NEW YORK (AP) — The last major meteor shower of the year, known as the Ursids, peaks soon, bringing glowing streaks to nighttime and early morning skies. Compared to other meteor showers, it’s more subdued, but experts say it’s still worth a glimpse. Meteor showers happen when space rocks hit Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high…
US announces $11bn arms sales to Taiwan In other news, the Trump administration has announced a huge arms sale worth about $11bn to Taiwan. If approved by Congress, it would be the largest-ever American weapons package to Taiwan, exceeding the total amount of $8.4bn in US arms sales to Taiwan during the Biden administration. The…
Thailand says it has bombed a “logistics centre” near the Cambodian town of Poipet, known for being a major casino hub and the biggest land crossing between the two countries. The bombings come as renewed border clashes show no sign of abating. Cambodia’s defence ministry said Thai forces dropped two bombs, while the Thai side…
Rainfall on Iran’s Hormuz Island briefly transformed the coastline of its Red Beach into a striking natural scene this week, as red soil flowed into the sea and turned the water shades of deep red. The beach is known for its vivid red sand and cliffs, created by high concentrations of iron oxide. When rain…
A Briton who fought in Ukraine has been sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security prison, the Russian Prosecutor-General’s office has said. Hayden Davies, a former British soldier who Russia has called a mercenary, was reportedly captured in Ukraine’s Donbas region in late 2024 or early 2025 while serving with the country’s foreign legion. He…
Bishop Ronald A. Hicks is the new Archbishop of New York Diocese of Joliet hide caption toggle caption Diocese of Joliet VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV tapped Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, to lead the influential Archdiocese of New York, replacing Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who led New York’s 2.8 million Catholics…
The suspect in the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine others remains at large on Dec. 18 as authorities pleaded for the public’s help in the investigation. Authorities have released security camera images and footage of a masked man they believe to be a person of interest, based on witness accounts…
Saqer al-Ankah holds his 10-year-old granddaughter, Bayan al-Ankah, after he says she was shot in the head by Israeli forces in northern Gaza about half a mile from the so-called yellow line on Dec. 10. Anas Baba/NPR hide caption toggle caption Anas Baba/NPR DOHA, Qatar — When 10-year-old Bayan Al-Ankah was fatally shot in the…
It’s been called an “epidemic” of loneliness and isolation. The “bowling alone” phenomenon. By any name, it refers to Americans’ growing social disconnection by many measures. Americans are less likely to join civic groups, unions and churches than in recent generations. They have fewer friends, are less trusting of each other and less likely to…
Finland’s Prime Minister has apologized to Asian nations for “offensive” social media posts made by a former Miss Universe contestant and several members of parliament. The controversy erupted after the winner of this year’s Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafce, posted a picture on social media earlier this month of her pulling the corners of her eyes…