Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Building permits, housing starts and housing completions were all up in November from the previous month, according to data from the U.S. government.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- An Oregon woman captured video of the moment stormy weather took hold of two large inflatable snowmen and made them appear to be fighting.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The White House signaled Tuesday there's a possibility it will not force the government to shut down over President Donald Trump's proposed border wall.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A fire consumed part of the city of Manaus in the Brazilian Amazon, affecting 600 homes over a 12-hour span.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The possibility of leaving the European Union without a deal prompted Britain to put 3,500 troops on standby Tuesday, in case there's a disruption of supplies.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Wildlife trappers in Florida said they captured a "massive" hog that was so large that it looked like a bear in some photos.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The California farm at the center of romaine lettuce E. coli contamination last month has expanded a recall to include more types of lettuce and cauliflower.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The Kim Jong Un regime is waging war against widespread corruption among cadres.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- New Zealand will hold a binding referendum in two years to legalize personal marijuana use, Justice Minister Andrew Little said Tuesday.

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A Missouri judge ordered a convicted deer poacher to watch Disney's "Bambi" once a month during the year he spends behind bars.