UPDATE: A massive power outage struck parts of San Francisco on December 23, 2023, leaving 130,000 residents without electricity during peak Christmas shopping hours. The outage began shortly after 1 p.m. PST and significantly disrupted public transport, halted traffic signals, and impacted local businesses.
Officials from Pacific Gas & Electric confirmed that a fire at one of their substations triggered the outage. Mayor Daniel Lurie reported that crews worked tirelessly to restore power, which was largely re-established by Sunday morning. However, many residents experienced hours of darkness and uncertainty during what is typically a bustling holiday shopping period.
Witnesses described chaos as autonomous vehicles from Waymo were left stranded at intersections due to the non-functional traffic lights. Local businesses bore the brunt of the outage, with some forced to close early, resulting in significant financial losses during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
In unrelated but significant news, the Department of Justice released thousands of heavily redacted files related to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. This release, mandated by Congress, has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, with some questioning the extent of the redactions. A photo of former President Donald Trump was included in the initial release but later removed from the department’s online library. Officials emphasize that Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection to Epstein.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a video on social media depicting U.S. personnel apprehending an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. This development adds to ongoing discussions surrounding national security and maritime operations.
In sports news, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a stunning knockout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly publicized bout streamed live on Netflix. Joshua’s victory, which also resulted in a reported injury to Paul, has generated significant buzz online.
Lastly, in a groundbreaking achievement, Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old aerospace and mechatronics engineer from Germany, made history as the first wheelchair user to travel beyond the Kármán Line, a recognized boundary of outer space, aboard a Blue Origin capsule launched from West Texas.
As investigations continue into the causes of the San Francisco blackout and the implications of the Epstein file release, officials urge residents and the public to stay informed and prepared. This developing situation remains a priority, with more updates expected shortly.
