United States

North Dakota’s top court brings back abortion ban

North Dakota’s Supreme Court has restored the state’s near-total abortion ban after failing to secure a majority to uphold a lower court ruling that blocked the law. The decision returns one of the country’s most restrictive abortion measures to full effect, limiting access to the procedure except in narrow circumstances. Lawmakers, medical providers and advocacy groups are now adjusting to the renewed legal landscape, while broader debates over constitutional rights and reproductive health in North Dakota continue.

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DNA breakthrough brings closure to 1983 KFC murders

Houston authorities report a DNA breakthrough in the 1983 Kilgore KFC murders, identifying the long-suspected third perpetrator through new forensic testing of preserved crime scene evidence. Investigators say modern DNA analysis linked material from the restaurant and crime scene to a man previously associated with the case, clarifying his role decades after the killing of five victims. Officials have updated the case file and notified families, describing the finding as a key development in one of East Texas’ most notable homicide investigations.

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Lawmakers eye tighter AI rules, cite mental health concerns

Texas lawmakers are holding hearings on the growing use of artificial intelligence for mental health support, examining safety, privacy, and oversight needs. An interim committee is gathering testimony from experts, companies, and mental health professionals on how AI tools respond to users in crisis, handle sensitive data, and influence decisions about seeking licensed care. The panel will use the findings to recommend possible regulations, disclosure rules, and standards for AI mental health products operating in Texas.

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ICI says 1,200 people could face charges over flood control fiasco

The Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICI) in the Philippines announced it expects to recommend charges against up to 1,200 individuals in connection with an alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal. An ICI commissioner said investigators are examining procurement, contract implementation, and possible violations of anti-graft and public spending laws across multiple regions and projects. The commission is coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies as it prepares its final report and recommendations.

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Turkey prices climb nearly 40%, putting focus on National Leftovers Day

Turkey prices in the U.S. have climbed nearly 40 percent for the 2025 Thanksgiving season as avian influenza and other poultry diseases cut flocks and reduce supply. Producers plan to ship fewer birds, pushing more households to stretch holiday meals and observe National Leftovers Day as a cost-saving strategy. USDA and CDC guidelines stress safe handling, storage and reheating of leftovers as families rely on cooked turkey for multiple meals. ReFED data show household food waste carries a high national cost, making leftovers an important budget and food-waste issue.

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Palace tags Imee Marcos as defender of ‘self-confessed murderer’

Malacañang accused Senator Imee Marcos of protecting former President Rodrigo Duterte, whom it labeled a “self-confessed murderer,” in an escalation of tensions between the Palace and the senator. The Office of the President issued the statement after Marcos renewed her criticism of the administration and defended Duterte, who previously made public claims about killings linked to his anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. The exchange highlighted deepening rifts between political factions allied with the Marcos and Duterte families, who ran together in the 2022 elections.

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Mexican scientists take action vs SpaceX over Gulf contamination

A Mexican marine conservation group, Conibio Global A.C., has filed a formal complaint in 2025 against Elon Musk and SpaceX, alleging that falling rocket booster debris from Starbase launches in Texas is polluting the Gulf of Mexico and damaging marine habitats in Mexican waters. The organization cites findings from its “Expedition Booster 2025,” including reported seabed impacts and scattered debris, and is urging Mexican authorities to investigate possible environmental law violations and require detailed information on SpaceX launch and recovery practices affecting the Gulf.

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VP Sara flags hidden funds issue, blasts Marcos government’s budget

Vice President Sara Duterte accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of mishandling corruption probes linked to the proposed 2025 Philippine national budget, while unresolved questions over her previous use of confidential funds remained under legislative and public scrutiny. Lawmakers continued to examine allocations for confidential and intelligence funds and to review transparency and accountability safeguards as Congress deliberated on and refined the 2025 budget measure.

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Senator Fetterman in hospital after Pennsylvania fall

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized following a fall, attributed to a “ventricular fibrillation flare-up.” His condition required urgent medical attention, highlighting concerns about health challenges faced by public figures. Fetterman is receiving extensive medical care, with supportive responses from political peers.

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