Flu infections are climbing nationwide, with the CDC estimating at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths so far this season. New York City is among the hardest-hit areas. The CDC says this variant partially mismatches this season’s vaccine, but shots still help prevent severe illness. Two pediatric deaths were reported this week, bringing the total to three. (Story URL)
The U.S. Coast Guard seized another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela early Saturday, following President Trump’s blockade order. Armed personnel from military helicopters boarded the vessel before dawn on Dec. 20. The tanker carried Venezuelan oil bound for Asia. U.S. officials said these seizures target the flow of sanctioned oil funding Maduro’s government. (Story URL)
The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.6 billion after no ticket matched all numbers in Saturday night’s drawing. The prize now ranks as the game’s fourth-largest and the fifth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot. Powerball said the cash value stands at $735.3 million. The next drawing is Monday, marking the 46th since the last jackpot was won. (Story URL)
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files, saying it was needed to protect victims of sexual abuse. He claimed the Trump administration would eventually meet the full release required by law but must proceed carefully. Democrats accused the administration of hiding information. (Story URL)
Pacific Gas and Electric said Saturday that power was mostly restored after a major blackout hit San Francisco. The outage, which began earlier in the day, left about 130,000 homes and businesses without electricity. The company reported it had “stabilized the grid” and did not expect the problem to spread. A fire at a Pacific Gas & Electric substation contributed to the blackout. (Story URL)
