SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Starlink satellites from Vandenberg in California

SpaceX launched 29 new Starlink satellites on Dec. 7 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 12:58 a.m. EST and reached low Earth orbit about nine minutes later, with the satellites deployed roughly an hour after launch. The rocket’s first stage, B1088, completed its 12th flight and landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in … Continue reading SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Starlink satellites from Vandenberg in California

Chinese CEO kicked by humanoid robot in simulated battle

A video has gone viral showing Zhao Tongyang, CEO of Chinese robotics startup EngineAI, being kicked to the ground by the company’s T800 humanoid robot. The stunt was staged to counter claims that previous videos of the robot were CGI. The T800, developed in Shenzhen, delivered a front kick to Zhao, who wore protective gear and was unharmed. The demonstration aimed to showcase the robot’s … Continue reading Chinese CEO kicked by humanoid robot in simulated battle

Government waives part of a Biden-era fine against Southwest Airlines

The U.S. Department of Transportation has waived the final $11 million of a $35 million civil penalty against Southwest Airlines for massive flight cancellations during a 2022 winter storm. The airline had canceled 17,000 flights, stranding over 2 million passengers, and was initially fined for failing to assist travelers. Southwest had already made $24 million in payments, and the waiver reflects the company’s significant improvements … Continue reading Government waives part of a Biden-era fine against Southwest Airlines

A fire at a popular nightclub in India kills at least 25, officials say

At least 25 people, including several tourists, were killed in a nightclub fire in Arpora, Goa, caused by a gas cylinder explosion, officials said. Most of the victims were kitchen staff, while six others were injured and are in stable condition. The club’s narrow entry and exit delayed firefighting efforts, trapping some patrons and staff during the blaze. Authorities noted the club had previously received … Continue reading A fire at a popular nightclub in India kills at least 25, officials say

First phase of Gaza ceasefire plan nearly complete, says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the first phase of the UN-backed Gaza ceasefire is nearly complete, emphasizing that the next phase must include Hamas disarmament. He plans to discuss the second phase later this month with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose proposals form the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2803. During the first phase, Hamas released the last Israeli hostages in exchange … Continue reading First phase of Gaza ceasefire plan nearly complete, says Netanyahu

Japan protests after China military jet locks radar on Japanese aircraft

Japan on Monday accused Chinese military aircraft of locking radar onto its fighter jets near Okinawa, while denying Beijing’s claims of Japanese interference. Japanese officials said the F-15 jets maintained a safe distance during the incidents, which lasted a few minutes in the afternoon and about 30 minutes in the evening, and no Japanese airspace was violated. China defended its actions, calling the exercises pre-announced … Continue reading Japan protests after China military jet locks radar on Japanese aircraft

Hundreds of works in the Louvre damaged by flooding

A burst pipe at the Louvre in Paris last week caused flooding that damaged 300 to 400 works in the museum’s Egyptian antiquities library, including books and periodicals used by researchers. Staff are working to dry and preserve the affected items, some of which date back to the 19th century. The damaged area is scheduled for a major ventilation and heating system renovation starting in … Continue reading Hundreds of works in the Louvre damaged by flooding

Mamdani tells immigrant New Yorkers they have right not to comply with ICE

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani posted a video explaining immigrants’ rights in interactions with ICE following a recent raid in Manhattan. He said immigrants have the right to remain silent, record agents, and deny entry to private spaces unless officers have a judicial warrant. Mamdani emphasized that ICE agents can legally lie, and people may continually ask if they are free to leave. His … Continue reading Mamdani tells immigrant New Yorkers they have right not to comply with ICE

Toddler among 21 victims in pepper spray, robbery attack at London airport

A 31-year-old man was arrested Sunday after a robbery at Heathrow Airport in which 21 people, including a young child, were pepper-sprayed. Police said a woman’s suitcase was stolen inside a parking-garage elevator by four men who sprayed an irritant, affecting people nearby. Authorities believe the suspects and victim knew each other and said the incident was not terrorism-related but rather an argument that escalated. … Continue reading Toddler among 21 victims in pepper spray, robbery attack at London airport

