Space

Russia Repairs Critical ISS Launch Pad After Thanksgiving Soyuz Damage

A Soyuz rocket launch to the International Space Station on November 27 caused unexpected damage to Baikonur Cosmodrome’s Site 31, Russia’s only operational pad for crewed missions. The blast and vibrations from liftoff damaged critical infrastructure, including the facility’s service cabin, temporarily halting operations. Engineers had to assess and repair the site before future missions could continue. While the mission itself succeeded, the incident raised … Continue reading Russia Repairs Critical ISS Launch Pad After Thanksgiving Soyuz Damage

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Space

Sunday after sunset Venus and Saturn meet in evening twilight

This weekend, Venus and Saturn will appear close together in a rare planetary conjunction, about one degree apart in the sky on March 7 and 8. Venus will be the brighter of the two and appear slightly larger than Saturn. Sky watchers should look toward the western horizon 30 to 40 minutes after sunset for the best view. Using binoculars and finding a location with … Continue reading Sunday after sunset Venus and Saturn meet in evening twilight

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Business

Gold prices fall as dollar firms, US rate-cut optimism fades

Gold prices fell on Monday as a stronger U.S. dollar and rising Treasury yields made bullion less attractive, while higher energy costs fueled inflation concerns. Spot gold dropped 0.8% to $5,130.94 per ounce, and U.S. April gold futures declined 0.4% to $5,138.20. Crude oil surged above $110 per barrel amid the expanding U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, raising inflation risks and reducing expectations for near-term interest … Continue reading Gold prices fall as dollar firms, US rate-cut optimism fades

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Business

China consumer inflation hits three-year high

China’s consumer inflation surged 1.3% in February from a year earlier, the largest increase in over three years, driven by holiday-related spending during the extended Lunar New Year. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose 1.8%, the fastest pace since March 2019, supported by higher service prices for travel, dining, and entertainment. Producer prices fell 0.9% year-on-year, marking the slowest deflation in more than a … Continue reading China consumer inflation hits three-year high

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Technology

OpenAI robotics leader resigns over concerns about Pentagon AI deal

Caitlin Kalinowski, a senior robotics staffer at OpenAI, resigned over concerns about the company’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. She criticized the process, saying policy guardrails around national security uses of AI were not sufficiently defined, particularly regarding surveillance of Americans and lethal autonomous systems. Kalinowski emphasized her resignation was about principle, not specific executives, and expressed respect for CEO Sam Altman and … Continue reading OpenAI robotics leader resigns over concerns about Pentagon AI deal

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Business

Crude oil prices spike above $115 a barrel

Oil prices surged close to $120 per barrel Monday before easing slightly amid escalating conflict in Iran, which has threatened Middle East production and shipping. Brent crude peaked at $119.50 and later traded near $113, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate hit $119.48 before falling to $110.17. Civilian targets have been affected, including a desalination plant in Bahrain and smoldering oil depots in Tehran following Israeli … Continue reading Crude oil prices spike above $115 a barrel

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Politics

Tillis claims Republicans have ‘lost the debate’ on immigration

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said the Republican Party has “lost the debate” on immigration, criticizing the way DHS handled deportations under Kristi Noem. Tillis argued that while the U.S. should focus on deporting illegal immigrants, resources should target the most dangerous individuals first. He specifically cited incidents in Minneapolis where federal officers fatally shot U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, saying the approach under … Continue reading Tillis claims Republicans have ‘lost the debate’ on immigration

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Politics

China says ‘thorough preparations’ needed as Trump-Xi meeting hangs in the balance

China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the United States and signaled that preparations are underway for a planned summit between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump later this month. He said high‑level exchanges are “already on the table” and urged both sides to prepare thoroughly, manage differences, and avoid actions that could lead to misunderstanding or confrontation. … Continue reading China says ‘thorough preparations’ needed as Trump-Xi meeting hangs in the balance

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Politics

Trump says rising oil prices ‘a very small price to pay’ for ‘safety and peace’

