Scientists have confirmed the existence of a rogue planet, a starless world, for the first time by determining its distance and mass. Using gravitational microlensing, the astronomers observed an object distorting light from a distant star, approximately 9,950 light-years from Earth, with a mass about 70 times that of Earth. This discovery, made possible by observations from multiple observatories and the Gaia space telescope, suggests that these free-floating planets are likely abundant in the Milky Way, even more numerous than the stars themselves. The newfound data will assist in understanding planet formation and how some planets become rogue, while upcoming telescopes promise to find even more of these wandering worlds.
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This piece examines the apparent paradox of the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) focus on New York City’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, while largely ignoring or even defending prominent Republicans accused of antisemitism and Christian nationalism. The article contends that the ADL’s actions seem less about combating antisemitism and more about preserving the current power dynamics in Israel. The author argues that labeling calls for Palestinian equality as antisemitic is a misrepresentation of the issue. This is because such a demand could disrupt the existing Jewish majority, potentially leading to a binational democracy that challenges the established status quo.
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Tennessee launches nation’s first domestic violence offender registry.
It’s actually quite surprising, isn’t it? Tennessee, of all places, stepping up to be the first state in the nation to launch a domestic violence offender registry. It’s a significant development, especially considering the political landscape of the state. Named after a fallen police officer, Savanna’s Law, it’s a tangible step forward.
The core of this law is quite straightforward. It creates a public database, managed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, that lists individuals with multiple domestic violence convictions. Essentially, if you’ve been convicted, or pleaded guilty or no contest, of more than one domestic violence offense, you’ll be on the registry.… Continue reading
As the year 2026 began, President Donald Trump hosted his traditional New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago. However, before the party commenced, Trump announced the removal of National Guard troops from several major U.S. cities. This decision followed a significant legal defeat at the Supreme Court, according to a report by NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez.
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X, formerly Twitter, has transformed into a platform where the right engages with the extreme right, largely due to Elon Musk’s changes. These shifts, including relaxed content moderation and creator payouts, have incentivized a race to the bottom with bigotry and conspiracy theories gaining traction. Right-wing figures are now concerned as the platform loses its ability to unite the right, fostering internal conflict. Meanwhile, the Trump administration remains fixated on appeasing the online right, potentially alienating ordinary voters and jeopardizing the MAGA 2.0 coalition.
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At a City Hall event, Senator Bernie Sanders swore in newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who campaigned on working-class priorities. Mamdani, echoing Sanders’ call, emphasized the need to tax the wealthy to fund initiatives like universal childcare and rent freezes, aiming to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. The mayor’s agenda included increasing corporate tax rates and taxes on high-income earners. The inauguration followed the backdrop of growing wealth disparities, with the world’s richest individuals accumulating trillions, prompting fresh demands for wealth taxes.
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Finnish authorities have arrested two individuals linked to a cargo vessel, the Fitburg, suspected of damaging a telecom cable connecting Finland and Estonia. The ship, en route from Russia to Israel, was seized and its crew, consisting of individuals from various nations, are being questioned. The investigation includes travel bans for two other crew members and the discovery of sanctioned structural steel onboard. Authorities are investigating potential criminal charges related to the damage but have not speculated on possible state involvement, despite heightened concerns of hybrid warfare in the region.
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A California federal judge criticized DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s decision to strip Temporary Protected Status from tens of thousands of immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, deeming it “pretextual” and potentially driven by “racial animus.” Judge Thompson, citing the Administrative Procedures Act, found the decision “arbitrary and capricious” as it prioritized outcomes over legal compliance. The judge highlighted statements by Noem and Trump that reflected racist rhetoric, leading her to believe their policies promoted the debunked “replacement theory.” In response, the DHS assistant secretary blasted the order as “lawless” and “activist”.
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Billionaires are vehemently opposing a proposed one-time wealth tax on the richest Californians, with some claiming they are fleeing the state to avoid the tax. Critics, like Chamath Palihapitiya and Bill Ackman, have characterized the initiative as an unacceptable seizure of assets. News outlets, such as the Washington Post, have also voiced their disapproval, while reports indicate that some investment firms are establishing new offices outside of California. Supporters of the tax, however, argue that it is a reasonable request for the wealthiest individuals to contribute to mitigate crises facing healthcare, education, and the broader economy, potentially raising approximately $100 billion in revenue for crucial programs.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani began his term by swiftly revoking most executive orders issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams, after his indictment on corruption charges. This move, one of several executive orders, aims to provide a “fresh start” while also vowing to reinstate some key orders, such as maintaining the Office to Combat Antisemitism. Mamdani also focused on housing, signing orders to revitalize the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and establish task forces to expedite housing construction and streamline development processes, appointing left-wing activist Cea Weaver as the director of the Office to Protect Tenants. The mayor’s final executive order established new leadership roles and outlined the continued operation of several offices within his administration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood