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Brandon Dawson from Santa Rosa, California, won the 52nd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off with a pumpkin weighing 2,346 pounds. The event saw record-breaking pumpkins, including a UK gourd that surpassed 2,800 pounds. Dawson's success highlights skill, patience, and family involvement in giant pumpkin cultivation.
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As of late October 2025, cyberattacks have surged globally, with the UK reporting a 50% rise in significant incidents and costly breaches like Jaguar Land Rover's. Singapore urges international cooperation to rebuild trust and enforce cyber norms amid rising state-sponsored attacks. Meanwhile, the US military accelerates AI and drone integration to enhance decision-making and operational readiness, adapting to environmental and cybersecurity challenges.
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J.M. Smucker filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe's in Ohio, alleging that the grocery chain copied its Uncrustables crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The lawsuit claims design and packaging similarities, including trademarks and product appearance, amounting to intellectual property infringement. Smucker seeks damages and disposal of the infringing products.
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A blast of Arctic air has caused record low temperatures across the eastern US, including Florida, with snow and ice affecting travel and wildlife. The cold snap follows days of unseasonably warm weather, leading to significant regional disruptions.
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The Biden-era Department of Energy has rescinded $720 million in manufacturing grants for battery recycling, synthetic graphite, and insulating windows, citing missed milestones and inadequate progress. The move aligns with the Trump administration's focus on traditional energy sources, impacting several startups and ongoing projects, despite previous funding commitments.
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As of November 2025, US schools and universities face escalating conflicts over antisemitism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. California confronts a federal lawsuit challenging a new law aimed at combating antisemitism in schools. Universities like UVA and UCLA negotiate with the federal government over DEI bans and antisemitism probes, while K-12 schools report rising antisemitic harassment since 2023.
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Minnesota officials face scrutiny over potential voter fraud linked to same-day registration and non-citizen voting. State officials acknowledge possible illegal votes, including non-citizens with driver’s licenses, raising questions about election integrity. Recent prosecutions highlight ongoing efforts to combat voter fraud amid legal challenges.
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Two men, Tyler Avalos and Nicholas Ray, were arrested after posting violent threats online targeting public figures. Avalos's threats against Pam Bondi led to his detention in Minnesota, while Ray's threats against Laura Loomer resulted in charges in Florida. Both cases highlight the dangers of online threats and the challenges of free speech.
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President Biden's administration has capped refugee admissions at 7,500, the lowest since 1980, sharply reducing numbers and marking a shift from previous bipartisan support. The policy notably prioritizes white South Africans, including Afrikaners, amid ongoing debates over immigration and refugee priorities.
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The Department of Justice has reached a settlement with RealPage, ending its use of real-time data to set rent prices. The deal, still awaiting court approval, aims to restore competition in rental markets by restricting the company's access to confidential landlord data, which critics argued fueled algorithmic collusion and rent hikes.
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The US Department of Agriculture has threatened to withhold SNAP funds from 21 states refusing to share recipient data, citing privacy concerns and fraud. Legal battles are ongoing, with courts temporarily blocking enforcement. The dispute highlights partisan tensions over food aid and data privacy, affecting millions of Americans.
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On November 27-28, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a permanent pause on migration from "Third World countries" following a deadly shooting by an Afghan national. He vowed to end federal benefits for non-citizens, review asylum cases approved under Biden, and deport immigrants deemed security risks or "non-compatible with Western civilization." The move escalates immigration restrictions amid political tensions.
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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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A cold wave is affecting the US Northeast, with early snow in New York and New England, but no significant snowfall is expected for Christmas. Meanwhile, Europe experienced a tornado in Spain amid storm Emilia. The cold is linked to polar vortex activity, with forecasts predicting continued frigid temperatures.
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U.S. mass killings declined in 2025, with 17 incidents resulting in at least 81 deaths. Experts caution this may reflect a return to average levels rather than a lasting trend, with firearm involvement remaining high at 82%. The data highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence despite recent decreases.
