Strong Santa Ana winds bring wildfire danger for New Year’s Eve

In a rescue mission off Captiva Island, Florida, a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 helicopter crew located three missing boaters sitting on their capsized boat, all reportedly in good health. The Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach boat crew safely transferred the boaters to emergency medical services for evaluation. Chief Warrant Officer Dennise Werre emphasized the importance of creating a float plan with loved ones before embarking on a vessel to aid first...

President Trump announced on social media that Dan Bongino, a former police officer and Secret Service agent turned right-wing pundit and podcaster, will be the next deputy director of the F.B.I. without Senate confirmation. This appointment, along with F.B.I. director Kash Patel, raises concerns about the lack of experience overseeing the agency's vast powers and the potential impact on its independence and credibility. Bongino's history of spreading misinformation and embracing partisan politics also adds to...

Seven incarcerated men in Massachusetts, eligible for parole following a 2024 Supreme Judicial Court ruling, are suing over delays in scheduling their hearings. The plaintiffs, who were sentenced to life without parole as "emerging adults," have been waiting for their parole hearings for years. The Massachusetts Parole Board is facing criticism for the slow process, with more than 100 individuals affected by the ruling still awaiting their hearings. Full Article

Fresno State men’s basketball is embroiled in a sports gambling scandal, with two players allegedly betting on games they played in, leading to the removal of forward Mykell Robinson and the suspension of guards Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins. The NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from participating in any form of sports betting, prompting an investigation after head coach Vance Walberg reported the players' actions. With the Bulldogs struggling on a 10-game losing streak and a...

Mayor Brandon Johnson's new task force aims to address extremism among Chicago city employees, particularly within the police department, following pressure from the city's watchdog. Co-chaired by Garien Gatewood and Carla Kupe, the group will review existing policies to root out employees affiliated with hate groups. However, residents at a town hall demanded immediate action and reopening investigations into police officers with extremist ties, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue within law enforcement. Full...

Christopher Bell clinched the victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a last-lap pass during overtime, adding his name to the list of drivers who led during the race. Bell, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, reflected on his win, stating his love for superspeedways and crediting his team for putting him in a winning position. Kyle Larson's aggressive racing led to chaos, but Bell managed to navigate through and secure his tenth career victory in the...