On Saturday Feb. 3rd, the United States shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon in South Carolina. The decision to take action followed weeks of consternation from citizens as the balloon flew high over the U.S. President Biden, in a statement, said he had been briefed on the matter Wednesday, and ordered the balloon be shot down "as soon as possible" but was advised that the "best time to do that was when it got over water" due to safety concerns.

The Chinese foreign ministry declared its "strong discontent and protest" about the U.S.’s decision in a statement, asserting that officials in Washington stated that the balloon posed no military threat. In response, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island said President Biden made the right decision and called for a full briefing on the situation. Meanwhile, Republican representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and James Comer took to Twitter to

The record-breaking cold wave has hit all corners of the United States, from Maine’s Mount Washington recording a wind chill of -108.4, to the tragic death of a 6-month-old in Southwick, Massachusetts crushed by a falling tree.

Residents of New York City were forced to use the city's emergency shelter system as the temperature underwent its “Cold Blue” designation, a condition when resources need to be made available to the public for maximum safety.

Texas and Arkansas have been among the hardest hit, with Arkansas experiencing up to 35,000 outages with 150,000 in the dark in Texas. The conditions were so harsh that the wind chill on Cadillac Mountain in Maine’s Acadia National Park was reported at -62F.

A single sleepless night of the chill has killed 8 people,

President Joe Biden is still pushing forward with a "unity agenda" despite reports of a High Altitude Balloon from China being detected above the US. On Friday, Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, had a phone call with China's state counselor, Wang Yi, about the balloon. After a brief three-hour flight, the sphere was reported to have landed in a Missouri cornfield.

During the 40-minute phone call, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told China that the incident was an “irresponsible act”, and that the timing of the release was “detrimental to the substantive discussions". Defense officials found the balloon over Montana, which borders one of America's three nuclear missile silo fields.

Biden had initially declined to shoot down the balloon, with concern of debris potentially injuring innocent people below. Residents in Montana, Kansas and Missouri

It's going to be a historic and unforgettable evening in Durham this Saturday night as Duke and North Carolina will meet for the 259th time in college basketball's bluest blood rivalry. Uncharacteristically, both teams will enter the hardwood unranked, a feat extremely rare and hardly seen in the past. However, that doesn’t mean the stakes any lower and both teams will give it their all to produce what’s set to be an exciting showdown.

The all-time series has 143 wins in favor of North Carolina, with Duke having 115 victories, and 55-51 lead in Durham, including 46-39 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. In their last 100 games, the sides are even, with Duke leading just by seventeen points.

Despite all the chaos surrounding the 2021-22 basketball season, both teams have still managed to have solid, if not usual high levels of performance. The Heels

For the first time ever, Florida Atlantic has passed rival Miami in the AP Top 25 poll, taking the #19 spot and leaving the Hurricanes behind at #23. The Owls have been on a winning streak that has stretched 19 games, finally clinching the top spot within the state.

Still, Miami keeps competing strong, led by esteemed coach Jim Larranaga. Although the Hurricanes (16-5, 7-4 ACC) lost a heartbreaker on the road to Pittsburgh Saturday, their split the prior week against Florida State and the Panthers demonstrates their strength in the ACC.

FAU (21-1, 11-0 Conference USA) will continue to attempt to extend their streak with two games on the road this week. Miami, on the other hand, will play three of their next four at home, and Larranaga points out that the crowd can make all the difference in those close games.

Tyrese Haliburton has waited a long time for this moment. After suffering an injury with the Sacramento Kings earlier this season, the 21-year-old guard will return to the court this evening to face off with one of the greatest players of all time: LeBron James. Haliburton is excited to take on the challenge, saying "I'm confident in my abilities, and I'm ready to show the world tonight just what I'm capable of."

As a 6-foot-5 point guard, Haliburton is known for his defensive prowess and his ability to stretch the floor on the offensive end -- making him both a unique player and a tough match-up for the Lakers. Earlier today, Pacers’ Head Coach Nate Bjorkgren said "We're excited to have Ty back in our lineup, and we can't wait to see what he can do against the Lakers tonight."

As temperatures plummeted throughout the Northeast in the overnight hours of Friday, the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire set a record for the lowest wind chill ever recorded: minus 108 degrees Fahrenheit. This beat the regions previous record of minus 103 degrees. The temperatures at the peak of Mt. Washington remained at a frigid minus 47 degrees with an average wind speed of 55 mph, peaking at 97 mph. Despite the cruel temperatures, these extreme winds and frigid temperatures caused an unexpected phenomenon; frost quakes or cryoseisms, which are loud explosions caused by moisture in the ground quickly freezing.

The extreme cold dampened daily activities across the region, as temperatures remained dangerously low and the National Weather Service advised against any prolonged exposure to the bitter wind chills. This included Maine where five counties reported wind chills ranging from minus 31 to minus 62 Fahrenheit and Route 1 was blocked off due to high blowing

A dramatic incident occurred in Eastern Ohio yesterday when a train derailed during the night, causing a massive fire and widespread panic in the area. The train was headed south near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border when its cars derailed and burst into flames, setting off an orange blaze in the night sky.

Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene and responded by evacuating local residents within a mile of the fire. It was unclear if anyone had been injured in the derailment. Norfolk Southern Corp freight railroad also responded, stating in a statement that they were "coordinating closely with local first responders while mobilizing our own teams."

The train was carrying an unknown cargo and it is not yet known what caused the accident. East Palestine Police Department were unable to make an official statement due to the pending investigation. Fires were reported to have been seen from miles away and were visible in the dark of the night.

This Saturday was one for the history books as the No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers were defeated by the No. 21 Indiana Hoosiers by a score of 79-74 in an epic upheaval. Assembly Hall was brimming with anticipation before the start, with fans from both teams eagerly watching in suspense.

The Hoosiers were able to take the lead 5-4 in the opening minutes and held on for the remainder of the game, despite Purdue's late surge. Trayce Jackson-Davis led with 25 points, while freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino had 16 and outdueled the reigning National Player of the year candidate in a show of perfect execution. Indiana also held Purdue's star Zach Edey to 33 points and 10 rebounds despite his best efforts, as he accumulated his 19th double-double of the season.

Just down in Ames, Iowa State dominated No. 8 Kansas 68-

On Saturday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the historic All-Star Weekend in 2024 will be hosted in Toronto, Canada. The city of Toronto has significant roots to the All-Star Game, as the first unofficial All-Star Game was held in Toronto at the Gardens as a fundraiser for Maple Leaf defenseman Ace Bailey after a career-ending head injury in 1934. In October of 1947, the All-Star Game shifted to a regular format between the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Maple Leafs, and the original six teams. This format ended in 1968 as the NHL began expansion, shifting focus to the four divisions and two conferences.

Bettman and the NHL are excited to bring the All-Star Weekend back to its roots. "Being in Toronto, where hockey is so important, we may not have 80-degree temperatures, but we've got real intensity from one of the great hockey markets in the world," said Bett

Elon Musk, one of the most famous and successful entrepreneurs of the 21st century, continues to make headlines both in business and popular media. Born in South Africa in 1971, Musk dropped out of Stanford after only two days and eventually co-founded OpenAI, Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. With a net worth of over $300 billion, he briefly became the world's richest person in 2021.

Musk's determination to explore and develop new technologies is evident in his work. He developed a video game named Blastar at the age of twelve, which he later sold for $500. He also co-founded The OpenAI Company, designed to deliver helpful chatbot technology. Additionally, Musk has made several inspiring cameos on TV shows, such as "Iron Man 2," "South Park," and "The Simpsons." His real-life projects, from space tourism to a

After a Chinese spy balloon sailed over US and Canadian airspaces, tensions between the US and China are rising. US officials have confirmed the 60,000-foot balloon is part of the Chinese's surveillance and intelligence collection effort, indicating a distinct shift in US-China relations. The Biden administration was briefed on the balloon before it crossed into Alaska, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a Beijing trip in response.

The Chinese action has American experts concerned about a number of implications. The balloon's flight has been used as a test of US air defense capabilities and to identify weaknesses in America’s warning system. Additionally, the intelligence-gathering capacity of the balloon could allow China to identify low-power radio frequencies of US weapons systems. Retired Army Gen. John Ferrari cautioned that this could lead to a more threatening display of Chinese force in the future.

The Biden administration was

The United States has confirmed the downing of a Chinese surveillance balloon off the Carolina coast. Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly cancelled a high-stakes Beijing trip in response. What is Beijing up to?

What appears to be more than a common weather Balloon has been sailing across the U.S., drawing accusations of spying from the Pentagon. This incident, among others before it, should have U.S. citizens aware that their homeland is vulnerable to attack. U.S. citizens may be reminded of Japan launching thousands of balloons armed with incendiary explosives against the U.S. in WWII, and the tragedy of the Oregonians killed, including children, picnicking in 1945.

China’s high-altitude vessel, along with its predecessors, sent over U.S. sovereign territory, is likely a component of China’s political warfare campaign aimed at the Biden

The Northeast was hit with an extreme cold snap on Friday, breaking records in its wake. Temperatures dipped to a remarkable -46 F on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, with winds at a powerful 97 mph. This created a wind chill of -108F, possibly the lowest ever recorded in the United States. Meteorologists believe that the dangerous chill extended back to 1885 when the records first began to be kept. Low levels swept Boston, Massachusetts (-8 F), Providence, Rhode Island ( -4 F) and Bridgeport, Connecticut (2 F) as well, setting their own records.

Further North, in Maine and Acadia National Park, the winds felt like -62 F and -31 F to -61 F respectively. To compound the danger, an ice storm spread throughout Arkansas and Texas, including power outages and killed at least 8 people.

New York City issued emergency levels of

As Saturday approaches, the basketball world is eagerly awaiting when Rutgers faces Michigan State at Madison Square Garden as part of the annual Super Saturday event in the Big Ten. Rutgers and Michigan State have gone head-to-head once already this season, but the Scarlet Knights are hoping for a drastically different result this time around.

Michigan State was able to take care of business in East Lansing a few weeks ago, riding out a 14-5 start to beat Rutgers by double digits. Rutgers obviously wants revenge but they also have the benefit of being able to visit the iconic MSG. As the Big Ten grew to include teams from the east coast, Super Saturday was created to give alumns and students the chance to congregate and enjoy the events.

Nevertheless, the logistics of such an event come at a cost and Rutgers has had to give up one of their home games twice now for

Paris Saint Germain (PSG) secured a hard-fought win over Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Saturday 4th February, 2023. Playing in front of an expectant home crowd at Parc des Princes, the Parisians ran out 2-1 winners despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar due to injury.

The match started well for Toulouse, who took the lead through Branco van den Boomen's expertly-struck free kick. This set the tone for a physical game in which Renato Sanches was forced off injured after just 13 minutes.

Parisian threats from Marquinhos and Messi were frustratingly blocked before Achraf Hakimi secured an equalizer just before half time. Hakimi, a Morocco international, struck in superbly from outside the area, stunning the away team.

Newcastle United is continuing its unbeaten streak thanks to the same team that reached Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. Eddie Howe has made only one change to his starting XI, with Allan Saint-Maximin replacing the suspended Bruno Guimaraes. The team - which includes Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron, and Callum Wilson - will look to further its perfect record against West Ham United.

Unfortunately for West Ham, the Hammers have been forced to make a change to their starting eleven. Kurt Zouma, who has been a regular in Moyes's defense, is out with injury. Thilo Kehrer will replace him. This could prove to be a challenge as the hapless Kehrer is prone to errors.

China has sent a spy balloon soaring over the U.S., drawing sharp criticism from the Pentagon and prompting Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel his high-stakes Beijing trip. This chilling foreshadowing acts as a stark reminder of the fragility of U.S. airspace and American sovereignty.

At the heart of this issue is China’s long-held belief that it should have greater control over the Pacific region. The balloon, which China claims is a weather "airship" that went off course, is likely part of a larger political agenda for China to gain regional dominance. Even if the balloon is collecting meteorological information, the fact that it was detected over U.S. military sites implicates a more nefarious aim—gathering intelligence for China’s political warfare campaign.

The balloon incident is yet another stark reminder of our fragility to attack. In World War II, Japan launched

Nine-year-old Bobbi Wilson has done something remarkable. Last month Bobbi was honored by Yale University for her insect eradication efforts. Her collection of 27 spotted lanternflies was entered into the Peabody Museum of Natural History database, where her label sits permanently. Bobbi also accepted her new title from the University “donor scientist” during the Jan. 20 ceremony.

Bobbi’s story started three months prior when she was spraying a water, dish soap, and apple cider vinegar mixture, a homemade repellent which she found on TikTok, to her neighbor's trees to kill spotted lanternflies, an invasive species that is harmful to trees and other plants. Bobbi's neighbor, Gordon Lawshe, called the police suspiciously saying, “there’s a little Black woman walking, spraying stuff on the sidewalks and trees on Elizabeth

China's surprise high-altitude balloon over US and Canadian airspace has raised alarm bells across the US. Secretary of State Tony Blinken has cancelled a high-stakes Beijing trip intended to lower America-China tensions. While China claims the balloon to have been a "weather airship" that went off course, Pentagon sources have dismissed this explanation.

