A section of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to crash into the moon after being left in orbit following a previous lunar mission. The rocket’s upper stage is only days away from impact and is traveling at more than seven times the speed of sound, likely creating a new crater on the lunar surface. Scientists believe the collision could generate a dust cloud … Continue reading SpaceX rocket is about to slam into the moon at 5,400 mph
China warned it may retaliate after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission added advanced foreign-made robotic devices, including humanoid robots, to a restricted import list over cybersecurity concerns. Beijing said the move threatens U.S.-China trade stability and urged Washington to reverse the decision. Analysts warned the restrictions could hurt Chinese robotics companies preparing for major expansions and potential IPOs. The dispute comes as tensions rise between … Continue reading China threatens retaliation against U.S. humanoid robot ban
Safety advocates are raising concerns that Flock Safety’s AI-powered license plate reader cameras may create roadside hazards in addition to privacy concerns. Critics say some camera poles lack safety features such as breakaway bases, are placed too close to roads, and can be difficult for drivers to see. Roadside safety advocate Steve Eimers argues that these structures may increase the risk of serious injuries in … Continue reading Flock surveillance cameras can pose a crash risk for drivers, US experts say
Mortgage rates climbed to their highest level in a year, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 6.66% from 6.58% the previous week. The increase came as Treasury yields moved higher due to Middle East tensions and the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. Although housing inventory has improved, economists warned that higher borrowing costs continue to challenge buyers, especially first-time … Continue reading Mortgage rates rise to 1-year high
U.S. economic growth slowed more than expected in the second quarter, with GDP rising 1.5% compared with economists’ forecast of 1.8%. Inflation remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, with annual PCE inflation at 3.7% and core inflation at 3.3%. The mixed data created uncertainty for the Fed as officials weigh whether to adjust interest rates while inflation pressures persist. The central bank recently voted … Continue reading U.S. economy slowed to 1.5% growth rate in Q2
Microsoft shares surged after strong quarterly earnings showed better-than-expected revenue growth and rapid adoption of its AI-powered Copilot tools. The company’s Azure cloud business grew 43%, boosting investor confidence that its major artificial intelligence investments are beginning to pay off. Meta, however, saw its stock fall after missing earnings expectations, lowering revenue guidance, and reporting a sharp decline in free cash flow due to heavy … Continue reading Meta sinks 8%, continuing record losing streak, while Microsoft jumps 15%
President Donald Trump launched the “Freedom Haulers Initiative,” a program aimed at helping military veterans transition into trucking jobs while removing commercial drivers who are in the country illegally or do not meet federal requirements. The initiative allows qualified veterans with military driving experience to bypass parts of the commercial driver’s license process and provides faster training for others. Trump and administration officials said the … Continue reading Trump promotes Freedom Haulers Initiative to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs
Former White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Deborah Birx said public frustration over the government’s COVID-19 response remains high after Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Senate hearing. Birx said Americans still want answers about whether pandemic policies properly balanced protecting lives with preserving livelihoods. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times during the hearing, refusing to answer questions from lawmakers about his pandemic guidance. Republicans criticized Fauci’s … Continue reading Birx says ‘persistent anger’ over COVID response evident after Fauci hearing
President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis raised concerns about the nomination. The senators objected to parts of a Justice Department settlement involving Trump’s tax records and an “anti-weaponization” fund, saying they wanted stronger written assurances. Trump suggested he would renominate Blanche after Cornyn and Tillis leave office in January, but both senators … Continue reading Trump threatens to pull Todd Blanche’s AG nomination until after GOP holdouts leave office
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya accused former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci of abusing his influence during the COVID-19 pandemic by suppressing scientific debate and criticizing researchers who disagreed with him. Bhattacharya, who opposed lockdowns and some pandemic restrictions, argued that Fauci acted beyond his role as a research leader and shaped public health policy without sufficient evidence. The accusations came after Fauci invoked his Fifth … Continue reading Acting CDC director says Fauci “abused the place of power” during the COVID pandemic
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said President Donald Trump remains the leading decision-maker in the U.S.-Israel response to Iran, denying that he pressured Trump to continue military action. Netanyahu said he remains skeptical of diplomacy with Iran but supports testing negotiations under strong economic and diplomatic pressure. He described the U.S. and Israel as allies while emphasizing that Trump has the final say on decisions … Continue reading Netanyahu says choice on how to proceed with Iran is Trump’s
More than one million acres have burned across central and eastern Oregon as the state faces another potentially record-breaking wildfire season. Dozens of major fires, many sparked by dry lightning and strong winds, are spreading across public lands and creating hazardous smoke conditions. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, while ranchers are working to move cattle away from threatened areas. Officials warn that the fire … Continue reading Oregon is on track for its worst wildfire season yet
