Meta plans ‘major investment’ into humanoid robots

Meta has announced plans to invest significantly in AI-powered humanoid robots, with a focus on household chores. The company is forming a new team within its Reality Labs division to develop the necessary hardware, AI, sensors, and software. While Meta will not initially build its own branded robots, it aims to provide technology for robots to be manufactured and sold by other companies, Yahoo Finance … Continue reading Meta plans ‘major investment’ into humanoid robots

Pathfinder 1: The airship that could usher in a new age

Pathfinder 1, an airship developed by Sergey Brin’s company LTA Research, achieved its first untethered flight in October 2024 at NASA’s Moffett Field in California. This marks a significant milestone in the revival of rigid airships, a design last used in the 1930s. Despite past disasters like the Hindenburg crash, LTA Research aims to safely mass-produce large airships using modern materials and technology, the BBC … Continue reading Pathfinder 1: The airship that could usher in a new age

OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk’s takeover offer

OpenAI’s board unanimously rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion takeover offer, with chairman Bret Taylor calling it an attempt to disrupt competition. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously stated the company wasn’t for sale, and the board’s decision reinforces this stance. Musk’s offer, which came from a consortium of entities, included conditions that OpenAI deemed not in its best interest. OpenAI is currently separating its nonprofit … Continue reading OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk’s takeover offer

Judge temporarily blocks mass terminations at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A judge ruled on Friday that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) cannot fire employees without cause, blocking President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the agency. This decision followed a lawsuit by several unions challenging actions by the CFPB and its acting director, Russell Vought. The ruling prevents mass layoffs and mandates that any firings must be based on employee performance. Vought had sought to cut … Continue reading Judge temporarily blocks mass terminations at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season

The IRS plans to lay off thousands of probationary workers during tax season, with cuts potentially starting as soon as next week. This move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce by eliminating probationary employees without civil service protection. While the exact number of IRS workers affected is unclear, the agency previously restricted buyout offers for employees working … Continue reading IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season

Trump defends Vance’s stance on censorship overseas: ‘Europe has to be careful’

President Trump defended Vice President JD Vance’s recent speech criticizing European leaders on issues of immigration and free speech. Trump agreed with Vance’s assessment that Europe is losing its freedom of speech and facing a significant immigration problem, which he linked to rising crime. Vance, in his speech, argued that Europe’s biggest threat is not Russia or China, but mass immigration and speech restrictions. His … Continue reading Trump defends Vance’s stance on censorship overseas: ‘Europe has to be careful’

Tulsi Gabbard at Munich Security Conference: Trump Will Be ‘Peacemaker, Unifier’

At the Munich Security Conference, newly-sworn Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard emphasized President Trump’s commitment to being a “peacemaker and unifier.” Gabbard, a former congresswoman and military officer, highlighted Trump’s focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict and preventing nuclear war. She also stressed the need for global cooperation to combat terrorism and address threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Gabbard, with over … Continue reading Tulsi Gabbard at Munich Security Conference: Trump Will Be ‘Peacemaker, Unifier’

Trump lauds latest hostage release, says US will support Israel’s decision on ceasefire

President Trump celebrated the release of three hostages by Hamas, including an American citizen, but warned the group that the U.S. would support Israel’s decision on whether to continue the fragile ceasefire. Trump emphasized that the U.S. would back Israel if they chose to end the truce over Hamas’s failure to meet the deadline for releasing all hostages. The latest exchange involved three hostages being … Continue reading Trump lauds latest hostage release, says US will support Israel’s decision on ceasefire

JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration

US Vice President JD Vance criticized European democracies at the Munich Security Conference, arguing that their greatest threat came from within rather than from Russia or China. He accused European governments, including the UK, of retreating from core values and ignoring voter concerns on migration and free speech. Vance’s speech, which focused on culture-war issues, was met with silence and later denounced by several politicians, … Continue reading JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration

Macron calls emergency European summit on Trump, Polish minister says

French President Emmanuel Macron is organizing an emergency summit in Paris on Monday, with European leaders expected to discuss the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to diplomacy. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized the need for a united European response, likening Trump’s strategy to “reconnaissance through battle.” While it’s unclear if all EU leaders will attend, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will … Continue reading Macron calls emergency European summit on Trump, Polish minister says

New Mexico jury convicts police officer in fatal shooting of Black man at gas station

Las Cruces police officer Brad Lunsford was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting Presley Eze, a Black man, during a 2022 confrontation at a New Mexico gas station. Prosecutors argued Lunsford used unjustifiable deadly force, shooting Eze in the back of the head during a struggle over a stun gun. The conviction, rare in police shooting cases, carries a possible nine-year sentence, the … Continue reading New Mexico jury convicts police officer in fatal shooting of Black man at gas station

U.S. Coast Guard ship offloads $275 million of cocaine days after crew member lost at sea

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche offloaded over 37,000 pounds of cocaine worth $275 million after a two-month counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific. The crew intercepted 11 drug-smuggling vessels but faced adversity, including the loss of Seaman Bryan K. Lee, who went missing on Feb. 4. A massive search effort covering 19,000 square nautical miles was suspended on Feb. 8, CBS News has reported. … Continue reading U.S. Coast Guard ship offloads $275 million of cocaine days after crew member lost at sea

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake sends tremors across western Texas

