Japan’s Space One Kairos rocket fails minutes after liftoff. Japan’s SpaceOne terminated the flight of its Kairos small rocket shortly after liftoff on Wed, marking the end of its second attempt in nine months to become the country’s first company to deliver a satellite to space.

Lakewood philanthropist Dr. Rich Roberts went on The Zev Brenner Show to clarify his recent social media posts regarding the mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey, which appeared to suggest that he believes the drones may be extraterrestrial aliens. Read more about this story here.

The Iranian rial on Wednesday fell its lowest level in history, losing more than 10% of its value since Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election. The rial traded at 777,000 rials to the dollar, traders in Tehran said, down from 703,000 rials on the day Trump won.

President-elect Trump again floats the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state, saying “many Canadians” want it to happen.

A tense situation is unfolding at Kever Yosef in Shechem, where a bus carrying Jewish visitors was attacked by local Palestinians. Reports indicate a delay in the IDF’s response. Initial information suggests the bus may not have had prior authorization from the IDF to enter the area. Further details will be shared as they are confirmed.

Emergency crews swiftly contained a structure fire at 12 Rustic Drive on Tuesday evening. Authorities are investigating reports that the blaze may have been intentionally set by recently evicted tenants. No injuries were reported. READ MORE ON MONSEY SCOOP

The Mashgiach, HaRav Don Segal giving a Drasha in the Mir Yershalayim Bais Hamedarsh on Tuesday night.

Congressional leaders joined today for a Chanukah celebration in the US Capitol. Seen are House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Rabbi Levi Shemtov of Chabad, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione already was charged with murder in the Dec. 4 killing of Brian Thompson, but the indictment could help move along procedural steps toward extraditing him from Pennsylvania to New York. To read more about this story, click here.

This happened today on Nostrand Avenue near Park Avenue. Unknown injuries.