Particle News: Understand more, faster

Popular
Technology
Sports
Entertainment
Science
Politics
Crime
Economics
Video Games

Disney Invests $1 Billion in OpenAI, Licensing 200+ Characters for Sora and ChatGPT

The three-year deal makes Disney the first major studio to license its IP to Sora, signaling a shift from legal pushback to controlled generative‑AI use.

U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Tanker Off Venezuela as It Expands Shipping Sanctions

Officials opened a forfeiture process to keep the cargo, signaling that additional interdictions are on the table.

Trump Signs Order to Curb State AI Laws, Launch DOJ Task Force

The directive leverages lawsuits plus funding threats to push a single national framework, a strategy critics expect to be challenged in court.

U.S. Push for Ukraine Peace Hits Donbas Standoff as Kyiv Submits Revised Plan

Zelensky says a U.S.-floated free economic zone would require public approval plus firm protections.

Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Saturday Night With Dark Skies and Up to 120 Meteors an Hour

Expect dark skies thanks to a slim crescent moon, with meteors stemming from asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

OpenAI Launches GPT-5.2, Rolling Out to Paid ChatGPT Tiers and the API

OpenAI frames the upgrade as a push to counter Google’s Gemini 3 with expert-level performance on real tasks.

Trump Launches $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa With Fast-Track to U.S. Residency

The administration is positioning the program as an EB‑5 replacement funded by applicant payments, a design that is already drawing legal scrutiny.

Indiana Senate Rejects Trump-Backed Map as GOP Defections Sink Mid‑Decade Redraw

The vote rebukes a White House pressure campaign to eliminate Indiana’s two Democratic-held districts.

Bitcoin Whipsaws Near $90,000 After Fed Cut as Liquidity Signals Split

Traders parse a 25 bp Fed cut plus New York Fed T‑bill buys as leverage-driven swings keep Bitcoin range‑bound.

House Democrats Release 19 Epstein Photos Showing Trump, Clinton, Gates as DOJ Deadline Nears

The release intensifies pressure on the Justice Department to publish Epstein records by the Dec. 19 deadline.

Woman Charged With Attempted Murder in Macy’s Herald Square Bathroom Stabbing of Tourist Mother

Police call the attack unprovoked, with the victim stable as her infant remained unharmed.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The End of an Era’ Lands on Disney+ With ‘Final Show’ Concert Film

Early episodes reveal the tour’s human cost alongside its scale.

Apple Releases AirPods Pro 3 and 2 Firmware 8B30 and 8B28

The updates install passively, with a lingering AirPods panel in iOS Settings indicating that installation is in progress.

Orcas Team Up With Dolphins to Hunt Salmon, Study Finds

Tag, drone plus acoustic data indicate coordinated dives that may aid salmon detection, with researchers urging further study.

Democrats Press Impeachment Threat Against Noem After Combative House Hearing

An impeachment threat from Democrats meets firm backing from Trump, making removal unlikely.

Google Debuts Disco, an AI Browser That Turns Tabs Into Custom Apps

A limited Google Labs test on macOS lets early users tap Gemini 3 to generate task‑specific interfaces from multi‑tab browsing sessions.

Leaked iOS 26 Code Points to S10 HomePod Mini and AirTag 2 With Tracking Upgrades

Internal references indicate a 2025 plan that slipped to early 2026, with some AirTag improvements likely contingent on new hardware rather than software.

Study Finds Bus-Sized Mosasaur Lived in Hell Creek Rivers

Isotope signals in a tooth suggest a freshwater surface niche formed by a progressively freshening Western Interior Seaway.

Conor McGregor Marries Dee Devlin in Private Vatican City Ceremony

The event unfolded against a recent Supreme Court decision that left a civil sexual-assault verdict against McGregor in place.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Hits Netflix to Strong Reviews and Fresh Debate Over Its Limited Theatrical Run

Critics highlight a darker, faith-driven reinvention with Benoit Blanc’s entrance intentionally delayed.

Synopsys Investors Face Dec. 30 Deadline to Seek Lead Role in Securities Case

The suits claim Synopsys masked Design IP strain from an AI push that surfaced when Q3 results revealed IP underperformance.

