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Over the past week, several boat capsizings and drownings have occurred along US coasts and California beaches, resulting in multiple deaths and ongoing rescue efforts. Incidents include a speedboat in Florida, migrant vessels off California, and a drowning near Monterey, with weather and vessel issues cited as causes.
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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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A home in San Francisco's Mission District was robbed in a targeted attack involving a fake delivery person. The suspect tied up the resident, stole $11 million in crypto, and fled. The incident highlights rising violence against crypto investors, with authorities seeking the suspect.
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Mortgage rates in the U.S. declined slightly this week, with the 30-year rate at 6.23%. Meanwhile, the FHFA announced a 3.3% increase in the conforming loan limit for 2026, raising it to $832,750 in most areas, with higher limits in expensive markets like Los Angeles and New York.
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A series of violent incidents across New York and California have resulted in multiple deaths. A young artist, DELAROSA, was shot in Northridge, while an elderly woman and her grandson were killed in Bronx. Arrests have been made in California, but a suspect remains at large in New York. These cases highlight ongoing urban violence concerns.
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As of December 2025, Russian athletes have been reinstated to compete under their national flag in judo starting with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, reversing previous neutral status imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian athletes meeting IOC criteria will compete as neutrals at the 2026 Winter Olympics following a court ruling overturning FIS's ban. Ukrainian diver Lyskun's switch to Russian citizenship has sparked controversy and disciplinary threats.
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U.S. sports organizations are actively advocating for hosting more international events, including upcoming Olympics and World Cups. While the U.S. has secured major events through 2034, concerns remain about venue readiness and visa access, especially with ongoing construction delays in Italy for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
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A large bear has taken up residence under a home in Altadena, California, prompting a wildlife response. The bear, estimated at 550 pounds, has been seen rummaging through trash and emerging from the crawl space. Authorities advise caution and monitoring, but no immediate threat has been declared.
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Jamie Oliver plans to reopen his Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Leicester Square next spring, partnering with Brava Hospitality Group. The brand, which collapsed in 2019, will relaunch amid industry challenges like rising costs and shifting consumer habits. Oliver emphasizes quality sourcing and staff training for the revival.
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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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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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Mary Carole McDonnell, 74, is wanted for allegedly defrauding over $15 million from banks by claiming she was an aerospace heiress with access to a secret $80 million trust. She fled to Dubai before her 2018 arrest warrant was issued, and her whereabouts remain unknown.
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A series of violent events in US cities include a murder in Los Angeles, a train fire in New York, and a brutal assault in Queens. Authorities respond with increased security measures amid political tensions and federal scrutiny of local safety policies. These incidents highlight ongoing public safety concerns.
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A U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled that President Trump likely has a constitutional right to deploy the National Guard in D.C., overturning a lower court decision that limited his authority. The ruling emphasizes the president's unique power over federal districts, but is not final. The case stems from ongoing legal disputes over military deployment and local authority.
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Waymo, the autonomous taxi service owned by Google’s parent company, is expanding rapidly across U.S. cities, with plans to reach one million rides weekly by 2026. Recent incidents include a woman giving birth in a Waymo vehicle and a passenger found in the trunk, raising safety and reliability concerns amid ongoing growth.
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The IOC announced that Russian and Belarusian youth athletes can compete under their flags at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, relaxing previous restrictions amid ongoing tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move aims to reintegrate Russian athletes into international sports, despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
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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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James Cameron’s 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' has surpassed $1 billion globally in three weeks, driven by strong international sales and holiday box office. Meanwhile, Disney’s 'Zootopia 2' remains a top performer, and Hollywood’s overall box office shows signs of recovery despite a challenging year.
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On Sunday, December 15, 2025, acclaimed director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home. Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, with a history of addiction and mental health struggles, was arrested and is charged with their murders. The case is under active investigation.
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On December 12, 2025, US authorities arrested four members of the far-left Turtle Island Liberation Front in California, disrupting a planned New Year's Eve bombing targeting logistics centers and ICE agents. A fifth suspect was arrested in New Orleans for a related plot. The group espouses anti-capitalist and pro-Palestinian views and planned coordinated attacks across Southern California and Louisiana.
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A powerful winter storm swept the US Northeast from Friday night into Saturday, dropping 2 to 10 inches of snow from upstate New York to Long Island and parts of Connecticut. New York City received 2 to 4 inches, with Central Park reporting 4.3 inches. The storm caused over 14,000 domestic flight cancellations and delays, mainly at New York area airports, amid one of the busiest travel periods of the year. States of emergency were declared in New York and New Jersey, with hazardous road conditions and airport disruptions reported. The storm began to ease Saturday morning, with flurries tapering off by afternoon.
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A series of atmospheric rivers have caused severe flooding, mudslides, and evacuations across Southern California, especially in wildfire-affected areas. The storm began on Christmas Eve, with ongoing rescue efforts and warnings of further heavy rain and snow. Authorities warn of continued danger through Christmas and beyond.
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A series of atmospheric river storms have caused severe weather across California, including flooding, mudslides, and avalanches. At least two deaths have been reported, and emergency responses are ongoing as residents prepare for more heavy rain and snow.
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Legal proceedings surrounding Abrego Garcia, deported and then returned to the US, reveal potential vindictive prosecution and government misconduct. Court orders and emails suggest high-level DOJ involvement in the case, which is now scheduled for a hearing on Jan 28, 2026.
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During the Christmas holidays, thieves drilled through a concrete wall at Sparkasse bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, breaking into over 3,000 safe deposit boxes. The estimated value of stolen items ranges between 10 and 90 million euros. The professional heist remains under investigation, with suspects still at large and hundreds of customers demanding answers.
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New research shows Miami, Las Vegas, and Seattle now attract more top Instagram influencers per capita than Los Angeles. The trend reflects creators' desire for lower costs, vibrant communities, and new opportunities outside traditional entertainment centers, with LA's dominance waning amid industry shifts.
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The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena faced rain and wet weather, with organizers making minimal adjustments. Meanwhile, New York City experienced its coldest New Year’s Eve in years, with temperatures near freezing and snow flurries. Weather conditions varied across the US, impacting celebrations and travel plans.
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On December 31, 2025, President Trump announced the removal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, citing reduced crime. The deployments faced multiple legal challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling blocking troop presence in Chicago. Trump warned troops could return if crime rises, framing the move as part of his tough-on-crime agenda ahead of 2026 midterms.
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As of early January 2026, severe storms and flooding have impacted Southern California, southern Spain, and Indonesia. Southern California faced record rainfall and mudslides following atmospheric rivers, causing deaths and evacuations. Spain's Costa del Sol experienced flooding from Storm Francis, forcing hundreds to evacuate. Indonesia's Sulawesi island suffered flash floods and landslides, with dozens dead and many displaced.
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Multiple California counties are experiencing severe flooding due to heavy rain, storm surges, and king tides. Floodwaters have caused road closures, airport shutdowns, and a fatality. Authorities warn of ongoing risks from thunderstorms and high tides, with the situation expected to improve later in the week.
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Recent months have seen a series of deaths at Disney locations, including suspected suicides and medical incidents. The latest was a body found near Disney Springs, with authorities investigating it as a possible suicide. Disney has not released further details amid ongoing concerns.