Cuba restores power grid but planned outages to resume amid energy crisis

Cuba’s national electricity grid has been restored after a nationwide blackout, but power generation remains insufficient to meet demand. The blackout, the third in two months, was triggered by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, overwhelming the country’s aging, oil-fired power system. With half of its facilities offline and reduced oil imports, Cuba faces daily five-hour rolling blackouts. Recent hurricanes and fuel shortages … Continue reading Cuba restores power grid but planned outages to resume amid energy crisis

Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in Europe for the first time

Researchers in Spain are urgently searching for the nest of southern giant hornets, a species found in Europe for the first time. Known for destroying beehives in hours, these “murder hornets” were spotted twice in Asturias province, with the first sighting in 2022. Likely introduced via cargo ships, their presence threatens native ecosystems and pollination-dependent crops. The hornets, which nest underground, are difficult to locate. … Continue reading Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in Europe for the first time

Assad regime under major pressure as Islamist rebels seize more territory

Anti-Assad rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured the strategic city of Hama, marking a significant turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war. The U.S., while acknowledging the destabilizing effects, denied involvement and called for de-escalation. HTS, designated a terrorist group, has spearheaded recent advances and warned Iran-backed militias to stay out of the conflict. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are countering an … Continue reading Assad regime under major pressure as Islamist rebels seize more territory

Canada man jumps on polar bear to defend wife from attack

A man in Ontario’s far north leapt onto a polar bear to save his wife from an attack outside their home in Fort Severn First Nation. The bear lunged at the woman, who slipped, prompting her husband to intervene. He suffered serious injuries to his arms and legs but is expected to recover. A neighbor shot the bear, which later died in nearby woods, the … Continue reading Canada man jumps on polar bear to defend wife from attack

Italian police arrest nun over links to mafia

Italian police arrested 24 people, including a nun named Sister Anna Donelli, as part of a mafia investigation targeting the ‘Ndrangheta, one of Europe’s most powerful criminal groups. Sister Donelli is accused of acting as a go-between for the mafia and jailed members while volunteering at a prison. The operation, spanning northern and southern Italy, also led to the arrest of two politicians and the … Continue reading Italian police arrest nun over links to mafia

206 priceless archaeological, heritage sites destroyed by Israel in Gaza: Palestinian official

The Israeli army has destroyed or severely damaged 206 archaeological and heritage sites in Gaza, according to Palestinian official Ismail Thawabteh. The sites, which include ancient landmarks like the Great Omari Mosque, Byzantine Church in Jabalia, and the Al-Saqqa House, span from the Phoenician and Roman eras to more recent ones, some over 400 years old. Thawabteh claims this destruction is part of a systematic … Continue reading 206 priceless archaeological, heritage sites destroyed by Israel in Gaza: Palestinian official

European twin satellites to create perfect artificial solar eclipse

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on December 4th, using the PSLV-XL rocket. Proba-3 will deploy two spacecraft, the Occulter and Coronagraph, which will fly in close formation to create artificial solar eclipses, enabling detailed study of the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. This mission will offer scientists an unprecedented view of the corona, … Continue reading European twin satellites to create perfect artificial solar eclipse

China debuted a new rocket on the nation’s path to the Moon

China’s new Long March 12 rocket successfully completed its inaugural flight on Saturday, placing two experimental satellites into orbit and testing upgraded engines for future lunar missions. The rocket, launched from the Wenchang spaceport, is designed to be a more affordable option for deploying small satellites and competing with SpaceX’s Starlink. It uses four upgraded YF-100K engines, which will also be used on the upcoming … Continue reading China debuted a new rocket on the nation’s path to the Moon

Asteroid nearly hits Earth in Siberia, with a 2nd massive asteroid passing this week

A small asteroid, C0WEPC5, was visible in northern Siberia on Tuesday as it approached Earth. The European Space Agency alerted that the 27-inch asteroid would create a visible fireball upon entry, though the impact was deemed harmless. It entered Earth’s atmosphere over Yakutia in northeastern Siberia, producing a bright fireball witnessed by locals. This marked the fourth detected asteroid strike of the year, ABC News … Continue reading Asteroid nearly hits Earth in Siberia, with a 2nd massive asteroid passing this week

Hyundai and Kia unveil “X-ble Shoulder,” a wearable robot

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have developed the “X-ble Shoulder,” a wearable robot designed to improve industrial efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries. This lightweight, non-powered exoskeleton helps workers with overhead tasks by reducing shoulder strain by up to 60% and deltoid muscle strain by 30%. Weighing only 4.2 lbs, it uses a multi-link structure to generate assistive force without the need for charging. The … Continue reading Hyundai and Kia unveil “X-ble Shoulder,” a wearable robot

Ukraine buys thousands of armored robot buggies to hold front lines

Ukraine has purchased thousands of uncrewed robotic ground vehicles to transport supplies and evacuate wounded soldiers, reducing the risk to troops in high-risk areas near the frontlines. These vehicles are already in use along the front and in Russia’s Kursk region. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for innovation, highlighted plans to expand the fleet to tens of thousands next year. Meanwhile, Ukraine has ramped … Continue reading Ukraine buys thousands of armored robot buggies to hold front lines

China’s tiny 15 mm robot sets new speed record

Chinese researchers have developed the BHMbot-B, a 15mm microrobot capable of fast, precise forward and backward movements, ideal for navigating tight spaces. It uses a unique vibration control system with electromagnetic actuators and a cantilever to switch between forward and backward motions. The robot can move at speeds of 360 mm/s forward and 338 mm/s backward, and can carry loads up to 32 times its … Continue reading China’s tiny 15 mm robot sets new speed record

