B.C. Begley

Three US troops killed in drone attack in Jordan, more than 30 injured

A drone attack overnight on a small US outpost in Jordan resulted in the tragic deaths of three US Army soldiers, with over 30 service members sustaining injuries, as reported by US officials to CNN. This marks the first instance of US troops being fatally targeted by enemy fire in the Middle East since the commencement of the Gaza war. Addressing the incident, President Joe … Continue reading Three US troops killed in drone attack in Jordan, more than 30 injured

bcbegleyJanuary 28, 2024

Archaeology

Archaeologists uncover a mysterious ancient Roman artifact in England

In June of last year, a team of amateur archaeologists in England stumbled upon a remarkable discovery during the second-to-last day of their excavation—a mysterious ancient artifact known as a dodecahedron, potentially at a Roman site. This circular copper alloy object, falling in size between a golf ball and a grapefruit, is characterized by its 12-sided structure featuring various holes and knobs. Despite over 100 … Continue reading Archaeologists uncover a mysterious ancient Roman artifact in England

Technology

Autonomous synthesis robot uses AI to speed up chemical discovery

Scientists at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have created an autonomous chemical synthesis robot equipped with an integrated AI-driven machine learning unit known as “RoboChem.” This benchtop device demonstrates superior speed, accuracy, and ingenuity compared to a human chemist. As a pioneering creation, RoboChem has the potential to significantly expedite the discovery of chemical molecules for various applications, particularly in pharmaceuticals. The initial findings of … Continue reading Autonomous synthesis robot uses AI to speed up chemical discovery

Astronomers spot ‘old smokers’ and ‘squalling newborns’ among hidden stars

Astronomers have identified previously hidden celestial phenomena, including a novel class of elderly giants humorously termed “old smokers,” and even some nascent stars described as “squalling newborns.” These enigmatic objects reside at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, maintaining a silent existence for decades, nearly fading into invisibility. However, they can unpredictably release clouds of smoke, as per researchers. This groundbreaking discovery emerged from … Continue reading Astronomers spot ‘old smokers’ and ‘squalling newborns’ among hidden stars

Japan’s ‘moon sniper’ probe made accurate landing, but now is upside down

Over the weekend, a Japanese spacecraft achieved a groundbreaking and precise landing on the moon, according to the country’s space agency. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (Slim) successfully touched down, marking Japan as the fifth country, following the US, the Soviet Union, China, and India, to accomplish such a feat. Despite this achievement, there’s a minor issue: images sent back indicate that the probe … Continue reading Japan’s ‘moon sniper’ probe made accurate landing, but now is upside down

NASA’s little helicopter on Mars has logged its last flight

NASA’s diminutive Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, has completed its final flight, as announced by the space agency on Thursday. Due to rotor blade damage, the 4-pound (1.8-kilogram) helicopter is unable to continue flying. Despite maintaining an upright position and staying in contact with flight controllers, its $85 million mission has officially concluded. Initially designed as a short-term technological demonstration, Ingenuity surpassed expectations by completing 72 flights … Continue reading NASA’s little helicopter on Mars has logged its last flight

US carries out airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq

On Tuesday, the United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq, specifically targeting facilities utilized by Iranian-backed militias in response to repeated attacks on US forces, according to a statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The strikes focused on three facilities used by Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah and other groups affiliated with Tehran in Iraq. Defense Secretary Austin stated that these airstrikes were a direct response to a … Continue reading US carries out airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq

Russia says Ukraine had 15-minute warning on PoW flight; Kyiv denies

A high-ranking Russian legislator claimed that Ukrainian military intelligence received a 15-minute advance notice before a Russian military transport plane, transporting Ukrainian prisoners of war, was shot down on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic loss of all on board. Moscow contends that Kyiv is responsible for downing the Ilyushin Il-76 plane in Russia’s Belgorod region, leading to the deaths of 74 individuals, including 65 captured … Continue reading Russia says Ukraine had 15-minute warning on PoW flight; Kyiv denies

Brazil police probe Bolsonaro’s ex-intel chief for illegal spying

On Thursday, Brazilian authorities conducted a raid on the residence and workplaces of the former intelligence chief of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro as part of an investigation into allegations of unlawful surveillance on behalf of the far-right leader and his close associates. Law enforcement officials revealed that search and seizure warrants were executed for 12 individuals, including Alexandre Ramagem, the former head of the Brazilian Intelligence … Continue reading Brazil police probe Bolsonaro’s ex-intel chief for illegal spying

New bill would require speed-limiting devices in California cars

What if there were limitations on how fast you could drive? This is the concept behind a recent bill introduced in the California Senate, aiming to mandate the installation of speed governors in vehicles sold within the state. Senator Scott Wiener, representing San Francisco and a member of the Democratic Party, has put forth this proposal as part of a comprehensive set of bills designed … Continue reading New bill would require speed-limiting devices in California cars

NSA secretly buying Americans’ data without a warrant

A senior senator revealed on Thursday that the National Security Agency (NSA) has been clandestinely purchasing Americans’ internet records and utilizing them for surveillance purposes without obtaining a warrant. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, a Democrat, described the practice as existing within a “legal gray area,” where data brokers discreetly acquire and resell internet “metadata” without users’ consent. Wyden asserted that the NSA has sought … Continue reading NSA secretly buying Americans’ data without a warrant

Politics

GALLUP: Biden third-year job approval worst since Carter

Throughout President Joe Biden’s third full year in office, covering the period from January 20, 2023, to January 19, 2024, an average of 39.8% of Americans approved of his job performance. Among presidents in the Gallup polling era elected to their first term, only Jimmy Carter faced a lower third-year average, with 37.4% approval during a challenging year marked by soaring gas prices, double-digit inflation, … Continue reading GALLUP: Biden third-year job approval worst since Carter

Alabama executes man with nitrogen gas, first time method has been used

Alabama carried out the execution of a convicted murderer, Kenneth Eugene Smith, on Thursday, utilizing a groundbreaking method involving nitrogen gas. This approach once again thrust the United States into the forefront of the ongoing discourse surrounding capital punishment. While state authorities asserted the method’s humane nature, critics denounced it as both cruel and experimental. Kenneth Eugene Smith, aged 58, was declared deceased at 8:25 … Continue reading Alabama executes man with nitrogen gas, first time method has been used

bcbegleyJanuary 25, 2024January 25, 2024

Business

The U.S. economy grew at blistering 3.3% pace in Q4

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a metric encompassing the total value of goods and services produced, exhibited a growth of 3.3% at an annualized rate during the fourth quarter of 2023, surpassing Wall Street’s anticipated 2% increase. The overall U.S. economy in 2023 experienced a notable acceleration with a 2.5% annualized pace, surpassing initial Wall Street expectations, which foresaw minimal gains, and outperforming the 1.9% … Continue reading The U.S. economy grew at blistering 3.3% pace in Q4

NY man convicted of murdering woman who wound up in his backcountry driveway after wrong turn

On Tuesday, a jury found Kevin Monahan, 66, guilty of second-degree murder for fatally shooting 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis in upstate New York. The incident occurred last April on a Saturday night when Gillis and her friends mistakenly entered Monahan’s rural driveway near the Vermont border while searching for another house. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before also convicting Monahan of reckless endangerment … Continue reading NY man convicted of murdering woman who wound up in his backcountry driveway after wrong turn

Scientists discover near-Earth asteroid hours before it exploded over Berlin

In the early hours of Sunday (Jan. 21), a small asteroid streaked through the sky and entered Earth’s atmosphere near Berlin, creating a luminous yet harmless fireball visible over a wide area. While such occurrences are common a few times each year, this event stood out as scientists detected the asteroid approximately three hours before it made impact—a rare feat that has only happened seven … Continue reading Scientists discover near-Earth asteroid hours before it exploded over Berlin

Politics

Trump wins New Hampshire in blow to Haley

Former President Trump is poised to secure victory in the New Hampshire GOP primary, as projected by Decision Desk HQ. This outcome deals a significant setback to his rival Nikki Haley and brings him closer to clinching the party’s nomination. Trump’s triumph in the Granite State is particularly impactful for Haley, who had dedicated a substantial amount of time and resources to the state. Despite … Continue reading Trump wins New Hampshire in blow to Haley

NYC police sergeant who hurled plastic cooler at fleeing motorcyclist charged in his death

A New York City police sergeant is facing charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and assault after throwing a plastic cooler at a man escaping officers on a motorcycle, leading to a fatal crash. Erik Duran, 37, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in the Bronx and posted bail set at $150,000, with numerous police officers showing support in court. Duran, who was suspended following … Continue reading NYC police sergeant who hurled plastic cooler at fleeing motorcyclist charged in his death

Suspect in killings of 8 people in Chicago area has died in Texas

A man suspected of killing eight people, primarily relatives, in shootings in the Chicago area died by suicide after a confrontation with federal law enforcement, as reported by the police. Romeo Nance, 23, was located on Monday by US Marshals near Natalia, Texas, over 1,000 miles away from where seven victims were discovered shot to death on Sunday in two residences in the south Chicago … Continue reading Suspect in killings of 8 people in Chicago area has died in Texas

Technology

Eve the robot can cook, clean and guard your home

Ever dreamt of having a versatile helper capable of handling a myriad of tasks such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, tutoring, and even safeguarding your home? Well, your wish has been granted by 1X, the Norwegian company behind EVE, a humanoid robot designed to perform a wide range of functions. EVE stands out as an advanced humanoid robot that mirrors human appearance and movement but comes … Continue reading Eve the robot can cook, clean and guard your home

Business

Bitcoin breaks below $39,000 to lowest level in 7 weeks

On Tuesday, Bitcoin experienced a continued decline, dropping further below $40,000 and reaching its lowest level since the beginning of December. The cryptocurrency’s price was down nearly 2%, settling at $39,362.00. