Hegseth wants Pentagon to cut 8% from defense budget for next 5 years
CBS News · 14h ago · Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told the Pentagon to find $50 billion in programs to cut this year, to redirect funds to President Trump's priorities.
Newshound
Daily news from around the world · U.S. edition · Last updated Thu, Feb 20, 2025 11:15 am PST
Top Stories
Politics
Hegseth directs Pentagon to find $50 billion in cuts this year to fund Trump military priorities
· ABC News · 14h ago · Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the military services to identify $50 billion in programs that could be cut next year in order to redirect those savings to fund President Donald Trump’s priorities
Appeals court declines to reinstate Trump's birthright citizenship executive order
MSNBC · 16h ago · Rachel Maddow shares breaking news that a panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has declined Donald Trump's appeal to allow his executive order ending birthright citizenship to go into effect, setting up a likely showdown at the Supreme Court.
Appeals court declines to reinstate Trump's birthright citizenship order
· NBC News · 16h ago · A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S.
Social Security chief refutes claims of dead 100-year-olds getting checks
CBS News · 19h ago · Elon Musk had claimed that DOGE found evidence of 150-year-olds receiving Social Security benefits.
Millions of dead people aren't getting Social Security checks, despite claims
· ABC News · Feb 18, 2025 · The Trump administration is falsely claiming that tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old are receiving improper Social Security payments
‘LONG LIVE THE KING’: Trump increasingly embraces monarchical imagery
Politico · 20h ago · The White House posted an image of Trump wearing a crown on Wednesday.
Trump on Himself: ‘LONG LIVE THE KING!’
· Rolling Stone · 22h ago · The White House responded by posting a fake image of Trump wearing a crown to social media
Trump comes close to the red line of openly defying judges, experts say
Washington Post · 14m ago · Faced with judges’ orders to block certain initiatives, the Trump administration has found ways to tell courts it still has authority to act.
Gov. Kathy Hochul won't remove embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams — for now
NBC News · 19m ago · New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will — for the time being — not remove embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office, but will instead impose limits to his office's power, a source with direct knowledge told NBC News on Thursday.
Senate voting on Kash Patel's nomination for FBI director
CBS News · 19m ago · The Senate is voting Thursday on Kash Patel's nomination to serve as director of the FBI.
New York Gov. Hochul will not remove Mayor Eric Adams 'right now'
CNBC · 21m ago · The DOJ is seeking to dismiss its criminal case against Adams, citing the need for his cooperation on Trump immigration enforcement policies.
Potential Mitch McConnell successors begin lining up for Kentucky's Senate race
NBC News · 22m ago · Sen. Mitch McConnell’s decision not to run for re-election in Kentucky next year opens up his Senate seat for the first time since 1984 — and it is already drawing interest from heavy hitters looking to fill the seat.
‘I feel betrayed’: federal health workers fired by Trump tell of ‘nightmare’
The Guardian · 23m ago · US workers laid off despite years of experience and stellar performance describe widespread chaos and confusionAs protesters gathered outside the headquarters of US health agencies to call attention to mass layoffs devastating the federal service in
Nation
A Mississippi judge ordered a newspaper to remove an editorial. Press advocates are outraged
ABC News · 14h ago · A Mississippi judge has ordered a newspaper to remove an editorial that criticized city officials
Blake Lively Alleges Justin Baldoni Made Two Other ‘It Ends With Us’ Actors ‘Uncomfortable’ on Set and They Will Testify at Trial
Variety · Feb 19, 2025 · In an amended complaint filed late Tuesday night, Blake Lively alleged that her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni made two other women on the set of the film “uncomfortable” — and they’re willing to testify at trial.
Blake Lively alleges Justin Baldoni made other women uncomfortable on set
· CBS News · 21h ago · Blake Lively alleged she was not the only woman concerned about Justin Baldoni's "unwelcome and uncomfortable behavior."
1 more source
Deadline Hollywood · Feb 18, 2025 ·
Blake Lively Alleges Justin Baldoni Made Other Women “Uncomfortable” On ‘It Ends With Us’ & Says They Will Testify At Trial; Defamation Claim Added To Suit
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With minutes to spare before a court imposed deadline of midnight ET, lawyers for Blake Lively have just filed an amended complaint against Justin Baldoni in the Gossip Girl vet’s sexual harassment and smear campaign action against her It Ends With Us co-star and director.
