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16-Year-Old Kills Family and Calls 911 to Confess; Police Say Teen Was “Extremely Intoxicated”

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16-Year-Old Kills Family and Calls 911 to Confess; Police Say Teen Was “Extremely Intoxicated”

A 16-year-old New Mexico boy has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing his parents and two siblings, then drunkenly calling 911 to confess. 

According to authorities, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, from a teenager who claimed to have killed his entire family. Deputies arrived at the Belén home to find 16-year-old Diego Leyva walking out of the residence with his hands raised in surrender. Police described him as “extremely intoxicated” but said he cooperated fully with their investigation. 

Inside the home, officers discovered a handgun on the kitchen table and the bodies of four victims. The victims have been identified as Leonardo Leyva (42), Adriana Bencomo (35)—the suspect’s parents—and his 14-year-old and 16-year-old brothers. Authorities believe all four died from gunshot wounds. 

The tragedy has rocked the local community. Adriana Bencomo, one of the victims, was an active member of the Valencia County Fire Department. In a statement, the department expressed that it was “shocked and saddened by this loss.” 

The Belén Consolidated Schools district, where Leyva was a student, responded by offering additional counseling services for grieving classmates and staff. Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez shared a statement on Sunday via Facebook: 

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic event involving the killing of his family by a BHS student this past Saturday. Our hearts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by this devastating loss.” 

Sanchez emphasized the importance of addressing youth challenges and promoting mental health awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure our children and families feel safe, supported, and valued,” he concluded. 

Following his arrest, Leyva was transported to a hospital for detox. Once medically cleared, he was booked into the Juvenile Justice Center in Albuquerque on December 15. 

The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau and Crime Scene Team are continuing to investigate the case, processing evidence and conducting interviews to uncover what led to the tragic events. Their findings will be turned over to the district attorney’s office for prosecution. 

Trump Claims Turkey’s Erdogan Directed Syrian Rebels in ‘Unfriendly Takeover’ of Assad’s Regime 

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Trump Claims Turkey’s Erdogan Directed Syrian Rebels in ‘Unfriendly Takeover’ of Assad’s Regime 

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday alleged that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan orchestrated the swift overthrow of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8. Trump’s remarks came during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he praised Erdogan’s strategic influence while raising questions about the region’s future. 

“The very smart Erdogan directed the rebellion that led to the overthrow of Syria’s brutal Assad regime,” Trump said, describing it as “another way to fight.” Trump asserted that Turkey was behind the rebel forces responsible for the regime’s collapse. “And those people that went in are controlled by Turkey, and that’s OK,” he added. 

When asked about the fate of the 900 American troops currently stationed in Syria, Trump remained non-committal, stating, “Nobody knows what the final outcome is going to be in the region.” However, he noted, “The one [Assad regime] side has been decimated.” 

Trump further described Erdogan as “a very smart guy” and characterized the situation as “an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost.” 

Despite Trump’s comments, Israeli officials cautioned the United States to remain vigilant regarding Erdogan’s leadership and Turkey’s growing influence. Knesset member Wasserman Lande specifically pointed to Turkey’s support for groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, linking their influence to the incoming Syrian leadership. 

“Turkey, with Erdogan at the helm, is supportive of Hamas and supportive of the Muslim Brotherhood, which are the same thing,” she said, emphasizing concerns over Syria now being governed by Turkey-backed rebels. 

Lande urged the incoming Trump administration to monitor Erdogan closely, particularly given Turkey’s membership in NATO, which could provide the U.S. and allies leverage over Turkey’s actions. “The United States needs to put a huge vigilant watch on Erdogan, particularly because he’s a member of NATO,” she stated. 

TikTok Appeals to Supreme Court to Block U.S. Ban Over National Security Concerns 

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TikTok Appeals to Supreme Court to Block U.S. Ban Over National Security Concerns 

TikTok has filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, urging justices to block a federal law that could ban the popular app in the United States unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake. The deadline for the law to take effect is January 19. 

TikTok’s legal team argued that a shutdown would significantly harm its U.S. user base, which exceeds 170 million people, and severely impact content creators who depend on the platform for income. The company estimates it could lose a third of its daily U.S. users and face substantial advertising revenue losses within a month. 

