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Naasón Joaquín García, head of La Luz del Mundo, faces federal charges of sexual abuse, exploitation, and child pornography. The indictment unsealed this week accuses him and five others of decades-long abuse, including evidence creation. García is already serving over 16 years for related charges. The case highlights systemic abuse within the church.
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As of early October 2025, drug-resistant bacterial infections, especially those carrying the NDM gene, have surged sharply in the US, with cases rising over fivefold since 2019. Australian researchers developed a new phage therapy targeting Enterobacter infections. In Asia, resistant bacteria cause nearly 80% of newborn sepsis cases, while Kerala, India, faces a deadly outbreak of brain-eating amoeba infections. West Nile virus and mosquito-borne diseases also rise in the US and Europe.
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A 79-count indictment accuses RCI Hospitality Holdings and five executives of bribing a New York state auditor with trips, cash, and private dances to avoid over $8 million in sales taxes over 14 years. The scheme involved multiple Manhattan clubs and spanned from 2010 to 2024, according to authorities.
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Bethpage Black on Long Island will host the 2028 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, marking its first time hosting this event. The course has previously hosted major tournaments, including the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009. The announcement coincides with the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage.
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A new interactive map from Climate TRACE reveals that fossil fuel facilities and wildfires are releasing dangerous PM2.5 particles, exposing 1.6 billion people worldwide to toxic air. The tool tracks pollution sources in real-time, emphasizing the urgent need for policy action to protect public health and address climate change.
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Donna Adelson, convicted of orchestrating the 2014 murder of law professor Daniel Markel, faces a life sentence after a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 14, with the case rooted in a decade-long custody and family dispute.
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Multiple U.S. states and federal authorities have filed lawsuits against Zillow and Redfin over a $100 million agreement. The deal allegedly restricted competition in rental advertising, potentially raising prices for renters and reducing market options. Both companies deny wrongdoing, claiming the partnership benefits consumers. The legal battle highlights ongoing industry tensions over market dominance and listing transparency.
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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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Mark Verity, a music teacher at Wading River Elementary, was arraigned after being caught in a vigilante sting attempting to engage with a decoy social media account. He allegedly admitted to possessing child pornography and making explicit remarks. The case is under investigation, and Verity has been suspended from his job.
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Stories of ghosts and paranormal activity dominate recent reports from Scotland and New York. From Glasgow's haunted flats and historic hotels to Brooklyn's ghost tours and New York's most haunted sites, interest in spectral phenomena remains high. New surveys show many Americans are open to buying haunted homes, reflecting a cultural shift in attitudes toward the supernatural.
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The Erie Canal's bicentennial is marked by a reenactment featuring a replica boat, the Seneca Chief, retracing historic routes. The event highlights the canal's historical significance in shaping America's economy, westward expansion, and infrastructure development, with celebrations including water collection from key locations and symbolic plantings.
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Multiple rare bird sightings on Long Island include a juvenile common cuckoo, likely blown off course from Europe, and a captive barn owl that escaped from a nature center. Birders and locals are actively searching for these birds, which are attracting significant attention due to their rarity and unusual presence in the region.
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A New York judge dismissed a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton aimed at enforcing a Texas court order against Dr. Margaret Carpenter for prescribing abortion pills via telemedicine. The judge ruled that New York's shield law protects such medical activities, preventing cross-state legal enforcement. The case highlights ongoing legal conflicts over abortion telemedicine laws.
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Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the US Education Department's new eligibility rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The rules aim to restrict benefits for organizations involved in activities like supporting illegal immigration, terrorism, and gender-affirming care for minors. Critics argue the rules overreach and violate legal standards, while the department defends them as necessary safeguards.
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Amid a record-breaking government shutdown, several states began issuing full SNAP benefits despite a court order to reduce payments. The USDA has instructed states to revert to 65% funding, with legal challenges and Supreme Court intervention delaying full payments. The dispute highlights ongoing political conflicts over social welfare funding.
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Former UFC champion BJ Penn was arrested in Hawaii after an alleged assault. He was charged with third-degree assault following an incident at a home in Hilo. Penn, who has a history of legal issues this year, posted bail and is scheduled for court on December 2.
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Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive force have emerged against prison guards in New York and California. An inmate at Sullivan Correctional was beaten and sexually assaulted in 2023, while another at McFarland faced similar abuse. Investigations are ongoing, with some findings dismissing the claims, but concerns about oversight persist.
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U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik announced her campaign for New York governor, criticizing incumbent Kathy Hochul and highlighting her support from Republican leaders. She aims to challenge Hochul amid rising political tensions and recent Democratic victories, positioning herself as a strong conservative contender to reshape the state's future.
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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 Biden administration is threatening to withhold federal SNAP funds from 21 states that refuse to share recipient data, citing fraud concerns. Legal battles and privacy debates are ongoing, with courts temporarily blocking enforcement. The dispute highlights partisan divides over social safety programs and data privacy.
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A significant winter storm is impacting the US, bringing snow, ice, and cold temperatures across multiple regions. The storm has caused widespread travel disruptions, including thousands of flight cancellations and delays, and is forecast to continue through early December with heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions.
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Senator Chuck Schumer's offices in Rochester, Binghamton, and Long Island received bomb threats referencing 'MAGA' and the 2020 election. Law enforcement responded swiftly, confirming safety. Schumer condemned political violence amid ongoing tensions over election claims and threats targeting public officials.