Historic SS United States makes final voyage before being turned into reef
CBS News · 17h ago · After months of delays, the historic SS United States ocean liner finally moved out of Philadelphia on a new voyage as it prepares to become the world's largest artificial reef off the Florida coast. John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois have details.
Historic US ocean liner moves out of Philadelphia after nearly 30 years
· BBC · 17h ago · The SS United States prepares to become the world's largest artificial reef off the Florida coast.
Delta offering $30,000 to passengers who were on plane that crash-landed in Toronto
NBC News · 19h ago · Delta Air Lines is offering passengers who were on the Toronto-bound flight that crash-landed and flipped upside down $30,000 apiece.
Delta offering $30K to passengers aboard flight that crashed in Toronto
· CBS News · 21h ago · Delta Air Lines says it is offering $30,000 to passengers who were aboard a flight from Minneapolis that crashed and flipped upside down while landing in Toronto on Monday.
US man dies awaiting sentencing for shooting teen Ralph Yarl
BBC · 21h ago · Andrew Lester, 86, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault in the shooting of the teen boy in Kansas City in 2023.
Man dies days after pleading guilty to shooting Black teen who rang his doorbell
CBS News · 21h ago · Andrew Lester pleaded guilty in the 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black honor student who rang the White man's doorbell by mistake.
Ralph Yarl shooter Andrew Lester dies days after entering guilty plea
· NBC News · 22h ago · Andrew Lester, the 86-year-old white man charged with shooting Black teenager Ralph Yarl has died just days after accepting a plea deal.
2 people are dead after a small plane collision in southern Arizona, authorities say
ABC News · 23h ago · Authorities say at least two people are dead after a midair collision involving two small planes in southern Arizona
Small Plane Collision Over Arizona Airport Kills at Least Two People
· Wall Street Journal · 23h ago
NBA star expected to miss rest of season after blood clot diagnosis
CBS News · 18m ago · Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the San Antonio Spurs announced.
Airlines look to cut consumer protections for wheelchair-using travelers
CBS News · 39m ago · Trade group for American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United say carriers are mishandling fewer passenger wheelchairs.
Mitch McConnell announces he will not run for re-election
BBC · 58m ago · The Republican senator has spent 40 years in Congress, but said he has "unfinished business" before he goes.
Business
Trump FBI pick Kash Patel to get final Senate confirmation vote
NBC News · 7h ago · Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, will get a final confirmation vote in the Senate today. I
Live updates: Trump to attend Saudi-backed investment meeting in Miami, sign more executive orders
· Washington Post · Feb 19, 2025 · The latest news on President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the new Congress.
Former BOJ Board Member Eyes Possibility of Rate Hike in May
Wall Street Journal · 10h ago
Yen Gains Past 150 per Dollar as BOJ Rate Hike Bets Ramp Up
· Bloomberg · 11h ago
Satya Nadella explains why Microsoft's quantum 'breakthrough' is so important
Business Insider · 17h ago · Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled its new Majorana 1 chip, which Satya Nadella described as a "breakthrough" in quantum computing.
Microsoft reveals its first quantum computing chip, the Majorana 1
· NBC News · Feb 19, 2025 · Microsoft on Wednesday announced Majorana 1, its first quantum computing chip.
3 more sources
Wall Street Journal · Feb 19, 2025 ·
Microsoft Makes Quantum Computing Advance
Bloomberg · Feb 19, 2025 ·
Microsoft Unveils First Quantum Computing Chip
CNBC · 21h ago ·
Microsoft reveals its first quantum computing chip, the Majorana 1
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Microsoft's initial quantum processor, which contains eight topological qubits, is a step toward 1 million qubits and wide commercial use.
Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump criticism
BBC · 22h ago · The prime minister spoke to Zelensky on the phone and expressed support for "Ukraine's democratically elected leader".
Starmer expresses support for Zelenskyy after Trump criticism
· Financial Times · 22h ago · UK prime minister pushes back against Trump’s suggestion that elections should be held in Ukraine
Fed officials are worried about tariffs' impact on inflation and see rate cuts on hold, minutes show
CNBC · 23h ago · The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released minutes from its January meeting.
