US Foils Potential NYE Terrorist Attack; Sparklers Likely Caused Swiss Fire

The U.S. Justice Department said on Friday it thwarted an alleged plan by a North Carolina man to carry out an ISIS-inspired attack using knives and hammers on New Year’s Eve. Christan Sturdivant, 18, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, was charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, according to a Justice Department statement.

Dozens of young partygoers injured in a New Year's Eve bar fire in Switzerland were transferred to specialist burn units across Europe as they fought for their lives on Friday after being hit by the devastating blaze, which has killed at least 40. Initial findings showed the fire that spread among the mostly young crowd of revellers in Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana was likely caused by sparkler candles being carried too close to the ceiling, the local prosecutor said.