Category: World

More than 44,600 Christmas light controllers sold at stores like Cracker Barrel, Target, and Walmart are being recalled because they can cause fires. The warning comes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mr Christmas LLC.

These light controllers, made by Mr Christmas LLC in Memphis, Tennessee, have wireless receivers that can overheat when plugged in, creating a fire hazard. The company reported at least ten cases of overheating, with one resulting in a fire. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Mr Christmas is recalling these light controllers for safety and is asking customers to stop using them. If you return your controller, which costs between $25 and $40, you will get a full refund.

The controllers sold at Cracker Barrel and Walmart are called “Christmas Light Controller.” At Target, they are sold under the brand name “Tree Lighting Switch.”

If you bought one of these products, please stop using it and go to the Mr Christmas website or the CPSC website for details on how to return it.

Leslie Hermanson, the President of Mr. Christmas, said, “As a 91-year-old family business, nothing is more important than the safety of families. If you bought one of these products this season, we urge you to return it.”

Remember, controllers made before 2024 are not part of this recall.

On Monday morning, there was a very sad and scary shooting at a private Christian school called Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. It happened around 11 a.m. Many people were hurt, and sadly, five people lost their lives, including the shooter, who was a student at the school.

When police arrived, they found several people who had been shot. The police said that the shooter was a minor and confirmed that the danger was over. They also mentioned that no police officers fired their guns during the incident.

Casualties and Injuries

Seven other people were taken to hospitals. Their injuries varied from minor to serious. Right now, it’s not clear if the people who died or who were hurt were students, teachers, or other staff members.

Community Impact

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes expressed deep sadness for the families and the entire school community. He acknowledged the emotional pain caused by this tragic event. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also shared his condolences and praised the first responders for their quick actions.

As investigations continue, the police have closed off roads around the school, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are helping local officers gather information.

During a sad incident, 12 Indian people were found dead in a restaurant in Georgia because of carbon monoxide poisoning. This happened at a popular ski area called Gudauri.

The Indian embassy in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, expressed deep condolences for the families of the victims. They are working with local authorities to gather more information and provide all possible help.

Georgia’s police stated that when they first checked the place, they did not find any signs of injury or violence. They mentioned that while the Indian mission confirmed all victims were Indian, local officials said that 11 were foreign nationals and one was a Georgian citizen.

So what happened? It seems that a generator was placed inside a closed area near the bedrooms of the building. When the electricity went out on Friday night, the owners turned on the oil-powered generator. Unfortunately, the generator produced carbon monoxide, which suffocated everyone inside.

Local police have started an investigation under a law that covers negligent manslaughter. They are also conducting a forensic examination to find out exactly how they died. Georgia’s Interior Ministry has stated that they are actively working on the investigation, gathering information, and interviewing people involved in the case.

Gudauri is well-known for skiing and snowboarding, located high in the Caucasus mountains at about 2,200 meters above sea level.

This year, the Royal Family is excited to celebrate Christmas at their Sandringham home. King Charles and Kate Middleton want to make this holiday special for their family. After facing a tough year with personal challenges, they are looking forward to a calm and joyful Christmas together.

Royal expert Jennie Bond shared some details about their plans with OK! Magazine. This Christmas will be all about family, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton hosting 45 family members at Sandringham.

When asked about accommodations, Bond mentioned that Catherine’s parents might stay at Anmer Hall. However, she thinks they’ll only host close family there, while the York family will be at Wood Farm. No matter where everyone stays, the royals want to come together to support each other and create a happy atmosphere.

Prince William recently attended an event for military families and joked, “We’ll be in Norfolk, at Sandringham. We’ll be 45 for Christmas. It won’t be quiet; it will be noisy.” He added, “Am I ready for Christmas? No way!”

This year, the Royal Family will focus on making the celebrations fun for the children, as they have more kids in their family now. Bond explained that after everything they’ve been through, it means a lot to King Charles and Queen Camilla to have their family close. With more kids around, Christmas will be filled with joy and laughter, just like it should be.

Prince Harry and Meghan will not be joining the family in the UK for Christmas, but the rest of the Royal Family will enjoy their traditional holiday together in Norfolk.

Canada is trying to stop migrants from crossing into the United States, but it’s not easy. Six concrete blocks have been placed at a rural road leading to the U.S.-Canada border to prevent cars from driving over, yet people can still jump over them on foot.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer Daniel Dubois says these blocks aren’t enough. They’ve set up more cameras and sensors, but it’s tough to catch every migrant. Canada also promised to send more officers to the border because U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened high tariffs if Canada doesn’t control migrant crossings better.

In the past year, Canada turned back about 1,000 people who tried to cross into the country at unofficial spots, while U.S. authorities caught over 23,000 trying to head to America. Most migrant activity is still happening at the southern U.S. border with Mexico, where the numbers are much higher.

Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller told a group that Canada needs to show the U.S. it has a strong immigration system. He said Canada is facing a “credibility challenge” regarding its border security.

The RCMP patrols a 105-mile section of the border that’s known for migrant crossings. They rely on tips from the public and surveillance cameras. They can’t arrest people in Canada unless they’re breaking the law, even if they suspect those people might try to cross into the U.S.

Experts don’t believe new technology or extra officers will significantly stop crossings. Many think these efforts are just to give the appearance of security.

Advocates for refugees say that making it harder for migrants to cross the border only puts them in more danger. This year, at least nine people died near the Quebec-New York border after a rule change allowed either country to send asylum seekers back.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has not commented on these plans. Some experts suggest that Canada should prevent migrants from arriving in the first place. Canada has started denying more visas and turning away travelers at the border.

Terry Rowe, a resident near the border, set up cameras and ended up recording migrants passing by his house. He has shared many videos with U.S. border patrol.

As the situation changes, Canadian authorities are preparing for an increase in migrants fleeing the potential deportations promised by Trump. RCMP officer Charles Poirier said they are ready for a possible surge, as Rowe notices more people coming from the U.S. to Canada.