Fed officials are worried about tariffs' impact on inflation and see rate cuts on hold, minutes show
· NBC News · Feb 19, 2025 · Federal Reserve officials in January agreed they would need to see inflation come down more before lowering interest rates further, and expressed concern about the impact President Donald Trump’s tariffs would have in making that happen, according to meeting minutes released Wednesday.
Walmart is getting a bump from a surprising cohort: Wealthier shoppers
NBC News · 23h ago · Walmart is known for its low prices and no frills approach.
Walmart is getting a bump from a surprising cohort: Wealthier shoppers
· CNBC · Feb 19, 2025 · The discounter has shaken up its image with store remodels, faster deliveries and a wider mix of brands on its website.
CFTC Fires Some Employees in Latest Government Job Terminations
Bloomberg · 7m ago
Walmart Sinks on Profit Outlook
Bloomberg · 9m ago
Treasury sets March 21 deadline for millions of businesses to report ownership information or risk fines of $10,000 or more
CNBC · 13m ago · The Treasury Department set a March 21 deadline to report "beneficial ownership information" after a Texas court lifted a block on enforcement.
We're exiting our position in a retail stock to lock in our profits before it's too late
CNBC · 20m ago · We'll realize an average gain of about 17% on shares purchased in April and July 2024.
Technology
Make AI Tools A Collaborative Partner For Your Job, Not A Replacement
Forbes · 6h ago · Successful AI integration isn’t just about adopting the latest technology; it’s about understanding limitations and strategically leveraging its strengths.
Why You Don’t Need The Fujifilm X100VI To Be A Good Photographer
Forbes · 6h ago · After six months with the Fujifilm X100VI, I'm convinced what it takes to be a better photographer isn't a new camera—but more passion for photography.
Startup Together AI Valued at $3.3 Billion as AI Demand Grows
Bloomberg · 6h ago
Salt Typhoon Hackers Used Cisco Bug, Stolen Credentials to Hop on Routers
Wall Street Journal · 6h ago
OpenAI tops 400 million users despite DeepSeek's emergence
CNBC · 6h ago · OpenAI now has 400 million weekly active users, up from 300 million in early December, OpenAI’s chief operating officer, Brad Lightcap, tells CNBC.
AI-Powered Customer Service: A New Era
Forbes · 6h ago · AI-driven support systems can operate continuously, assisting customers beyond standard business hours and catering to global audiences.
The iPhone is done with home buttons — here’s why I’ll miss it
The Verge · 6h ago · For the first time since the iPhone’s debut in 2007, Apple no longer sells a smartphone with a home button. The iPhone 16E announced yesterday removes it.
The New Dungeons And Dragons 2024 Monster Manual Is Here
Forbes · 6h ago · As the final entry into the new Dungeons And Dragons corebooks, the 2024 Monster Manual gives Dungeon Masters more options than ever to ruin a player's day.
Finding Better Ways To Increase Roadway Safety And Innovation
Forbes · 7h ago · Key stakeholders—including automakers, navigation providers, technology companies and government agencies—to align on common data-sharing standards.
Oppo’s new foldable can remote control a Mac
The Verge · 7h ago · Today Oppo launched the Find N5, the thinnest book-style foldable phone yet, but there’s more to the phone than a slim design: it’s capable of connecting to a Mac for file transfers and even remote control.
Entertainment
Movie Review: Hit man pic ‘Old Guy’ has style, but it’s no bull's-eye
ABC News · 22h ago · A boomer hit man is given a nightmare final assignment to train his Gen Z replacement in Simon West’s action-comedy “Old Guy.”
Blackpink’s Jisoo & Seo In-guk To Star In Netflix’s ‘Boyfriend On Demand’ K-Comedy Series
Deadline Hollywood · 19h ago · Netflix has given a green light to Boyfriend On Demand (working title), a new romantic comedy series starring Blackpink’s Jisoo and Seo In-guk (Doom at Your Service, Café Minamdang).
Blackpink’s Jisoo, Seo In-guk to Star in Netflix K-Drama ‘Boyfriend on Demand’
· Variety · 19h ago · Netflix has greenlit a new Korean romantic comedy series “Boyfriend on Demand” (working title), featuring Blackpink member Jisoo alongside Seo In-guk (“Doom at Your Service,” “Café Minamdang”) in lead roles.
