➤ A New York resident pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges in connection with operating an illegal secret police station for the People's Republic of China out of a building in Manhattan’s Chinatown, according to Justice Department officials. (More)  

➤ The 15-year-old suspect in Monday’s Wisconsin school shooting had been in contact with a 20-year-old California man who was planning a government building attack, court documents revealed Wednesday. (More) 

➤ The FAA on Wednesday banned drone flights in 22 areas of New Jersey until Jan. 17, just as the Senate blocked a bill to allow local agencies to track aircraft. (More)  

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➤ Patrick Mahomes is not likely to miss any time with his high ankle sprain, according to Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. (More)

➤ Ten-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado reportedly used his no-trade clause to block a trade that would have sent him from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Houston Astros. (More)

➤ The NBA is changing its All-Star Game to an All-Star tournament that will feature four teams and three games in a one-night event. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW 

Holiday travel is already surging as the busiest Christmas travel season on record unfolds. Air travel peaked yesterday, with over 50,000 flights, while 107 million are expected to drive. (More)

Princess Diana faced an awkward moment during her first royal Christmas when she received a mortifying gift during the family’s gag-gift exchange. (See Gift)

A Golden Retriever declared a neighborhood snowman her enemy, barking fiercely to protect her family from the frosty intruder. (Watch Video)

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Daily Market Report   12/19/2024

➤ Big Stock Move: Darden Restaurants stock jumped nearly 15% Thursday after reporting stronger-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results this morning. (More) 

➤ Bitcoin's value dipped Thursday after Fed Chair Jerome Powell ruled out Federal Reserve ownership, emphasizing Congress would need to permit such a change. (More)

➤ Frito-Lay recalled Lay’s Classic Potato Chips in Oregon and Washington due to milk—not declared on the packaging—coming into contact with the ingredients, posing allergy risks. (More)

➤ U.S. auto sales are projected to hit their highest levels since 2019 next year, driven by lower interest rates and improved affordability. (See Details)

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In making an investment decision, investors must rely on their own examination of the issuer and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. World Tree has filed a Form C with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its offering, a copy of which may be obtained here: invest.ecotreeprogram.com

➤ A complete mastodon jaw was discovered in the backyard of a New York home, which led to a museum-led investigation that unearthed additional fossils. (See Images) 

➤ The invasive species known as the "murder hornet," or northern giant hornet, was eradicated five years after it was first identified, U.S. Agriculture officials announced on Wednesday. (More)  

➤ Scientists attached cameras to baby humpback whales, capturing burping and barking sounds, which provided insights into mother-calf communication and behavior. (See Video)  

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➤ Director James Gunn released a teaser trailer for his upcoming Superman movie on Thursday, featuring a beaten and bloody Man of Steel who whistles for his loyal sidekick, Krypto the Superdog. (See Teaser)  

➤ In other superhero news, Batman trilogy filmmaker and Oscar-winning director of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan, has been knighted by King Charles III for his “extraordinary contribution to film.” (More)   

➤ A couple of entertainment writers have created a list of the best Christmas movies for every mood. Whether it's a period piece, thriller, or tearjerker, they have you covered. (See List)

➤ A blind cat was rescued from an icy Massachusetts pond after falling through. Construction workers braved the freezing water to save the 20-year-old feline. (See Photo)

➤ Security footage captured patrons fleeing a cafe in Vanuatu’s capital as a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Tuesday, shaking buildings and scattering debris. (Watch Video)

➤ Popular YouTuber MrBeast has announced plans to rent all three Great Pyramids of Giza for 100 hours in collaboration with the Egyptian government, allowing him to sleep at the pyramids and explore secret corridors. (See Details) 

➤ The Best And Worst Non-Dairy Milks Non-dairy milk is healthy, right? Actually, not ALL non-dairy milks are equal. SOME are packed with health benefits — but other kinds can mean TROUBLE for your digestion, energy, and weight! We're putting the most popular kinds to the test...  Watch the video to see how your favorite stacks up.

Who is your favorite Christmas villain?

1. Ebenezer Scrooge
2. Grinch
3. Mr. Potter
4. Hans Gruber 
5. Other

Yesterday's Results:

Have you ever gone caroling?

1. Yes: 67%
2. No: 33%

Today's Trivia

Which drinking song became a Christmas classic? 

Show me the answer