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As of December 23, 2024, the U.S. housing market is poised for potential recovery in 2025, with mortgage rates expected to stabilize and inventory levels rising. Experts predict a rebound in home sales, although affordability challenges persist due to elevated prices and rates.
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On January 3, 2025, President Biden blocked Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, citing national security concerns. The decision has prompted lawsuits from both companies and raised alarms about U.S.-Japan relations and potential job losses in the steel industry.
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As Donald Trump prepares to take office, student loan borrowers fear losing relief programs initiated by Joe Biden. Many borrowers, like Mary Ann Rockwell and Sarah Babcock, express anxiety over their financial futures as Trump's administration may reverse Biden's debt forgiveness efforts.
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President-elect Donald Trump has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a law that could ban TikTok, allowing his administration time to seek a political resolution. The law mandates TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest by January 19, 2025, or face a ban, amid national security concerns.
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A House Ethics Committee report reveals substantial evidence against former Congressman Matt Gaetz, including allegations of paying for sex with a minor and drug use. Gaetz, who resigned after being nominated for attorney general, denies wrongdoing and claims the investigation is politically motivated.
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As inflation trends shift, central banks in the UK and Turkey have adjusted interest rates, impacting housing markets. The Bank of England held rates at 4.75%, while Turkey's central bank cut its repo rate to 47.5%. These decisions reflect ongoing economic challenges and varying inflation rates across regions.
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Assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence is transforming education for students with disabilities. Tools like AI chatbots and text-to-speech programs are helping students like Makenzie and Ben overcome learning challenges, while schools are urged to prioritize accessibility in their tech integration efforts.
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Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Iran since December 19, 2024, has been released following diplomatic negotiations. Her arrest was reportedly linked to the detention of an Iranian businessman in Italy, raising concerns about the use of journalists as political leverage. The Italian government confirmed her safe return on January 8, 2025.
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The Tennessee Department of Correction has denied a public records request for its latest execution protocol, citing the need to protect the identities of execution personnel. This decision marks a shift in transparency practices and raises concerns about accountability in the state's execution procedures.
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The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on TikTok's fate as a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest by January 19 looms. The case raises significant First Amendment concerns, with TikTok arguing the law infringes on users' rights and threatens free speech. President-elect Trump has requested a delay to negotiate a resolution.
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Chinese hackers, linked to the state-sponsored group Flax Typhoon, breached the U.S. Treasury Department's systems, accessing workstations and unclassified documents. This incident follows sanctions imposed on Integrity Technology Group for its role in multiple cyberattacks against U.S. entities. The U.S. continues to address ongoing cybersecurity threats from China.
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A DOJ report reveals Oklahoma City unnecessarily institutionalizes adults with mental illness and criticizes police for escalating crises. The investigation, initiated in 2022, highlights urgent mental health needs often unmet, leading to avoidable force. Local officials express concerns over federal overreach in response to the findings.
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On January 3, 2025, Mike Johnson was elected Speaker of the House after a tense vote. Despite initial doubts and potential holdouts, he secured the position with support from President-elect Donald Trump, marking a challenging start for the Republican-majority Congress.
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As Donald Trump prepares to take office again, he has reiterated plans to pardon many individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. This has sparked debate within the GOP and among the public, with significant implications for the ongoing legal proceedings related to the insurrection.
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The Minneapolis Police Department has agreed to a consent decree with the Department of Justice to address systemic issues of misconduct and discrimination. This comes as federal investigations into police practices intensify, particularly following the death of George Floyd in 2020. The agreement aims to enhance accountability and reform police practices.
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President-elect Donald Trump is fighting to prevent the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on his dismissed federal cases regarding classified documents and alleged election interference. A federal judge has temporarily halted the report's release, pending further legal proceedings. Trump's legal team argues the report is politically motivated and harmful to his reputation.
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Democrats are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to release the second volume of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on Donald Trump's handling of classified documents. This follows the publication of the first volume detailing Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the report's release pending a hearing.
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Dr. Stephen Andrew Leedy, a 59-year-old palliative care physician, was arrested for allegedly exploiting minors online. He faces multiple charges, including production of child sexual abuse material, following the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl linked to his instructions. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
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The U.S. Department of Justice has mandated immediate improvements at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in South Carolina, citing severe safety and health violations. A report revealed rampant violence, inadequate staffing, and the presence of contraband, leading to multiple inmate overdoses and assaults. Federal authorities are urging local officials to address these issues promptly.
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In a recent Westminster Hall debate, UK MPs discussed proposals to address antisocial behaviour, with Reform UK MP Lee Anderson advocating for a 'three strikes' eviction policy. Labour MP Steve Yemm countered with a call for zero tolerance, highlighting the need for stronger measures against offenders. Housing Minister Alex Norris acknowledged the need for reform in eviction laws.
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The District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging decades of toxic waste dumping in the Anacostia River. The lawsuit claims that the pollution has disproportionately affected communities of color and demands federal funding for cleanup efforts.
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The FBI, in collaboration with French authorities, successfully deleted the PlugX malware from over 4,200 infected computers in the U.S. This operation targeted systems compromised by the China-backed hacking group Mustang Panda, which has been active since 2014. The malware was used for espionage and data theft.
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Recent inspection reports reveal serious sanitation issues at Boar's Head plants in Indiana, Arkansas, and Virginia, echoing violations linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. The USDA's findings raise concerns about food safety and consumer trust in the brand, which has faced multiple lawsuits following the outbreak.
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Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Justice Department, following the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz. Bondi's confirmation hearings are set to begin amid scrutiny over her loyalty to Trump and past controversies during her tenure in Florida.
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The NYPD will implement a new policy on February 1, 2025, restricting vehicle pursuits to serious crimes only. This decision follows a significant rise in dangerous chases, which have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, including the death of cyclist Amanda Servedio. The policy aims to enhance public safety and reduce risks associated with high-speed pursuits.
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Hino Motors has agreed to a settlement involving $1.1 billion in penalties for falsifying emissions data on diesel engines sold in the U.S. The company will also face a five-year ban on importing diesel engines and must implement compliance measures. This follows a lengthy investigation into its practices from 2010 to 2022.
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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, alleging the pharmacy chain unlawfully dispensed millions of prescriptions for controlled substances without legitimate medical purposes. The suit claims Walgreens ignored red flags and pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly, contributing to the opioid crisis.