Trump Signs Order to Curb State AI Laws, Launch DOJ Task Force

The directive leverages lawsuits plus funding threats to push a single national framework, a strategy critics expect to be challenged in court.

Binance Integrates WLFI’s USD1 Into Core Trading and Collateral, Replacing BUSD Reserves

The Trump-linked stablecoin’s deeper role at the exchange heightens scrutiny over political ties following recent financing.

Bandai Namco Reveals Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve for 2026 Release

Bandai Namco says the Unreal Engine 5 entry elevates the sky to a centerpiece as it frames a cinematic, story-led campaign.

Congress Demands H200 Export Rationale as White House AI Chief Says China Is Rejecting Nvidia Chips

The decision to permit vetted H200 sales faces oversight in Washington, with Chinese uptake uncertain.

Musk Confirms SpaceX Is Preparing a 2026 IPO

Musk’s acknowledgment points to a 2026 listing at a trillion‑dollar‑plus value fueled by Starlink growth.

Google Rolls Out Gemini-Powered Translate Upgrades, Including Live Headphone Translations

The rollout focuses on making speech and text translations sound natural by capturing context, tone and cadence.

Apple Releases AirPods Pro 3 and 2 Firmware 8B30 and 8B28

The updates install passively, with a lingering AirPods panel in iOS Settings indicating that installation is in progress.

Interactive Brokers Starts Pilot Letting Retail Clients Fund Accounts With Stablecoins

The phased U.S. rollout lets select clients move money from crypto wallets for faster transfers.

Sakurai Says Kirby Air Riders Team to Disband After One Final Patch

The director frames the next update as a definitive balance pass that ends active development.

American Becomes First U.S. Carrier to Fly Airbus A321XLR, Starting JFK–LAX on Dec. 18

Suite doors remain open initially pending FAA certification.

CRISPR Yields Compact Goldenberry Lines Deemed Ready for Production

Edits to the ERECTA gene cut plant height by about 35%, enabling denser plantings, with regulatory review planned.

Rivian Pivots to In‑House Autonomy: Custom Chip, LiDAR for R2, and $2,500 Autonomy+

Rivian set early‑2026 rollouts to open a new software revenue stream.

Charlie Puth Urges Elon Musk to Address SpaceX Sonic Booms After 3 A.M. Vandenberg Launch

SpaceX confirmed a 3:40 a.m. Falcon 9 liftoff that could generate sonic booms audible in nearby counties.

Disney Invests $1 Billion in OpenAI, Licensing 200+ Characters for Sora and ChatGPT

The three-year deal makes Disney the first major studio to license its IP to Sora, signaling a shift from legal pushback to controlled generative‑AI use.

Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.2 With Edge Light and 46 Security Fixes

The update is rolling out as build 25C56 and limits the new video lighting effect to Apple silicon models.

OCC Conditionally Approves National Trust Charters for Ripple, Circle, BitGo, Paxos and Fidelity

The move advances stablecoin oversight under a federal framework created by the GENIUS Act.

React2Shell Exploitation Escalates as React Ships New RSC Fixes, Half of Exposed Systems Still Vulnerable

CISA accelerated its federal patch deadline to December 12 in response to active, large‑scale exploitation.

AMINA Bank Becomes First European Bank to Go Live on Ripple Payments

The FINMA-regulated Swiss bank will use Ripple’s licensed stack to run near-real-time, Travel Rule‑compliant cross‑border flows that connect fiat channels with RLUSD settlement.

AI Stocks Sink as Broadcom Flags Margin Pressure and Oracle Faces Scrutiny

Investors rotated to defensives on worries about AI buildout profitability alongside rising yields.

Makai Lemon Wins 2025 Biletnikoff Over Jeremiah Smith

The decision renewed scrutiny of voter criteria, with PFF-backed efficiency and versatility weighed against raw production.

Tyrese Maxey Ruled Out for 76ers' Pacers Game, Joel Embiid Listed Probable

Philadelphia shifts ball-handling duties by coach directive with Jared McCain expected to see more time.

Rafael Nadal Undergoes Right-Thumb Arthroplasty in Barcelona

The procedure targets long-standing joint osteoarthritis to relieve pain and restore mobility after retirement.

