1,700-year-old Roman hoard includes gold coins depicting illegitimate emperor

Archaeologists in Luxembourg have uncovered a rare 1,700-year-old hoard of Roman gold coins near the foundation of a small Roman fort in Holzthum. The 141 coins, minted between A.D. 364 and 408, feature portraits of eight emperors, including Eugenius, a short-reigning usurper from 392 to 394. Eugenius’ coins are rare due to his brief rule and defeat in battle. The discovery, which was kept secret … Continue reading 1,700-year-old Roman hoard includes gold coins depicting illegitimate emperor

SpaceX launches NROL-153, expanding U.S. spy satellite constellation  

On January 9, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO) NROL-153 mission, marking the first NRO launch of the year. The rocket carried classified payloads to expand the U.S. intelligence and surveillance capabilities through a growing network of small, distributed satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). This mission is part of the NRO’s strategy to enhance satellite resilience and responsiveness, … Continue reading SpaceX launches NROL-153, expanding U.S. spy satellite constellation  

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Starlink satellites on record-breaking 25th flight

SpaceX set a new record for rocket reuse with the launch of its 25th Falcon 9 mission on January 10, 2025, carrying 21 Starlink broadband satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities. The first stage of the rocket successfully returned to Earth, landing on the drone ship “Just Read the Instructions” in the Atlantic Ocean. The Falcon 9’s upper stage continued to carry the satellites to … Continue reading SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Starlink satellites on record-breaking 25th flight

Mercury may have frozen water in craters, spacecraft flyby reveals

A recent flyby of Mercury by the BepiColombo spacecraft, a joint mission by the European Space Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, has led experts to believe that frozen water may exist on the planet’s surface. The spacecraft examined deep craters near Mercury’s north pole, revealing dark, shadowed areas that could contain frozen water. These cold spots, some of the coldest in the Solar System, … Continue reading Mercury may have frozen water in craters, spacecraft flyby reveals

Milwaukee Police Department Buying New Bomb Robot

The Milwaukee Police Department is set to replace its 22-year-old bomb robot, which is no longer functioning, with a new $254,000 model funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. The new robot will help inspect and defuse suspicious objects and is expected to be more reliable. Currently, the department’s robot has been down for months due to age and ongoing issues, … Continue reading Milwaukee Police Department Buying New Bomb Robot

‘Emotional support robot’ helps people fight depression

Romi is a palm-sized emotional support robot designed to help combat loneliness and depression by engaging users in casual conversations. Created by Mixi Inc., Romi uses AI to interact, providing comfort through greetings, mood recognition, and personalized chats. Unveiled at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, the robot costs around $570, with a new model, Romi Lacatan, priced at $580 plus a $12 monthly subscription. Currently … Continue reading ‘Emotional support robot’ helps people fight depression

Macy’s confirms closure of 66 stores under revitalisation plan

Macy’s has confirmed the closure of 66 stores as part of its “Bold New Chapter” strategy, which aims to drive sustainable growth. The company plans to close about 150 underperforming locations over three years, while focusing on 350 “go-forward” stores. CEO Tony Spring explained that these closures are necessary to prioritize resources for stores showing positive customer response. Since the strategy’s launch, pilot store investments … Continue reading Macy’s confirms closure of 66 stores under revitalisation plan

Kohl’s closing more than 20 stores nationwide

Kohl’s is closing 27 underperforming stores by April 2025, including one in Dallas at 18224 Preston Road, marking the only Texas closure. California will see the most closures, with 10 stores. CEO Tom Kingsbury emphasized that these decisions are part of their long-term growth strategy. Affected employees have been offered severance packages or the chance to apply for other roles. The closures coincide with Kingsbury’s … Continue reading Kohl’s closing more than 20 stores nationwide

US economy added 256K jobs in December, well above expectations

The U.S. economy added 256,000 jobs in December, surpassing expectations, while the unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%. Private sector payrolls rose by 223,000, with significant job gains in healthcare (46,100), retail (43,400), and leisure and hospitality (43,000). However, manufacturing saw a surprising loss of 13,000 jobs. Wage growth was steady, with average earnings increasing 0.3% monthly and 3.9% annually. The labor force participation rate remained … Continue reading US economy added 256K jobs in December, well above expectations

