“Pink Planet” is surrounded by salty clouds, researchers using Webb telescope find

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered an unusual “salt cloud” atmosphere on a distant object known as the Pink Planet (GJ504b). The object, located about 57 light-years from Earth, is a planetary-mass companion that could be either a giant exoplanet or a small brown dwarf. Researchers say its relatively cool temperature for a gas giant—about 550°F—likely allows salts to form clouds, a … Continue reading “Pink Planet” is surrounded by salty clouds, researchers using Webb telescope find

Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis after cars enter freeway work zones

Waymo is recalling nearly 4,000 robotaxis after regulators found that some vehicles entered closed freeway construction zones during multiple incidents. The recall covers 3,871 vehicles using Waymo’s 5th Generation Automated Driving System and follows 13 reported cases, including several in the San Francisco Bay Area. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the software may fail to properly recognize certain construction-zone closures, allowing vehicles to … Continue reading Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis after cars enter freeway work zones

Federal regulators order grid operators to speed power to energy-hungry AI data centers

Federal regulators have ordered regional grid operators to speed up the process for connecting large energy users, including AI data centers, to the U.S. electric transmission system. The move is aimed at meeting rapidly rising electricity demand and strengthening U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence development. Energy Secretary Chris Wright pushed for the change, which tech companies welcomed as a way to reduce delays in securing … Continue reading Federal regulators order grid operators to speed power to energy-hungry AI data centers

Student loan borrowers will get an interest rate cut if they sign up for auto pay

The U.S. Department of Education announced that student loan borrowers who enroll in automatic payments will receive a temporary boost in their interest rate discount starting July 1. The discount will increase from 0.25 percentage points to 1 percentage point, lasting for two years from 2026 to 2028, reducing costs for borrowers who opt in. Officials said the change is intended to encourage more people … Continue reading Student loan borrowers will get an interest rate cut if they sign up for auto pay

Bill limiting investors from buying homes set to speed through Congress

Lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement on an affordable housing bill aimed at increasing housing supply and limiting large investors’ influence in the market. The measure would cap major investors at purchasing no more than 350 single-family homes, though it drops a previously proposed requirement that they sell newly built homes within seven years. Senate leaders expect the bill to advance quickly, with a possible … Continue reading Bill limiting investors from buying homes set to speed through Congress

Trump claims Iran deal is ‘unconditional surrender’

U.S. President Donald Trump defended a newly signed U.S.–Iran agreement, claiming it reflects “unconditional surrender” by Iran and asserting he has essentially unlimited power in foreign policy decisions. The deal, reached after months of conflict that disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets, includes a 60-day negotiating window for a final agreement and steps to reopen maritime traffic. Trump said the agreement was … Continue reading Trump claims Iran deal is ‘unconditional surrender’

Cuba’s Communist Party approves opening economy in unprecedented move

Cuba’s Communist Party has approved sweeping free-market reforms, marking one of the most significant economic shifts in decades. The emergency package, expected to pass the National Assembly, would expand private enterprise, attract foreign investment, and allow private banks and real estate development. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged that Cuba’s economic crisis is driven by both external pressures, including U.S. sanctions, and internal issues like bureaucracy and … Continue reading Cuba’s Communist Party approves opening economy in unprecedented move

Slotkin to introduce bill to bar presidents from sending troops or armed federal officers to polling places

Sen. Elissa Slotkin and several Democratic senators plan to introduce the “Protect Our Polls Act,” which would ban presidents from sending armed military or federal agents to polling places during elections. They argue the measure is needed to prevent voter intimidation and reinforce existing legal protections that already largely restrict such deployments except in cases of armed threats. The bill follows President Trump’s suggestion of … Continue reading Slotkin to introduce bill to bar presidents from sending troops or armed federal officers to polling places

