Breaking news today includes the return of a lost dog on Christmas Eve, New York City resuming subway patrols and Magnus Carlsen returning as an elite chess player.
We speak to a group that seeks to bridge the divide between Jews and Muslims in America, and learn whether multitasking truly works.
1. California’s wildfires
California wildfires continue to make headlines due to their devastating impacts on property and lives, driven by drought-driven megadroughts and rising temperatures caused by climate change.
CAL FIRE remains dedicated to all-hazard emergency fire response, fire prevention through vegetation management and forest health projects, and stewardship of California’s wildlands. CAL FIRE also continues providing various fire services throughout its 58 county service area in collaboration with 36 of them.
Forecasts predict above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation through February, creating an increased fire risk. To learn more about current conditions and resources available to you. To locate smoke advisories near you and more at CAL FIRE website. You can also subscribe to WeeklyMatters, which offers comprehensive coverage on California issues delivered right into your inbox every week.
2. The Onion’s takeover of Infowars
The Onion has won an auction for Infowars, an Alex Jones radio program and conspiracy theory website founded in 2005. They plan to relaunch it with an emphasis on gun control by teaming up with Everytown for Gun Safety to run sponsored content on it.
Families of victims from Sandy Hook massacre were in support of The Onion’s bid to take over its site based in Houston; however, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez quickly suspended it on grounds that the sale process was flawed, reports Reuters.
The judge highlighted a lack of transparency and the necessity for clarity when selling assets at bankruptcy auction. He ordered that the trustee overseeing this auction hold a hearing to decide what happens next.
3. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s assassination by an ambush in New York City attracted widespread public outrage and support online, prompting posts supporting his widow as well as indignation against his assassination. To investigate, NYPD reviewed thousands of hours of surveillance footage and followed up hundreds of tips; additionally they deployed drones, canine units and scuba divers.
However, the suspect remained at large until Monday when an alert customer at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s saw him and alerted authorities. Now an Ivy League graduate aged 26 is being held in Altoona on charges for this brutal attack.
Luigi Mangione, is suspected of shooting Thompson outside a hotel where investors of health insurer Aetna were convening on December 4. Ammunition found at the scene bears the words, “delay, deny, depose,” suggesting Mangione had targeted their firm specifically.
4. The death of a Sasquatch hunter
Sasquatch (commonly referred to as Bigfoot) is a legendary bipedal ape reputed to live in the Pacific Northwest forests, drawing thrill-seekers in search of these legendary beasts.
Two Portland men searching for creatures on the Oregon-Washington border have died while searching. Their bodies were discovered Saturday by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, likely due to exposure to harsh weather conditions. Both men are believed to be aged 59 and 37 respectively and likely met their deaths due to exposure.
The Sheriff’s Office of Maricopa County has advised Bigfoot seekers to be properly equipped for the elements. Some men were found unsuitably attired or equipped for wilderness environments, including inadequate clothing or footwear for hiking trips and insufficient provisions to make the journey safe.
5. Norovirus outbreaks
Norovirus outbreaks — which cause vomiting and diarrhea — are on the rise across the United States. Ninety one outbreaks were reported between November 30 and December 5, compared with only 69 during that same timeframe. Norovirus spreads easily, with as few as 10 viral particles being enough to make someone ill; it is particularly contagious in places where many people come together such as schools or nursing homes, leading to foodborne illness across America.
CDC experts advise that handwashing with soap is the most effective way to combat norovirus. This should especially be done after using the bathroom, before preparing or eating foods and touching potentially contaminated surfaces; and always cook oysters or other shellfish prior to eating them.
