California confirmed the first US case of clade I mpox, a more severe strain, in a traveler from East Africa. While historically clade I mpox has a higher mortality rate than clade II, recent data suggests less severe illness and lower death rates, particularly with adequate medical care. The CDC emphasizes that the public health risk remains low, and the affected individual is recovering. Contact tracing is underway, and the WHO is reviewing the global mpox situation.
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Sixty-five-year-old American tourist Steve Lee Hayes was arrested in Tokyo for defacing a torii gate at the Meiji Shrine. Hayes allegedly carved five letters into a wooden pillar of the gate using his fingernails, an act captured on security footage. The incident highlights the increasing problem of tourist vandalism at significant cultural sites globally. Similar incidents, resulting in arrests and fines, have occurred at the Colosseum and other international landmarks. The charges against Hayes stem from property damage.
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X Corp., Elon Musk’s firm, filed a notice of appearance in Alex Jones’ Infowars bankruptcy case, requesting all relevant documents. This follows concerns raised by a Texas judge regarding the transparency of the auction process, which saw The Onion declared the winning bidder alongside Sandy Hook families. The judge’s concerns prompted a new hearing to address potential irregularities. X Corp.’s intentions remain unclear, though the filing suggests they are an interested party. The Onion’s CEO has dismissed Jones’ claims that the auction was overturned.
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A 21-year-old man was arrested following a stabbing attack outside Wuxi Yixing Arts and Crafts Vocational and Technical College in eastern China, resulting in eight fatalities and seventeen injuries. The attacker, a 2024 graduate, cited his failure to obtain a diploma and dissatisfaction with internship pay as motives. Police reported he confessed to the crime immediately. The incident occurred Saturday evening around 18:30 local time.
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A federally protected Mexican gray wolf, known as Hope, was found dead near Flagstaff, Arizona on November 7th. A $103,500 reward is offered for information leading to those responsible for her death, which is a violation of state and federal law. Hope, collared and tracked after being documented outside her designated area, was part of the Tu Dil Hil pack and had been traveling with another uncollared wolf. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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China’s newly opened Chancay megaport in Peru, a $3.5 billion project, significantly enhances Chinese trade access to Latin America, potentially bypassing North America. This development, lauded by both China and Peru, facilitates faster and more efficient shipping routes for goods between Latin America and Asia, impacting economies throughout the region. However, the port’s dual-use capabilities raise US concerns about potential Chinese military presence, highlighting growing geopolitical tensions in the region. The situation underscores a perceived US decline in influence in Latin America, as China actively cultivates relationships through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson will request that the House Ethics Committee not release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz, citing established House procedure. The report details a three-year investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and improper gifts against Gaetz, who resigned from Congress shortly before the report’s anticipated release. Johnson argues that releasing the report on a former member sets a damaging precedent, despite some senators’ desire to review its contents. However, the Senate Judiciary Committee could subpoena the report, and its contents may ultimately become public. Gaetz’s controversial nomination as Attorney General by President-elect Trump adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
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Flight 2494, a Southwest Boeing 737-800 preparing for departure from Dallas Love Field, was struck by a bullet near the cockpit around 8:30 p.m. Fortunately, no one was injured. The aircraft was taken out of service, the runway briefly closed, and passengers were rebooked on a later flight. Dallas Police investigated the incident. The flight to Indianapolis was subsequently canceled.
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To satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment awarded to Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss, I, Rudy Giuliani’s lawyer, have surrendered numerous assets, including dozens of watches, a ring, and a 1980 Mercedes-Benz. While some assets were delivered directly, I contest the immediate surrender of the Mercedes without prior appraisal, arguing it violates Mr. Giuliani’s rights if its value falls below legal exemptions. Further, I’ve requested exemptions for other items based on New York and Florida law, including clothing, household goods, and tools of the trade. Mr. Giuliani maintains this judgment is a result of political persecution and intends to appeal.
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As Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Education, I’ve established a new Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism, mandating that all public schools show students a video announcement. This video promotes religious liberty and patriotism, includes a prayer mentioning President Trump, and states that participation is optional. However, the Attorney General has declared this mandate unenforceable, citing conflicts with parental rights and local control. This action follows my previous, legally challenged mandate to incorporate Bibles into school curricula, further highlighting my ongoing efforts to combat what I perceive as “woke ideology” in schools.
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