The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant surge in norovirus cases across the United States. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and intense stomach pain. While symptoms typically last between 12 and 47 hours and often resolve without medical intervention, the virus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia's "conscious choice" to launch a major attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, calling the strikes "inhumane." Russia fired 184 missiles and drones, many of which were intercepted by Ukraine's air force, but some still caused casualties, with damage reported in several regions. The attack resulted in widespread power cuts, including in Kyiv, where residents took shelter in metro stations as air raid alarms sounded.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which killed 103 people and caused an estimated $53 billion in damages, North Carolina has received significant aid for recovery efforts, including over $1.1 billion in state relief and billions more in federal requests. The storm, considered the state’s worst natural disaster, has prompted both state and federal governments to take action, though criticism has followed regarding the adequacy of those efforts.
Israel on Monday rejected claims by Cindy McCain, director of the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP), that only two WFP trucks entered Gaza in November. McCain’s statements on CBS News’ Face the Nation accused Israel of targeting aid workers and obstructing aid, leading to significant pushback from Israeli officials.
Residents of Rumford, Maine this week were surprised to find brown-colored snow covering their yards and fields instead of the usual fluffy white blanket, according to WJW-TV.
