Trump ordered that the term Homo sapiens be changed to Hetero sapiens. In history books and on websites, the airplane from which the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima will no longer be identified as the Enola Gay, but rather the Enola Straight. Trump also ordered billionaire Mark Cuban, who supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, to change his name to Mark American. If he does not do so, he will be charged with terrorism.   read more

Although about 17% of the U.S. food supply is imported and several recent cases of food contamination have originated abroad, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has quietly cut spending since 2009 on in-person inspections of foreign slaughterhouses and meat processing plants, relying instead on a risk-based system that features more self-reporting. USDA officials disdain the phrase “risk-based,” preferring to call it “system-based.”   read more

DynCorp of West Virginia, one of the largest military contractors in Afghanistan, was awarded a $72.8 million contract to train pilots for the Air Force about one week after the special inspector general for reconstruction called the company’s earlier work at the Kunduz army base “unsatisfactory.”   read more

The Hyundai Motor Group, the world’s fourth-largest automaker, admitted last week that it overstated the fuel efficiency of about 900,000 vehicles across 13 different models over the past three years, a problem that will cost it millions of dollars in reimbursements to consumers and inestimable damage to its reputation.   read more

If voters in Colorado, Oregon and Washington on Tuesday pass ballot measures legalizing possession of marijuana they will be striking a blow against the violent drug cartels that sell Mexican weed in the U.S., according to a new report from a respected think tank in Mexico City. Marijuana has been illegal nationwide since 1937.   read more

In response to criticism from conservatives and Fox News, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) disclosed for the first time how its agents assisted the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, when it came under attack two months ago. Republicans have tried to score political points by questioning the Obama administration’s reaction to the assault that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.   read more

Russia’s new Internet censorship law is officially about blocking access to websites containing child pornography and information about drugs and suicide. But free-speech advocates warn that anyone deemed an enemy of the state could have their site taken down under the law.   read more

Israel has finally admitted to what long has been suspected: That its secret spy agency was responsible for the assassination of a top lieutenant of Yasser Arafat nearly three decades ago. Khalil Ibrahim Wazir (aka Abu Jihad), a founder of the Fatah Party, was living in Tunisia in April 1988 when a group of attackers stormed his home and killed him.   read more

Before embarking on its tragic maiden voyage, the Titanic should have been equipped with 50% more lifeboats, according to newly disclosed documents from the ship’s safety officer. But the officer, Maurice Clarke, decided not to press the issue with the Titanic’s owners because he feared that to do so would have cost him his job.   read more

Koshik, a 22-year-old Asian elephant in South Korea, has astonished biologists with his ability to mimic human speech. Researchers from the University of Vienna reported in the journal Current Biology that Koshik can say a variety of Korean words, including “hello,” “sit down,” “no,” “lie down” and “good.”   read more

As of November 1, Oklahomans can carry a loaded firearm without concealing it as long as they have a license. Oklahoma is now the 15th state to allow open carrying of guns with a license.   read more

To reach its goal of cutting $800 million from its budget, London’s police department is considering selling off its famed headquarters known as New Scotland Yard. Selling the building on Victoria Street, which has been the police force’s headquarters since 1967, could bring as much as $322 million.   read more

Newly released documents from Germany’s secret intelligence agency reveal that Cuban dictator Fidel Castro recruited two former Nazi SS soldiers to help train his military during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro also tried to hire German paratroopers and technicians to bolster his country’s defenses against a possible American invasion.   read more

Archaeologists have unearthed the oldest known settlement in ancient Europe, located near the city of Provadia in Bulgaria. The town dates to between 4,700 and 4,200 BC, predating Greek civilization by 1,500 years. Discovered were two-story houses, walls, and parts of a gate, all located near then-valuable rock-salt deposits.   read more

Siri, the personal assistant on newer iPhones and iPads, will no longer help people find prostitutes in China. Responding to complaints, Apple decided to reprogram Siri to say it can’t locate them. In the U.S., however, she will still gladly lead you to an escort service.   read more

Compounding pharmacies killed nearly two-dozen people and caused 86 serious illnesses before a Massachusetts facility drew national attention to the industry following a deadly meningitis outbreak. This information is included in a report released by Rep. Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts) illustrating the need for greater FDA oversight.   read more

Former FEMA chief Michael Brown criticized President Obama for his quick response to Hurricane Sandy, drawing a comparison to his attendance at a campaign fundraiser following the Benghazi attack. Brown is notorious for his slow response to Hurricane Katrina, which won him President Bush’s praise but cost him his job.   read more