2025-04-09 06:03:04.941

Luka Doncic's night ended early during the Lakers' 136-120 loss to the Thunder on Tuesday. Referee JT Orr issued a second technical foul, believing Doncic had directed inappropriate comments towards him. However, Doncic maintains he was responding to a courtside fan. The incident occurred with 7:40 left in the fourth, after Doncic hit a key jumper, putting the Lakers ahead 108-107. Doncic stated he's never had a fan ejected but always responds when spoken to. LeBron James also commented on the situation, suggesting the referee took Doncic's words personally. Crew chief Tony Brothers claimed Doncic used vulgar language directed at an official. This was Doncic's second technical foul; his first came in the third quarter. With 14 technical fouls this season, he's two away from an automatic one-game suspension. The ejection significantly impacted the Lakers, contributing to the Thunder's 28-11 game-ending run.

2025-04-09 00:02:36.554

Britney Spears and her boyfriend, Paul Soliz, have ended their relationship, according to TMZ. The couple, who initially split in July 2024 before briefly reconciling in February, reportedly broke up again around Valentine's Day. While the reason for the split remains unclear, sources close to the couple believe it's over for good. Soliz has reportedly removed his belongings from Spears' Los Angeles home. Their relationship has been tumultuous, including a physical altercation at the Chateau Marmont in May 2024 that resulted in Spears injuring her ankle and a 911 call. The couple first met in 2023 when Soliz worked at Spears' house.

2025-04-08 18:00:24.995

'White Lotus' creator Mike White is furious with the show's departing composer, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, calling his public criticism a "bitch move." In an interview with Howard Stern, White expressed his disappointment over Veer's comments to The New York Times, which were published shortly before the Season 3 finale. White claims Veer, who composed the show's theme song, became arrogant, felt he was above receiving notes, and that their creative differences were exaggerated. White suggests this was a pattern of disrespect and seems content that Veer won't be involved in the upcoming Season 4, even describing Veer's behavior on set as giving him "dirty looks like he thought I was a chimp or something."

2025-04-07 18:00:20.855

At least 21 people have died in a series of deadly storms across the southern and midwest US. Severe rains, flooding rivers, and tornadoes have led to several evacuations. Some cities ordered residents to evacuate as floodwaters rose, with rescue crews using inflatable boats to check on residents in Kentucky and Tennessee. The Tennessee health department confirmed 10 deaths related to the severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding. While severe weather diminished in some areas, floodwater and debris hazards remain. Alabama and Mississippi faced new tornado warnings on Sunday, while flash flood warnings were in effect for several counties across Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Power and gas outages stretched from Texas to Ohio. The National Weather Service warned of continued river flooding in middle Tennessee. Over 90 tornadoes were reported across at least 10 states. Victims include a nine-year-old boy caught in floodwaters while walking to his school bus, a five-year-old killed when a tree fell on his home, and a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter who died in a crash during a rescue attempt. A 74-year-old was found dead in a submerged car. Authorities urged people not to drive through floodwaters. Some areas may remain underwater for days due to more rain. The storms are linked to the global climate crisis, with Climate Central predicting heavier rainfall and flood risks for the US.

2025-04-05 06:03:11.501

Dean Wells, a former NFL player who spent nine seasons in the league following a standout college career, died Thursday at the age of 54 after a two-year battle with cancer, the Carolina Panthers confirmed Friday. Wells, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023, underwent a bone marrow transplant last spring. In an interview last year, Wells expressed his determination, stating, “Show me who to tackle and I can do that. This is in the doctors’ hands and it’s in God’s hands.” A Louisville native, Wells played for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he set the team's single-season sacks record (10) and single-game record (5). The Wildcats remembered him on social media, highlighting his three-year starting role and contributions to the team. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Wells played six seasons with the team, becoming a starter in his third season and recording a career-high 107 tackles in his fourth. He consistently recorded at least 45 tackles in his final six seasons. He concluded his NFL career with three seasons playing for the Carolina Panthers. Throughout his career, he amassed 529 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three interceptions. Wells is survived by his wife and two sons.

