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Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Ales Bialiatski, following negotiations with the US over sanctions. The move signals a potential shift in Belarus' relations with the West amid ongoing political repression.
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On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 11 people and injuring over a dozen. One attacker was killed, the other critically wounded and in custody. The attack targeted Sydney's Jewish community amid rising antisemitism, prompting condemnation from Australian and Israeli leaders.
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The US has lifted sanctions on Belarus's potash sector after talks with President Lukashenko, which included prisoner releases and discussions on improving US-Belarus relations. Belarus, a close Russia ally, faces ongoing Western sanctions over human rights and its role in Ukraine. The talks aim to normalize ties.
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Lionel Messi's scheduled appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was marred by chaos after he left early, leading to fan violence, vandalism, and arrests. The event was poorly managed, with ticket holders unable to see Messi, prompting apologies from officials and an investigation.
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On December 14, 2025, a gunman linked to ISIS attacked US and Syrian forces near Palmyra, killing two US soldiers and a civilian. The attacker, a Syrian security member, was shot dead. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Syria's desert region amid expanding US cooperation with Syrian forces.
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Belarus freed 123 political prisoners following talks with US envoy John Coale in Minsk, leading to the lifting of sanctions on potash. Key figures like opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and activist Ales Bialiatski were among those released, signaling a thaw in US-Belarus relations.
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The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) will shut down its operations at Iraq's request by the end of 2025, marking a milestone in Iraq's path to full self-reliance. The mission's conclusion reflects Iraq's progress in restoring stability after decades of conflict and violence.
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Israeli forces targeted and killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas figure involved in weapons manufacturing, in Gaza. The strike, which Hamas condemned as a ceasefire violation, resulted in four deaths and injuries to others. The incident marks the highest-profile assassination since the October ceasefire, amid ongoing tensions and accusations of violations.
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Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya accused Israel of violating the October ceasefire by killing Hamas commander Raad Saad and others. Despite ongoing Israeli attacks and violations of humanitarian access, Hamas insists the role of international forces should be limited to maintaining the ceasefire, rejecting any internal intervention.
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On December 13, 2025, a drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan, killed six Bangladeshi troops and injured eight. The Sudanese military blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which denied involvement. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, calling it a potential war crime amid Sudan's ongoing civil war.
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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, with a curfew imposed in Thailand's Trat province amid ongoing border clashes. A civilian has been killed, and both sides accuse each other of targeting infrastructure. Despite claims of ceasefire talks, hostilities continue, raising regional security concerns.
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A terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney has killed 15 people, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and injured dozens. The attack targeted families during the first night of Hanukkah, with one gunman killed and another in critical condition. Authorities are investigating as a hate crime.
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On December 13, 2025, a lone ISIS gunman ambushed US and Syrian forces near Palmyra, Syria. Three Americans, including two service members and one civilian interpreter, were killed. The attacker was killed, and the incident marks the first US military fatalities in Syria since the fall of Bashar Assad last year.
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On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials under the national security law. Lai, a British citizen and founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily, has spent five years in custody, with his health reportedly deteriorating. The verdict marks a significant moment in Beijing's crackdown on dissent.
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Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, displacing over 500,000 civilians and causing casualties on both sides. Heavy weaponry has been used, with civilians fleeing to evacuation centers amid shortages of food, water, and shelter. The conflict, rooted in colonial-era border disputes, is the deadliest since July, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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Recent reports detail ongoing violence in Sudan, including mass killings and atrocities by RSF fighters in El Fasher. The UK has imposed sanctions on RSF commanders involved in war crimes, amid ongoing fighting and humanitarian crises. UN efforts seek peace talks, but access remains limited.
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A deadly gun attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, has killed at least 11 people and wounded dozens. The incident, linked to rising antisemitism fueled by regional tensions, marks one of Australia's worst mass shootings and prompts international outrage and security concerns.
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Zelensky announced Ukraine will seek legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and others instead of NATO membership, as diplomatic talks in Berlin aim to end the conflict with Russia. The move marks a major policy shift amid ongoing negotiations and military tensions.
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Chile's presidential runoff resulted in a victory for Jose Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate advocating tough-on-crime policies and anti-migrant measures. His win marks a significant political shift, aligning Chile with regional trends of rightward movement amid concerns over crime and migration. The outcome impacts Chile's future policy direction.
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North Korea deployed over 12,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, focusing on mine clearing in Kursk. Kim Jong-un praised their heroism, honoring nine soldiers killed during the 120-day mission. The deployment highlights North Korea's close military ties with Russia amid ongoing conflict.
