China is building the world’s largest military command center that is at least 10 times bigger than the U.S. Pentagon. The Financial Times released a report about the base, citing information from U.S. officials, on Thursday, Jan. 30.

How did U.S. officials find out about the base?

Satellite images obtained by the news outlet show about a 1,500-acre site just southwest of Beijing. Intelligence officers believe this complex could be a so-called “doomsday” bunker for the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) to congregate in case of a nuclear war.

When finished, the command center, dubbed “Beijing Military City” makes the current world’s largest military command center, the Pentagon, look relatively small in comparison.

Intelligence experts also noted the images of the construction site, taken in mid-2024, are fitting for Beijing as the PLA prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2027.

What does it have to do with Taiwan?

It also comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly vowed to reunify with Taiwan in 2027, using force if necessary. The self-governing island has defense agreements in place with the United States, and the U.S. is dependent on Taiwan for most of the microchips which make electronics work.

What do we know about the facility so far?

A former CIA analyst told the Financial Times they suspect China’s new facility is meant to enhance Beijing’s “nuclear war-fighting capability.”

Around 100 cranes were observed operating at the three-mile site, constructing underground facilities connected by tunnels.

The Financial Times reported that there is no military presence currently at the site, but it has “all the hallmarks of a sensitive military site.” Popular hiking trails near the installation are closed and access to the grounds is strictly prohibited.

There are also signs warning against flying drones or taking pictures and the back of the project is blocked off by a checkpoint.

What did we know about China’s military expansion plans?

As Straight Arrow News previously reported, Beijing is beefing up its nuclear arsenal and the Pentagon estimates China will have 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035.

Beijing also appears to be building a massive nuclear fusion center in the southwest city of Mianyang, which could allow for new nuclear weapons designs and the housing of nuclear weapons.

Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was one of the company’s most ambitious and immersive experiences. Part hotel, part live-action roleplay, it promised guests a chance to step into a galaxy far, far away.

But less than two years after opening, the luxury experience has permanently closed its doors in Orlando, Florida.

According to The Wrap, the former hotel will be transformed into a Walt Disney Imagineering office. The division is responsible for designing Disney’s creative projects, from theme parks to cruise ships.

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A high-cost experience that didn’t last

The Galactic Starcruiser was marketed as a two-night, all-inclusive experience that allowed guests to live their own Star Wars adventure. It came with a hefty price tag — $4,800 for two guests and $6,000 for a family of four.

Disney designed the experience as an interactive role-playing journey, where guests could train with lightsabers, interact with Star Wars characters, and follow a structured itinerary of missions and activities.

Jenny Nicholson’s viral critique sparks debate

Not everyone was impressed.

YouTuber Jenny Nicholson, known for her deep dives into immersive entertainment, shared her experience in a four-hour video last year titled “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel.”

Nicholson’s review, which has nearly 12 million views as of Friday, Jan. 31, breaks down why she felt the experience wasn’t worth the cost. She highlighted small cabins, rigid scheduling and lackluster mini-games — some of which she called “boring.”

The video went viral, amassing 3 million views in just a few days and trending across social media. Many believe the widespread criticism contributed to Disney’s decision to close the hotel early.

Nicholson’s video sparked widespread discussions online, with some guests agreeing with her assessment. However, some die-hard Star Wars fans praised the experience.

Disney files copyright claim against Nicholson’s video

Nicholson’s video was so impactful that Disney attempted to file a copyright claim against it, citing the use of background music from their marketing clips.

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Nicholson later addressed the situation on X, stating that Disney’s claim was unsuccessful.

For now, instead of offering a Star Wars escape for guests, the former luxury hotel will house the creative team behind Disney’s next big attractions.

Federal employees have been told to remove their pronouns from email signatures to align with President Trump’s recent executive orders. Workers have until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, to comply; the notice did not say if there are consequences for inaction, it just thanked employees in advance for their “immediate attention.”

Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein shared an email that was sent to employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said both the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services are implementing two executive orders: “Ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing” and “Defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government.” President Trump signed both of them on his first day in office.

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Trump stated during his inaugural address that it would be the official policy of the federal government that there are only two genders: male and female. One of his executive orders instructed government agencies to use the word “sex” instead of “gender.”

According to the email obtained by Klippenstein, government signatures may only contain the following information: name, degree(s), title, organization, contact information, links to surveys and other approved information.

The email laid out specific instructions on how to change a signature and remove unapproved information.

According to ABC News, employees at the Departments of Transportation and Energy received similar instructions. It is unclear if the emails went out to all federal employees, but the president’s orders apply government-wide.

