Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney enters race to be Canada’s next prime minister

Mark Carney, former head of Canada’s central bank and the Bank of England, announced his candidacy for prime minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Carney, 59, is praised for his economic expertise, particularly during the 2008 crisis, and his role in managing Brexit. He criticized Trudeau for losing focus on the economy and vowed to focus on it if elected. Carney faces competition from ex-Finance Minister … Continue reading Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney enters race to be Canada’s next prime minister

Man who rammed gate near White House in attempt to overthrow government sentenced to 8 years

Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old from St. Louis, was sentenced to eight years in prison for ramming a rented truck into a gate near the White House on May 22, 2023. Kandula, who pleaded guilty to property damage, had plans to overthrow the U.S. government and replace it with a dictatorship based on Nazi ideology. After the crash, he was arrested with a Nazi flag … Continue reading Man who rammed gate near White House in attempt to overthrow government sentenced to 8 years

Driver in Texas migrant smuggling run that led to the deaths of 53 people pleads guilty

Homero Zamorano Jr., a Texas truck driver, pleaded guilty to charges in the 2022 smuggling tragedy that left 53 migrants dead in a sweltering trailer near San Antonio. Facing life in prison, Zamorano admitted to transporting migrants in unsafe conditions, knowing the trailer’s air-conditioning was broken. The incident, the deadliest smuggling attempt on the U.S.-Mexico border, involved migrants from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, … Continue reading Driver in Texas migrant smuggling run that led to the deaths of 53 people pleads guilty

Rudy Giuliani avoids trial by settling with Georgia election workers

Rudy Giuliani reached a settlement with Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, resolving a $150 million defamation case against him. The agreement allows Giuliani to keep his homes and possessions, including his Florida condo and New York Yankees memorabilia, while committing not to defame the women again. The case stemmed from Giuliani’s false claims following the 2020 election, and though the workers won … Continue reading Rudy Giuliani avoids trial by settling with Georgia election workers

FBI closed DEI office in December, agency says

The FBI announced the closure of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective December 2024, amid criticism from Republicans who argued the focus on DEI distracted from national security. Critics, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn and former FBI agents, claimed DEI initiatives misused taxpayer resources and detracted from the FBI’s core mission. The ODI, established in 2012, aimed to foster a diverse workplace but faced … Continue reading FBI closed DEI office in December, agency says

Weather eases up as progress made on LA fires

Firefighters made progress against two massive wildfires near Los Angeles as strong winds eased on Wednesday, though forecasters warn Santa Ana winds could return next week. Improved conditions, including cooler temperatures and a marine layer, are helping containment efforts, with nearly half of the Eaton Fire and 20% of the Pacific Palisades Fire controlled. The fires have killed 25 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and … Continue reading Weather eases up as progress made on LA fires

UK pledges support for Ukraine with 100-year pact

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Kyiv, signing a 100-year pact to support Ukraine with military, economic, and healthcare aid amid its ongoing war with Russia. Starmer pledged continued UK assistance, including a new mobile air defense system, troop training, and £3 billion annually. The visit coincided with air raid sirens following a Russian drone attack, highlighting Ukraine’s daily struggles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky … Continue reading UK pledges support for Ukraine with 100-year pact

UK backs local inquiries into child sexual abuse gangs after Musk stoked controversy

The UK government will support local inquiries into organized child sexual abuse and conduct a rapid audit on gang-based exploitation, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced. This follows public pressure, partly driven by Elon Musk, who criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not supporting a national inquiry and for alleged failures during his tenure as England’s chief prosecutor. The issue, involving “grooming gangs” linked to cases … Continue reading UK backs local inquiries into child sexual abuse gangs after Musk stoked controversy

