Steam outage disrupts online games and store access worldwide

A widespread Steam outage disrupted access to the world’s largest PC gaming platform on Tuesday, leaving users unable to browse the digital storefront or play several of Valve’s most popular online games.  The disruption began early afternoon on the US East Coast and appeared to affect users globally, according to outage tracking services and community … Read more

Ukraine US peace deal nears completion as Russia rejects Zelenskyy Christmas ceasefire offer

Kyiv — Ukraine and the United States are close to finalizing a framework of security guarantees and economic arrangements tied to a proposed peace plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday. Even as Russia rejected a Christmas ceasefire and signaled demands for changes to the emerging deal. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on … Read more

Tubi streaming growth rivals major players with ad supported model

LOS ANGELES — Tubi, the Fox Corp.-owned free streaming platform, is gaining traction in the competitive streaming market, drawing viewers who prefer ad supported content and helping the company reach profitability this year. The platform has long been considered part of a secondary tier of streaming services alongside lower budget offerings such as Pluto TV … Read more

US visa denial affects UK social media campaigners amid international dispute

Two British social media campaigners are among five individuals recently denied entry to the United States, after the State Department accused them of trying to “coerce” American technology platforms into restricting free speech, officials said Monday. Imran Ahmed, former Labour adviser and head of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, and Clare Melford, CEO of … Read more

Russia moon nuclear project set to power joint lunar research station by 2036

MOSCOW — Russia has announced plans for a moon nuclear project within the next decade to support its lunar space program and a joint research station with China, highlighting the country’s renewed push in space exploration amid growing international competition. Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, signed a contract with the Lavochkin Association aerospace company to develop … Read more

AI powered Santa trackers blend holiday tradition with modern technology

On Christmas Eve, a familiar question echoes in homes around the world Where is Santa right now? What began decades ago as a simple novelty has evolved into a global digital tradition.  Today, AI powered Santa trackers from organizations such as the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Google combine mapping technology, artificial intelligence and … Read more

Christmas Eve shopping hours: What to know for malls, grocery stores, and more

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Christmas Eve brought last minute shoppers to malls and grocery stores across the Rochester area as the holiday countdown enters its final hours.  The National Retail Federation projects Americans will spend more than $1 trillion this season, a 3.7 to 4.2 percent increase from last year.  For those rushing to complete gifts … Read more

Trump economy shows strong growth, uneven gains fuel voter unease

President Donald Trump’s economy has posted faster than expected growth in his first year back in office, powered largely by strong consumer spending and rising asset values.  But new data suggest that much of that momentum is coming from America’s wealthiest households, even as many voters report growing pressure from living costs and borrowing rates. … Read more