Category: News

Hidden Oils: How Soybean Fat May Promote Weight Gain

A new study out of University of California, Riverside (UCR) finds that diets high in Soybean Oil may contribute to obesity—not by calories alone, but through how the body processes its omega-6 fats. On November 30, 2025, researchers reported that feeding mice a soybean-oil–rich diet led most of them to gain significant weight. The culprit appears to be a group of molecules called “oxylipins,” produced when the body metabolizes linoleic acid, a common omega-6 in soybean oil. These oxylipins seem to trigger inflammation, alter liver behavior, and shift gene activity linked to fat storage. Importantly, in a group of genetically modified mice—with a different version of a liver-regulating protein—those weight and liver-fat changes did not occur, even on the same soybean-oil diet. That suggests individual biology plays a big role, and the results might vary in humans. While the study doesn’t claim soybean oil “causes” obesity in people, it raises a warning: heavy use of linoleic-acid–rich oils might silently contribute to metabolic stress.

Arrest Made in String of Lakewood Fires

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A 39-year-old man from Lakewood was arrested Sunday after authorities say he set three fires late Saturday night. Around 10:30 p.m. on November 29, fire crews responded to a blaze burning in the basement window-well of a house on East Eighth Street. Moments later, firefighters found two more small blazes along nearby railroad tracks. All three fires were extinguished quickly and — thankfully — no one was hurt. Investigators from county and local agencies concluded the fires were deliberately started. The first was fueled by an open flame applied to combustible materials in the window well. The brush fires along the tracks were triggered with a flammable fuel source. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old resident Israel Salgado-Miron, was taken into custody on Sunday and charged with aggravated arson and two additional counts of arson. He remains in custody at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. Authorities say the swift, coordinated response from fire, police and county-level investigators prevented more serious damage. Nearby homes and infrastructure avoided harm. The incident rattled neighbors, but with the suspect behind bars and the fires contained, officials say the area is now safe.

Failed Sarmat Launch Raises Doubts About Russia’s Nuclear Readiness

On the afternoon of November 28, an intercontinental ballistic missile launched from the Yasny launch site in Russia’s Orenburg region exploded just seconds after takeoff. The rocket climbed only about 200–400 meters before veering off course, tumbling, then detonating mid-air and crashing back to the ground. Witnesses and footage show a thick purple cloud of smoke rising from the blast zone — a sign the missile used highly toxic liquid propellants. Though no official confirmation named the rocket, analysts say the evidence strongly points to the RS-28 Sarmat, the super-heavy ICBM Russia has touted as central to its nuclear deterrent. If correct, this marks yet another failure in a missile program that has seen multiple mishaps since 2022. The malfunction deepens doubts over the reliability of Russia’s most advanced nuclear-capable missile. Its repeated failures call into question whether the Sarmat can fulfill its intended role as a credible long-range deterrent.

Lakewood Police Nab Bank Robbery Suspect After Crash at Clifton Avenue and Main Street

A 27-year-old man from Warren, Maine was arrested Thursday in Lakewood, New Jersey after a crash at the busy intersection of Clifton Avenue and Main Street. Police say he’s suspected of robbing a branch of Chase Bank in Scarborough, Maine earlier this week. The robbery reportedly happened Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses identified a maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer with out-of-state plates leaving the scene. The same vehicle later collided with another car in Lakewood, flipping onto its side and striking the sidewalk in front of a storefront. First responders from EMS, police, and fire units arrived on the scene. Officials report no serious injuries. The driver — the robbery suspect — was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities have not announced whether any weapon was used in the bank robbery. The suspect remains in police custody as investigators coordinate between Maine and New Jersey jurisdictions.

Pentagon Drops Planned Warships, Raising Questions on U.S. Naval Readiness

The Pentagon has canceled several planned warships, setting off a new round of debate over the state of U.S. naval readiness. Officials confirmed the decision late Thursday, saying the cuts focus on vessels that were scheduled for future construction rather than ships already in the fleet. The announcement followed internal reviews that took place throughout the week at the Department of Defense headquarters. The cancellations sparked immediate concern in Congress and among defense analysts. Supporters of a bigger fleet argued that removing ships from the pipeline could strain the Navy’s ability to meet rising demands, especially as regional tensions continue in the South China Sea and the Red Sea. Others said the shift could steer money toward more modern systems, including unmanned vessels and missile defenses. The change centers on long-term cost, shifting priorities, and a push toward a different mix of ships. The Pentagon said it will brief Congress next week and provide updated timelines for remaining shipyards.

False-Bottom Luggage With Pistols Leads to Indictment of Three at Ben-Gurion

In a major security bust at Ben‑Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv overnight on November 28, customs officials intercepted three travelers carrying pistols concealed in suitcases with false bottoms. The luggage was flagged during routine screening, and authorities discovered the firearms packed beneath normal luggage items. The three individuals — now formally indicted — were arrested on the spot. Officials confirmed there was no need for evacuations or shelter orders. Airport operations continued with only brief delays.

Mamdani Opens Cautious Talks With Wall Street Over New York Agenda

Zohran Mamdani — not yet sworn in — has quietly begun conversations with major Wall Street firms about his sweeping socialist agenda. In recent meetings in Manhattan, executives and financial-industry insiders met with Mamdani and his team to understand what his plans might mean for business. Although his platform calls for policies like rent freezes, higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and expansion of public services, Wall Street leaders say they want clarity. The broader business community seems to be holding its breath, watching who Mamdani appoints to his administration — and what early actions he takes. For now, the tone is cautious cooperation, rather than confrontation — a fragile start to what could be a tense relationship.

Passenger Opens Emergency Door on KLM Flight in Atlanta, Deploys Slide

A passenger on KLM Flight 622 opened an emergency exit door and deployed the inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The incident occurred Tuesday night, as the Amsterdam-bound flight prepared for takeoff. The man, identified by police as Johannes Van Heertum, reportedly called 911 from his seat claiming he saw another passenger with a weapon. Believing there was a threat, he panicked, opened the exit door, and triggered the slide. No weapon was found onboard. Authorities say Van Heertum appeared to be experiencing a mental-health episode. He was evaluated by EMTs, then taken into custody and charged with reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures. As a result of the incident, the flight was cancelled and all passengers were rebooked. There were no injuries.

Pentagon Moves to Add Alibaba, Baidu and BYD to Chinese Military-Linked Blacklist

The United States Department of Defense concluded that Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Baidu Inc. and BYD Co. should be added to its “Section 1260H” roster — a list of firms the U.S. believes aid China’s military. This action was announced in a letter sent to the U.S. Congress, dated October 7, 2025. The move casts a shadow over some of China’s largest tech firms — firms with global reach, substantial U.S. business ties, and millions of investors. Pentagon officials now believe these firms have provided support to the Chinese military. It remains unclear whether they have been formally added to the list as of now. Shares of Alibaba, Baidu and BYD slid after the report hit markets.

Stowaway Found in Wheel Well After Delta Flight from JFK

A Delta flight that departed JFK Airport in New York late last night discovered a stowaway only after landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport early this morning. Ground crews found the man inside the jet’s wheel well while the aircraft was parked at a service stand near Concourse A. The discovery happened around 4:30 AM, shortly after the overnight flight arrived from JFK. Ramp workers halted activity around the aircraft and notified airport police. The man was alive but weak and severely cold. Medics treated him immediately on the tarmac before moving him to a secure medical facility for further evaluation. No passengers or crew were injured, and there were no safety issues reported during the flight. Officials say the man likely climbed into the landing gear housing at JFK before takeoff. Investigators are reviewing security footage from both airports to determine how he reached the restricted area and whether any access points were compromised.