Woman allegedly poisoned baby and posted videos online for donations, police say

A 34-year-old woman from Australia’s Sunshine Coast has been charged with poisoning a one-year-old girl, filming the infant’s suffering, and posting the videos online to gain donations and followers, police said. Authorities allege she administered unauthorized medicines from August to October 2024, ignoring medical advice and using old prescriptions. Hospital staff reported suspicions, and tests confirmed the poisoning. The woman faces charges including administering poison, … Continue reading Woman allegedly poisoned baby and posted videos online for donations, police say

Pope hurts arm after falling for second time in month

Pope Francis suffered a minor fall at his Vatican residence, injuring his right forearm, which was placed in a sling as a precaution, the Vatican reported. Despite the incident, he continued his duties, offering his left hand for handshakes. At 88, Francis has faced ongoing health challenges, including bronchitis and mobility issues requiring a wheelchair, walker, or cane, the Associated Press has reported. Speculation about … Continue reading Pope hurts arm after falling for second time in month

Israel Delays Cease-Fire Deal; Blames Hamas for Reneging

Israel delayed a cabinet vote on a Gaza cease-fire deal after Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Hamas of breaking parts of the agreement. The deal, mediated in Qatar, involves phased hostages and prisoner exchanges alongside humanitarian aid. Disputes over military withdrawal and prisoner releases remain unresolved. Right-wing Israeli politicians and protests oppose the truce, threatening Netanyahu’s coalition. Despite continued Israeli airstrikes and Hamas attacks, U.S. officials … Continue reading Israel Delays Cease-Fire Deal; Blames Hamas for Reneging

Structure discovered in Jerusalem’s City of David dates back to the First Temple, study finds

An ancient structure uncovered in Jerusalem’s City of David is believed to have been used for ritual practices during the First Temple period, according to a new study. The structure, consisting of eight rooms, contains an altar, standing stone, oil press, and wine press, suggesting it was used for cultic or religious activities. Dating back to the 8th century BCE, it may have ceased operation … Continue reading Structure discovered in Jerusalem’s City of David dates back to the First Temple, study finds

First Infrared Flare-Up Detected From The Milky Way’s Supermassive Black Hole

Astronomers have filled a critical gap in understanding the flares from Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, by observing them across multiple wavelengths. Previous studies focused on near-infrared, sub-millimeter, and radio waves, but lacked data in the mid-infrared (MIR) and X-rays. Recent observations with the Submillimeter Array (SMA) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) revealed synchrotron radiation, … Continue reading First Infrared Flare-Up Detected From The Milky Way’s Supermassive Black Hole

ESA spacecraft shuts down after 12 years of Milky Way mapping

The European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft, which has been mapping the Milky Way for 12 years, shut down its science operations on January 15 due to running low on propellant. Despite ceasing data collection, Gaia’s legacy continues, with valuable data still to be released. Gaia has studied nearly 2 billion stars, contributing to the most detailed 3D map of our local universe. The upcoming Gaia … Continue reading ESA spacecraft shuts down after 12 years of Milky Way mapping

SpaceX launches 2 private lunar landers to the moon

Two private lunar landers, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and Japan’s ispace’s Resilience, launched on January 15 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Blue Ghost, part of NASA’s CLPS program, is carrying 10 research payloads and will spend 25 days in Earth orbit before heading to the moon for a touchdown in Mare Crisium. Resilience, with a microrover named Tenacious, is … Continue reading SpaceX launches 2 private lunar landers to the moon

Moon rover-inspired robot could be a game-changer for Japan’s aging farmers

Japan’s aging population, with a third over 65, is causing a significant labor shortage, particularly in agriculture. The number of farmers under 60 has dropped drastically, leading to a reliance on robotics to address the issue. Tamir Blum, founder of Kisui Tech, is developing AI-assisted farming robots, like the Adam, designed to help with tasks such as carrying produce, cutting grass, and spraying pesticides. Kisui … Continue reading Moon rover-inspired robot could be a game-changer for Japan’s aging farmers