2025-04-05 06:03:11.49

President Trump shared video footage of a US military airstrike on Houthi rebels in Yemen. The drone footage shows approximately 70 people gathered together before a massive explosion. The aftermath reveals numerous casualties and a large crater. Trump stated on Truth Social that the targets were planning an attack and that there would be no further attacks from them. He vowed to continue striking the Houthis until they cease attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, a campaign that began in March 2023. The White House and US Central Command did not comment on the video. Trump re-designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in January. The Houthis claim 58 deaths since the start of the US airstrikes. The military plans for the strikes were inadvertently leaked to a journalist prior to the operation.

2025-04-05 00:05:22.26

The New York City Department of Education (DOE) faced intense backlash after a monthly newsletter linked to a "Stop Gaza Genocide Toolkit." This 17-page document contained radical pro-Palestine messaging, advocating for boycotts of pro-Israel organizations and promoting anti-Israel activism. Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos issued an apology, calling the inclusion a "troubling oversight" and condemning the toolkit's hateful and antisemitic content. The link was swiftly removed, and an investigation was launched. The incident, which also involved a previous newsletter containing a similar link, ignited concerns about systemic antisemitism within the DOE. Parents, teachers, and advocacy groups expressed outrage, highlighting this as a recurring issue demanding urgent attention and meaningful reform. The City Council's Jewish Caucus also demanded accountability and preventative measures. While the chancellor's swift response was commended, many believe this is symptomatic of a deeper problem requiring comprehensive solutions.

2025-04-04 12:00:17.889

Donald Trump's sweeping 10 percent tariffs on most countries (excluding Russia) have sent shockwaves through the global economy. Wall Street experienced its largest one-day decline since the Covid pandemic, with a $3.1 trillion loss in market value. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 4 percent, the S&P 500 fell 4.8 percent, and the Nasdaq dipped 6 percent. JPMorgan Chase increased its prediction of a global recession in 2025 to 60 percent. China retaliated with 34 percent tariffs on all US goods. Analysts warn of potential iPhone price hikes exceeding 40 percent due to tariffs on Chinese-made components. Amidst the economic turmoil, Trump declared the situation "going very well." In other news, Trump expressed support for Marine Le Pen, and reportedly fired several National Security Council staff members following a meeting with Laura Loomer.

2025-04-03 06:00:55.876

The price of wholesale eggs has fallen to $3.00 a dozen, a 9% decrease from the previous week, according to the USDA. This follows months of shortages and record-high prices, with a dozen eggs reaching a 10-year high of $5.90 in February. The decline is largely due to a sharp decrease in avian influenza cases and reduced consumer demand at higher prices. While the avian flu initially killed 30 million egg-laying birds, outbreaks have been contained, with only 2.1 million birds affected in March. Farmers have improved biosecurity measures, and production is increasing. Retailers like Stew Leonard's are reporting lower prices, with eggs selling for $5.99 a dozen after reaching $10 in December. However, the USDA notes that it may take weeks for wholesale price drops to fully translate to grocery store shelves, and some stores still have purchase limits. Despite the positive trend, egg prices remain historically high, up 58.8% compared to a year ago.

2025-03-31 18:03:42.566

Baseball season is back, and the New York Yankees are making headlines. Their incredible start involves a customized bat called the "torpedo" bat, designed to maximize hitting power. This bat, developed by MIT physicist Aaron "Lenny" Leanhardt, redistributes the weight of the bat to a hitter's "sweet spot," leading to more powerful hits. The Yankees aren't alone; other teams are experimenting with the torpedo bat, but its effectiveness and legality are sparking debate. While some players praise its benefits, others express concerns about its fairness and potential impact on the game. The Yankees' impressive performance, fueled by the torpedo bat, raises questions about the future of bat design and the ongoing arms race between hitters and pitchers.

2025-03-28 06:00:43.503

Yolanda Saldívar, convicted of murdering Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in 1995, has been denied parole. The Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles cited Saldívar's continued threat to public safety and the nature of the crime as reasons for the denial. Saldívar, Selena's former fan club president and boutique manager, shot and killed the singer after being fired for embezzlement. Selena's family expressed gratitude for the decision. Saldívar, who is serving a life sentence, will be eligible for parole review again in 2030. Despite obtaining a paralegal degree and associate degree in criminal justice while incarcerated, and filing several civil rights complaints, her appeals were rejected. Selena, a groundbreaking Mexican American artist, was on the verge of mainstream English-language pop superstardom when she was murdered at age 23. Her legacy continues to inspire, with a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 and a 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez.

2025-03-28 00:02:36.103

Yolanda Saldivar, the woman who shot and killed Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, has been denied parole. A Texas parole board denied Saldivar's bid for freedom on Thursday, citing the violent nature of her crime and stating she poses an ongoing threat to society. Saldivar had been Selena's employee but was fired for embezzlement two weeks prior to the murder. Selena was 23 years old at the time of her death. Saldivar was convicted and is serving a life sentence. Her next parole hearing will be in March 2030. Selena's family released a statement applauding the decision, stating that while nothing can bring Selena back, the denial reaffirms that justice stands for Selena's life.

2025-03-27 06:01:38.521

Sydney Sweeney and her fiancé, Jonathan Davino, have called off their wedding, according to a source who spoke to Us Weekly. The source cited "major issues" in their relationship as the reason for the cancellation. While the couple is not fully split, they are "not throwing in the towel yet" and are working on their relationship. All wedding plans have been halted, and further discussions about the wedding are not happening. The couple, who began dating in 2018, were reportedly supposed to marry this spring. Sweeney's demanding career is allegedly causing tension; the source says Sweeney is focused on her work, while Davino wishes they could spend more quality time together. The constant speculation about Sweeney's relationships with her co-stars during movie promotions also adds to the stress, making for a "tough dynamic" for Davino. Breakup rumors began earlier this month when Sweeney was reported to be living separately from Davino for almost a month. Although Davino was later seen at Sweeney's home, and she deleted a PDA photo with him from Instagram, fueling further speculation.

2025-03-26 18:05:46.942

The Atlantic magazine published text messages from top Trump administration officials revealing minute-by-minute details and specific weapons used in a recent strike against the Houthis in Yemen. These messages, from a Signal group chat that accidentally included Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, detail the March 15th strike, including timestamps, aircraft types (F-18s and MQ-9 drones), and the launch of Tomahawk missiles. The texts were sent before the attack, raising concerns about the Houthis' ability to prepare. President Trump and other officials downplayed the incident, claiming no sensitive information was compromised, but security experts expressed alarm, highlighting the potential for catastrophic consequences and the breach of security protocols. The incident also raises questions about the use of Signal for sensitive communications and whether similar practices exist for other military operations. Despite claims from officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, that no classified information was shared, experts disagree, stating that operational details of troop movements are inherently classified.

2025-03-20 12:03:44.565

Tina Knowles, Beyonce's mother, responded to Kanye West's offensive comments about Beyonce and Jay-Z's children with a calm and classy Instagram post. Meanwhile, Kanye continues his erratic behavior, targeting Kim Kardashian with accusations of sex trafficking and displaying support for Nazi ideology. In other news, Eugene Henley Jr. (Big U), a founder of the Rollin' 60s Crips, is turning himself in after being charged in a federal RICO indictment involving murder and human trafficking. Sources close to Kim Kardashian find Kanye's accusations laughable, especially given his association with the Tate brothers. Deshaun Watson's engagement is predicted to improve his football performance. Brittany Mahomes shows off her post-partum fitness. A celebrity voice actor is revealed through a trivia game. Bella Hadid promotes her fragrance line with beachside photos. Courtney Stodden discusses the online abuse she faced, including comments from Chrissy Teigen. Aubrey Plaza's husband's death is reported, with details of their separation revealed. An AI algorithm error is blamed for removing Jackie Robinson's story from a Department of Defense website. Two minors are arrested for a fatal hit-and-run. A University of Georgia student whose mugshot went viral discusses the attention she's received. Workout clothing suggestions are provided, and a Cleveland Browns stadium security director recounts the unexpected birth of a baby at a game.

