After the dinosaur-killing asteroid impact, giant birds with wingspans up to 24 feet dominated the skies. Evidence suggests these birds, like *Pelagornis sandersi*, may have preyed on early humans, with puncture marks found on the remains of a child. This predation may have influenced human evolution and contributed to cultural myths about child-snatching birds.
Following Dolly Parton’s death, her music streams have surged, and her vast business empire continues to grow. Valued at approximately $525 million, Parton’s estate includes music publishing rights, master recordings, a brand licensing business, and a significant stake in Dollywood. She had planned for the release of new content to continue after her passing.
Despite receiving negative reviews upon its 2003 Broadway debut, the musical 'Wicked' has become a global success, generating over $6 billion in ticket sales. The show, now Broadway's fourth-longest-running, demonstrates how audience appeal can overcome initial critical disapproval. Original star Kristin Chenoweth encouraged Idina Menzel to focus on the audience's reaction despite the negative press.
José Tomas Sierra, who founded the Parish of Mercy and claimed to be a priest, has been identified as an impostor by the Mexican Catholic Church. Sierra asserted he attended a Catholic seminary, but the church states he only attended for one year. He is associated with the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church, which operates outside the authority of the pope.
The 2027 Dakar Rally will now take place in Portugal and Morocco after Saudi Arabia revoked its hosting agreement. Security concerns prompted the relocation, which will see the rally run from January 9 to January 23, 2027, covering a total distance of 7,824km. This marks a return to Africa for the rally for the first time since 2008.
Adidas has seen a 19% increase in its Running sector revenue during the third quarter, fueled by Adidas runners achieving eight wins at World Marathon Majors this year. The company is looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of marathons, with the New York City Marathon anticipating a record turnout. This trend highlights Adidas' success in meeting the demand for high-performance running shoes.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has cancelled recruitment advertisements for 1,711 Assistant Professor positions in government medical colleges and hospitals. This action follows the Bihar Health Department's withdrawal of appointment requisitions for the roles. Advertisement numbers 04/2025 to 28/2025, initially published on April 4, 2025, are now void, and a new recruitment advertisement is being prepared.
The Vasa, a Swedish warship that sank in 1628, is undergoing preservation efforts at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. Scientists are employing sophisticated monitoring systems and conservation techniques to protect the remarkably preserved historical artifact. The ship was recovered from the sea over 300 years after its sinking, and these technologies aim to ensure its survival for future generations.
Eloxx Pharmaceuticals has received FDA clearance to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial for exaluren, a treatment for nonsense-mutation autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The EXPRESS trial will enroll approximately 60 patients over 52 weeks, measuring the impact on kidney volume. First patient dosing is anticipated in the third quarter of 2027, with topline data expected in the first half of 2029.
Madison Herber, a reporter for KWTX News 10, will not return to her job following a 12-week maternity leave. Herber spent seven years at the station, covering a range of significant events from fatal shootings to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, she investigated a cemetery owner and co-produced an Emmy-winning newscast during the 2021 winter freeze. Her decision highlights potential shifts in priorities for working parents.
Danijel Alibabić has been re-elected as the head of the Association of Entertainers of Montenegro, after previously leading the organization for four years. Alibabić aims to establish a sustainable system for the entertainment industry and strengthen the association’s credibility. He plans to continue advocating for the interests of entertainment artists in Montenegro.
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and the NFL have partnered to select performers for Super Bowl halftime shows since 2019, with Jay-Z serving as the primary decision-maker. He is now expected to headline the 2027 show, following performances by Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. The selection has sparked discussion about the direction and cultural impact of future halftime shows.
Pauline Kana, nicknamed 'Gangster Granny,' achieved a Guinness World Record by crowd-surfing at a Brantley Gilbert concert in Texas. The 99-year-old’s record-breaking moment was documented by her nephew, a social media influencer with a combined following of nearly 30 million.
An escaped longhorn caused traffic disruptions and led New York police on a chase through Putnam County. The unusual event was captured on video and has been widely shared online.
Eloise Morton, 35, of Wigan, is aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the most words written on a sticky note, having already unofficially achieved an impressive 209. Her official attempt is planned for November 2, 2026.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced she will step down in February, nine months before the end of her term in October 2027. Lagarde shared the news on social media platform X, initiating a search for her successor. Her departure introduces uncertainty into eurozone monetary policy and occurs amidst economic turbulence and upcoming French elections.
Shares of Coastal Financial (CCB) fell 6.6% after the company reported third-quarter earnings and revenue below analyst expectations. The company’s net income of $13.8 million, or 89 cents per diluted share, missed estimates of 96 cents per share and $158.86 million in revenue. The stock closed at $43.66, down 7.4% from the previous close.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) maintained its policy rate at 1.25% in an 8–1 vote, despite internal calls for a rate hike. Board member Hajime Takata proposed raising the rate to 1.5%, citing inflation reaching the 2% target, and the BOJ raised its fiscal 2027 core inflation forecast to 2.6%. A Reuters poll suggests a majority of economists anticipate a rate hike this quarter.
The Vasa, a Swedish warship that sank in 1628, was recovered from the sea centuries later and is now undergoing preservation efforts. Scientists at the Vasa Museum are utilizing advanced monitoring systems and conservation techniques to protect the vessel. The goal is to ensure the Vasa's survival, a remarkably preserved example of a 17th-century warship, for future generations.
Google has launched a Registered App Stores programme that allows approved third-party marketplaces to offer easier app installations and updates on Android devices. Participating marketplaces must meet Google’s verification and security standards. This programme streamlines the installation process without introducing entirely new app stores, as sideloading has previously been possible.
Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, including OpenAI's latest findings, are challenging long-held assumptions within computer science. AI-generated discoveries are prompting researchers to reevaluate established theories, and the technology is also contributing to the growth of businesses like SpaceX. These advancements signify a period of significant change and reevaluation within the field.