A fatal collision between a bus and a truck early Friday on Mexico’s Gulf coast claimed the lives of eight people and left 27 others injured, according to Veracruz state prosecutors. The crash occurred before dawn on a highway near the state capital, Xalapa, a region known for its mountainous terrain and winding roads.
Authorities reported that most of the victims were passengers aboard the ADO-line bus. Among the deceased were three men, four women, and one young girl. The injured, totaling 27, were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Details about their conditions have not yet been released.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The highway in question is notorious for its sharp curves and challenging driving conditions, particularly in the mountainous areas near Xalapa.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing road safety challenges in Mexico’s mountainous regions.
Israeli troops reportedly stormed Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the last operational medical facilities in northern Gaza, on Friday, forcing patients and medical staff to evacuate into cold winter conditions, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The incident is part of escalating hostilities in the region.
The Israeli military denies entering or setting fire to the facility, claiming Hamas militants use it as a base of operations. The hospital has been hit repeatedly over the last three months during military offensives, with a recent strike killing five medical staff, according to officials.
The Gaza Health Ministry stated that Israeli forces ordered patients and staff to assemble in the hospital yard, strip to their undergarments for security checks, and relocate to unknown destinations. Some patients were transferred to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which was also rendered inoperable by Israeli airstrikes earlier this week.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied entering the facility but reiterated claims that Hamas militants operate within the hospital. No evidence was provided to substantiate this allegation, and hospital administrators denied Hamas’s presence in the complex.
The Health Ministry reported fires allegedly ignited by Israeli troops across critical hospital areas, including the surgical and laboratory departments. Hospital staff claimed the situation put patients in immediate danger, including those reliant on oxygen support. The Health Ministry estimates that 25 patients and 60 medical personnel remain trapped in the facility.
The United Nations condemned the incident, emphasizing the protection of medical facilities as mandated by international law. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay highlighted reports of “significant damage” to Kamal Adwan Hospital and called for urgent measures to protect patients and healthcare workers.
The northern Gaza region, encompassing towns like Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya, remains largely sealed off due to intensified Israeli military operations. Food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid have been severely limited, with the United Nations reporting only four deliveries to the area in December. Thousands of Palestinians are believed to remain in these isolated areas, despite calls for safe evacuations.
Since the conflict escalated following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, more than 45,400 Palestinians have been killed, including many women and children, according to Gaza Health Ministry data. Over 108,000 individuals have been injured, while Israel’s airstrikes and offensives have devastated Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure.
Displaced families in Gaza, most sheltering in overcrowded tent camps, are battling freezing temperatures. At least three infants have died from exposure to the cold, while an adult nurse also succumbed this week, according to health officials. The lack of adequate shelter, clothing, and heating has further worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Brazilian authorities have relocated dozens of Chinese workers from poor conditions at a construction site for electric vehicle manufacturer BYD in the northeastern city of Camaçari to local hotels as an investigation unfolds.
FILE – A model poses near the BYD Song L EV car during Auto China 2024 held in Beijing, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)
Local prosecutors allege that the workers, employed under contractor Jinjiang Group, were victims of human trafficking and subjected to “slavery-like conditions.” However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims, and the workers’ immigration status remains unclear.
On Monday, prosecutors revealed the discovery of 163 workers and their living conditions, prompting an urgent request for their relocation to hotels. A video released by authorities showed dormitories with beds lacking mattresses and minimal cooking facilities.
BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, announced plans to terminate its contract with Jinjiang Group and stated it is “studying other appropriate measures.” In a statement on Thursday, the company denied allegations of labor violations, calling them a smear campaign against Chinese brands. BYD did not respond to requests for further comment.
The factory in Camaçari, located approximately 1,600 kilometers (997 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro, is expected to commence production next year. The current whereabouts of the relocated workers remain unclear, with local residents noting many have left the area.
The Bahia State Labor Prosecutor’s Office has not confirmed whether charges have been filed against those responsible, as investigations continue.
A winning Mega Millions ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the Friday night drawing, according to the Mega Millions website. The ticket matched all six numbers, marking the end of a three-month streak without a jackpot winner.
Rob, right, buys a Mega Millions ticket at Rossi’s Deli in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The winning numbers were white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, and 55, along with the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the ticket holder or holders has not been disclosed.
The full $1.22 billion jackpot will only be awarded to a winner who opts for an annuity, paid annually over 29 years. Most winners choose the cash option, which for this drawing is approximately $549.7 million.