2025-03-19 00:00:43.493

President Donald Trump announced the imminent release of approximately 80,000 pages of documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This release, part of a broader effort to increase public access to government information, follows previous releases of Kennedy assassination records. While the National Archives has already released most of the relevant documents, thousands remain fully or partially withheld. Trump's announcement, made at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, stated that no information would be redacted. The release comes on the heels of controversy surrounding the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The newly released records will be accessible on the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection webpage. Experts offer varying opinions on the potential impact of this release, with some suggesting that it may not reveal a smoking gun but may contain details about the 'second gunman' theory in the Robert Kennedy assassination. Others believe the documents could be embarrassing for the CIA, potentially revealing failures in preventing the assassination. The release is a result of a 1992 law requiring the release of documents within 25 years, with exceptions for national security concerns.

2025-03-17 12:01:20.623

Donald Trump has made several significant moves, including declaring presidential pardons issued by Joe Biden as void due to the alleged use of an autopen. He also threatened members of the January 6th committee with investigation. His administration deported hundreds linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, defying a court order. Additionally, Trump is drafting a new three-tiered travel ban targeting 43 countries and is reportedly discussing the division of assets in Kyiv with Vladimir Putin. On Truth Social, he commented on recent storms, blamed Democrats for allowing "monsters" into the U.S., and discussed his golf game. Meanwhile, Republicans are pushing to classify "Trump Derangement Syndrome" as a mental illness, and the Democratic Party's popularity has hit a record low.

2025-03-17 00:00:36.48

Gold prices surged to a record high of $3,005 an ounce on Friday, fueled by investors seeking safe haven assets amid concerns about President Trump's tariffs and the ongoing geopolitical instability. The price briefly touched $3,000 before settling slightly lower. Experts attributed the surge to the "extreme uncertainty" surrounding global trade due to the Trump administration's policies and retaliatory measures from other countries. The rising gold price reflects broader investor concerns about the US economic outlook, with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers citing a lack of confidence in the country's leadership. The imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, along with Trump's threat of a 200% tariff on EU alcoholic beverages, further exacerbated the situation. This uncertainty is paralyzing businesses and fueling fears of a global economic slowdown. The war in Ukraine also significantly contributed to the rise in gold prices, with Russia's rejection of a US-proposed ceasefire adding to geopolitical instability. The conflict has driven a 60% increase in gold prices since the 2022 invasion, partly due to central banks increasing their gold reserves to mitigate risks associated with foreign reserves. A weakening dollar also boosted gold's appeal to international buyers.

2025-03-09 06:00:41.517

A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon red on Thursday night into Friday morning, offering stunning views across the Western Hemisphere. North and South America will have the best viewing conditions, while parts of Africa and Europe might catch a glimpse. Lunar eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon align, causing Earth's shadow to fall on the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon turns a coppery red due to sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere. These events happen four to seven times a year. The upcoming eclipse will be visible for about an hour starting at 2:26 a.m. Eastern on Friday, with peak viewing around 3 a.m. Eastern. No special equipment is needed to view the eclipse; simply look up at a clear sky. While the eclipse will be best seen in the Americas, those in Europe and Africa may have difficulty viewing due to the moon's setting. Another total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7th, visible in Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe, with parts of the Americas experiencing one in March 2026. Historically, lunar eclipses have held cultural significance, with ancient civilizations interpreting them in various ways. Aristotle's observations of the Earth's curved shadow on the moon during an eclipse provided evidence of Earth's round shape. In ancient Mesopotamia, a blood-red moon was considered a bad omen for the king, leading to the practice of installing a substitute king during the eclipse.

2025-03-08 00:01:04.238

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House task force for the 2026 World Cup. Chaired by Trump himself, with Vice President JD Vance as vice chair, the task force will oversee preparations for the tournament. Concerns had been raised by travel executives regarding the US's preparedness to handle the influx of eight million expected international visitors. Issues included visa processing times, outdated technology, and staffing shortages at airports. The task force aims to coordinate federal agencies to address these concerns and ensure a smooth event. Trump emphasized the tournament's significance, viewing it as a major accomplishment and an opportunity to showcase American excellence. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also expressed support, highlighting the economic benefits and job creation potential of the World Cup.