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Reddit has filed a legal challenge in the High Court against Australia's new law requiring social media platforms to restrict users under 16. The company argues the law infringes on free political communication and is improperly applied, despite plans to comply. The case follows similar challenges from other platforms and government enforcement efforts.
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NASA is preparing for upcoming Artemis lunar missions, including deploying robotic rover MAPP to study lunar dust and plasma environments. Meanwhile, a new report emphasizes prioritizing Mars life detection and resource utilization, amid strategic competition with China. NASA's plans involve international collaboration and private sector engagement.
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IndiGo canceled over 3,400 flights amid pilot shortages and regulatory delays, causing widespread travel disruptions across India. The airline struggles to adapt to new safety rules introduced in November, leading to baggage issues and passenger frustration. Operations are expected to normalize by mid-December.
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Israeli forces have continued to violate the Gaza ceasefire, conducting airstrikes and raids, killing at least 385 Palestinians since October. Meanwhile, Hamas has agreed to hand over remains of captives, and border crossings are slowly reopening amid ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises.
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U.S. health officials, under the influence of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have reversed decades of vaccination policy by ending universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. The move, driven by a panel with controversial appointees, faces widespread criticism from medical groups and public health experts, raising concerns over increased hepatitis B risks.
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Over 25 countries are preparing to send representatives to a conference on deploying an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, aiming for deployment as early as next month. The force will not fight Hamas and will focus on stabilization, with plans for gradual Israeli troop withdrawal linked to demilitarization standards.
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The US intercepted the Skipper tanker off Venezuela, marking the first seizure of Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions in 2019. The move comes amid a military buildup in the Caribbean and regional support for Maduro, raising regional tensions and affecting Venezuelan oil exports and Cuba's power supply.
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Dublin City Council considers renaming Herzog Park amid protests and accusations of antisemitism. The proposal, linked to Ireland's stance on Israel and Palestine, was withdrawn after political and community opposition, highlighting tensions over Irish history and current conflicts.
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Delhi faces severe air pollution with AQI levels over 400, causing health crises and flight disruptions. Authorities have implemented temporary measures, but experts call for long-term solutions. Meanwhile, Beijing and Hanoi have made significant progress in reducing pollution through strict policies.
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Several Tunisian opposition figures, including prominent critics of President Kais Saied, received lengthy prison sentences on charges of conspiracy and terrorism. Rights groups condemn the trials as politically motivated amid ongoing crackdowns on dissent following Saied's 2021 power grab. The sentences range from 5 to 66 years, with many defendants in absentia.
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On December 10, 2025, UNESCO inscribed Italy's culinary traditions and rituals as intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the social and cultural importance of practices like family meals and cooking rituals. Italy is the first country to receive this recognition for its cuisine, emphasizing sustainability, regional diversity, and the communal nature of food preparation and consumption.
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A shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island left two students dead and nine wounded. The incident occurred during a Principles of Economics review session, with the suspect detained 12 hours later. Students hid or tried to escape as gunfire erupted in the engineering building. The suspect remains at large.
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Despite a US-backed ceasefire, Gaza's healthcare system remains strained with severe shortages of medicines, damaged hospitals, and slow evacuations. The WHO reports over 1,000 patient deaths and ongoing delays in aid and evacuations, amid continued violence and international calls for full humanitarian access.
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A mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, mostly students. The suspect, a male in his 30s dressed in black, remains at large after opening fire during final exams. The campus was locked down, and a manhunt is ongoing as authorities seek the shooter.
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Heavy rains caused flash floods in Safi, Morocco, killing at least 21 people and injuring 32. Dozens of homes and shops flooded, roads were cut off, and rescue efforts are ongoing. More rain is forecast for Tuesday amid ongoing drought recovery efforts.
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A deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, killing at least 159 residents, has prompted a government crackdown on dissent. Authorities blame substandard building materials and have launched investigations, while the city holds elections under tightened controls amid public anger and security concerns.
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Israel continues strikes on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Lebanon's government aims to disarm Hezbollah, but the group resists. Diplomatic talks have resumed, but violence and international criticism persist, with fears of broader conflict escalating.
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A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney has left at least 11 dead and several injured. Authorities say two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, with one attacker killed at the scene and the other critically wounded. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack, marking Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
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Hong Kong's Democratic Party announced its disbandment on December 14, 2025, after nearly 30 years. The decision follows Beijing's tightening control, including the national security law enacted in 2020, which led to arrests and the shutdown of pro-democracy groups. The party's liquidation reflects the shrinking space for opposition in the city.
