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As of December 18, 2024, New Mexico's proposed budget for FY 2025-2026 includes a $720 million increase, focusing on education and social programs. Meanwhile, Louisiana's Governor Landry approved $1.3 billion in tax cuts, funded by a temporary sales tax increase, aiming to boost economic competitiveness. Both states are navigating economic shifts and funding challenges.
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Reports of unidentified drones over New Jersey and New York have prompted state officials to request federal assistance. Homeland Security and FBI officials are investigating the sightings, which have raised safety concerns but are believed to involve crewed aircraft rather than malicious activity. Calls for legislative action are growing.
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Recent court rulings have led to significant convictions in terrorism-related cases. Mohammed Chhipa was found guilty of providing material support to ISIS, while former sheriff Scott Jenkins was convicted of conspiracy and bribery. Both cases highlight ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and corruption in law enforcement.
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In the wake of the recent elections, Democrats are grappling with losses while Republicans express optimism about economic recovery under Trump. Polls indicate a growing disconnect between economic indicators and public sentiment, particularly among Democrats. Vice President Harris is expected to focus on an optimistic vision for the future amid these challenges.
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Recent reports of unidentified drones over several U.S. states have prompted investigations by federal agencies. Officials assert there is no credible threat, attributing sightings to commercial and hobbyist drones, as well as misidentified aircraft. The situation has led to calls for better technology to manage drone activity in civilian airspace.
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Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has become the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at NYU Langone. This experimental procedure marks a significant step in xenotransplantation, aiming to address the chronic organ shortage in the U.S.
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As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, economic sentiment remains mixed. Despite low unemployment and growth, consumer confidence is low, and inflation concerns persist. Experts predict fiscal policy changes and potential tariffs that could impact the economy significantly.
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A female pygmy hippo was born on December 9 at the Metro Richmond Zoo, marking the third calf for mother Iris and father Corwin. This birth highlights the zoo's efforts in conservation for this endangered species, with only 2,500 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild.
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The Metro Richmond Zoo announced the name of its newborn pygmy hippo, Poppy, following a global online poll that garnered over 100,000 votes. Born on December 9, Poppy is the third calf of the endangered species born at the zoo, which plays a crucial role in conservation efforts.
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A series of tornadoes struck the Southeast U.S. over the weekend, resulting in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries. The National Weather Service reported multiple tornado touchdowns from Texas to Alabama, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The storm system is expected to weaken as it moves eastward.
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Virginia holds special elections today for two state legislative seats in Loudoun County and one in Goochland. The outcomes will provide insights into voter sentiment following the recent presidential election and could impact Democratic control in the state legislature.
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A major winter storm, dubbed Storm Blair, is impacting over 60 million Americans, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. States from Kansas to Maryland are under winter weather advisories, with blizzard conditions expected to disrupt travel and cause power outages through Monday, January 6, 2025.
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As the U.S. prepares for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, Washington, D.C. faces unprecedented security measures and a major snowstorm. The city is hosting three National Special Security Events in two weeks, raising concerns about potential protests and travel disruptions.