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Olympics-Skeleton-Ukraine seeks permission for Heraskevych to wear 'helmet of remembrance'

Olympics-Skeleton-Ukraine seeks permission for Heraskevych to wear 'helmet of remembrance'

By Julien Pretot CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Ukraine's Olympic Committee has put in a request for their skeleton competitor Vladyslav Heraskevych to wear a "helmet of remembrance" at the Milano Cortina Winter Games in honour of those killed in the war with Russia, it said on Tuesday

World Trade Organization Faces Relevance Crisis Amid Global Economic Fragmentation

World Trade Organization Faces Relevance Crisis Amid Global Economic Fragmentation

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is experiencing a significant crisis as its dispute settlement mechanism, particularly the Appellate Body, has become non-functional due to the U.S. blocking new judicial appointments. This has led to a situation where trade disputes cannot be resolved effectively, as countries can appeal 'into the void,' rendering rulings unenforceable. The WTO's consensus-based decision-making process is also under scrutiny, as it struggles to address modern trade issues like digital trade and carbon border taxes. The organization is caught in a debate over its relevance, with some viewing it as outdated, while others see it as adapting through plurilateral agreements and interim arrangements like the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA).

NASA's Team Lava Studies Volcanic Features in Iceland for Planetary Insights

NASA's Team Lava Studies Volcanic Features in Iceland for Planetary Insights

NASA's Goddard Instrument Field Team, known as Team Lava, conducted fieldwork in Southwest Iceland to study volcanic vents and lava flows. The team, led by Principal Investigator Patrick Whelley, focused on understanding how these features form and change over time. By comparing Iceland's volcanic activity to similar features on Mars and the Moon, the team aims to gain insights into planetary processes. The fieldwork involved mapping the landscape using drones and collecting rock samples to analyze the mineral composition. The research is part of NASA's efforts to understand how other worlds release heat and reshape their surfaces.

Bluesky Introduces Drafts Feature to Enhance User Experience

Bluesky Introduces Drafts Feature to Enhance User Experience

Bluesky, a social network platform, has introduced a drafts feature, a highly requested addition by its users. This feature allows users to save and edit posts before publishing, aligning Bluesky with competitors like X and Threads that already offer this functionality. The introduction of drafts is part of Bluesky's broader strategy to improve its platform, which includes enhancing the algorithmic Discover feed and providing better user recommendations. Despite its growth to over 42 million users since its public launch in 2024, Bluesky acknowledges the need to address basic features such as private accounts and longer video support.

Efforts Intensify to Prevent Water Shutoff in Diablo Grande

Efforts Intensify to Prevent Water Shutoff in Diablo Grande

In Diablo Grande, efforts are underway to prevent a water shutoff that threatens the community. The Western Hills board, led by President Mark Kovich, is grappling with a financial crisis inherited from previous leadership. Payments to the Kern County Water Agency ceased in 2019, leading to the current predicament. The board is actively seeking solutions to avert the shutoff, which could have significant implications for residents and local businesses.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 Mission to Conduct Extensive Research on ISS

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 Mission to Conduct Extensive Research on ISS

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) with a team of four astronauts, including NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA's Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos' Andrey Fedyaev. The mission will focus on conducting a variety of scientific experiments over an eight-month period. These experiments aim to advance research and technology for future Moon and Mars missions, as well as benefit humanity on Earth. Key research areas include studying pneumonia-causing bacteria, generating intravenous fluids on-demand, monitoring plant health, and investigating plant and microbe interactions to enhance food production in space. The mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which collaborates with SpaceX to facilitate crew rotations to the ISS.

Freight Ferry Fire Off Isle of Wight Under Control, No Injuries Reported

Freight Ferry Fire Off Isle of Wight Under Control, No Injuries Reported

A fire broke out on the DFDS freight ferry Caesarea Trader off the coast of the Isle of Wight. The vessel, which operates between Portsmouth and Jersey, reported an engine room fire shortly after anchoring. The crew and a single passenger on board are safe, and the fire is now under control. The RNLI lifeboat and a response tug were dispatched but have since left the scene. The ferry, previously known as Commodore Goodwill, has a history of maritime incidents, including a collision in 2022 that resulted in fatalities. DFDS is working to replace the ferry's capacity on its route while the situation is resolved.