Thailand launches airstrikes along border with Cambodia

Thailand launched airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia after both countries accused each other of firing first. The clash threatens a U.S.-brokered ceasefire from October, which followed deadly fighting in July. Thailand said Cambodian forces opened fire, killing one Thai soldier, prompting airstrikes, while Cambodia claimed Thailand initiated the conflict. Civilians near the border fled and schools closed as tensions escalated, NBC News has … Continue reading Thailand launches airstrikes along border with Cambodia

Judge blocks Trump prosecutors from accessing key evidence in Comey case

A federal judge has temporarily blocked prosecutors from accessing materials from James Comey’s ally, Daniel Richman, complicating the ongoing criminal case against the former FBI director. Richman, a Columbia law professor and Comey confidant, sued in November, alleging the government unlawfully searched his computer to support claims that Comey lied to Congress about authorizing leaks. The judge ruled that the warrantless search likely violated Richman’s … Continue reading Judge blocks Trump prosecutors from accessing key evidence in Comey case

ESA images show 3I/ATLAS getting active ahead of its close encounter with Earth

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known object from outside our solar system, is departing the inner solar system after months of high-speed travel at roughly 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h). Discovered in June and confirmed in July, it made close approaches to Mars and the Sun in October and will pass about 170 million miles from Earth on December 19. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and … Continue reading ESA images show 3I/ATLAS getting active ahead of its close encounter with Earth

Bessent sells his soybean farm, says farmers still need help

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed he sold his soybean farm last week, fulfilling an ethics agreement upon taking office, while emphasizing that U.S. farmers still need federal support despite a trade deal with China. Bessent highlighted that certainty for farmers depends on long-term purchase agreements, noting that the October deal with China has resumed soybean imports after months of halted purchases. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins … Continue reading Bessent sells his soybean farm, says farmers still need help

Kremlin hails Trump’s national security strategy as aligned with Russia’s vision

The Kremlin praised Donald Trump’s new national security strategy, calling it aligned with Russian thinking and welcoming its emphasis on dialogue and improved U.S.-Russia relations. The announcement comes as U.S. efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine enter a critical phase, with talks in Florida and an upcoming meeting in London between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders, and U.S. officials. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s … Continue reading Kremlin hails Trump’s national security strategy as aligned with Russia’s vision

Magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes remote area near Alaska-Canada border

A magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck a remote area near the Alaska–Yukon border on Saturday, with no tsunami warning issued and no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The USGS reported the quake occurred about 230 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon, at a depth of roughly 6 miles. Residents in Whitehorse reported feeling the tremor, with minor items falling off … Continue reading Magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes remote area near Alaska-Canada border

Troops and warplanes deployed in Benin after ‘failed coup attempt’

West African troops were deployed to Benin on Sunday following an attempted coup by a group of soldiers who attacked state institutions and briefly seized state TV. President Patrice Talon said the situation was “totally under control” after loyalist forces regained control, while ECOWAS sent forces from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone to support the government. The mutinying soldiers, calling themselves the Military … Continue reading Troops and warplanes deployed in Benin after ‘failed coup attempt’

Only 12 Pearl Harbor survivors remain on the 84th anniversary

This year’s Pearl Harbor remembrance marks a historic first: none of the 12 surviving centenarians are able to attend the ceremony in Hawaii, ending the era of firsthand witnesses at the event. The attack in 1941 killed over 2,300 troops and drew the U.S. into World War II, and while survivors have long been central to commemorations, their numbers have dwindled from thousands to just … Continue reading Only 12 Pearl Harbor survivors remain on the 84th anniversary

