Author: Lester Holt

Boeing freighter ends up in the sea after failed landingTwo airport security officers were killed when a cargo jet overshot the runway at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of Monday morning. The Boeing 747-400, operated by ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, was arriving from Dubai when it careened off the north runway shortly before 4 a.m. local time. The aircraft broke through the airport’s boundary fence and came to rest with its nose submerged in coastal waters. The four crew members were pulled from the plane and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators search…

Hunting Operations Continue Amid Federal FurloughsDuring the partial government shutdown in October 2025, which led to the furlough of thousands of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) employees, the Trump administration confirmed that hunting activities would continue in roughly 600 National Wildlife Refuges nationwide. Internal guidance indicated that all scheduled hunts should proceed, while other refuge services, including visitor centers and educational programs, were temporarily suspended. The decision has drawn criticism from conservation organizations and some lawmakers, who question the prioritization of recreational hunting over other federal responsibilities. Limited Staff Maintain Essential FunctionsAlthough most FWS personnel were furloughed, a small…

Governor Acts After Learning of Military ExerciseCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a temporary shutdown of part of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton following news of a planned Marines live-fire event. The demonstration, marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, was expected to feature artillery fire and amphibious maneuvers near the heavily traveled highway. Newsom said the proximity of live ammunition to public roadways created an unacceptable safety risk, describing the event as “irresponsible and poorly planned.” State Officials Criticize Federal HandlingAccording to Newsom’s office, state agencies received little notice before the event was announced. The governor said the lack of communication…

The Sun Travel Awards 2025 celebrated the best in the travel industry, recognizing companies, destinations, and services that excelled over the past year. The event highlighted achievements across airlines, tour operators, and holiday destinations, reflecting ongoing innovation and quality in travel. Emirates retained its title as Best Airline, demonstrating consistent service, comfort, and global connectivity. The airline’s continued investment in modern fleets and passenger experience contributed to its recognition. Travelers praised Emirates for reliability and a premium flying experience across its international network. Jet2holidays was named Best Short Haul Operator. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering value-driven…

Credit Worries Cross the AtlanticEuropean private equity markets came under heavy pressure this week as renewed fears over the health of U.S. regional banks unsettled global investors. A string of disappointing U.S. lending updates, including mounting loan losses, has raised concerns about the stability of credit markets worldwide, sending shockwaves through Europe’s debt-dependent investment industry. Rising Borrowing Costs Hit Deal ActivityThe prospect of tighter credit conditions has left private equity firms scrambling to adjust. With banks pulling back on new lending and financing costs rising, dealmaking momentum has slowed sharply. Analysts say valuations are being recalibrated as investors brace for…

Court Steps In Over Potentially Improper TerminationsA federal judge in San Francisco has ordered a temporary halt to the Trump administration’s plan to lay off more than 4,100 government employees during the ongoing shutdown. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ruled that the proposed workforce reductions may have been politically motivated and did not comply with required legal procedures. Agencies impacted include Commerce, Education, Energy, EPA, HHS, HUD, Homeland Security, and Treasury. Unions Challenge the Layoff PlansLabor organizations, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and AFSCME, have filed a lawsuit contending that the administration’s layoff strategy violates the Antideficiency…

Pursuit Leads to Violent Collision and ArrestsA Border Patrol operation on Chicago’s South Side erupted into chaos after agents ended a high-speed chase with a forced stop that caused a red SUV to crash. Officials reported that the vehicle had struck a federal unit before attempting to flee. Two occupants fled the scene on foot but were detained moments later. Authorities indicated the pursuit stemmed from an ongoing investigation into possible human smuggling activity. Confrontation With Crowd Turns VolatileSoon after the collision, a crowd gathered near the crash site as residents confronted federal agents. Witnesses said the situation grew tense,…

Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has sparked a significant increase in shipments across China, reflecting robust demand and growing confidence among consumers. The strong performance highlights the enduring popularity of Apple products in one of the company’s most important markets. Analysts say the surge underscores both the brand’s appeal and the willingness of Chinese consumers to invest in premium smartphones. The iPhone 17 series, which includes several models with advanced features, has received positive feedback from users and industry experts alike. Improved performance, innovative camera upgrades, and longer battery life are among the key factors driving consumer interest. Buyers in…

Public Opposition Prompts Review of Recent LawUtah lawmakers are reconsidering a recently enacted measure that requires adults to possess a valid hunting or fishing license when entering state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The rule, passed under HB-309, was intended to make sure all visitors help fund conservation programs that maintain these lands. However, the regulation has drawn strong criticism from hikers, birders, and other outdoor enthusiasts who argue the policy restricts access to public spaces that should remain free to use. Legislature Explores Repeal and Alternative OptionsSeveral potential revisions are being debated before the next legislative session. One approach would…

New Measures Target Youth Screen Time and Online HarmGovernor Gavin Newsom has enacted a groundbreaking law mandating that social media platforms warn young users about the potential mental health effects of prolonged use. The legislation, which applies to major platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, is the first in the United States to require visible health warnings for minors. Timed Alerts to Warn Teen UsersUnder the new law, minors logging into social media will receive a 10-second skippable warning the first time they open an app each day. After three hours of activity, a 30-second unskippable message must appear, repeating…