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Recent articles highlight evolving food trends, from innovative mocktails in New York to regional dessert debates and creative holiday pies. Stories include viral food experiments, store-bought pie reviews, and insights into traditional favorites like pumpkin and sweet potato pie.
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FEMA's acting administrator, David Richardson, resigned after six months amid criticism over disaster response and agency management. The move follows ongoing debates about FEMA's future, including potential reforms and leadership changes, with the agency's role under scrutiny during a busy hurricane season.
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Recent articles highlight a shift towards train travel in North America and the UK, driven by cost, convenience, scenic value, and disruptions in air travel. Personal experiences and comparisons reveal trains as a viable alternative, with record ridership and new routes announced.
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President Trump pardoned turkeys Waddle and Gobble during a Thanksgiving event, but the ceremony was marked by political insults, jokes about crime, and attacks on Illinois Governor Pritzker. Trump claimed Biden's pardons were invalid and criticized Chicago's crime, continuing his combative tone. The story highlights his inflammatory rhetoric and ongoing political feud.
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Bethany MaGee, 26, was set on fire on a Chicago train by Lawrence Reed, a repeat offender with 72 arrests. Reed faces terrorism charges. The incident has reignited debates over crime and justice policies in Chicago, with President Trump criticizing the city's safety and justice system.
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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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A technical outage at CyrusOne data centers caused a halt in CME Group trading for over 11 hours, affecting futures across stocks, commodities, and currencies. Trading resumed Friday morning, but the incident raised concerns about market reliability during a holiday week with low volumes.
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Multiple US states and parts of Australia are experiencing extreme winter conditions. The US faces heavy snow, cold waves, and travel disruptions, driven by polar vortex breakdowns. Australia endures contrasting weather with early summer heatwaves and wildfire risks. These events reflect unseasonal, intense weather patterns.
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Former President Obama announced that his Chicago-based presidential library will open to visitors in June 2026. The $800 million complex includes a museum, gardens, and educational facilities, amid mixed local reactions and ongoing legal challenges over land use and transfer procedures.
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On December 3, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security launched "Operation Catahoula Crunch" in New Orleans, targeting undocumented immigrants released after arrests for violent crimes. The operation, supported by Republican Governor Jeff Landry and President Trump, aims for up to 5,000 arrests. Critics warn it sweeps up non-criminal immigrants, destabilizing families and communities.
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The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on December 5 about a 2022 agreement regulating ICE arrests. The court paused the release of over 600 immigrants ordered by a judge, citing overreach, while the consent decree remains extended until February 2026 amid ongoing legal disputes.
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On December 14, 2025, JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao to New York narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuelan airspace. The military jet flew within a few miles at the same altitude without its transponder on, forcing the JetBlue pilot to stop climbing. The incident occurred amid heightened US military activity in the Caribbean targeting Venezuela.
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Recent incidents include a murder in Los Angeles, a train fire in Manhattan, and a violent attack in Queens. Authorities have responded with arrests and increased security measures amid concerns over public safety and systemic failures.
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Recent federal funding reductions have led to the discontinuation of mental health and special education programs in rural US schools, impacting student well-being and academic performance. Teachers report increased challenges, and districts struggle to fill gaps left by lost grants amid ongoing policy shifts.
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Since September, Illinois has seen a controversial immigration operation led by Border Patrol under Gregory Bovino, involving aggressive tactics like arrests and use of chemical munitions. Community resistance and legal challenges have increased as federal agents revisit Chicago, prompting local officials and activists to oppose the enforcement actions.
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Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet as the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Hicks, known for his conservative stance and Latin Mass support, is seen as aligning with Pope Leo's approach of quiet leadership and traditional values. The appointment marks a shift in the city's Catholic leadership amid ongoing church challenges.
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Lawrence Reed, 50, is charged with arson at Chicago City Hall on Nov. 14 and a train attack on Nov. 17. He has a history of over 70 arrests, was out on bail, and remains in custody on federal terrorism charges. The incidents drew national attention.
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The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago and other cities, citing lack of legal authority. The rulings challenge the administration's use of military force in domestic law enforcement and set a precedent for future legal battles over federal troop deployments in Democratic-led cities. The decisions come amid ongoing legal disputes and resistance from state and city officials.
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On December 31, 2025, President Trump announced the removal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland following multiple legal setbacks. Despite claiming crime reductions due to the deployments, courts blocked or limited troop presence, notably the Supreme Court halting Chicago deployments. Trump warned troops could return if crime rises.
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Linda Brown, a 53-year-old Chicago special education teacher, was found dead in Lake Michigan after going missing on January 3. Her death was ruled a suicide by drowning. Brown had been on leave due to mental health struggles, and her family is devastated by her loss.
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Over the past four months, US immigration officers have shot at least nine individuals across five states and Washington, D.C., mostly during vehicle pursuits. All targeted individuals were in vehicles, with officials citing self-defense. Multiple deaths and injuries have occurred, prompting questions about enforcement tactics and accountability.
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On January 8, 2026, federal agents shot and wounded a man and woman in Portland, Oregon, during a vehicle stop targeting a suspected Venezuelan gang member. The Department of Homeland Security said the driver tried to run over agents, prompting a defensive shot. This follows a fatal federal shooting in Minneapolis the day before, intensifying tensions over immigration enforcement.
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The NBA postponed the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game due to court condensation caused by humid weather. The game has now been rescheduled for Jan. 29, with the subsequent games also moved. The incident highlights rare court issues affecting NBA scheduling.
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A widespread Verizon network outage on January 16 caused service disruptions across the US, UK, and India, affecting millions. The outage impacted voice, data, and emergency services, prompting investigations and customer compensation efforts. The cause appears linked to internal server issues, with no official cyberattack suspected.
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A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Barcelona was diverted after a passenger created a fake bomb threat by naming a Wi-Fi hotspot. Spain's Civil Guard inspected the aircraft and found no explosives. The incident is under investigation, with authorities working to identify the passenger responsible.
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A severe Arctic blast is hitting the eastern US, bringing temperatures below zero and snow. Major cities like New York and Chicago face dangerous cold, power outages, and snowstorms. The cold will peak later this week, with warnings to stay indoors and prepare for extreme weather conditions.
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Multiple U.S. cities are converting one-way streets back to two-way to improve safety, support local businesses, and enhance walkability. This trend follows decades of one-way street expansion, with recent projects in Louisville, Chattanooga, Lynchburg, and Indianapolis showing positive outcomes. New York City also plans to extend bus lanes to improve transit speed.
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A severe winter storm led to a large pile-up on Interstate 196 near Grand Rapids, Michigan, involving over 30 trucks. No fatalities were reported, but numerous injuries occurred. The crash prompted road closures and emergency response efforts amid ongoing snow and freezing temperatures across the region.
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Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, faces a murder-for-hire charge linked to a crackdown on immigration in Chicago. Prosecutors allege he offered a bounty on Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, but defense claims the messages were neighborhood gossip. The trial highlights tensions around law enforcement and immigration policies today.
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Juan Espinoza Martinez, a Chicago man, was found not guilty of a murder-for-hire charge after a brief trial. The case centered on Snapchat messages allegedly threatening a Border Patrol official. Defense argued the messages were neighborhood gossip, while prosecutors claimed they indicated intent. The verdict raises questions about federal immigration enforcement tactics.
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Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, was cleared of murder-for-hire charges last week but was detained by federal immigration agents within 24 hours. Born in Mexico and brought to the U.S. as a child, his case highlights tensions around immigration enforcement and political prosecutions in Chicago.
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Seattle Mariners' fan fest highlighted team ambitions for 2026, with key players expressing confidence. Longtime broadcaster Rizzs announced his retirement after 41 seasons, reflecting on his career and future plans. The team aims for a successful season, building on recent playoff runs.
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The US government reported the costs of deploying National Guard and active-duty Marines to several cities in 2025, with Washington, DC, and Los Angeles being the most expensive. The deployments aimed to combat crime but faced legal challenges and fluctuating troop levels. The total cost exceeded $496 million.
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Ryanair faces scrutiny after consumer group Which? revealed nine rules for booking cheaper fares, highlighting potential pitfalls. Meanwhile, a case in the US exposes security flaws in airline ID verification, raising safety concerns. The stories underscore ongoing issues in airline transparency and security.
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Since 2020, at least 24 ICE employees and contractors have been charged with crimes including sexual abuse, corruption, and misconduct. Most cases occurred before recent funding boosts, but experts warn that increased staffing and authority may lead to more abuses across the country.
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Chicago's annual snowplow naming contest crowned 'Abolish ICE' as the top choice, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement. The name, which garnered 70% of votes, is a political statement following ICE operations in the city last fall. The winning name will appear on a city snowplow during winter storms. The contest, now in its fourth year, saw over 13,300 submissions, with the top entries often referencing local or political themes. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed pride in the civic participation, while critics note the name's provocative nature amid ongoing immigration debates. The city maintains a fleet of over 300 snow trucks and 400,000 tons of salt to manage winter weather. The story highlights Chicago's use of a lighthearted contest to engage residents on serious political issues, with the name 'Abolish ICE' serving as a pointed critique of federal immigration policies.
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Jesse Jackson, a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights leader, died last week at age 84. His body will lie in repose at Rainbow PUSH in Chicago, then travel to South Carolina and Washington, D.C., for memorial events. Services include a public viewing, a statehouse honor, and a celebration of his legacy.
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Tommy Schaefer, convicted of the 2014 Bali suitcase murder, was sentenced to 18 years and deported to the US. The case involved the killing of Sheila von Wiese-Mack during a luxury vacation, with Schaefer serving time in Bali before his deportation on Tuesday evening.