A severe winter storm has blanketed the northeastern United States in snow, disrupting transportation and prompting emergency measures. As of Saturday evening local time, about 29 million people across Minneapolis, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Vermont were under winter weather alerts. According to the National Weather Service, Connecticut’s New Haven County saw more than 10 inches of snow between Friday and Saturday, while Fairfield County recorded over 9 inches. New York’s Phoenicia reported the highest snowfall at 13 inches.

Central Park in New York City recorded 4.3 inches of snow, the highest since January 2022. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in more than half of the state’s counties as snow and ice made roads hazardous for travel. Flight tracking website FlightAware reported over 8,700 flight delays and more than 1,400 cancellations across the United States by Saturday night.

Authorities warned that icy conditions could continue to disrupt travel and essential services as cleanup efforts proceed across affected regions.

A 22-year-old Indian-origin student, Manoj Sai Lella, was arrested by Frisco police in Texas on December 22. He is a senior student at the University of Texas at Dallas. According to authorities, police responded to his home after family members reported a mental health-related incident and alleged threats. Officials stated that Lella had attempted to set fire to his home a few days earlier.

NDTV reported that Lella faces charges of arson with intent to damage a residence or place of worship, classified as a first-degree felony. He was also charged with making 'terroristic' threats against family or household members, a Class A misdemeanor. However, police clarified that no evidence indicated any threat toward a place of worship.

Court documents show that bail was set at 100,000 US dollars for the arson charge and 3,500 US dollars for the threat charge.

Tensions are reportedly rising between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a report by Axios, Trump’s senior aides believe Netanyahu is deliberately undermining the Gaza peace process. The report states that frustration among Trump’s inner circle has grown as they suspect Netanyahu is taking active steps to delay the peace agreement and weaken the ceasefire.

The report names Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, peace envoy Steve Witkoff, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles as among those disappointed with Netanyahu. A White House official indicated that Netanyahu has largely lost the support of Trump’s core team, though Trump himself continues to back him and wants the agreement to move forward quickly.

Under Trump’s peace plan, the first phase of the ceasefire took effect on October 10, but Israel has reportedly failed to comply. Israeli forces have continued attacks in Gaza, with 412 people killed and 1,118 injured since the ceasefire began, according to TRT World.

A severe winter storm named Devin caused major travel disruptions across the United States on Friday, leading to the cancellation of 1,802 flights and delays to more than 22,000 others, according to Reuters. The storm struck during the Christmas holiday season, heavily affecting the northeastern region. The worst disruptions occurred at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports, where more than half of all cancellations and delays were reported. JetBlue canceled 225 flights, Delta 212, Republic Airways 157, American Airlines 146, and United Airlines 97.

Airline representatives said ticket change fees were waived for affected passengers. JetBlue reported canceling about 350 flights over two days, mostly in the northeastern United States. The storm also impacted Boston, Chicago, and Toronto in Canada. Authorities declared states of emergency in parts of New Jersey and New York as the National Weather Service forecast four to five inches of snow from New Jersey through southern Connecticut.

By Friday evening, snowfall reached seven inches in New York’s Pawling and Wolcott and 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, with snow, rain, and ice expected to continue into early Saturday.

A powerful winter storm has disrupted daily life across the northeastern United States, prompting emergency declarations in parts of New York and New Jersey. The U.S. weather service forecasted between four and five inches of snow from New Jersey through New York City to southern Connecticut. As of Friday evening, heavy snow, rain, and ice were affecting the region and were expected to continue until early Saturday.

According to the weather department, by 8:15 p.m. Friday, seven inches of snow had been recorded in Pawling, New York, 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, and seven inches in Wolcott, New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in more than half of the state, covering 36 counties, including all five boroughs of New York City.

Forecasts indicated that snow would persist through Saturday morning, with the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island areas expected to see the heaviest accumulation. Snowfall could reach 4 to 8 inches in many areas, with some places seeing up to a foot, raising concerns about power outages and accidents.

