The first weekend of 2026 is off to a frosty start. The skies are gray, and light snow is falling across the region. This isn't a heavy snowstorm, though. Just a few flurries that might leave a thin layer of snow, maybe half an inch at most. By mid-morning, the snow should stop, but the clouds will
Birmingham saw a big drop in gunfire during New Year's Eve celebrations in 2026. The city's gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, picked up 4, 688 rounds in 597 incidents. That's a lot less than the 6, 270 rounds in 948 incidents from 2024 and way less than the 11, 728 rounds in 1, 531 incidents b
In the vast wilderness of Colorado, mountain lions are a part of the landscape, but recent events have put them in the spotlight. A hiker's life was tragically cut short on New Year's Day, with authorities suspecting a mountain lion attack. This wasn't an isolated incident, though. Just a couple of
California is experiencing a remarkable turnaround from its recent dry spell. After a particularly arid year in 2024, the state is now seeing an abundance of rain. This sudden change has broken several records and brought both benefits and challenges. The recent downpours have been intense. Many ar
Southern Oregon is bracing for strong winds this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Saturday and Sunday. Expect south winds blowing 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. In higher areas, gusts could even reach 65 mph. These winds can be dangerous. They can knock o
Many people struggle to make ends meet, especially those relying on fixed incomes like Social Security. For some, the monthly check disappears quickly, leaving little for essentials like food. This is a reality for many older adults and low-wage workers who find themselves in a tough spot. They earn
Ginseng powder is a popular health supplement, but it's often mixed with cheaper plants or wheat flour. This can trick buyers and even harm their health. A recent study found a way to quickly spot these fakes using a combo of near-infrared light and smart computer programs. The team used 1, 680 sam
In the aftermath of a devastating fire at a popular Swiss bar, questions are being raised about the safety measures in place. The incident, which occurred during a New Year's Eve celebration, has left at least 40 people dead. Investigators believe the fire started when sparklers came too close to th
Chicago is seeing fewer murders than it has in over half a century. In 2024, there were 587 murders, but last year that number dropped to 416. That's a big drop, nearly 30%. It's the lowest number since 1965. Other crimes like shootings, robberies, and assaults also went down. Shootings dropped by 3
Fairfax County saw a drop in crime across several categories in 2025. This includes a 15% decrease in homicides, with all cases solved. Non-fatal shootings and robberies also saw significant reductions, down 37% and 20% respectively. These improvements align with broader trends seen across the regio
