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Tragic End to Christmas Hike: Four Hikers Lost in Greek Avalanche Four hikers, including a woman, went missing in Greeces Vardousia Mountains on Christmas Day. Despite a massive search, their bodies were found on Friday evening, buried under an avalanche. The group, consisting of three men and a woman, were experienced hikers but fell victim to the harsh winter conditions. The rescue operation was hampered by freezing temperatures and zero visibility, but a ground team eventually located the bodies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mountain climbing, even for seasoned hikers.

Tragic Highway Pile-Up in Japan: Two Dead, Twenty-Six Injured in Chain Reaction Crash Amid Heavy Snow

Major Winter Storm Hits New York City, Causes Widespread Delays and Cancellations; Nationwide Travel Chaos Ensues

The Decline of Print Newspapers: A Loss of More Than Ink on Paper This podcast episode explores the multifaceted role of print newspapers in peoples lives, beyond just delivering news. From marking milestones to serving as practical tools, newspapers were deeply ingrained in daily routines and family traditions. However, as print newspapers fade, were losing more than just ink on paper. The episode delves into the various uses of newspapers, from pet cages to fire starters, and their significance as keepsakes and family heirlooms. The shift from print to digital is highlighted, with the episode discussing the rising costs and the impact on communities, such as Atlantas Journal-Constitution dropping print by years end. The episode also touches on the environmental implications, with packaging from online shopping surging while paper use drops. The episode concludes by emphasizing the quiet change this shift brings, reshaping how we connect with news, each other, and our world.

Post-Christmas Shopping: A Shift Towards Thrift Stores and Disciplined Spending The holiday shopping season may be over, but Americans are still out in full force, seeking post-Christmas deals and returns. Despite overall spending surpassing last years numbers, economic concerns and tariff-induced price hikes are influencing shopping habits. Thrift stores are experiencing a surge in popularity, with traffic increasing nearly eleven percent in the week before Christmas. Meanwhile, department stores are seeing a thirteen point two percent decline. Off-price chains have also seen an eighty-five percent seasonal increase. This trend is particularly challenging for traditional retailers, especially those selling clothing and electronics affected by imports and tariffs. Thrift stores are now attracting higher-income shoppers, with average household earnings around seventy-five thousand dollars. Economic uncertainty and environmental concerns are broadening their appeal. Return rates are down by two point five percent from November first to December twelfth, indicating more disciplined shopping amidst tight budgets. Online sales have also increased by six percent to one hundred eighty-seven point three billion dollars. As return rates are expected to spike by twenty-five to thirty-five percent this week through December thirty-first, its clear that savvy spending is here to stay, balancing caution with the pursuit of value.

Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a rising star and European champion, tragically passed away at 27. Found dead in his hotel room, he was using an altitude mask for training. Despite his promising career, including a World Cup win, he was set to return to the Olympics after a heart inflammation diagnosis. The cause of death remains unclear, with an autopsy and police report pending. Norways biathlon team mourns his loss, as investigations continue and the Olympic hopes hang in the balance.

Meet Gigi, an AI influencer created by Simone McKenzie, generating viral TikTok videos with simple prompts, earning thousands in just days. Traditional influencers like Kaaviya Sambasivam face challenges as AI stars like Gamja and Daniel Rileys time travel videos gain millions of views. Experts predict AI will surge, blurring reality, but leveling the playing field for creators.