Asteroid mission captures rarely seen perspective of Mars during close flyby

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, launched in 2023 and headed to a distant metallic asteroid, completed a close flyby of Mars to adjust its trajectory and gain speed. The spacecraft used Mars’ gravity as a slingshot, boosting its velocity and helping it stay on course for its 2029 arrival at Asteroid 16 Psyche. During the pass, it came within about 2,864 miles of the planet’s surface while … Continue reading Asteroid mission captures rarely seen perspective of Mars during close flyby

Commercial humanoid robots in China may soon do laundry, make beds, care for elders

China’s robotics companies are accelerating development of humanoid robots designed for complex household tasks rather than just factory work. GigaAI has unveiled its SeeLight S1, a general-purpose home robot capable of cooking, cleaning, and performing everyday chores using embodied AI to autonomously plan tasks. The company plans to begin free household trials in Wuhan by 2027 and aims to reduce the robot’s price to under 100,000 … Continue reading Commercial humanoid robots in China may soon do laundry, make beds, care for elders

Stellantis unveils $70 billion turnaround plan

Stellantis announced a major five-year strategy involving €60 billion in investments aimed at boosting growth, efficiency, and profitability by 2030. The plan includes €36 billion for its vehicle brands, with most spending focused on North America, and €24 billion for platforms and new technologies. The company expects to launch over 60 new models, refresh 50 existing ones, and expand across electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicles. … Continue reading Stellantis unveils $70 billion turnaround plan

U.S. Puts $2 Billion Behind Quantum Firms as Bitcoin Security Debate Grows

The U.S. government is expanding its investment in quantum computing with over $2 billion in planned CHIPS-related incentives for major tech companies. The Department of Commerce has signed letters of intent with nine firms, including IBM, D-Wave, Rigetti Computing, and others, to support development of quantum hardware and domestic manufacturing capacity. The funding includes major allocations such as $1 billion for IBM’s quantum foundry and hundreds of millions … Continue reading U.S. Puts $2 Billion Behind Quantum Firms as Bitcoin Security Debate Grows

Walmart issues worse-than-expected outlook, shares drop 7%

Walmart issued a weaker-than-expected financial outlook for the current and upcoming quarters, raising concerns about pressure on U.S. consumers amid higher fuel prices and economic uncertainty. The company forecast earnings below Wall Street expectations, which sent its shares down about 8%, even though first-quarter revenue rose 7% and beat estimates. Executives said consumers are feeling uneven financial pressure, with higher-income shoppers still spending strongly while … Continue reading Walmart issues worse-than-expected outlook, shares drop 7%

Germany’s Merz proposes EU ‘associate member’ status for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed giving Ukraine a new “associate member” status in the European Union as a step toward eventual full membership. Under the plan, Ukraine would be more closely integrated into EU institutions but would not yet receive full voting rights. Merz said the idea reflects Ukraine’s wartime situation and ongoing progress in accession talks, while also acknowledging that full membership in … Continue reading Germany’s Merz proposes EU ‘associate member’ status for Ukraine

Russia Joins U.S. and Iran in Voting Against UN Climate Change Resolution

Russia joined several major energy producers and emitters in voting against a UN General Assembly resolution calling for stronger global action on climate change. The vote passed 141–8 with 28 abstentions and supported an International Court of Justice advisory opinion stating that failure to meet climate obligations could be unlawful and may require reparations. Alongside Russia, countries such as the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, … Continue reading Russia Joins U.S. and Iran in Voting Against UN Climate Change Resolution

Alberta government will hold non-binding referendum on staying in Canada, premier says

Danielle Smith announced that the province will hold a non-binding referendum in October on whether residents support remaining part of Canada. She said the vote would not immediately trigger separation but could lead to a legal process for a future independence referendum. Smith described the move as a way to gauge public opinion and move forward on a long-standing debate. It would be the first time a … Continue reading Alberta government will hold non-binding referendum on staying in Canada, premier says

Lukashenko Says He Is Ready to Meet Zelensky ‘Anywhere’ in Ukraine or Belarus

Alexander Lukashenko said he is willing to hold direct talks with Volodymyr Zelensky at any time, either in Ukraine or Belarus. He stressed that Belarus does not plan to directly join Russia’s war against Ukraine unless its own territory is attacked. Lukashenko said Minsk remains open to communication with Kyiv despite the breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also questioned why Belarus continues dialogue with Western nations but not with Ukraine, … Continue reading Lukashenko Says He Is Ready to Meet Zelensky ‘Anywhere’ in Ukraine or Belarus

Colorado Democrats censure Gov. Jared Polis over Tina Peters commutation

The Colorado Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to censure Governor Jared Polis and suspend him from official party events over his decision to commute the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Party leaders said the move was “detrimental” and criticized Polis for reducing Peters’ nearly nine-year prison term for her conviction related to election equipment tampering. About 90% of the party’s State Central Committee … Continue reading Colorado Democrats censure Gov. Jared Polis over Tina Peters commutation

