Author: Emily Harper

SpaceX’s Starship rocket launched successfully from Texas in its latest test flight, but the spacecraft disintegrated mid-flight. The event was a mix of excitement and disappointment for the company and its audience. A Launch Full of Promise On Thursday, SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, lifted off from Boca Chica Beach, Texas. The mission aimed to complete a near-circular flight around the globe while practicing the deployment of simulated satellites resembling the company’s Starlink models. Standing 123 meters tall, the rocket reached a speed of 21,317 km/h (13,245 mph) and an altitude of 146 kilometers (90 miles)…

The Vasari Corridor, a once-hidden treasure of Florence, has officially opened to the public, unveiling centuries of mystery and privilege. This 750-meter walkway, designed in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for the ruling Medici dynasty, offers a unique journey through Florence’s most iconic landmarks. Previously accessible only to the elite or by exclusive arrangements, it now welcomes everyone with a sense of history and breathtaking views. The Medici’s Secret Passageway Constructed in just five months for Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Vasari Corridor was a symbol of power and safety, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Galleries, and Palazzo Pitti. The elevated…

Alex Ovechkin continues his historic journey in the NHL, setting yet another milestone in his chase to surpass Wayne Gretzky as the league’s all-time leading scorer. On Thursday night, Ovechkin not only secured a thrilling 1-0 overtime win for the Washington Capitals against the Ottawa Senators but also etched his name in the record books for scoring against the most goaltenders in NHL history. A Historic Goal in Ottawa The lone goal of the game, Ovechkin’s 874th career tally, came during overtime off a Rasmus Sandin pass. With this goal, he has now scored against 179 different goaltenders, surpassing the…

Zuckerberg Responds to Trump’s Stance Mark Zuckerberg has signaled a significant shift in Meta’s content moderation policies, announcing the removal of third-party fact-checkers in the United States and adjustments to moderation practices. According to whistleblower Frances Haugen, this reflects President-elect Donald Trump’s preference for minimal restrictions on social media platforms. “The announcement from Mark is him basically saying: ‘Hey, I heard the message, we will not intervene in the United States,’” Haugen said. Zuckerberg stated that Meta would collaborate with Trump to counter international government efforts to “censor more” in regions such as Latin America, China, and Europe, where stricter online safety laws have been introduced. Global Safety Concerns Haugen,…

Russian troops are making notable gains in the western Donetsk region, advancing toward the strategically important town of Velyka Novosilka. The town serves as a critical logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, and its capture could disrupt supply lines to the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Advances Toward Velyka Novosilka The ISW reported Monday that Russian forces are attempting to encircle Velyka Novosilka from its eastern and northeastern flanks. The town’s strategic importance stems from its role as a supply hub connecting Ukrainian troops across multiple regions. The potential loss of Velyka Novosilka would not only hinder Ukraine’s…

Massive Investment Plan Unveiled President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a $20 billion investment commitment from Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC Properties, to build new data centers across the United States. The announcement was made during an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. “They may go double, or even somewhat more than double, that amount of money,” Trump said, hinting at the possibility of an even larger investment from Sajwani’s company. Initial Rollout Across Eight States The first phase of the data center project will focus on the following states: This large-scale initiative is expected to bolster…

The US Department of Transportation has issued a new rule requiring airlines to follow more rigorous standards when it comes to airline passengers with disabilities. The new rule will require airlines to meet standards for “safe and dignified” assistance to people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. It also mandates annual training, including hands-on training for employees and contractors who physically assist passengers and handle wheelchairs. That training must be received by June 17, 2026. “Every passenger deserves safe, dignified travel when they fly — and we’ve taken unprecedented actions to hold airlines accountable when they do not provide…

Who’s the itty-bitty city-state with the global passport the world thinks is great? There’s new year cheer for Singapore as it reclaims its place at the top of a quarterly ranking of the world’s most powerful passports. Holders of this desirable red travel document enjoy visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide, according to the Henley Passport Index, more than citizens of any other place on the planet. Japan is second in the ranking, with an open door to 193 destinations, having secured the silver medal by regaining visa-free access to neighboring China for the first time since…

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and seven injured. Authorities believe the vehicle contained fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver, raising questions about the incident’s motive and connection to broader safety concerns. Explosion Details and Immediate Response The explosion occurred shortly after 8:40 a.m. when the 2024 Cybertruck, rented in Colorado, detonated outside the hotel after driving along Las Vegas Boulevard for about an hour. Surveillance footage shows the truck circling the Trump Hotel before stopping and exploding seconds…

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against Clayton Homes, the manufactured housing division of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, accusing it of pressuring borrowers into unaffordable loans. In one example cited, Vanderbilt approved a loan for a family of five, leaving them with only $57.78 per month for discretionary spending. The couple eventually defaulted, according to the complaint. CFPB’s Claims CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said: “Vanderbilt knowingly traps people in risky loans in order to close the deal on selling a manufactured home.” The CFPB alleges violations of the federal Truth in Lending Act and seeks civil fines…