French Content Maker Banijay Entertainment Eyes U.S. Expansion
Wall Street Journal · 6h ago
Army mishandled sex assault before soldier's death, coroner says
BBC · 6h ago · Jaysley Beck, 19, was found hanged in her room at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021.
Don’t Miss the Boat on This $40 Anker Magnetic Charger and Stand Combo for Your iPhone
Gizmodo · 6h ago · Power up your iPhone fast and securely with this rechargeable 20W powerhouse that doubles as a stand and save 27% before the deal ends.
The Dress’ is 10 years old — and people still can't agree on what color it is
NBC News · 6h ago · The infamous white and gold or blue and black dress that went viral turns 10. TODAY looks back at this pop culture moment and asks what color do you see?
Grace O’Malley To Host ‘DisGRACEful’ Podcast For Alex Cooper’s The Unwell Network
Deadline Hollywood · 6h ago · Grace O’Malley is launching her DisGRACEful podcast with Alex Cooper’s The Unwell Network, premiering today, Thursday, February 20. O’Malley’s DisGRACEful podcast will feature the comedian joined by her heroes and peers.
Nazi Art Thief, UFOs and Women at War Among Subjects Covered in Shows Presented by PBS Distribution at Mip London (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety · 6h ago · A Nazi art thief, UFOs and women at war are among the subjects covered in new factual shows being presented by PBS Distribution at Mip London, which takes place Feb.
A.R. Rahman on Bridging History and Modernity With ‘Chhaava’ Score and His Broadway-Style Theater Plans in India: ‘If I Don’t Have Music, Life Is Mundane for Me’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety · 6h ago · Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”) continues to push creative boundaries with his latest score for the historical film “Chhaava,” while simultaneously spearheading ambitious plans to revolutionize India’s musical theater landscape.
Birkenstock’s Revenue Rises on Strong Holiday Period
Wall Street Journal · 7h ago
Sports
What the numbers tell us about Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2
ESPN · 6h ago · Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol meet in a rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Here's a look at the fight through the numbers.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 Livestream: How to Watch the Rematch Online
· Rolling Stone · 21h ago · An epic fight is going down in Saudi Arabia between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title — here’s how to watch it
Volkanovski-Lopes set as Topuria vacates UFC title
ESPN · 11h ago · Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes were booked to fight for the featherweight championship at UFC 314 after Ilia Topuria vacated his title to move up to the lightweight division.
UFC 314: Ilia Topuria vacates featherweight title, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes to battle for belt
· CBS News · 15h ago · Plus, former two-division Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull makes his UFC debut on the same card
Villa hold Liverpool to draw in midweek thriller
ESPN · 13h ago · Premier League leaders Liverpool needed Trent Alexander-Arnold's second-half equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday that lifted them eight points clear at the top.
Salah scores, sets up equalizer as Liverpool draws 2-2 at Villa to lead Premier League by 8 points
· ABC News · 21h ago · Mohamed Salah has scored one goal and set up the equalizer by Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa that stretched its lead in the Premier League to eight points
Luka likely off minutes limit as Lakers return
ESPN · 21h ago · Luka Doncic is going back to work with the Lakers, and he's likely back to full speed as well.
Luka Doncic is likely off his minutes restriction as the Lakers return to work against Charlotte
· ABC News · Feb 19, 2025 · Luka Doncic is going back to work with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he’s likely back to full speed as well
Madrid move on as Mbappé hat trick buries City
ESPN · 21h ago · Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-1 with a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick on Wednesday in their Champions League playoff second leg at a raucous Santiago Bernabeu stadium, earning them a 6-3 aggregate victory and a place in the last 16.
Marvellous Mbappe sends Man City crashing out of Europe
· BBC · 21h ago · A Kylian Mbappe hat-trick sees off Manchester City in convincing fashion to send Real Madrid into the last sixteen of the Champions League with a 3-1 (6-3 on aggregate) win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Super Bowl champion Eagles name Patullo OC
ESPN · 21h ago · The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have promoted Kevin Patullo to the role of offensive coordinator, the team announced Wednesday.
