Space

Vega C rocket launches European-Chinese space weather satellite to orbit

A European-Chinese mission called SMILE launched into orbit Monday night aboard a Vega C rocket from French Guiana. The spacecraft reached its initial orbit successfully and will study how solar wind affects Earth’s magnetosphere and space weather. The mission is a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with both sides contributing instruments and systems. SMILE will undergo weeks of … Continue reading Vega C rocket launches European-Chinese space weather satellite to orbit

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Technology

Humanoid robot ‘monks’ featured in South Korea parade ahead of Buddha’s birthday 

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Seoul for Buddha’s birthday celebrations during the Lotus Lantern Festival, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event. This year’s parade included a modern twist with robots joining the traditional festivities, reflecting growing technological influence in cultural events. The appearance of robots followed the recent ordination of a humanoid robot named “Gabi” as a Buddhist monk in Seoul. Officials said the … Continue reading Humanoid robot ‘monks’ featured in South Korea parade ahead of Buddha’s birthday 

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Business

Meta layoffs starting this week stress harsh AI reality

Meta is planning to cut about 10% of its workforce, or roughly 8,000 jobs, as part of a broader restructuring effort that also includes eliminating thousands of open roles. The layoffs come after several earlier rounds of job cuts and reflect CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s continued push to “run the company more efficiently.” At the same time, Meta is significantly increasing spending on artificial intelligence, with … Continue reading Meta layoffs starting this week stress harsh AI reality

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Business

Google, Blackstone launch cloud company as Wall Street races to fund AI boom

Google and Blackstone are partnering to launch a new AI-focused cloud company aimed at expanding data center capacity and providing access to Google’s custom AI chips. Blackstone plans to invest $5 billion initially and will likely hold a majority stake in the venture, which is expected to bring its first major capacity online by 2027. The company will compete in the growing market for AI … Continue reading Google, Blackstone launch cloud company as Wall Street races to fund AI boom

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Politics

Trump says he’s called off Iran strike at request of Gulf allies

President Donald Trump said he is postponing a planned U.S. military strike on Iran as “serious negotiations” are underway to try to reach a deal and end the conflict. He said the strike, which he described as a major attack, was delayed after allies in the Gulf urged him to allow more time for diplomacy. Trump suggested there is a “very good chance” of an … Continue reading Trump says he’s called off Iran strike at request of Gulf allies

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Politics

Trump calls for investigation into Maryland mail-in ballot mishap, blames Gov. Moore

President Donald Trump has called for a federal investigation into Maryland’s mail-in ballot process, blaming Governor Wes Moore after a vendor error led to voters receiving incorrect primary ballots. The Maryland State Board of Elections said the mistake affected mail-in ballots already sent to more than 500,000 voters and that all impacted ballots must be replaced. Officials clarified that no “fake ballots” were issued and … Continue reading Trump calls for investigation into Maryland mail-in ballot mishap, blames Gov. Moore

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Politics

Trump Announces Discount Drug Pricing Expansion With Mark Cuban

President Donald Trump announced that more than 600 generic medications will be added to the TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription website in partnership with billionaire Mark Cuban. Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company, along with GoodRx and Amazon Pharmacy, will provide discounted pricing that will now be integrated into the platform. The expansion significantly increases the number of drugs available on TrumpRx and is aimed at improving affordability … Continue reading Trump Announces Discount Drug Pricing Expansion With Mark Cuban

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Politics

Nancy Pelosi endorses fellow progressive Connie Chan in high-profile race to succeed her

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Connie Chan as her preferred successor in Congress after previously holding off on backing a candidate. Pelosi, a longtime representative of the district and influential Democratic figure, praised Chan as the best choice to continue representing San Francisco. The endorsement comes ahead of a crowded race that includes state Sen. Scott Wiener … Continue reading Nancy Pelosi endorses fellow progressive Connie Chan in high-profile race to succeed her