A U.S.-based security firm has hired nearly 100 former U.S. Special Forces personnel to help operate a key checkpoint in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The North Carolina-based UG Solutions, founded in 2023, is leading the effort, offering a daily rate of at least $1,100 with an upfront $10,000 advance for hired personnel, according to a recruitment email verified by company officials.

The contractors will be stationed at a major checkpoint inside Gaza, which serves as a critical passage for civilians and aid shipments. A spokesperson for UG Solutions confirmed some recruits are already on-site but did not specify how many.

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Role of U.S. contractors in Gaza checkpoint operations

The U.S. contractors’ primary mission is vehicle inspection and checkpoint security, ensuring compliance with ceasefire terms. They will not interact directly with civilians, according to a Palestinian official familiar with the agreement.

Instead, their role is focused on monitoring traffic along the Netzarim Corridor, a critical road dividing northern and southern Gaza, as well as Salah al-Din Street, the enclave’s main north-south route.

The security personnel will be armed with M4 rifles and Glock pistols, weapons commonly used by U.S. and Israeli forces. While rules of engagement have been established, UG Solutions has not publicly disclosed them.

Ceasefire deal involves private and regional security forces

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel confirmed that Israel insisted on including a private security firm in the ceasefire agreement. The checkpoint operation will also involve Egyptian security forces, who have reportedly been training for months in counterterrorism operations.

The United States government was not directly involved in selecting UG Solutions or awarding the contract, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Instead, funding for the security operation comes from Israel and undisclosed Arab nations that played a role in brokering the ceasefire.

Concerns over security and risks to American contractors

The deployment of U.S. private contractors in Gaza is unprecedented and raises security concerns. Hamas remains a powerful force in the region, and experts warn that American personnel could become targets for militants or individuals angered by U.S. support for Israel.

Former Israeli intelligence officer Avi Melamed acknowledged the risks, saying, “Of course there is a threat they will face.”

Other analysts suggest that Hamas may tolerate the contractors’ presence because their role in reopening crossings reinforces Hamas’ claims of victory in the ceasefire negotiations.

U.S. history with private military contractors

The use of private U.S. security contractors in conflict zones has been controversial. The most infamous case occurred in 2007, when Blackwater personnel killed 14 civilians in Baghdad’s Nisour Square, sparking international outrage. Four contractors were convicted in the U.S. but later pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020.

In another case, four Blackwater operatives were killed by insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, leading to a large-scale U.S. military response. Critics argue that deploying armed contractors in volatile regions can escalate conflicts.

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Future of private security in Gaza

The current ceasefire, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support, is set to last 60 days. During this time, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are expected to return to northern Gaza, traveling through the checkpoint operated by UG Solutions and regional security forces.

It remains unclear whether UG Solutions’ contract will be extended beyond the ceasefire period. For now, U.S. officials and international observers are closely monitoring the security situation, particularly regarding how American contractors navigate the risks of operating in Gaza.

A newly discovered asteroid caught the attention of scientists and astronomers. NASA said that it has a very small chance of hitting the Earth by the year 2032.

Where is the asteroid now?

Scientists in Chile first spotted the asteroid by telescope in December 2024. They’ve named it 2024 YR4.

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The space rock is anywhere from 130 to 330 feet across, scientists estimated.

Researchers said the asteroid is currently headed away from Earth, but said it came within 500,000 miles of Earth on Christmas Day. That’s about twice the distance of the moon.

What are the chances of the asteroid hitting Earth?

NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies director, Paul Chodas, said there is a 99% chance that the asteroid will miss Earth.

However, he said the small 1 % chance that it might hit our planet deserves attention.

Chodas explained that as it makes a path around the sun, its risk of hitting Earth might drop.

Experts said the space rock will gradually fade from view over the next few months and even the most powerful of telescopes will not be able to pinpoint it.

Once out of sight, it will not become visible again until 2028.

In the meantime, scientists are looking over data and surveys of space dating back to 2016 to track its history.

The European Space Agency reported that the Earth gets hit by an asteroid of this size every few thousand years.

This particular asteroid is now atop the agency’s risk list.

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What kind of damage could this asteroid cause?

NASA said that if the asteroid turns out to be on the large end of its estimated range, it could produce a blast of about 30 miles, including the impact site.

The damage could range from massive explosions to fires, or perhaps an earthquake or tsunamis, according to the University of California at Berkeley.

If the asteroid does make its way toward Earth, experts dated the impact at around Dec. 22, 2032. The exact location of where it could hit is unknown.