Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest living person, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2024, at age 116. Born in 1908, she led a remarkable life, overcoming wartime challenges and maintaining an active lifestyle well into her advanced years, marked by her devotion to Buddhism and frequent hiking. Her age was officially verified by multiple organizations, including the Gerontology Research Group. Following her death, Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil assumed the title of world’s oldest living person.
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Three suspects—Jack Upchurch (40), Elmer Smith (19), and a 16-year-old—were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, armed robbery, arson, and theft in connection with the death of 53-year-old Paul Clifford. Clifford, who had gone to assist a stranded motorist, was found deceased near a burning vehicle. The suspects were apprehended following a search and subsequent standoff at a residence. High bail amounts have been set for all three.
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While anecdotal evidence on social media depicts overwhelmed hospitals, official data does not currently reflect a critical healthcare crisis. The National Center for Disease Prevention and Analysis (NCDPA) did, however, report a significant increase in respiratory illnesses during the week of December 16-22. This increase warrants further monitoring to determine its overall impact on the healthcare system. No official declarations of a critical situation exist at this time.
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Beloved Palo Alto donkey Perry, the inspiration for the 2001 film *Shrek*, passed away at age 30 due to incurable laminitis. The Barron Park Donkey Project, which cared for Perry since 1997, reported that he was surrounded by love in his final weeks. A city mascot, Perry’s legacy includes a long history in Barron Park, dating back to the 1950s. While plans for a memorial service are pending, Perry’s memory will live on.
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Detroit experienced a significant decrease in homicides (19%) and nonfatal shootings (25%) in 2024, reaching their lowest rates in over 50 years. This reduction, attributed to increased police hiring and expanded community violence intervention programs, resulted in 203 homicides and 606 nonfatal shootings. While overall violent crime also fell 7%, officials acknowledged the need for continued efforts to address persistent crime issues, including juvenile violence and freeway shootings. The city plans to further invest in prevention programs and enhance law enforcement strategies.
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Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in a stunning 7-3 victory to claim his first world darts championship. Littler’s win was characterized not only by exceptional accuracy and finishing but also by an undeniable aura and mental fortitude that overwhelmed his opponent. Van Gerwen, once dominant, appeared visibly discombobulated by Littler’s performance, struggling with his finishing and making unusual scoring choices. This victory marks not just a personal triumph for Littler, but potentially the end of an era in professional darts.
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A Covid surge is currently underway in the U.S., driven by low booster uptake (only 21.4% of adults and 10.3% of children have received the latest booster) and the emergence of new variants. Increased test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths underscore the ongoing danger of the virus, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable populations. Experts emphasize the continued need for vaccination, monitoring, and preventive measures like masking and improved air quality, though the prioritization of these measures remains uncertain under the new administration. The virus’s unpredictable behavior highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and rapid response to future waves.
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Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a decorated Army veteran with PTSD, died in a self-inflicted gunshot wound after detonating a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Police found journal entries expressing grievances against U.S. leadership, describing the action as a “wake-up call” rather than a terrorist attack. The investigation revealed potential contributing factors including family issues and personal struggles, though no direct link to a separate New Orleans attack was established. Livelsberger’s military service and social media activity further informed the investigation into the incident.
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Seventeen-year-old Aubrey Vanlandingham was charged with animal cruelty for poisoning a rival’s show goat, Willie, with pesticide. Vanlandingham confessed to intentionally poisoning the goat, an act corroborated by CCTV footage and a necropsy confirming organophosphate intoxication. Her motive stemmed from accusations of cheating against the goat’s owner; this was reportedly her second attempt to kill the animal. If convicted, Vanlandingham faces up to two years imprisonment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker