Saturday, January 11, 2025

Chicago kicked off the new year with a bang! The Bears scored a big win against their rivals, the Green Bay Packers. With a final score of 27-24, Notre Dame crushed Penn State in the Orange Bowl, securing a spot in the College Football Playoff title game. Meanwhile, someone went all in on Michael Jo...

politicsliberal

Sanctions and Strikes: Latest Updates in Ukraine War

In a significant move, the US and UK have hit Russian oil and gas companies with new sanctions. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy sees this as a big blow to Russia's war efforts. Two major Russian companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, are now targeted. The UK says these companies help fund Putin's...

Trump's Canada Idea: Why Not an Anglosphere Alliance Instead?

In the past, the U. S. has tried to invade Canada several times. Now, President-Elect Donald Trump seems interested in absorbing Canada into the U. S. But why? Is it a serious proposal or just a bluff? Many Canadians don't want to be part of the U. S. , and annexing Canada could change U. S. politic...

politicsliberal

California Fires: Politics Ablaze

Wildfires keep ravaging California, but it's not just the flames that are heating up. Politicians on both sides are rushing to react. Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom tackles the recovery effort while answering hard questions about state readiness. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump is quick to b...

Venezuela's Leader faces a $25M Reward for Information

The United States has set a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's president, after a controversial re-election. The Biden administration, which doesn't recognize Maduro's presidency, believes his rival, Edmundo González, won the vote. However, no evi...

Giuliani's Repeated Lies: A Court's Contempt

Former New York City mayor and attorney Rudolph Giuliani has found himself in legal trouble again. Last Friday, a federal judge declared him in contempt of court for continuing to defame two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss. Back in May, Giuliani, now 80, had agreed...

Rudy Giuliani's Defamatory Comments Lead to Second Contempt Finding

Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani is in trouble again. A federal judge found him in contempt of court for the second time this week. This time, it's about his defamatory comments against two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. Just a few days ago, another judge held him ...

Trump Faces Unique Legal Moment: No Jail in Hush Money Case

Former President Donald Trump, aiming to reclaim the White House, made legal history on Friday. He became the first U. S. president or major presidential candidate to be found guilty of a felony. A judge in New York decided against jailing him or imposing a fine, clearing the way for his potential s...

The Trump Organization's New Plan: Limiting Trump's Business Role

The Trump Organization has rolled out a fresh ethics plan aimed at reducing President-elect Donald Trump's involvement in the family business while he serves in the White House. The plan, shared with CNBC, outlines several key changes. Trump will have restricted access to the company's financial det...

politicsliberal

A War Photo Redefines Ukrainian Identity

Imagine a photo from the heart of Ukraine's conflict: soldiers dressed in armor, chuckling and smoking around a simple table. This photo, unlike the usual war images filled with cannon fire and pain, has captured Ukraine’s attention and praise. The photo, taken in late 2023 by French photographer Ém...

politicsneutral

Meet Joseph Aoun: Lebanon's New President with a Military Background

Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's newly elected president, is a man who likes to keep things simple and straightforward. Unlike many in Lebanon's political scene, Aoun has always stayed away from party politics and media attention. Those who know him describe him as kind, compassionate, and focused on his duti...

Trump's Words on Expansion: A European Perspective

President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments about expanding U. S. territory have sparked concern across Europe. He suggested that U. S. power should extend into Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. This has raised eyebrows, especially in Europe, where leaders are trying to convince Russia's V...

scienceneutral

The JPL Stands Strong Amidst LA's Raging Infernos

Imagine a place where the future of space exploration is shaped—the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This hub, funded by NASA and managed by Caltech, has dodged the wrath of the wildfires plaguing Los Angeles. The Eaton fire, ravaging areas like Altadena near the San Gabriel Mountains, has fortunate...

financeliberal

Bitcoin's 2024 Boom: How Much Should You Have in Your Portfolio?

Bitcoin's price skyrocketed in 2024, but financial experts advise caution. They suggest keeping crypto investments, like Bitcoin, to just 5% of your portfolio due to its wild ups and downs. Some experts even think it's best to avoid crypto altogether. Why did Bitcoin's price jump? It was the top-per...

financeconservative

Bitcoin's Big Question: Will Trump's Policies Help or Hurt?

Bitcoin investors are facing some tough decisions. President Trump's plans might not be as crypto-friendly as everyone thought. After a strong rally, the price of Bitcoin is dropping. Why? It's all about the dollar and uncertainty. Strong dollar, higher rates, and sudden changes in trade policies ar...

financeconservative

UK Finance Chief: Budget Rules Are Set in Stone

Rachel Reeves, the UK's top finance minister, has made it clear that the budget rules outlined last October are not going to change. During her visit to Beijing, she assured journalists that the government will do whatever is needed to stick to these fiscal rules. When questioned about a possible up...

financeneutral

Job Surprise: December 2024 Sees Surge in Hiring

December brought a big surprise in the job market, with a whopping 256, 000 new jobs added. This was way more than the expected 155, 000, and it even surpassed November's 212, 000 new jobs. The unemployment rate also dropped slightly to 4. 1%. Even a broader measure, including those who are discoura...

entertainmentliberal

Soul Music Legend Sam Moore Passes Away at 89

Sam Moore, the high-pitched half of the legendary 1960s soul duo Sam & Dave, has sadly left us at the age of 89. His publicist confirmed that he passed away in Coral Gables, Florida, following complications from surgery. Moore, along with his partner Dave Prater, made a huge impact on the music scen...

Pantera Kicks Off on Top

"Pantera, " the crime sequel from Lionsgate, grabbed the number one spot on its opening weekend. It raked in about $5. 8 million from 3, 008 theaters on the first day. This is slightly ahead of the first "Den of Thieves" movie, which opened with $5. 6 million in January 2018. It's also Lionsgate's f...

crimeliberal

A Century Later: No Criminal Charges for Tulsa's Race Massacre

In a recent report, the U. S. Justice Department concluded that it's too late to bring criminal charges for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The massacre, one of the worst racial attacks in U. S. history, was carried out by a White mob against a thriving Black district. It left hundreds dead and thousa...

businessneutral

Music Stocks Rise and Fall: J-Hope News, New Boy Band, and Market Forces

This week, HYBE and JYP Entertainment saw their stocks climb while global markets took a dip. HYBE, known for BTS and its members' solo projects, jumped 7. 2% to 215, 500 won ($146. 19) after J-Hope announced new music and a world tour starting in Seoul on Feb. 28. JYP Entertainment, famous for Stra...

businessliberal

Walgreens' Turnaround Plan: Hits and Misses

Walgreens recently surprised Wall Street with better-than-expected financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year. Despite a $265 million loss, the drugstore chain is working hard to rebuild its business. They're closing stores, trying to fix prescription reimbursement issues, and battli...

businessneutral

Meet Val Boreland: The New Boss of SpinCo’s Shows

NBCUniversal has just hired Val Boreland as the President of Entertainment for its spinoff company, SpinCo. This means she’ll be in charge of shows on cable networks like USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E! , Syfy, and Golf Channel. Boreland’s experience shows she knows how to buy and create good c...

businessliberal

Betting Big: How a Winning Football Season Affects Sportsbooks

It's been a rough stretch for sports betting companies during the recent National Football League (NFL) season. Both FanDuel and DraftKings, two major players in the sports betting industry, have been hit hard by the unexpected outcomes on the field. FanDuel, operated by Flutter Entertainment, has t...

businessconservative

Vince McMahon's SEC Deal: A Look at the Hidden Payments

Former WWE CEO, Vince McMahon, has struck a deal with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This comes after he failed to disclose two big settlements. Back in 2019 and 2022, McMahon agreed to pay two women a total of $10. 5 million. The deal was to keep them quiet about their relationships ...

businessconservative

Neighborhoods Above Manhattan’s Toll Zone Feel Parking Pinch

Residents in parts of Upper Manhattan are frustrated. Since New York City started charging drivers to enter certain parts of the city, their streets have turned into parking nightmares. Many commuters are avoiding the new $9 toll by parking their cars in these neighborhoods and taking public transpo...

healthliberal

Could Fluoride in Water Be Harmful?

Fluoride in water has been a hot topic lately, especially with the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , who thinks we should remove it from our water. In the US, most cities decide on their own fluoride doses, usually around 0. 7 milligrams per liter. About 63% of Americans drink fluoridated water...

healthliberal

Keep Your Air Clean: Purifiers That Beat Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires are becoming more frequent in certain parts of the U. S. , like California and Colorado, due to climate changes affecting temperature and drought. These fires can release smoke that travels miles, causing health issues like respiratory problems, irritated eyes, and headaches. Even people m...

entertainmentliberal

James Woods' Home Survives LA Wildfires: A Miracle?