Hadi Matar was convicted of federal terrorism charges for the 2022 stabbing attack against author Salman Rushdie during a speaking event in New York. A jury found Matar guilty of engaging in an act of transnational terrorism, adding to his existing 25-year state prison sentence for attempted murder. Prosecutors argued that Matar was motivated by a decades-old Iranian death threat against Rushdie over his novel … Continue reading Salman Rushdie attacker convicted in federal terrorism trial over 2022 stabbing
A kidnapping suspect was killed by sheriff’s deputies in Chino Hills after allegedly shooting a victim during a traffic stop. Authorities said the suspect had previously shot the victim and placed them in the trunk of a vehicle before deputies stopped the car. When ordered out of the vehicle, the driver allegedly approached the trunk and fired another shot at the trapped victim before deputies … Continue reading Kidnapper executes victim in front of sheriff’s deputies in Chino Hills, authorities say
A 25-year-old Utah woman was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a church where her wedding was scheduled to take place the following day. Police said Lenita Moreno started the blaze inside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building while family members were preparing for the ceremony, causing more than $108,000 in damage. Investigators said the fire appeared to have been intentionally set … Continue reading Bride-to-be set church blaze day before planned wedding
Colin Gray, the father of the Georgia teenager who carried out the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder and other charges. Prosecutors argued that Gray ignored warning signs about his son’s behavior and provided the AR-15-style rifle used in the attack that killed four people and injured others. His son, Colt Gray, was … Continue reading Father sentenced to 15 years in prison in Georgia high school shooting carried out by teenage son
French authorities allowed 84,000 wildfire evacuees to return home as firefighters gained control of a massive blaze that has burned an area four times the size of Paris. Extreme heat and dry conditions continue to fuel wildfires across Europe, with firefighters battling new outbreaks in several countries. More than 224,000 people had been evacuated in southwest France during the height of the crisis. Actor George … Continue reading France tames wildfire and lets 84,000 evacuees go home, blazes flare across Europe
Residents in southwestern Japan continued recovering two days after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto, killing at least 25 people and injuring 86 others. Rescue crews remained searching for survivors as thousands of residents stayed in evacuation shelters or slept in vehicles and classrooms. Many homes were left damaged or without electricity and water, leaving nearly 19,000 households still without power. Survivors described rescuing loved … Continue reading Hope dwindles for rescue in southwestern Japan quake as death toll climbs to 25
Poland confirmed that an object which crashed in a field near its border with Ukraine was a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The missile landed without causing injuries or damage, but prompted NATO to scramble fighter jets and activate air defenses as Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack across Ukraine. Polish officials said there was no evidence that Poland … Continue reading Poland says ‘nuclear capable’ missile from Russia exploded in country
Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a major military offensive against the Houthis in Yemen while also building a multinational naval coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis recently announced a blockade on Saudi ships, saying it will remain until Saudi Arabia lifts its blockade on Yemen. Rising attacks on Saudi oil facilities and Red Sea shipping have increased concerns over the … Continue reading Saudi Arabia prepares sea and possible land offensive against Houthis
Spain is deploying additional troops and police to its North African enclave of Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco by swimming, wading, and scaling border fences in a matter of hours. Authorities described the situation as chaotic, with border security overwhelmed and reports indicating that between 2,000 and 3,000 people entered the territory while at least nine bodies were recovered. Local officials called … Continue reading Spain sends extra troops and police after thousands of migrants arrive
A U.S.-Russian crew returned to Earth after spending 241 days aboard the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev landed safely in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. During their mission, the crew completed 3,856 orbits of Earth and traveled more than 102 million miles. The astronauts handed over control of the space station before departing as … Continue reading NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts return to Earth after 241 days on space station
Lockheed Martin says the Pentagon could have operational high-energy laser weapons capable of destroying aerial threats by 2030. Company executive Stephanie Hill said laser systems have already successfully intercepted targets and are becoming a practical, cost-effective defense option. Lockheed is developing more powerful laser systems through a Pentagon program that could eventually scale up for cruise missile defense. The company is also working on other … Continue reading Laser air defenses will be operational before decade’s end, Lockheed exec says
PayPal shares rose more than 4% after the company reaffirmed its turnaround strategy while leaving open the possibility of future deals. CEO Enrique Lores said the company remains focused on executing its own plan but would consider opportunities that could create greater shareholder value. The company reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings, increased payment volume, and raised its full-year outlook. PayPal has struggled against competitors like Apple, … Continue reading Paypal stock rises as CEO keeps door open on potential deals
Apple briefly became the second publicly traded company in history to reach a $5 trillion market value, driven by strong stock performance and iPhone sales. The company’s shares have risen significantly over the past year despite criticism over its slower progress in artificial intelligence development. Apple has made moves to strengthen its AI efforts, including a partnership with Google to use Gemini models for an … Continue reading Apple tops $5 trillion market cap, only second company to hit the milestone
B.C. Begley 