Cleanup continues in Chicago after Sunday’s snowfall

Overnight snowfall brought slick roads and slushy sidewalks to Chicago and parts of Northwest Indiana, pushing the city’s seasonal total to more than 17 inches—the fastest accumulation since 1978. Crews worked early, with more than 200 city plow trucks clearing streets before most residents woke up. Workers like Eric Soto were called in overnight to clear walkways, while parking lots, neighborhoods and major roads saw … Continue reading Cleanup continues in Chicago after Sunday’s snowfall

Trump pledges to reassert Monroe Doctrine to restore American power

President Donald Trump released a national security blueprint that asserts U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and introduces a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine. The strategy argues that keeping the region “reasonably stable” and free from foreign influence is essential to U.S. security. It seeks to “enlist and expand” partnerships—working with established allies to combat migration, drug trafficking and security threats, while building new … Continue reading Trump pledges to reassert Monroe Doctrine to restore American power

Top Armed Services Dem says Sept. 2 strike video would show Republicans’ description ‘completely false’

The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Adam Smith, said surveillance video of a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel contradicts claims made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Republicans. Smith, who viewed the footage, said the surviving individuals were unarmed, stranded, and unable to fight, disputing assertions that they were attempting to recover drugs or reengage. He … Continue reading Top Armed Services Dem says Sept. 2 strike video would show Republicans’ description ‘completely false’

More than 200,000 power banks sold on Amazon recalled over fire and burn risks

About 210,000 INIU portable lithium-ion power banks sold on Amazon have been recalled due to risks of overheating, fires and burn injuries. The recalled units are model BI-B41, sold between August 2021 and April 2022, and include serial numbers 000G21, 000H21, 000I21 and 000L21. At least 15 overheating incidents were reported, including 11 fires that caused minor injuries and property damage. Consumers are urged to … Continue reading More than 200,000 power banks sold on Amazon recalled over fire and burn risks

Russia rapidly gaining territory in Ukraine as peace talks stall

Russia has recently accelerated its territorial gains in Ukraine, seizing about 200 square miles in November, one of the fastest advances since the war began. Western leaders, including Volodymyr Zelensky, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz, are meeting for emergency talks amid concerns over weakening support for Kyiv. European officials insist Ukraine is not close to collapse but warn that long-term backing is … Continue reading Russia rapidly gaining territory in Ukraine as peace talks stall

Doctor who sold ketamine to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry before his overdose death gets 2 1/2 years in prison

Dr. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to 2½ years in prison and two years of probation for illegally selling ketamine to Matthew Perry shortly before the actor’s 2023 overdose death. The judge stressed that Plasencia didn’t supply the fatal dose but exploited Perry’s addiction for profit. Perry’s family delivered emotional victim impact statements, describing the actor as beloved worldwide. Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of … Continue reading Doctor who sold ketamine to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry before his overdose death gets 2 1/2 years in prison

Salesforce beats on earnings, issues better-than-expected revenue forecast

Salesforce reported stronger-than-expected earnings, with adjusted EPS of $3.25 beating the $2.86 forecast, while revenue of $10.26 billion slightly missed estimates. Net income rose to $2.09 billion, boosted by a $263 million gain from strategic investments. The company highlighted strong cloud growth in Tableau and MuleSoft, with on-premises revenue recognized immediately rather than over time. For the fiscal fourth quarter, Salesforce expects $3.02–$3.04 in adjusted … Continue reading Salesforce beats on earnings, issues better-than-expected revenue forecast

November private payrolls unexpectedly fell by 32,000

The U.S. labor market weakened in November as private payrolls fell by 32,000, driven largely by small businesses, according to ADP. Firms with fewer than 50 employees cut 120,000 jobs, while larger companies added 90,000. Industry losses were led by professional and business services (-26,000), information services (-20,000), and manufacturing (-18,000), though education and health services (+33,000) and leisure and hospitality (+13,000) saw gains. Wage … Continue reading November private payrolls unexpectedly fell by 32,000