Investigators from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families found child care centers in the state operating as expected, following a viral video alleging widespread fraud. The investigation was prompted by a video that gained traction after being reposted by prominent figures, despite limited evidence. The Department is committed to reviewing the claims and ensuring safety while minimizing disruption to communities. Following the video’s release, Health and Human Services froze child care payments to the state, and the state must now provide additional verification to continue to receive federal funds.
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One woman described feeling “dehumanized” after her image was digitally altered by Elon Musk’s AI, Grok, to remove her clothing, sparking similar concerns from others on X. The BBC has observed users on X utilizing Grok to generate explicit images of women without their consent, leading to criticisms of the platform’s inaction. Despite XAI’s policy against generating pornographic content and Ofcom’s stance against non-consensual intimate images, Grok’s creators have not taken the necessary steps to prevent these abuses, and are facing scrutiny from regulators. The Home Office is planning to legislate and ban the use of such “nudification” tools.
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In a shocking Saturday morning operation, the United States launched a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela, claiming to have captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Trump announced the action on social media, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stating the couple would face charges in New York for “narco-terrorism” conspiracy. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas as Maduro’s government accused the U.S. of an “imperialist attack,” with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assuming power. The military action, potentially mirroring the U.S. invasion of Panama, has drawn international reactions ranging from condemnation to celebration, while the legal basis for the strike remains unclear.
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Tesla has been dethroned as the world’s top electric vehicle maker by Chinese rival BYD, experiencing a 9% decrease in sales with 1.64 million vehicles delivered in 2025. This sales decline was further impacted by the end of a tax credit and overseas competition. Despite the sales slump, Tesla stock closed 2025 with an 11% gain as investors remain optimistic about Elon Musk’s future plans. The company is attempting to increase sales by releasing cheaper Model Y and Model 3 versions and analysts predict a continued decline in the fourth quarter.
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Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, now a fugitive, faces serious charges including murder, money laundering, and drug trafficking tied to a massive transnational criminal enterprise. In a recent operation, Mexican authorities, working with the FBI, seized dozens of motorcycles believed to belong to Wedding, with an estimated value of $40 million. Officials believe Wedding, who allegedly heads an organization that imports vast amounts of cocaine, is currently hiding in Mexico and being protected by the Sinaloa Cartel. A $15 million reward is being offered for information leading to his capture and conviction.
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A woman was killed in a suspected mountain lion attack while hiking alone in northern Colorado, marking the first fatal attack in the state in over 25 years. Following the incident near Glen Haven, wildlife officers located and killed two mountain lions in the area. The attack occurred on a remote section of the Crosier Mountain trail, where mountain lion sightings are common. Authorities are still investigating the incident, but mountain lion attacks on humans are rare.
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Authorities have announced at least 41 deaths of young men in South Africa due to circumcision procedures during traditional initiation ceremonies in November and December. These initiations, a rite of passage into manhood, often involve unregistered schools where negligence and failure to adhere to safety standards are prevalent. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa attributed the fatalities to issues within initiation schools, along with the lack of monitoring by the parents. The Eastern Cape province has seen the highest number of deaths and arrests have been made in connection to illegal initiation schools.
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Kimberly Prost, an ICC judge, found her life significantly impacted after being sanctioned by the United States due to her role in authorizing an investigation into alleged atrocities in Afghanistan. The sanctions have resulted in a loss of access to basic services, including credit cards, online shopping, and international banking, creating a “paralyzing” effect on daily life. This action is viewed by Prost as an attack on the court’s independence, particularly in light of investigations into potential war crimes by U.S. troops and Israeli officials. The US sanctions against ICC staff are unprecedented and are a direct response to the court’s investigations, including those related to Israel and the investigation into atrocities in Afghanistan.
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A legal complaint has been filed against the Trump administration on behalf of government employees. The complaint, spearheaded by the Human Rights Campaign, challenges a new policy eliminating coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance programs. The plaintiffs argue the policy constitutes sex-based discrimination and seek its rescission, citing personal testimonies of affected federal workers and their families. This action follows the administration’s broader efforts to restrict transgender care, including proposed limitations on care for minors, despite medical consensus supporting gender-affirming treatment.
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Moments after his inauguration, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced three new executive orders focused on housing in New York City. These orders aim to protect tenants by revitalizing the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, appointing Cea Weaver as director and pledging to intervene in cases of illegal conditions. Additionally, the new administration will work to speed up housing construction and increase supply through the SPEED and LIFT task forces, designed to promote building on city-owned land and cut bureaucratic delays. The mayor’s first major action will be in court, intervening in the bankruptcy proceedings of Pinnacle Realty to seek relief for tenants.
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John Q. Hosedrinker