Life, uh, finds a pathway — Caltech researchers think they found one too
(CN) — Researchers at Caltech have discovered a new chemical reaction that could explain how life on Earth — and potentially life elsewhere — began. In the study published in the journal Icarus, researchers think the reaction could explain the formation of the...
The mystery of a dying star’s final kick
(CN) — A star’s final act may be to give itself one last push. Researchers suggest aging stars experience thousands of tiny kicks as they shed their outer layers, gradually adding up to a final shove strong enough to alter their paths through space and even...
CFTC faces suit over approving Kalshi bid to list ‘perpetual’ futures contracts
WASHINGTON (CN) — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the government agency responsible for regulating U.S. derivatives markets, faces a federal lawsuit filed Thursday over its allowing prediction market Kalshi to list perpetual futures contracts. The Chicago...
Virginia judge rejects militia-based argument against assault weapons ban
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. (CN) — A local Virginia judge declined Thursday to block a statewide ban on the sale of high-capacity semiautomatic rifles and pistols, rejecting a challenge from gun owners who argued the measure violates the militia clause of the state...
Texas lawmakers talk screwworm fight during stakeholder meeting
AUSTIN, Texas (CN) — Federal officials leading the charge against the spread of New World screwworms in Texas met with state lawmakers at the state Capitol Thursday to talk strategies on stopping the parasite’s spread. The meeting before the state’s House...
Berkeley professor seeks expedited release of ICE data
OAKLAND, Calif. (CN) — A federal judge questioned Thursday why a law professor needs expedited access to years of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data as he builds a project tracking immigration and detention trends. University of California, Berkeley law...
Starbucks claims union violates coffeemaker’s trademarks
DES MOINES, Iowa (CN) — Starbucks filed suit in Iowa federal court Thursday claiming its union infringes the global coffee merchant’s trademarks by using them for promotional materials, social media and merchandise bearing the company name and logo imitating the...
Can a far-right outsider win Colombia’s presidency?
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (CN) — Colombia, a country that elected its first leftist president in history four years ago, is likely to turn rightward again Sunday, when voters head to the polls for a critical presidential runoff. But this time, the candidate is far from the...
Washington Supreme Court upholds $35 million penalty against Meta
OLYMPIA, Wash. (CN) — Washington state’s high court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling against Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, leaving the social media giant with a $35 million judgment. Meta Platforms took the case to the state Supreme Court from its...