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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 comedy show titled 'The Roast of New Jersey' is scheduled for Feb. 28 in Red Bank, featuring Tiki Barber. Meanwhile, holiday shopping tips include a 75% discount on a realistic artificial Christmas tree. A Baltimore author's book about crabs and Christmas is also highlighted, alongside a mouse infestation story in Scotland.
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As of December 2025, major tech firms including HP, Amazon, Meta, and IBM are accelerating AI adoption, leading to thousands of job cuts and workforce shifts. HP plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs by 2028, citing AI-driven productivity gains. Meanwhile, AI-assisted "vibe coding" has been named Collins Dictionary's 2025 word of the year, reflecting a transformative shift in software development and workplace culture.
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Former President Trump announced plans to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents in Minnesota, citing crime and fraud. The move, which could affect a small number of Somalis nationally, faces strong opposition from local leaders and advocates, amid concerns of fueling hate and Islamophobia. The announcement marks a broader push to tighten immigration protections.
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The European Commission is moving to delay and relax key digital regulations, including AI and data privacy laws, citing the need to boost competitiveness. Critics warn this marks a retreat from Europe's leadership in digital rights, amid US and Chinese competition. The changes aim to simplify rules for businesses, especially startups, but raise concerns over privacy and innovation.
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Tesla opposes new regulations requiring ride-hailing data disclosures, while Waymo and Zoox expand their autonomous vehicle services in California. The regulatory landscape is shifting as companies race to deploy fully driverless cars, with Tesla emphasizing safety concerns and others pushing for broader rules.
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Tesla has completed self-certification for its robotaxi in Nevada, allowing deployment pending regulatory approval. The company is expanding testing and operations across several states, including Arizona and California, amid ongoing regulatory and safety concerns. Elon Musk aims for broad deployment by year's end.
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Americans continue to favor side dishes over turkey for Thanksgiving, with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes remaining top choices. Regional and generational preferences influence dish popularity, while grocery deals aim to ease holiday costs amid inflation. The cost of a full meal for 10 is estimated at $55.18.
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US employment increased by 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding forecasts, but underlying weaknesses persist. Rising layoffs, hiring decoupling, and economic risks continue to shape the labor market outlook as analysts debate AI's impact and recession signals.
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European authorities, led by the European Commission, are scrutinizing Shein for selling illegal products, including childlike sex dolls and weapons. France has suspended Shein's website amid investigations, and the EU has requested detailed compliance information. Sweden and France are actively pursuing legal actions and policy responses.
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Multiple beauty brands, including Clarins, COSRX, Biodance, Lancome, and others, are offering significant discounts for Black Friday. The deals include skincare, haircare, and hair growth products, with discounts up to 48%. The sales encourage consumers to upgrade routines with online and early deals available today and through Cyber Monday.
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President Trump’s plans to expand the White House ballroom have led to significant construction changes, including demolishing the East Wing. The project faces internal disagreements over size and design, with new architect Shalom Baranes joining after clashes with the previous firm. Public and political reactions remain divided.
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The US and UK are ending or delaying exemptions on low-value imports, impacting consumers and retailers. The US ended its de minimis exemption in August, raising duties on packages over $800, while the UK plans to phase out its exemption by 2029, causing disruptions for small businesses and shoppers.
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Postmasters warn of delays as a survey shows 67% of Britons received Christmas mail after December 25 last year. Last posting dates range from December 17 to 23, with Royal Mail and couriers advising early posting to avoid delays. Last-minute shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead.
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Bank of England's Greene signals potential rate cuts if economic weakness persists, citing weak employment and consumption data. Markets expect a rate cut to 3.75% by end-2025 amid mixed economic signals, with inflation and wage growth key factors.
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US jobless claims increased by 44,000 to 236,000 for the week ending December 6, surpassing forecasts. Meanwhile, layoffs are rising, and job openings remain steady, indicating a sluggish labor market amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The Federal Reserve is expected to consider rate cuts amid inflation concerns.
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Since July, U.S. corporations have reported significant tax savings due to new Republican laws, reducing federal revenue by about a third. Meanwhile, Texas and Hawaii face budget challenges, with debates over tax cuts for high earners and new initiatives for children. Recent political moves highlight ongoing fiscal and ideological conflicts.