Space

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from California

SpaceX launched 24 more Starlink satellites into orbit on Sunday from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites were successfully deployed about an hour after liftoff, expanding the Starlink internet constellation. The rocket’s first stage completed its 33rd flight by landing on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean, nearing SpaceX’s reuse record. The Starlink network now includes more than 10,600 … Continue reading SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from California

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Business

GM replaces more than 1,000 workers with 50 robots at flagship Detroit plant

General Motors has reduced its electric vehicle ambitions and cut over 1,000 jobs at its Factory Zero plant in Detroit, replacing many of them with about 50 collaborative robots, or “cobots.” The company says the machines improve safety, ergonomics, and efficiency as EV demand slows and cost pressures increase. However, the United Auto Workers argues the automation is primarily a cost-cutting move that is eliminating union jobs … Continue reading GM replaces more than 1,000 workers with 50 robots at flagship Detroit plant

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Business

Yum! Brands Sells Pizza Hut For $2.7 Billion

SK Hynix has overtaken Samsung Electronics to become South Korea’s most valuable listed company, driven by its leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI systems. The surge reflects a more than 340% rise in SK Hynix’s shares this year as demand for AI infrastructure from companies like Nvidia and Google has accelerated. This shift highlights how AI has transformed memory chips from commodity … Continue reading Yum! Brands Sells Pizza Hut For $2.7 Billion

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Business

SK Hynix overtakes Samsung to become South Korea’s most valuable company

SK Hynix has overtaken Samsung Electronics to become South Korea’s most valuable listed company, driven by its leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI systems. The surge reflects a more than 340% rise in SK Hynix’s shares this year as demand for AI infrastructure from companies like Nvidia and Google has accelerated. This shift highlights how AI has transformed memory chips from commodity products into critical components … Continue reading SK Hynix overtakes Samsung to become South Korea’s most valuable company

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Politics

Spain: PM’s wife must face corruption trial, judge rules

Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been ordered to stand trial on corruption-related charges, according to a Madrid court ruling. She is accused of using her position to influence business contracts and faces charges including corruption, embezzlement, and influence peddling, all of which she denies. A judge has imposed strict conditions, including surrendering her passport, prohibiting travel abroad, and requiring regular … Continue reading Spain: PM’s wife must face corruption trial, judge rules

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Politics

Zelenskyy and top Ukrainian officials return Polish awards in WWII dispute

Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has won another parliamentary majority, ensuring Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will remain in power after the latest elections. The party, which has dominated since its formation in 2019, campaigned on economic growth and food security and has previously secured overwhelming victories in parliament. Abiy, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was once praised for political reforms and the peace deal with Eritrea, but his government now … Continue reading Zelenskyy and top Ukrainian officials return Polish awards in WWII dispute

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Politics

Ethiopian prime minister’s party easily wins parliamentary election

Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has won another parliamentary majority, ensuring Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will remain in power after the latest elections. The party, which has dominated since its formation in 2019, campaigned on economic growth and food security and has previously secured overwhelming victories in parliament. Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was once praised for political reforms and the peace deal with Eritrea, but … Continue reading Ethiopian prime minister’s party easily wins parliamentary election

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Politics

Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ while Vance is in Switzerland for talks

President Donald Trump warned of further strikes on Iran, saying the U.S. would respond “harder” if Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon continue attacks. His comments came as Vice President JD Vance attended ongoing negotiations with Iranian and regional officials in Switzerland. The talks, involving mediators from Pakistan and Qatar as well as international agencies, are focused on Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear program. Despite conflicting reports and … Continue reading Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ while Vance is in Switzerland for talks

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Politics

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to outline exit plan as pressure to quit builds

Reports suggest U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to outline a timetable for his resignation, potentially ending his leadership after mounting political pressure. His possible departure follows poor election results, weak polling, and growing dissatisfaction within the Labour Party. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seen as the leading contender to succeed him after a recent by-election victory strengthened his position. Several senior ministers, including members of Labour Party’s … Continue reading UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to outline exit plan as pressure to quit builds

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U.S. News

Multiple hikers dead amid scorching Grand Canyon temperatures

At least four hikers have died in the Grand Canyon this month due to suspected heat-related illness, according to the National Park Service. The deaths occurred during separate incidents in mid-June, including a 72-year-old man on the South Kaibab Trail and a 67-year-old man and 68-year-old woman on the North Kaibab Trail, where temperatures can exceed 109°F. Despite rapid response efforts and helicopter support, all … Continue reading Multiple hikers dead amid scorching Grand Canyon temperatures