In a surprising turn of events, actor James Woods has discovered that his house in Los Angeles is still standing, despite earlier indications that it had burned down in the recent wildfires. Woods shared the news on social media, calling it a “miracle. ” He returned to his neighborhood to find his h...

environmentneutral

California Faces Massive Cleanup After Wildfires

After the flames die down in Los Angeles County, another daunting task awaits: clearing away hazardous debris from the destruction. We're talking about tons of rubble, a mix of toxic substances, and precious belongings. This might be one of the most challenging cleanup operations the country has eve...

weatherneutral

Fire Danger: Schools in LA Close Again

Multiple wildfires burning around Los Angeles have forced many schools to extend their closures. Nearly two dozen districts are affected, leaving over 700, 000 students without classes. Some districts initially tried to reopen but had to close again due to poor air quality. Many of these closures ar...

celebritiesliberal

Mandy Moore Fights Back Against Critics of Her GoFundMe Share

Actress Mandy Moore is standing up to critics who questioned her decision to share a GoFundMe page for her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires. Moore’s post received backlash from some followers who thought it was insensitive, given her success as an ac...

weatherneutral

Flight Chaos: Storms and Engine Trouble Disrupt U. S. Travel

A massive winter storm caused over 3, 000 flight cancellations across the Southern U. S. on Friday, with an additional 3, 000 flights delayed. The storm wasn't the only issue; a Delta Air Lines plane had to be evacuated using emergency slides at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport due...

Why Only God Forgives Deserves Another Look

"Only God Forgives" is a unique neo-noir crime thriller that has been both praised and criticized since its release in 2013. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling, the film is currently available for free streaming on Prime Video and Tubi. Despite its mixed reviews, the movie ha...

Stars Step Out: The Best Celebrity-Loved Winter Boots

Winter is a great time to update your footwear, and celebrities are setting some hot trends! They love brands that combine comfort and style. Ugg, for example, has been a long-time favorite. Their minis are a hit with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Jenner. Another brand making waves is Vivaia. ...

Crunchyroll's Delays: How Wildfires Affect Anime Fans

Wildfires in California have been causing a lot of trouble, and it's not just homes and forests that are being affected. Even anime fans are feeling the heat, thanks to delays at Crunchyroll. The popular anime streaming service, based in San Francisco, is dealing with some serious weather conditions...

celebritiesneutral

Lily Allen's Honest Struggle with Divorce Rumors

Lily Allen, the "Smile" singer, recently opened up about her personal struggles in the midst of divorce rumors with her husband, David Harbour. In a candid conversation on her podcast "Miss Me? ", Allen revealed that she's been "spiraling" and finding it hard to focus on anything but her pain. She e...

Get Ready for Clayface: DC's Shapeshifter Hits the Big Screen in 2026

Are you excited for the next big villain in DC's universe? Get ready to meet Clayface, Batman's creepy shapeshifter foe, who's making his live-action debut in 2026. This isn't just any appearance; he's set to show up before Batman's solo movie, "Batman: The Brave and The Bold. " It's like DC is givi...

entertainmentliberal

Ed Sheeran's Mission: Music Education for All UK Kids

Ever since Ed Sheeran shot to fame, he's been sharing his love for music with a big goal in mind: helping kids in the UK get the best music education possible. He's launching a foundation to do just that. Why is this a big deal? Well, music education in the UK has been struggling with funding cuts. ...

technologyneutral

The Small Home Revolution: Affordable Smart Living at CES 2025

AC Future and Italian design firm Pininfarina teamed up to introduce their mini smart homes at CES 2025. These homes, named AI-THu, AI-THt, and AI-THd, offer a modern, sustainable solution for people who might struggle to afford traditional houses. The flagship model, AI-THu, is a 400-square-foot sm...

technologyliberal

The Weirdest and Most Unique PCs and Accessories from CES 2025

CES 2025 is known for big updates to PCs and components, like Nvidia's RTX 50-series GPUs. But it's also where PC makers get creative, sometimes in weird ways. Asus' NUC 14 Pro AI+ stands out with its E-Ink screen, AI features, and a design that harks back to the early 2000s. The color E-Ink display...

technologyneutral

Top Robot Vacuums at CES 2025: Innovations You Can't Miss

CES 2025 was all about the latest in robot vacuum cleaners. Companies like Roborock, Dreame, and Narwhal showed off their newest models packed with innovative features. Let's dive into what makes these robots stand out. The Roborock Saros Z70 is a game-changer with its extendable Omnigrip arm. This...

technologyliberal

CES 2025 Gadgets: Good, Bad, and Ugly

This year's CES show in Las Vegas brought us some awesome gadgets, but it also had its fair share of flops. Some experts decided to highlight the worst products, and their picks might surprise you. Liz Chamberlain from iFixit warned about the growing trend of gadgets with built-in surveillance tools...

technologyliberal

Workplace Brain Monitoring: A New Era of Efficiency and Ethics

Imagine wearing a hat that can read your brain waves at work. Sounds futuristic, right? But this is already happening! Scientists are using brain monitoring to boost productivity and safety on the job. They're trying to understand how our brains work best at work. This isn't like sci-fi movies. It's...

Boxing Buzz: Haney Questions Davis' Retirement Plans

A recent bombshell from the boxing world has everyone talking. Gervonta Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, has hinted he might retire in 2025, citing his desire to spend more time with his family and make enough money to exit the sport. But not everyone is convinced. Devin Haney, another big name ...

