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Amid climate change and water stress, US homeowners are increasingly adopting xeriscaping—native, drought-tolerant landscaping—to reduce water use, support biodiversity, and adapt to hotter, drier conditions. This shift challenges traditional lawns and reflects broader environmental and urban planning trends.
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On September 25, 2025, Amazon agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of deceptive enrollment and difficult cancellation practices for its Prime subscription. The settlement includes a $1 billion civil penalty and $1.5 billion in refunds to about 35 million affected customers. Amazon admitted no wrongdoing but must simplify subscription disclosures and cancellation processes.
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On September 25, 2025, Starbucks announced layoffs of approximately 900 staff and the closure of about 1% of its North American stores, including its flagship Seattle roastery. CEO Brian Niccol aims to restore the coffeehouse experience amid six quarters of declining US sales. The cuts mainly affect support and corporate roles, while the company plans to invest in store improvements and technology.
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President Trump has stated he will move the 2026 World Cup matches from cities he deems unsafe, including Seattle and San Francisco, citing concerns over local governance and security. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with FIFA overseeing venue decisions. Trump’s comments raise questions about security and logistical plans.
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Recent rankings highlight America's safest and wealthiest retirement towns, including Fort Lee, NJ, and Oro Valley, AZ. These towns score high on safety, livability, and access to amenities, making them attractive options for retirees seeking security and comfort.
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Amazon is trialing AI-powered smart glasses with North American delivery drivers to improve last-mile logistics. The glasses assist with package scanning, directions, hazard detection, and proof of delivery, aiming to reduce errors and increase efficiency. The trial is ongoing, with broader rollout planned after refinement.
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Recent federal funding cuts and rising grocery prices have increased food insecurity in the US. Food banks face greater demand, with volunteers and charities stepping up to fill the gap. Stories from Maine and Seattle highlight ongoing struggles for affordable, nutritious food as demand surges.
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Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and 11-time All-Star, will retire at season's end. He pitched his final regular-season game for the Dodgers, who are preparing for the postseason. Kershaw has spent his entire 18-year career with Los Angeles, winning two World Series titles in 2020 and 2024.
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On October 1, 2025, Amazon launched a new lineup of AI-powered devices in New York, including Echo speakers, Fire TVs, Ring and Blink cameras, and Kindle Scribes. These devices integrate Alexa+, a subscription-based generative AI service, offering personalized insights and smarter home management. The new hardware runs on custom silicon chips designed to enhance AI responsiveness and user experience.
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President Trump suggested last week he might move 2026 World Cup matches from US cities he deems unsafe, citing security concerns. FIFA officials emphasize that host city decisions are theirs, and logistical challenges make such relocations unlikely. The tournament is set for June 2026 across North America, with security and scheduling under scrutiny.
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Democratic-led states like California are passing laws to protect immigrants from federal enforcement, while Republican-led states are increasing cooperation with ICE. ICE is launching a major recruitment campaign targeting cities with sanctuary policies, amid ongoing federal efforts to ramp up deportations.
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F5, a major provider of application services, disclosed a breach by a nation-state hacking group. Hackers gained long-term access, stole source code, and obtained customer configurations, raising security concerns for many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Authorities have issued urgent patching directives.
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Silent Hill f, set in 1960s Japan, is a psychological horror game that examines themes of girlhood, societal misogyny, and transformation through surreal, disturbing imagery. It joins the Silent Hill franchise with a focus on gendered fears and societal critique, offering a layered narrative with supernatural elements.
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Amazon Web Services experienced a significant outage originating from its Virginia data center region, affecting hundreds of online services including social media, gaming, and financial platforms. The outage lasted over 15 hours, highlighting the risks of high cloud infrastructure concentration and its widespread impact.
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Alaska Airlines experienced a significant IT outage on October 29, causing flight cancellations and delays. The airline has since engaged external experts to assess and improve its systems, following a previous outage in July. Hawaiian Airlines flights remain unaffected, but thousands face travel disruptions.
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On October 28, 2025, Amazon announced layoffs of 14,000 corporate employees, citing AI-driven efficiency gains as the primary reason. The cuts affect divisions including HR, devices, Audible, and AWS, representing about 4% of its 350,000 corporate workforce. CEO Andy Jassy aims to streamline operations amid intense AI competition and shifting business priorities.
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Seattle elected a political outsider, Wilson, a democratic socialist, as mayor, reflecting a shift left amid national debates on affordability and safety. Meanwhile, Bangor elected Angela Walker, a former convict and recovery advocate, to its city council, sparking controversy but emphasizing social reform. Both stories highlight broader political and social shifts.
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Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Fame NBA player and coach, died at age 88. He coached 2,487 games, a league record, and led the Seattle SuperSonics to an NBA title in 1979. Wilkens also won Olympic gold with the US team in 1996. His family said he was surrounded by loved ones at his death today, with no immediate cause released.
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A pod of at least eight orcas was observed hunting a harbor seal near Seattle. The seal escaped by climbing onto a boat's platform, where orcas used wave-washing techniques to try to dislodge it. The event was captured on video, highlighting orca hunting behavior and wildlife regulations in the area.
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Recent developments include proposed enforceable standards for gig workers in Australia, such as minimum hourly pay and accident insurance, and legal actions against Uber's AI-driven pay systems in Europe. These moves aim to improve worker conditions amid market shifts and regulatory scrutiny.
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BP's Olympic Pipeline leak in Washington has led to a shutdown affecting fuel supplies for Oregon and Washington. Authorities fined BP $3.8 million for a 2023 spill, and repairs are underway. The incident raises concerns over pipeline safety and regional fuel security.
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Raiders quarterback Geno Smith apologized for flipping the bird to fans after a tough game where he was sacked 10 times and booed. The incident followed a fifth straight loss, with the team also firing their offensive coordinator. Smith vows to improve and avoid such actions in future games.