing on Dec. 27 and has up to six months to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or to reinstate him. 

Meanwhile, a joint team of investigators from the police, the defense ministry and an anti-corruption agency are planning to call Yoon in for questioning Wednesday, Dec. 18. On Monday, Dec. 16, the team tried to issue a summons for his appearance to officials at Yoon’s office and residence, but they refused to accept it.

‘Kraven’ stumbles at the box office with lowest debut for Sony-Marvel movie

It was anything but a marvelous debut for the latest superhero movie from Sony. “Kraven the Hunter” brought in $11 million in its opening weekend, making it the worst of any Sony’s Marvel superhero films, behind February’s “Madame Web,” which earned $15.3 million.  

“Kraven” came in at No. 3 at the box office behind blockbusters “Moana 2” and “Wicked.”  

However, this is not the end of the line for Sony’s Marvel movies as another animated Spiderverse picture is in production and a fourth Spider-Man film starring Tom Holland is set to begin filming next year. That one is in partnership with Marvel Studios.

Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter wins Heisman trophy

In case you missed it over the weekend; college football history was made at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York. Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter won the 90th Heisman trophy Saturday night, Dec. 14.  

In doing so, the 21-year-old wide receiver and cornerback under Coach Deione Sanders became only the second Buffaloes player and the second full-time defensive player ever to claim the prize. It also marked only the fifth time this century a quarterback did not win. 

In addition to the Heisman, last week Hunter became the first player in history to win the Bednarik Award for best defensive player in the country and the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver. He was also named AP College Football Player of the Year.  

Next up, Colorado is headed to the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. Hunter has pledged to play the game before he’s expected to become a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

Amazon will make a large donation to Trump’s inauguration fund. And more allegations of sexual assault against entertainer Sean “Diddy” Combs. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

Amazon to donate $1 million to Trump inauguration fund

Another big tech company has announced a large donation to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund. Amazon confirmed Thursday night, Dec. 12, it is planning to donate $1 million to the fund.

This marks another sign of tech companies working on forming a closer relationship with Trump than they had during his first term in office. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly set to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida next week.

The Trump and Bezos relationship has been rocky in the past with the president-elect taking issue with reporting in the Washington Post –– another one of Bezos’ companies.   

In addition to the $1 million cash donation, various reports indicate Amazon also offered a $1 million in-kind donation to stream the inauguration on its Prime Video service.   

Amazon’s move comes a day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced a similar donation. Its founder, Mark Zuckerberg visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago just weeks ago. 

Both Zuckerberg and Bezos were among the big tech executives to congratulate Trump on his election win in November. 

After ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, President-elect Trump spoke with CNBC’s Jim Cramer on the trading room floor about working alongside major tech companies and their leaders during his second administration. 

“Mark Zuckerberg’s been over to see me,” Trump said. “I can tell you that Elon [Musk] is another, and Jeff Bezos is coming up next week. I want to get ideas from them. We want them to do well. We want everybody [to do well] and we want great jobs. Fantastic salaries. We want people to love, and when they wake up in the morning, get up and [say,] ‘I love to go to work.’ We want people working and we want them working for a lot of money.” 

Despite their strained history, Bezos in recent weeks has changed his tone when it comes to the president-elect. Last week, during a New York Times conference, he said Trump is “calmer than he was the first time and more confident, more settled.”

Inspector general’s probe finds FBI not involved in Jan. 6 attack

A new report released by the Justice Department inspector general Thursday found no federal agents were directly involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The long-awaited report found no evidence undercover FBI employees were among the thousands of Trump supporters who stormed the building. 

The report also found 26 confidential informants for the FBI were among the crowd that day, but only three were assigned by the FBI to attend the rally. The report said none of them were directed by the bureau to “break the law” or “encourage others to commit illegal acts.” 

One of the confidential human sources assigned by the FBI to be there was among four sources in total who entered the Capitol building that day. The other two assigned by the FBI entered the restricted area around the Capitol. 

Republican Congressman Jim Jordan told Fox News, “The FBI had encouraged and tasked confidential human sources to be at the Capitol that day. Four entered the Capitol and weren’t charged, which is not the same treatment that other Americans received.”  

The report said the bureau should have done a better job communicating with field offices nationwide before Congress met that day to certify the 2020 election results.

Trump’s incoming border czar meets with NYC mayor

New York City’s Democratic Mayor Eric Adams met with President-elect Trump’s incoming border czar Tom Homan on Thursday.

Trump made immigration and immigration enforcement a centerpiece of his 2024 presidential campaign, vowing mass deportations. 

New York is the country’s largest sanctuary city and has laws in place limiting how local agencies cooperate with federal deportation efforts. 

While the sanctuary city status is determined by the city council, not the mayor, Adams has said he supports a bill to roll back parts of the city’s sanctuary policies. 

“We’re going to protect the rights of immigrants in this city that are hardworking, giving back to the city in a real way,” Adams said after his meeting with Homan Thursday. “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and longstanding New Yorkers.”