Wild Acquire Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes in Blockbuster Trade

The deal reflects a Wild push for near‑term contention, with Vancouver opting for young NHL talent and a future pick.

Army–Navy Game Returns to Baltimore With Trophy on the Line

The matchup will decide the Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy, with option attacks and limited possessions magnifying each mistake.

UFC Weighs Immediate Pantoja–Van Rematch Pending Elbow Evaluation

His coach reports no fracture pending follow-up exams to determine if surgery is required.

Thompson/Clark and Hull/Brennan Share Lead With Record 55 to Open Grant Thornton Invitational

The tournament shifts to foursomes, the event's toughest format.

Jeremiyah Love Wins Doak Walker, Notre Dame's First Recipient

The junior capped a Heisman-finalist campaign defined by 6.9 yards per carry and a program-record 21 total touchdowns.

Indiana Locks In Defensive Coordinator Bryant Haines With New Deal Reportedly Around $3 Million Annually

The reported $3 million salary underscores his defense's rise into the national elite.

Nick Chubb Questionable After Limited Friday Return as Texans Clear Woody Marks

Key defensive starters returned to full practice, with two recent returnees listed as questionable.

Norris Receives F1 World Championship Trophy at FIA Gala as Verstappen Misses with Flu

Red Bull says the runner-up is unwell, with no FIA penalty announced under the gala’s attendance requirement.

Washington vs. Boise State Opens LA Bowl, Which Could Be Its Final Edition

An insider report says the game could mark the bowl’s end due to an expiring contract influenced by Pac-12 realignment.

Mendoza Enters Heisman Ceremony as Overwhelming Favorite After Big Ten Title Win

Odds across sportsbooks plus prediction markets now heavily favor the Indiana quarterback after the Big Ten title game.

Caitlin Clark Declares Herself 100% in Senior Team USA Camp Debut at Duke

The three-day Duke camp marks USA Basketball’s early evaluation of a younger core targeting the 2026 World Cup.

Blue Jays Trade for Tigers Reliever Chase Lee, Send Prospect Johan Simon to Detroit

The deal adds a controllable, optionable arm to a bullpen that still lacks a proven late-inning piece.

Wembanyama Likely to Return for Spurs’ NBA Cup Semifinal vs. Thunder

Oklahoma City enters 24-1 with a 16-game winning streak.

Mets Chart Post-Meetings Pivot, Testing Trade and Salary Math After Core Exits

Reports indicate a focus on prospect preservation, with shorter contracts guiding the search for impact additions.

Stephen Curry Cleared to Return vs. Timberwolves as Anthony Edwards Sits

Golden State activates its leading scorer after five games out, with Draymond Green and Al Horford sidelined and Minnesota also down Mike Conley.

Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Charged With Home Invasion and Stalking After Firing

Michigan installed Biff Poggi as interim coach pending a permanent hire.

Makhachev Backs Tsarukyan as UFC Sets Gaethje–Pimblett Interim Title Bout

Dana White says Arman Tsarukyan must work his way back after withdrawing on the eve of UFC 311.

Amy Schumer Announces Split From Husband Chris Fischer After Seven Years of Marriage

Schumer calls the separation amicable with a focus on co-parenting.

Bandai Namco Reveals Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve for 2026 Release

Bandai Namco says the Unreal Engine 5 entry elevates the sky to a centerpiece as it frames a cinematic, story-led campaign.

Rafael Nadal Undergoes Right-Thumb Arthroplasty in Barcelona

The procedure targets long-standing joint osteoarthritis to relieve pain and restore mobility after retirement.

Makai Lemon Wins 2025 Biletnikoff Over Jeremiah Smith

The decision renewed scrutiny of voter criteria, with PFF-backed efficiency and versatility weighed against raw production.

Disney+ Passes on Gender-Swapped Holes Reboot After Pilot

The tax credits linked to the project are transferable.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The End of an Era’ Lands on Disney+ With ‘Final Show’ Concert Film

Early episodes reveal the tour’s human cost alongside its scale.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Hits Netflix to Strong Reviews and Fresh Debate Over Its Limited Theatrical Run

Critics highlight a darker, faith-driven reinvention with Benoit Blanc’s entrance intentionally delayed.

Netflix Concludes Animated Tomb Raider With Season 2 Release on Dec. 11

The franchise next moves to Amazon’s live-action adaptation alongside a coordinated game effort.

Sakurai Says Kirby Air Riders Team to Disband After One Final Patch

The director frames the next update as a definitive balance pass that ends active development.

New Oral History Reveals How Jim Carrey Endured the Grinch’s Punishing Makeup

A 25th‑anniversary account surfaces new first‑person details about the extreme prosthetics behind the performance.

LAFD Honored With Award of Excellence Star Next to Hollywood Walk of Fame

The civic tribute was inspired by a 14-year-old’s essay nominating firefighters for their work during January’s Palisades and Sunset fires.

Max B and French Montana Release "Make America Wavy Again" as Coke Wave Reunion Accelerates

The single leads a new Coke Wave project slated for January 9, 2026, with an official video already online.

Hot 97 Ends 'Ebro In The Morning' After 13 Years

Syndicator Superadio pledges new-platform plans for the Ebro brand following the show's final broadcast.

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen Expect First Child After Snowy Video Reveal

She revealed the news on her Beau Society newsletter with a brief clip later posted to Instagram, with no due date disclosed.

Percy Jackson Season 2 Launches on Disney+ With Bigger Scale and New Characters

Season 3 is already in production in Vancouver.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Teaser to Debut Theatrically With Avatar: Fire and Ash as Multiple Versions Rotate

Disney is using a theatrical-first rollout to turn the first look into an event.

Dearica Hamby, Aces End Pregnancy Discrimination Case With Prejudice

The move follows a prior ruling that removed the WNBA from the case.

Oba Femi Confronts Cody Rhodes on SmackDown Ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event Bout

The NXT champion’s on-screen faceoff signals a marquee main-roster showcase for WWE’s latest NIL standout.

Jury Convicts Carl Erik Rinsch of Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million

Sentencing is set for April 17, 2026 following a Manhattan jury verdict on seven felony counts.

Disney Invests $1 Billion in OpenAI, Licensing 200+ Characters for Sora and ChatGPT

The three-year deal makes Disney the first major studio to license its IP to Sora, signaling a shift from legal pushback to controlled generative‑AI use.

Study Finds Bus-Sized Mosasaur Lived in Hell Creek Rivers

Isotope signals in a tooth suggest a freshwater surface niche formed by a progressively freshening Western Interior Seaway.

Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Saturday Night With Dark Skies and Up to 120 Meteors an Hour

Expect dark skies thanks to a slim crescent moon, with meteors stemming from asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

Tsunami Advisory Lifted After 6.7 Quake Off Aomori as Japan Monitors Ongoing Seismic Sequence

Officials maintain a short-term heightened-earthquake advisory for Hokkaido to Chiba following Monday’s M7.5 shock.

Indoor Tanning Tied to Nearly Triple Melanoma Risk as Study Maps DNA Damage Across the Skin

Researchers paired medical‑record analysis with single‑cell sequencing to show tanning devices drive melanoma‑linked mutations across the skin.

CRISPR Yields Compact Goldenberry Lines Deemed Ready for Production

Edits to the ERECTA gene cut plant height by about 35%, enabling denser plantings, with regulatory review planned.

Record Fall Rains Revive Shallow Lake Manly in Death Valley’s Badwater Basin

Park officials expect a short-lived, inches-deep lake, with access constrained by storm-damaged roads.

Colorado Returns Wandering Gray Wolf to Grand County After New Mexico Capture

Officials invoked a multistate pact to protect Mexican wolf recovery by returning the animal to Colorado.

WHO Panel Reaffirms No Link Between Vaccines and Autism

The review draws on 31 studies through August 2025 to rebut recent U.S. messaging that questioned the consensus.

FDA Proposes Adding Bemotrizinol to U.S. Sunscreens, Invites Public Comment

If finalized, the order would deem the UV filter GRASE at up to 6% under the OTC monograph, enabling launches without individual drug applications.

South Carolina Quarantines 254 as Measles Outbreak Expands, U.S. Cases Reach 1,912

Officials warn the country risks losing measles elimination status without higher vaccination uptake.

