World And USA

  Senate Confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary The Senate voted 52-48 on Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, delivering a win for President Donald Trump. Kennedy's nomination faced fierce scrutiny due to his controversial views on vaccines and public health policy. The vote largely followed party lines, though Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joined Democrats in opposition. McConnell, who has now opposed three of Trump’s Cabinet nominees, cited his experience as a childhood polio survivor in explaining his vote. “This administration—led by the same president who delivered a medical miracle with Project Warp Speed—deserves a leader who fully acknowledges the efficacy of life-saving vaccines,” McConnell said. “Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best person to lead America’s largest health agency.”   A Contentious Confirmation Process Kennedy’s nomination was one of several that tested Trump’s influe...

 Margarita Forés’s lasting impact on the Philippine culinary scene is now being carried forward by her son, Amado, who shares her passion for food and deep respect for tradition and heritage. Jorge Amado Forés, nephew of a former Philippine senator, initially pursued political science at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, possibly following a path into politics. However, as his mother, the award-winning chef Margarita Forés, reflects, “The wind did not blow Mar’s way, and Amado did not get a chance to build a career in government.” Yet, beyond political influence, the bond between mother and son proved stronger, leading Amado toward a different passion—food. His journey into the culinary world unfolded gradually through three pivotal moments. First, after graduating, he worked at Jeepney, a Filipino restaurant in New York, where he was deeply involved in daily operations. “There, I discovered my passion,” he recalls. The second turning point came during a...

  1 Dead, 3 Injured in Plane Collision at Scottsdale Airport One person was killed in a crash involving two planes at Scottsdale Airport on Monday afternoon. Three others sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals, while emergency crews worked to rescue a fifth victim trapped inside one of the aircraft. The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m., prompting the closure of the runway. The Scottsdale Fire Department responded with multiple fire trucks to the scene. Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio stated that the runway remained an active scene and that additional details would be released after 6 p.m. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

  No immediate damage was reported following the earthquake. The Cayman fault line, located near the Cayman Islands, marks the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Powerful Earthquake Strikes Caribbean, Tsunami Threat Subsides A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck between Honduras and the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening , prompting a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and nearby islands. Authorities warned of potential sea-level fluctuations and strong ocean currents , which could pose risks to boaters and beachgoers . However, no significant damage was reported in the immediate aftermath. Minimal Tsunami Impact Reported According to the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) , the highest recorded sea-level rise was just 1.2 inches at an observation site on Isla Mujeres , a Mexican island off the Yucatán Peninsula. Despite the small increase, the event was still classified as a tsunami by experts. Widespread Tremors Felt ...

 Is Elon Musk's DOGE task force being granted unrestricted access to U.S. government computers, risking system failures and data leaks, as experts warn? Elon Musk's access to highly classified government data, including sensitive information collected about and from the American public, has become a major battleground in the rapidly evolving legal struggle over President Donald Trump’s efforts to drastically reshape the federal bureaucracy. Several lawsuits accuse the administration of violating privacy laws and other legal protections by allegedly permitting affiliates of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to take control of highly restricted government IT systems. Judges have moved swiftly—sometimes scheduling hearings on short notice—to assess the extent of DOGE’s reach into the digital infrastructure that supports critical government functions. “We don’t have many facts beyond what’s been reported in the media,” Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly told administrat...

 Eight years ago this week, Steve Bannon appeared on Time magazine's cover—shortly before leaving the White House. Could it be Elon Musk’s turn now? Eight years ago this week, Time magazine ran a memorable cover story on Steve Bannon, posing a provocative question: “Is Steve Bannon the Second Most Powerful Man in the World?” At the time, Bannon was widely seen as the mastermind behind Donald Trump’s White House. Comedian Stephen Colbert quipped in April 2017, “Steve Bannon was removed from the National Security Council. No word on when he’ll step down from his role as president.” Trump, however, wasn’t amused. According to The New York Times , he was privately frustrated with the attention Bannon was receiving, particularly the “President Bannon” narrative pushed by the media. But what reportedly bothered him most was Time’s cover—a magazine he has long viewed as a measure of influence. (He even displayed a fake Time cover featuring himself at multiple properties worldwide.) By ...

  Prepare for Tax Season: Key Information for Filing Your 2024 Tax Return Filing your taxes might not be your favorite task, but preparing in advance can help you avoid unnecessary stress. When Are 2024 Taxes Due? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting federal tax returns in late January. Federal income tax returns are due on Tuesday, April 15 . New York state income taxes are also due on April 15. To file for an extension on your federal income tax, taxpayers must submit Form 4868 by April 15. This grants an additional six months to complete your tax return, extending the deadline to Tuesday, October 15 . Tax returns can still be filed after April 15 without an extension, but you may incur penalties if you owe taxes. To file for an extension on your state income tax, fill out the appropriate form, such as Form IT-201 for New York residents. However, if you owe taxes, your extension payment must still be made by the original due date. How to File Your 2024 Tax...