At minimum, the balloon has been gathering meteorological intelligence. However, its detection near U.S. military installations indicates it is likely part of a political warfare campaign China has been waging against the US and its allies. Americans must ask why Beijing is doing this, and what are the consequences of such an attack?

Particularly concerning is the reminder that the US homeland is vulnerable to attack. In World War II, Japan launched thousands of balloons armed with incendiary explosives over U.S. airspace, one of which was responsible for the deaths of an

The recent sighting of a Chinese spy balloon over the United States and Canada should prompt Americans to ask why Beijing is engaging in espionage of this nature. China claims the balloon is a weather "airship" that simply got lost, however their assessment has been roundly discredited by the U.S. military. In addition to collecting meteorological data, it appears to be part of a calculated political warfare campaign intended to remind Americans of their nation’s vulnerability to attack.

The balloon carries an even more powerful message because of the historical context: in 1945, Japanese-launched balloons with incendiary explosives tragically killed several Oregonians, and a separate incident almost caused severe damage at the Hanford facility producing plutonium for atomic tests. This could explain why China sent the balloon in the first place.

Furthermore, China's hypersonic vehicle and fractional orbital bombardment system tests in 2021 strengthen the message to the Biden

Liverpool has stumbled to yet another away defeat in what is proving to be a dismal start to 2023. Wolves inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Jurgen Klopp's injury-hit Liverpool side on Saturday afternoon, making it three consecutive losses in the Premier League on the road.

Things got off to an awful start for Klopp's men after just five minutes when Hwang Hee-Chan’s cut back deflected off Joel Matip for a own goal, making it 1-0 to Wolves. Craig Dawson then compounded the Reds' misery with a headed goal shortly after, leaving Liverpool two goals down within 12 minutes.

With the Reds' defence in shreds, Wolves added a final nail to the coffin when Ruben Neves cleverly finished off a counter-attack. This meant that Wolves climbed 15th on the Premier League table, while Liverpool remain in tenth place on

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has offered a major injury update ahead of the upcoming FA Cup fixture against Brighton, confirming that the Reds are a couple of weeks away from a triple injury return. Luis Diaz is expected to take longer, however Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk are all on the verge of returning to training.

The news gives Liverpool a major boost before the Champions League showdown against Real Madrid in three weeks. Klopp expressed his belief that Jota will likely be fit for the tie, while Van Dijk and Firmino should also be in contention, should they pass training.

Klopp was also positive about the progress of Arthur Melo, saying that he is "running a lot" and "has looked good for a while now". With two or three weeks expected until he can join team training, the Brazilian could also be back in time for the big clash. Fabio Carvalho, however, is not expected to be at full fitness just yet. Millie, who missed a day of training, is declared fit and Nat has just a "proper, proper cold".

Liverpool will surely be delighted to have some of their star players back from injury as they prepare to face Madrid. Jurgen Klopp will no doubt be eagerly awaiting the return of some of his players as he hopes to guide his side to European success this season.

Cody Gakpo is aiming to make history with Liverpool in the FA Cup, as they prepare to return to the south coast. The 23-year-old Dutchman joined the Reds in a potential PS44million structured deal from PSV Eindhoven last month, and has already built a strong bond with some of his new teammates. Jurgen Klopp has also high hopes for him, following his praise of the new forward's "sensational finishing" and "outstanding" defending.

Gakpo has yet to make an impact for Liverpool, but is determined to prove their 3-0 loss to Brighton, his debut Premier League game, was just an 'accident'. He is certain their undoubted quality, displayed in back-to-back clean sheets against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea, can win out over Brighton's 'good football'.

The team is also hungry to win the FA Cup, with Gakpo adding the Reds have the right mentality, ambition and quality to make history and become the first club to retain the trophy. With Liverpool's attacking threats yet to be fully restored and with Gakpo given all the time he needs, success on Sunday could be the first step in that direction.

Americans have expressed shock and alarm after a high-altitude balloon sent by China crossed U.S. and Canadian airspace, drawing criticism from the Pentagon. Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a high-stakes trip to Beijing in response. The balloon purportedly was a weather agent that had gone off course, though the Pentagon was skeptical. Whether or not the balloon was being used for meteorological intelligence-gathering, its presence above military sites is evidence of China’s disregard for U.S. sovereignty.

As Americans grapple with the implications of this incident, it is important to consider how it fits into a larger political war pattern. In many ways, flying a balloon over U.S. airspace is an indirect way to remind Americans of how their homeland is vulnerable to attack. In World War II, Japan launched thousands of balloon-borne explosives into the Pacific Ocean, with the aim of killing