X-Ray and Gemini Observations Refine View of Interstellar Visitor 3I/ATLAS as Dec. 19 Earth Flyby Nears

Fresh multiwavelength data highlight unusual gases consistent with volatile-driven activity.

Orcas Team Up With Dolphins to Hunt Salmon, Study Finds

Tag, drone plus acoustic data indicate coordinated dives that may aid salmon detection, with researchers urging further study.

Pompeii 'Time Capsule' Confirms Romans Hot‑Mixed Self‑Healing Concrete

A uniquely preserved Pompeii worksite gave researchers direct, in‑situ proof of hot‑mixing, pointing to pathways for more durable, lower‑carbon cements.

December Warmth Puts Phoenix on Record Track as High-Pressure Ridge Persists

Forecasters tie the unusual spell to a stubborn ridge that keeps the Southwest unseasonably warm through next week.

Closest Directly Imaged Planet Around Two Suns Confirmed on a 300-Year Orbit

The directly imaged, 13-million-year-old gas giant provides a rare testbed for how planets form in two-star systems.

Blue Origin Targets Dec. 18 New Shepard Flight Carrying First Wheelchair User to Space

The short suborbital trip from West Texas features a six-person crew on New Shepard’s 37th mission.

Coastal Commission Clears Diablo Canyon to Run Through 2030 With 4,000-Acre Conservation Condition

The vote clears a key hurdle before federal regulators decide on a 20-year license extension.

Northern Lights Possible Across Northern U.S. This Weekend, With Best Odds Friday Night

NOAA pegs Friday night as the peak window with Kp near four.

BMJ Case Reports Stroke in Man Drinking Eight Energy Drinks Daily

The case report urges clinician vigilance without claiming definitive causation.

Webb Finds Strong Evidence of Thick Atmosphere on Ultra-Hot Super-Earth TOI-561 b

A cooler-than-expected dayside temperature points to a volatile-rich shroud likely sustained by exchange with a global magma ocean.

Binance Integrates WLFI’s USD1 Into Core Trading and Collateral, Replacing BUSD Reserves

The Trump-linked stablecoin’s deeper role at the exchange heightens scrutiny over political ties following recent financing.

Trump Signs Order to Curb State AI Laws, Launch DOJ Task Force

The directive leverages lawsuits plus funding threats to push a single national framework, a strategy critics expect to be challenged in court.

India Pushes H-1B and H-4 Visa Interviews Into 2026 as Social‑Media Screening Begins

Consulates say the new online‑presence review has reduced daily capacity.

Congress Demands H200 Export Rationale as White House AI Chief Says China Is Rejecting Nvidia Chips

The decision to permit vetted H200 sales faces oversight in Washington, with Chinese uptake uncertain.

Trump Says Thailand and Cambodia Agreed to Renew Ceasefire as Bangkok Denies Any Deal

The claim remains unconfirmed by both governments, with fighting still under way.

U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Tanker Off Venezuela as It Expands Shipping Sanctions

Officials opened a forfeiture process to keep the cargo, signaling that additional interdictions are on the table.

Indiana Senate Rejects Trump-Backed Map as GOP Defections Sink Mid‑Decade Redraw

The vote rebukes a White House pressure campaign to eliminate Indiana’s two Democratic-held districts.

Trump Announces 'Full Pardon' for Tina Peters, but Her State Conviction Still Stands

Legal experts say presidential clemency covers only federal offenses, leaving the former Colorado clerk’s sentence unchanged.

Walz Launches Statewide Fraud-Prevention Program, Names Ex-FBI Official to Lead It

The move installs former FBI agent Tim O’Malley to coordinate safeguards across Minnesota agencies.

Kentucky AG Seeks $2 Million to Expand Retail Crime Unit as New Task Force Launches

The plan adds investigators, analysts, a resource prosecutor to better coordinate cases across agencies.

Trump Launches $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa With Fast-Track to U.S. Residency

The administration is positioning the program as an EB‑5 replacement funded by applicant payments, a design that is already drawing legal scrutiny.

California Leads 19-State Lawsuit to Block Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

The states say DHS exceeded its authority by imposing the surcharge without notice-and-comment rulemaking.