Imran Ahmed, a British national and head of the U.S.-based Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration in a New York district court. Ahmed described the U.S. visa ban imposed on him as unconstitutional and an attempt to expel him from the country. The State Department recently announced that five European figures involved in technology regulation, including Ahmed, would be denied visas, accusing them of pressuring U.S. social media platforms to censor views they dislike.

The European Union and several member states have strongly condemned the decision, pledging to defend Europe’s regulatory autonomy. Ahmed, a U.S. green card holder and permanent resident, named Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as defendants. A district judge has temporarily barred his arrest or detention, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for next Monday.

The State Department has maintained its position, stating that the Supreme Court and Congress have repeatedly affirmed that the U.S. has no obligation to allow foreign nationals to enter or reside in the country.

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to detain around 80,000 undocumented migrants in large warehouse facilities across the United States, according to a draft plan obtained by The Washington Post. The initiative, led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), includes the establishment of at least 22 detention warehouses nationwide, marking one of the largest expansions of migrant detention infrastructure in U.S. history.

The plan outlines the conversion of industrial warehouses in key states such as Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia, and Missouri into holding centers. Seven major facilities would each accommodate between 5,000 and 10,000 detainees, while 15 smaller centers would hold 500 to 1,500 people each. The move follows a record-high detention rate, with more than 70,000 migrants currently in custody.

Critics have raised concerns over human rights and logistical feasibility, while supporters argue it strengthens border enforcement. The proposal signals a continuation of President Trump’s hardline immigration stance during his second term, with further deportation operations expected in the coming months.

A US federal court has upheld President Donald Trump’s executive order raising the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, rejecting a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 20 states. The challengers argued that the fee increase was excessive, unlawful, and harmful to both applicants and the US labor market. The 56-page ruling, issued by Judge Beryl Howell, affirms the administration’s authority to adjust visa fees when deemed necessary for economic or national security reasons.

Judge Howell acknowledged that the decision could negatively impact American businesses and universities that rely on skilled foreign workers. Critics of the H-1B program have long claimed it undermines opportunities for US workers, while supporters argue it helps attract top global talent essential for innovation and competitiveness.

The ruling marks a significant policy win for Trump’s immigration agenda, though it may face further appeals. Industry groups and academic institutions are expected to lobby for revisions, warning of potential talent shortages and economic repercussions.

The US State Department has announced visa bans on five European figures, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, accusing them of aiding censorship and exerting pressure on free expression. Breton, who helped design the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), was cited for his role in shaping online content moderation rules. Others sanctioned include leaders from the UK-based Global Disinformation Index and Germany’s HateAid.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the individuals and organizations acted as tools of foreign censorship campaigns targeting American speakers and companies. Breton dismissed the move as politically motivated harassment, arguing that Washington’s understanding of censorship is misplaced. European officials have rejected claims that the DSA suppresses political speech.

The decision has drawn criticism from conservative US groups, who claim it punishes right-wing viewpoints. Analysts warn the dispute could strain transatlantic cooperation on digital regulation and free speech standards, as both sides accuse each other of politicizing online governance.

A powerful explosion ripped through a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, killing at least two people and leaving five others missing, state officials confirmed on Tuesday. Governor Josh Shapiro said the blast occurred at the Silver Lake facility north of Philadelphia, likely caused by a gas leak. The explosion caused part of the building to collapse, trapping several residents under burning debris.

Fire Chief Kevin DiPolito of Bristol Township reported that firefighters smelled strong gas upon arrival and faced extensive structural damage, with the first floor collapsing into the basement. Emergency crews rescued multiple individuals from windows, stairwells, and elevators, while search efforts continue for those unaccounted for. Governor Shapiro praised the swift coordination between firefighters and police during the evacuation.

Authorities noted that the nursing home recently changed ownership, and state health inspectors had visited earlier in December to review quality improvement plans. Investigators are now focusing on determining the exact cause of the explosion and assessing the facility’s compliance with safety standards.