Eagles promote Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator after Kellen Moore's departure to Saints
· CBS News · 23h ago · Patullo previously served as the pass game coordinator and associate head coach for Philadelphia
NFL salary cap to increase at least $22M in 2025
ESPN · 21h ago · The NFL informed its teams that the salary cap for 2025 would be between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, with the final figure to be determined following further negotiations with the NFLPA.
NFL projects salary cap between $277.5M and $281.5M in 2025, rising by as much as $26M
· ABC News · 23h ago · The NFL salary cap will be between $277.5 million and $281.5 million for the 2025 season, rising as much as $26 million from last year
Why USA vs. Canada matters, and how the rivalry has already triggered a rich new era in international hockey
CBS News · 6h ago · Tonight's 4 Nations Face-Off final could shape the view of the sport for years to come
Boston's historic 3-point performance continues -- for better or worse
ESPN · 6h ago · Have the defending champs reached a point of diminishing returns?
2025 lapsed fan guide: Soto, trades, more
ESPN · 7h ago · Everything you need to know about the 2025 season for the fan who has been away and is looking to dive back in.
World
Spain's ex-football boss Luis Rubiales fined for World Cup kiss
BBC · 6h ago · Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and fined €10,800.
Ex-soccer boss Rubiales fined by Spanish court over kiss without consent
· NBC News · 6h ago · Spain’s High Court said it had found former soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
Hamas releases bodies of 4 Israeli hostages
NBC News · 7h ago · Hamas has handed the bodies of four hostages who were abducted during the Oct. 7 attacks back to Israel, including a mother and her two young sons. The bodies of the hostages were carried out in caskets in front of a crowd by Hamas.
Hamas releases the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including mother and young sons
· NPR · 11h ago · Today's release is the first time Hamas has handed over the bodies of hostages during the war, although several have been recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza and returned to Israel.
'Remarkable' Egyptian Tomb Found A Century After King Tutankhamun: What We Know So Far
International Business Times · 13h ago · The discovery of King Thutmose II's tomb in Egypt, a century after the unearthing of Tutankhamun's tomb, marked a major archaeological breakthrough.
First pharaoh's tomb found in Egypt since Tutankhamun's
· BBC · 21h ago · It is the first royal tomb to be found since King Tutankhaman's over a century ago.
1 more source
CBS News · Feb 18, 2025 ·
Egypt announces discovery of the lost tomb of King Thutmose II
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Archaeologists in Egypt have found of the tomb of King Thutmose II - the first discovery of an ancient royal tomb since King Tutankhamun's in 1922.
A news conference between Zelenskyy and Trump's Ukraine envoy is canceled amid growing tensions
NBC News · 40m ago · A news conference was canceled Thursday as political tensions deepened between the two countries over how to end the almost three-year war with Russia.
‘Heartbreaking’: Cousin of Hamas victim on return of Bibas children’s bodies
NBC News · 50m ago · Speaking to NBC News’ Hala Gorani, Gil Dickmann said the Bibas family would still be alive, along with his own cousin Carmel Gat, if a deal to return the hostages had been struck sooner. He called President Trump “the X factor for this deal.”
Missing tomb of Egyptian pharaoh solves one of ancient Egypt's great mysteries
NBC News · 1h ago · CAIRO — A long lost tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh has been found, the country’s antiquities ministry said Tuesday, answering a great mystery of one of ancient Egypt’s most prosperous eras.
Arab nations coalesce to offer an alternative to Trump's Gaza plan
CBS News · 2h ago · Egypt is promising a viable alternative to Trump's controversial Gaza plan with broad support that would keep Palestinians "in their homeland."
UN envoy says creating an inclusive Syrian government could help lift sanctions
ABC News · 2h ago · U.N. special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has said that formation of a “new inclusive government” in Damascus by March 1 could pave the way for lifting sanctions imposed by western countries
Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy party takes initial step toward disbanding
ABC News · 3h ago · Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy party took an initial step toward dissolving on Thursday
Hamas returns the bodies of four Israeli hostages
CBS News · 3h ago · Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday, said to include a mother and her two young children who have long been feared dead. CBS News' Debora Patta has more.