Bolivia Detains Ex-President Luis Arce in Indigenous Fund Corruption Probe

A judge will now decide on pre-trial detention following his refusal to testify at the anti-corruption police unit in La Paz.

Rubio Orders State Department Back to 14-Point Times New Roman

The department says the shift restores a unified professional look under the White House's One Voice directive.

Florida Opens Rulemaking on Rolling Back Four School and Childcare Vaccine Requirements

Health officials took testimony on a proposal to drop Hep B, varicella, Hib, plus the daycare PCV requirement, changes confined to rules the department controls.

Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Case Against Ex–San Leandro Officer in 2020 Walmart Shooting

Prosecutors said they could not disprove lawful self-defense based on body-camera evidence.

Chile Runoff Nears With Kast Favored Over Jara

Polling points to a rightward runoff, with fears over crime and migration reshaping voter choices.

After Satmar Visits, Mamdani Meets Rabbis as Outreach Draws Cautious Praise

Rabbis described a constructive exchange, with concerns over his anti‑Zionist positions still unresolved.

Newsom Press Office Taunts Musk as Musk Deadnames Estranged Child in X Exchange

The clash followed a pro‑trans clip shared by Musk’s America PAC, reflecting Newsom’s increasingly confrontational online strategy.

Machado Reemerges in Oslo After Clandestine Escape, Vows to Return to Venezuela

She says she will take the Nobel back home despite charges that make her a wanted fugitive under Maduro.

Three Arrested After Linked Homer Glen, Lemont Home Invasions

License-plate reader hits on a stolen Acura led investigators to suspects tied to both attacks after a pursuit that ended in a Will County crash.

San Diego City, County and Others Settle Arabella McCormack Case for $31.5 Million

The payouts close civil claims following allegations that mandated reporters across institutions failed to act on clear warning signs.

Woman Charged With Attempted Murder in Macy’s Herald Square Bathroom Stabbing of Tourist Mother

Police call the attack unprovoked, with the victim stable as her infant remained unharmed.

Federal Judge Rejects Stay as Georgia Sets Dec. 17 Execution for Stacey Humphreys

Clemency arguments go to the state parole board on Dec. 16 with a medical-accommodation request to the lethal-injection protocol still unresolved.

Walz Launches Statewide Fraud-Prevention Program, Names Ex-FBI Official to Lead It

The move installs former FBI agent Tim O’Malley to coordinate safeguards across Minnesota agencies.

Trump Announces 'Full Pardon' for Tina Peters, but Her State Conviction Still Stands

Legal experts say presidential clemency covers only federal offenses, leaving the former Colorado clerk’s sentence unchanged.

Kentucky AG Seeks $2 Million to Expand Retail Crime Unit as New Task Force Launches

The plan adds investigators, analysts, a resource prosecutor to better coordinate cases across agencies.

Georgia's Dontrell Glover, Bo Walker Arrested on Misdemeanor Shoplifting Charges

The athletic department says it is gathering information pending the legal process.

Bolivia Detains Ex-President Luis Arce in Indigenous Fund Corruption Probe

A judge will now decide on pre-trial detention following his refusal to testify at the anti-corruption police unit in La Paz.

Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Charged With Home Invasion and Stalking After Firing

Michigan installed Biff Poggi as interim coach pending a permanent hire.

U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Tanker Off Venezuela as It Expands Shipping Sanctions

Officials opened a forfeiture process to keep the cargo, signaling that additional interdictions are on the table.

Comer Threatens Contempt if Bill and Hillary Clinton Skip Epstein Depositions Next Week

The move lands days before a legal deadline for the Justice Department to release Epstein-related records.

Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Case Against Ex–San Leandro Officer in 2020 Walmart Shooting

Prosecutors said they could not disprove lawful self-defense based on body-camera evidence.

Judge Orders Detention for Alleged Loop Serial Puncher Accused of Attacking at Least Six Women

Pretrial detention follows prosecutors’ account of multiple unprovoked assaults in Chicago’s downtown.

Army Refers Fort Stewart Shooting Case to General Court-Martial

The referral triggers assignment of a judge to set the schedule for military proceedings.

Warren Woman Arrested After Livestreaming Police Standoff at Home Where Body Was Found

Police say the case remains in its early stages with investigators seeking public tips.