2025-03-06 00:00:43.149

Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas passed away at age 70, two months after taking office and hours after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Turner's family stated that he died at his home from enduring health complications at 5:45 a.m. Wednesday. In November 2022, he revealed he had undergone treatment for bone cancer in his jaw. Before his congressional career, Turner served two terms as Houston's mayor. Reactions poured in from fellow politicians, including House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who praised Turner's long career of public service. Turner's death was announced during Wednesday’s Houston City Council meeting by Mayor John Whitmire, who described Turner as a personal friend and advisor. Before Trump's speech, Turner posted a video on social media introducing his guest and criticizing the administration's stance on Medicaid. Whitmire reported that Turner didn't feel well during the speech, went home, and was later hospitalized. Turner's career spanned decades, including 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives and eight years as Houston's mayor, where he led the city through challenges like Hurricane Harvey. He was born and raised in Houston's Acres Homes and earned degrees from the University of Houston and Harvard Law School before becoming a trial lawyer and founding his own law firm. He was elected to the Texas House in 1988 and served for nearly three decades before becoming mayor in 2015. He was elected to Congress in November, filling the seat previously held by the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

2025-03-05 18:05:10.652

Matt Lucas issued a public apology to Millie Bobby Brown for a social media post comparing her new blonde hairstyle and pink outfit to his Little Britain character, Vicky Pollard. Lucas stated he didn't intend to upset Brown and was mortified by press coverage misinterpreting his post as a "slam." Separately, Brown addressed media criticism of her evolving appearance, calling out articles questioning her looks and accusing the media of bullying and tearing down young women. Brown, who rose to fame at a young age, emphasized her right to grow and change without facing negative judgment, stating she refuses to apologize for growing up.

2025-03-04 12:00:59.903

President Donald Trump's long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect, imposing a 25% tax on imports from those countries (10% for Canadian energy products). Simultaneously, the tariff on Chinese imports doubled to 20%, prompting immediate retaliation from China, including tariffs of up to 15% on US farm exports and expanded export controls. Canada responded with tariffs on over $100 billion of American goods, while Mexico's response was not immediately detailed. Trump defended his actions, calling tariffs a "powerful weapon." The tariffs, initially scheduled for February, were delayed for negotiations but ultimately implemented, despite claims of progress on drug trafficking and illegal immigration from Canada and Mexico. The stated reason for the tariffs is to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and both countries say they’ve made progress on those issues. But Trump has also said the tariffs will only come down if the U.S. trade imbalance closes, a process unlikely to be settled on a political timeline. The move sparked concerns about inflation and a potential trade war, with critics including Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans voicing alarm. The uncertainty surrounding Trump's future actions, including potential tariffs on the EU, India, and other sectors, has created significant volatility in the global economy. While the administration claims tariffs will encourage domestic production and that inflation will be minimal, experts express concerns about the time and resources needed to shift manufacturing and the potential for severe economic consequences for industries heavily reliant on imports from China, such as the toy industry.

2025-03-02 18:26:42.881

The Washington Commanders have made a significant move, acquiring wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade is pending a physical and will become official on March 12th. Samuel, who turned 29 last month, provides the Commanders with another key playmaker to complement Terry McLaurin, bolstering their receiving corps for quarterback Jayden Daniels' second NFL season. Last season with the 49ers, Samuel recorded 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns. The Commanders, who reached the NFC Championship game last season, had the third-most salary cap space in the league and are investing some of it in Samuel's three-year contract extension. Samuel's career includes 334 receptions, 4,792 yards, and 22 touchdowns since joining the 49ers in 2019. The 49ers granted Samuel and his agent permission to seek a trade following a season-ending meeting with coach Kyle Shanahan, where Samuel requested a move. While the 49ers received offers for Samuel last offseason, none were deemed satisfactory. In Washington, Samuel immediately steps into the role of the number two wide receiver alongside McLaurin, who has achieved five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

2025-03-02 06:03:59.708

Harrison Ford, the iconic Indiana Jones star, has reportedly withdrawn from presenting at the 2025 Oscars due to a shingles diagnosis. The news broke on Saturday morning, just days after he was announced as a presenter alongside other stars like Rachel Zegler and Samuel L. Jackson. According to Entertainment Weekly, Ford received his diagnosis on Friday and has since been resting. While his representatives haven't yet commented, reports suggest he's doing okay. This comes as a surprise, as Ford recently appeared in good spirits at the 2025 SAG Awards and gave an interview where he discussed his health while filming Season 2 of "1923". The actor mentioned riding horses for the series, seemingly indicating good physical health. However, the shingles diagnosis has clearly impacted his immediate plans. The Mayo Clinic defines shingles as a painful viral rash, but not life-threatening. This news follows a stressful period for Ford, who recently had to evacuate his Brentwood home due to the Palisades fire in January.

