Archaeologists Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Mask Mould Believed to Depict Medusa

Archaeologists in Sicily have uncovered a Roman mask mould depicting Medusa in the ruins of the ancient Greek city Finziade. The mould, dating to the late Republican period (133-31 BCE), was found in a building likely used for mask production. The mould’s design—featuring a stern face with wild hair—resembles Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology often associated with protective charms, Gizmodo has reported. This discovery, … Continue reading Archaeologists Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Mask Mould Believed to Depict Medusa

Gigantic 500,000-mile ‘hole’ in the sun’s atmosphere aims solar wind at Earth

A massive coronal hole, nearly 500,000 miles wide, has opened in the sun’s atmosphere, releasing fast solar wind toward Earth. This solar wind, moving at speeds over 310 miles per second, is expected to reach Earth by January 31, potentially triggering a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm. While not severe, G1 storms can enhance aurora displays, especially in higher latitudes. The solar wind causes auroras when … Continue reading Gigantic 500,000-mile ‘hole’ in the sun’s atmosphere aims solar wind at Earth

Juno spots most extreme volcanic activity on Io to date

During a flyby of Jupiter’s moon Io on December 27, 2024, NASA’s Juno spacecraft discovered a massive volcanic hotspot in Io’s southern hemisphere. This hotspot, larger than Earth’s Lake Superior, emits eruptions with six times the energy of all the world’s power plants. Io, the most volcanic body in the solar system, experiences intense activity due to Jupiter’s gravitational pull. Juno’s infrared instrument, JIRAM, captured … Continue reading Juno spots most extreme volcanic activity on Io to date

Space Force projects ULA to outpace SpaceX in 2025 national security missions

The U.S. Space Force plans 11 national security launches in 2025 using United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan rocket, pending final certification. The schedule also includes seven missions aboard SpaceX’s Falcon rockets. This comes as the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program aims to recover after completing only five missions in 2024. Vulcan, part of the NSSL Phase 2 program, is under review following a successful … Continue reading Space Force projects ULA to outpace SpaceX in 2025 national security missions

Scientists Just Used AI to Simulate 500 Million Years of Evolution

EvolutionaryScale, an AI startup backed by Amazon and NVIDIA, is using large language models (LLMs) to generate new proteins, potentially advancing fields like medicine and evolutionary biology. Their third model, ESM3, successfully created a new green fluorescent protein (GFP) by simulating 500 million years of evolution. ESM3, which is open for use by the scientific community, is trained on 771 billion tokens from 3.15 billion … Continue reading Scientists Just Used AI to Simulate 500 Million Years of Evolution

Vatican Warns AI Could Undermine ‘Foundations Of Society’

The Vatican issued a new document on artificial intelligence (AI), warning that it could erode trust in society and make people “cogs in a machine.” Pope Francis, concerned about AI’s potential misuse to manipulate minds and spread misinformation, emphasized that AI-generated fake content could fuel polarization and conflict. The document also expressed concerns about AI being used to replace human workers, infringe on privacy, and … Continue reading Vatican Warns AI Could Undermine ‘Foundations Of Society’

Mystery NJ drones were authorized by FAA, White House says

Many of the mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey and the East Coast last year were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for research and other purposes, according to the White House. The sightings sparked panic, including a temporary airport shutdown, fueled by misinformation. Some drones were also flown by hobbyists and private citizens. The White House clarified that the drones posed no national … Continue reading Mystery NJ drones were authorized by FAA, White House says

US consumer confidence dips again to start the year

U.S. consumer confidence fell for the second month in a row in January, dropping to 104.1 from 109.5 in December, below economists’ expectations. The decline reflected a weaker outlook on current economic conditions and the labor market. Despite this, consumer spending remained strong, with retail sales rising 0.4% in December. The proportion of consumers expecting a recession stayed low, but there are signs of rising … Continue reading US consumer confidence dips again to start the year

Boeing loses almost $1bn every month in 2024

Boeing faced a tough year in 2024, losing nearly $1 billion per month and a total of $11.8 billion, its worst result since the 2020 pandemic. Issues included safety and quality control problems, a damaging strike, and challenges in both its commercial and defense divisions. A door panel failure on a 737 Max and ongoing concerns about past crashes added to its troubles. The company … Continue reading Boeing loses almost $1bn every month in 2024

Fed expected to hold interest rates steady, defying pressure from Trump

The Federal Reserve is set to announce its latest interest rate decision, with investors expecting it to hold rates steady, despite President Trump’s call for a reduction. This would pause a series of rate cuts that began in late 2024. While inflation has slowed, it remains above the Fed’s target. Trump has urged the Fed to lower rates, citing the potential for falling oil prices, … Continue reading Fed expected to hold interest rates steady, defying pressure from Trump

Senate confirms Trump pick Sean Duffy for Transportation secretary

The Senate confirmed former Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin as President Trump’s pick to lead the Transportation Department with a bipartisan vote of 77-22. During his confirmation hearing, Duffy outlined priorities such as improving aviation and highway safety, addressing the air traffic controller shortage, restoring trust in Boeing, and rebuilding Interstate 40. He also pledged to continue the investigation into Tesla’s self-driving software, Fox News … Continue reading Senate confirms Trump pick Sean Duffy for Transportation secretary

No ‘traitors’ in Canada’s parliament, says foreign meddling inquiry

A Canadian public inquiry has found no evidence of “traitors” in parliament colluding with foreign governments to interfere in elections. The final report acknowledged attempts by foreign states, particularly China and India, to meddle in recent elections, but stated their impact was minimal. The inquiry warned that disinformation posed a significant threat to democracy. It also criticized the government’s slow response to interference and lack … Continue reading No ‘traitors’ in Canada’s parliament, says foreign meddling inquiry