Despite the astronomical odds of 1 in 302.6 million, ticket sales surged as the jackpot grew. The last time a Mega Millions jackpot was won was on Sept. 10, 2023.
The largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot of $1.6 billion was won in Florida in August 2023. Powerball, a similar lottery game, has recorded even larger prizes in its history.
Mega Millions and Powerball tickets are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball is also sold in Puerto Rico.
Starting in April, the price of a Mega Millions ticket will increase from $2 to $5. Officials say this adjustment is expected to improve jackpot odds and result in more frequent, record-breaking payouts.
A Pakistani military court has sentenced 60 civilians to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years for their involvement in attacks on military installations during protests that erupted after former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest in May 2023, according to a statement released by the military’s media wing on Thursday.
Among those sentenced are a relative of Khan and two retired military officers. These latest sentences follow the earlier convictions of 25 individuals on similar charges.
The arrests stem from widespread unrest in May 2023, when Khan’s detention sparked protests across the country. Supporters of the ousted prime minister targeted and vandalized military facilities in a show of defiance unprecedented in Pakistan’s history, where the military holds significant influence over political affairs.
In its statement, the military emphasized its commitment to maintaining state authority and ensuring justice. “The Nation, Government, and the Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that the inviolable writ of the state is maintained,” the statement read.
The sentences have drawn sharp criticism domestically and internationally. Supporters of Khan, who remains a prominent opposition figure, argue that the charges are politically motivated and that the trials undermine civilian rights.
The international community has also voiced concerns over the use of military courts for civilians. The United States expressed being “deeply concerned” about the sentences, while the United Kingdom’s foreign office noted that trying civilians in military courts “lacks transparency, independent scrutiny, and undermines the right to a fair trial.”
The European Union also criticized the sentences, calling them “inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
Pakistan’s information minister defended the trials during a press conference on Wednesday, asserting that they adhered to legal standards. According to the minister, the convicted individuals were provided access to legal counsel, allowed family visits, and retain the right to appeal twice—within the military court system and subsequently in the relevant civilian high court.
“The military court sentences do not infringe upon the right to a fair trial,” the minister stated.
The military and government have denied any undue targeting of Khan or his supporters, asserting that the judicial process is impartial.
The sentences are the latest chapter in the political turmoil surrounding Imran Khan, who has been a vocal critic of Pakistan’s military establishment since his removal from office in 2022. Khan faces multiple charges, including inciting violence against the military, which he denies, claiming the cases are part of a broader campaign to silence him and his party.
Khan’s supporters maintain their innocence, arguing that the charges are baseless and intended to crush dissent.
The military’s growing role in handling cases tied to political unrest has sparked broader fears of diminishing civilian oversight and transparency in Pakistan’s judicial process.
The trials and sentences underscore the ongoing struggle between Pakistan’s political opposition and its powerful military, which has historically played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
As appeals move forward, the sentences are expected to remain a flashpoint in Pakistan’s volatile political climate, further complicating prospects for reconciliation between the government, opposition, and military.
South Korea’s parliament impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday, deepening the political crisis that began with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension over his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.
Han, who had been serving as acting president since Yoon’s impeachment on December 14, is now the second high-ranking official to face removal in less than two weeks. The impeachment plunges South Korea into unprecedented political uncertainty, tarnishing its reputation as a democratic success story.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, next in line of succession, has assumed the role of acting president while the Constitutional Court reviews the cases of both Yoon and Han. Choi convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, consulted with military leaders, and pledged to stabilize state affairs during this tumultuous period.
“The government must do its best to ensure that the people do not become anxious or that the security of the country and daily lives are not disrupted,” Choi stated in an address to the nation.
The crisis began when President Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing unspecified national security threats. The short-lived declaration was met with widespread domestic and international criticism, leading to his impeachment by parliament. Yoon’s removal and Han’s subsequent impeachment have rattled South Korea’s political system and economy.
The turmoil has also raised alarm among allies, including the United States and European nations, who view South Korea as a critical partner in addressing regional challenges posed by China, Russia, and North Korea.
Han’s impeachment has exacerbated the instability, leaving Choi as a temporary leader in a precarious position. Analysts warn that Choi could face impeachment himself if he fails to align with the opposition-led parliament, which has shown little tolerance for executive overreach.
The political upheaval comes at a sensitive time for Asia’s fourth-largest economy, which is grappling with slowing growth and inflationary pressures. Han’s ouster could further undermine investor confidence and delay key policy decisions.
Before his impeachment, Han had served as a stabilizing figure, urging parliament to reconsider its decision. “This will do serious damage to the economy and erode public trust in our institutions,” he warned in a final plea to lawmakers.
