An illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic, staying at a Massachusetts shelter, faces serious charges after being caught with a significant amount of drugs and firearms.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered an open investigation into the mayor of Coalcoman, Michoacan, after a controversial Christmas party where local government officials allegedly praised drug lords from the notorious Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG). The party, attended by city officials and a high-ranking military officer, reportedly saw cartel members distributing gifts to children, with a banner later thanking the cartel’s leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, and his sons for their “generosity.”
A Virginia man was arrested on December 17 after authorities uncovered a large stash of "finished explosive devices" on his property. Brad Spafford, 50, was apprehended outside Norfolk after the FBI found over 150 explosive devices, including pipe bombs, at his 20-acre farm.
Artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are "distorting" the power grid, according to a Bloomberg report. The outlet's analysis found that "more than three-quarters of highly-distorted power readings across the country are within 50 miles of significant data center activity."
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has instructed cabinet nominees to cease all social media activity ahead of Senate confirmation hearings, according to a report from the New York Post. The directive, issued by incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on December 29, stresses that nominees should not speak publicly without prior approval.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of shooting down Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243, which crash-landed in Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Christmas Day. The incident claimed the lives of 38 passengers and crew out of the 67 onboard. Aliyev alleged that evidence points to Russian surface-to-air missiles as the cause, though he clarified there is no indication the attack was intentional.
Taiwan's Presidential Office has conducted its first-ever tabletop exercise simulating a military escalation with China, reflecting the island's intensified efforts to prepare for potential conflict.
The House Ethics Committee released its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), finding "substantial evidence" that he violated House rules and state and federal laws.
