Good Morning! On this day in 1846, Iowa became the 29th state when President James K. Polk signed the bill admitting it to the Union.
In today’s edition, we ask if you have any plans for New Year’s Eve. When participating in the poll, consider hitting the reply button to share any unique traditions your family may have for celebrating the new year.
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Homelessness Up 18% in 2024
Federal officials reported an 18% increase in homelessness on Friday, citing inflation, stagnant wages, affordable housing shortages, and natural disasters as contributing factors.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development collected data earlier this year for its annual report, revealing that over 771,000 people—approximately 23 out of every 10,000—experienced homelessness.
Homelessness among families with children rose 39% this year, the largest increase on record, while homelessness among veterans decreased by 8% from 2023.
Severe weather is expected to impact regions in the Northeast, West, and South this weekend, potentially delaying millions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
At least three systems are projected for the Northeast, bringing multiple rounds of rain until the end of the year, with risks of freezing rain and flash flooding.
In the West, a slow-moving system is forecasted to settle over Oregon and California, creating flooding risks in coastal areas and heavy snowfall in the mountains. The added moisture also heightens the potential for rock and mudslides.
Another round of severe thunderstorms, stretching from Texas to northern Florida and the Carolinas, may produce flooding, hail, and tornadoes throughout the weekend, just days after tornadoes struck Texas and Louisiana.
List: Best and Worst Return Policies
A study of various exchange and return policies for this holiday season found that Amazon, Costco, and Target are among the best retailers, while Apple, Best Buy, and Sears rank among the worst.
Consumer Reports collected data on top retailers and graded stores on several criteria like return windows, items, fees, and shipping.
Flexible return policies helped Amazon, Walmart, and Target receive high ratings, particularly because they do not charge customers for return shipping. In contrast, Best Buy was ranked poorly due to its policy of imposing restocking fees.
Consumer Reports provided some tips for returning gifts: keep the receipt, return the item as soon as possible, and if possible, avoid opening the box. See the complete list of retailers here.
➤ New York City authorities on Thursday indicted an illegal migrant on several charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson for allegedly burning a subway rider to death. (More)
➤ The White House confirmed Friday that a ninth U.S. telecom firm was hacked in a Chinese espionage campaign, exposing private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. (More)
➤ Independent Sen. Joe Manchin has criticized President Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of two individuals convicted of murdering a student at Marshall University, describing it as “misguided” and “disgusting.” (More)
➤ Over 50% of Americans approve of President-elect Trump’s handling of his presidential transition, which is an increase from the 48% reported in 2016, according to a new Gallup poll. (More)
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Universal Pictures announced Thursday that the hit musical Wicked will debut on digital platforms on New Year’s Eve, featuring bonus content and a sing-along version. (More)
A new studyon holiday shopping found that nearly half of Gen Z and millennials bought gifts for themselves, compared to 27% of Gen X and 15% of baby boomers. (See Study)
A husband took on his wife’s dare and dressed as Buddy the Elf, reenacting scenes from the movie in New York City while she filmed and laughed. (See Husband)
The #1 Personal Safety Alarm For Women
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➤ South Korea’s opposition-controlled National Assembly on Friday impeached acting President Han Duck-soo, suspending his powers until the Constitutional Court decides on his fate. (More)
➤ Also on Friday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament and called new elections for Feb. 23, seeking to establish a stable government after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition collapsed. (More)
➤ Israel’s attorney general ordered an investigation into Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over allegations she obstructed justice and influenced witnesses. (More)
➤ Finnish authorities have detained a Russian-linked ship suspected of being part of a shadow fleet evading sanctions and damaging power and data cables in the Baltic Sea. (More)
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➤ A 40-foot-wide, 40-foot-deep sinkhole formed near the Wharton exit off I-80 in New Jersey on Thursday, causing detours as part of the heavily trafficked highway collapsed. (See Sinkhole)
➤ The Morrison Hotel, a long-vacant downtown Los Angeles landmark made famous by The Doors’ 1970 album, suffered significant fire damage Thursday, requiring over 100 firefighters to contain it. (See Hotel)
➤ An unticketed Delta Air Lines passenger was arrested for criminal trespass on Christmas Eve after allegedly bypassing verification stations and boarding a flight to Honolulu, Hawaii. (More)
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Homelessness Up 18% in 2024
Universal Pictures announced Thursday that the hit musical 
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