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rick kaplan

Cosmic Crashes: The Eye of Sauron Star's Wild Past

December 20, 2025

In space, 25 light-years away, a star called Fomalhaut is making waves. Known as the "Eye of Sauron" due to its striking dust belt, this star has been the site of some incredible cosmic events. Over the past 20 years, astronomers have witnessed not one, but two massive collisions between rocky objec

science

The Ursids: A Hidden Gem in the Night Sky

December 20, 2025

The Ursid meteor shower, often overlooked, is set to light up the night sky. It will reach its peak between Sunday night and early Monday morning. Sky-watchers might see five to ten meteors per hour during this time. This event happens around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The t

science

Boosting Battery Performance with a Smart Catalyst Mix

December 20, 2025

Researchers have found a way to make rechargeable zinc-air batteries last longer and work better. They did this by mixing a special catalyst with a smart helper called CeO2. The catalyst, made of iron and cobalt atoms, is good at helping oxygen reactions. But it has problems. It wears out too fast a

education

Bondi Beach Bravery: Why Some People Step Up in Crisis

December 20, 2025

At Bondi Beach, a horrifying event unfolded, leaving many dead and injured. Amidst the chaos, a few individuals took extraordinary actions. An elderly couple, Boris and Sofia Gurman, tried to disarm one of the attackers but lost their lives. Reuven Morrison, a 62-year-old grandfather, threw bricks a

politics

Coast Guard Takes Another Ship in the Caribbean

December 20, 2025

The U. S. Coast Guard is busy again. This time, they are stopping a ship in the Caribbean Sea. The ship is near Venezuela. It is one of those ships that the U. S. has put sanctions on. Three U. S. officials say this is happening. But they don't say which ship it is or where exactly it is happening. ...

sports

The Odd Two-Point Play That Puzzled a Coach

December 20, 2025

Sean McVay, the Rams' coach, recently found himself in a confusing situation after a wild two-point conversion in a game against the Seahawks. This play tied the score, and McVay wasn't happy with how it went down. He explained, "It's a technicality issue. " The rule says that fumbles can't be adva

entertainment

The Hidden World of LEGO: Where Bricks Tell a Story

December 20, 2025

In Denmark, a secret museum holds the history of LEGO, a toy that has been a part of many childhoods. This museum, only accessible to LEGO employees, showcases the evolution of the iconic brick. The museum is located near the original home of LEGO's founder, Ole Kirk Kristiansen, reminding visitors

lifestyle

Winter Safety and Community Spirit: A Guide to Enjoying the Season

December 20, 2025

Winter is here, and with it comes snow, ice, and the holiday season. It's a time for joy, but also a time to be careful. Everyone has a role to play in keeping the community safe and happy during these cold months. First, let's talk about snow removal. It's not just about being a good neighbor; it'

weather

A Windy Friday in DC: What You Need to Know

December 20, 2025

Friday in the DC area was quite the windy day. The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory that lasted until 10 p. m. But it wasn't just any wind advisory. Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland were under a high wind warning. Why? Because wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph. That's s

crime

Young Scammer Swipes Millions in Crypto Heist

December 20, 2025

A young man, still living with his parents, has been caught for stealing millions in cryptocurrency. Ronald Spektor, 23, allegedly tricked about 100 people into giving him their digital money. He posed as a representative from a well-known crypto exchange company, Coinbase, and convinced victims fro