The case raises significant constitutional questions, particularly free speech rights protected under the First Amendment, pitted against the U.S. government’s stated *national security concerns*. Lawyers for TikTok and ByteDance claim that the law unfairly targets the platform and internet services supporting it. 

The emergency appeal first heads to Chief Justice John Roberts, who oversees cases from the District of Columbia Circuit. He is expected to seek input from all nine justices. 

Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok’s request to block the law, allowing the case to advance to the Supreme Court. The panel had previously upheld the law unanimously, rejecting claims it violated free speech rights. 

If the Supreme Court does not intervene, the law will take effect on January 19, exposing app stores and hosting services offering TikTok to penalties. Enforcement of the ban would be overseen by the Justice Department. TikTok’s legal team, however, argued that the department may delay enforcement under the incoming administration, as President-elect Donald Trump previously vowed to “save TikTok” during his campaign. 

The Supreme Court’s decision could either temporarily freeze the law to allow further deliberation or reject the emergency appeal, enabling the ban to take effect as planned. 

At Least 3 Dead, Including Shooter, in Madison School Shooting

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At Least 3 Dead, Including Shooter, in Madison School Shooting

A tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, has left three people dead, including a suspected juvenile shooter, and six others injured, according to the Madison Police Department. 

Officers responded to an active shooter call at the K-12 private school at 10:57 a.m. and discovered multiple victims with gunshot wounds. Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that the suspected shooter, who was found among the deceased, is believed to have been a student at the school. 

“Today is a sad, sad day,” Barnes said during a press briefing. “Not just for Madison, but for our entire country.” 

Seven injured individuals were transported to local hospitals after receiving lifesaving treatment at the scene. Authorities have not yet clarified how many of the injured are students or staff members. Police described the severity of injuries as ranging from minor to life-threatening. 

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and no officers discharged weapons during their response. FBI Milwaukee is assisting local authorities on-site, while Buckeye Road, the street leading to the school, remains blocked off as police collect evidence. A public safety alert was issued around 11:20 a.m., urging the public to avoid the area. 

Parents gathered at a designated reunification site nearby as they awaited news of their children. A local resident reported hearing gunfire, adding to the chaos of the morning. 

The private Christian school, founded in 1978, serves approximately 335 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It is part of the Impact Christian Schools network and prides itself on small class sizes and a respectful learning environment. 

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting. Senior officials remain in communication with local authorities, offering federal support as needed. 

Abundant Life Christian School released a brief statement on social media requesting prayers for its community during this difficult time: “Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS. We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family.” 

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide updates as more details emerge.

UK Government Approves $4.6 Billion Royal Mail Takeover by Czech Billionaire

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UK Government Approves $4.6 Billion Royal Mail Takeover by Czech Billionaire

The British government approved on Monday the sale of Royal Mail’s parent company to a Czech billionaire, marking the first time in its 500-year history that the postal service will fall into foreign ownership. 

Authorities confirmed that the 3.6 billion-pound ($4.6 billion) acquisition of International Distribution Services (IDS), Royal Mail’s parent company, by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group, has been cleared to proceed. 

Kretinsky and IDS had initially agreed to the deal in May but needed formal approval under the UK’s national security laws, given the vital role of the postal service. 

Under the terms of the deal, Royal Mail will remain headquartered in the UK. The British government will also retain a “golden share” in the company, requiring its approval for any major changes to ownership, tax residency, or headquarters location. 

The takeover is expected to be finalized in early 2025. 

Royal Mail, one of the UK’s oldest institutions, was established in the 1500s as an exclusive service for the monarchy and royal court before evolving into a public postal service in the 1600s. 

Although privatized in 2013, Royal Mail has faced significant challenges in recent years as letter volumes continue to decline sharply amid changing communication habits.

Putin Claims Western Pressure Forces Russian Military Response

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Putin Claims Western Pressure Forces Russian Military Response

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Western powers Monday of forcing Russia to respond by pushing it toward its declared “red lines,” while warning of potential changes to Russian missile deployment policies.

Speaking at a defense officials meeting, Putin expressed serious concern over U.S. development and possible deployment of short and medium-range missiles. He threatened to remove Russia’s self-imposed restrictions on missile deployment if the U.S. proceeds with such installations.