Who's Gonna Win? NFL Playoff Predictions

Alright, the regular NFL season is done and dusted, which means it's playoff time! Last week, I got 12 out of 16 game picks right, with a minor boo-boo on the Patriots/Bills game. For the whole season, I nailed 190 picks out of 272, that's about 70% accurate. Not bad, eh? Let's dive into my picks fo...

The Journey of Gary Harris: From Indiana Backyards to NBA Courts

Gary Harris, born on September 14, 1994 in Fishers, Indiana, has always been surrounded by basketball. His parents, Gary Sr. and Joy Holmes Harris, were both passionate about the sport, with his mother being a former professional player. Joy, a standout at Purdue, played in the WNBA and instilled in...

Injury Updates: Vikings and Rams Gear Up for Playoff Battle

With the Monday night wildcard playoff game just around the corner, the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams have released their second injury reports. For the Vikings, running back Ty Chandler has been newly added to the list due to an illness and missed practices (DNP). Other than that, their i...

Jack Sawyer's Game-Changing Play Sends Ohio State to National Title

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, who once shared a room with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, delivered a massive play that will be remembered in Buckeye history. In the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, Sawyer stripped Ewers of the ball and ran 83 yards...

The Serie A Weekend: Derbies, Debuts, and Farewells

The 2024-25 Serie A season is heating up with some exciting matches lined up. The Derby della Mole on Saturday will see Torino host Juventus, with the latter hoping to bounce back from a recent loss. This game is crucial for Juventus, who are currently 5th in the league and 12 points behind Napoli. ...

environmentliberal

Laborers Keep Going Despite California Fire

An immense cloud of smoke darkened the sky and turned Santa Monica into an eerie orange hue. Yet, landscapers kept trimming, builders kept constructing, and delivery drivers kept on their routes. It was just another day for the hired hands. Adrian Rodriguez, a landscaper from Querétaro, Mexico, expl...

crimeliberal

The Real-Life Mystery Behind Netflix’s Hit Show

Ever wondered about the true story behind Netflix’s crime series, The Breakthrough? It’s a gripping tale of a double murder that happened way back in 2004 in Linköping, Sweden. The victims were an 8-year-old boy named Mohammed Ammouri and a 56-year-old woman named Anna-Lena Svensson. The case went c...

environmentliberal

The Pink Stuff: A Double-Edged Sword in Fighting Wildfires

Imagine this: planes swooping over California's wildfires, dropping a bright pink liquid in a matter of seconds. This fire retardant has long been hailed as a key weapon against these blazes. But hold on a second – is it really safe? New research is painting a different picture. These retardants, u...

educationconservative

The Rise of Non-Teaching Staff: How It's Shaping Universities

Universities are facing a crisis. Money is pouring into bureaucracy, not education. This isn't just about liberal faculties; it's about administrators who are more radical and less connected to teaching. The number of non-teaching staff has exploded, and with it, tuition fees. Students aren't gettin...

celebritiesliberal

Jennifer Garner Shares Personal Loss from LA Wildfires

Actress Jennifer Garner has revealed that she lost a close friend in the recent wildfires that have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles. The fires, which have been burning since Tuesday, have spread from Pacific Palisades to areas like Malibu and Santa Monica. Garner, who has been volunteering with t...

weatherneutral

Snow Alert in Central Minnesota: What to Expect

Hey, Minnesotans! Grab your snow boots and get ready for some winter fun, because the National Weather Service has just issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Central Minnesota. This weather alert is set to start at 3:00 p. m. on Saturday and will last until 6:00 p. m. on Sunday. So, what can you expe...

celebritiesneutral

Celebrating Birthdays: Your Life, Your Choices

Today, we celebrate the birthdays of famous figures like Rod Stewart, Evan Handler, Pat Benatar, and George Foreman. It's a time to reflect on the power of change. If you're not happy with something in your life, be honest and take action to make it better. Participating in activities you enjoy or t...

Timothée Chalamet to Host and Perform on ‘SNL’ in Januar

Get ready for a special treat on “Saturday Night Live”! The popular NBC comedy sketch show is kicking off its 50th season with two new episodes in January. On January 25th, Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet will be pulling double duty as both the host and the musical guest. This isn't his firs...

crimeconservative

Trump's Surprising Forgiveness: What's the Catch?

Last Friday, Donald J. Trump got off easy. Judge Juan M. Merchan gave him an unconditional discharge, a rare and lenient decision in New York courts. This means Trump won't have to follow any strict rules or pay back any money, unlike a conditional discharge. Why did this happen? Well, Judge Mercha...

educationneutral

STEM Boost: Dorchester District 2 Gets $25k Grant for Innovation