Claude, beloved albino alligator, dies at 30
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Claude, the beloved albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences, has died at 30, the institution confirmed this week. A fixture of the Academy’s Steinhart…
Trump to announce Gaza government and Board of Peace by Christmas, officials say
President Trump plans to announce a major step forward in the Gaza peace process before Christmas, unveiling a new governance structure for the enclave, U.S. and Western officials involved in…
Trump ally Pulte faces probe by congressional watchdog
The Government Accountability Office confirmed Thursday that it has launched an investigation into Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte, following complaints about his actions targeting perceived opponents of President…
Admiral denies ‘kill them all’ order in boat strike
WASHINGTON – A Navy admiral told congressional leaders Thursday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not issue a “kill them all” order during a strike that killed two survivors of…
Mortgage rates dip to 6.19%, near lowest level of the year
The average interest rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, edging closer to its lowest point of the year and offering modest relief for prospective homebuyers. The…
Theodor Pištěk, Czech Oscar-winning costume designer, dies at 93
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – Theodor Pištěk, the celebrated Czech costume and stage designer, painter, and Academy Award winner best known for his work on the film Amadeus, has died at…
Russia tightens control of online communications with FaceTime restrictions
Russian authorities announced new restrictions this week on Apple’s video calling service FaceTime, marking another escalation in the government’s long-running campaign to tighten control over online communications. The country’s state…
Judge halts Planned Parenthood ‘defund’ measure in Pennsylvania, 21 states, and DC
A federal judge has blocked a provision that would have cut federal Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and other nonprofit reproductive health providers, issuing a preliminary injunction in a case…
Amazon tests 30-minute delivery window in select cities
Amazon has launched a pilot program called Amazon Now, offering ultra-fast delivery of household essentials and groceries in select neighborhoods of Seattle and Philadelphia. Customers in eligible areas can receive…