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On December 12-13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia after calls with their leaders. However, fighting reportedly continued along the disputed border, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of ongoing bombings and Thailand blaming Cambodia for violations. The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute dating back to colonial-era maps.
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Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including prominent rights advocates Ales Bialiatski and Maria Kolesnikova, following negotiations with the US over sanctions. Bialiatski, a Nobel laureate, and others had been imprisoned since 2021-2023 amid Belarus's crackdown on dissent. The move signals a potential thaw in Belarus-US relations.
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Narges Mohammadi was detained in Mashhad while attending a memorial for a recently deceased human rights lawyer. Her supporters say she was violently arrested, raising concerns amid Iran's crackdown on activists. The detention occurs as Iran faces regional tensions and internal repression, with international calls for her release.
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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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Salih, former Iraqi president, is set to succeed Filippo Grandi as UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The appointment, pending formal approval, comes amid a year of significant funding cuts and rising global displacement. Salih's background and vision aim to reshape the agency's approach to refugee aid.
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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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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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On December 14, 2025, a gunman targeting US and Syrian forces in Palmyra killed two US soldiers and a civilian, wounded others, and was subsequently shot dead. The attacker was a Syrian security member linked to IS, raising concerns about infiltration amid expanding US-Syria cooperation.
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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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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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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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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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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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Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily and critic of Beijing, has faced a high-profile trial under Hong Kong's national security law. Charged with collusion and sedition, Lai's health has worsened in detention. The verdict's outcome could impact Hong Kong's political landscape and international relations.
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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 November 30, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally requested a presidential pardon amid his ongoing corruption trial. Charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Netanyahu denies wrongdoing and argues the trial divides Israel. The request follows a letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump urging pardon to aid national unity. President Isaac Herzog will review the request with legal counsel.
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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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Israel is intensifying efforts to locate and recover the remains of hostage Ran Gvili, believed to be in Gaza. Recent searches have yet to find his body, which remains a key issue for advancing a ceasefire and future negotiations. The search is ongoing amid political and military tensions.
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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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A drone strike hit a UN peacekeeping base in Kadugli, Sudan, killing six Bangladeshi troops and injuring others. Sudanese military blamed the Rapid Support Forces, amid ongoing conflict and regional instability. The attack raises concerns over escalating violence and accountability in the region. (Sun, 14 Dec 2025, 11:40)
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On December 9-11, 2025, former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Europe as "decaying" and its leaders as "weak," blaming migration policies and political correctness for the continent's decline. He questioned Ukraine's democracy amid the ongoing war with Russia, urged elections despite martial law, and endorsed far-right European politicians, deepening transatlantic tensions.
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On December 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025. The judge ruled his detention lacked legal basis, blocking the Trump administration's attempts to deport him to African countries. Abrego Garcia faces ongoing human smuggling charges and is seeking asylum in the U.S.
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A deadly gun attack at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney has killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens. The incident is widely condemned, with Australian authorities linking it to rising antisemitism fueled by regional tensions and global conflicts. The attack marks one of the worst in Australian history targeting the Jewish community.
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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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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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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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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 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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Eritrea announced its withdrawal from IGAD, citing the organization's failure to promote regional stability. Tensions with Ethiopia over border issues and Red Sea access have escalated, with both nations accusing each other of interference. The UN urges renewed commitment to peace accords.
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Heavy rainfall driven by an atmospheric river has caused record river levels in Washington, prompting evacuations and emergency responses. The Skagit River reached nearly 38 feet, leading to full evacuation orders in Burlington and surrounding areas. Floodwaters threaten infrastructure and communities, with ongoing rescue efforts and warnings of potential levee failures.
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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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Chile's presidential runoff on December 14 pits far-right candidate José Antonio Kast against leftist Jeannette Jara. Kast, advocating tough-on-crime policies and immigration restrictions, is favored to win amid concerns over security and economic stability. The election marks a potential shift toward the country's most conservative leadership since Pinochet.
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A gunman opened fire during a Principles of Economics review session at Brown University, injuring at least one student and prompting a campus lockdown. The attacker fled the scene, and police are searching for him. The incident has raised concerns about campus safety and gun violence.
