The Treasury Department plans to cease penny production, ending the minting of this historic coin due to escalating production costs. Currently, manufacturing and distribution of a single penny costs approximately 3.7 cents, resulting in significant annual losses for the U.S. Mint. Eliminating penny production is projected to save roughly $56 million annually. This decision follows previous administrations’ considerations of the same issue, driven by the increasing expense of zinc, the penny’s primary metal component.
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A small plane, possibly a Cessna, crashed into a San Diego military housing neighborhood, resulting in multiple fatalities, all of whom were on the plane. The crash ignited numerous homes and vehicles, causing a significant fuel spill and requiring hazmat response. While several injuries were reported on the ground, no additional fatalities outside the aircraft occurred. Local officials are supporting impacted residents and investigating the cause of the accident.
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Following a deadly tornado in St. Louis that killed five, the city’s emergency management chief, Sarah Russell, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an external investigation. The investigation centers on the failure of the city’s tornado sirens to activate during the Friday storm, despite a National Weather Service warning. An internal investigation revealed that while a malfunctioning button at the Fire Department contributed to the failure, unclear communication from Russell also played a role. Consequently, Mayor Spencer issued an executive order assigning sole siren activation responsibility to the Fire Department.
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Early Thursday morning, a security incident at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia resulted in a non-fatal shooting. Fairfax County Police assisted with traffic control following the incident, which occurred hours after the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C. The CIA has confirmed the incident and stated that the main gate was temporarily closed. Authorities have indicated no evidence currently links the two shootings.
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Memphis, TN will experience a mix of rain showers and sunshine today, with a high of 81°F and northerly winds. Tonight, skies will transition from cloudy to partly cloudy, with a low of 60°F and continued northerly winds. The chance of rain today is 50%.
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A federal judge dismissed portions of a lawsuit against Farmington police officers who fatally shot Robert Dotson during a mistaken raid. The judge ruled the officers’ use of deadly force was reasonable given Dotson’s actions of pointing a firearm at them, granting them qualified immunity. While acknowledging the officers’ error in going to the wrong address, the court found the threat posed by Dotson justified their response. The lawsuit will proceed on remaining claims under state tort law and the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.
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A serious accident involving a new 5,000-ton North Korean destroyer occurred during its launch ceremony, witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un. Kim attributed the mishap, which damaged the warship’s bottom, to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness,” labeling it a “criminal act.” Officials responsible will face consequences at a forthcoming Party Central Committee meeting. The incident follows the recent unveiling of another destroyer, raising questions about North Korea’s naval capabilities.
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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay passed away peacefully at age 65. His 53-year career with the team, beginning with his father’s acquisition in 1972, included serving as general manager before assuming sole ownership in 1997. Under his leadership, the Colts achieved significant success, winning Super Bowl XLI and fostering numerous Hall of Fame careers. Beyond football, Irsay was a renowned philanthropist and passionate collector, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity and cultural contribution.
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Alexus Lee and John “JR” Collins, an engaged couple with a young son, tragically died in separate car accidents on the same road within hours of each other. Both accidents involved single-vehicle crashes and neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt. The couple, who were planning a February 2026 wedding, are survived by their four-year-old son Gabriel, and will be celebrated in a joint memorial service. Despite the immense loss, both families are committed to supporting Gabriel and raising him together.
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James Robertson, a South Carolina death row inmate convicted of murdering his parents, seeks to represent himself, potentially accelerating his execution. This decision follows the recent executions of five fellow inmates, including his best friend, significantly impacting the death row population. A federal judge has granted a delay to ensure Robertson understands the ramifications of self-representation, ordering an evaluation to confirm his competency. Robertson’s history includes previous attempts to drop his appeals, indicating a potential pattern of behavior, although he has expressed understanding of his friend’s similar decision to volunteer for execution.
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John Q. Hosedrinker