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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduces a new national bravery award to honor civilians and first responders who bravely intervened during a deadly antisemitic terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration. The attack, Australias worst since 1996, was carried out by Sajid and Naveed Akram, who were shot dead at the scene. Standout individuals like Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-Australian Muslim, disarmed one gunman before being wounded. Albanese emphasized the stark contrast between extremist violence and acts of bravery and kindness from everyday heroes. New South Wales leader Chris Minns called for unity and supported tough new gun laws, capping ownership at four firearms per person and restricting high-risk weapons. These honors and reforms reflect a nation grieving but determined to fight hatred and celebrate courage.

Rapper Nicki Minaj, known for her past criticism of Trump, made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USAs AmericaFest, praising Trump and Vance. She mocked Newsom and highlighted their relatable qualities. Minajs shift towards the MAGA movement has sparked mixed reactions, with some in the entertainment world pushing back. Despite backlash, shes standing firm, sharing her gratitude for living in a country with freedom of speech.

Californias new congressional map, approved through Proposition fifty, is set to benefit Democrats by redrawing district lines, particularly in Northern California. This redistricting splits Republican-leaning rural farming areas and pairs them with Democratic strongholds, potentially flipping key seats and strengthening Democrats House edge. However, Republicans argue that this dilutes rural voices and makes it harder for farmers to elect representatives who understand their issues. The maps legality is still being challenged in federal court, keeping the redistricting fight alive as both parties prepare for upcoming elections.

Southern California grapples with post-holiday flood risks, as heavy rains from the latest atmospheric river wash out roads and trigger evacuations. Millions of drivers face slick, flooded highways on Christmas Day, with more rain expected on Friday. However, forecasters predict drier weather this weekend, offering relief for holiday travelers.

After nearly three decades, the JonBenet Ramsey cold case gains new hope as DNA technology advances. John Ramsey, the father, believes forensic genetic genealogy could identify the killer within months. Boulder police, now led by Chief Stephen Redfearn, are committed to solving the case, with lab experts agreeing that modern DNA technology can provide answers.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investing heavily in surveillance technology, including facial recognition, social media monitors, and license plate readers, to step up deportation efforts. This move aligns with President Trumps push for aggressive immigration enforcement. However, critics warn of potential infringement on civil liberties, as these tools could be used to monitor everyday Americans. Meanwhile, ICE agents face risks from activists using public tools to identify them, leading to a surge in assaults. Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill to make it a crime to release federal officers names when it interferes with immigration work, highlighting the complex nature of this debate.

FBI Director Kash Patel reveals a significant surge in arrests of violent offenders under President Trump, with over twenty-eight thousand arrests planned this year, double last years total under Biden. Deputy Director Dan Bongino attributes this to smart, data-driven policing, focusing on high-crime hotspots and repeat offenders. Internal documents confirm nearly doubled arrests in key cities, with notable increases in Buffalo, Jackson, and New York. Conservatives hail this as evidence that a tough, results-focused approach to law enforcement yields safer communities.

Winter Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel: Thousands of Flights Canceled, Major Airports Alerted

The Pentagon fails its eighth consecutive financial audit, with auditors unable to confirm the reliability of its financial statements due to twenty-six material weaknesses and two significant deficiencies in internal controls. The department, criticized for its massive size and outdated systems, aims to achieve a clean audit by fiscal twenty twenty-eight, as Congress closely monitors progress. Despite no allegations of fraud, the unreliable records raise concerns about accountability and transparency.