We are a city of immigrants, and we will always be true to those roots, but we also have to be honest and be clear that our immigration system is broken and a small number of repeat, violent offenders are taking advantage of that broken system. pic.twitter.com/Rp0ZITJNJt

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) December 13, 2024

Adams added, “We’re going to tell those who are here, who are law-abiding, to continue to utilize the services that are open to the city, the services that they have a right to utilize: educating their children, health care, public protection and the things that we have long been proud for in doing so. But we will not be a safe haven for those who commit violent acts.” 

After the meeting with Adams, Homan sat down for an interview with TV personality Dr. Phil. Homan said he believes the things he and Adams discussed “may save lives.”

Border Czar @RealTomHoman first interview since meeting with Mayor @NYCMayor pic.twitter.com/Cm8TuXtLeQ

— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) December 12, 2024

“This isn’t going to be neighborhood sweeps and military vehicles going through the city,” Homan told Dr.Phil. “I’m not asking him to be an immigration officer. I’m not asking NYPD to be immigration officers. I want them to be cops that work with cops to take public safety threats off the streets of New York and make New York safer. Migrant crime is sky high here.” 

Just days after winning the election, Trump tapped Homan to serve as border czar. Homan is a former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a proponent of tough border policies, such as rounding up and deporting migrants, who are in the country illegally and have committed crimes. 

Adams seemed to agree on Thursday, saying, “it’s important to go after those who are committing serious crimes, particularly those dangerous gangs that have come from Venezuela and now we’re finding them on the streets of our country.”

UN: More than 1.1. million Syrians displaced since fall of Assad regime

More than one million people have been displaced since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria less than a week ago, according to the United Nations. It’s also reporting food shortages are now widespread in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. 

This weekend, Jordan will host a summit including foreign ministers from Western and Arab nations to discuss ways to support a smooth transition of power after rebels ousted the country’s long-time leader in a coup last Sunday, Dec. 8.

It also comes as the U.N. chief has voiced concerns over the country’s sovereignty after Israel launched hundreds of air strikes and deployed ground troops in Syria. Israeli officials claim they’re trying to prevent arms from falling into “the wrong hands” by destroying military installations and weapons sites. 

Meanwhile, a man from Missouri reported missing in Hungary has been found in Syria. Missionary Travis Timmerman, 29, was reportedly found walking the streets of Damascus barefoot Thursday after being held in a prison there for several months. You can read Karah Rucker’s full report here.

3 men accuse Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of sexual assault

There are new accusations against hip hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Three men accused Combs of drugging and raping them during incidents that took place between 2019 and 2022 at a nightclub and ritzy New York hotels. 

One of the men has been identified as a former employee of Combs. Their lawyer, who filed the anonymous lawsuits Thursday night, said Combs used his power and wealth to take advantage of them. 

The men are seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages. 

In a statement, Combs attorneys said the claims are full of lies. 

Combs has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. He remains in federal prison in Brooklyn after being denied bail.

Look up! Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend

Stargazers, it’s the time of the year again to look up for the Geminid meteor shower. The annual December display will light up the night sky as it peaks this weekend. 

Unlike most meteor showers which originate from comets, the Geminids come from an asteroid. 

NASA said the Geminid is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers since it starts around 9 or 10 p.m.

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To best view the meteor shower, experts said you should find a dark spot and leave the binoculars at home and just watch with the naked eye. NASA said it may take around 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark before you can see the shower, but the show will last hours, and you will have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.

President-elect Donald Trump reacts to Christopher Wray’s resignation announcement. And the Pentagon responds to claims that an “Iranian mothership” is behind the mysterious drones over New Jersey. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.

Trump says Wray resigning as FBI director is ‘a great day for America’

The dust is still settling at the top of the FBI after Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11, he would be resigning at the end of the Biden administration. This paves the way for President-elect Donald Trump to pick his director. Wray, who was nominated by Trump during his first administration, still had three years remaining on his 10-year term.

Earlier this month, Trump announced he would nominate Kash Patel to lead the bureau, leaving Wray with two options: resign or get fired. During a town hall with FBI employees, Wray said although leaving isn’t easy, it’s the right thing to do for the bureau and for Americans.

“This is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work,” Wray said. 

Reacting to the news on Truth Social, Trump called Wray’s resignation “a great day for America,” saying it “will end the weaponization” of the FBI. He said the agency “illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America.”

Wray took the helm in 2017 when Trump appointed him, receiving an overwhelming confirmation by U.S. lawmakers.  His leadership came on the heels of the former director’s investigation into Trump associates and their connection to Russia’s interference during the 2016 presidential election.  

Distance grew between the former president and Wray when the FBI conducted searches of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in order to recover classified documents. That warrant and what agents recovered led to Trump’s federal indictment on several criminal charges. 

Under Wray’s watch, the FBI also launched an investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, ending up with more than 1,500 people accused of breaking the law.  

In a recent sit-down interview with NBC News, Trump said he’s unhappy with Wray and crime levels in the U.S. and vowed to fire the director once in office. 

