US Eyes Revival of Adak Island Military Base Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

A new study published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics indicates that three large asteroids, identified as 2020 SB, 524522, and 2002 CL1, may be on a collision course with Earth in the coming weeks. Researchers, led by Valerio Carruba of São Paulo State University in Brazil, noted that while these asteroids currently orbit Venus, they are virtually undetectable from Earth due to their position behind the Sun. This “cosmic blind spot” raises concerns about last-minute detection. According to the study, while there is currently no immediate threat to Venus, even a minor gravitational disturbance could redirect these asteroids toward Earth, potentially resulting in catastrophic impacts. A collision could create a crater more than 3 kilometers wide, releasing energy equivalent to a million times that of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Researchers from the Rubin Observatory in Chile highlighted the urgent need for early detection, stating that identifying such asteroids only two to four weeks before impact is insufficient for comprehensive defense or evacuation measures.

A recent analysis highlights a concerning correlation between the use of herbal and dietary supplements and an increase in liver damage cases in the United States. According to a 2022 study published in the journal Liver Transplantation, supplement-related liver failure requiring transplants surged eightfold from 1995 to 2020. Another study found that approximately 20% of liver toxicity cases nationwide are linked to these supplements, indicating a significant health risk. Dr. Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, a hepatologist at Jefferson Health, expressed concern that many users mistakenly believe these products are inherently safe, although they can pose real risks. Common supplements such as turmeric, black cohosh, Garcinia cambogia, and green tea extract have been identified as particularly problematic due to high doses and potential liver toxicity. Experts emphasize the lack of regulation surrounding these products, with Dr. Robert Fontana from the University of Michigan noting a 50% mismatch between labeled and actual ingredients. Health authorities report approximately 44,000 cases of liver damage linked to drugs annually, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the potential dangers of unregulated supplements.

Aasis Subedi, a Bhutanese Nepali refugee, is grappling with the harsh reality of being deported back to Nepal's refugee camps after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers expelled him and approximately two dozen others from the United States. This situation has arisen despite many having fled ethnic cleansing in Bhutan decades ago and having built lives in the U.S. According to officials, individuals like Subedi, who faced criminal charges, can be deported under current laws, but concerns regarding their safety upon return are being raised. Robin Gurung from Asian Refugees United highlighted that Bhutan remains unsafe for many deported individuals, placing them at risk of statelessness once again. Subedi, who spent his childhood in a refugee camp, now finds himself back in the very environment he hoped to escape. “I want to come back. I have family, my kids,” he stated, reflecting the sorrow of many in his community. The Bhutanese Nepali diaspora, particularly in Ohio and Pennsylvania, has contributed significantly to local economies, yet fears abound as deportations ripple through immigrant communities.