Teen suspect tied to 12 attacks in chaotic Austin shooting spree identified as illegal alien

A 17-year-old suspect, Cristian Mondragon-Fajardo, has been charged in connection with a series of 12 shootings across Austin that injured three people and critically wounded another. Prosecutors said he is an undocumented immigrant and that ICE has placed a detainer on him following his arrest, which could lead to deportation proceedings after the criminal case. The shootings reportedly targeted multiple locations, including fire stations, fire … Continue reading Teen suspect tied to 12 attacks in chaotic Austin shooting spree identified as illegal alien

2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after being hospitalized with a ‘severe illness’

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the most successful drivers in history, has died at age 41 after being hospitalized for a severe illness. He reportedly became unresponsive while testing a racing simulator and was later taken to a hospital in Charlotte, though no official cause of death was released. Busch won 63 Cup Series races and a record number … Continue reading 2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after being hospitalized with a ‘severe illness’

Texas suburb wrangles kangaroo and then a llama in 2 days, police say

Police in Elmendorf, a Texas suburb near San Antonio, spent two days dealing with escaped exotic animals, including a kangaroo and a llama. The kangaroo, named Little Rex, was reported by residents before officers, along with wildlife officials, tracked it down and safely captured it. Authorities jokingly announced the animal had been “taken into custody” and would no longer be hopping through city streets. Shortly … Continue reading Texas suburb wrangles kangaroo and then a llama in 2 days, police say

Tennessee stops execution after failing to find inmate’s vein for lethal drugs, attorney says

Tennessee halted the execution of death row inmate Tony Carruthers after officials were unable to successfully establish an intravenous line for lethal injection over the course of more than an hour. His attorney described repeated failed attempts to access veins in his arms, feet, and neck as painful and inhumane, alleging he was left bleeding and in distress. The Tennessee Department of Corrections said staff … Continue reading Tennessee stops execution after failing to find inmate’s vein for lethal drugs, attorney says

All charges dismissed against Chicago’s “Broadview Six”

Federal prosecutors in Chicago dropped all charges against the remaining defendants in the “Broadview Six” case after admitting serious errors in the grand jury process. A federal judge expressed shock over alleged misconduct, including improper prosecutor behavior, juror exclusion, and inappropriate communications. The U.S. attorney said the case was dismissed due to these procedural issues and acknowledged the handling was improper, though not intentional. Defense lawyers argued … Continue reading All charges dismissed against Chicago’s “Broadview Six”

Russian jet causes ‘dangerous’ near miss after flying close to RAF spy plane

British Defence Secretary John Healey said Russian fighter jets carried out two dangerous encounters with an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint spy plane over the Black Sea in mid-April. In one incident, a Russian Su-27 flew within six metres of the aircraft and made repeated close passes, while a Su-35 later came close enough to trigger the plane’s emergency systems and disable autopilot. The RAF aircraft … Continue reading Russian jet causes ‘dangerous’ near miss after flying close to RAF spy plane

Russia delivers nuclear warheads to Belarus as NATO tensions spike

Russia and Belarus announced that nuclear munitions had been delivered to field storage sites in Belarus as part of large-scale joint nuclear exercises. The drills, involving 64,000 troops and extensive military equipment, come amid heightened tensions with NATO and repeated drone incidents in the Baltic region. Belarus said video footage showed missiles and military vehicles involved in the deployment, including the nuclear-capable Iskander-M missile system. … Continue reading Russia delivers nuclear warheads to Belarus as NATO tensions spike

In apparent reversal, Trump says he’s sending 5,000 troops to Poland

President Donald Trump announced plans to send 5,000 additional U.S. troops to Poland, citing his relationship with newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The announcement appeared to reverse a recent Pentagon decision to halt the deployment of a 4,200-member Army brigade to Poland. U.S. and Polish officials have not clarified which troops will be sent, when they will arrive, or whether the delayed brigade will … Continue reading In apparent reversal, Trump says he’s sending 5,000 troops to Poland

Record 274 climbers summit Everest from Nepalese side in single day

A record 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest from Nepal in a single day after clear weather followed a delayed climbing season caused by ice fall risks. Most climbers were assisted by Sherpa guides and used bottled oxygen, while Ecuadorian climber Marcelo Segovia climbed independently without oxygen. The large number of climbers led to reports of queues and slow movement near the summit, … Continue reading Record 274 climbers summit Everest from Nepalese side in single day

Russia says it will support Cuba as US tightens the ‘noose’

Russia said on May 21 that it would continue supporting Cuba despite increased US pressure and sanctions on the island nation. The statement came after the US announced murder charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro, escalating its campaign against Cuba. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pledged strong support for the Cuban people during what she called a difficult period. She condemned US actions … Continue reading Russia says it will support Cuba as US tightens the ‘noose’

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