Trump lashes out at “fools” who oppose Iran deal amid bipartisan criticism

President Trump defended a new U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding after Republican lawmakers sharply criticized it, calling opponents “fools” and arguing the deal improves markets and lowers oil prices. Several GOP senators, including Bill Cassidy, Ted Cruz, and John Cornyn, warned that the agreement could strengthen Iran by easing sanctions and providing funds they say could support terrorist groups. Critics focused on concerns about a potential … Continue reading Trump lashes out at “fools” who oppose Iran deal amid bipartisan criticism

2 California college students die after waves sweep them into sea

Two Bay Area college students, Harshita Nair (21) of UC Berkeley and Mahial Sran (20) of San Jose State University, died after being swept into the ocean near Panther Beach in Santa Cruz County. The women were pulled from the water on June 10 after a sudden wave pushed them into the sea, and rescue crews rushed them to hospitals. Authorities confirmed that Nair died … Continue reading 2 California college students die after waves sweep them into sea

Bystanders rush to rescue aircraft passengers after fiery Texas crash

A private jet traveling from Los Cabos, Mexico, to Austin, Texas, crashed onto a Texas motorway near Laredo after reporting mechanical problems. Bystanders and first responders used tools like a shovel and sledgehammer to help free trapped passengers from the wreckage. One of the six people on board died, while the five survivors were hospitalized in stable condition. The crash also struck a vehicle and … Continue reading Bystanders rush to rescue aircraft passengers after fiery Texas crash

Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime

A 21-year-old man, Merlin Lu, has been charged with a hate crime, arson, and other offenses after a cross was burned in Grant Park in Chicago on June 9. Police said he admitted responsibility but claimed the act was meant as a protest against President Donald Trump and the “ruling class,” not a racially motivated symbol. Authorities allege the burning cross was used in a … Continue reading Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime

New York mayor, other leaders push to ban horse-drawn carriage rides

An 18-year-old tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died in Central Park after jumping from a runaway horse-drawn carriage that had gone out of control. The incident, believed to be the first fatal carriage accident in the park in over 150 years, has renewed calls to ban the rides entirely. The Central Park Conservancy and animal welfare groups argue the growing number of incidents shows the attraction is … Continue reading New York mayor, other leaders push to ban horse-drawn carriage rides

Luigi Mangione’s lawyers withdraw plans for psychiatric defense

Luigi Mangione’s legal team has dropped plans to use a psychiatric defense in his upcoming September state trial for the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. The move came shortly after they had indicated they might argue “extreme emotional disturbance” and reference psychiatric evaluations. The reversal followed a judge’s order requiring the defense to promptly share any psychiatric evidence with prosecutors, who … Continue reading Luigi Mangione’s lawyers withdraw plans for psychiatric defense

Gunmen attack Niger airport, killing 11 soldiers and 2 civilians

Niger’s main airport in Niamey was attacked by gunmen early Thursday, leaving 11 soldiers and two civilians dead. The Defense Ministry said security forces repelled the assault, killing 22 attackers and arresting 20 suspects. Witnesses reported gunfire and explosions during the attack, but airport operations later returned to normal. The airport serves as a major military hub for both the Nigerien air force and the … Continue reading Gunmen attack Niger airport, killing 11 soldiers and 2 civilians

1,200-year-old Robin Hood oak tree in Sherwood Forest has died

The ancient Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, believed to be around 1,200 years old and linked to the legend of Robin Hood, has reportedly died after failing to grow leaves this spring. Conservationists say decades of heavy tourism compacted the soil around the tree, limiting water access to its roots, while climate change, drought, and age likely contributed to its decline. The tree had long … Continue reading 1,200-year-old Robin Hood oak tree in Sherwood Forest has died

Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon kill three despite US-Iran deal

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least three people, according to Lebanese state media, despite growing calls for a ceasefire following a new U.S.-Iran agreement. Hezbollah said it repelled a four-day Israeli offensive, claiming its fighters used drones, rockets, and artillery to stop Israeli advances. The United States urged all parties, including Israel and Hezbollah, to maintain a complete ceasefire and support ongoing negotiations. … Continue reading Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon kill three despite US-Iran deal