President Trump said rising oil prices are “a very small price to pay” for global safety and peace amid the U.S. conflict with Iran. He argued that prices will drop once the threat from Iran’s nuclear program is eliminated. The conflict has driven up U.S. gasoline costs, with the national average rising 14% over the past week. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, … Continue reading Trump says rising oil prices ‘a very small price to pay’ for ‘safety and peace’

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Politics

A new Nepali party, led by an ex-rapper, is set for a landslide win in parliamentary election

Nepal’s National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra), led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, is set for a landslide victory in the country’s first parliamentary election since youth-led protests ousted the long-ruling leadership. Early results show the party winning 103 of 165 directly elected seats and leading in 21 more, while also capturing about 51% of the proportional representation vote. The victory unseats Nepal’s historically dominant parties, the … Continue reading A new Nepali party, led by an ex-rapper, is set for a landslide win in parliamentary election

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Politics

Iran names Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as new supreme leader

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as its new Supreme Leader. The appointment gives him control over the Revolutionary Guard and other hardline groups, ensuring continued hardline rule in Iran. The Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah have expressed support for the younger Khamenei, calling him the “Leader of the blessed Islamic revolution.” U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly rejected the … Continue reading Iran names Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as new supreme leader

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U.S. News

Michigan tornado victims identified, including 12-year-old boy

Two of the four people killed in a tornado outbreak across southern Michigan on Friday night have been identified: 12-year-old Silas Anderson near Edwardsburg and 65-year-old Penni Jo Guthrie in Union City. The storms struck a 50-mile stretch of southern Michigan, including Three Rivers, causing widespread destruction, killing at least four people, and injuring at least 12 others. An EF3 tornado with winds up to … Continue reading Michigan tornado victims identified, including 12-year-old boy

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U.S. News

Jury selection to begin in South Florida for 5 charged in 2021 assassination of Haitian president

Jury selection begins Monday in the U.S. federal trial of five men charged in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, Christian Sanon, and James Solages face charges of conspiracy to kidnap or kill Moïse, with possible life sentences, and have all pleaded not guilty. South Florida was a key hub for planning and financing the plot, … Continue reading Jury selection to begin in South Florida for 5 charged in 2021 assassination of Haitian president

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World News

Explosion at US embassy in Oslo investigated as possible terror act

An explosion outside the U.S. embassy in Oslo early Sunday caused minor damage but no injuries, and police say terrorism is a possible cause. U.S. officials, including House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford, echoed concerns about threats to American embassies amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Since Feb. 28, several U.S. embassies in the Middle East have been closed or placed on high alert after … Continue reading Explosion at US embassy in Oslo investigated as possible terror act

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U.S. News

Georgia teacher dies in toilet paper prank gone wrong: Police

A teacher, Jason Hughes, died in Georgia after being run over during a toilet paper prank outside his home. Hughes had come outside to confront teenagers who were rolling his trees with toilet paper when he tripped and fell into the road. One of the teens driving a vehicle accidentally ran over him, and Hughes later died at the hospital, News Nation has reported. Five … Continue reading Georgia teacher dies in toilet paper prank gone wrong: Police

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U.S. News

Pennsylvania State Police trooper shot, killed in West Caln Township

Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor was fatally shot Sunday night in West Caln Township while responding to a call about an erratic driver. O’Connor pulled over the driver, who then shot him before dying by suicide. Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Police officials described O’Connor as a hero who died protecting others. O’Connor, who joined the state police in 2010, leaves behind a … Continue reading Pennsylvania State Police trooper shot, killed in West Caln Township

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U.S. News

2 men arrested in connection with explosive devices ignited outside NYC Mayor’s house

Two Pennsylvania men, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested after explosive devices were ignited outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence during a protest and counterprotest. The FBI has launched a federal terrorism investigation into the incident. Balat allegedly lit and threw an improvised explosive device (IED) toward counterprotesters, while a second device, obtained from Kayumi, was also ignited and dropped … Continue reading 2 men arrested in connection with explosive devices ignited outside NYC Mayor’s house