2025-02-28 18:01:01.266

Observant Muslims worldwide will observe Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. It is a time of increased worship, religious reflection, charity, and good deeds, often bringing families and friends together in festive gatherings. Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr. This year, Ramadan begins around March 1st and its start date may vary slightly based on moon sightings. Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn till sunset. Exemptions exist for illness or travel. Ramadan is marked by increased mosque attendance, Quran recitation, and charitable giving, including providing iftar meals for the needy. Cultural traditions vary widely, from the mesaharati's pre-dawn calls in Egypt to communal feasts in Indonesia and festive markets in India. Concerns exist regarding the commercialization of Ramadan, but many see a balance between religious observance and festive celebrations. This year, Ramadan occurs amidst the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and significant political changes in the Middle East, such as the fall of the Syrian government.

2025-02-27 08:06:51.182

Michelle Trachtenberg, the star of 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' died Wednesday morning at the age of 39. A friend, photographer Amanda de Cadenet, shared on Instagram that Trachtenberg had been recently hospitalized and that they had a FaceTime conversation from her hospital bed. De Cadenet stated that Trachtenberg "knew death was a high possibility" in her final months. Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant within the last year, and it's believed her body may have rejected it, leading to her death from natural causes. The news was confirmed by Trachtenberg's representative, Gary Mantoosh, who requested privacy for the family. Law enforcement stated the death is not suspicious, and the medical examiner will determine the official cause. Tributes poured in from fellow actors, including Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, Rosie O'Donnell, James Marsters, and Alyson Hannigan.

2025-02-27 08:05:35.063

A new lunar lander, Athena, built by Intuitive Machines, has launched toward the moon's south pole. This mission, IM-2, is particularly significant because Intuitive Machines is the first private company to successfully land on the moon. Athena, launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carries a drill, a small robotic hopper (Grace), and a tiny rover to search for water ice in the south pole region. This region is crucial due to the potential for water ice, a valuable resource for future lunar exploration. The mission builds upon the success of Intuitive Machines' first lunar lander, Odysseus, which landed successfully but experienced some technical difficulties. IM-2 aims to be more ambitious with the deployment of multiple robots and a drill to collect data. Athena's journey includes a solar eclipse and a challenging landing near Mons Mouton, a plateau near the south pole offering sufficient sunlight for a 10-day mission. The lander will attempt to drill into the surface to a depth of one meter, while Grace will hop into a permanently shadowed crater to search for ice. A small rover, along with a matchbook-size rover called AstroAnt, will also explore the area. This mission represents a significant step forward in private lunar exploration, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the moon's resources.

2025-02-27 08:05:35.06

A school-aged child in West Texas has died from measles, marking the first measles death in the US since 2015. The child was unvaccinated. The outbreak, centered in Gaines County, has now spread to eight additional counties, with a total of 124 confirmed cases, mostly in unvaccinated children aged 5-17. Eighteen people have been hospitalized, primarily for respiratory issues related to measles pneumonia. While the death toll was initially misreported as two, Texas officials confirmed only one death. Low vaccination rates, particularly in Gaines County where nearly 1 in 5 kindergartners lack the MMR vaccine, are to blame. Health officials warn that the outbreak could continue for months due to the highly contagious nature of measles and low vaccination rates across West Texas. Free vaccination clinics have been opened in Lubbock, but experts fear that the upcoming Houston rodeo could further spread the virus. The CDC is providing assistance to Texas health officials in their response to the outbreak.