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U.S. News

At least 36 shot, 6 fatally, in shootings across Chicago this weekend

Chicago police reported at least 33 people were shot and six killed across the city over the weekend. The violence included multiple incidents on the South and West Sides, with victims ranging from teenagers to adults, many of whom were taken to local hospitals in critical or serious condition. Several shootings occurred during large gatherings, where officers were present but suspects often escaped due to … Continue reading At least 36 shot, 6 fatally, in shootings across Chicago this weekend

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U.S. News

US strike on an alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors

The U.S. military carried out another strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two people and leaving six survivors. The operation is part of an ongoing campaign that has now resulted in more than 60 strikes and over 210 deaths since September. U.S. officials say the boats are linked to “narcoterrorists,” but critics argue there is little evidence and question the … Continue reading US strike on an alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors

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U.S. News

LA firefighters battle warehouse blaze amid concerns over billowing smoke

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles as firefighters continue battling a massive warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that has burned for days. The blaze began in a large cold storage facility and has proven difficult to control due to lingering heat, hazardous materials, and poor visibility inside the building. Smoke and chemical odors, including from a ruptured ammonia … Continue reading LA firefighters battle warehouse blaze amid concerns over billowing smoke

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U.S. News

Former olympian arrested for taking paint from D.C. Reflecting Pool

A controversy erupted at the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., after visitors were seen peeling off large chunks of paint from the recently renovated site. Bethesda resident and former Olympian David Hearn was arrested for destruction of government property after allegedly removing paint, a charge he denies. He says he is being unfairly targeted and has faced threats following the high-profile incident. The … Continue reading Former olympian arrested for taking paint from D.C. Reflecting Pool

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World News

Explosion at Qatar natural gas export terminal injures 54, leaves 18 missing

An explosion and fire hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial area at the Barzan gas facility as workers attempted to restart operations following earlier wartime disruptions. The incident injured at least 54 people and left 18 others missing, according to later reports from Qatar’s Interior Ministry. The blast occurred amid efforts to resume exports after Iran’s previous attacks and disruptions linked to tensions over the Strait … Continue reading Explosion at Qatar natural gas export terminal injures 54, leaves 18 missing

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World News

Stonehenge revelers ring in summer solstice

More than 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, with special access to the stone circle extended into Sunday morning. Thousands more watched the sunrise event through a livestream from around the world. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Earth is tilted most directly toward the sun. Stonehenge is believed to have … Continue reading Stonehenge revelers ring in summer solstice

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World News

Woman killed, 1,700 evacuated in beach hotel fire in Dominican Republic

A large fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in the Dominican Republic killed a 46-year-old Italian tourist and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests. Three people were hospitalized, while six others received treatment at the scene, including guests and emergency responders. Authorities said the fire spread quickly because of the resort’s palm-thatched roof and windy conditions. The blaze was brought under control, … Continue reading Woman killed, 1,700 evacuated in beach hotel fire in Dominican Republic

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World News

Czechia: Thousands march in support of public media funding

Thousands of people protested in Prague on Sunday against government plans to change funding for public broadcasters. Critics accuse Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his coalition of trying to gain greater control over the media. Opponents have compared the proposed changes to media policies pursued by Robert Fico in Slovakia and Viktor Orbán in Hungary. Demonstrators gathered outside the public television headquarters, carrying banners that … Continue reading Czechia: Thousands march in support of public media funding

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World News

Shipping stalls in Strait of Hormuz after Iran declares key waterway shut

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply after Iran announced it had closed the strategic waterway in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Maritime tracking data showed only 12 vessels crossed the strait on Sunday, compared with 35 the day before, while many ships reportedly turned off tracking systems. However, U.S. Central Command disputed Iran’s claim, saying safe passage remained open and that … Continue reading Shipping stalls in Strait of Hormuz after Iran declares key waterway shut

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World News

Ukrainian attacks prompt Russian-held Crimea to halt civilian gasoline sales

Ukraine intensified attacks on fuel infrastructure in Russian-occupied Crimea, prompting authorities to suspend civilian gasoline sales. Crimea’s Kremlin-appointed leader, Sergey Aksyonov, said overnight Ukrainian strikes killed four people and injured 28. Fuel will temporarily be reserved for government agencies responsible for security and essential services. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted fuel supplies in Crimea, contributing to the region’s most severe energy crisis since Russia annexed … Continue reading Ukrainian attacks prompt Russian-held Crimea to halt civilian gasoline sales

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Space

“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

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Technology

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

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Business

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

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Business

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

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Politics

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

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