Ski resorts across the West faced delayed openings due to low snowfall, leading to anxiety within the tourism industry. Beyond weather concerns, resorts are also bracing for a decline in international guests, particularly from Canada, due to tariffs and political rhetoric. Local businesses are launching campaigns to welcome back Canadian visitors, who have historically been a significant source of revenue, as spending from Canada has decreased. Despite this, resorts remain uncertain about the upcoming season due to unpredictable booking patterns and fluctuating political dynamics.
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The US Department of Justice has issued a memo removing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals from sexual abuse in prisons, immediately ceasing enforcement of standards designed to shield them from harassment. This directive aligns with previous executive orders that have faced legal challenges, and also directs inspectors to disregard these protections in audits. The Justice Department is working to update Prison Rape Elimination Act (Prea) standards to conform with the anti-transgender policies. Advocates warn that these changes will likely increase violence and chaos within correctional facilities.
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Following weeks of resistance, the United States has moved to unseal and publicly release grand jury materials related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Special Counsel Smith’s order seeks to lift any protective orders hindering the Department of Justice from releasing these unclassified records and investigative materials. While judges anticipate little new information will be revealed, the documents will be redacted before their public release. The order itself does not specify a deadline for this release.
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A recent inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that the protective shield over the Chornobyl nuclear reactor has been degraded by a drone strike in February, compromising its ability to block radiation. This “new safe confinement” structure, completed in 2019 at significant cost, was designed to contain radiation during the long-term removal of the reactor’s remains. While the IAEA confirmed no permanent damage to load-bearing structures, the impact has diminished the shield’s primary safety functions, necessitating comprehensive restoration. Despite the damage, radiation levels remain stable, and there have been no reported leaks.
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Following an early September U.S. strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean, two survivors were observed waving overhead before being killed in a controversial second strike. The second strike has raised concerns as some interpret the actions of the survivors as attempts to signal for help or to stop further attacks. The operation, part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking, has led to numerous fatalities and has garnered increased scrutiny. While officials maintain the strikes were lawful, some lawmakers disagree on whether the killing of survivors could potentially constitute a war crime.
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In South Korea, infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are experiencing a record-breaking surge, with the number of cases in 2025 already surpassing the total from the previous year. Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) indicates a consistent upward trend since 2018, with the elderly population disproportionately affected, particularly those in long-term care facilities. This rise underscores the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance, as healthcare settings serve as critical points of CRE transmission, necessitating interventions like the upcoming Third National Antimicrobial Resistance Management Plan for 2026-2030, which addresses antibiotic usage and infection control. South Korea’s high antibiotic consumption rate among OECD nations further emphasizes the urgency of these efforts.
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New York Times sues Perplexity AI for ‘illegal’ copying of content, and this feels like a significant moment in the ongoing debate about AI and copyright. The core of the issue is pretty straightforward: The New York Times is accusing Perplexity AI of essentially lifting their content, repackaging it, and sometimes even making stuff up while attributing it to the NYT. It’s like a digital version of plagiarism, but on a massive, automated scale.
The crux of the matter seems to be that Perplexity is not just quoting and citing, which is generally permissible, but rather, is actively reproducing and re-presenting the NYT’s articles.… Continue reading
Survivors of boat strike did not radio for backup, Bradley tells lawmakers: Report is a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation, immediately raising questions about the actions taken and the justifications provided. The core of the matter seems to be the assertion that the survivors of a boat strike did not attempt to call for assistance or any form of backup, a detail that is now being scrutinized in the context of potentially unlawful actions. The very premise of the statement is a loaded one, as it implies a specific expectation of behavior following a devastating event at sea.… Continue reading
Frank Gehry, the renowned architect known for his avant-garde designs, has passed away at the age of 96. His notable works include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Gehry’s unconventional style and use of materials garnered both critical acclaim and controversy throughout his career. He was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and his impact on modern architecture is undeniable.
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On September 2, U.S. military forces attacked a vessel, leaving two survivors clinging to the wreckage for roughly 45 minutes before a second strike was ordered by Adm. Frank Bradley, resulting in their deaths. Although the survivors were seen waving towards aircraft overhead, potentially signaling for help, Bradley claimed they still posed a threat. He justified the follow-up strikes by alleging the men could have been transporting drugs and would rejoin the fight. However, sources and experts have questioned the legality of these actions, highlighting that the men did not pose an imminent threat and that these strikes are illegal extrajudicial killings.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood