A terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, involving a truck driven by Shamsud Din Jabber killed 15 people during New Year’s celebrations. Among the victims were high school graduates, a Princeton football star, a young mother, and a father of two. The suspect was killed in a gunfight, leaving two officers wounded.
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A 27-year-old Jewish plumber in Miami Beach fired 17 rounds at a vehicle he believed contained Palestinians, injuring two Israeli tourists instead. Mordechai Brafman is in custody facing attempted-murder charges. The incident occurred on Alton Road, with one victim suffering a shoulder wound and the other an arm graze. Brafman had no previous connection with the victims.
Mitch McConnell, Kentucky's long-serving Republican senator, declared he will not seek re-election in 2026, marking his retirement at the end of his current term. At the age of 83, McConnell announced his decision amidst health-related incidents, underscoring a significant shift in Senate leadership.
US President Donald Trump has agreed to meet comedian Bill Maher at the White House after a request from Kid Rock. Despite Trump's reservations, he found the idea interesting and is doing it as a favor for a friend. UFC CEO Dana White will also attend the meeting.
Venezuela agreed to resume repatriation flights carrying deported nationals from the US following an agreement between the two countries. This decision addresses the temporary halt from earlier in the month and ensures the safe return of migrants with the safeguard of their human rights.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakened to a tropical low as it approached Brisbane, bringing flooding rains. Significant damage resulted in over 330,000 power outages and major beach erosion at Gold Coast. A man is missing after being swept away in New South Wales, while many were rescued from floodwaters. Officials are relieved the cyclone didn't worsen at high tide.
Federal agencies removed gender and diversity references from websites following a directive linked to President Trump's executive orders. The changes affected multiple areas, including health pages and passport applications, resulting in significant backlash from various organizations and concerns about government transparency.
Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen announced a meeting with far-right leader Herbert Kickl to discuss forming a government after Chancellor Karl Nehammer's coalition talks failed. The Freedom Party, which won the autumn national election, may now have a chance to take charge amid political uncertainties.
Syria's new authorities announced on Tuesday that the military chief of the Islamist group that spearheaded the offensive that toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad had been appointed defence minister in the transitional government. As commander of the Islamist rebel forces, he played a key role in the offensive that ousted Assad on December 8 after a lightning advance from north Syria to the capital Damascus.
Si Woo Kim leads the RBC Heritage after a 5-under 66, despite a late bogey on the 18th. Justin Thomas, one shot behind, endured a day of penalties and hazards but finished strong with a birdie. Andrew Novak also sits one shot back after a bogey-free 66, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler remains in contention, four shots off the lead.
President Trump has halted US aid to South Africa, citing concerns over the new Expropriation Act that allegedly discriminates against the white minority. The US criticizes the land reform law, while South Africa argues it seeks to rectify historical inequalities without arbitrary land seizures.