World News
Australian Skydiver's Mid-Air Rescue: Surviving a Parachute Caught on Aircraft Tail
Dec 11, 2025 04:00 pm CST
A harrowing skydiving incident in Australia was captured on video showing a skydiver dangling thousands of meters in the air after their reserve parachute caught on an aircraft's tail. Quick thinking and a hook knife allowed the jumper to free themselves and land safely while the damaged aircraft made an emergency landing.
Santa's Hometown in Finland Now Hosts NATO Troops Amid Rising Russian Tensions
Dec 11, 2025 03:48 pm CST
Rovaniemi, Finland's famous "Santa Claus hometown," now balances tourism with a growing NATO military presence as security concerns rise along the Russian border. Tourists are surprised to find military drills alongside reindeer safaris, with even the underground Santa Park serving as a potential bomb shelter, highlighting Finland's new geopolitical reality as a NATO member state close to Russia.
Manhattan Apartment Rents Reach Record High Despite Mamdani's Housing Affordability Platform
Dec 11, 2025 03:39 pm CST
Manhattan apartment rents hit unprecedented highs in November 2025, with median prices reaching $4,750, a 13% year-over-year increase. Despite Zohran Mamdani's recent mayoral victory on a housing affordability platform, experts report no "Mamdani effect" but instead cite limited supply and strong demand, particularly in the luxury segment where prices surged 18% annually.
US-Pakistan Military Engagement: A Major Challenge to India-US Strategic Partnership
Dec 11, 2025 03:38 pm CST
Dhruva Jaishankar identifies Washington's renewed ties with Pakistan's military as a key obstacle in India-US relations amid increasing US economic investment in Pakistan, including the $1.25 billion Reko Diq mining project and oil development initiatives. This comes as Pakistan's military leadership makes controversial statements about India while receiving significant diplomatic attention from the Trump administration.
Georgian Ambassador's Husband Connected to Moscow Law Firm Helping Sanctioned Russian Businesses
Dec 11, 2025 03:00 pm CST
Documents reveal that Davit Kukhalashvili, husband of Georgia's new US Ambassador Tamar Taliashvili, directs DTK Partners, a Moscow-based law firm specializing in helping Russian businesses navigate international sanctions. Despite his name being removed from the firm's website, evidence shows he remained managing director until shortly after his wife's appointment, raising questions about Georgia's diplomatic positioning between Russia and Western allies.
Historic Star Wars Original Artwork Sells for Record-Breaking $3.9 Million at Auction
Dec 11, 2025 02:57 pm CST
The iconic Tom Jung painting that first introduced Star Wars to the world in May 1977 has sold at auction for $3.875 million, setting records for film memorabilia. Originally displayed in newspaper advertisements before the film's premiere, this historic artwork was kept by producer Gary Kurtz before being sold by Heritage Auctions, surpassing the previous franchise record held by Darth Vader's lightsaber.
Trump Gold Card Visa Program: Investment Requirements, Eligibility, and Application Process
Dec 11, 2025 02:29 pm CST
President Trump's newly launched Gold Card visa program offers expedited permanent residency for individuals and corporations investing $1 million or more. This alternative to the traditional EB-5 visa provides a faster pathway to US citizenship, with specific eligibility requirements, application procedures through trumpcard.gov, and complete vetting by the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump Administration Acquires Six Boeing 737 Jets for Enhanced Deportation Operations Under $140 Million Contract
Dec 11, 2025 02:26 pm CST
The Trump administration is implementing a major expansion of its deportation capabilities with a $140 million contract for six Boeing 737 jets, allowing ICE to operate its own deportation flight fleet rather than relying on charters. This initiative is part of a broader $170 billion immigration enforcement package approved by Congress, as the administration targets deporting at least 1 million people within its first year in office.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Resurfaces in Oslo After Nobel Peace Prize Win
Dec 11, 2025 02:09 pm CST
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado made her first public appearance in 11 months at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, defying threats from the Maduro regime. After accepting her award for championing democracy, she faces significant risks upon her planned return to Venezuela, where she continues to challenge what many international observers consider a stolen election.
Sophie Kinsella: The Legacy of 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' Author Who Lost Battle with Brain Cancer at 55
Dec 11, 2025 01:41 pm CST
Sophie Kinsella, the beloved author of the bestselling "Shopaholic" series, has died at 55 after battling glioblastoma. With over 45 million books sold worldwide, Kinsella created unforgettable characters like Becky Bloomwood while balancing family life with literary success. Her final works reflect optimism despite her diagnosis, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of stories that continue to inspire readers globally.