Mayor’s Big Test, Record Fabergé Sale, AI “Robo‑Grandmas” and Urban Raccoons — Today’s Top Stories

Here are the day’s most notable stories: a record‑setting Fabergé egg sale, a looming Border Patrol deployment in New Orleans, Zillow’s removal of extreme‑weather risk data, the rise of AI companion dolls for seniors in South Korea, and new research on urban raccoons.

Record Fabergé sale

Bidders scrambled as one of the last privately held Fabergé eggs came up for auction and set a new price record for the famed Russian jeweler. Collectors and museums showed strong interest, underscoring continued demand for rare decorative arts.

Border Patrol expected in New Orleans

With federal Border Patrol agents anticipated to deploy to New Orleans, the city’s mayor‑elect faces a significant test. Community leaders warn the coast‑to‑coast enforcement campaign has alarmed immigrant communities and sparked grassroots resistance and legal questions about local response and humanitarian support.

Zillow removes extreme‑weather risk data

Under pressure from industry groups, Zillow removed its extreme‑weather risk layer — a tool many buyers used to evaluate flood, wildfire and other hazards. Other real‑estate platforms are being urged to follow suit. A California organization argues that widely visible risk disclosures are depressing home sales, while consumer advocates say the information is essential for informed decisions.

AI “robo‑grandmas” easing elderly loneliness

In South Korea, lifelike AI companion dolls—nicknamed “robo‑grandmas”—are being used in some care settings. With big eyes, expressive features and simple conversational abilities, caregivers report the devices can help reduce loneliness and support mental health among older adults, though experts emphasize they are a supplement rather than a replacement for human care.

Cannabis‑linked vomiting on the rise

Medical professionals are reporting an increase in severe, cyclical vomiting associated with heavy cannabis use, a condition often referred to clinically as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Patients describe intense pain and prolonged bouts of vomiting; clinicians continue to study triggers and effective treatments.

Urban raccoons show intriguing behavior

Researchers studying city wildlife have observed behaviors in raccoons—frequent foraging in human refuse, adapted social habits and reduced fear of people—that prompt discussion about whether certain traits resemble early, partial domestication. Scientists caution that domestication is a long, complex process and these observations reflect adaptation to urban environments more than true domestication.

Off Clearwater: 20 hours at sea

A family survived approximately 20 hours at sea after their boat capsized off the coast of Clearwater, Florida. Reporter Dennis Woods recounts the harrowing ordeal and rescue, highlighting the quick response of local authorities and the family’s resilience.

Legal and political notes

In recent developments: a public figure denied knowledge of a reported second strike on an alleged drug boat; a prosecution witness testified that Brian Walsh searched online for methods to dispose of a body; and philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to fund so‑called “Trump Accounts” aimed at providing financial accounts for millions of American children.

Seasonal and other briefs

The White House holiday theme this year is “Home is where the heart is,” featuring extensive ribbon, gingerbread and thousands of decorative butterflies. Experts also offered 27 proposals to address America’s affordability crisis, and a Chicago family who had planned a Polish vacation home ended up relocating there full time.

Quick quiz: About how many tons of food are wasted each year in the U.S.? Answer: about 35 million tons, roughly half of which comes from households, grocery stores and restaurants.

We’ll return tomorrow with another roundup of notable stories.