John Deere faces U.S. lawsuit over farmers’ ability to repair tractors

John Deere is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the states of Illinois and Minnesota, accusing the company of forcing farmers to use only authorized dealers for repairs, thereby boosting profits. The lawsuit stems from complaints that Deere restricts access to its software and repair tools, making it difficult for farmers to fix their own equipment or use independent … Continue reading John Deere faces U.S. lawsuit over farmers’ ability to repair tractors

FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods

U.S. regulators have banned the dye Red 3 from food products due to its cancer risk, nearly 35 years after it was prohibited in cosmetics. The FDA’s decision follows a petition from health advocates, citing studies that showed the dye caused cancer in lab rats. The ban applies to food, dietary supplements, and oral medicines but not to external products like cosmetics. Manufacturers have until … Continue reading FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods

Wall Street soars on record bank profits and cooling inflation

US stocks surged on Wednesday following a positive inflation report and strong bank earnings. The Dow rose 703 points, or 1.65%, with the S&P 500 up 1.83% and the Nasdaq climbing 2.45%. Inflation data showed a slowdown in core consumer prices, easing concerns about rising inflation and interest rates. Robust fourth-quarter profits from major banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citi, Wells Fargo, and BlackRock, … Continue reading Wall Street soars on record bank profits and cooling inflation

Biden, in farewell address, warns about dangers of unchecked power in wealthy

In his farewell address, President Joe Biden reflected on his political career and achievements, including leading the country out of the pandemic and advancing infrastructure and climate change initiatives. He expressed pride in his administration’s accomplishments but warned of the growing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, which he said threatens democracy. Biden also highlighted his role in securing a … Continue reading Biden, in farewell address, warns about dangers of unchecked power in wealthy

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol arrested

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol became the first sitting president to be arrested after a dramatic standoff with investigators. Yoon, 64, is under investigation for insurrection related to a failed martial law order on December 3. Despite being impeached by parliament, Yoon’s removal from office depends on a ruling by the Constitutional Court. His arrest followed a weeks-long standoff with investigators, who scaled walls … Continue reading South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol arrested

Rubio tells Senate committee the “top priority” of State Department will be U.S. in confirmation hearing

During his confirmation hearing, Sen. Marco Rubio, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as secretary of state, described China as the “most potent and dangerous near-peer adversary” the U.S. has faced, highlighting the country’s technological, industrial, economic, geopolitical, and scientific competition. Rubio stressed the importance of confronting China’s influence more forcefully, claiming the U.S. must prioritize national interests. He also defended Trump’s foreign policy decisions and … Continue reading Rubio tells Senate committee the “top priority” of State Department will be U.S. in confirmation hearing

Speaker Johnson removes Mike Turner as Intelligence Committee chair

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) decided not to reappoint Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) as chair of the House Intelligence Committee, a role Turner held since 2022. The move came after complaints from the Freedom Caucus and MAGA-aligned members of the party, with some attributing the decision to pressure from Mar-a-Lago. Johnson described the change as a need for a “fresh start” for the committee, despite praising … Continue reading Speaker Johnson removes Mike Turner as Intelligence Committee chair

Pam Bondi Vows to End ‘Weaponization’ of Justice if Confirmed as Attorney General

Pam Bondi, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for Attorney General, pledged to restore “one tier of justice for all” and address the weaponization of the Justice Department against political opponents. Bondi, Florida’s first female Attorney General, has been a strong Trump supporter, serving as his defense lawyer during his first impeachment and co-chair of Women for Trump in 2020. More than 100 former DOJ officials … Continue reading Pam Bondi Vows to End ‘Weaponization’ of Justice if Confirmed as Attorney General

Southwest pilot removed from cockpit, booked for DUI

A Southwest Airlines pilot, David Paul Allsop, was removed from the cockpit before a flight from Georgia to Chicago on Wednesday after allegedly showing signs of intoxication and smelling of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Southwest Airlines apologized for the disruption, ensuring customer safety and rescheduling flights. Allsop’s bail was set at $3,500, and he was released on bond. … Continue reading Southwest pilot removed from cockpit, booked for DUI