Biden extends temporary status of nearly 1M migrants ahead of Trump deportations

The Biden administration announced Friday that it would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1 million people from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela, offering work permits and deportation protections until 2026. This move comes just before Donald Trump’s presidency, as he plans to scale back the program. TPS provides legal reprieve for individuals from countries affected by disasters or conflicts. While the Biden … Continue reading Biden extends temporary status of nearly 1M migrants ahead of Trump deportations

U.S. reward for Venezuela’s Maduro increased to $25 million in effort to capture him

The U.S. Department of State has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to $25 million. Maduro, indicted since 2020 for his alleged role in drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, faces charges including cocaine trafficking and weapons crimes. He is accused of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a drug-trafficking group composed of Venezuelan officials, and coordinating … Continue reading U.S. reward for Venezuela’s Maduro increased to $25 million in effort to capture him

Gabbard reverses course on key intel-gathering tool as nomination teeters

Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, has shifted her stance on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which she previously sought to repeal. Now supporting the program, Gabbard called it crucial for national security while maintaining civil liberties. This change has raised concerns among GOP senators, especially due to her past opposition to the program. During Senate meetings, … Continue reading Gabbard reverses course on key intel-gathering tool as nomination teeters

Biden officials ‘screamed’ at Facebook to take down posts, Zuckerberg says

In a wide-ranging interview with Joe Rogan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized the Biden administration for pressuring social media companies to censor vaccine-related content, claiming Biden officials used aggressive tactics to force Meta to remove posts about vaccine side effects. He also praised President-elect Donald Trump, stating that he believes Trump wants America to succeed. Zuckerberg took swipes at Apple, calling its 30% App Store … Continue reading Biden officials ‘screamed’ at Facebook to take down posts, Zuckerberg says

Trump sentenced to penalty-free ‘unconditional discharge’ in hush money case

A New York judge sentenced President-elect Donald Trump to an “unconditional discharge” on Friday for his conviction in the hush money case, meaning he is considered a convicted felon but will face no further penalties. Trump, who will be inaugurated as president in 10 days, maintains his innocence and claims the case was politically motivated. The judge cited Trump’s impending immunity as the reason for … Continue reading Trump sentenced to penalty-free ‘unconditional discharge’ in hush money case

Woman who stabbed classmate to please Slender Man can be released from psychiatric hospital

Morgan Geyser, the Wisconsin woman who, at age 12, stabbed her classmate to please the fictional Slender Man, will be released from a psychiatric hospital after a judge determined she has made significant progress in her treatment. Geyser, now 22, has spent nearly seven years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Experts testified that she no longer poses a public safety risk. In 2014, Geyser … Continue reading Woman who stabbed classmate to please Slender Man can be released from psychiatric hospital

Nigeria round up children living on streets to put them in camp “for their rehabilitation”

Authorities in Kano, Nigeria, have started evacuating over 5,000 street children, viewed as a security threat amid the region’s economic crisis. The Hisbah police force has conducted midnight raids to remove these children from motor parks and markets. Many of the children are from broken homes and have no access to education or parental care, with many begging or selling items to survive. Kano has … Continue reading Nigeria round up children living on streets to put them in camp “for their rehabilitation”

Top Draft prospect Kyren Lacy wanted by cops for negligent homicide two days before he declared for NFL

LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy, a potential first-round NFL Draft pick, is wanted by police for a fatal car crash on December 17 near Lafourche Parish. Authorities allege Lacy, 24, was speeding and illegally passing vehicles, causing a collision that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall and injured two others. Lacy reportedly fled the scene without rendering aid. He faces charges of negligent homicide, reckless operation of … Continue reading Top Draft prospect Kyren Lacy wanted by cops for negligent homicide two days before he declared for NFL

