Worker dies at SpaceX’s Starbase in leadup to Starship V3 megarocket launch

A worker died at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas early Friday morning as the company prepared for the upcoming test launch of its Starship V3 rocket. Authorities said the death occurred around 4 a.m., and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating, though details and the worker’s identity have not been released. Reports indicate the individual was a contractor who died following a … Continue reading Worker dies at SpaceX’s Starbase in leadup to Starship V3 megarocket launch

SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 launch from California

SpaceX successfully launched 24 more Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on Tuesday from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites were deployed after reaching preliminary orbit, with the booster completing its second flight and safely landing on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean. The mission expanded the Starlink constellation to nearly 10,500 active satellites, further growing SpaceX’s global … Continue reading SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 launch from California

Google gives first glimpse of new AI glasses ahead of fall launch

Google previewed its first audio smart glasses at its I/O conference as it moves to compete in the growing AI wearables market led by companies like Meta. The glasses, developed with partners including Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker, will integrate Google’s Gemini assistant and launch later this year for both Android and iOS. Unlike display-based devices, they deliver information privately through audio and are … Continue reading Google gives first glimpse of new AI glasses ahead of fall launch

Google debuts new AI models, personal AI agents

Google announced new AI updates at its I/O conference, including the rollout of its latest Gemini models and a new system designed to simulate the physical world. The company introduced Gemini 3.5 Flash, a faster and cheaper model that will become the default in its Gemini app and search tools. It also previewed Gemini Spark, an AI agent that can take actions across connected apps … Continue reading Google debuts new AI models, personal AI agents

U.S. probing whether Chinese companies cut production of shipping containers before COVID pandemic

U.S. federal authorities are investigating allegations that Chinese manufacturers may have restricted global shipping container production shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially driving up prices and disrupting supply chains. Investigators believe several dominant firms reduced output in late 2019 by limiting work hours, which may have contributed to a coordinated effort to tighten supply. The alleged actions came just before pandemic-related disruptions further strained global … Continue reading U.S. probing whether Chinese companies cut production of shipping containers before COVID pandemic

Over 47,000 Samsung Electronics workers set to strike as wage talks break down

More than 47,000 Samsung Electronics workers are set to begin a strike after wage negotiations between the company and its union collapsed. The dispute centers on performance-based bonuses, with the union demanding higher payouts and changes to the compensation system. The breakdown in talks followed rejected mediation efforts and conflicting accounts between Samsung and union leaders over delays in decision-making. Samsung warned that the union’s … Continue reading Over 47,000 Samsung Electronics workers set to strike as wage talks break down

U.S. Treasurys are now firmly in the ‘danger zone,’ strategists say

U.S. Treasury yields have surged to multi-year highs, with the 30-year bond rising above 5.19% and the 10-year approaching 4.69%, sparking concerns about financial market stability. HSBC warned that Treasurys have entered a “danger zone” where higher yields could begin pressuring stocks and other risk assets. Analysts say the selloff reflects concerns over sticky inflation, shifting interest rate expectations, and geopolitical uncertainty, even as some … Continue reading U.S. Treasurys are now firmly in the ‘danger zone,’ strategists say

US Senate advances measure curbing Trump’s Iran war powers

The US Senate narrowly advanced a war powers resolution aimed at ending US military action against Iran unless President Donald Trump obtains congressional approval. The 50–47 vote reflected growing Republican unease with the ongoing conflict, with Senator Bill Cassidy switching his vote in a notable break from previous GOP opposition to such measures. Several Republicans, including Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, supported the … Continue reading US Senate advances measure curbing Trump’s Iran war powers

Georgia’s Republican races for governor and US Senate head to June runoffs

Georgia’s Republican primary for governor is headed to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire Rick Jackson, while Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was effectively eliminated from contention. On the Democratic side, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the nomination outright after leading a relatively calm primary. The state’s political races, including the open governor’s seat and U.S. Senate contest, have drawn … Continue reading Georgia’s Republican races for governor and US Senate head to June runoffs

Trump critic Thomas Massie defeated in Kentucky Republican House primary

Donald Trump demonstrated his continued influence over the Republican Party after his endorsed candidate, Ed Gallrein, defeated incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s fourth congressional district primary. Massie, a longtime GOP lawmaker known for breaking with Trump on issues like spending and foreign policy, had criticized what he saw as growing party loyalty to the president over independence. The race became one of the most … Continue reading Trump critic Thomas Massie defeated in Kentucky Republican House primary

Carney downplays Pentagon pulling out of US-Canada military board

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will continue defense cooperation with the United States despite the Pentagon suspending a long-standing joint defense board between the two countries. The Permanent Joint Board on Defense, created in 1940, has been paused as U.S. officials cited concerns about Canada’s defense commitments and policy disagreements. Carney downplayed the move, saying Canada will diversify its defense partnerships while still … Continue reading Carney downplays Pentagon pulling out of US-Canada military board

Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation over alleged influence peddling and related crimes tied to a €53 million COVID-era bailout of the airline Plus Ultra. Authorities say his office and other premises were searched, and he has been summoned to testify on June 2 as part of a broader probe into how the bailout was approved. He is accused by … Continue reading Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe

China’s Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing for high-level talks focused on strengthening their strategic partnership. Both leaders emphasized close political trust and expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, defense, and education, with dozens of agreements expected to be signed. Putin praised the strong momentum in Russia–China relations, while Xi described the partnership as resilient despite global challenges. Xi … Continue reading China’s Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing

Arizona set to execute a prisoner for the killing of a man set on fire in 2002 attack

