Business

Pfizer tops earnings estimates as Covid product sales beat expectations

Pfizer reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that beat expectations, driven by stronger-than-expected Covid product sales and cost-cutting efforts. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of 63 cents, surpassing the expected 46 cents, with revenue reaching $17.76 billion, higher than the $17.36 billion forecasted. Shares of Pfizer rose 2% in premarket trading. The company has been cutting costs to recover from the decline of its … Continue reading Pfizer tops earnings estimates as Covid product sales beat expectations

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Business

China launches an antitrust probe into Google

China announced retaliatory measures against the U.S., including tariffs on coal, LNG, and crude oil, along with an antitrust probe into Google. Two U.S. firms were placed on China’s unreliable entity list, restricting their investments in the country. Google’s history in China dates back to 2006, but it shut down its search engine there in 2010 due to censorship concerns. Beijing later blocked all Google … Continue reading China launches an antitrust probe into Google

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Business

PepsiCo earnings beat estimates, but demand for drinks and snacks drops

PepsiCo reported mixed quarterly results as North American demand for its snacks and drinks declined for the fifth straight quarter. Shares fell more than 2% in premarket trading. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.96, slightly beating the $1.94 expected. Revenue came in at $27.78 billion, just below the expected $27.89 billion. Net income rose to $1.52 billion, or $1.11 per share, from … Continue reading PepsiCo earnings beat estimates, but demand for drinks and snacks drops

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Politics

Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Brussels had high hopes for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset but has since lowered expectations. Six months of red lines and rejections have dimmed hopes that he will undo the extreme elements of the Tory Brexit deal. Officials and diplomats still see room for better relations, but no major breakthroughs. Early optimism faded after London dismissed proposals on visas for young people and student exchanges. Frustration … Continue reading Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

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Politics

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

More than seven months after the June 2024 elections, a coalition government has been formed, led by nationalist Bart De Wever. De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister after prolonged negotiations, shifting the government further to the right. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to lead the country. His five-party coalition includes the Flemish nationalist N-VA, centrist Christian Democrats, … Continue reading Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

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Politics

EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

European leaders met Monday to discuss defense against Russia, but the focus shifted to the U.S. Donald Trump is dominating headlines with trade wars and threats, including against China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU. Trump has also refused to rule out military action to seize Greenland, part of Denmark. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU would respond firmly if Trump … Continue reading EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

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Politics

Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

Marco Rubio announced that El Salvador’s president has agreed to accept deportees from the U.S., including violent American criminals. Rubio called the agreement unprecedented and said President Nayib Bukele is willing to take in foreign nationals and U.S. citizens convicted of crimes. A U.S. official clarified that there are no current plans to deport American citizens, as such actions would face legal challenges. Rubio’s visit … Continue reading Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

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Politics

Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA

Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency for representation in his post-presidential era. CAA co-chair Richard Lovett praised Biden’s lifelong commitment to public service and unity. The agency previously represented Biden after his vice presidency, during which he published a book and went on a nationwide speaking tour. CAA also represents Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and other Democratic figures. Biden recently … Continue reading Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA

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U.S. News

Neo-Nazi group leader convicted of plotting Maryland power grid attack

A Florida-based neo-Nazi group founder, Brandon Russell, was convicted of conspiring to attack Maryland’s power grid. Russell encouraged his former girlfriend, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, to carry out sniper attacks on Baltimore substations to incite chaos. They were arrested in February 2023 before executing their plan. A jury took less than an hour to convict Russell of conspiracy to damage an energy facility. Russell previously co-founded … Continue reading Neo-Nazi group leader convicted of plotting Maryland power grid attack

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U.S. News

Texas National Guard can now arrest and detain people who illegally enter the US

Texas National Guard soldiers can now arrest and detain migrants under a new agreement with the Trump administration. This expands the Guard’s role beyond its previous support duties for Border Patrol. The agreement grants the Guard full authority to investigate, arrest, and detain migrants under CBP supervision. Abbott called the deal a boost for border security, while critics argue it complicates law enforcement. Trump has … Continue reading Texas National Guard can now arrest and detain people who illegally enter the US