The Russian leader referenced his military’s claimed capture of 189 settlements in Ukraine during 2024, while emphasizing that Russia’s nuclear arsenal serves purely deterrent purposes.

Ukraine Reports North Korean Losses on Russia’s Kursk Front

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Ukraine Reports North Korean Losses on Russia’s Kursk Front

Ukraine announced on Monday that North Korean units fighting for Russia suffered losses of at least 30 soldiers killed or wounded in clashes around several villages in Russia’s Kursk region over the weekend. 

The report from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency followed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent statement that Russia has been deploying North Korean troops in significant numbers for the first time to conduct assaults in the Kursk region. This area has been a focal point since Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion there in August. 

Kyiv’s statement marked the first detailed claim of North Korean casualties on this scale. According to Ukrainian sources, the losses occurred near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka. However, no evidence was provided to substantiate the figures, and the claims could not be independently verified. 

The Kremlin declined to comment on the allegations, referring inquiries to the Russian Defense Ministry, which has remained silent on the matter. Russia has yet to confirm or deny the presence of North Korean forces on its front lines. Initially dismissing such reports as “fake news,” Pyongyang later suggested that any deployment would be lawful. 

Ukraine’s intelligence agency reported that ongoing losses have forced Russia to replenish its assault units with fresh personnel, specifically from North Korea’s 94th Separate Brigade, to sustain combat operations in the Kursk region. 

Kyiv first alleged the presence of North Korean forces in the region in October, later reporting clashes without specifying casualties. Ukraine estimates that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are now involved, supplementing a large Russian force in the area. 

While nearly a fifth of Ukraine remains under Russian control, Ukrainian troops have secured an enclave within the Kursk region. They continue to hold this position, which Kyiv views as a potential bargaining tool in future peace negotiations. 

UK to Have Cheaper Christmas Dinner This Year-BBC

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UK to Have Cheaper Christmas Dinner This Year-BBC

Christmas dinner will cost a little less this year thanks to falling turkey and Brussels sprout prices, according to new research conducted for the BBC. 

The price of Brussels sprouts has dropped by 12%, while a 10lb (4.55kg) frozen turkey is now £1.21 cheaper compared to last year. However, not all festive staples saw price cuts—root vegetables have become more expensive after wet weather delayed planting earlier this year. 

When combining all the trimmings, a family Christmas dinner is expected to cost £31.66 in 2024, slightly down from £32.18 in 2023. This reflects a slowing in food price inflation as the UK experiences easing overall inflation. 

The annual price changes were tracked across major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl by retail analytics platform Assosia. 

-Turkey: The centerpiece of the Christmas meal, the turkey, saw a 6% price drop. 

  Tom Copas, managing director of Copas Turkeys in Berkshire, attributed this stabilization to a recovery following “turbulent” years that had driven costs higher. However, Mr. Copas noted slower sales and increased demand for smaller turkeys, suggesting shoppers are being more cautious about spending. 

– Brussels Sprouts: Prices are down by 12%, with a 500g bag costing 12p less than last year. John Inglis, senior commercial manager at ESG Drysdale, one of the UK’s largest sprout producers, said growing conditions have returned to normal after two challenging years of extreme weather. 

– Root Vegetables: Prices surged due to weather disruptions. 

   -Potatoes: Maris Piper potatoes rose by 26%, with a 2kg bag now costing £1.99. 

   – Carrots: Prices increased by 13.4% to 69p per kilo. 

     Farmer Rodger Hobson explained that delayed planting caused by a wet spring, combined with difficult harvesting conditions, led to the price hikes. 

Despite these increases, Mr. Hobson predicted supermarkets would slash carrot prices to as low as 20p per kilo during Christmas week as part of their annual discount strategies. 

Supermarket Competition and “Loss Leaders” 

Retail specialist Ged Futter explained that supermarkets often use staples like potatoes, carrots, and sprouts as loss leaders—products sold below cost to attract customers in the days leading up to Christmas. While this benefits shoppers, Futter emphasized that it fails to reflect the real production costs for farmers and contributes to food waste. 

Christmas Desserts See Increases 

Not all festive items saw price relief. 

– Christmas puddings are up 11%. 

– Mince pies rose by 5%, driven by higher costs of ingredients, packaging, and wages. 