Science
Watch a cuttlefish transform into a leaf and a coral to hunt its prey
New Scientist · 7h ago · In new video footage, cuttlefish show off their dazzling camouflage techniques, such as creating stripes that move over their bodies or mimicking non-threatening objects
Gigantic star has gone through a rapid transformation and may explode
New Scientist · 9h ago · A red supergiant star appears to have changed in just a few years – an astronomical blink of an eye – which suggests it may be getting ready to explode in a supernova
Bird enthusiasts flock to northern Minnesota in hopes of seeing a great gray owl
NPR · 10h ago · Bird enthusiasts are flocking to Minnesota in hopes of catching a glimpse of a great gray owl.They're one of North America's largest owl species and many have flown down from Canada to find food.
Pulmonary fibrosis: Study targets proteins to reverse lung scarring
Science Daily · 15h ago · A discovery offers new hope in the battle against pulmonary fibrosis, a debilitating lung condition that progressively makes it harder for patients to breathe.
Promising results from first prenatal therapy for spinal muscular atrophy
Science Daily · 19h ago · Scientists report results from a promising new approach to treat the rare neurodegenerative disorder.
NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free to Retire After 30 Years Service
NASA · 19h ago · NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free announced Wednesday his retirement, effective Saturday, Feb. 22. As associate administrator, Free has been the senior advisor to NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro and leads NASA’s 10 center directors, as we
In the Starlight: Portia Keyes Procures Mission-Critical Support
NASA · 21h ago · One semester as a NASA Pathways intern was enough to inspire Portia Keyes to sign up for a Russian language class at college. After interning in the Johnson Space Center’s Office of Procurement, Keyes hoped to someday use her new language skills in
Stopping asthma in its tracks
Science Daily · 22h ago · New therapeutic 'cocktails' may provide long-lasting relief for treatment-resistant asthma and other immune system inflammatory diseases.
Chlorine plus UV light degrades toxins caused by harmful algae blooms
Science Daily · 22h ago · Researchers say chlorine in combination with ultraviolet light works to degrade deadly toxins created by harmful algae blooms in drinking water.
Scientists identify a new cancer immunotherapy target: Dysfunctional B cells
Science Daily · 22h ago · Scientists have discovered a novel subset of cancer-fighting immune cells that reside outside of their normal neighborhood -- known as the tertiary lymphoid structure -- where they become frustratingly dysfunctional when in close contact with tumors.
Health
Meet The Billionaire CEO Trying To Resurrect The Woolly Mammoth
Forbes · 8h ago · Colossal Biosciences cofounder and CEO Ben Lamm is worth $3.7 billion following the company's recent fundraise at an eye-popping $10.2 billion valuation. But it has yet to be paid for reviving extinct animals or saving endangered ones.
Why being bilingual really does seem to delay dementia
New Scientist · 12h ago · Multiple studies suggest that speaking more than one language pushes back the onset of dementia, but doesn't seem to stop it entirely
Michigan 5-year-old killed in hyperbaric chamber
NBC News · 16h ago · A grieving family is planning to take legal action after their five-year-old son was killed in a hyperbaric chamber that exploded. NBC News' Adrienne Broaddus looks at the risks of using the hyperbaric chamber treatment.
Trump's foreign aid freeze halted a crucial program fighting HIV in Africa. Here's what's at stake
ABC News · 17h ago · The freeze on U.S. foreign aid ordered by President Donald Trump has effectively halted one of the world's most successful responses to a disease
Scientists test animals for bird flu
NBC News · 19h ago · At Cornell University’s Wildlife Health Lab, scientists work with New York State to test and identify cases of bird flu among animals in Central New York.
Trump administration yanks CDC flu vaccine campaign
NPR · 20h ago · As flu rages, the Trump administration has pulled the plug on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu immunization campaign that targeted high-risk groups, including pregnant women.
UnitedHealthcare is offering buyouts to employees in benefits unit, could pursue layoffs, sources say
CNBC · 21h ago · If UnitedHealthcare does not meet a resignation quota through buyouts, it will lay off employees, two people familiar with the matter said.
Healthy Returns: Ozempic helps curb alcohol use in new study — and doctors are concerned about telehealth GLP-1s
CNBC · 22h ago · Ozempic may also help people drink less alcohol. Primary care doctors are concerned about patients accessing GLP-1s through third-party telehealth providers.