National Guard Deployed To Stop Looting, Fight Blaze In California

The California National Guard deployed 400 troops Thursday night to assist in battling L.A. County wildfires and curbing looting in evacuated areas. The Eaton Fire has burned nearly 14,000 acres with 0% containment, forcing thousands to flee. A 6 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew is in place for evacuation zones, where 20 looters have been arrested. The troops, initially stationed near the Eaton and Palisades Fires, may … Continue reading National Guard Deployed To Stop Looting, Fight Blaze In California

Major Pacific Palisades Reservoir Was Offline And Empty When Fires Broke Out

A Los Angeles Times report revealed that the Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades was empty for repairs when devastating wildfires struck the area, leaving firefighters with low water pressure and dry hydrants in higher-elevation streets. Officials confirmed that the lack of water in the 117-million-gallon reservoir contributed to pressure issues, but it likely wouldn’t have fully mitigated the situation. The fires were fueled by … Continue reading Major Pacific Palisades Reservoir Was Offline And Empty When Fires Broke Out

Homeless Man with Blowtorch Tackled by Locals in LA as Police Confirm Wildfire Was Arson

A homeless man accused of attempting arson with a blowtorch in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, was subdued and zip-tied by locals performing a citizen’s arrest. Police detained the man, but his connection to the devastating Kenneth Fire, which has caused mass evacuations and significant damage, remains unclear. Celebrities like Khloe Kardashian and Henry Winkler have condemned the suspected arsonist as wildfires, fueled by extreme weather, … Continue reading Homeless Man with Blowtorch Tackled by Locals in LA as Police Confirm Wildfire Was Arson

US troops need to stay in Syria to counter the Islamic State group, Austin says

The U.S. must maintain troops in Syria to prevent the resurgence of ISIS following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. He emphasized securing detention camps holding thousands of ISIS fighters, including 2,000 deemed highly dangerous. U.S. forces, currently numbering around 2,000, work with the Kurdish-led SDF against ISIS, despite Turkey’s opposition to the SDF’s PKK ties. Austin highlighted the risk of ISIS fighters … Continue reading US troops need to stay in Syria to counter the Islamic State group, Austin says

Iran unveils underground storage facility, claims development of ‘new special missiles’

Iran unveiled an underground missile storage facility and announced the development of “new special missiles,” according to IRGC-affiliated media. The facility, described as a “dormant volcano,” reportedly supported operations against Israel earlier this year. Iran plans to reveal additional “missile and drone cities” during upcoming military drills. Meanwhile, Iranian volunteer forces held a large-scale exercise in Tehran. Despite regional setbacks, Iranian leaders assert their deterrence … Continue reading Iran unveils underground storage facility, claims development of ‘new special missiles’

Six dead in Indian temple stampede as free passes draw crowd of thousands

A stampede near India’s Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh killed six and injured 35 as thousands gathered for free visit passes during an auspicious period. The rush occurred when a gate opened, leading to a surge in the crowd. Authorities are investigating the cause, and the temple operator apologized, promising accountability. Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister visited the site, while the opposition blamed the … Continue reading Six dead in Indian temple stampede as free passes draw crowd of thousands

20 Israeli jets attack two ports and a power plant used by Houthis in Yemen

Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, targeting ports and a power plant used for military purposes, following continued drone and missile attacks by the Iran-backed group. Coordinated with the US, over 20 Israeli aircraft dropped 50 munitions on key locations, including the Hodeidah and Ras Isa ports. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz warned Houthi leaders of further consequences if aggression continues, … Continue reading 20 Israeli jets attack two ports and a power plant used by Houthis in Yemen

Gaza deaths top 46,000 as one study suggests it could be much higher

Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed over 600 people in early 2025, with total deaths surpassing 46,000 since the war began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel. A Lancet study suggests Gaza’s death toll may be underreported by up to 40%, possibly exceeding 64,000 by mid-2024. Israel blames Hamas for civilian deaths, citing their use of human shields. Negotiations for a … Continue reading Gaza deaths top 46,000 as one study suggests it could be much higher