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In early 2026, the UK plans to review its electric vehicle sales targets ahead of schedule, while the EU considers relaxing its 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars. Chinese brands expand in Europe, and UK manufacturing advances with new Nissan Leaf models amid shifting policies and market dynamics.
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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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Property markets in Scotland and New York show resilience despite political and economic pressures. Scotland's house prices continue to rise, while New York luxury sales increase despite fears of high-tax exodus. UK forecasts predict modest growth, but political debates threaten stability.
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The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival revealed its 2026 lineup, featuring over 120 artists including Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, and Jamaican acts. The event will highlight Jamaican culture following Hurricane Melissa, with a focus on community and musical diversity across two weekends in April.
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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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Amid ongoing debates over affordability, recent articles highlight the disconnect between positive economic indicators and widespread public frustration. Political leaders face pressure to address high living costs, with discussions focusing on tariffs, inflation, and policy impacts on everyday Americans. The story underscores the complex landscape of US economic sentiment in late 2025.
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Lara Trump discusses Christmas gift-giving for her family, including President Trump’s holiday routines and family traditions. Meanwhile, a theft of a large inflatable Santa at a Phoenix tree lot highlights holiday mishaps. Additionally, a 40-foot Christmas tree was recently donated to Dearborn Heights city hall, symbolizing unity amid recent tensions.
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Miraval Arizona offers women tailored menopause programs, including classes on symptoms, sleep, and lifestyle changes, reflecting a growing trend in luxury wellness retreats. Meanwhile, older adults like Thibodeaux adopt science-backed routines for healthy aging, highlighting a shift toward proactive health management.
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A woman in Manhattan was stabbed during a holiday shopping incident, and a child abuse case in Long Island resulted in a conviction. The NYC attack involved a homeless suspect, while the Long Island case involved a stepfather abusing a young girl for five years, leading to his conviction.
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Israel reports a rise in influenza cases, with 513 new infections and four child deaths in three weeks. Most children who died were unvaccinated. Globally, flu activity is higher than usual, driven by a new influenza A(H3N2) sub-variant. Public health officials urge vaccination.
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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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Recent articles highlight rising food insecurity and financial hardship across the US, UK, and Israel. Workers face low wages, benefit cuts, and high living costs, with many struggling to afford essentials and facing food shortages. The stories reveal worsening inequality and the urgent need for policy responses.
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Hero Brands reports record earnings amid expansion plans, while Time Out faces share drops after profit warnings. SThree shows US recovery, but UK struggles. The contrasting performances highlight varied industry responses to economic pressures in 2025.
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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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A Customs and Border Protection officer fired his weapon after a road rage altercation on the Van Wyck Expressway near JFK Airport early Tuesday. The other driver fled the scene, and no injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation, causing morning traffic delays.
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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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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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Recent subway attacks in New York City highlight ongoing violence despite official crime reductions. Gov. Hochul announced $77 million for increased police patrols, while Mayor-elect Mamdani proposes shifting focus to social services, raising questions about future safety strategies amid political disagreements.
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New York City is investing over $1.1 billion to install high-tech fare gates at 150 subway stations in 2026, aiming to reduce fare evasion and improve accessibility. However, recent tests show many barriers are still bypassed, raising questions about their effectiveness amid ongoing fare theft and social issues in the subway system.
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High-end perfume sales in the US now account for a quarter of annual beauty product sales, outperforming makeup and skincare. Retailers like Macy’s and Nordstrom are investing in store upgrades and technology to enhance customer experience, while shoppers increasingly rely on social media and online influencers for advice.
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New York City has officially stopped selling the MetroCard, ending a 30-year era. The transit system transitions fully to OMNY, a contactless payment system, amid mixed reactions. The MetroCard's legacy is celebrated in memorials, while new fare gates face safety and efficacy concerns.
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A 23-year-old man, Armani Charles, was arrested after stabbing Elias Rosner in Crown Heights on December 16. The attack was racially motivated, with the suspect shouting antisemitic threats. Rosner was treated for a chest wound and released. The case highlights ongoing concerns about hate crimes in NYC.
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New York City is falling short of its housing goals amid record-low vacancy rates and slow construction. A new report shows the city needs to build over 13,000 units quarterly to meet its 500,000-unit target by 2034, but current pace is below that. Construction delays and economic factors hinder progress.
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Rapper and entrepreneur Combs is appealing his 50-month prison sentence, claiming he was unfairly sentenced after being acquitted of major charges. His lawyers argue the judge improperly influenced the sentence based on evidence of charges he was cleared of, leading to the highest sentence for similar cases. The appeal is pending.
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Recent court rulings and literary history highlight ongoing legal debates and cultural reflections. A court in the UK declared a young girl legally foris-familiated, while a Kenyan court found a disciplinary process violated constitutional rights. Meanwhile, a famous poem about Santa remains a cultural staple, illustrating the enduring power of tradition.
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Over the holiday period, Donald Trump engaged in a series of unorthodox Christmas calls, blending holiday cheer with partisan attacks and false election claims. Meanwhile, economic frustrations persist across the US, with high living costs, inflation, and social issues impacting voter confidence and political narratives.
