'Baby Driver' actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies in a fall from a moving vehicle
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (AP) -- Authorities say 16-year-old actor Hudson Meek has died after he fell out of a moving vehicle in Alabama. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office says Meek was hurt on Dec. 19 while on a street in Vestavia Hills, a suburb of Birmingham. He died two days later. The Vestavia Hills Police Department has not issued any public statements. Meek made his on-screen debut in 2014's "The Santa Con," and had roles in various TV series, including "MacGyver." He was perhaps best known for his role in the 2017 film "Baby Driver," in which he played a younger version of Ansel Elgort's titular character.
Powerful thunderstorms rumble across Texas, delaying holiday travel
DALLAS (AP) -- A line of severe thunderstorms are firing up in Texas and could spark severe weather, including high winds, hail and potential tornadoes. Some flights were delayed or cancelled early Thursday at airports in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service says the greatest weather risk on Thursday would stretch across Texas east of Dallas, between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana. The risk includes the possibility of tornadoes and wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour. Parts of the region could see hail as large as one inch in diameter.
Hwang Dong-hyuk on killing off his 'Squid Game' characters and wanting to work with Jake Gyllenhaal
As season two of Netflix's hit series "Squid Game" returns Thursday, viewers can expect more untimely deaths for many of its characters. Its creator, writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk says whittling down the cast made him happy because less people were easier to manage on set. The show follows a deadly competition in South Korea that targets contestants who are heavily in debt and desperate for money. Hwang told the Associated Press in a Q&A that a third and final season has already filmed and it's better than season two. He also says his next project will be even darker in tone than "Squid Game."
Friday's Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion, one of the game's top jackpots
Americans still dreaming of a really big Christmas present can keep that dream alive during Friday's Mega Millions drawing for a jackpot worth an estimated $1.15 billion. Friday's jackpot will potentially be the fifth largest in the game's history. Mega Millions tickets are $2 a piece. But the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, and the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, according to lottery officials. Tickets for the game are sold in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Christmas shooting at Phoenix airport leaves 3 people wounded, 1 stabbed
PHOENIX (AP) -- Police are investigating a Christmas shooting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix that left three people wounded by gunfire and another person stabbed. Phoenix police say the evening shooting was related to a family dispute that happened at a restaurant outside the security checkpoints in Terminal 4. An adult female and two adult males were shot, leaving the female with injuries police describe as life-threatening. Police say the two men were in stable condition. Police say the people involved knew each other. They had a physical fight that led to one of them pulling a gun. A man and a girl were detained in a nearby parking garage.
Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon authorities say a house cat died after eating raw frozen pet food that tested positive for bird flu. The Oregon Department of Agriculture says the indoor cat contracted the H5N1 virus by eating the pet food. In response, Oregon-based pet food company Northwest Naturals has recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. The company says the product was sold nationwide through distributors in a dozen states, and in Canada's British Columbia. Oregon authorities say no human cases of bird flu have been linked to this incident, but that those who were in contact with the cat are being monitored for flu symptoms.
Beyoncé's performance highlighted Netflix's NFL debut on Christmas Day
Beyoncé provided more excitement than either game during Netflix's NFL debut on Christmas Day. Riding into her halftime appearance on a white horse, the 32-time Grammy winner rocked her hometown Houston crowd in a nearly 13-minute performance on Wednesday. She surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin" and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans." The action on the field didn't live up to expectations as the NFL showcased four of the AFC's top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce exposed a glitch in Pittsburgh's defense during Kansas City's 29-10 rout in the first game. The broadcast itself went off just fine.
Desi Bouterse, a dictator convicted of murder who twice ruled Suriname, has died at 79
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) -- Former Surinamese dictator Desi Bouterse has died at 79. He was a military strongman who led a 1980 coup in the former Dutch colony and then returned to power by election three decades later despite charges of drug smuggling and murder. Surinamese Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk wrote on Facebook Wednesday that Bouterse's "life had a lasting impact on our country and his efforts will not be forgotten." The cause of death was not immediately known. Bouterse was applauded by supporters for his charisma and populist social programs. For his opponents, he was a ruthless dictator who was convicted of drug trafficking and extrajudicial killings.
Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes
NEW YORK (AP) -- Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it's time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
LONDON (AP) -- King Charles III used his annual Christmas message to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for both him and Kate, the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer. The 76-year-old monarch said he and his family are "continually" impressed by those who dedicate their lives to help others. The broadcast Wednesday was the king's third Christmas speech since he ascended the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died. It's the first since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February. He was joined by Prince William, Kate and other family but his scandal-plagued brother, Andrew, was absent.