Fitbit pays $12M to sprint away from claims of burning-hot smartwatches

Fitbit has agreed to pay a $12.25 million civil penalty to settle allegations that it failed to promptly report overheating battery risks in its Ionic smartwatches, which caused burns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said Fitbit knew of the issue as early as 2018 but didn’t inform the agency until after a 2022 recall. Despite a software update attempt in 2020, the problem … Continue reading Fitbit pays $12M to sprint away from claims of burning-hot smartwatches

Target becomes latest US firm to end DEI initiatives

Target is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives, following pressure from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. This move makes Target the latest company to pull back on policies aimed at increasing racial and ethnic representation in the workplace. The decision has sparked backlash on social media, with critics arguing it harms … Continue reading Target becomes latest US firm to end DEI initiatives

Moody’s upgrades its outlook on Argentina to ‘positive’

Moody’s upgraded Argentina’s long-term foreign and local currency debt rating from Ca to Caa3, with a positive outlook. While praising the government’s efforts at macroeconomic stabilization, Moody’s warned of significant risks to the country’s ability to meet external debt payments. Argentina’s new rating remains low, indicating high credit risk. Despite challenges, President Javier Milei’s reforms have helped improve fiscal, monetary, and economic conditions. However, external … Continue reading Moody’s upgrades its outlook on Argentina to ‘positive’

Egg prices soar as bird flu outbreak worsens

Egg prices are rising nationwide due to an ongoing bird flu outbreak, with Long Island residents now paying up to $7.24 per dozen. The virus has led to the euthanization of millions of birds, causing supply shortages and pushing prices up by 36.8% over the past year. In New York, prices increased by 52 cents just last week. Experts say the coming weeks will determine … Continue reading Egg prices soar as bird flu outbreak worsens

Trump says residents of Greenland want to be part of US

Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the US will eventually take control of Greenland, despite Denmark’s refusal to sell the territory. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, claimed the 57,000 residents of Greenland “want to be with us” and argued that the US can provide global freedom. His comments followed a “horrendous” phone call with Denmark’s prime minister, during which he reportedly threatened tariffs on … Continue reading Trump says residents of Greenland want to be part of US

Democrats are splintered on immigration and how to respond to Trump

When Donald Trump took office in 2017, his tough stance on immigration sparked widespread protests, but by his second term, Democrats were helping pass immigration legislation. However, the party remains divided on how to respond to Trump’s push to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Some Democrats have voted for stricter enforcement, such as the Laken Riley Act, which requires detaining … Continue reading Democrats are splintered on immigration and how to respond to Trump

Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at various federal agencies

President Donald Trump fired 17 independent inspectors general across various federal agencies late Friday, continuing his efforts to reshape the government. The dismissals affected agencies like the Defense, State, and Energy Departments, among others. The firings have sparked criticism, with some calling it a “widespread massacre” and claiming that the replacements will be loyalists. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley raised concerns that the firings … Continue reading Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at various federal agencies

Belarus exit poll puts Lukashenko on 87.6% of vote in presidential election

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is on track to win a seventh term with 87.6% of the vote in Sunday’s election, according to an exit poll. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, faces criticism from the US and EU, who argue the election cannot be fair due to the suppression of independent media and opposition figures. Turnout was reported at 81.5%. Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, … Continue reading Belarus exit poll puts Lukashenko on 87.6% of vote in presidential election

South Korea’s president charged with insurrection over declaration of martial law

South Korean prosecutors have indicted suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol on insurrection charges related to his brief declaration of martial law in December. Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, which he justified by accusing the opposition of North Korean sympathies, sparked political turmoil and was quickly overturned by parliament. Yoon denies wrongdoing but was impeached and arrested last week. Prosecutors confirmed they have sufficient evidence … Continue reading South Korea’s president charged with insurrection over declaration of martial law

Acting deputy AG visits Chicago to ‘observe’ immigration enforcement crackdown

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove visited Chicago on Sunday to observe the start of increased immigration enforcement promised by the Trump administration, though few details were provided. Bove watched as Homeland Security agents, along with FBI and ATF officers, conducted operations, but specific locations and arrests were not disclosed. The operation follows heightened concerns in immigrant communities, with rights groups preparing for potential arrests … Continue reading Acting deputy AG visits Chicago to ‘observe’ immigration enforcement crackdown

Army tells units to prepare for deployment to the U.S.-Mexico border

The U.S. Army has alerted units to prepare for potential deployment to the U.S.-Mexico border, anticipating a decision to increase military presence within 24-48 hours. While no official orders have been issued, options under review include deploying Stryker armored vehicles. Under the Trump administration, border security has been a priority, with a national emergency declared early in Trump’s presidency. Plans include deploying up to 10,000 … Continue reading Army tells units to prepare for deployment to the U.S.-Mexico border

U.S. Coast Guard works to free ship trapped in Lake Erie ice

The U.S. Coast Guard is working to free the motor vessel Manitoulin, stuck in ice on Lake Erie since Wednesday. Icebreaking efforts involve multiple ships, including the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Bristol Bay and Neah Bay, along with the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley. A helicopter from Air Station Detroit is monitoring the situation, and the heavy icebreaker Cutter Mackinaw is expected to arrive … Continue reading U.S. Coast Guard works to free ship trapped in Lake Erie ice

Man arrested for online threats to Trump

A Florida man, Shannon Depararro Atkins, 46, was arrested near his West Palm Beach home for allegedly making online threats against President Donald Trump. Police said Atkins posted violent rhetoric, including a meme referencing a 2024 assassination attempt, on Facebook. He claimed the posts were jokes, but authorities emphasized the seriousness of such threats, ABC News has reported. The arrest followed an FBI tip, and … Continue reading Man arrested for online threats to Trump

Los Angeles fire zones are now facing mudslide threats

Los Angeles officials warn of potential mudslides in fire-affected areas like Altadena and Malibu as heavy rain is expected through Monday. Burn scars from the Eaton and Palisades fires increase the risk, with crews taking preemptive measures, including clearing storm drains and placing sandbags. Residents, such as Pacific Palisades homeowner Joan Herman, fear slides could now threaten their homes, KTLA has reported. A flood watch … Continue reading Los Angeles fire zones are now facing mudslide threats

Thieves blow open museum door with explosives, steal gold artifacts

Thieves used explosives to break into the Drents Museum in the early hours, stealing three Dacian royal bracelets and the golden Cotofenesti helmet from the “Dacia – Empire of Gold and Silver” exhibit. The museum’s director, Harry Tupan, called it the most significant incident in its 170-year history. While no injuries occurred, the building sustained damage, the Local 12 news has reported. Police and investigative … Continue reading Thieves blow open museum door with explosives, steal gold artifacts

Airstrike kills at least 70 in North Darfur capital as Sudan’s civil war rages

A drone strike on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, killed at least 70 people, mostly women and children, according to officials and the WHO. The attack targeted the last functioning hospital in North Darfur’s capital, which was packed with patients. This marks another escalation in Sudan’s 20-month civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), … Continue reading Airstrike kills at least 70 in North Darfur capital as Sudan’s civil war rages

International peacekeepers killed as fighting rages around eastern Congo’s key city

Fighting between M23 rebels and allied forces in eastern Congo has left at least 13 peacekeepers and soldiers dead, including troops from the U.N. and the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC). M23, accused of receiving Rwandan support, has advanced toward Goma, a key city of 2 million. Congo’s army, with allied forces, repelled an offensive near the city. The U.N. Security Council moved an … Continue reading International peacekeepers killed as fighting rages around eastern Congo’s key city

Trump proposes Jordan, Egypt take in Gazans and ‘we just clean out’ decimated Strip

Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Arab nations like Jordan and Egypt to create a “clean slate” in the war-torn region. Arab states strongly oppose this, citing fears of permanent displacement and Israel’s refusal to guarantee refugees’ return. Over 100,000 Gazans entered Egypt during the war, facing high fees and little support. Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” … Continue reading Trump proposes Jordan, Egypt take in Gazans and ‘we just clean out’ decimated Strip

Hamas frees 4 Israeli hostages in exchange for 200 prisoners

Four Israeli female soldiers were returned to Israel after being paraded by Hamas militants in Gaza City and handed to the Red Cross as part of a fragile ceasefire. In exchange, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, including those with life sentences and detainees without charges. Celebrations erupted in Ramallah as freed Palestinians, some wearing Hamas headbands, arrived. However, tensions rose as Israel refused displaced Palestinians’ … Continue reading Hamas frees 4 Israeli hostages in exchange for 200 prisoners

Putin claims ‘Ukraine crisis’ may have been averted if Trump was president

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the crisis in Ukraine might have been avoided if Donald Trump had won the 2020 election, agreeing with Trump’s assertion that the war wouldn’t have happened under his leadership. Putin also echoed Trump’s claim about the election being “stolen.” Trump has previously said he could end the war in a day and suggested that Ukraine’s President Zelensky wants peace … Continue reading Putin claims ‘Ukraine crisis’ may have been averted if Trump was president

Trump admin tells agencies to start firing DEI staffers

The Trump administration is moving quickly to dismantle diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs in federal agencies. A memo issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management directs agency heads to terminate DEI offices and positions within 60 days. Agencies are also instructed to lay off staff and cancel DEI-related programs, trainings, and contracts. The directive has created anxiety among workers, with some being … Continue reading Trump admin tells agencies to start firing DEI staffers

Japan’s leader says he’s preparing for tough negotiations with Trump

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, facing challenges in stabilizing his minority government after an election loss in October, plans to prioritize regional security and strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. He is preparing for talks with President Donald Trump to secure continued U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific amid growing threats from China and North Korea. I shiba emphasized the need for Japan to bolster defense capabilities and deepen … Continue reading Japan’s leader says he’s preparing for tough negotiations with Trump

Trump revokes security protection for Covid adviser Fauci

President Donald Trump revoked security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top US health official who faced death threats during the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump defended the decision, stating it’s standard for government workers not to receive lifetime security. Trump also withdrew security protections for other former officials, including Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Brian Hook. Fauci, previously protected by federal marshals and a private … Continue reading Trump revokes security protection for Covid adviser Fauci

Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary as JD Vance Breaks Tie

The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense in a tense 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Three Republicans opposed the nomination, including Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell. Murkowski cited concerns about Hegseth’s past behavior, including infidelity, allegations of sexual assault, and excessive drinking. Despite these issues, Hegseth’s supporters, including the advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America, praised … Continue reading Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary as JD Vance Breaks Tie

12-year-old playing with friend shot after throwing snowball at car in Connecticut

Police in Hartford, Connecticut, are investigating a shooting that injured a 12-year-old boy after he threw a snowball at a passing car. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday when the victim, playing with an 11-year-old friend, was shot multiple times after the car circled back. The boy, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was taken to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The Hartford Police Major Crimes … Continue reading 12-year-old playing with friend shot after throwing snowball at car in Connecticut