Automotive

Why 2025 is set to be a crucial year for Amazon's Zoox robotaxi unit

Jan. 18, 2025

LAS VEGAS — This year is expected to be a crucial one for Amazon’s autonomous vehicle unit Zoox, as the company plans to grow its operations and commercialize its robotaxi business. Zoox is aiming to begin offering rides to the public “quite soon,” expand its operating regions and “significantly” grow its self-driving vehicle fleet from the couple dozen it currently operates in 2025, according to co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jesse Levinson.

Science & Tech

Turks and Caicos officials say SpaceX debris littered islands but no injuries reported

Jan. 18, 2025

Government officials in Turks and Caicos said Friday that debris from a SpaceX rocket test that went awry fell over the Caribbean islands but that there have been no reported injuries so far and only minimal damages to property. The government statement also said the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority diverted flights in its airspace and grounded planes in the immediate aftermath of the accident. SpaceX launched its huge Starship rocket and spacecraft on an uncrewed seventh test flight on Thursday. About nine minutes after liftoff, the company lost contact with Starship and the rocket’s upper stage broke apart over parts of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean.

Travel

Top French chef bans Michelin Guide inspectors from his new restaurant

Jan. 18, 2025

Five years ago he took the prestigious Michelin Guide to court and lost over an unfavorable review of a controversial soufflé. Now French chef Marc Veyrat has launched a fresh salvo against the fine-dining bible, banning its inspectors from his new restaurant. “I’ve even got a small sign on the front door,” he tells. “I’m turning 75 this year. I don’t want to be taking exams and getting ranked.”

Health

As bird flu concerns grow, scientists race to develop new vaccines

Jan. 18, 2025

As fears grow of a possible bird flu pandemic in humans, the federal government is pouring more money into the development of new vaccines, including an mRNA shot. On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it’s providing about $590 million in funding to Moderna in part to fast-track the development of an mRNA vaccine that targets the strains of bird flu currently circulating in wild birds, poultry and dairy cows. The money is in addition to the $176 million HHS awarded the drugmaker in July to develop a bird flu vaccine.

Health

'Will it really work?': Young sickle cell patient among the first to start new gene therapy

Jan. 18, 2025

WASHINGTON — For Wedam Minyila, hospital rooms have always meant blinding pain. “Like someone is jamming a knife in me,” he said. But for a brief moment on a recent December morning, Wedam, 19, who has sickle cell disease, allowed himself to believe what his doctors had been telling him for months: This visit could be the first step to a cure. As one of the first patients in the world to undergo commercial treatment for the genetic condition, he could start imagining a future free of excruciating pain. “I choose to partially believe it,” he said the day he was admitted to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., for his stem cell collection — the first major step of the revolutionary sickle cell gene therapy process. “But that also comes with the skepticism of: Will it really work?”

Entertainment

'Dr. Quinn' star compares Palisades Fire aftermath to Hiroshima

Jan. 18, 2025

Joe Lando is devastated after losing his home in the Palisades Fire. During an interview with Fox News Digital Thursday, the "Dr. Quinn" star explained that now that he's been able to clear his mind, he's grasping the extent of damage to his community in Pacific Palisades. "I'm replaying what happened. And I'm getting a little aggravated now because I'm realizing there were so many things that happened that morning that could have possibly made this far less of the disaster that it turned out to be," Lando said.

International News

What changed since the Gaza ceasefire deal was rejected months ago? Trump, some officials say

Jan. 18, 2025

The deal “was only really accepted in the end because Trump came along,” a former hostage negotiator told NBC News.

International News

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Israeli Cabinet approves deal

Jan. 18, 2025

The prime minister's office said the ceasefire would begin on Sunday. Israeli strikes have killed more than 110 people since the deal was announced, Gaza's Civil Defense said.

Entertainment

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry called local villains by neighbors in ritzy California town

Jan. 18, 2025

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly are called local villains by neighbors of the ritzy California town the couple fled to after leaving their royal roles behind. One Montecito resident, who has never met the couple but spoke to Vanity Fair, referred to the duo as the prince and "the starlet." The neighbors of the quiet Santa Barbara area attribute many of the new annoyances to Markle and Prince Harry, including increased housing prices, busy streets and more.

Entertainment

Trump inauguration: Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Jason Aldean lead musical lineup

Jan. 18, 2025

President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration events are gearing up to be filled with a number of celebrity performers. Many of country music's biggest stars are preparing to take the stage for a number of events taking place throughout the weekend and on Monday, the day of Trump's inauguration. Here is a list of celebrities performing at various inaugural gatherings.