Holiday travelers faced an unusual situation on a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Aruba. A rat was spotted in the cabin, leading to the cancellation of the connecting flight to Bonaire. The aircraft underwent thorough cleaning. Rats can spread serious diseases. In another incident, a rat was smuggled into Taiwan.

In West Texas, a measles outbreak led to a significant spike in school absences, overshadowing the number of confirmed cases. As a precautionary measure, students were kept home, causing interruptions in their learning experiences. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how insufficient vaccination coverage can ripple through communities.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has shared the exciting shortlists for twelve Oscar categories, highlighting cinematic triumphs. Topping the list, films 'Sinners' and 'Wicked: For Good' each boast eight nominations, marking them as frontrunners for the prestigious awards.

World-renowned filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, alongside his beloved wife Michele, has left us, leaving a deep void in the hearts of many. Their unexpected passing has sparked a wave of heartfelt tributes from influential individuals in both political and entertainment realms. Reiner was not only lauded for his cinematic masterpieces but also for his unwavering support of progressive ideals.

In a tragic event at Brown University, federal authorities are now offering a monetary reward of up to $50,000 for any leads regarding a suspect involved in the fatal shooting incident. The FBI, alongside the Providence Police, is actively collaborating on the case. This heartbreaking occurrence has claimed the lives of two students and left nine others injured.

Paypal is seeking a banking charter. This move aims to allow the company to offer savings accounts with interest and federally insured deposits. It will also boost their lending to small businesses. This positions Paypal as a full financial institution. The application is under regulatory review. Customers may see new financial tools soon.

Cambridge has ended its contract with license plate camera firm Flock Safety. This follows the discovery of extra cameras installed without city knowledge. Residents and privacy advocates had raised concerns. City leaders stated the company's actions breached trust. The two new cameras have been removed. Cambridge will now re-evaluate the use of such technology.

A new CDC study published in the MMWR indicates COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of emergency and urgent care visits for children aged 9 months to 17 years. These findings offer reassurance amidst ongoing discussions about vaccine efficacy for healthy children, reinforcing that vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes.

Americans are struggling with soaring health insurance costs. Enhanced federal subsidies are ending, causing premium hikes. Many are switching to cheaper Obamacare plans or considering going without coverage in 2026. States like New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Colorado, and California report slower sign-ups. This trend signals financial stress as millions face double-digit premium increases without government aid.

Millions of Android users in the U.S. may receive money from Google without filing a claim due to a $700 million settlement. This payout stems from a lawsuit alleging anticompetitive practices in the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023. Eligible users are being notified via email to receive automatic payments.