Man arrested after 3-year-old boy critically injured in crocodile enclosure

A 3-year-old boy was critically injured after ending up in a crocodile enclosure at a family-run zoo in Huntingdon, England. Police said the child was taken to the hospital and is in critical but stable condition. A 30-year-old man, believed to be a stranger to the boy, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities are interviewing witnesses to determine how the incident occurred … Continue reading Man arrested after 3-year-old boy critically injured in crocodile enclosure

Ukraine drone strike hits Russian oil refinery, Zelenskyy says “Moscow will burn”

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia since the war began, striking the Moscow Oil Refinery for the second time in a week and disrupting flights at several Moscow airports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was retaliation for recent Russian strikes on Kyiv and warned that “Moscow will burn” if attacks on Ukraine continue. Russian officials said air defenses shot … Continue reading Ukraine drone strike hits Russian oil refinery, Zelenskyy says “Moscow will burn”

Archaeology team unearths ‘prototype’ of world-famous Stonehenge

Archaeologists in southern England have discovered a prehistoric structure near Stonehenge that may have served as an early “prototype” for the famous stone circle. The site, located near Bulford, is believed to predate Stonehenge by about 500 years and featured wooden posts aligned with the sun’s movements during the solstices. Excavations uncovered pottery, animal bones, and rare artifacts, suggesting it was a major ceremonial gathering … Continue reading Archaeology team unearths ‘prototype’ of world-famous Stonehenge

European rocket launches record-breaking mission with Amazon internet satellites

An Ariane 6 rocket launched from French Guiana on June 17 carrying a record-breaking payload of 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites. The mission marked the heaviest load ever launched by an Ariane vehicle and the largest satellite stack flown for Amazon’s growing low Earth orbit internet constellation. Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, aims to deploy more than 3,200 satellites in competition with SpaceX’s … Continue reading European rocket launches record-breaking mission with Amazon internet satellites

Genesis AI launches Eno general-purpose robot

Genesis AI has unveiled Eno, a general-purpose robot powered by its GENE foundation model, designed to integrate hardware, software, and AI into a single system. The company says Eno emphasizes mobility, dexterity, and real-world functionality rather than human-like appearance, featuring a modular body and dexterous robotic hands for complex tasks. A transparent “cognitive interface” option can display the robot’s real-time thinking and actions to build … Continue reading Genesis AI launches Eno general-purpose robot

Oil prices fall, stocks rally as US, Iran sign framework to end war

Oil prices fell after the United States and Iran signed an interim peace agreement, easing earlier market concerns about continued conflict. Brent crude dropped about 2.3 percent in Asia, reversing a brief spike triggered by President Donald Trump’s warning that military strikes on Iran could resume if tensions escalated. The price decline brought oil closer to levels seen before the conflict began in February, signaling … Continue reading Oil prices fall, stocks rally as US, Iran sign framework to end war

Trump and Iran’s President Pezeshkian sign memorandum aimed to end war

President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing a potential peace agreement to end hostilities between the two countries. The signing followed earlier remote endorsements by senior officials and took place during a dinner in Versailles attended by Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other leaders. The agreement reportedly outlines steps including ending military actions involving … Continue reading Trump and Iran’s President Pezeshkian sign memorandum aimed to end war

Macron hails US alignment with G7’s ‘shared commitment’ on Ukraine

At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, Emmanuel Macron said all members, including the US, now affirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity and share a more unified stance on Russia. He described a “re-synchronisation” of G7 positions and a major shift in the US approach under Donald Trump, noting a belief that Vladimir Putin is not genuinely pursuing peace. Macron said the summit reflected a renewed commitment to … Continue reading Macron hails US alignment with G7’s ‘shared commitment’ on Ukraine