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U.S. News

Defense Secretary Vows to Use Thousands of Active-Duty Troops to Secure Border

Hegseth traveled with White House border czar Tom Homan to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, to meet with troops securing the southern border. He received briefings from U.S. Northern Command and NORAD on homeland defense and border security. Hegseth pledged “100 percent operational control of the border” and said all necessary Defense Department assets were available for expulsion and detention. Since beginning his second … Continue reading Defense Secretary Vows to Use Thousands of Active-Duty Troops to Secure Border

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U.S. News

Names of FBI agents who investigated Capitol riots to be handed over to Trump DOJ officials

FBI executives considered resisting a Justice Department order to release the names of agents involved in Capitol riot cases but ultimately complied. The FBI’s legal team determined that the Trump administration’s demand was lawful and that refusal was not an option. The FBI Agents Association and former FBI Director William Webster condemned the removal of eight senior officials, warning it endangered investigations and national security. … Continue reading Names of FBI agents who investigated Capitol riots to be handed over to Trump DOJ officials

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U.S. News

Stripper busted for attacking 7-Eleven clerk with banana

A Florida woman was arrested for throwing a banana at a 7-Eleven clerk during an argument. Caltaeviya Turner, 22, got into a verbal altercation with the employee, leading to insults being exchanged. Turner became angry, grabbed a banana from the counter, and threw it at the worker’s face. The banana struck the clerk’s cheek, leaving a minor abrasion, but was not seized as evidence. Turner … Continue reading Stripper busted for attacking 7-Eleven clerk with banana

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World News

Sweden rules out sabotage in Baltic undersea data cable rupture and releases a ship

Swedish prosecutors ruled out sabotage in the damage to an undersea fiber-optic cable between Sweden and Latvia. The cable was damaged on January 26, and Swedish authorities seized a Bulgarian vessel, the Vezhen, the same day. Investigators confirmed the ship caused the break but found no evidence of intentional sabotage. Prosecutors are now investigating whether other crimes contributed to the incident. The ship’s owner, Navibulgar, denied … Continue reading Sweden rules out sabotage in Baltic undersea data cable rupture and releases a ship

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World News

Russian Army Increasingly Killing Captured Ukrainian Soldiers, UN Says

The United Nations warned that Russian troops have increasingly executed captured Ukrainian soldiers in recent months. Since August, the UN monitoring mission has documented 79 executions in 24 incidents by Russian forces. Mission head Danielle Bell said public figures in Russia have called for inhumane treatment of Ukrainian prisoners, encouraging unlawful behavior. Broad amnesty laws in Russia further enable these actions. The UN also recorded … Continue reading Russian Army Increasingly Killing Captured Ukrainian Soldiers, UN Says

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World News

Gangs attack a neighborhood in Haiti that’s home to the country’s elite

Heavily armed gangs in Haiti have attacked the elite neighborhood of Kenscoff, killing at least 40 people. Mayor Jean Massillon blamed the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, saying gunmen are going home to home, indiscriminately opening fire. The dead include pastors, teachers, and children, with the true toll expected to be higher as authorities struggle to access certain areas. Many victims are working-class farmers, and the … Continue reading Gangs attack a neighborhood in Haiti that’s home to the country’s elite

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World News

Gaza authorities plead for tents, accuse Israel of obstructing aid

Gaza authorities have urged donors to prioritize tents and shelters for displaced Palestinians amid cold temperatures. They accuse Israel of obstructing aid, despite a ceasefire deal requiring the entry of 200,000 tents and debris-clearing equipment. Hundreds of thousands returning north found their homes destroyed. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump has proposed displacing Gaza’s population, a move rejected by Arab states. Concerns remain over the ceasefire’s durability, … Continue reading Gaza authorities plead for tents, accuse Israel of obstructing aid

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World News

Rebels declare ceasefire in DR Congo for ‘humanitarian reasons’