NASA Adjusts Crew-12 Launch Date Amid Expedition 74 Preparations

NASA Adjusts Crew-12 Launch Date Amid Expedition 74 Preparations

NASA's Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is engaged in research and training activities while NASA adjusts the launch date for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-12 mission. The Expedition 74 crew is conducting pharmaceutical and exercise research to advance human health in space. They are also practicing emergency procedures for a quick return to Earth using the Soyuz spacecraft. Meanwhile, NASA has rescheduled the Crew-12 launch to no earlier than February 12, 2026, due to unfavorable weather conditions. The Crew-12 mission will bring new astronauts to the ISS to continue scientific research and station operations.

Meteorologist Predicts Warmer Temperatures for Detroit This Week

Meteorologist Predicts Warmer Temperatures for Detroit This Week

Meteorologist Karen Carter has forecasted a warming trend for Detroit this week, with temperatures expected to rise to near-normal levels. Despite a chilly start, the weather is anticipated to improve, bringing milder conditions. The warmest day of the week is yet to be determined, but the overall trend suggests a break from the colder temperatures that have been prevalent. Additionally, there is an expectation of more precipitation, although specific details on timing and intensity are not provided.

Prolonged Cold Spell Freezes Canandaigua Lake

Prolonged Cold Spell Freezes Canandaigua Lake

Canandaigua Lake in New York has nearly frozen over after an extended period of sub-freezing temperatures. The cold spell has caused the majority of the lake, from north to south, to be covered in ice. This unusual weather event has transformed the lake into a winter landscape, attracting ice fishermen and altering the local ecosystem. The frozen lake presents both opportunities and challenges for the community, as it impacts recreational activities and local wildlife. The prolonged cold has also led to the formation of ice layers with visible cracks, creating a unique visual spectacle.

Sen. Emil Jones III Faces Challengers in Democratic Primary for 14th District

Sen. Emil Jones III Faces Challengers in Democratic Primary for 14th District

State Sen. Emil Jones III is facing a contested primary for the first time in his 17-year career, with challengers Ahmed Karrar and Kenny Williams vying for his seat in the 14th Senate District. Jones, who has been re-elected multiple times without opposition, is now under scrutiny due to past bribery charges. Karrar, an attorney and community advocate, aims to restore trust in government and address issues like universal childcare and income tax reform. Williams, a businessman, focuses on job creation and changing laws affecting felons. The primary election is set for March 17, with both challengers presenting distinct platforms to unseat Jones.

NASA's Team Gas Investigates Carbon Cycling in Iceland's Volcanic Lakes

NASA's Team Gas Investigates Carbon Cycling in Iceland's Volcanic Lakes

NASA's Team Gas, part of the Goddard Instrument Field Team, conducted fieldwork in Southwest Iceland to study carbon cycling in volcanic environments. Led by Principal Investigator Jen Stern, the team focused on Lake Kleifarvatn and Lake Grænavatn, both of which are remnants of volcanic explosions. The team deployed scientific instruments to collect gas samples and analyze the carbon content in these lakes. The research aims to understand how carbon cycles through volcanic environments, which is essential for studying potentially habitable zones on ocean worlds like Europa and Enceladus.

Linux Servers Offer Privacy-Focused Alternatives to Public Cloud Services

Linux Servers Offer Privacy-Focused Alternatives to Public Cloud Services

Linux servers are emerging as a viable alternative for users seeking to reclaim their privacy from public cloud services. FreedomBox, a project initiated by the Free Software Foundation, is highlighted as a privacy-first self-hosting solution. It includes various communication tools such as chat, voice, and video conferencing servers, and supports VPNs for secure connections. This development is part of a broader movement towards digital sovereignty, where users and organizations seek to control their own data and services rather than relying on major cloud providers like Microsoft and Google.