Despite Han’s warnings, parliament proceeded with the impeachment, citing concerns over his handling of the fallout from Yoon’s martial law declaration.
The Constitutional Court will now review the cases against Yoon and Han, a process that could take months. During this time, Choi faces the daunting task of steering the nation through political and economic uncertainty while maintaining public trust.
South Korea’s political crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions, even in established systems. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the country can navigate its way back to stability or spiral further into chaos.
Survivors of the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 crash reported hearing loud bangs before the plane went down near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, killed at least 38 people and left 29 survivors.
Subhonkul Rakhimov, a passenger, described hearing a loud bang as the plane approached its initial destination, Grozny, Russia. “After the bang…I thought the plane was going to fall apart,” he said from his hospital bed. “It was as if the plane was drunk—not the same plane anymore.”
Another passenger, Vafa Shabanova, also heard a loud bang, followed by a second one. A flight attendant instructed her to move to the back of the plane.
Flight attendant Zulfugar Asadov recounted that fog prevented a landing in Grozny, causing the pilot to circle. “The pilot had just lifted the plane up when I heard a bang from the left wing. There were three bangs,” Asadov said. The cabin lost pressure, and debris struck his arm.
Survivors noted issues with oxygen levels in the cabin after the bangs. Footage taken before the crash showed oxygen masks deployed, passengers wearing life vests, and chaotic scenes aboard the aircraft.
The Embraer passenger jet had originally flown from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny before veering off course over the Caspian Sea. The plane crashed near Aktau after the captain opted for a ground landing rather than a sea landing.
Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to Russian cities following the crash, citing “physical and technical external interference.” Preliminary findings from Azerbaijani investigators suggest the plane may have been mistakenly shot down by Russian air defenses. Russia has called for patience until the official investigation concludes.
Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation authority, stated that dense fog and a local alert for Ukrainian drones led to the decision to reroute the flight. The captain was reportedly offered multiple alternative airports before choosing Aktau.
This crash underscores the growing risks to civil aviation near conflict zones. Despite being over 850 kilometers (530 miles) from Ukraine’s front lines, Grozny and surrounding areas have been targeted by Ukrainian drones.
Russia employs advanced air defense systems and electronic jamming to counter drones, but this incident highlights the dangers of operating civilian flights in airspace where military activity is ongoing.
The crash is reminiscent of past aviation tragedies linked to military conflicts, including the 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 by Iranian forces, the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 by a Russian BUK missile, and others involving accidental shootdowns.
Russian and Azerbaijani authorities, alongside Kazakh officials, are investigating the crash. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on reports that Russian air defenses were responsible, urging the public to wait for official findings.
Andrew Nicholson, CEO of Osprey Flight Solutions, warned of the heightened risks for civilian aircraft in conflict zones. “The second you stick civilian aircraft in that same airspace, you massively increase the risk,” he said, emphasizing the ongoing dangers in regions with active drone warfare and air defense operations.
The wife and daughter of Duraid Assad, a cousin of deposed Syrian president Bashar Assad, were arrested Friday at Beirut’s airport as they attempted to leave the country using allegedly forged passports, according to Lebanese judicial and security officials.
Bashar Assad
Rasha Khazem, the wife of Duraid Assad, and their daughter, Shams, were reportedly smuggled into Lebanon illegally before their attempt to board a flight to Egypt. Lebanese General Security is holding the two for questioning. The officials also confirmed that Rifaat Assad, the father of Duraid and uncle of Bashar Assad, departed Lebanon the previous day using his legitimate passport and was not stopped.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Rifaat Assad, who was the brother of Syria’s former ruler Hafez Assad and uncle to Bashar Assad, is a highly controversial figure. Known as the “Butcher of Hama,” he is accused of leading the artillery unit responsible for the 1982 massacre in Hama, which left thousands dead.
Earlier this year, Swiss federal prosecutors indicted Rifaat on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to his actions during the Hama massacre.
Rifaat Assad
The arrests of Rasha Khazem and Shams Assad come amid a wave of detentions in Lebanon following Bashar Assad’s recent fall from power. Lebanese officials reported that tens of thousands of Syrians, including members of Assad’s security forces and military, have entered Lebanon illegally in the aftermath of insurgent forces entering Damascus.
More than 20 former members of Syria’s 4th Division, military intelligence, and others affiliated with Assad’s regime have been arrested in Lebanon, some while attempting to sell weapons.