2025-02-27 08:04:09.838

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, has narrowed the topics covered by the newspaper's opinion section to solely defending personal liberties and the free market. This significant shift from the publication's traditional broader focus has led to the resignation of the opinion editor, David Shipley. Bezos, on X (formerly Twitter), stated that viewpoints opposing these pillars will be published elsewhere, asserting that the internet now covers a wider range of opinions. This decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a strategic move to avoid potential retaliation from former President Donald Trump, while others criticize it as an indication of Bezos prioritizing his business interests over journalistic integrity. The change echoes the Wall Street Journal's editorial stance. This is just the latest in a series of changes at the Post under Bezos' ownership. Prior events include the decision not to endorse a presidential candidate, leading to resignations and subscription cancellations; the resignation of cartoonist Ann Telnaes; and the resignation of executive editor Sally Buzbee following a newsroom restructuring. The move has drawn both support from Trump allies like Elon Musk and Charlie Kirk, and criticism from those who see it as a move towards a right-wing agenda, including former Post editor Marty Baron and Senator Bernie Sanders. Bezos purchased the Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million.

2025-02-27 07:40:28.968

The Trump administration announced the elimination of more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance worldwide. This represents a significant retreat from decades of U.S. policy that viewed foreign aid as beneficial to U.S. interests. Internal memos and court filings revealed the administration's plans, which leave few USAID projects intact. The Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court order requiring the release of billions in frozen aid. The cuts have halted thousands of U.S.-funded programs, impacting initiatives such as Ebola containment and HIV/AIDS treatment in Africa. Nonprofits and contractors criticized the rapid and widespread contract terminations, describing them as a maneuver to circumvent court orders. Lawmakers and organizations expressed concern over the lack of transparency and potential negative consequences for global health, security, and U.S. interests. The administration claims the cuts address "waste" and align spending with "American interests," but critics argue that the cuts are politically motivated and harm vital programs.

2025-02-27 07:39:38.264

Khloe Kardashian shared an embarrassing yet impressive moment with her mother, Kris Jenner. Khloe sought advice about a basketball player who wasn't returning her calls. Kris, after learning Khloe had only been on one or two dates, gave unsolicited and NSFW advice, suggesting Khloe should have performed oral sex on him to keep him interested. Khloe was mortified but also impressed by her mom's direct and confident approach to dating. This isn't the first time Kris offered unconventional dating advice; she previously encouraged Khloe to send nude photos to men she was interested in. Kris Jenner's dating tips are definitely bold and memorable.

2025-02-27 07:39:38.261

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead in her Manhattan apartment Wednesday morning. Her mother, Lana, discovered her unresponsive in bed. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Trachtenberg, 39, had recently undergone a liver transplant, and it is suspected that complications from the transplant may have contributed to her death. Despite health concerns, Trachtenberg had been active in recent days, even going out with friends just days before her death. She had publicly defended her appearance online, stating she was 'happy and healthy'. The family has requested privacy.

2025-02-26 19:32:36.965

President Trump's second administration begins with a chaotic cabinet meeting including Elon Musk, who is not a cabinet member. Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has led to mass resignations and an email demanding federal workers justify their jobs. Trump threatens to fire non-respondents. He also proposes selling American citizenship for $5 million, aiming to raise trillions. Other key events include a bizarre AI video depicting a post-war Gaza as a luxury resort, trade and tariff discussions with Mexico, Canada, and the EU, and reports of Musk calling Trump a "f***ing moron". Amidst this, Musk reveals receiving numerous death threats related to DOGE's progress. Additional news includes a minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S., potential tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and the firing of over 100 US spies for sexually explicit chats.

2025-02-26 19:17:14.899

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Workplace communications platform Slack experienced an outage Wednesday morning as thousands of users reported they were unable to use the service. The tech company, based in San Francisco, said it was investigating reports of trouble connecting or loading Slack. On an update on the company’s website, Slack said it had “determined a variety of API endpoints, sending (and) receiving messages, and some threads loading” were impacted. A spokesperson for Slack said updates on restoring services will be posted to status.slack.com. At the peak of the outage, more than 3,000 users reported they couldn’t access the platform, according to the website DownDetector. Some services appeared to be coming back online by mid-morning Wednesday, including group and direct messaging as well as emoticon reactions.