Arizona prisoner Leroy Dean McGill, 63, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection for the 2002 killing of Charles Perez, marking one of three planned executions in the U.S. this week. Prosecutors said McGill attacked Perez and his girlfriend by throwing gasoline and lighting them on fire after an argument in a Phoenix apartment. Perez later died from his injuries, while the girlfriend survived … Continue reading Arizona set to execute a prisoner for the killing of a man set on fire in 2002 attack

New Jersey man gets life in prison for killing his brother and family

A New Jersey man, Paul Caneiro, was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for killing his brother, sister-in-law, and their two young children in a 2018 crime spree. He was also given an additional 16 years for arson and theft charges tied to the case. Prosecutors said the killings in Colts Neck were motivated by greed after financial disputes within the family. A … Continue reading New Jersey man gets life in prison for killing his brother and family

Thousands under evacuation orders in southern California as wildfire threatens homes

More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California as the wind-driven Sandy Fire burned near Simi Valley north of Los Angeles. The fire had grown to about 1,698 acres, was only 5% contained, and had destroyed at least one home, though calmer winds briefly helped firefighters make progress. Around 750 firefighters, along with aircraft, were working to contain the blaze as officials … Continue reading Thousands under evacuation orders in southern California as wildfire threatens homes

Minnesota wildfire grows to 1,600 acres, DNR identifies “people of interest”

A wildfire known as the Flanders Fire, about 10 miles east of Breezy Point, Minnesota, has grown to more than 1,600 acres, officials said. Fire crews report the blaze is now nearly 60% contained after working since the weekend to control it. Authorities said they have identified the fire’s origin and are investigating “people of interest.” Evacuation orders are set to be lifted at noon, … Continue reading Minnesota wildfire grows to 1,600 acres, DNR identifies “people of interest”

Woman dies after stepping out of car into uncovered manhole in New York City

A 56-year-old woman, Donike Gocaj, died in New York City after falling into an open maintenance hole on a busy Midtown Manhattan street. Police said she had just parked her SUV near Fifth Avenue and East 52nd Street before stepping out and falling into the uncovered hole shortly before 11:30 p.m. Utility company Con Edison said surveillance footage suggests a heavy truck may have dislodged … Continue reading Woman dies after stepping out of car into uncovered manhole in New York City

Russia holds massive drills of its nuclear forces

Russia on Tuesday began large-scale nuclear forces drills involving tens of thousands of troops, missile systems, aircraft, ships, and submarines. The exercises included simulated launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles and focused on preparing for the use of nuclear forces under perceived threats. Officials said the drills also involved coordination with Belarus, which hosts Russian nuclear weapons, including advanced missile systems. The exercises come … Continue reading Russia holds massive drills of its nuclear forces

UK police find cocaine worth $9.3 million stashed in a shipment of Kim Kardashian brand underwear

A British court sentenced truck driver Jakub Jan Konkel to 13½ years in prison for smuggling cocaine hidden in a shipment of Skims clothing. Border officials stopped Konkel in Essex in September while he was transporting 28 pallets of legitimate apparel from the Netherlands. Authorities found 90 kilograms of cocaine, worth about £7 million ($9.4 million), concealed in a specially modified compartment in the truck. … Continue reading UK police find cocaine worth $9.3 million stashed in a shipment of Kim Kardashian brand underwear

Romania shoots down Ukrainian drone flying over Estonia

Three NATO countries coordinated to shoot down a Ukrainian drone that entered Estonian airspace on Tuesday, marking a rare aerial incident over EU territory. NATO officials said the operation demonstrated the alliance’s integrated defense system, with a Romanian F-16 destroying the drone under Latvian coordination. Ukraine and Estonia said the drone had likely been redirected by Russian electronic warfare, including GPS jamming and spoofing. Baltic … Continue reading Romania shoots down Ukrainian drone flying over Estonia

More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says

NATO’s top military commander, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, said Europe should expect continued U.S. troop withdrawals as European allies strengthen their own defense capabilities. The U.S. is currently withdrawing about 5,000 troops from Europe, including an armored brigade and other units, though officials say NATO’s defense plans remain unaffected. The move has raised concern among some allies, particularly Poland, amid broader uncertainty over U.S. commitment to … Continue reading More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says

Israeli forces intercept the remaining activist flotilla vessels headed for Gaza

Israeli forces intercepted the remaining vessels of an activist flotilla seeking to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and draw attention to severe shortages affecting nearly 2 million Palestinians. Live footage showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding the boats as activists raised their hands, while organizers said cameras were destroyed during the operation. Flotilla organizers and Italian activists claimed Israeli forces fired rubber bullets and damaged … Continue reading Israeli forces intercept the remaining activist flotilla vessels headed for Gaza

Vega C rocket launches European-Chinese space weather satellite to orbit

A European-Chinese mission called SMILE launched into orbit Monday night aboard a Vega C rocket from French Guiana. The spacecraft reached its initial orbit successfully and will study how solar wind affects Earth’s magnetosphere and space weather. The mission is a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with both sides contributing instruments and systems. SMILE will undergo weeks of … Continue reading Vega C rocket launches European-Chinese space weather satellite to orbit

Humanoid robot ‘monks’ featured in South Korea parade ahead of Buddha’s birthday 

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Seoul for Buddha’s birthday celebrations during the Lotus Lantern Festival, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event. This year’s parade included a modern twist with robots joining the traditional festivities, reflecting growing technological influence in cultural events. The appearance of robots followed the recent ordination of a humanoid robot named “Gabi” as a Buddhist monk in Seoul. Officials said the … Continue reading Humanoid robot ‘monks’ featured in South Korea parade ahead of Buddha’s birthday