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Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan Seeks Clemency from President Trump Amid Corruption Conviction

Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan Seeks Clemency from President Trump Amid Corruption Conviction

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has officially requested clemency from President Donald Trump following his conviction on multiple corruption charges. Madigan, who was convicted in February, filed a clemency petition with the Office of the Pardon Attorney. The request, which is still pending, seeks a pardon after the completion of his sentence. Madigan, currently serving a 7.5-year sentence in a federal facility, is not expected to be released until 2032, when he will be nearly 90 years old. The clemency request is unusual as it typically involves a different form for those still in custody. Madigan's appeal of his conviction is ongoing, with the government’s response due in January 2026. Meanwhile, former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore, convicted in a related bribery scheme, is also exploring clemency options.
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Louise Christian's Legacy Celebrated in Obituary

Louise Christian's Legacy Celebrated in Obituary

Louise M. Christian, a beloved figure in her community, passed away on November 17, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Aurora, Illinois, she was a lifelong resident who dedicated her life to education and community service. Louise earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and inspired many students throughout her teaching career. She was deeply involved in the Wheatland Scotch Church in Oswego, Illinois, where her faith played a significant role in her life. Louise is survived by her four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love for gardening and cooking was well-known, and she was celebrated for her culinary talents, with some of her recipes featured in local newspapers. A memorial service will be held on December 19, 2025, at Wheatland Scotch Church, followed by the burial of her urn next to her husband Jon at Aux Sable Grove Cemetery in Yorkville, Illinois.
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NextEra expands Google Cloud partnership, secures clean energy contracts with Meta

NextEra expands Google Cloud partnership, secures clean energy contracts with Meta

Dec 8 (Reuters) - NextEra Energy expanded its partnership with Alphabet's Google Cloud to scale up data center capacity, while securing over 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy contracts from Meta across the U.S., the company said on Monday. Shares of NextEra were up 2.7% in premarket trading.
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Trading Day: Fed uncertainty hits stocks and bonds

Trading Day: Fed uncertainty hits stocks and bonds

ORLANDO, Florida, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Apprehension ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision later this week weighed on Wall Street on Monday, while continued selling in U.S. Treasuries pushed the 30-year yield to its highest in three months. More on that below.
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Morning Bid: The final Fed countdown

Morning Bid: The final Fed countdown

By Yoruk Bahceli LONDON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - By Yoruk Bahceli, markets correspondent What matters in U.S. and global markets today The Federal Reserve meeting is fast approaching on Wednesday – and the stakes are high. Rising bets for a December cut seem to have saved equities from AI jitters for now.
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Aware Super CIO warns of 'orange' lights in AI financing as valuations soar

Aware Super CIO warns of 'orange' lights in AI financing as valuations soar

By Scott Murdoch SYDNEY, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The chief investment officer of Australian pension fund Aware Super says there are flashing "orange" lights in some funding arrangements in the global artificial intelligence industry but earnings growth is backing up the sector's current valuations.
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Study Highlights Deadly Impact of Single-Use Plastics on Marine Life

Study Highlights Deadly Impact of Single-Use Plastics on Marine Life

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed the severe impact of plastic ingestion on marine life, documenting cases in nearly 1,300 marine species. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 autopsies of marine creatures, including seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles, which died due to plastic ingestion. The findings indicate a 90% likelihood of death when certain thresholds of plastic ingestion are met. For instance, seabirds face a 90% mortality risk after ingesting 23 pieces of plastic, while sea turtles face the same risk after consuming 405 pieces. The study highlights the types of plastics posing the greatest risks, such as rubber for seabirds and soft plastics for marine mammals. The research underscores the urgent need for action to manage plastic waste and reduce marine pollution.
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Estate Planning Crisis Threatens Crypto Fortunes as Digital Wealth Grows

Estate Planning Crisis Threatens Crypto Fortunes as Digital Wealth Grows

Estate Planning Crisis Threatens Crypto Fortunes as Digital Wealth Grows
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President Trump Directs Review of International Vaccine Schedules Amid CDC Policy Shift

President Trump Directs Review of International Vaccine Schedules Amid CDC Policy Shift

President Donald Trump has ordered a review of international childhood immunization schedules following a significant policy change by a CDC advisory panel. The panel, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., decided to lift the recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth in the U.S. This decision aligns with practices in countries like Denmark, where hepatitis B vaccines are recommended only for high-risk individuals. The move is part of a broader effort to address what Kennedy describes as an 'exploding vaccine schedule,' which he controversially links to chronic diseases and autism. The U.S. currently recommends immunization for 17 diseases, more than many other countries. Critics argue that international comparisons are not always relevant due to differing local conditions.
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Alphabet's AI Advancements Propel Stock Growth, Challenge OpenAI's Market Position

Alphabet's AI Advancements Propel Stock Growth, Challenge OpenAI's Market Position

Alphabet's AI Advancements Propel Stock Growth, Challenge OpenAI's Market Position
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Pipe Bomb Suspect Brian Cole Jr. Evades FBI for Years, Raises Questions on Investigation

Pipe Bomb Suspect Brian Cole Jr. Evades FBI for Years, Raises Questions on Investigation

Brian Cole Jr., a suspect in the January 6 pipe bomb case, has been arrested after evading the FBI for nearly five years. The investigation, which involved extensive interviews and video surveillance, faced criticism for its slow progress. Cole, described as a 'naïve' individual possibly on the autism spectrum, was linked to the crime through cell phone data and purchasing history. Despite the arrest, questions remain about the FBI's handling of the case, with some officials citing incompetence or negligence. The case highlights challenges in law enforcement's ability to track and apprehend suspects in politically sensitive cases.
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Zach Parise's Dedication and Skill Lead to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction

Zach Parise's Dedication and Skill Lead to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction

Zach Parise's Dedication and Skill Lead to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction