Chinese satellite burns up over US in spectacular ‘fireball’

A Chinese satellite, GaoJing 1-02, disintegrated in a fiery, uncontrolled reentry over the U.S. on Dec. 21, creating a dazzling fireball visible across multiple states. The satellite, inactive since January 2023, entered the atmosphere above New Orleans, traveling at 17,000 mph before breaking apart over Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell explained that the satellite naturally reentered due to atmospheric drag. Social media buzzed … Continue reading Chinese satellite burns up over US in spectacular ‘fireball’

History-making probe is about to make the closest-ever approach to the sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will make a record-breaking flyby of the Sun on Tuesday, coming within 3.8 million miles of its surface at an unprecedented speed of 430,000 mph, making it the fastest human-made object in history. Launched in 2018 and named after astrophysicist Dr. Eugene Parker, the probe became the first spacecraft to “touch the Sun” in 2021 by sampling particles and magnetic fields … Continue reading History-making probe is about to make the closest-ever approach to the sun

South Korean team develops ‘Iron Man’ robot that helps paraplegics walk

South Korean researchers at KAIST have developed the WalkON Suit F1, a lightweight wearable robot that enables paraplegic users to walk, climb stairs, and navigate obstacles. Demonstrated by team member Kim Seung-hwan, who is paraplegic, the 50 kg exoskeleton uses 12 motors, sensors, and cameras to mimic human joint movements and analyze surroundings in real-time. Inspired by Iron Man, the suit seamlessly integrates into users’ lives, … Continue reading South Korean team develops ‘Iron Man’ robot that helps paraplegics walk

Meta Reportedly Planning Displays For Ray-Ban Glasses Amid Push To Expand ‘AI-Native’ Devices

Meta Platforms plans to launch updated Ray-Ban smart glasses in late 2025, featuring built-in displays for notifications and AI assistant responses. This follows the success of its current Ray-Ban glasses, which can snap photos, play music, and interact with AI. Meta is also accelerating work on its Orion augmented-reality glasses, though a consumer version remains years away. CEO Mark Zuckerberg sees smart glasses as the … Continue reading Meta Reportedly Planning Displays For Ray-Ban Glasses Amid Push To Expand ‘AI-Native’ Devices

Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws

A House Ethics Committee report found former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated state laws involving sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and misuse of congressional resources. The investigation revealed Gaetz paid women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex, attended drug-fueled parties, and made over $90,000 in payments to 12 women from 2017-2020. Witnesses described his use of drugs like ecstasy and marijuana, some purchased through a fake … Continue reading Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws

Former US President Bill Clinton, 78, rushed to hospital and undergoing testing

Former President Bill Clinton, 78, has been admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for testing and observation after developing a fever. While the situation is not considered an emergency, Clinton remains in good spirits and appreciates the care he’s receiving. Known for previous health issues, including bypass surgery, stent implants, and a urological infection in 2021, Clinton’s current condition follows public concern … Continue reading Former US President Bill Clinton, 78, rushed to hospital and undergoing testing

Ukraine deploys all-robot force against Russian troops

Ukraine has launched its first all-robot assault force in Kharkiv, deploying ground and aerial drones in a combined-arms operation against Russian troops. The assault included remote-controlled surveillance, minelaying drones, explosive robots, and tracked ground bots armed with machine guns. Ukraine’s advanced military tech also features “Sea Baby” marine drones, which have successfully targeted Russian helicopters, warplanes, and the Crimean Bridge. Additionally, the deadly Dragon drone … Continue reading Ukraine deploys all-robot force against Russian troops

Starbucks union strike expands to 9 states

Starbucks Workers United’s five-day strike has spread to nine states, with workers in Missouri, New Jersey, and New York joining others in Colorado, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The strike, now in its third day, has closed at least 30 stores, with the union predicting walkouts at hundreds of locations by Tuesday. Representing over 10,000 workers across 525 stores, the union is demanding wage increases and resolution … Continue reading Starbucks union strike expands to 9 states

Party City to close its stores as company files for bankruptcy

Party City announced it will close nearly 700 stores and wind down operations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in two years. Despite eliminating nearly $1 billion in debt during its 2023 restructuring, the company couldn’t overcome inflation, rising costs, and increased competition from Walmart, Target, and seasonal pop-up stores like Spirit Halloween. Party City will retain over 95% of its … Continue reading Party City to close its stores as company files for bankruptcy

IRS Sending ‘Special’ Stimulus Checks to 1 Million Americans

The IRS will issue $2.4 billion in automatic payments to 1 million taxpayers who didn’t claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on their returns. These payments, up to $1,400 per person, are for individuals who missed out on stimulus checks issued between 2020 and 2021. Eligible taxpayers don’t need to take any action and will receive the payments via direct deposit or paper checks by … Continue reading IRS Sending ‘Special’ Stimulus Checks to 1 Million Americans

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, 68, was hospitalized after being thrown from a horse while riding with family on Sunday. He was initially taken to Columbus Community Hospital before being transferred to Omaha’s University of Nebraska Medical Center as a precaution. While his injuries weren’t detailed, he’s expected to remain hospitalized for several days, CBS News has reported. Pillen, elected governor in 2022, remains alert and … Continue reading Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse

Trump says Putin wants a meeting as soon as possible about the war with Ukraine

President-elect Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to meet with him soon to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at Turning Point’s America Fest, Trump reiterated his claim that he could end the conflict “in 24 hours” and criticized President Biden’s policy allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with U.S. weapons. Trump also hinted at reducing U.S. military aid to Ukraine … Continue reading Trump says Putin wants a meeting as soon as possible about the war with Ukraine

Russia’s Putin holds talks with Slovakian PM Fico

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare visit by an EU leader to the Kremlin since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Their talks focused on international issues and natural gas supplies, as Slovakia faces potential disruptions when the current transit deal through Ukraine expires this year. Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance, has ended Slovakia’s military aid to … Continue reading Russia’s Putin holds talks with Slovakian PM Fico

UK opens door to banning Musk political donations with new law

The UK government is considering reforms that could block Elon Musk from donating millions to Reform UK. Labour’s Lucy Powell suggested future electoral reforms might address political donations, though no immediate plans exist. Nigel Farage recently revealed Musk is considering a significant donation, speculated to be around $100 million (£78.8 million), The Telegraph has reported. While foreign donations are already banned, UK-based companies can legally … Continue reading UK opens door to banning Musk political donations with new law

‘Missing’ Republican Congresswoman Finally Found Living at Dementia Care Home

Republican Congresswoman Kay Granger, who had been absent from public life for six months, has been located in an assisted living facility specializing in memory care. Granger, who has represented Texas’s 12th Congressional District since 1997, disappeared from public view after her last vote in July. Investigative efforts by Dallas Express reporter Carlos Turcios revealed she had been residing at the facility after being found … Continue reading ‘Missing’ Republican Congresswoman Finally Found Living at Dementia Care Home

11 people, including Venezuelan gang members, facing potential charges in abduction, police say

Eleven people, including members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, are facing potential charges for the violent abduction and beating of a couple in a Denver suburb. Eight suspects are detained by federal authorities, while three remain at large. The incident stemmed from a video the wife filmed of a fight at the apartment complex, which was posted online. The armed suspects kidnapped the … Continue reading 11 people, including Venezuelan gang members, facing potential charges in abduction, police say

Police believe a Utah father killed his wife, 3 kids and wounded 17-year-old son

Five members of a Utah family were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in their West Valley City home on Tuesday. The victims include a father, mother, and three children, aged 11, 9, and 2. A 17-year-old survivor with a gunshot wound was discovered in the garage and hospitalized. Police were initially unable to make contact with anyone in the home after a family member … Continue reading Police believe a Utah father killed his wife, 3 kids and wounded 17-year-old son

Delphi murders: Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years for killing Indiana teens

Richard Allen, convicted of murdering two middle school girls in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017, was sentenced to 130 years in prison on Friday. Allen, 52, was found guilty of the deaths of Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14, whose bodies were discovered near a hiking trail. After a years-long investigation, Allen was arrested in October 2022. The girls’ deaths were linked to Allen through … Continue reading Delphi murders: Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years for killing Indiana teens

Native American tribe is closer to acquiring more land in Arizona after decades of delay

Federal and Arizona state officials have started fulfilling a nearly 30-year-old settlement agreement with the Hopi Tribe by transferring over 31 square miles of state land into trust for the tribe. This marks a historic moment for the Hopi, who will pay nearly $4 million for the land near Winslow. The transfer is part of efforts to consolidate land for the tribe’s ranching and agricultural … Continue reading Native American tribe is closer to acquiring more land in Arizona after decades of delay

Top-ranking NYPD officer abruptly resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

The highest-ranking uniformed officer in the New York Police Department, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, resigned following allegations of sexual harassment. Lt. Quathisha Epps accused Maddrey of coercing her into performing sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities. She also claimed retaliation after resisting his advances. Maddrey’s departure follows other allegations of misconduct, including unwanted advances toward a police captain. The NYPD is investigating the … Continue reading Top-ranking NYPD officer abruptly resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

Multiple people hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect shot, killed by police

A truck driver drove through the Killeen Mall in Texas on Saturday evening, injuring at least five people aged 6 to 75. The incident began with a police pursuit after a suspected drunk driver was reported. The suspect drove a black truck through the front glass doors of a JCPenney, striking multiple people. Law enforcement, including Texas DPS and local police, shot and killed the … Continue reading Multiple people hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect shot, killed by police

Germany may expand military to 230,000 troops in NATO push

Germany may increase its armed forces to 230,000 troops, surpassing the current target of 203,000, to meet NATO’s rising capability demands amid ongoing security concerns from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius noted that while the Bundeswehr currently has 180,000 personnel, recruitment challenges persist. NATO plans to set more demanding military targets by 2025, requiring Germany to contribute an additional 20,000–30,000 combat troops, … Continue reading Germany may expand military to 230,000 troops in NATO push

Malaysia plans to restart a private search for the missing Flight MH370

Malaysia plans to allow a renewed private search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared over a decade ago with 239 people on board. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Texas-based marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity will lead the search, focusing on a new 15,000-square-kilometer area in the southern Indian Ocean. Operating on a “no find, no fee” basis, the firm will receive $70 million … Continue reading Malaysia plans to restart a private search for the missing Flight MH370

Eight sentenced in France in connection with murder of teacher Samuel Paty

A French court has sentenced eight people to prison for their roles in the 2020 murder of teacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded after showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad during a class on free speech. Sentences ranged from one to 16 years, with two men receiving 16 years for aiding the attacker and a preacher sentenced to 15 years for leading an online hate … Continue reading Eight sentenced in France in connection with murder of teacher Samuel Paty

Swedish police board Chinese ship in probe over severed cables

Swedish police boarded the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 on Thursday, suspected of damaging two undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea in November. The ship, stationary for a month near Denmark, was investigated by Chinese authorities with Swedish officers observing. The breaches, suspected to be sabotage, occurred in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone and are under Swedish investigation. While Western intelligence believes the vessel caused the damage, … Continue reading Swedish police board Chinese ship in probe over severed cables