In addition, Lebanon’s public prosecution office received an Interpol notice requesting the arrest of Jamil al-Hassan, the former director of Syrian intelligence under Assad. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that the country would cooperate with Interpol regarding the arrest request.
The arrests highlight the ongoing fallout from the Assad regime’s collapse and Lebanon’s role as a neighboring state dealing with the influx of former Syrian regime affiliates. The case also underscores ongoing efforts by international authorities to hold figures connected to the Assad regime accountable for alleged crimes.
A Massachusetts family of four died on Christmas Day at their New Hampshire lake house after a suspected propane heating system malfunction caused lethal levels of carbon monoxide to fill the home, authorities said Friday.
The victims were identified as Matthew Goldstein, 52, an elementary school teacher in Chestnut Hill; his wife Lyla Goldstein, 54, a project manager at Microsoft; and their daughters, Valerie, 22, a teacher, and Violet, 19, a college student. The family, residents of Newton, Massachusetts, had been visiting their vacation property on Balch Lake for the holidays.
Authorities said they are investigating the source of the apparent carbon monoxide leak but noted there were no carbon monoxide alarms in the home. New Hampshire Fire Marshal Sean Toomey urged homeowners to install and regularly maintain such alarms to prevent similar tragedies.
“This has been a terribly tragic year for both fire deaths and carbon monoxide deaths,” Toomey said. “To lose a whole family of four right in the peak of the holiday season hits home even more.”
Police conducted a welfare check at the lake house around 4:20 p.m. on Christmas Day after relatives reported that the family had not arrived at a planned gathering and could not be reached. Officers found the victims inside the home, three in bedrooms and one in a bathroom, and fire crews detected elevated carbon monoxide levels.
Toomey said the family likely died overnight. An autopsy confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death for Matthew Goldstein. Autopsy results for the other victims are pending, but authorities believe the deaths were accidental.
Matthew Goldstein, who taught eighth grade at Edith C. Baker School in Brookline, Massachusetts, was remembered for his dedication to education and the arts. He also performed with the Newton Theatre Company.
“Mr. Goldstein’s dedication to inspiring students and shaping young minds has left an indelible mark,” Brookline Public Schools Superintendent Linus Guillory said.
Lyla Goldstein had worked at Microsoft for over 16 years as a principal project manager specializing in data and artificial intelligence.
Valerie Goldstein, a Syracuse University graduate, was in her first year as a Teach for America educator in North Carolina, aspiring to a future in education policy.
Violet Goldstein was a freshman at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she was remembered for her promising talent and vibrant spirit.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes carbon monoxide as a colorless, odorless gas that can kill without warning. It causes more than 400 deaths and 14,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States.
Investigators suspect the heating system malfunctioned, allowing carbon monoxide to bypass normal venting. Toomey advised homeowners to ensure heating systems are serviced regularly, chimneys are cleaned, and vents are cleared of snow or ice during winter.
Amid the busy holiday travel season, an unticketed passenger attempted to stow away on a Delta Air Lines flight from Seattle to Honolulu on Christmas Eve, resulting in delays and heightened security procedures.
The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was discovered onboard Delta flight 487 as the plane was taxiing for departure from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In accordance with protocol, the aircraft returned to the gate, and law enforcement apprehended the passenger, Delta said in a statement.
As a precaution, all passengers were deplaned and required to undergo rescreening at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint before reboarding. The flight eventually departed for Honolulu after a 2-hour and 15-minute delay, the airline confirmed.
“There are no matters more important than safety and security,” a Delta spokesperson said, thanking passengers for their patience and cooperation during the incident.
Svetlana Dali, a Russian national, was caught stowing away on a Delta Air Lines flight from the United States to France in November
The Port of Seattle, which oversees the airport, reported that the stowaway had successfully passed through a TSA security checkpoint the night before the flight, despite not having a boarding pass. Although the individual was screened without prohibited items, they gained access to the boarding bridge without a ticket.
Port of Seattle Police responded to a “suspicious circumstance” report shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday. By the time officers arrived, the individual had exited the aircraft. Using video surveillance, authorities located the suspect in a terminal restroom, where they were arrested for criminal trespass.
The TSA stated that the individual had been screened according to standard procedures, reiterating its commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly. “The agency takes all incidents at checkpoints nationwide seriously and will conduct an independent review,” a TSA spokesperson said.
This episode follows another stowaway case on a Delta flight less than a month earlier. During Thanksgiving week, Svetlana Dali, a Russian woman with U.S. residency, bypassed security at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and boarded a Delta flight to Paris without a ticket. Dali was arrested upon arrival in Paris and subsequently returned to the United States.
