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A bystander, Ahmed al-Ahmed, disarmed one of the gunmen during the Bondi Beach attack, saving many lives. He was shot and is recovering in hospital. The attack resulted in 15 deaths, including a child, prompting calls for stricter gun laws in Australia. The incident is under investigation.
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A father and son opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 16, including a child and a rabbi. The incident has prompted Australia to re-examine its strict gun laws amid rising antisemitic violence. The father was killed, and the son is hospitalized in critical condition.
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The US has announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash after talks with President Lukashenko, who released 123 prisoners. The move signals a step toward improving relations, though Belarus continues to face criticism over political repression and its alliance with Russia. The story highlights ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
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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 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 15, 2025, Ford announced it will cease production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning, shifting focus to extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that combine electric and gas-powered generators. The company is scrapping several EV projects, including the next-gen T3 truck and electric vans, while pivoting toward hybrids and gas-powered models. Ford expects 50% of its global sales to be electrified by 2030, up from 17% today, amid a $19.5 billion writedown largely tied to EV investments.
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iRobot, known for its robotic vacuums, has filed for bankruptcy and is being acquired by its main manufacturer, Picea. The move follows failed acquisition attempts by Amazon and ongoing financial struggles, including declining sales and a significant stock drop. The company aims to continue operations during the bankruptcy process.
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Western leaders, including the UK, France, and Germany, reaffirm support for Ukraine amid ongoing peace negotiations. They emphasize security guarantees, military aid, and economic reconstruction, while discussions continue on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's recovery. US and European efforts aim to bolster Ukraine's defenses and seek a just peace.
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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 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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Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel laureate and human rights activist, was re-arrested in Iran after denouncing the suspicious death of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. She was previously released on medical furlough but was detained following her speech at a memorial ceremony. Her physical condition appears critical, prompting calls for her immediate release.
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A gunman opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, killing at least 15 people, including a child and a Holocaust survivor. The attack, deemed antisemitic terrorism, lasted over seven minutes and prompted a swift police response. Several bystanders intervened, and the shooter was shot by a civilian.
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As of December 15, 2025, Israel's Supreme Court upheld the ICC's jurisdiction to investigate alleged war crimes linked to the 2023 Gaza conflict, maintaining arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Concurrently, Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon amid ongoing corruption trials, denying wrongdoing and refusing to resign. The pardon request follows U.S. pressure and has sparked political controversy within Israel.
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Ukraine has agreed to seek legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and other allies instead of NATO membership, marking a major diplomatic shift amid ongoing peace negotiations and Russian aggression. The move aims to prevent further conflict but departs from Kyiv’s long-standing NATO aspirations.
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As of December 15, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with European leaders in London and Brussels amid stalled peace talks driven by a US-backed plan requiring Ukraine to cede parts of the Donbas region to Russia. The US, led by President Trump, pushes for a deal, while Ukraine and Europe resist territorial concessions. Russia continues attacks, and funding Ukraine's defense remains uncertain.
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Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong's national security law. The 78-year-old faces life imprisonment amid international criticism and concerns over press freedom and judicial independence. Lai's health has deteriorated in detention, prompting calls for his release.
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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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Heavy rain and flash floods in Morocco have killed at least 21 people, injured dozens, and caused widespread damage. The floods affected multiple cities, including Safi, Tetouan, and Tinghir, amid increasing climate unpredictability linked to drought and changing weather patterns. Authorities warn more heavy rain is expected.
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Filipino fishermen were injured and vessels damaged in a confrontation with Chinese coast guard ships near Sabina Shoal. China claims sovereignty over the area, despite an international tribunal ruling against its expansive claims. The Philippines has issued diplomatic protests, and the US has expressed support for Manila.
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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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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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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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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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Chile's presidential runoff resulted in a victory for Jose Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate promising tough-on-crime policies and immigration controls. Kast secured over 58% of the vote against leftist Jeannette Jara, amid concerns over rising crime, migration, and economic stability. The result signals a major political shift in the country.
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European Union's planned trade agreement with Mercosur faces delays as France and other countries demand stronger safeguards for agriculture and environmental standards. The deal, agreed a year ago, aims to open markets but is now under threat amid farmer protests and political disagreements. The vote is scheduled for December 20, 2025.
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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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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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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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Ukrainian forces have conducted multiple sea drone strikes on vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea, damaging tankers used for oil exports. The attacks aim to disrupt Russia’s economic activities amid ongoing conflict, with recent strikes marking the third in two weeks. No casualties reported.
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U.S. and European leaders, including Zelensky, met in Berlin to advance peace talks amid ongoing conflict. Trump claimed progress toward ending Russia's war in Ukraine, with discussions focusing on security guarantees and territorial issues. Russia remains opposed to key concessions, complicating negotiations.
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Gaza is enduring severe winter storms, with at least 12 deaths, including children, due to exposure, flooding, and building collapses. Displaced families face worsening conditions with limited aid, damaged shelters, and ongoing Israeli restrictions, deepening the humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict.
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EU leaders are considering a plan to use €210 billion of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's military and economy. The move involves complex legal and diplomatic challenges, including Russia's opposition and lawsuits against Euroclear, which holds most of the assets. The decision will be made at the upcoming EU summit.
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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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Serbian prosecutors have charged four senior officials, including Culture Minister Nikola Selaković, with abuse of power linked to a controversial redevelopment project in Belgrade. The project involves a Kushner-linked firm and has sparked widespread opposition amid allegations of forgery and illegal lifting of heritage protections. The case highlights ongoing tensions over foreign investment and national sovereignty.
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Pakistan reports a decline in polio cases to 30 since January, down from 74 last year, amid ongoing vaccination campaigns despite security threats. The campaign is synchronized with Afghanistan to prevent cross-border transmission, with significant progress noted in virus containment.
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ECOWAS leaders have declared a state of emergency amid recent military coups in West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau and Benin. The bloc is moving from reactive sanctions to proactive military and diplomatic actions, with Nigeria supporting Benin's government and deploying forces to restore order. The situation underscores regional instability.
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Brigitte Macron was recorded jokingly calling activists 'stupid bitches' after they disrupted a show of Ary Abittan, who was accused of rape but had charges dropped. The incident sparks criticism from politicians and feminists, highlighting tensions over protest methods and gender issues in France.
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The ELN rebel group in Colombia has launched an armed strike until Wednesday, affecting rural communities and involving attacks on military and police targets. The strike is justified by the group as a response to regional tensions and U.S. actions, with Colombia's government condemning the move and ordering security measures.
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French museum workers at the Louvre are planning a strike on December 15, citing security failures, resource shortages, and deteriorating working conditions following a high-profile jewelry theft and ongoing operational issues. The strike could lead to temporary closures during the busy holiday season.
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A mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island has resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, echoing past trauma for students who have survived previous school shootings. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the US and its impact on educational communities, occurring during a period of heightened political debate.
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Lindsey Vonn, at age 41, won her 83rd World Cup race in St. Moritz, becoming the oldest winner in circuit history. Her performance signals a potential extended season and Olympic success, challenging perceptions of age in elite sports.
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A Congolese national, Lumbala, was convicted in France for atrocities committed during the Second Congo War, marking the first time a Congolese leader has been tried domestically for mass crimes under universal jurisdiction. The trial highlights ongoing issues of impunity and conflict in eastern Congo.
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Tia Billinger, known as Bonnie Blue, was detained in Bali for allegedly creating pornographic content. She was deported after police found equipment and violations of visa laws. She publicly supported Nigel Farage amid her legal issues, drawing international attention.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed readiness for dialogue with Western and European leaders amid ongoing Russian attacks. Talks in Berlin focus on a ceasefire and peace negotiations, with Kyiv seeking support from the US and allies. Recent Russian strikes have caused casualties and damage in Ukraine.
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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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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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The EU has imposed new sanctions on individuals and companies supporting Russia's shadow fleet, which continues to export Russian oil to countries like India and China at discounted prices. Despite 19 rounds of sanctions, Russia adapts through illicit shipping networks, funding its Ukraine war effort.