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World News

At least 10 killed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv as Russian missile hits apartment building

A Russian missile strike on a residential building in Kharkiv killed at least 10 people, including two children, and wounded 16 others. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, which involved 29 missiles and 480 drones targeting energy facilities and infrastructure across Ukraine. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most of the assault, downing 19 missiles and 453 drones, but several strikes still caused widespread damage. In Kharkiv, … Continue reading At least 10 killed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv as Russian missile hits apartment building

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World News

A 7th American is killed in Iran operations, military confirms

The U.S. military confirmed that an American Army soldier died from injuries sustained during an Iranian attack on troops stationed in Saudi Arabia. The soldier was wounded in a March 1 strike and died on Saturday, according to a U.S. official. This brings the total number of American service members killed in the Iran war to seven. Six Army reservists were previously killed in a … Continue reading A 7th American is killed in Iran operations, military confirms

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World News

U.S. orders staff to leave Saudi Arabia as Iran war spreads

The U.S. government ordered non-emergency personnel to leave Saudi Arabia as the war involving Iran spread across the Middle East. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh cited increased risks from armed conflict, terrorism, and potential missile or drone attacks from Iran and Yemen. Meanwhile, Israel launched a new wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in central Iran, including attacks on oil facilities that caused large fires and … Continue reading U.S. orders staff to leave Saudi Arabia as Iran war spreads

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World News

Fears In Tehran As Israeli Strikes On Oil Depots Send Toxic Smoke Over City

Airstrikes by American and Israeli forces on oil depots in Tehran and Alborz caused massive fires and thick black smoke to cover parts of the Iranian capital. Residents reported a strange drizzle after the strikes that many described as “acid rain,” believed to contain hydrocarbons from the burning fuel depots. People complained of breathing problems, burning eyes, and throat pain, while authorities warned residents to … Continue reading Fears In Tehran As Israeli Strikes On Oil Depots Send Toxic Smoke Over City

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World News

US military strikes another alleged drug boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing 6

The United States military announced it struck another boat suspected of drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, killing six men. U.S. Southern Command said intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along known narcotics trafficking routes and was involved in drug operations. The command described the six men killed as “male narco-terrorists.” Officials also reported that no U.S. military personnel were harmed during the strike, ABC … Continue reading US military strikes another alleged drug boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing 6

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Space

No chance asteroid will slam into the moon in 2032, NASA says

NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR will not hit the moon in 2032, ending earlier concerns of a possible collision. Observations by the Webb Space Telescope in February allowed scientists to refine its orbit, showing it will pass safely 13,200 miles (21,200 kilometers) from the moon on Dec. 22, 2032. The asteroid, roughly 200 feet (60 meters) wide, was discovered in late 2024 and … Continue reading No chance asteroid will slam into the moon in 2032, NASA says

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Space

Vast raises $500 million to keep developing ‘Haven’ private space stations

Vast, a California startup developing private space stations called Haven, has raised $500 million in funding to advance its plans for low Earth orbit outposts. The financing includes $300 million in Series A equity and $200 million in debt, led by Balerion Space Ventures with participation from several global investors. Vast plans to launch its single-module Haven-1 pathfinder station next year, followed by Haven-2 in … Continue reading Vast raises $500 million to keep developing ‘Haven’ private space stations

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Space

Asteroid defense mission shifted the orbit of more than its target

NASA’s DART mission successfully demonstrated that a kinetic impact can alter not just a moonlet’s orbit but the trajectory of an entire binary asteroid system. By crashing into Dimorphos, the smaller companion of Didymos, the spacecraft reduced its orbit around the larger asteroid by 33 minutes and nudged the system’s heliocentric velocity by about 11.7 micrometers per second. The effect was amplified by debris ejected … Continue reading Asteroid defense mission shifted the orbit of more than its target

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