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In early December 2025, President Donald Trump launched a harsh verbal attack on Somali immigrants in Minnesota, calling them "garbage" and claiming they contribute nothing to the US. He also criticized Somali-born Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. These remarks coincided with federal plans for immigration enforcement operations targeting Somali residents, sparking local political backlash and highlighting ongoing tensions over immigration policy.
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Recent reports indicate that former President Trump made inflammatory comments about Somali immigrants, calling them "trash" and suggesting they should "go back" to their countries. The remarks, made during a cabinet meeting, have sparked outrage among Somali-American communities and critics, highlighting ongoing racial tensions and Trump's controversial rhetoric.
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The US government is reviewing Afghan immigration cases following a shooting incident involving an Afghan national. President Trump announced a pause on Afghan asylum applications and a re-examination of recent arrivals, citing national security concerns amid rising hostility towards Afghan immigrants in the US.
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In recent speeches, former President Trump has criticized Somali migrants, citing crime and fraud allegations. His comments follow a major Minnesota fraud scandal involving Somali immigrants and a broader debate on immigration policies. Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, drawing both support and criticism.
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Recent weeks have seen increased hostility towards Somali Americans in Minnesota, driven by inflammatory remarks from President Trump, immigration enforcement actions, and a major welfare fraud scandal. Community members report rising racism, arrests, and fear, amid political and social upheaval.
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The Pentagon escalated its review of Senator Mark Kelly to a formal investigation over allegations of misconduct after he publicly urged troops to refuse unlawful orders. The move follows Kelly's video message supporting soldiers' right to disobey illegal commands, prompting political and legal controversy amid ongoing military and domestic deployments.
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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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Immigration agents conducted raids in a Minnesota neighborhood, targeting Somali Americans amid heightened tensions following President Trump's recent comments. Witnesses report confrontations, detentions, and community protests, with no arrests confirmed in the neighborhood. The crackdown comes after Trump threatened deportations and called Somalis 'garbage,' intensifying community fears.
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The Winooski School District raised the Somali flag alongside U.S. and Vermont flags to support Somali students, prompting a wave of harassment and threats online. The district is cooperating with law enforcement as community tensions escalate amid political debates over immigration and diversity.
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Since last week, investigations into widespread fraud involving over $18 billion in federal funds in Minnesota have revealed new charges and deeper scope. The fraud, mainly linked to Somali community schemes, has political and community implications, with authorities warning of ongoing investigations and more charges to come. Today's date is Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:20:12 +0000.
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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 South African man seeking asylum in the US was detained after arriving on a tourist visa, highlighting tensions in US immigration enforcement. His case reflects broader issues of detention and policy shifts under the current administration, with ongoing community tensions and legal questions.
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Over the past week, ICE agents in Maryland and Minnesota have been involved in confrontations that led to shootings during immigration enforcement operations. Incidents include a vehicle ramming and a shooting after a suspect attempted to run over officers. No officers were injured, but the events have sparked local concern and investigations.
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Federal and state authorities have launched a large-scale investigation into widespread social program fraud in Minnesota, primarily involving Somali American communities. The move follows allegations of up to $9 billion stolen from federal funds, with political figures criticizing the crackdown as politically motivated amid rising tensions and accusations of racism.
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Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota withdrew from the 2026 gubernatorial race amid a major welfare fraud scandal and political pressures. His decision follows investigations into billions in alleged fraud linked to Minnesota's Somali community and increased federal scrutiny, impacting the state's political landscape.
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Five Democratic-led states—California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York—sued the federal government over a funding freeze targeting social programs. A judge temporarily blocked the freeze, citing potential harm to low-income families and ongoing legal questions about the administration's justification for withholding over $10 billion in aid.
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Federal immigration agents' deadly shooting in Minneapolis has intensified tensions with local officials, who accuse the Trump administration of undermining investigations and public trust. The incident involves conflicting narratives about the circumstances, with federal authorities claiming self-defense and local leaders demanding transparency amid broader political disputes.