Jessica White, owner of Meg Rivers artisan bakery, noted rising expenses but chose to freeze prices for customers. She reported strong demand, with Christmas puddings selling out and additional stock being produced to meet a waiting list. 

Cheapest Supermarket for Christmas Dinner 

A BBC analysis compared prices of essential Christmas dinner items across the UK’s top five supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Aldi. 

– Aldi emerged as the most affordable at £24.30. 

– Asda followed at £28.22, with Morrisons and Sainsbury’s close behind. 

– Tesco was the most expensive, with a basket cost of £36.51. 

Prices are expected to fluctuate further as supermarkets ramp up competition closer to Christmas Day. 

A bbc report

West African Bloc Approves Exit of Three Military-Led States, Grants Grace Period

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West African Bloc Approves Exit of Three Military-Led States, Grants Grace Period

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have approved the withdrawal of three military-led nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—but offered a six-month grace period for reconsideration. 

The decision marks the first exit of any country from ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, posing a major challenge to the bloc’s goals of economic and political integration. 

The three nations, all founding members of ECOWAS, rejected the bloc’s demands to restore democratic rule following military coups. They have since formed a separate alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). 

At a summit held in Nigeria on Sunday, ECOWAS leaders acknowledged the countries’ decision but extended the possibility of readmission between January 29 and July 29, 2025. During this transitional period, ECOWAS hopes the nations will reconsider their departure. 

ECOWAS citizens currently enjoy visa-free travel, residency rights, and free movement of goods within the bloc. The exit raises concerns about restrictions for people and goods from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, though no formal measures have been announced. 

FILE PHOTO: General Abdourahmane Tiani, who was declared as the new head of state of Niger by leaders of a coup, arrives to meet with ministers in Niamey, Niger July 28, 2023. REUTERS/Balima Boureima/File Photo

Meanwhile, AES leaders over the weekend assured that visa-free travel and residency rights would remain in place for ECOWAS citizens. AES chairman and Mali’s military ruler, Assimi Goïta, emphasized the alliance’s intent to maintain regional ties. 

ECOWAS has tasked its commission in Abuja with determining the operational relationship between the two blocs. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé are leading ongoing negotiations. 

At the summit, ECOWAS Commission head Omar Touray described the exit as “disheartening” but commended mediation efforts. He acknowledged that the planned departure would significantly impact the bloc, which stands to lose 76 million people and half its total geographical area. 

The military-led governments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have accused ECOWAS of aligning too closely with Western powers and criticized its stance on their respective coups. The bloc suspended the three nations following military takeovers in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). 

The Sahel nations have since strengthened ties with Russia, pivoting away from traditional Western alliances. The move comes as they continue to combat ongoing insurgencies from armed jihadist groups in the region. 

Despite mediation efforts, AES leaders described their withdrawal from ECOWAS as “irreversible” following a ministerial-level meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey. 

ECOWAS faces a critical period as it navigates the geopolitical and economic implications of the split. The departure underscores mounting divisions within the region and challenges to regional stability and cooperation. 

Bitcoin Surges Past $106,000 as Trump Victory Spurs Cryptocurrency Rally

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Bitcoin Surges Past $106,000 as Trump Victory Spurs Cryptocurrency Rally

Bitcoin reached an unprecedented high above $106,000 Monday, continuing a dramatic post-election surge that has seen the cryptocurrency’s value increase more than 50% since Donald Trump’s November 5 victory.

The digital currency’s rally reflects market optimism about the incoming administration’s cryptocurrency-friendly stance, including Trump’s proposal to establish a national Bitcoin stockpile similar to the strategic oil reserve.

Trading expert Peter McGuire of XM.com suggests the momentum could push Bitcoin to $120,000 by year-end and potentially $150,000 by mid-2025.

Trump’s appointment of David Sacks, a former PayPal executive and associate of Elon Musk, as AI and cryptocurrency tsar signals a significant shift in federal crypto policy.

 The president-elect has also named pro-cryptocurrency attorney Paul Atkins as his choice to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing current chairman Gary Gensler.

Gensler, who announced his resignation effective January 20, had faced criticism for his regulatory actions against cryptocurrency firms, actions Trump has publicly opposed.

The incoming administration’s anticipated regulatory changes have contributed to the current “fear of missing out” rally in cryptocurrency markets.

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