Pentagon Dismisses Claims of Iranian ‘Mothership’ Behind New Jersey Drone Sightings

abc news,

The Pentagon has refuted allegations by New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew that an Iranian “mothership” is responsible for a wave of unexplained drone sightings over New Jersey. Since mid-November, large drones have been spotted near military installations and critical infrastructure, prompting public concern and calls for federal action. Local and state officials criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) response during a recent meeting, citing insufficient transparency and assurances. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed flight restrictions over sensitive areas, while the FBI is investigating the drones’ origin and purpose. DHS confirmed no credible threats but admitted the drones remain unidentified. Rep. Van Drew suggested stricter airspace control and neutralizing drones violating restrictions. However, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized there is no evidence of foreign involvement. The ongoing mystery has sparked heightened public scrutiny and calls for increased federal oversight.

South Korea’s Opposition Pushes for Impeachment Amid Martial Law Controversy

reuters,

South Korea’s political turmoil deepens as opposition leader Lee Jae-myung calls for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment following his controversial martial law declaration earlier this month. Yoon’s move, revoked within hours, triggered widespread criticism and accusations of constitutional violations. Despite surviving an initial impeachment attempt, increasing dissent within Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) may tilt the upcoming vote against him. Lee urged PPP lawmakers to support impeachment, labeling Yoon’s actions as a “declaration of war” against the people. Meanwhile, Yoon attributed April’s election losses to alleged North Korean interference. Critics argue his actions have damaged South Korea’s diplomatic credibility, with the U.S. and other allies expressing muted concerns. The Constitutional Court could take up to six months to determine Yoon’s fate if impeached, while markets remain volatile amid the ongoing crisis.

Biden Issues Record Clemency: 39 Pardons and 1,500 Commutations

bbc,

President Joe Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,540 individuals, issuing 39 pardons and commuting 1,500 sentences in a historic single-day act. This move includes veterans, community leaders, and individuals convicted of non-violent crimes, reflecting Biden’s focus on rehabilitation and justice reform. Among those granted clemency were individuals sentenced under outdated laws and pandemic-era home confinement. High-profile cases include a former Ohio county commissioner convicted of bribery and a stockbroker involved in fraudulent schemes. Biden emphasized the clemency recipients’ demonstrated rehabilitation and commitment to their communities. The president also signaled further actions to address sentencing disparities, highlighting his administration’s dedication to criminal justice reform. This unprecedented clemency follows previous categorical pardons, including marijuana-related offenses and convictions tied to sexual orientation discrimination.

Jupiter’s Volcanic Moon Io Offers Clues to Extraterrestrial Habitable Zones

washington post,

New data from NASA’s Juno spacecraft is unraveling the mystery behind Io, Jupiter’s volcanic moon. Known as the solar system’s most volcanically active body, Io’s eruptions are driven by tidal forces from Jupiter’s massive gravitational pull. Contrary to earlier theories of a global magma ocean, recent findings suggest individual magma channels power Io’s volcanic activity. Scientists propose that this extreme tidal flexing could help create habitable environments on other celestial bodies, such as Europa or Ganymede. The research sheds light on planetary evolution and energy generation far from the Sun. Io’s chaotic surface and geological activity continue to intrigue researchers, offering insights into the dynamic processes shaping our solar system.

‘Conan the Bacterium’ Reveals Secrets to Radiation Resistance

Cnn,

Scientists have discovered how Deinococcus radiodurans, nicknamed “Conan the Bacterium,” withstands radiation levels far beyond human survival thresholds. The bacterium’s resilience is attributed to a unique antioxidant made of manganese, phosphate, and a small peptide. This discovery, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could revolutionize radiation protection for astronauts and industries. Researchers demonstrated that the antioxidant’s three components create a powerful radioprotective shield. Potential applications include protecting astronauts from cosmic radiation during deep-space missions and mitigating radiation exposure risks on Earth. Scientists are now exploring whether similar mechanisms exist in other organisms, potentially advancing radioprotective technologies for health care and space exploration.