United Nations Awaits U.S. Payment on $4 Billion Debt Amid Financial Concerns

United Nations Awaits U.S. Payment on $4 Billion Debt Amid Financial Concerns

The United Nations is currently awaiting a decision from the United States regarding the payment of nearly $4 billion owed to the organization. This debt includes $2.196 billion for the U.N.'s regular operating budget and $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of an 'imminent financial collapse' if member nations, particularly the U.S., do not fulfill their financial obligations. The U.S. Mission to the United Nations, represented by Ambassador Mike Waltz, has indicated that the Trump administration plans to make a significant down payment on these arrears soon, although the exact amount and timing remain unspecified. The U.S. has not made any payments to the U.N. in 2025, and its arrears constitute 95% of the total owed to the U.N.'s regular budget.

NASA Solicits Proposals for Astrophysics Research and Technology Development

NASA Solicits Proposals for Astrophysics Research and Technology Development

NASA has announced Amendment 46 to the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025, creating placeholders for the Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program (APRA) and Strategic Astrophysics Technology (SAT). The APRA program seeks basic research proposals relevant to NASA's astronomy and astrophysics programs, while the SAT program supports the maturation of key technologies for potential spaceflight missions. Due to a delay in the release of ROSES-26, NASA plans to solicit proposals for both programs in ROSES-25, with an anticipated due date in late spring 2026.

Savannah Guthrie Appeals for Public Assistance in Mother's Disappearance

Savannah Guthrie Appeals for Public Assistance in Mother's Disappearance

Savannah Guthrie, a prominent television host, has issued a heartfelt appeal for public assistance in the search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. In a video shared on social media, Savannah described the situation as an 'hour of desperation' and asked for any information that could help locate her mother. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on February 1, after being dropped off at her home in Tucson, Arizona. Despite efforts by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, no suspects or leads have been identified. The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery.

NJ Transit Faces Delays Due to Amtrak Overhead Wire Issues, Affecting Commuters at Penn Station

NJ Transit Faces Delays Due to Amtrak Overhead Wire Issues, Affecting Commuters at Penn Station

NJ Transit experienced significant delays at Penn Station due to issues with Amtrak's overhead wires. This disruption led NJ Transit to operate on a limited service schedule for the remainder of the day. The delays caused a large crowd to gather at Penn Station, as commuters faced extended wait times and uncertainty about their travel plans. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining infrastructure and ensuring reliable service for the thousands of daily commuters who rely on NJ Transit for transportation.

Greenlander Artist Inuuteq Storch Discusses Trump and Cultural Preservation

Greenlander Artist Inuuteq Storch Discusses Trump and Cultural Preservation

Inuuteq Storch, a Greenlander artist known for his work at the 2024 Venice Biennale, is currently exhibiting at MoMA PS1 and the Hasselblad Foundation. Storch's work focuses on the daily life and traditions of Greenlanders, capturing intimate moments through photography. Recently, President Trump's renewed claims about acquiring Greenland have stirred reactions. Storch, while preferring to avoid politics, acknowledges the unsettling nature of these claims. His art often reflects themes of resistance and cultural preservation, as seen in his series 'Keepers of the Ocean' and 'Mirrored,' which juxtapose historical and contemporary images to explore colonial legacies.

Black Americans' Legacy in Cowboy Culture Explored

Black Americans' Legacy in Cowboy Culture Explored

Patricia Kelly, founder of Ebony Horsewomen, Inc., is actively educating the public about the significant contributions of Black Americans to cowboy culture. Her organization focuses on mentoring new generations by teaching life skills through equestrian activities. The initiative aims to highlight the often-overlooked history of Black equestrians and their role in shaping cowboy culture. By providing educational programs and mentorship, Kelly seeks to preserve this cultural heritage and inspire young people to engage with and appreciate the historical contributions of Black Americans in this field.

Israeli Tourists Face Legal Challenges in Georgia Over Common Medications

Israeli Tourists Face Legal Challenges in Georgia Over Common Medications

Israeli tourists traveling to Georgia have encountered legal difficulties due to carrying common medications that are banned or require specific documentation in the country. Recent incidents have involved travelers being detained, fined, and temporarily barred from leaving Georgia after border officials discovered medications such as cold medicine, pain relievers, and antibiotics in their luggage. These medications, while routine in Israel, are subject to strict regulations in Georgia. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory to raise awareness among travelers about the need to comply with Georgian medication laws to avoid such legal troubles.