President-elect Donald Trump named longtime immigration adviser Stephen Miller as his incoming deputy chief of staff for policy. Trump also appointed his former ICE director, Thomas Homan, to act as the country’s next “border czar,” former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA, and Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY) as ambassador to the UN. (Forbes)
Up to 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops are planning a counteroffensive in Ukraine’s Kursk region to regain territory taken by Ukrainian forces. “Should these troops engage in combat support operations against Ukraine, they would become legitimate military targets,” Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said. (ABC News)
A Spirit Airlines flight was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Haiti, forcing a diversion to the Dominican Republic. A crew member sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft is now out of service. The airport temporarily halted operations due to gang-led violence. Other US airlines have canceled flights to and from Haiti due to security concerns. (UPI)
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased stress-related drinking and alcohol-related deaths. Research shows that the rise in drinking from 2018 to 2020 continued into 2022. Factors like stress from the pandemic and disrupted healthcare access may contribute to this sustained increase, posing a significant public health concern. (CBS News)
Wisconsin officials suspect a missing kayaker, Ryan Borgwardt, may have faked his death and traveled to Europe. After his disappearance in August, his kayak was found overturned in a lake, but extensive searches yielded no body. Investigation revealed communication with a woman from Uzbekistan and actions implying premeditation. (NBC News)