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Politics

Ireland’s president ‘proud’ of sister detained by Israel en route to Gaza

Ireland’s president, Catherine Connolly, said she is “very proud” but also deeply worried after her sister Margaret Connolly was detained by Israeli forces while sailing toward Gaza with an aid flotilla. Margaret, a doctor, was among several Irish activists held when Israeli troops intercepted multiple vessels carrying humanitarian aid in the Mediterranean. The flotilla group said the activists were part of a mission to deliver … Continue reading Ireland’s president ‘proud’ of sister detained by Israel en route to Gaza

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U.S. News

Thousands ordered to evacuate as Southern California wildfire threatens homes

Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate in Southern California as the wind-driven Sandy Fire spread rapidly near Simi Valley. The blaze broke out in hills northwest of Los Angeles and burned more than 1,300 acres, damaging at least one home while strong gusts helped push the flames. Evacuation orders and warnings affected roughly 10,000 homes, with nearby communities and parts of Los Angeles also … Continue reading Thousands ordered to evacuate as Southern California wildfire threatens homes

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U.S. News

Woman charged with paying homeless to register as voters

A California woman, Brenda Lee Brown Armstrong, has been charged with paying people, including homeless individuals, to register to vote. The Justice Department says she faces one felony count and could receive up to five years in prison, though she has agreed to plead guilty. Prosecutors allege she worked for years as a petition circulator and offered money in exchange for voter registrations and petition … Continue reading Woman charged with paying homeless to register as voters

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U.S. News

ICE officer charged with four counts of assault in Minnesota shooting of Venezuelan immigrant

An ICE officer, Christian Castro, has been charged in Minnesota with four counts of second-degree assault and falsely reporting a crime after allegedly shooting a Venezuelan man during an attempted immigration arrest. Prosecutors say Castro fired through a home’s front door without being threatened, striking Julio Sosa-Celis and endangering others inside, including a child’s bedroom. Authorities claim body and video evidence contradict earlier ICE accounts … Continue reading ICE officer charged with four counts of assault in Minnesota shooting of Venezuelan immigrant

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U.S. News

Luigi Mangione prosecutors can use gun and notebook as evidence, judge rules

A New York judge ruled that prosecutors in the trial of Luigi Mangione can use a gun and a notebook described as a “manifesto” as evidence in the case over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. However, the judge excluded several other items from a warrantless search of Mangione’s backpack at a McDonald’s, saying the search violated his rights. Statements Mangione made before receiving … Continue reading Luigi Mangione prosecutors can use gun and notebook as evidence, judge rules

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U.S. News

Five people, including two suspects, killed in shooting at San Diego’s largest mosque

Three people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime. Two suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, and the FBI is seeking public tips as part of the investigation. The attack happened shortly before midday prayers at the city’s largest mosque, prompting a rapid … Continue reading Five people, including two suspects, killed in shooting at San Diego’s largest mosque

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World News

Four reported killed, 30 injured, in Kenyan fuel price protests

At least four people were killed and more than 30 injured during nationwide protests in Kenya over steep fuel price increases. Police arrested at least 348 people as demonstrations and a public transport strike disrupted major cities, including Nairobi and Mombasa. Protesters blocked roads and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, bringing parts of the capital to a standstill. The government defended the … Continue reading Four reported killed, 30 injured, in Kenyan fuel price protests

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World News

Russia attacks Ukraine’s Danube port, Ukraine launches drones towards Moscow

Russian airstrikes damaged port infrastructure in Ukraine’s Danube port city of Izmail, though officials said there were no casualties or major destruction. Drone attacks also struck several Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv, where rescuers searched rubble after an attack injured civilians. Meanwhile, Russian authorities said they shot down four Ukrainian drones headed toward Moscow and reported additional attacks in regions including Kursk, Rostov, and Yaroslavl. Damage … Continue reading Russia attacks Ukraine’s Danube port, Ukraine launches drones towards Moscow

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World News

Cuba’s president warns of ‘bloodbath’ if US takes military action

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned that any US military attack on Cuba would lead to severe violence and “incalculable consequences.” He said Cuba poses no threat to the United States but accused Washington of carrying out ongoing economic and political aggression against the island. Relations between the two countries have worsened as the Trump administration imposed new sanctions on Cuban agencies and officials while signaling … Continue reading Cuba’s president warns of ‘bloodbath’ if US takes military action

