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On 26 November 2025, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, effective April 2026. The policy, introduced by the Conservatives in 2017, limited child tax credits to two children per family and contributed to rising child poverty. The repeal is expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty, funded by new taxes including a gambling levy and mansion tax.
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Missouri has asked the U.S. State Department to notify China of its intent to pursue assets owned by the Chinese government to satisfy a court judgment. The move relates to a lawsuit over PPE hoarding during COVID-19, with legal and diplomatic challenges expected. The case highlights tensions over pandemic accountability.
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Judge Matthew Thornhill in Missouri faces a six-month unpaid suspension after disciplinary complaints about his courtroom behavior, including wearing an Elvis wig, playing Presley’s music, and making political comments. He plans to resign after serving 18 months on the bench.
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Dear, 67, who was repeatedly deemed mentally unfit to stand trial for a 2015 attack on a clinic, died of natural causes at a Missouri prison. His death concludes a decade-long legal saga over his mental health and the case's prosecution.
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A French ticket holder has claimed a €179 million (£157 million) EuroMillions jackpot, one of the year's largest. The winning numbers were 5, 29, 33, 39, 42, with Lucky Stars 3 and 9. The winner has not yet come forward. The next jackpot is €105 million, with other UK winners also announced.
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Families across the US face ongoing food insecurity due to recent government shutdowns, which temporarily cut SNAP benefits and delayed wages, intensifying hardship during the holiday season. Despite reopening, economic stress persists for many, with food banks seeing increased demand and uncertainty looming over future aid.
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Volunteering surges during the holiday season in the U.S., driven by gratitude and cultural traditions. Recent government shutdowns have heightened food insecurity, prompting community efforts to support vulnerable families despite ongoing economic uncertainties.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged, planning a wedding in June 2026. Swift opened up about their relationship in her docuseries, revealing initial hesitations and how their careers align. She has attended multiple Chiefs games, emphasizing privacy, amid growing media attention.
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The US Department of Education announced a court-approved settlement to end the SAVE student loan repayment plan, which was challenged legally by Missouri and other states. Borrowers will need to select new repayment plans, with a limited window once the settlement is approved, affecting 7.6 million borrowers today, Thu, 11 Dec 2025.
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The U.S. Congress is considering legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2028, with provisions to liquidate tariffs incurred after September 2025. The bill aims to support U.S.-Africa trade, especially for textile-dependent economies, amid ongoing negotiations and political tensions.
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A Los Angeles hearing on California's new congressional map pits the state against the Justice Department in a legal battle over gerrymandering and race-based districting. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order before candidates can officially file for 2026 elections. The case highlights national tensions over redistricting and partisan control of Congress.
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Missouri has escalated its legal battle against China over alleged hoarding of personal protective equipment during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The state seeks $50.5 billion in damages, public apologies, and asset recovery. China dismisses the lawsuit as politically motivated, and legal experts question its viability. The case remains unresolved.
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The Kansas City Chiefs plan to move to Kansas after Kansas lawmakers approved a $2 billion stadium project, with the Chiefs and Royals considering crossing the state line amid political and community debates. Missouri officials have attempted to retain the teams, but momentum favors Kansas for new stadiums and development.
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Alan Mellow, 33, shot Hannah Blizard, 30, in a car outside their Missouri apartment during a fight over coins and alcohol. The newborn was unharmed. Mellow surrendered to police and faces multiple charges, including murder and child endangerment. The incident highlights ongoing issues of domestic violence.
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Homeownership tenure reached 8.55 years in 2025, driven by homeowners delaying moves due to low mortgage rates, limited inventory, and high prices. The market is now favoring buyers with more choices and less competition, especially in southern metros. Luxury sales continue to grow, while entry-level homes become scarcer.
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Recent incidents at Nevada-Reno and other schools highlight ongoing disputes over transgender athletes in women's sports, raising questions about fairness, safety, and legal challenges amid broader youth sports participation declines. The stories involve school policies, legal complaints, and community reactions as the debate intensifies.
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Multiple US states are engaged in mid-decade redistricting, facing legal challenges and court rulings. Florida's governor faces a lawsuit over his redistricting proclamation, while courts in Virginia and Utah block or review district maps. The process impacts control of Congress ahead of 2026 midterms.
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Missouri's lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, seeks to exclude undocumented immigrants from census counts used for apportionment, claiming it would better reflect citizens. The case challenges the constitutional interpretation and has implications for federal funding and political representation.
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Virginia Democrats are pushing to hold a referendum on mid-decade redistricting scheduled for April 21, aiming to expand their congressional seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The effort faces legal challenges and court decisions, with the Virginia Supreme Court allowing the referendum to proceed while the legality of the maps remains under review.