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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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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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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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Hamas and Israel are preparing for the second phase of a US-backed ceasefire, focusing on disarmament, troop withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction. Mediation continues, with international forces expected early next year. Key issues include Hamas's weapons storage and Israeli troop pullback, amid ongoing violence and negotiations.
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Amnesty International's latest report details crimes against humanity committed by Hamas during its October 2023 attack on Israel, including murder, torture, and hostage mistreatment. The report also accuses Israel of genocide in its Gaza response, amid ongoing violence and high civilian casualties.
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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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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 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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Recent studies reveal widespread pesticide residues in food, PFAS in water, and chemicals in soils, raising health and environmental concerns. Experts warn that current regulations underestimate risks, with potential long-term impacts on human health, ecosystems, and fertility. The stories highlight urgent need for stricter controls and better monitoring.
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Israel's government approved over 500 new settlement units in the West Bank, including in Hashmonaim, Beitar Illit, and Giv'at Ze'ev. The move, condemned by the Palestinian Authority and international bodies, continues Israel's settlement expansion amid regional tensions and increased violence. The decision follows recent escalation in settler attacks and military activity.
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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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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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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 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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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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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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China commemorated the Nanjing massacre without President Xi Jinping, amid heightened tensions with Japan. Japan plans missile deployment near Taiwan, prompting Chinese protests and military encounters. Diplomatic and military strains escalate as both nations exchange accusations and warnings today, Sat, 13 Dec 2025.
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Delhi faces severe winter pollution with AQI levels over 400, prompting protests and health concerns. Meanwhile, Beijing and Hanoi have made significant progress in reducing air pollution through strict policies, highlighting contrasting approaches to urban air quality management.
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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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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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A terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney has resulted in at least 11 deaths and multiple injuries. The incident follows decades of strict gun control measures implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which significantly reduced mass shootings in Australia. The attack remains under investigation, with authorities uncertain about the weapons used.
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In late 2024, the US temporarily cut off a live drone feed and restricted intelligence sharing with Israel over Gaza. The move followed concerns about civilian casualties, treatment of prisoners, and adherence to the law of war. Sharing resumed after Israel assured US compliance with rules.
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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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Since early September, the US has conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing over 87 people. Admiral Holsey, who led the Southern Command, retired early amid tensions over the strikes and US plans for possible land operations. The US also designated the Venezuelan 'Cartel de los Soles' as a terrorist organization, though Venezuela denies the allegations.
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Despite political warnings of a mass exodus of high-income residents from New York City following plans to raise taxes, recent data shows luxury home sales increased in November. Experts say most wealthy residents remain committed to the city, driven by cultural and economic ties, despite political rhetoric and potential tax hikes.
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Since December 10, 2025, former President Trump has intensified racist comments targeting Somali immigrants and their representatives, including Ilhan Omar, amid ongoing immigration policies and political tensions. His remarks have sparked widespread condemnation and concern over rising xenophobia in the US and globally.
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Rivian unveils new AI-driven autonomous hardware and software plans, aiming for full self-driving capabilities by 2026. Meanwhile, Waymo expands its driverless taxi service across multiple US cities, facing safety incidents involving animals and regulatory scrutiny. The industry pushes toward broader adoption amid safety and environmental debates.
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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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This week saw major geopolitical shifts, including Putin's return to Alaska, US diplomatic antics, and political upheavals across Africa and Latin America. Meanwhile, US domestic politics remain volatile with controversial comments from Trump and rising support for unconventional candidates, reflecting a turbulent international and national landscape.
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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.
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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 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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Tom Hicks, a prominent businessman and sports team owner, died peacefully in Dallas at age 79. He owned the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and held a stake in Liverpool. Hicks was a private equity pioneer and served on the University of Texas Board of Regents. He is survived by his wife and six children.
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Former President Trump announced a new program allowing foreigners and companies to pay large fees for expedited U.S. permanent residency, featuring a 'Trump Gold Card' with a portrait of Trump. The program aims to generate revenue and prioritize immigrants who benefit the U.S.
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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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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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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.