House Democrats Release 19 Epstein Photos Showing Trump, Clinton, Gates as DOJ Deadline Nears

The release intensifies pressure on the Justice Department to publish Epstein records by the Dec. 19 deadline.

South Shore Residents Forced to Leave as Court-Ordered Vacate Takes Effect

A judge deemed the foreclosed building unsafe, prompting limited relocation aid during a dangerous cold snap.

Tyler Robinson Makes First In-Person Court Appearance as Judge Weighs Camera Limits in Kirk Case

The court has not ruled on a proposed camera ban as proceedings continue with partial closures and strict limits on filming restraints.

Judge Bars ICE From Re‑Detaining Abrego Garcia After Ordering His Release

The judge said ICE lacked a lawful removal order, undercutting months of third‑country deportation efforts.

Binance Integrates WLFI’s USD1 Into Core Trading and Collateral, Replacing BUSD Reserves

The Trump-linked stablecoin’s deeper role at the exchange heightens scrutiny over political ties following recent financing.

Congress Demands H200 Export Rationale as White House AI Chief Says China Is Rejecting Nvidia Chips

The decision to permit vetted H200 sales faces oversight in Washington, with Chinese uptake uncertain.

Interactive Brokers Starts Pilot Letting Retail Clients Fund Accounts With Stablecoins

The phased U.S. rollout lets select clients move money from crypto wallets for faster transfers.

Bolivia Detains Ex-President Luis Arce in Indigenous Fund Corruption Probe

A judge will now decide on pre-trial detention following his refusal to testify at the anti-corruption police unit in La Paz.

Trump Launches $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa With Fast-Track to U.S. Residency

The administration is positioning the program as an EB‑5 replacement funded by applicant payments, a design that is already drawing legal scrutiny.

California Leads 19-State Lawsuit to Block Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

The states say DHS exceeded its authority by imposing the surcharge without notice-and-comment rulemaking.

American Becomes First U.S. Carrier to Fly Airbus A321XLR, Starting JFK–LAX on Dec. 18

Suite doors remain open initially pending FAA certification.

Big 12 Nears Non-Equity Capital Partnership With RedBird-Backed CAS to Make Up to $500 Million Available

The proposal uses a revenue-sharing model that preserves school ownership with opt-in participation.

Kentucky AG Seeks $2 Million to Expand Retail Crime Unit as New Task Force Launches

The plan adds investigators, analysts, a resource prosecutor to better coordinate cases across agencies.

Chile Runoff Nears With Kast Favored Over Jara

Polling points to a rightward runoff, with fears over crime and migration reshaping voter choices.

OCC Conditionally Approves National Trust Charters for Ripple, Circle, BitGo, Paxos and Fidelity

The move advances stablecoin oversight under a federal framework created by the GENIUS Act.

Strategy Leads Pushback Against MSCI Plan to Bar Crypto‑Treasury Firms From Indexes

The index provider is weighing a 50% digital‑asset threshold with a decision due Jan. 15, 2026.

Bitcoin Whipsaws Near $90,000 After Fed Cut as Liquidity Signals Split

Traders parse a 25 bp Fed cut plus New York Fed T‑bill buys as leverage-driven swings keep Bitcoin range‑bound.

AMINA Bank Becomes First European Bank to Go Live on Ripple Payments

The FINMA-regulated Swiss bank will use Ripple’s licensed stack to run near-real-time, Travel Rule‑compliant cross‑border flows that connect fiat channels with RLUSD settlement.

South Shore Residents Forced to Leave as Court-Ordered Vacate Takes Effect

A judge deemed the foreclosed building unsafe, prompting limited relocation aid during a dangerous cold snap.

BOJ Poised to Lift Policy Rate to 0.75% Next Week, Signaling Step-By-Step Tightening

Officials are preparing a data‑dependent path that tests the effects of each hike on credit and activity.

Trump Puts Warsh and Hassett at Top of Fed Chair Shortlist, Seeks Say on Rates

His call for consultation from the next chair renews concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence.

U.S. Trade Deficit Shrinks to Smallest Since 2020

Economists say volatile gold flows and tariff timing effects cloud how much lasting progress the figures represent.