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A California jury awarded $40 million to two women who blamed Johnson & Johnson’s talc products for their ovarian cancer. The company plans to appeal, citing scientific evidence that talc is safe. This verdict follows years of legal battles over alleged asbestos contamination and health risks.
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Iran has implemented a new fuel pricing system, adding a third subsidy level, as the government faces economic sanctions, currency depreciation, and inflation. Despite the increase, gasoline remains among the world's cheapest, but protests and economic pressures continue to challenge the regime.
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Two recent school shootings in the US, including at Brown University, highlight a generation of students who have experienced multiple mass shootings. Survivors like Mia Tretta and Zoe Weissman recount their trauma and frustration over ongoing gun violence and legislative inaction.
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The ELN rebel group announced an armed strike from Sunday to Wednesday, involving civilian confinement and restricted activities, citing regional 'counterinsurgency' and 'imperialist' threats. President Petro responded by ordering security forces to attack the ELN, amid heightened US military activity in the region.
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Multiple sources report that ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico are significantly higher than previous tournaments, with costs reaching up to $16,590 for some fans. Critics call the pricing 'extortionate' and a betrayal of tradition, prompting calls for FIFA to halt sales and review pricing policies.
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EU member states are set to vote on the Mercosur trade agreement, but France has raised objections over protections for European agriculture. The deal involves Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and has been under negotiation for over 20 years. A vote is scheduled for this week, with potential implications for EU trade policy.
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A suspect was detained after a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, injuring nine students, two of whom died. The attack occurred during exams on Saturday afternoon. Police continue to investigate the motive while maintaining campus security.
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German authorities detained five suspects, including an imam, over a suspected Islamist plot to carry out a vehicle attack at a Bavarian Christmas market. The suspects, detained near the Austria border, allegedly planned to target a market with a vehicle, echoing past attacks in Germany. The plot was thwarted through strong security cooperation.
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Researchers found vertebrae near Darwin indicating a giant shark predator from 115 million years ago, predating previous finds by 15 million years. The creature was estimated to be about 8 meters long, revealing early evolution of large predatory sharks in the Cretaceous period.
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On December 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to preempt state-level AI regulations by establishing a unified federal framework. The order directs the Attorney General to challenge state laws deemed burdensome and threatens to withhold federal funding from states enforcing conflicting AI rules. The move has sparked bipartisan opposition, legal challenges, and fierce pushback from states like California, which have enacted their own AI safety laws.
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The Louvre in Paris is considering a strike amid ongoing security issues, staff shortages, and recent thefts. The museum's security failures, including a €88 million jewelry heist, have heightened tensions. Union talks with the government are ongoing, but a strike could close the museum during peak season.
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Berlin police are increasing security measures around the Brandenburg Gate during Hanukkah celebrations, following a deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney. Other cities like New York, Warsaw, London, and Paris are also boosting security at Jewish sites amid ongoing threats. The events include lighting a large menorah and prayers for victims.
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Four young men in Herat, Afghanistan, were detained by Taliban authorities for dressing as characters from Peaky Blinders, citing promotion of foreign culture. The group gained online attention for vintage-style outfits inspired by the series, but the Taliban accused them of promoting un-Islamic values. The men were released after expressing remorse.
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A DoorDash worker in Indiana was charged after allegedly spraying a substance on a delivery, causing illness to the recipients. The incident was caught on a doorbell camera, and the driver was arrested after being identified. The case raises concerns about food safety and delivery platform oversight.
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The US has seized the Venezuelan supertanker Skipper off its coast, marking the first interdiction of Venezuelan oil since sanctions began in 2019. The move targets a shadow fleet transporting sanctioned oil to China and Iran, amid increased US military presence and sanctions efforts against Maduro's regime. Venezuelan officials condemn the action as piracy.
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Seven men and two women were found dead in Ras Asfour, Morocco, from exposure to extreme cold. Most were from sub-Saharan Africa, with one from Guinea. The incident highlights ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via North Africa, amid increased border enforcement and humanitarian concerns.
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China will impose a 13% VAT on contraceptive products starting January 2026, reversing a long-standing exemption. The move aims to encourage higher fertility amid population decline but raises concerns about increased unplanned pregnancies and health risks. Experts believe the impact on birth rates will be limited.
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Ukrainian military reports that Russian forces in Kupiansk are fully surrounded and cut off, contradicting Russian claims of control. Fighting continues in nearby cities like Pokrovsk, with Ukraine maintaining territorial resistance amid ongoing Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. The situation remains fluid as both sides claim progress.