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck western Texas on Friday night, with its epicenter 33 miles northwest of Toyah, according to the USGS. The quake, at a depth of 4.1 miles, was felt in parts of New Mexico, including Carlsbad, Roswell, and Las Cruces. Aftershocks followed within minutes, and the NWS in El Paso confirmed feeling tremors, CNN has reported. No immediate injuries have been reported. … Continue reading A 5.0 magnitude earthquake sends tremors across western Texas

Prosecutors file motion to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams

Federal prosecutors in New York have moved to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, citing concerns over election interference and governance. The decision, ordered by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, sparked internal DOJ turmoil, with multiple resignations, including Manhattan’s acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon. Prosecutors opposed the dismissal, alleging political influence and a quid pro quo involving Adams’ cooperation with the Trump … Continue reading Prosecutors file motion to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams

Black Hawk crew may not have heard message before midair crash

The crew of the Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided midair with an American Airlines plane near Washington, D.C., may not have realized they were flying too high or heard critical air traffic control messages before the fatal crash. The Jan. 29 accident over the Potomac River killed all 67 people aboard. The NTSB revealed that a key directive to “pass behind” the plane may … Continue reading Black Hawk crew may not have heard message before midair crash

British couple held in Iran on ‘security’ grounds named

British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been detained in Iran while on a motorbike trip. They were arrested in Kerman over security allegations, with Iranian state media labeling them “national security” suspects. Their family expressed deep concern and is working with UK authorities for their release. The couple had been documenting their travels and were set to enter Pakistan next, The Guardian has reported. … Continue reading British couple held in Iran on ‘security’ grounds named

Israel and Hamas complete their latest exchange

Israel and Hamas completed their sixth hostage-prisoner exchange under the fragile Gaza ceasefire, with three Israeli hostages and 369 Palestinian prisoners released. The hostages appeared in better condition than those freed earlier. One learned of his father’s death, while another met his newborn daughter. Despite tensions threatening the truce, Hamas proceeded after Egypt and Qatar pledged to ensure humanitarian aid to Gaza. Former U.S. President … Continue reading Israel and Hamas complete their latest exchange

Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment, cancels events

Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and canceled all events for the next three days, the Vatican announced. Doctors found a respiratory infection and a slight fever. His canceled events include a Jubilee Audience, Holy Mass, and a meeting with artists. The Pope has faced recurring health issues, including influenza, past surgeries, and recent falls, NBC News has reported. Despite his ailments, … Continue reading Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment, cancels events

Whale swallows kayaker in terrifying footage

A father-son kayaking trip off Chile’s coast turned dramatic when a humpback whale briefly scooped 24-year-old Adrián Simancas into its mouth. The incident, caught on camera by his father, Dell, happened in the Strait of Magellan. Simancas described feeling a strong force, a slimy texture, and being briefly pulled underwater before resurfacing safely. Though initially terrified, he believes the whale acted out of curiosity, NPR … Continue reading Whale swallows kayaker in terrifying footage

Zelenksy calls for ‘Army of Europe’ to take on Russia without US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the creation of a European army to counter Russia, arguing that Europe must take control of its own security. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he criticized Vladimir Putin and emphasized that Ukraine’s battle-hardened military is essential for Europe’s defense. Zelensky’s proposal excludes U.S. involvement, as concerns grow over Washington’s stance. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to … Continue reading Zelenksy calls for ‘Army of Europe’ to take on Russia without US

Nancy Mace makes allegations of sexual abuse against multiple men from the House floor

Rep. Nancy Mace delivered a powerful 53-minute speech on the House floor, accusing her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, of crimes including assault, rape, and sex trafficking. Using the House’s “speech and debate” clause, Mace named Bryant and others, alleging years of abuse and exploitation of women, including hidden-camera recordings. While Mace did not provide specific evidence, South Carolina law enforcement confirmed an investigation into her allegations. … Continue reading Nancy Mace makes allegations of sexual abuse against multiple men from the House floor

Trump pardons former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich

President Trump pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption, including attempting to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. Blagojevich, who served from 2003 to 2009, was accused of using the Illinois government for personal gain. In 2011, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, serving eight before Trump commuted his sentence. Blagojevich, who had been impeached and ousted in 2009, … Continue reading Trump pardons former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich

Musk defends DOGE alongside Trump in striking Oval Office moment

Elon Musk defended his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Tuesday, alongside President Trump, during a speech at the Oval Office. Musk emphasized the need for government reform, advocating for “commonsense controls” and defending his efforts to dismantle federal agencies and cut down on wasteful spending. He criticized inefficiencies like Social Security payments to the deceased and high salaries of bureaucrats, although … Continue reading Musk defends DOGE alongside Trump in striking Oval Office moment

AP says Trump blocking its reporter from Oval Office over not using Gulf of America “violates the First Amendment”

The Associated Press (AP) criticized the Trump administration after one of its reporters was blocked from attending an event over the organization’s stance on using “Gulf of Mexico” in its coverage, following a presidential executive order renaming it the “Gulf of America.” AP executive editor Julie Pace called the move a violation of the First Amendment, stating it impedes access to independent journalism. The AP’s … Continue reading AP says Trump blocking its reporter from Oval Office over not using Gulf of America “violates the First Amendment”

Jordan’s king buys more time on Trump’s Gaza plan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with President Trump to discuss the Gaza Strip and the resettlement of Palestinians. Abdullah deflected questions about broader resettlement but offered to accept 2,000 sick Palestinian children, which seemed to placate Trump. Despite opposition in Jordan and across the Arab world to relocating Palestinians, Abdullah expressed a willingness to work with Trump and praised his potential as a peacemaker. While … Continue reading Jordan’s king buys more time on Trump’s Gaza plan