President Biden commuted the sentence of Rita Crundwell, who embezzled $54 million from the town of Dixon, Illinois. Crundwell, originally sentenced to nearly 20 years, was released to house arrest in 2021 and is now free. Dixon officials expressed outrage at the clemency, calling it a travesty of justice.
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A historic winter storm hit the US Gulf Coast, covering the region in record-breaking snowfall, causing travel chaos, and resulting in at least 11 casualties. Many areas experienced unprecedented snow, disrupting air travel and making roads hazardous. Hypothermia and fatal car accidents have been reported due to icy conditions.
SpaceX's Starship, designed for future interplanetary missions, suffered a catastrophic failure on January 16, 2025, during its seventh test flight. The rocket exploded just minutes after liftoff from South Texas. Initial investigations revealed an oxygen/fuel leak above the engine firewall, causing pressure buildup and leading to the rocket’s destruction. Although the mission ended in disaster, SpaceX successfully recovered the Super Heavy booster using its "chopsticks" mechanism. Despite the... Expand
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his son X celebrated New Year's Eve with US President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. A viral video captured Musk and Trump enjoying the party, with Musk dancing with his son on his shoulders. Trump had earlier invited Musk to the event, highlighting the festive atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago.
Pete Hegseth, nominee for Defence Secretary, defended his qualifications during a tense Senate hearing. He addressed scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct, public drunkenness, and his views on women in combat, among others. Hegseth emphasised his commitment to military readiness and a 'warrior ethos,' drawing on his Army National Guard experience.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of resisting a state investigation into Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. A court-ordered cabinet meeting on the issue ended without a decision. Lapid insists an inquiry is necessary to prevent future attacks, while Netanyahu’s government argues that a probe should wait until the war ends. A proposed commission was rejected by lawmakers last month.
Barron Trump, now 18 and attending the Stern School of Business in New York, will not be a permanent resident at the White House as his parents shift to the White House today. Melania Trump said Barron would be visiting the White House from time to time and would also be allowed to bring his friends for a White House tour.
Mauritius faces political unrest with a financial scandal involving a former minister. Ex-finance minister Renganaden Padayachy is accused of defrauding the Mauritius Investment Corporation. Harvesh Seegolam, ex-central bank head, is also under investigation. The Militant Socialist Movement claims political vendetta. Two dynasties have dominated Mauritian politics. President Emmanuel Macron's visit adds to the tension. Accusations could impact Mauritius's economy.
Former Texas megachurch pastor Robert Preston Morris, 63, surrendered to Oklahoma authorities on charges of child sexual abuse. Morris was accused of committing lewd acts with a child from 1983 to 1987. Having resigned last year, Morris faces five counts, each carrying up to 20 years imprisonment. The case drew attention, given Morris' past political activities.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticizes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as a political maneuver by the Liberal Party, highlighting unresolved systemic issues under Trudeau's leadership. Poilievre points to economic turmoil, rising crime rates, and housing crises as key failures, asserting that the Liberal Party prioritizes self-preservation over accountability while Canada faces significant challenges.
A Texas woman was left in constant fear after a suspect intentionally rammed her Tesla in an unprovoked hit-and-run attack. The incident, part of a growing wave of vandalism targeting Teslas, caused significant damage to her vehicle and highlighted potential political and social tensions tied to the company's CEO, Elon Musk.