Georgian leader backs harsh crackdown as over 40 people hospitalized amid protests

In Georgia, over 40 people were hospitalized after police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters in Tbilisi, following the government’s suspension of its EU membership bid. Pro-Russia Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the crackdown and claimed the move was to avoid foreign interference. The suspension came after the EU condemned Georgia’s recent elections as unfair, sparking criticism from the U.S. and EU over … Continue reading Georgian leader backs harsh crackdown as over 40 people hospitalized amid protests

Ukraine issues ultimatum on NATO membership

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine will accept no security guarantees other than full NATO membership, calling it the only effective deterrent against Russian aggression. In a letter to NATO counterparts, Sybiha criticized past agreements like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum as ineffective and urged correcting the “strategic mistake” of not providing Ukraine with real security guarantees. The statement comes as NATO foreign ministers … Continue reading Ukraine issues ultimatum on NATO membership

Vietnam court may commute tycoon’s death sentences if she repays $11 billion

Vietnam’s high court upheld the death sentence for real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, 67, for orchestrating the country’s largest financial fraud, involving $12.5 billion. The court ruled the sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment if she reimburses $11 billion, three-fourths of the losses. Lan, who controlled Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank and approved fraudulent loans, was convicted of embezzlement, bribery, and illegal bond … Continue reading Vietnam court may commute tycoon’s death sentences if she repays $11 billion

Israel threatens to ‘go deeper’ into Lebanon as strikes strain ceasefire

Tensions escalate as tit-for-tat strikes strain a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes killed nine in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, citing Israeli truce violations. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, warned Tuesday that Lebanon could face direct retaliation if the ceasefire collapses, ending the separation between Lebanon and Hezbollah in Israeli responses. Since the truce began, … Continue reading Israel threatens to ‘go deeper’ into Lebanon as strikes strain ceasefire

South Korean president to lift martial law after own party voted against it

Martial law in South Korea lasted just six hours, sparking widespread outrage after President Yoon Suk Yeol suspended parliament, banned political gatherings, and ended a doctors’ strike, citing vague threats from North Korea. The National Assembly unanimously voted to lift the order, forcing Yoon to comply. His actions caused political chaos, with mass protests calling for his impeachment and accusations that he targeted domestic opponents … Continue reading South Korean president to lift martial law after own party voted against it

The sun is at its solar maximum

The sun has entered a more active phase, known as solar maximum, with increasing solar storms, flares, and plasma eruptions. These events have triggered geomagnetic storms on Earth, creating vivid auroras visible farther south than usual. The heightened activity is expected to continue for the next year. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, set to make its closest-ever approach to the sun on Dec. 24, will study … Continue reading The sun is at its solar maximum

SpaceX launches fifth mission bolstering US government reconnaissance satellite architecture

SpaceX successfully launched the NROL-126 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Saturday. This mission, the fifth in the NRO’s proliferated architecture program, carried government satellites and 20 Starlink satellites to orbit. It marked SpaceX’s 100th successful launch from the base. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster also successfully landed on a drone ship in the Pacific … Continue reading SpaceX launches fifth mission bolstering US government reconnaissance satellite architecture

Over a month into mission, Europa Clipper continues deploying instruments

NASA’s Europa Clipper mission launched on October 14, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, beginning its journey to Jupiter. As of now, the spacecraft is about 20 million km from Earth. The spacecraft has deployed its solar arrays and magnetometer boom, with instruments being gradually activated. Europa Clipper will travel over 2.9 billion km, including two flybys of Mars and Earth, before reaching Jupiter. … Continue reading Over a month into mission, Europa Clipper continues deploying instruments

Chinese military trials ‘robot dogs’ armed with machine guns learn lessons from Ukraine

China has developed a regiment of robot dogs, equipped with weapons and programmed to respond to human voice commands. These cyber-canines are used for intelligence gathering, hunting enemies, and delivering firepower with mounted guns. While the U.S. and UK focus on using robot dogs for mine clearance, reconnaissance, and surveillance, China has gone further, testing armed robot dogs and even a robot shark. The U.S. … Continue reading Chinese military trials ‘robot dogs’ armed with machine guns learn lessons from Ukraine

Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warship

The U.S. Navy is transforming the USS Zumwalt, a costly warship, into a platform for hypersonic weapons. Workers are replacing its unused gun system with missile tubes to launch the “Conventional Prompt Strike” hypersonic missiles, which travel over Mach 5. This upgrade aims to enhance the ship’s capabilities, offering fast, precise strikes from long distances. Despite its reputation as an expensive mistake, the Zumwalt remains … Continue reading Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warship

Mass deportation plan can use AI to extend immigration crackdown

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to launch the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history, starting with criminals and possibly repealing Temporary Protected Status for certain individuals. His administration has appointed hard-line immigration officials, such as Thomas Homan and Stephen Miller, to lead the crackdown. Although the details are unclear, Trump has signaled that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a role in the operation. The … Continue reading Mass deportation plan can use AI to extend immigration crackdown

Biden pardons son on gun, tax charges

President Joe Biden has decided to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, ahead of his December sentencing for federal gun charges and tax evasion. This marks a reversal of Biden’s previous stance, where he had repeatedly stated he would not use his pardon power for his son. The pardon will cover Hunter’s gun charges and guilty plea. The decision comes after months of internal discussions, despite … Continue reading Biden pardons son on gun, tax charges

Elon Musk asks court to block OpenAI from converting to a for-profit

Elon Musk is asking a federal court to prevent OpenAI from fully transitioning into a for-profit company. Musk, his AI startup xAI, and former OpenAI board member Shivon Zilis filed for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI, alleging the company required investors to avoid funding competitors, including xAI. The legal dispute, which escalated after Musk’s original March lawsuit, includes claims of antitrust violations and racketeering against … Continue reading Elon Musk asks court to block OpenAI from converting to a for-profit

