Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a New Year's Eve address to his country, just one week after his first trip outside Ukraine since the war began to the U.S. to meet with President Joe Biden. The war between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014, with the death toll from the Russian attack on New Year’s Eve rising to at least three. President Zelenskyy urged his people to “hold on the best we can” and expressed hope that 2023 will bring peace and stability to the country with the Senate debating an additional $40 billion in aid for Ukraine.
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Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell revealed at a press conference that a rookie NYPD officer suffered a fractured skull while patrolling on his first day. FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. praised the officer's actions and stated that there were no credible threats to New Yorkers. The suspect, who had posted jihadist writings online, was known to law enforcement agencies but did not have a criminal record.
California was hit with a powerful storm on New Year's Day, bringing drenching rain and heavy snowfall to much of the state. More than 4 feet of snow had accumulated in the Sierra Nevada, while San Francisco experienced its second-wettest day on record. Despite the storm, the weather cleared up in time for the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena.
This article discusses the current political situation in Brazil, where former president Lula da Silva is attempting to reclaim his office despite the military's opposition. Since the election results were announced, people have been gathering outside military barracks to protest and plead with the armed forces to prevent Lula from taking office. With tensions running high, there is a fear that violence could break out on inauguration day. Lula has expressed his trust in the intelligence of the nation to make a national unity administration work and prevent another Bolsonaro from taking office.
Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, is expected to waive his extradition hearing this week in connection with the murders of four University of Idaho students. His family has pledged to support him, and his attorney claims he is eager to be exonerated. DNA evidence from a public database and subsequent investigative work by law enforcement led to his identification as the suspect, and he is expected to face four counts of first-degree murder and burglary.
The National Weather Service reported that more than 235,000 homes, businesses and other power customers in California and Nevada had been left in the dark due to the severe weather. High winds caused numerous power outages and heavy rainfall and snowfall caused flooding, water rescues, and disabled vehicles. US Highway 101 and Interstate 80 were partially closed due to multiple spinouts, and residents were advised to avoid travel due to the hazardous conditions. The severe weather is a relief for drought-stricken California, bringing 4 feet of snow to the high Sierra Nevada and 5.46 inches of rain to downtown San Francisco.
Julia Misley, 65, has filed a lawsuit against Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler alleging sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit claims that Tyler used his status and power to groom and exploit Misley over a period of three years, leading to her becoming pregnant in 1975 and being coerced into having an abortion. It also alleges that Tyler included Misley's name in the acknowledgements of his autobiography, leading to her being confronted with a picture of her own face on a tabloid cover.
A powerful storm system is bringing flooding, landslides, and heavy rains and snow to California, with the National Weather Service issuing a warning for the upper elevations of the Sierra from south of Yosemite National Park to north of Lake Tahoe. The Susan River is forecast to rise significantly, potentially affecting homes, roads, and bridges, while Sacramento fire officials plan to broadcast evacuation announcements from a helicopter and a boat. Humboldt County, which was hit by an earthquake last week, is also seeing roadways beginning to flood, with a bridge potentially closing again if the Eel River gets too high.