USAID funding freeze devastates reproductive healthcare worldwide
New Scientist · 22h ago · The Trump administration’s pause on US foreign assistance could lead to an estimated 4.2 million unintended pregnancies and more than 8300 pregnancy-related deaths
Here's the Extent of the Fallout From Trump's HHS Purge
ABC News · 23h ago · This is a MedPage Today story.Thousands of employees of federal health agencies have been let go in a chaotic and slow-rolling Trump administration purge over the holiday weekend.While the total number of dismissed employees appears to be smaller tha
Books
New novel asks: How much can a male friendship take?
NPR · Feb 19, 2025 · Eric Puchner's new novel, Dream State, was just named the latest Oprah book club pick. It's about a love triangle that tests the decades-long friendship of two college friends.
‘Daughter of Daring’ tells a rip-roaring story of Hollywood’s first stuntwoman
Christian Science Monitor · Feb 18, 2025 · Helen Gibson wowed audiences with her jumps, falls, and derring-do. She also offered moviegoers the unique image of a woman in control.
In his book 'Stuck,' Yoni Appelbaum tells of how many Americans have lost mobility
NPR · Feb 17, 2025 · Americans have lost their mobility, the thing that once made the country distinctive, open and prosperous, writes Yoni Appelbaum in his new book, Stuck. He spoke with NPR's Steve Inskeep.
Curiosity, love, loss: A biographer puts herself in the frame
Christian Science Monitor · Feb 11, 2025 · Megan Marshall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, looks inward at how her life has been shaped by asking questions and digging deeply.
Anne Tyler’s trademark wit and empathy shine in ‘Three Days in June’
Christian Science Monitor · Feb 10, 2025 · In “Three Days in June,” Anne Tyler makes the case for forgiving people’s shortcomings and cutting each other slack.
Bonus Episode: "Margery," the medieval memoirist
NPR · Feb 9, 2025 · For centuries, scholars only had one version of the life of Margery Kempe, an English mystic who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries — until a ping pong match revealed her story in her own words.
In 'Idle Grounds', an idyllic summer with cousins takes a mysterious turn
NPR · Feb 9, 2025 · NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to author Krystelle Bamford about her new novel, "Idle Grounds," which tells the story of young cousins facing grownup truths.
Bill Gates gets personal in his new memoir, 'Source Code'
NPR · Feb 8, 2025 · NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates about his new memoir, Source Code.
'Coming to New York' stories are alive and well in these two new books
NPR · Feb 6, 2025 · Kay Sohini's graphic memoir, This Beautiful, Ridiculous City, tells a story of migration and redefinition. Gay Talese gathers many of his great pieces about the city in A Town Without Time.
A pro dominatrix and novelist says empathy, curiosity and bravery are key to both jobs
NPR · Feb 6, 2025 · After publishing her first novel when she was 21, Brittany Newell started working as a dominatrix. The job gave her time to write — and plenty of material to draw from. Her new novel is Soft Core.
Lifestyle
Spanish Court Fines Ex-Football Boss Rubiales for World Cup Kiss
Bloomberg · 6h ago
Majority Of Americans Dislike Musk And Zuckerberg
Forbes · 7h ago · New research reveals that most U.S. adults feel unfavorably towards Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Why? That could be down to social media.
Gawkin’ in a winter wonderland: The festival in Harbin, China, is as cool as it looks
Christian Science Monitor · 7h ago · The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival features ephemeral artworks built from ice blocks pulled from the Songhua River.
Operation Mincemeat Aims to Re-Create London Smash as It Heads to Broadway
Bloomberg · 8h ago
After ‘Severance,’ will we ever see work-life balance the same way?
Christian Science Monitor · 8h ago · Is “Severance,” about workplace drudgery, the greatest exploration of work-life imbalance ever filmed?
Birkenstock Sales Jump Amid High-End Clog Boom, Asia Expansion
Bloomberg · 9h ago
How Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum could hit you at the grocery store
NPR · 9h ago · U.S. tariffs could cause the prices of steel and aluminum cans to rise, an increase that may ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Yes, The Apple Polishing Cloth Supports The iPhone 16e
Forbes · 10h ago · It's true, the Apple Polishing Cloth does support the iPhone 16e—but why are so many people on social media posting about it?
