Alien

US Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued guidance answering how age under 21 is determined, a question with major consequences for immigration classifications that hinge on whether an applicant is still a child. The clarification, highlighted by the Center for Immigration Studies, addresses a long-standing ambiguity that has affected young applicants' eligibility at the age cutoff.

Journalist Anand Giridharadas is drawing renewed attention after telling CNN that abandonment is 'the defining political emotion of this age.' He has also published new immersive reporting, including a New York Times account of five minutes riding the F train across 442 pages, and a New Yorker piece about spending a night living in Penn Station. His blend of political commentary and experiential journalism is prompting discussion about alienation and economic dislocation in America.

A self-described UFO whistleblower appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast claimed that aliens operate an underwater base in the ocean spanning multiple city blocks. The claim, made during a recent interview, has drawn attention online as clips and discussion of the remarks circulate, adding to ongoing public debate over government secrecy and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Republicans are trying to balance competing demands on immigration policy as midterm elections approach. The party faces pressure to deliver on tough border promises to its base while avoiding positions that could alienate swing voters, including Hispanic and suburban constituencies. The issue remains a central test of the party's message heading into the campaign.

Scientists say the chemistry of Earth's ancient oceans could serve as a guide in the search for life on other planets. By studying how early marine conditions supported the emergence of life, researchers hope to identify chemical signatures worth looking for on alien worlds, sharpening the focus of future missions and telescopic observations of distant planets.

A writer has posted Chapter 9 of their science fiction serial, titled "Caduceus". In the new instalment, the alien Cadir begin boarding the spaceship Liberator, sparking violence in several sections. The drama centres on Doctor Akari Takuma, who fights to keep her patients alive in the overrun medical bay despite being unable to bring herself to kill her attackers.

A planned sale of camera maker Leica has failed, keeping the company independent. In Australia, new AI legislation is affecting a mural artwork, sparking debate among photographers about how the law applies to art. Other photo news of the week includes In-N-Out taking action against a team photo shoot and a spectacular image of a solar eclipse, drawing wide attention in the photography community.

An Alienware ultrawide OLED gaming monitor is currently available at $100 below its manufacturer's suggested retail price. The display features a 240Hz refresh rate, aimed at gamers seeking fast response times and a wide field of view. Gaming and tech deal outlets are highlighting the discount as a chance to pick up a premium OLED panel at a reduced price.

Retailers commonly ask shoppers to round up their bill or add a small donation to charity at checkout, but the tactic can alienate customers. New commentary highlights how repeated prompts at the register may irritate shoppers, create guilt pressure, and even damage trust in both the store and the charity, turning a well-meaning fundraising tool into a liability for brands.

Coverage of the second wave of Fantastic Fest 2026 highlights the genre festival's slate of psychos, aliens, hitmen and half-vampires, as genre film fans look ahead to the Austin-based event's lineup. The roundup is part of an ongoing series recapping what audiences can expect from the festival, though no specific titles or festival dates are detailed.

The History Channel's Ancient Aliens series is drawing large audiences with a segment on ancient technology that the show suggests may be beyond what early civilizations should have been capable of. The episode examines mysterious ancient artifacts and engineering feats, framing them as possible evidence of extraterrestrial influence, a hallmark theme of the long-running series.