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Filipino fishing boats were attacked near Sabina Shoal by Chinese coast guard vessels, which used water cannons and cut anchor lines, endangering crews. The Philippine coastguard responded with medical aid and supplies, condemning China's actions amid ongoing territorial disputes in the region.
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Lindsey Vonn, at age 41, won her 83rd World Cup race in downhill at St. Moritz, becoming the oldest winner in circuit history. She is preparing for the Milan Cortina Olympics, aiming for multiple medals after returning from retirement and knee surgery. Her performance signals strong Olympic prospects.
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In South Sudan, communities like Akuak are building and maintaining islands using traditional methods to combat rising floodwaters driven by climate change. Recent years have seen catastrophic flooding, displacing hundreds of thousands, but local resilience and new infrastructure projects are helping communities adapt and survive.
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Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least three people today, despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah members accused of reestablishing infrastructure, violating the November 2024 ceasefire. Lebanon's army intervened to prevent further strikes, amid ongoing tensions and Israeli occupation of southern hilltops.
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Morocco has expanded legal cannabis cultivation, integrating veteran farmers into the formal economy. Since 2022, regulations have been implemented, allowing farmers like Makhlouf to sell legally. The move aims to reduce illegal activity, support local communities, and boost the economy, with products expected on the market by spring 2026.
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Recent days have seen intensified Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, including a drone attack on Saratov that killed two. Russia responded with hypersonic missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and energy facilities. Ukraine seeks security guarantees in upcoming negotiations, while both sides prepare for potential peace talks in Germany.
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Recent weeks have seen increased hostility towards Somali Americans in Minnesota, driven by inflammatory remarks from President Trump, immigration enforcement actions, and a major welfare fraud scandal. Community members report rising racism, arrests, and fear, amid political and social upheaval.
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A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York reported a near midair collision with US military aircraft over the Caribbean. The incident involved untranspondered aircraft, with US planes entering Venezuelan airspace. The US military's increased activity in the region is under scrutiny amid safety concerns.
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New York's gaming board recommended three new casinos for NYC, including two in Queens and one in the Bronx. The licenses, pending final approval, aim to boost state revenue with Las Vegas-style gambling, despite concerns over community opposition and potential social costs. The process involved intense competition and political lobbying.
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Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025. The legendary actor and entertainer, known for 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'Mary Poppins,' has shared insights on longevity, overcoming health challenges, and maintaining his vibrant spirit through exercise, positivity, and his Midwestern roots. Multiple sources highlight his career, resilience, and ongoing influence.
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A series of cold air masses have brought below-normal temperatures across the US, with record lows expected in some regions. The cold wave, driven by the polar vortex, has led to early-season snow and significant temperature drops, impacting daily life and forecasts for the upcoming weeks.
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Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are enduring severe winter conditions, with repeated flooding damaging tents and homes. Despite a ceasefire, aid remains insufficient, and many live in cold, damp shelters amid ongoing conflict and displacement, with recent storms worsening their plight.
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A federal appeals court in the U.S. has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using remaining California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, ruling that conditions have changed and the deployment is illegal. The decision halts the military presence, which had lasted six months amid protests over immigration enforcement.
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Recent studies off British Columbia reveal orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins working together to hunt Chinook salmon. The orcas follow the dolphins, which act as scouts, and scavenge leftovers, indicating a cooperative relationship. This challenges previous beliefs about predator interactions in the region.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is participating in meetings in Berlin with US and European officials to discuss proposals for ending the Ukraine conflict. The talks include US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, ahead of a summit with European leaders on Monday. Details of the negotiations remain undisclosed.
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A woman visiting Macy’s Herald Square was stabbed multiple times by a homeless suspect, Kerri Aherne, who was released from a psychiatric facility hours before the attack. The victim, a California sheriff’s civilian, was hospitalized but is expected to recover. The suspect faces attempted murder charges.
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Federal grand juries in Virginia declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James twice in a week, marking rare rejections of prosecutors' efforts. The cases, linked to her property purchase, are seen as politically motivated. The decisions highlight challenges faced by the Justice Department in prosecuting political opponents.
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A story from Dearborn Heights highlights a community effort to display a large Christmas tree amid recent tensions, with local and cultural significance. Meanwhile, personal holiday experiences reflect changing traditions and rising costs, illustrating the varied ways families celebrate during the season.
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Unprecedented flooding in Washington has displaced thousands, with record river levels and widespread damage. Evacuations are ongoing, and authorities warn that high waters and additional storms will prolong recovery efforts. No fatalities have been reported so far.