Inside the Windsor, Heathrow’s Newly Upgraded Private Terminal for VIPs
Bloomberg · 12h ago
Tanya Is Not In Season 3 Of ‘The White Lotus’—But Her Ex-Husband Is
Forbes · 19h ago · ‘The White Lotus’ season 3 is missing Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) after her death in season 2, but her ex-husband Greg (Jon Gries) is in Thailand with the others.
Travel
L.A. TV news anchor Chauncy Glover's death ruled accidental
NBC News · 16h ago · Los Angeles television news anchor Chauncy Glover's death last year was accidental, the county medical examiner's office announced.
L.A. News Anchor Chauncy Glover’s Cause Of Death Revealed
· Deadline Hollywood · 22h ago · The cause of death for KCBS/KCAL Los Angeles news anchor Chauncy Glover has been determined. The 39-year-old Glover died from acute intoxication by the combined effects of chloroethane and methamphetamine, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office said in a statement Wednesday.
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The Independent UK · 7h ago ·
Outrage at Delta’s ‘crazy’ compensation offer for Toronto plane crash passengers
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The airline said that the payment offer comes with ‘no strings attached’
Test-Driving The 2025 Ford Explorer ST
Forbes · 6h ago · The 2025 Explorer ST receives a mid-cycle refresh, and it's a winner.
Villa Igiea: This Rocco Forte Hotel Is A Luxury Oasis In Palermo
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Experience The Luxury Of Europe Via Unique Fractional Home Ownership
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Villas And Luxurious Suites Attract Ultra-High-Net-Worth Travelers
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Inside The Paris A-Lister Hotel That Hosts The French Oscars
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Long-haul holiday bookings now more popular than ever, travel firms report
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The European country where trains are even less punctual than Britain’s
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Passengers warned of train delays affecting key routes after Hackney cable thefts
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Ultra-romantic international travel ideas
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Opinion
On Gaza and Ukraine, this French statesman has warnings for America
Washington Post · 6h ago · Dominique de Villepin, who warned against the Iraq War, sees Trump making catastrophic blunders.
You MightHave Plasticin Your Brain. Don’t Panic —Yet.
Bloomberg · 6h ago
Half of Trump’s first month in office saw him visiting Trump properties
Washington Post · 7h ago · On one-third of the first 31 days of his second term, Trump played golf.
Stagflation Is Poised for a Comeback
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America’s Flooding Problems Are About to Get Much Worse
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Russia Wins When the US Stops Fighting Corruption
Bloomberg · 8h ago
DOGE isn’t the powerhouse Elon Musk thinks it is
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Why Kennedy Center performers should stay — and push back
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A Unified Economic Theory of Beinga Bully
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‘Iron Dome’ Should Be Built From the Ground Up
Bloomberg · 8h ago
Features
Grave Mistakes: The History and Future of Chile’s ‘Disappeared’
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Present Tense: The Long Shadow of an Eating Disorder
Longreads · 9h ago · Eating disorders never truly go away. They just go quiet. For awhile.
The Long Fight to Teach an Endangered Ibis Species to Migrate
Longreads · 21h ago · "Our devastation of nature is so extreme that reversing even a small part of it requires painstaking, quixotic efforts."
Why geologists can’t agree on when the Anthropocene Epoch began
New Scientist · Feb 19, 2025 · Nobody doubts that human activities have dramatically transformed Earth, so why has there been no official recognition of the Anthropocene?
Tracking the Pacific Drug Highway
Longreads · Feb 19, 2025 · "How Latin American cartels are reshaping the narcotics trade across the world’s largest ocean."
‘You’ve Blown a Hole in the Family’: Inside the Murdochs’ Succession Drama
Longreads · Feb 19, 2025 · "More than 3,000 pages of documents reveal how years of betrayals led to a messy court battle that threatens the future of Rupert’s empire."
When did life begin on Earth? New evidence reveals a shocking story
New Scientist · Feb 19, 2025 · Fossils and genetics are starting to point to life emerging surprisingly soon after Earth formed, when the planet was hellishly hot and seemingly uninhabitable
After Lorne
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Her Greatest Hits
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The Secret Pattern
Longreads · Feb 17, 2025 · "Filtered only through headlines, China had become a political entity more than a physical place where I had grown up, where half of my family still lived."