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World News

2 arrested after person breaks into Punch the monkey’s enclosure in Japan, zoo says

Two people were arrested in Japan after an intruder broke into the enclosure of Punch, a viral macaque at a zoo near Tokyo. The zoo confirmed that the animals were checked and showed no signs of harm or unusual behavior. In response, officials announced stronger security measures, including larger restricted viewing areas, intrusion-prevention nets, and constant patrols. Online footage showed a person in a blue … Continue reading 2 arrested after person breaks into Punch the monkey’s enclosure in Japan, zoo says

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World News

Clashes as Morales-allied protesters march on Bolivian capital

Bolivia has seen violent clashes between security forces and supporters of former President Evo Morales, who marched into La Paz after a six-day protest over the country’s severe economic crisis. Demonstrators, some carrying dynamite and slingshots, faced riot police and demanded President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation as tear gas and explosions filled the capital. The unrest, including nationwide rallies and roadblocks, has caused major shortages of … Continue reading Clashes as Morales-allied protesters march on Bolivian capital

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Archaeology

Irish researchers find oldest English-language poem in forgotten medieval book

Researchers in Ireland have discovered what is now believed to be the oldest surviving English poem, “Caedmon’s Hymn,” hidden within a medieval manuscript in a Roman library. The text was found inside a 9th-century copy of the Venerable Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People, where the Old English poem appears within the main Latin text rather than as a marginal addition. Scholars were astonished by … Continue reading Irish researchers find oldest English-language poem in forgotten medieval book

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Space

SpaceX Dragon capsule delivers science and supplies to space station

A SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully docked at the International Space Station on Sunday, two days after launching from Florida on a NASA resupply mission. The spacecraft autonomously attached to the station’s Harmony module while astronauts monitored its arrival. It delivered about 6,500 pounds of supplies and scientific equipment for Expedition 74 crew members to unpack over the coming weeks. The cargo includes experiments on microgravity, … Continue reading SpaceX Dragon capsule delivers science and supplies to space station

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Technology

Pope Leo launches AI commission

Pope Leo XIV has announced the creation of a Vatican commission on artificial intelligence to help guide the Catholic Church’s response to rapidly growing AI technology. The commission is intended to support an upcoming encyclical that will focus on the ethical and moral implications of AI within the Church’s social teachings. Vatican officials said the initiative reflects concerns about AI’s impact on human dignity, justice, … Continue reading Pope Leo launches AI commission

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Business

30-year Treasury yield tops 5.1%, highest in nearly a year

U.S. Treasury yields surged Friday as investors reacted to volatile inflation data and uncertainty over monetary policy under new Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. The 10-year and 30-year yields rose sharply, hitting multi-month highs as markets priced in the impact of persistent inflation. Recent data showed inflation accelerating across consumer prices, producer prices, and import costs, while energy prices also climbed due to geopolitical tensions. … Continue reading 30-year Treasury yield tops 5.1%, highest in nearly a year

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Business

New York braces for chaotic Monday commute amid Long Island Rail Road strike

New York officials urged commuters to work from home Monday after a strike by Long Island Rail Road workers shut down the nation’s busiest commuter rail system for the first time in about 30 years. Governor Kathy Hochul said emergency transit options, including shuttle buses and extra subway service, were being deployed, but warned the system cannot fully replace LIRR service. The strike followed the … Continue reading New York braces for chaotic Monday commute amid Long Island Rail Road strike

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Politics

Trump shares photos of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, says project is ahead of schedule

President Donald Trump shared photos showing renovation progress at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is being restored ahead of America’s 250th anniversary and targeted for completion by July Fourth. He said the project includes upgraded materials, improved stonework, and a higher-quality reflective coating designed to enhance durability and appearance. Critics, including a preservation advocacy group, have raised concerns that the new “industrial-grade” blue finish … Continue reading Trump shares photos of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, says project is ahead of schedule

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