Current Affairs

A Delta passenger, upgraded to first class, was downgraded to accommodate a service dog. The passenger expressed outrage upon finding the dog in their assigned seat, despite Delta’s policy prioritizing service animals. While Delta explained bulkhead seats are often reserved for such needs, a travel expert questioned the decision to bump a first-class passenger.

Christian Surfers, a group of missionaries who surf, have expanded to a remote part of Costa Rica, where people come from afar looking for the “perfect wave.” And maybe a little Jesus?

At least five people were killed and more than 200 others injured after a driver rammed an SUV into a crowded Christmas market in eastern Germany.

Indonesia has recovered 828 cultural artifacts looted during Dutch colonial rule, including a rare Ganesha statue. The artifacts, now displayed in Jakarta’s National Museum, symbolize Indonesia’s commitment to preserving its heritage and have sparked renewed interest in the nation’s history. The repatriation, part of a global movement, highlights Indonesia’s capacity to protect its cultural treasures, although thousands more remain abroad.

The Biden administration announced $4.28 billion in student loan forgiveness for nearly 55,000 public service workers. This adds to the $180 billion already forgiven, benefiting almost 5 million Americans through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. President Biden highlighted improvements to the program and his commitment to making higher education more accessible.

Malaysia will relaunch the search for missing flight MH370. Ocean Infinity will lead the operation. The search will focus on the southern Indian Ocean. The company will use advanced robotics. Ocean Infinity will only get paid if they find the wreckage. The plane disappeared 10 years ago with 239 people on board.

The U.S. officials plan to look for signs of Austin Tice, a missing American journalist, as well as other U.S. citizens.

Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was extradited to New York and was made to do a perp walk amid a heavy police presence. Mayor Eric Adams was also present to receive Mangione. “Those who bring illegal guns to our city will face justice,” Eric Adams wrote. Social media users called the arrangement excessive and commented that this treatment made Mangione look like a hero.

Dozens of men who abused Gisèle Pelicot were convicted, including the man who invited them to do so: her husband of 50 years. She wanted the public trial to show rape victims they were not alone.

A court sentenced Mr. Pelicot to 20 years after he admitted to drugging and raping his wife, Gisèle, for nearly a decade, and inviting strangers to join him. The case has made her a feminist hero.

Frito-Lay recalled certain 13-ounce bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips due to potential undeclared milk allergen. The recall affects 6,344 bags sold in Oregon and Washington with a “Guaranteed Fresh” date of February 11, 2025. Consumers with milk allergies are urged to discard the product. No allergic reactions have been reported as of December 18, 2024.

Elon Musk publicly urged lawmakers to reject a government funding bill, warning of electoral consequences for supporters. He insisted no bills be passed until President-elect Trump takes office. House Speaker Johnson, who spoke with Musk, is pushing for the bill’s passage to avoid a government shutdown and provide disaster relief.

President-elect Donald Trump, sporting a red cap, white golf shirt, and black pants, was seen at his Palm Beach golf club, looking relaxed and interacting with visitors. A video clip sparked online curiosity about his seemingly slicked-back hair, initially mistaken for a new cut but later identified as his characteristic “hat hair.