Rebels in eastern DR Congo have declared a humanitarian ceasefire starting Tuesday, citing “humanitarian reasons” after capturing territory. The alliance, including Rwanda-backed M23, claims it will hold its positions despite prior plans to advance.  Recent fighting around Goma has killed at least 900 and displaced over 400,000 this year. The G7 and EU condemned the offensive as a violation of DR Congo’s sovereignty, while the … Continue reading Rebels declare ceasefire in DR Congo for ‘humanitarian reasons’

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Archaeology

Roman pottery and human remains found in Exeter

During the installation of an underground substation in Exeter, Roman pottery and human remains were discovered, offering a glimpse into the city’s history. The excavation, part of a National Grid project to replace aging infrastructure, revealed Roman artifacts and early medieval remains, which are being analyzed for radiocarbon dating. The finds provide insight into Exeter’s development from the Roman period through to the early medieval … Continue reading Roman pottery and human remains found in Exeter

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Space

Mysterious square structure spotted on Mars branded ‘wild’ has space fanatics completely baffled

A mysterious “square structure” found on Mars has sparked new conspiracy theories online, with many speculating it could be evidence of an ancient alien civilization. The image, captured by NASA’s Mars Orbiter Camera in 2001, has resurfaced on social media, drawing attention from figures like Joe Rogan. While some are quick to label it as proof of extraterrestrial life, others argue that straight lines can … Continue reading Mysterious square structure spotted on Mars branded ‘wild’ has space fanatics completely baffled

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Space

AI Can Predict Incredible Solar Storms Before They Strike

On December 27, 2024, astronomers discovered asteroid 2024 YR4, which may collide with Earth on December 22, 2032. While this sounds alarming, there’s no immediate cause for concern, as impacts from objects of this size are rare. Asteroids like the one that caused the Tunguska event in 1908 and the Chelyabinsk explosion in 2013 remind us that smaller impacts are more common, but large-scale collisions … Continue reading AI Can Predict Incredible Solar Storms Before They Strike

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Space

Astrophysicist Reveals The Key Facts About The Asteroid That May Hit Earth

On December 27, 2024, astronomers discovered asteroid 2024 YR4, which may collide with Earth on December 22, 2032. While this sounds alarming, there’s no immediate cause for concern, as impacts from objects of this size are rare. Asteroids like the one that caused the Tunguska event in 1908 and the Chelyabinsk explosion in 2013 remind us that smaller impacts are more common, but large-scale collisions … Continue reading Astrophysicist Reveals The Key Facts About The Asteroid That May Hit Earth

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Technology

Ukraine’s Robot Wars – Ground Drones Emerge From Shadows

Ground-based drones are becoming an influential part of the battlefield in Ukraine, alongside aerial and seaborne drones. Ukraine’s Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, revealed that 100 unmanned ground systems (UGS) drones have been tested for combat, with roles including medical evacuation, logistics, and assault missions. Despite challenges from Russian electronic warfare, advances in AI are improving their effectiveness. Germany’s ARX Robotics is delivering 30 … Continue reading Ukraine’s Robot Wars – Ground Drones Emerge From Shadows

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Technology

US firm unveils plan for 100,000-strong humanoid robot army to counter China

Figure AI has secured its second major commercial partner, potentially paving the way to ship 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years. While the customer’s identity is undisclosed, CEO Brett Adcock suggests it could be a major U.S. company with significant labor needs. This follows Figure AI’s first client, BMW, and marks a step toward mainstream adoption of humanoid robots in industries like manufacturing, … Continue reading US firm unveils plan for 100,000-strong humanoid robot army to counter China

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Technology

China ‘artificial sun’ fuels Western fears it has lost energy holy grail

China’s growing advancements in artificial intelligence and nuclear fusion have sparked concern among Western governments and investors. DeepSeek, an AI company, has quickly emerged as a competitor to U.S. dominance in the field, while satellite images of a large facility in Mianyang suggest the construction of a giant laser nuclear fusion research center. This facility may accelerate China’s push to surpass the West in fusion … Continue reading China ‘artificial sun’ fuels Western fears it has lost energy holy grail

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