Serbian PM quits after months of mass protests

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned following widespread protests over the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people in November. Protesters have been demanding accountability and opposing corruption. In response, President Aleksandar Vucic is considering whether to hold elections or form a new government. Vucevic’s resignation may not lead to significant change, as real power in Serbia lies … Continue reading Serbian PM quits after months of mass protests

Giorgia Meloni says she is under investigation for repatriation of Libyan warlord

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is under investigation for her role in the unexpected release and repatriation of Libyan general Osama Najim, who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Meloni is suspected of aiding and abetting a crime and embezzlement. The investigation also involves key ministers, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Najim, accused of war … Continue reading Giorgia Meloni says she is under investigation for repatriation of Libyan warlord

Trump administration offers roughly 2 million federal workers a buyout to resign

The Trump administration is offering federal workers a “deferred resignation” program, allowing them to resign now and continue receiving pay through September. This is expected to save around $100 billion, with 5%-10% of federal employees potentially quitting. Exclusions apply, such as military and national security personnel. The offer was sent via email, including a resignation letter draft for employees to review. The initiative has drawn … Continue reading Trump administration offers roughly 2 million federal workers a buyout to resign

Tuberculosis outbreak that has killed 2 in Kansas continues to grow

A tuberculosis outbreak in the Kansas City area has grown, with 67 active cases reported, mostly in Wyandotte County. The outbreak, which began a year ago, has killed two people in 2024. Health officials have also identified 79 inactive cases. Kansas described it as the largest U.S. outbreak since the 1950s, but the CDC disputed this, citing past outbreaks with higher case numbers. Though the … Continue reading Tuberculosis outbreak that has killed 2 in Kansas continues to grow

Immigration raids surprise New York City residents

ICE conducted an early morning raid in the Bronx as part of the Trump administration’s intensified deportation efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was present when officers arrested at least one undocumented person wanted for serious crimes. NYPD officers assisted as part of a federal task force. The operation sparked fear among immigrants, with advocates condemning it as a publicity stunt, NBC News has reported. … Continue reading Immigration raids surprise New York City residents

Military allows ICE to detain migrants inside base in Denver area

The U.S. military has approved ICE’s request to use Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, as a detention site for unauthorized migrants with criminal records. ICE, not military personnel, will oversee operations. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s expanded military role in immigration enforcement, including border deployments and military-led deportations. Denver is a key target for upcoming ICE arrests, following large-scale operations in … Continue reading Military allows ICE to detain migrants inside base in Denver area

F-35 fighter jet crashes at Alaska Air Force base after pilot ejects

An Air Force pilot ejected safely before an F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, on Tuesday. The pilot was hospitalized in stable condition, and the cause is under investigation. A video of the jet spinning before exploding circulated online and was confirmed authentic. Base commander Col. Paul Townsend assured a thorough investigation. The $100 million F-35 jets are replacing aging Air … Continue reading F-35 fighter jet crashes at Alaska Air Force base after pilot ejects

Pentagon pulling Gen. Milley’s security detail and clearance ‘immediately,’ may face demotion in retirement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pulling retired Gen. Mark Milley’s personal security detail and security clearance, citing actions that allegedly undermined the chain of command during Trump’s first term. The Pentagon is also removing Milley’s portraits, effectively erasing his presence from its halls. A review board will assess whether to strip Milley of a retirement star. Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs … Continue reading Pentagon pulling Gen. Milley’s security detail and clearance ‘immediately,’ may face demotion in retirement

Military governments lead West African trio out of ECOWAS regional bloc

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from ECOWAS, completing a process that began in January 2024 after the bloc demanded Niger restore democratic rule. The military-led governments accuse ECOWAS of serving French interests and have turned to Russia for support. The three nations have formed their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, amid ongoing conflicts with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda … Continue reading Military governments lead West African trio out of ECOWAS regional bloc

Passengers and crew evacuated as plane catches fire on South Korean runway

An Air Busan Airbus A321 caught fire on the runway at Gimhae International Airport while preparing for departure to Hong Kong. All 169 passengers and seven crew were evacuated, with three suffering minor injuries. The fire reportedly started in the tail section, causing visible damage to the fuselage. The incident comes a month after South Korea’s deadliest recent air disaster, The Guardian has reported. Airbus … Continue reading Passengers and crew evacuated as plane catches fire on South Korean runway

Multiple people killed in crowd crush at world’s largest religious festival

A crowd crush at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj early Wednesday left multiple people dead and at least 20 injured as a barrier near the river broke amid massive crowds. Reports indicate at least 14 bodies were taken to a hospital, though officials have not confirmed the toll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and is in contact with state authorities. The tragedy … Continue reading Multiple people killed in crowd crush at world’s largest religious festival

France Furious Over Stained-Glass Windows in Notre Dame

French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to replace six stained-glass windows in Notre Dame with contemporary designs has sparked backlash. Critics, including preservationists and far-right politicians, argue that the 19th-century windows are legally protected and integral to the cathedral’s aesthetic harmony. The move is seen as Macron’s attempt to leave a legacy akin to past presidents who reshaped Paris with glass structures. Despite opposition—including a unanimous … Continue reading France Furious Over Stained-Glass Windows in Notre Dame

Italy calls for return of Mona Lisa after Louvre’s dire conditions raise alarm

French President Emmanuel Macron returned to the Louvre to address concerns after a leaked memo revealed the museum’s deteriorating condition. He announced a major renovation, including a separate space for the “Mona Lisa,” a new entrance near the Seine, and underground rooms. The project, potentially costing hundreds of millions of euros, may be funded by increasing non-EU visitor prices and raising annual attendance to 12 … Continue reading Italy calls for return of Mona Lisa after Louvre’s dire conditions raise alarm