Chicago’s Navy Pier New Year’s Eve fireworks show gets bigger – NBC Chicago

Plane Crash in AlaskaTwo people died, and one was seriously injured following a plane crash in Nanwalek, Alaska, as reported by the Alaska Department of Public Safety. The injured individual was medevaced to a hospital in Anchorage, but no details regarding the cause of the crash have been released. The Alaska State Troopers are currently on the scene, and updates will follow as this is a developing story. Full Article

A tornado watch is in effect across the Midwest, alerting millions as severe weather, including wind and hail, continues from a system that moved in over the weekend. Key areas at risk include northern Iowa, eastern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin, where strong tornadoes, large hail, and destructive winds are expected. The threat extends to parts of Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, with an enhanced risk of severe storms continuing into Tuesday, particularly over northern...

Consumers in the U.S. will continue to have access to E15 gasoline this summer due to an EPA emergency waiver, which is expected to lower fuel costs but raises environmental concerns. The waiver, initially effective until May 20, may be extended until September 15, allowing for year-round sales in some Midwestern states. While supporters argue that ethanol benefits farmers and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, critics highlight issues such as water pollution and resource depletion linked...

A Pittsburgh funeral home director is facing serious charges for allegedly throwing out the bodies of thousands of pets and providing owners with the ashes of other animals. Patrick Vereb, 70, owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, is accused of stealing over $650,000 from more than 6,500 customers who paid for pet burial and cremation services between 2021 and 2024. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office is investigating the case, urging potential victims...

NASA's oldest active-duty astronaut, Don Pettit, has returned to Earth after a 220-day mission aboard the ISS, celebrating his 70th birthday in space. Over his four missions, he has accumulated 590 days in space, conducting extensive scientific research, including advancements in 3D printing and plant growth, while also indulging his passion for photography. Pettit expressed that, despite his age, the unique physiological benefits of living in space make him feel rejuvenated and invigorated. Full Article

The USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet while towing it in the Red Sea, resulting in the aircraft slipping off the hangar deck on Monday. The crew members evacuated safely with one minor injury reported, and an investigation is underway. The Truman, which has been deployed for military operations against Houthi rebels, remains fully mission capable despite this incident and a previous collision in February. Full Article