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A massive piece of space debris crashed into a remote Kenyan village this week, prompting the country’s space agency to immediately launch an investigation. Experts say the object that fell – a metal ring about 8 feet wide – likely separated from the rocket and did not burn up before entering Earth’s atmosphere.
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Bourbon Street reopened Thursday afternoon with increased security after New Orleans’ famous thoroughfare was targeted in an attack on New Year’s Day that left at least 14 people dead and dozens injured. The FBI said in an update that the attacker, who was also killed, acted alone, adding that the attack was “driven by the violent beliefs of ISIS.” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the FBI is still investigating how the suspect, a U.S. citizen and military veteran, began his “path to radicalization.” Meanwhile, grieving families are grappling with many unanswered questions, including why barricades in the area proved ineffective during the attack. The victims include a 27-year-old former Princeton football player, a 37-year-old father of two, and a 19-year-old University of Alabama student.
A motive has been determined for the New Orleans attack, but authorities are still in the preliminary stages of investigating Wednesday’s Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The FBI said it has found no link between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas bombing that occurred the same day. It also remains unclear why a U.S. special forces member and a new father, who authorities say attempted suicide with a gun shortly before the explosion, orchestrated the explosion. Family members and former Army colleagues said the 37-year-old had a strong love for his country, especially the president-elect. They also described him as a highly decorated military veteran whose background in special forces and explosives seemed at odds with an explosion that relied in part on fireworks.
The 119th Congress will be sworn in today, and House Speaker Mike Johnson will vote to continue as speaker. Mr. Johnson has the backing of President-elect Donald Trump, but he could face difficulties as some Republican lawmakers object to the deal he struck to pass the spending bill. Johnson remains desperate to win over several Republican holdouts as allies warn that the speakership race could delay the certification of President Trump’s victory on January 6 by just days. are. Johnson can only lose one Republican vote, which is a major concern for party leaders. Rep. Thomas Massey, a prominent Republican, has already opposed him.
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million in cash to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that its voice-activated Siri assistant violated users’ privacy. Mobile device owners complained that Apple routinely recorded private conversations after users unintentionally activated Siri and disclosed these conversations to third parties such as advertisers. Ta. Voice assistants typically respond when you use a “hotword” such as “Hey, Siri.” Estimated tens of millions of class participants can receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, such as an iPhone or Apple Watch. Apple denied any wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement.
5. Conflict in South Korea
South Korean investigative authorities today halted the detention of embattled President Yun Seok-Yeol following a dramatic confrontation in Seoul. Lawmakers voted to impeach Yun last month after he briefly declared martial law. Yun is currently under investigation in multiple investigations, including charges of leading the riot, a crime punishable by life in prison or even the death penalty. On that day, about 80 police and investigators entered the presidential palace to interrogate Yoon, but were blocked by a “human wall” of about 200 soldiers and presidential security forces.
Go over there and play pickleball. Darts are ready to beat America
The World Darts Championship is underway with costumes and high drama. The sport’s organizers have big plans to attract fans from all over the world, especially in the United States.
Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle sets debut date for new lifestyle series
Netflix has announced the premiere date for “With Love, Meghan,” a lifestyle series produced in part by Archewell Productions, her company with husband Prince Harry.
The most exciting new trains coming in 2025
From China’s increasingly faster trains to sleeper trains across Europe, here are the best services for train travel in 2025.
Comb jellyfish, one of the oldest animals on earth, can fuse with other animals
Recent research into gelatinous marine life has revealed the intriguing ability of two animals to fuse and function as one organism.
Why you should have this bandage in your first aid kit
DrySee CEO Brad Greer explains why this color-changing bandage could be a game-changer during natural disasters.
7,300
That’s about the same number of U.S. retail stores that closed last year, and a 57% increase from 2023, according to Coresight Research. This comes as many U.S. chains are being hurt by record inflation and the rise of online competitors.
“We are grateful for the strength of our community and the compassion we show each other in times of crisis.”
—Fullerton, Calif., Mayor Fred Jung released a statement Thursday after a small plane crashed through the roof of a furniture manufacturing building. At least two people were killed and 19 injured, police said.
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And finally…
166 million year old dinosaur footprints discovered in UK
‘Amazing’ dinosaur footprints
Researchers have discovered 166-million-year-old footprints from two dinosaurs: a long-necked sauropod and a fearsome megalosaurus. Watch this video.
