Pope Francis canceled Monday’s audiences due to mild flu-like symptoms, as a precaution ahead of his Luxembourg and Belgium trip. Concerns arose from his recent Asian Pacific tour and past health issues. Despite canceled meetings, he shared a speech with young participants emphasizing the Christmas message of peace and love. (UPI)
Motel 6 has been sold for $525 million to Oyo, a global travel company based in India. Oyo, which already owns 320 hotels in 20 states, will add the parent company of Motel 6, G6 Hospitality, to its portfolio. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Oyo as it continues to expand its presence in the United States. (UPI)
In 2023, murders in the U.S. dropped by 11.6%, marking the largest decrease on record. The overall violent crime rate decreased by 3%, with specific crime categories like rape, aggravated assault, and robbery also showing declines. Despite recent political focus on crime rates, violent crime remains significantly lower compared to the 1990s. (AP)
The federal government is reintroducing free at-home COVID-19 test kits for fall 2024, amid rising cases of a new variant. Individuals and households can order up to four kits each through the COVIDTests.gov website, with the U.S. Postal Service delivering the test kits. The program aims to facilitate testing and mitigate the spread of the virus. (CBS News)
Boeing presented its “best and final” offer to over 30,000 machinists amid a strike that has disrupted aircraft production. The enhanced contract proposal includes a 30% pay increase over four years, $6,000 ratification bonus, reinstated bonuses, and improved benefits. The labor union has until Friday to ratify the offer. (NBC News)