Rumors about Wray’s tenure preceded Wednesday’s announcement as incoming Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley questioned his leadership. The Iowa senator released a letter criticizing how the FBI has handled things like congressional oversight cases, sexual harassment claims by female FBI employees and the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Reform is badly needed at the FBI

It’s time 2 shake things up pic.twitter.com/w9FxE9yS9d

— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) December 9, 2024

The Justice Department released a statement from Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday following the announcement praising Wray’s efforts and his ability to keep America safe.  Garland said Wray has “led the FBI’s efforts to aggressively confront the broad range of threats facing our country — from nation-state adversaries and foreign and domestic terrorism to violent crime, cybercrime, and financial crime.” 

Republican South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds also expressed support for Wray and had no complaints about how he led the FBI. Rounds said the former president picked a good man to lead the FBI during his first term.  

The bureau’s deputy director, Paul Abbate could take over the FBI while a permanent director is confirmed by the Senate once Trump is officially sworn into office. 

Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, confirmed Wednesday night it donated $1 million to President-elect Trump’s inaugural fund. It comes two weeks after CEO Mark Zuckerberg had a private meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in South Florida.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg donates $1,000,000 to President-elect Trump's inaugural fund. pic.twitter.com/GcC3PF4sp2

— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) December 12, 2024

The move is a major reversal from nearly four years ago when Meta banned Trump from its platforms after the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. 

During his 2024 campaign, Trump labeled Facebook an “enemy of the people” in a March interview with CNBC. He also threatened to punish Zuckerberg if he tried to influence the election against him.

House passes defense bill banning gender-affirming care for trans children

The House passed a critical defense policy bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, with a controversial caveat on Wednesday. 

The $895 billion measure includes a ban on gender-affirming care for trans children under TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program. That means TRICARE will not cover puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children of service members. 

While past attempts to include the ban in the NDAA have failed, this one was overshadowed by bipartisan provisions including a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members. 

In addition, the NDAA also includes a provision that would ban the teaching of critical race theory in the military. 

Wednesday’s vote was 281-140, with 124 Democrats and 16 Republicans voting against the legislation. The bill now heads to the Senate for approval.

Pentagon says ‘Iranian mothership’ is not behind mysterious drones

As questions swirl over the dozens of drone sightings in New Jersey and other locations along the East Coast, the Pentagon has shot down one theory circulating at the Capitol. During a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing Wednesday, New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for not taking action, before giving his opinion on what’s going on in the skies.

What we’ve uncovered is alarming—drones flying in from the direction of the ocean, possibly linked to a missing Iranian mothership.

This is a national security crisis we cannot ignore.

Bring them down now. pic.twitter.com/YicWkcoJR1

— Congressman Jeff Van Drew (@Congressman_JVD) December 11, 2024

“I’ve learned for real that there is circumstantial evidence that there is an Iranian mothership off the east coast of the United States and that’s launching these drone incursions,” Van Drew said. “They are from high, good sources, individuals who are reputable, individuals who speak with authority unfortunately are concerned with identifying who they are at this point, who are saying this, but this is true. It’s unacceptable and it’s frightening and our government has to act.” 

Later in the day, Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh was asked about Van Drew’s claims. 

“There is not any truth to that,” she said. “There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called ‘mothership’ launching drones towards the United States.” 

Singh said there is no evidence that the drone activity is coming from a foreign entity or is the work of an adversary. She said the Pentagon will continue to monitor the situation.

Our Ray Bogan spoke with New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, R, who requested U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin provide a state military base with the tools it needs to take down the mystery drones. Watch Ray’s report here.

Missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi found safe

Family members say Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman who’d been at the center of a missing persons investigation in California, has been found safe.

Police in Los Angeles stopped looking for her on Dec. 2, saying she traveled to Mexico to “disconnect” and reclassified her case as one of a “voluntary missing person.” On Wednesday, the 30-year-old’s mother and sister put out a statement saying she had been found safe but did not say where. 

Relatives reported her missing on Nov. 13, after she failed to get on a connecting flight from L.A. to New York City on the 8th. Police later said they found video of her crossing into Mexico via the San Diego land port at Tijuana a few days after her missed flight. 

During the search for the missing woman, her family suffered a tragedy as Kobayashi’s father, who traveled from Hawaii to Los Angeles to join the search party, took his own life. The family said he died of “a broken heart.”

UNC officially names Bill Belichick as next head coach

It’s the start of a new chapter for one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Bill Belichick, the 72-year-old six-time Super Bowl winning coach, is taking the offer to become the new head coach at the University of North Carolina. 

Welcome to Chapel Hill, Bill Belichick!

The eight-time Super Bowl Champion has officially been named our next @UNCFootball Head Coach. #GoHeels x #ChapelBill pic.twitter.com/cnngQI7gnC

— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) December 12, 2024

Belichick coached the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2023, creating a dynasty alongside quarterback Tom Brady. Belichick currently sits at No. 2 on the NFL all-time coaching wins list with 333, behind Don Shula’s 347 victories.  

Belichick’s five-year deal with UNC is pending approval by the board of trustees, which is set to hold an emergency meeting Thursday, Dec. 12.