2025 NBA Trade Deadline: Latest Blockbuster Deals, Rumors, and Updates The 2025 NBA Trade Deadline is living up to its blockbuster reputation. The league has already witnessed shocking moves, including a trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis , leaving both stars—and fans—stunned. In another surprising deal, De’Aaron Fox forced his way to San Antonio to pair up with Victor Wembanyama, and the Caleb Martin-for-Quentin Grimes swap also made waves. With the trade deadline set for Thursday, Feb. 6, at 3 p.m. ET , more moves are expected. Below is the latest trade news, rumors, and developments leading up to the deadline. Check back often for updates as new deals emerge. Bradley Beal Likely Staying in Phoenix It’s no surprise, but it’s all but official— Bradley Beal will remain with the Suns past the trade deadline . Beal holds a no-trade clause , giving him full control over any potential move, and sources confirm there are no discussions about waiving it...

  Elon Musk delivers a speech at an indoor presidential inauguration parade event in Washington on January 20, 2025. Tech billionaire Elon Musk met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his son Yair, engaging in discussions that touched on various geopolitical and technological topics. The meeting, which took place amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, signaled Musk’s growing involvement in global affairs. While details of their conversation remain largely undisclosed, reports suggest that topics included artificial intelligence, free speech, and the future of technology in Israel. Musk, who has been outspoken on issues related to AI regulation and social media freedom, has previously interacted with world leaders on these matters. The meeting also comes at a time when Netanyahu is navigating complex political challenges, both domestically and internationally. His son Yair, known for his strong right-wing views, has been an influential voice in Israeli politics a...

Trump Doubles Down on U.S. Takeover of Gaza in Joint Press Conference with Netanyahu On Tuesday, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his proposal for Palestinians to leave Gaza and announced plans for the U.S. to take control of the territory. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined a controversial shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The press conference followed a day of remarks from Trump, including statements from the Oval Office while signing executive orders and later during Netanyahu’s visit to the White House. 5 Key Takeaways from the Press Conference 1. Trump’s Gaza Plan: ‘Level It Out’ Trump proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, arguing that American oversight would bring stability to the region. He suggested dismantling dangerous explosives, demolishing damaged buildings, and initiating large-scale economic redevelopment. His vision includes transforming Gaza into an "international, unbelievable place...

  The legendary golfer once referred to his mother as "the enforcer," and she is credited with inspiring his signature tradition of wearing "power" red on Sundays. Tiger Woods Announces the Passing of His Mother, Kultida Woods: ‘She Was My Biggest Fan’ Tiger Woods shared on Tuesday that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 81. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” the 49-year-old golfer wrote on social media on February 4. He continued, “She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, my greatest supporter—without her, none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. Thank you all for your support, prayers, and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you, M...

  Key Highlights from the 2025 Grammy Awards 🎶 Queen Bey’s Triumph: Beyoncé secured her first-ever Album of the Year win at the 67th Grammy Awards, a long-awaited milestone in her legendary career. Kendrick Lamar also dominated the night, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit diss track, “Not Like Us.” 🌟 Rising Stars Shine: Emerging talents made their mark, with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, rapper Doechii, and “Pink Pony Club” singer Chappell Roan all taking home major awards. The Best New Artist nominees wowed the audience with a series of electrifying performances. 🔥 Wildfire Relief Efforts: With Los Angeles still recovering from last month’s devastating wildfires, artists paid tribute to the city throughout the night. Host Trevor Noah announced that fundraising efforts promoted during the broadcast had raised an impressive $7 million for wildfire relief. 👗 Red Carpet Elegance: Fashion leaned towards understated elegance, with many stars op...

The 67th Grammy Awards: What You Need to Know The highly anticipated 67th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 2, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will celebrate some of the biggest names in music, with performances by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Shakira, and more. Start Time & Where to Watch The Grammys consist of two major events: Premiere Ceremony : Begins at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT, featuring multiple awards and performances, streamed live on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.GRAMMY.com . Main Telecast : Starts at 8:00 p.m. ET and airs live on CBS. It can also be streamed on Paramount+ (with a Showtime subscription) and live TV streaming services like Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. For viewers in India , Disney+ Hotstar will live-stream the ceremony on Monday, February 3, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. IST. Red Carpet Coverage Fans can catch the glamorous red carpet moments: The Associated Press will s...

 Trump imposes new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.

 UFC Fight Night Preview: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov – Fight Card, Start Time, Odds & How to Watch Live