Shoppers continue indulging in Black Friday sales, but mostly online

US consumers spent more on Black Friday than in the days leading up to it, with a 3.4% increase in retail sales year-over-year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. Online sales rose 14.6%, while in-store sales grew less than 1%. Shoppers focused on promotions with the best value, and grocery and restaurant spending also increased. Adobe Analytics reported $10.8 billion in online sales, up from $9.8 billion … Continue reading Shoppers continue indulging in Black Friday sales, but mostly online

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares steps down

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned on Sunday due to differences with the board amid declining sales, rising vehicle prices, and workforce layoffs. The company faced criticism for high prices on brands like Jeep and Ram, which hurt US sales, and Tavares’ compensation package sparked backlash. Under Tavares, Stellantis’ global sales dropped 10% in the first half of the year and 20% in the third quarter. … Continue reading Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares steps down

Trump threatens 100% tariff on Brics nations if they try to replace dollar

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on nine nations in the BRICS alliance—China, Russia, Brazil, India, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE—if they create a rival currency to the US dollar. Trump warned that these countries must commit to not backing any alternative currency or face severe tariffs on their exports to the US. Some allies view Trump’s threats as … Continue reading Trump threatens 100% tariff on Brics nations if they try to replace dollar

Trump praises ‘very productive’ Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trudeau

Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a “very productive” meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, discussing key issues such as fentanyl, illegal immigration, and trade. Trudeau, the first G7 leader to visit Trump since his election, is aiming to prevent the president-elect’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods. While Trump emphasized addressing the drug crisis and securing borders, Trudeau expressed a commitment to … Continue reading Trump praises ‘very productive’ Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trudeau

Trump taps daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs

President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Massad Boulos, a Lebanese billionaire businessman and father-in-law to Tiffany Trump, as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos, an accomplished lawyer and business leader, has been a longtime supporter of Republican values and played a key role in Trump’s outreach to the Arab American community. His appointment is expected to influence Trump’s approach to Middle … Continue reading Trump taps daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs

Trump says he’ll nominate Kash Patel as FBI director

President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of nominating Kash Patel as FBI director signals a potential shake-up at the agency. Patel, a strong Trump ally, contrasts with the current director, Christopher Wray, and may face resistance from Senate Republicans. Wray’s tenure, which has three years left, is typically safeguarded from political interference, the Associated press has reported. While some Republicans back Trump’s desire for a radical overhaul, … Continue reading Trump says he’ll nominate Kash Patel as FBI director

Former Democrat Congressman Calls For ‘Rebranding’ of ‘Toxic’ Party

Former Democratic Ohio Representative Tim Ryan called for a “rebranding” of the Democratic Party during an MSNBC appearance on Saturday, saying it is “toxic in so many places.” Ryan, reflecting on the party’s struggles, emphasized the need for a reset, urging a return to the policies of the Bill Clinton era, particularly focusing on economic growth and working-class Americans. He criticized the party for failing … Continue reading Former Democrat Congressman Calls For ‘Rebranding’ of ‘Toxic’ Party

Husband of Missing Oregon Woman Arrested and Charged with Murder After Her Remains Are Found

The husband of Oregon hiker Susan Lane-Fournier has been charged with second-degree murder after her body was discovered on November 29, six days after she went missing. The 61-year-old woman, who had been hiking with her two dogs, was reported missing on November 22. Her body was found four miles from her vehicle near Welches, Oregon. Susan’s husband, Michel Fournier, 71, was arrested following the … Continue reading Husband of Missing Oregon Woman Arrested and Charged with Murder After Her Remains Are Found

6 pulled from rubble alive after explosion mangles Missouri home, authorities say

Six people were rescued from the rubble of a collapsed home in Jefferson City, Missouri, after an unexplained explosion early Saturday morning. The victims, who suffered moderate to severe injuries, were taken to University Hospital, with some requiring helicopter transport due to critical conditions. Emergency responders, using specialized equipment, spent over three hours extricating the victims and two pets from the debris, NBC News has … Continue reading 6 pulled from rubble alive after explosion mangles Missouri home, authorities say

5 missing in Alaska after fishing boat capsizes: Coast Guard

Five people are missing after a 50-foot fishing boat capsized near Couverden Point, Alaska, early Sunday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. A mayday call and an emergency beacon signal were received, but only evidence of the boat’s capsizing has been found. Rescue efforts, involving the Coast Guard, a helicopter team, and Good Samaritans, continue amid harsh conditions with 60 mph winds and 6-foot sea … Continue reading 5 missing in Alaska after fishing boat capsizes: Coast Guard

4 million under winter storm alerts as snow buries Great Lakes region

Over 4 million people in five states remain under winter storm alerts as lake-effect snow continues to blanket the Great Lakes region. Western New York, including Buffalo, is especially hard-hit, with over 40 inches of snow already and up to 2 more feet expected by Monday. Emergency declarations are in place, and National Guard troops have been deployed in New York and Pennsylvania to assist … Continue reading 4 million under winter storm alerts as snow buries Great Lakes region

Two die as Storm Bora sweeps across Greece

Two men died as Storm Bora brought torrential rains and gale-force winds to Greece, causing severe flooding and damage. Rhodes saw over 30 cm of rain, with roads impassable, bridges collapsing, and a state of emergency requested. On Lemnos, flooding destroyed roads, and residents were evacuated due to fears of a dam overflow. Thessaloniki faced power outages, railway delays, and a cargo ship collision due … Continue reading Two die as Storm Bora sweeps across Greece