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Fernando Dávila, a 72-year-old Colombian-born painter, has achieved international recognition despite being colorblind. Using specially designed glasses, he can see nearly two-thirds of colors, enabling him to create vibrant artworks. His story highlights the intersection of disability and artistic passion, with exhibitions across multiple continents.
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Towns, an NBA player traded to the Knicks, and influencer Jordyn Woods announced their engagement on Christmas Day via Instagram. The couple, together for five years, shared photos on a rooftop overlooking NYC, with Towns proposing while Woods wore a white silk skirt. They recently bought a Los Angeles home.
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The US reports nine pediatric flu deaths, including cases in Ohio and Kentucky, amid a severe flu season driven by the H3N2 subclade K strain. Hospitalizations and cases are rising sharply, with New York experiencing record weekly infections. Experts emphasize vaccination despite vaccine mismatch concerns.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law requiring social media platforms to display warnings about addictive features, aligning with efforts in other states and countries to protect youth mental health. The law targets platforms with addictive feeds, autoplay, and infinite scroll, with penalties for violations. It applies within New York state boundaries.
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Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora co-hosted their third 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories, including attendees wearing adult diapers to cope with cold and long lines. Meanwhile, celebrities and ordinary people alike are choosing low-key celebrations or staying home this year, reflecting a subdued holiday season.
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As of January 4, 2026, Iran is experiencing widespread protests led by students, shopkeepers, and bazaar merchants triggered by a record plunge of the rial to 1.42 million per US dollar and inflation exceeding 42%. The government acknowledges the unrest, pledging dialogue and economic reforms, while tensions rise following US and Israeli strikes in 2025 and renewed sanctions.
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On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's first Muslim mayor in a private ceremony at the historic old City Hall subway station. At 34, Mamdani is also the youngest mayor in generations and the first of South Asian descent and African birth. He plans transformative policies focused on affordability amid ongoing city challenges.
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New York City schools report a decline in students' ability to read analog clocks following a statewide cellphone ban. Teachers say students struggle to tell time, impacting classroom routines and social interactions, despite improvements in focus and socialization since the ban's implementation in September.
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A 100% chance of rain is forecast for Pasadena on Thursday, risking the Rose Parade after a week of flooding and mudslides. Temperatures will be cold across the US, but parade organizers plan to proceed with rain gear and contingency measures. Spectators are advised to prepare accordingly.
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Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for his role as Clay Davis on 'The Wire' and appearances in Spike Lee films, has died at age 71 after a short illness. He was celebrated for his memorable catchphrase 'sheee-it' and his contributions to television and film. The news was announced by his manager on December 30, 2025.
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On New Year's Eve 2025, Sydney held its traditional fireworks display under heightened security, commemorating the 15 victims of a December 14 mass shooting at a Hanukkah event. A minute of silence was observed, with the Harbour Bridge lit in white and a menorah projected. Authorities deployed thousands of armed police to ensure safety amid ongoing concerns about antisemitism and terrorism.
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Most government offices, courts, and banks are closed on New Year’s Day 2026. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, CVS, and Walgreens are open with modified hours. Grocery chains such as Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Kroger are also open, while Trader Joe’s and Costco are closed. Check local store hours before visiting.
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Zohran Mamdani, New York City's new mayor, made history by taking his oath on a Quran, marking the first time a mayor in the city has sworn in using an Islamic holy text. The ceremony highlights the city's diversity amid political and social tensions.
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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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During New Year’s Eve live broadcast, comedian Andy Cohen criticized outgoing NYC Mayor Eric Adams, referencing corruption charges and sarcastically praising his rat control efforts. The comments drew discomfort from co-hosts and highlight Cohen’s history of outspoken political remarks.
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New York City's new mayor, Mamdani, has vowed to govern expansively as a democratic socialist, focusing on affordability, taxing the wealthy, and reforming city systems. His speech emphasized bold change and inclusivity, promising to challenge the city's traditional power structures and address inequality.
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Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as New York City's mayor, emphasizing affordable housing, universal childcare, and protecting immigrant communities. His rise from relative obscurity highlights a shift toward left-wing politics in the city amid national tensions with Trump. The event drew thousands in freezing conditions today.
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New York City Mayor Mamdani has revoked key executive orders supporting Israel and combating antisemitism, including the IHRA definition. The move has drawn criticism from Jewish groups, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Israel, amid concerns over rising antisemitism and the mayor's stance on Israel.
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On January 3, 2026, US special forces launched a large-scale military operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Maduro was flown to New York to face drug trafficking and weapons charges. President Trump declared the US would run Venezuela until a political transition occurs, signaling potential long-term involvement and interest in Venezuela's oil reserves.
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New York's MTA has increased subway, bus, and rail fares as of January 7, 2026. The fare hike, the second in over a decade, raises concerns about affordability amid ongoing debates over transit funding and potential free citywide bus service.
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Recent developments highlight shifts in US education policy, science communication, and AI use in classrooms. Caltech appoints a new president, AI detection tools face reliability issues, and a surge of Gen Z teachers enters the workforce amid debates over equity and quality.