SEC Gives DTCC Limited Clearance to Tokenize Select U.S. Securities on Blockchains

An SEC staff no-action stance permits a constrained pilot that preserves existing custody under registered-wallet controls.

House GOP Unveils Health Plan Without ACA Subsidy Extension as Deadline Nears

Millions face steep premium hikes as enhanced marketplace tax credits head toward a Dec. 31 expiration.

Bandai Namco Reveals Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve for 2026 Release

Bandai Namco says the Unreal Engine 5 entry elevates the sky to a centerpiece as it frames a cinematic, story-led campaign.

Sakurai Says Kirby Air Riders Team to Disband After One Final Patch

The director frames the next update as a definitive balance pass that ends active development.

Netflix Concludes Animated Tomb Raider With Season 2 Release on Dec. 11

The franchise next moves to Amazon’s live-action adaptation alongside a coordinated game effort.

Larian Reveals Standalone 'Divinity' at The Game Awards, Confirms Mojave 'Hellstone' Tease for Its Biggest Game Yet

No release window or platforms were announced, signaling a long development timeline.

Game Awards 2025: Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic Revealed as Single-Player RPG

The Casey Hudson–led project for Lucasfilm Games charts a new Old Republic story separate from KOTOR remakes.

Capcom Dates Pragmata for April 24, 2026, Adds Switch 2 and Drops PC Demo

Capcom kicks off a staged demo rollout to rebuild momentum for its long-delayed new IP.

Arknights: Endfield Sets Global Launch for January 22, 2026 Across PC, PS5, and Mobile

A OneRepublic-backed Game Awards trailer signals a mainstream push for the Arknights spin-off.

Werner Herzog Reintroduces Warframe Lore in Game Awards Trailer

The studio says the collaboration boosts its confidence in the game's 2026 direction.

Capcom Confirms Leon S. Kennedy as Playable Co-Lead in Resident Evil Requiem With Feb. 27, 2026 Launch Date

Developers say the campaign alternates between action-driven Leon chapters and Grace’s survival-horror sequences in nearly equal measure under a new threat called Elpis.

Gears of War: E-Day Reaffirmed for 2026 After Game Awards No-Show

The Coalition posted a brief reassurance on social media during the show.

Phantom Blade Zero Sets September 9, 2026 Release for PS5 and PC

A Game Awards trailer highlights Wuxia‑steampunk combat alongside the studio's 'not-a-Soulslike' stance.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Adds Free ‘Thank You’ Update With New Versos Drafts Area

The content drop follows Sandfall Interactive’s nine wins at The Game Awards.

Xbox Sets January 2026 Developer Direct, Confirms Playground Games Appearance

Executives signal a stacked 2026 lineup with reveals staggered beyond the January broadcast.

Neon Giant Reveals No Law, a Cyber‑Noire FPS RPG Set in Port Desire

The small team behind The Ascent shifts to first-person with a denser, reactive world built in Unreal Engine 5.

Hogwarts Legacy Is Free on Epic Games Store for One Week

The free release anchors Epic’s holiday push with Fortnite incentives.

Sony and Bad Robot Reveal 4:Loop, a Four-Player Roguelite Co-Op Shooter for PS5 and PC

Led by Left 4 Dead creator Mike Booth, the game invites early testers to help refine its improvisation-driven combat sandbox.

Street Fighter Reboot Unleashes Teaser and 17 Character Posters at The Game Awards

The reboot presents a 1993 World Warrior storyline with arcade-accurate style, dated for October 16, 2026.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wins Game of the Year in Record Nine-Trophy Game Awards Sweep

The debut RPG from France’s Sandfall Interactive capped a breakout year with a record haul at Geoff Keighley’s global showcase.

Amazon and Crystal Dynamics Relaunch Tomb Raider With 2026 Remake and 2027 Mainline Catalyst

The reveals signal a unified push under Amazon’s partnership with Crystal Dynamics, with both projects built in Unreal Engine 5 led by a single Lara performance.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer Revealed at The Game Awards for 2026 Release

The debut from ex‑Criterion studio Fuse Games revives Star Wars’ racing roots with a runs‑based campaign starring Shade in the outlaw Galactic League.