China hits back at U.S. with export ban on rare minerals

China has banned the export of certain rare minerals, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the U.S. in response to the Biden administration’s new export controls on chip manufacturing equipment and software. These minerals are critical for producing semiconductor chips, solar panels, and military technologies. China dominates their global production, and the move also includes stricter reviews of graphite exports used in electric vehicle batteries, … Continue reading China hits back at U.S. with export ban on rare minerals

America’s biggest private company is laying off thousands of workers

Cargill, the largest privately held U.S. company, is laying off about 5% of its global workforce, roughly 8,000 employees, as food commodity prices decline. The layoffs are part of a long-term strategy set earlier this year. Cargill, which profited during the pandemic from rising food prices, is now facing a drop in grocery prices and a decline in U.S. cattle numbers. The company’s profits fell … Continue reading America’s biggest private company is laying off thousands of workers

Tesla CEO Elon Musk loses bid to get $56 billion pay package reinstated

Elon Musk lost his attempt to reinstate his 2018 CEO pay package, valued at $56 billion, when a Delaware judge upheld her previous ruling that the compensation plan was improperly granted. Tesla plans to appeal, and Musk called the ruling “absolute corruption.” The judge had ruled in January that Musk controlled Tesla and influenced the approval process, calling it “deeply flawed.” Despite the legal setback, … Continue reading Tesla CEO Elon Musk loses bid to get $56 billion pay package reinstated

Biden ‘proud’ to be in Angola for unprecedented visit

US President Joe Biden, on his first visit to Angola, expressed pride in being the first American president to visit the country. His talks with Angolan President João Lourenço focused on security and trade, including a US-backed railway project linking Angola with mining areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Biden’s visit is part of a broader US effort to boost trade and … Continue reading Biden ‘proud’ to be in Angola for unprecedented visit

Defiant Macron says he won’t resign, doubles down

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government will not collapse, despite a no-confidence motion set for a vote. Speaking from Saudi Arabia, Macron dismissed calls for his resignation, accusing Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and the Socialist faction of cynicism for supporting the motion. He criticized political gridlock in the National Assembly, where no single bloc has a majority. Macron … Continue reading Defiant Macron says he won’t resign, doubles down

Trump says he’ll attend Notre Dame Cathedral reopening celebration in Paris

President-elect Donald Trump will attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this weekend, marking his first foreign trip since the election. The cathedral, fully restored after a devastating fire in 2019, will reopen with a high-security celebration attended by around 50 world leaders. Trump expressed his honor at attending the event and praised French President Macron for the restoration efforts. The reopening will … Continue reading Trump says he’ll attend Notre Dame Cathedral reopening celebration in Paris

Single House race stands between Republicans and 1-seat majority

House Republicans may begin the new year with a one-seat majority, a precarious margin as President-elect Donald Trump plans an active first 100 days. A tight race in California’s 13th Congressional District, where Rep. John Duarte faces Democrat Adam Gray, could determine whether Republicans hold a one- or two-seat majority. As of Monday, Gray leads Duarte by 0.1%, with results to be certified by December … Continue reading Single House race stands between Republicans and 1-seat majority

Hunter Biden pardon ‘unprecedented’ and ‘very unusual,’ experts say

President Joe Biden issued a broad and rare pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering any federal crimes committed between January 1, 2014, and the end of 2024. Legal experts compared it to Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, calling it unprecedented in its wide scope. The pardon shields Hunter from future federal charges, including potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and … Continue reading Hunter Biden pardon ‘unprecedented’ and ‘very unusual,’ experts say

Good Samaritan finds two baby girls in an Indiana ditch after car was stolen

A good Samaritan in Indiana found two infant girls left in car seats in a ditch after their car was stolen. The babies, aged 4 and 5 months, were in a stolen silver Hyundai Sonata. The man discovered the infants while retrieving a package and immediately called 911. Police later confirmed the children were the missing girls, and the car was found nearby. Authorities praised … Continue reading Good Samaritan finds two baby girls in an Indiana ditch after car was stolen

FBI investigates mysterious drones filling night sky in New Jersey

Large drones have been appearing nightly over northern New Jersey, prompting concern among residents. The FBI and Morris County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the aerial phenomenon, though authorities have stated there is no immediate safety threat. The drones, which began appearing in mid-November, hover in formation and have been keeping locals like Julie Shavalier awake. While some residents are alarmed, the drones have not caused … Continue reading FBI investigates mysterious drones filling night sky in New Jersey

Secret Service agent fired at suspects outside of Janet Yellen’s house

An investigation is underway after a Secret Service agent, assigned to protect Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, discharged a weapon during a confrontation outside her home early Tuesday. Around 1:30 a.m., the agent observed a sedan with multiple occupants attempting to open car doors along the street near Yellen’s residence, according to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. A confrontation ensued, during which the agent fired their … Continue reading Secret Service agent fired at suspects outside of Janet Yellen’s house

Biden administration announces additional $725m in military assistance to Ukraine

The Biden administration is expediting $725 million in military aid to Ukraine, including Stinger missiles, Himars munitions, anti-drone weapons, and repair support, to bolster defenses against Russia before Donald Trump assumes the presidency in January. With Trump pledging to cut aid and push peace talks, Biden aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position with remaining funds approved by Congress. The package includes a policy exception allowing anti-personnel … Continue reading Biden administration announces additional $725m in military assistance to Ukraine

Ohio Woman Charged With Killing, Eating Cat Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty

Allexis Ferrell, 27, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in Ohio after killing and eating a cat at her Canton housing complex. She was sentenced to a year in jail and had been held on a $100,000 bond since her August arrest. Police found Ferrell with blood and fur on her and reported her silence when questioned, the Smoking Gun has reported. The case, which drew … Continue reading Ohio Woman Charged With Killing, Eating Cat Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty