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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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Multiple U.S. states have enacted new laws effective today, including Hawaii's climate-related cruise tax, Utah's stricter alcohol ID checks, and California's affordable insulin sales. These policies aim to address climate resilience, public safety, and healthcare affordability, reflecting innovative approaches at the state level.
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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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Redwolf Pope, a convicted sex offender with alleged Native identity claims, was involved in multiple assaults and represented himself in court, prompting calls in Washington state for legal reforms to protect victims from cross-examination by defendants.
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A widespread Verizon network outage on January 16 caused service disruptions across the US, UK, and India, affecting millions. The outage impacted voice, data, and emergency services, prompting investigations and customer compensation efforts. The cause appears linked to internal server issues, with no official cyberattack suspected.
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Amazon announced the closure of about 60 Amazon Fresh stores in the US, affecting nearly 4,000 workers in California. The company plans to convert some locations into Whole Foods stores and focus on online grocery delivery and new store formats. Employees will receive pay and benefits for 90 days, with transfer options available.
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A Seattle jury found the city liable for mishandling its emergency response during the June 2025 shooting of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr. in the Capitol Hill protest zone. The city was ordered to pay $30 million to Mays' family, citing negligence that contributed to his death after EMS refused to enter the zone for 24 minutes. The verdict highlights ongoing issues with emergency response and accountability in protest zones, amid broader debates over public safety and civil rights. The family now seeks transparency through body camera footage, while the city considers legal options. This case underscores systemic gaps in handling violent incidents during protests, with potential implications for future emergency protocols and accountability measures.
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A Detroit fan, Ryan Kennedy, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf and media figures, alleging defamation and assault related to a December incident. Kennedy denies racial slurs and seeks damages and retractions, amid media controversy over the incident and allegations.
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A Seattle police officer was driving at 74 mph responding to a drug overdose when he hit Jaahnavi Kandula, a student crossing the street. The city agreed to a $20 million settlement, amid outrage over comments suggesting her life had 'limited value.' The officer was fired, and the case sparked protests and diplomatic concern.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed efforts to curb tanking, including potential revocation of draft picks, and provided updates on league expansion plans to Seattle and Las Vegas. He also addressed investigations into the LA Clippers and ongoing negotiations for the WNBA collective bargaining agreement, emphasizing league integrity and growth.
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Seattle's Seahawks celebrated their second Super Bowl victory with a parade, featuring players, coaches, and thousands of fans. The team praised owner Jody Allen and highlighted key players like quarterback Kenneth Walker III and kicker Jason Myers. The event drew up to a million fans, marking a historic moment for the city.
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Parents increasingly refuse routine newborn vaccinations, driven by anti-science sentiment and mistrust. Refusals of vitamin K shots doubled from 2017 to 2024, with declines in hepatitis B and eye ointments. Experts warn this trend risks severe health consequences for infants.
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The NBA Board of Governors has approved the exploration of adding teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, with potential start in 2028-29. The move aims to tap into these markets' support, with bids expected to reach $7-10 billion per team. The decision follows years of speculation and regional demand.
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The NBA is considering new proposals to reform its draft lottery system to address tanking. Concepts were presented to owners, with a vote expected in May. Changes aim to make incentives clearer and prevent manipulation, but details are still being refined.