The Trump administration has ordered the recall of around 30 ambassadors and senior diplomats appointed during President Joe Biden’s tenure, as part of a sweeping reshuffle aligned with the 'America First' policy. According to U.S. State Department officials, the affected diplomats have been notified that their assignments will end in January 2026. The move primarily targets political appointees, with plans to replace them with individuals loyal to President Trump’s foreign policy agenda.

Officials described the decision as a routine transition process, though critics argue it reflects growing politicization within U.S. diplomacy. The American Foreign Service Association called the action 'highly irregular' and warned it could undermine U.S. credibility abroad. Most of the recalled ambassadors served in African and Asian nations, including Nigeria, Uganda, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Analysts say the reshuffle underscores Trump’s intent to consolidate control over foreign missions early in his second term. The replacements are expected to be announced in early 2026, potentially signaling a shift in U.S. diplomatic priorities toward more transactional, nationalist engagement.

Amazon has revealed that it blocked more than 1,800 job applications linked to North Korean workers attempting to secure IT positions within the company. Chief Security Officer Stephen Schmidt stated on LinkedIn that these applicants often operate remotely through U.S.-based 'laptop farms'—computers controlled from abroad to bypass sanctions and conceal their true identities. He warned that the issue extends beyond Amazon and is likely widespread across the technology industry.

According to Schmidt, the number of North Korean job seekers has increased by nearly one-third over the past year. Indicators of such applicants include irregular phone number formats and falsified academic credentials. The revelation follows a U.S. case in July where an Arizona woman was sentenced to eight years in prison for helping North Koreans secure jobs at about 300 American firms, generating $17 million in illegal revenue.

Security experts note that North Korea’s cyber operations increasingly target Western companies to funnel foreign currency into state programs. Analysts expect tighter corporate screening and government coordination to counter these covert employment schemes.

Vince Zampella, the co-creator of the globally acclaimed video game series ‘Call of Duty,’ has died in a car accident near Los Angeles. Electronic Arts (EA) confirmed his death on Monday, stating that the 55-year-old gaming pioneer was driving his Ferrari on a mountainous road north of the city when the crash occurred on Sunday.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the vehicle veered off the road for unknown reasons, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger sustained critical injuries and later died. Eyewitnesses shared footage on social media showing the burning red Ferrari at the crash site. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Zampella was widely regarded as a trailblazer in first-person shooter gaming, having co-founded studios responsible for several of the best-selling titles in history. His death marks a major loss for the global gaming community, with tributes pouring in from fans and industry peers worldwide.

A Mexican Navy aircraft on a medical mission crashed near Galveston, Texas, killing at least five people, officials confirmed Monday. The King Air model plane was carrying eight passengers, including one minor, when it went down during a humanitarian flight. Two individuals survived unharmed, while one person remains missing.

According to the Mexican Navy, the aircraft was part of a medical transport mission supported by the Mishu y Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides treatment for severely burned children. Among the passengers were four naval officers and four civilians. The minor patient being transported for medical care was among those killed.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, while rescue teams continue searching for the missing person. The incident has drawn condolences from both U.S. and Mexican officials, highlighting the risks faced by humanitarian and medical transport missions operating across borders.

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Greenland is essential to American national security and should come under U.S. control, following his appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy for Greenland affairs. The move has sparked renewed diplomatic tension with Denmark, which retains sovereignty over the Arctic island.

Copenhagen reacted sharply, summoning the U.S. ambassador for an explanation. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the appointment 'deeply concerning,' warning that Denmark would not accept any action undermining its territorial integrity. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized that only Greenlanders can decide their future, expressing openness to cooperation with the U.S. based on mutual respect.

The controversy revives Trump’s earlier 2019 attempt to purchase Greenland, rejected by both Denmark and Greenland. Analysts see the latest step as part of Washington’s growing strategic focus on the Arctic amid rising competition with Russia and China. The European Union has voiced full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, underscoring the geopolitical stakes of the unfolding dispute.