Over 10 couples in the United States have filed a joint lawsuit against Ovation Fertility, alleging that the IVF provider implanted non-viable embryos, which they knew were 'dead' and 'toxic'. The couples initially blamed themselves for the failed implantations, but later learned of a lab error involving lethal exposure to 'poison'. The fertility center is accused of not disclosing the issue until doctors noticed a zero percent success rate for thawed embryos, which is significantly lower than the typical 75 percent. Ovation Fertility has responded, attributing the issue to an isolated incident caused by a lab technician's error and stating they did not knowingly transfer nonviable embryos.

Banmeet Singh, an Indian national, has been sentenced to five years in prison for selling controlled substances on dark web marketplaces and ordered to forfeit approximately USD 150 million. Arrested in London in April 2019 at the request of the US, Singh was extradited to the US in March 2023 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering. Singh operated vendor sites on marketplaces like Silk Road and Alpha Bay, selling drugs including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, ketamine, and tramadol, and laundered money into cryptocurrency accounts. His drug organization moved hundreds of kilograms of controlled substances across the US and other countries, establishing a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

The San Mateo Police Department confirmed a murder-suicide involving an Indian-origin family in California. Anand Sujith Henry is suspected of killing his wife, Alice Benziger, and their twin sons before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation revealed no prior history of violence in the household. Authorities emphasized the importance of domestic violence and mental health resources to prevent such tragedies. John Kirby from the National Security Council condemned violence based on race, gender, or religion.

A significant rise in the deaths of Indian-origin students in the US has prompted the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) to call on US government agencies, universities, and student organizations to address the issue. The causes of these deaths range from suspicious shootings and kidnappings to environmental hazards and mental health issues. FIIDS has recommended enhancing safety education, improving search and rescue procedures, and providing mental health support. The Indo-American community is concerned about potential hate crimes, although no conclusive evidence has been found. FIIDS has also launched a survey to gather Indian-American students' safety concerns.

The Indian-American community in the United States is organizing car rallies and other events to celebrate the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22. The 'California Indians' group is planning a significant car rally on January 20, with over 400 cars expected to participate. Similar events have been held in various US cities, including Washington and Chicago. Community leaders are actively involved in organizing these celebrations, which are seen as a way to express devotion and cultural pride.

A 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, Kai Zhuang, fell victim to a cyber kidnapping scam and was found alive in a tent in the Utah wilderness. His parents in China were extorted for USD 80,000. Kai was reported missing last week after his parents contacted his Riverdale host high school. The police located him 25 miles north near Brigham City after analyzing bank records, purchases, and text messages. He was found cold and scared with limited supplies and requested a warm cheeseburger after being rescued. Riverdale police collaborated with the FBI, the US embassy in China, and Chinese officials in the search.

A Christmas outing turned tragic for six members of an NRI family from Andhra Pradesh's Amalapuram when they were killed in a traffic accident in Texas. The victims, relatives of YSRCP MLA Ponnada Venkata Satish Kumar, were returning from a zoo trip when their minivan was hit by a pickup truck. The sole survivor, Lokesh, is in critical condition. Local police confirmed the truck was at fault, and the two occupants of the truck are also hospitalized.

A 20-year-old Indian student was rescued in Missouri, US, after being held captive, beaten, and forced into labor for several months by his cousin Venkatesh R Sattaru and two other men, Sravan Varma Penumetcha and Nikhil Verma Penmatsa. The student suffered multiple bone fractures and injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. The three men have been charged with human trafficking, kidnapping, and assault. The abuse occurred at three homes owned by Sattaru, who is also charged with human trafficking for the purpose of slavery. The student had initially come to the US to study at Missouri University of Science and Technology but was instead forced to work for Sattaru's IT company and perform chores.

Maine residents remain in lockdown as authorities, including the FBI and state police, search for Robert Card, suspected of killing 18 people in a mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston. The search has focused on properties linked to Card, who is considered armed and dangerous. The incident has led to widespread closures and heightened security measures across the state. Governor Janet Mills has vowed to hold those responsible accountable. Card, an Army reservist, had previously undergone a mental health evaluation. The shootings have reignited discussions on gun laws in Maine, a state with a strong gun ownership culture.