Over 1,000 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials say

In 2024, more than 33,300 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the U.S., with a surge in cases compared to the previous year. Health officials attribute the increase to the easing of COVID-19 preventive measures. Vaccination is recommended as the best prevention measure against whooping cough, which can be severe, especially in infants. Full Article

Butte County, California officials are searching for two teen brothers who went missing during a duck-hunting trip. In Massachusetts, Owen Kasozi, 30, was found dead in a frozen lake after disappearing while walking her dog. Authorities believe she fell into the icy water and was unable to get out. Her family described her as a vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone she met. Full Article

In 2024, a diary of disturbing disinformation and dangerous delusions emerged, showcasing the false statements and outrageous claims made by various political figures. From President Biden's misleading statements to Democratic leaders' blatant lies, the year was filled with misinformation and gaslighting. Despite the chaotic political landscape, the truth eventually prevailed, revealing the consequences of spreading falsehoods and delusions to the public. Full Article

Many Americans ended the holidays with new debt, with 36% taking on an average of $1,181 in holiday debt, up from previous years but still lower than in 2022, according to LendingTree. Financial challenges persist due to inflation, with parents of young children, millennials, and those earning $30,000 to $49,999 most likely to go into debt. To tackle debt, negotiating interest rates, choosing a pay-down strategy, increasing savings, and celebrating small wins are recommended, according...

Firefighters in downtown L.A. battled a fire at a four-story building, assisting homeless individuals with evacuation using ground ladders. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported the ongoing incident in a news release, with crews working to contain the blaze. The situation is still developing. Full Article

Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar," plans to address the border crisis by deporting illegal immigrants and locating hundreds of thousands of missing migrant children. Homan suggested placing the children of illegal immigrants in halfway homes as part of the mass deportation strategy, emphasizing that having a U.S. citizen child does not exempt individuals from deportation. Trump's administration aims to involve the American people in finding missing children to prevent sex trafficking and forced labor, as...