More from Ian Kennedy
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More than 1,000 fake news websites removed in Google’s latest crackdown
Google removed hundreds of fake news websites linked to a pro-China influence operation called Glassbridge. The sites posed as independent news outlets but published propaganda aligned with Beijing’s political interests. The tech giant’s Threat Analysis Group identified four companies, Shanghai Haixun Technology, Haimai, DURINBRIDGE and Shenzhen Bowen Media, responsible for creating and operating these fake… -
UAE names suspects in killing of Jewish community leader
The United Arab Emirates named three Uzbek nationals as suspects in the killing of Zvi Kogan, a Jewish community leader whose body was found Sunday, Nov. 24. Emirati authorities identified the suspects as 28-year-olds Olimpi Tohirovic and Mahmudjun Abdurrahim, and 33-year-old Azizbek Kamilovich. All three have been arrested, and legal proceedings are underway, according to… -
Researchers hope PigeonBot flying robot can inspire next generation of flight
A marriage of technology and biology could be the key to advances in autonomous flight. Researchers revealed in findings published on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Science Robotics that they have developed the “PigeonBot II.” The bird-like robot features an adaptive tail and wings capable of adjusting to wind conditions at a moment’s notice, just like… -
GOP senator introduces bill to dismantle Department of Education
A bill introduced by Senate Republicans could be the first step in fulfilling one of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises: dismantling the Department of Education. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., introduced the Returning Education to Our States Act, a bill that would eliminate the Education Department, redistribute its responsibilities to other federal agencies and send federal… -
Surgeons perform first-ever robotic double lung transplant
Surgeons in New York are the first in the world to complete a fully robotic double lung transplant. The team at NYU Langone Health successfully performed the surgery on 57-year-old Cheryl Mehrkar. Mehrkar was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, in 2010. Her condition got worse after a bout with Covid-19 in 2022.… -
Mystery chemical in drinking water finally identified, but is it safe?
For more than 40 years scientists have known about a mysterious chemical in many Americans’ drinking water, but now they’ve finally found out what it is. The authors of a new study say they believe the chemical is a byproduct of chloramine, which some water plants use to treat water and make it safe to… -
Jussie Smollett’s conviction overturned in hate crime hoax case
The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned Jussie Smollett’s conviction. The actor was found guilty of staging a hate crime in 2019. In a 5-0 decision, the court ruled Smollett’s due process rights were violated. The case has been sent to a lower court for formal dismissal. The 2019 incident Smollett, a former “Empire” star, claimed… -
Putin signals cease-fire talks with Trump, sets strict conditions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to discuss a cease-fire in Ukraine with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. However, Putin says this would need to be under specific and stringent conditions. His proposal includes freezing the conflict along the current front lines, allowing Russia to retain significant territory, including Crimea and large portions of the… -
Giraffes may be next on endangered species list as population rapidly declines
Giraffes could soon be listed on the endangered species list. U.S. wildlife officials say that’s because multiple species of giraffe populations are declining rapidly. Researchers point to the loss of habitat, poaching and climate change in their native land in Africa. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation about 117,000 wild giraffes are left worldwide –… -
NFL unlikely to penalize players for performing ‘Trump Dance’ celebration
Several NFL players have recently adopted a new on-field celebration mimicking President-elect Donald Trump’s signature dance move, raising questions about whether the league would impose penalties for the gesture. However, NFL insider Jordan Schultz is now reporting on X that his sources have indicated the league will not step in to prevent the celebration. “Since… -
Church in Switzerland uses AI-powered Jesus to offer advice
St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, is incorporating artificial intelligence into religious settings. Visitors can now interact with a digital avatar of Jesus through an innovative installation by Lucerne University’s scientists and theologians. Launched in August, the installation features a high-tech confessional booth. Visitors ask questions about faith and the AI responds based on training… -
Not happy with the 2024 election? Italian village offers Americans $1 homes
Plenty of people in the United States threatened to leave the country if Donald Trump won a second presidency. He did, and now one Italian village is inviting Americans to put their money where their mouth is, even if it’s not much. The rural village of Ollolai on the Italian island of Sardinia is offering… -
Jaguar rebrands with new logo, ad and no cars in sight
British car manufacturer Jaguar is rolling out a rebrand complete with a new logo. The new look and the colorful promotional video that came with it have many online criticizing the move. The rebrand comes as Jaguar sales have declined in the U.S. and the brand pivots to ultra-luxury electric vehicles. Jaguar’s 30-second promotional video,…