A man drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens. The driver, identified as Shamsud Dinjabar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, was killed in a shootout with police. Authorities found an Islamic State flag and two improvised explosive devices in the truck, with more potential IEDs discovered in the area. The attack occurred hours before the Sugar Bowl, which was postponed.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel, killing the driver and injuring seven others. Fuel canisters and fireworks mortars were found inside the vehicle. Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated the explosion was not caused by the vehicle itself, and there are suggestions it could be linked to the New Orleans attack.
President Biden expressed grief and solidarity with the people of New Orleans, stating that the nation grieves with them. He emphasized that law enforcement is investigating both the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion.
Chinese stocks had their worst start to the year in nearly a decade, with a 2.9% plunge. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index also slid by 2.2%, despite efforts by Chinese authorities to promote growth and stimulus measures.
The S&P 500 gained 24% in 2024, marking the best two-year run since the late 1990s. The surge was driven by the 'Magnificent Seven' mega-cap stocks, with NVIDIA leading the way with a 179% increase, fueled by enthusiasm around artificial intelligence.
The path and level of interest rates are critical factors dictating winners and losers in the economy and markets. Investors are also watching to see if the AI-driven earnings growth will broaden beyond the 'Magnificent Seven' to other sectors in the S&P 500.
Bitcoin rallied 120% in 2024, driven by regulatory approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs and President-elect Trump's win. It is currently trading higher, up 1.9% at $96,500.
A 45-year-old man was shoved onto the path of an oncoming subway train in Manhattan, resulting in broken ribs and a fractured skull. A 23-year-old from Brooklyn, Kamel Hawkins, has been charged in the attack.
At least three people were killed and 20 others injured in a fireworks explosion in a Honolulu neighborhood on New Year's Eve. Hawaii Governor Josh Green described the scene as gruesome and vowed to crack down on illegal fireworks.
Both vehicles involved in the attacks were rented from the same app, Turo. However, it is unclear if there is a direct connection between the two incidents. Authorities are investigating whether the suspect in New Orleans had any links to the Las Vegas explosion.
On today's podcast:
New Orleans Attack, Cybertruck Explosion Raise US Security Fears
US Stocks Set for Bounce After Four-Day Losing Run
US Dockworkers, Port Employers Set to Restart Talks Next Week
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