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Tesla is testing driverless robotaxis in Austin without safety monitors, signaling progress in its autonomous vehicle plans. The company has increased its fleet and aims to deploy fully autonomous taxis soon, amid regulatory and technical challenges. Tesla's efforts are closely watched as competitors like Waymo expand their services.
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Multiple sources reveal China's extensive use of surveillance technology, much of it originating from U.S. companies, to track officials, dissidents, and their families worldwide. High-profile cases include Chinese ex-officials fleeing abroad and being targeted through advanced monitoring tools, raising concerns over human rights and sovereignty.
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Tony Geary, renowned for his role as Luke Spencer on 'General Hospital,' died in Amsterdam of complications from surgery. He was 78. Geary's career spanned over 40 years, earning eight Daytime Emmy awards. His death prompts tributes from colleagues and fans worldwide.
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Since a ceasefire in October, Gaza faces ongoing humanitarian challenges. Over 9,300 children treated for malnutrition in October, with aid flows still insufficient. WHO reports over 1,000 deaths since July 2024, amid continued restrictions and delays in aid delivery. The UN calls for full humanitarian access.
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Jeff Simmons of the Tennessee Titans returned home after a game against the 49ers to find his house burglarized by at least six suspects. The suspects gained entry by smashing a window, and several items were stolen. Simmons expressed relief his family was not present and praised police response. The incident follows a pattern of athlete burglaries linked to organized crime groups targeting homes while players are away.
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Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a renowned zoologist and elephant conservationist, died at age 83 in Kenya. He dedicated decades to protecting elephants, exposing poaching crises, and advocating for wildlife. His death marks a significant loss for conservation efforts worldwide.
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Five Below's stock has surged 85% this year after CEO Winnie Park refocused the retailer on core teen and tween customers, improving merchandise and store operations amid industry challenges. The company aims to recover from recent underperformance and inflation pressures.
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Regional powers including China, Pakistan, Russia, and Central Asian states gathered in Iran to discuss Afghanistan's future, but the Taliban-led government declined to attend, citing ongoing engagement with regional organizations. The talks focused on security, economic ties, and reducing tensions with Pakistan amid ongoing border clashes.
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Ukraine's SBU announced it used underwater drones to damage a Russian submarine at Novorossiysk, marking the first time such a vessel was neutralized by drone. Russia denied damage, but Kyiv asserts this signals a new phase in drone warfare amid ongoing Black Sea tensions.
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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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Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on December 14 killed at least three people, despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Israel claims to target Hezbollah members rearming, while Lebanon reports civilian casualties. The strikes follow ongoing tensions and delayed disarmament efforts, with diplomatic talks scheduled for December 19.
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Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, the only pandas in Japan, are scheduled to be returned to China by late January amid strained diplomatic relations. Their departure marks the end of a long-standing panda diplomacy tradition, with prospects for replacement now uncertain due to deteriorating China-Japan ties.
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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 drones struck Russian oil platforms in the Caspian Sea, damaging equipment and halting production at key facilities owned by Lukoil. The attacks aim to disrupt Russia's energy revenue supporting its war effort in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in Kyiv's maritime campaign.
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Recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan have escalated tensions with China. Beijing has responded with historical references and military warnings, amid ongoing disputes over Taiwan, regional security, and historical grievances related to the 1937 Nanjing massacre. Diplomatic and military incidents have increased in recent days.
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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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Four suspects linked to the pro-Palestinian group Turtle Island Liberation Front were arrested in California for planning bombings on New Year’s Eve. They were testing explosives in the desert and targeted multiple locations, including companies and ICE vehicles. The plot was foiled by federal authorities.
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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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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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A winter storm caused heavy snowfall and icy conditions in New York City, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Ground stops and snow removal efforts significantly slowed air traffic, with delays exceeding five hours in some cases. The storm is expected to clear by Sunday afternoon.
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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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The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the removal of books on race, gender, and sexuality from a rural Texas library. The lower court's decision, which sided with the county, allows the ban to stand, raising concerns about free speech and First Amendment rights amid ongoing book bans nationwide.
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The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival revealed its 2026 lineup, featuring over 120 artists including Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, and Jamaican acts. The event will highlight Jamaican culture following Hurricane Melissa, with a focus on community and musical diversity across two weekends in April.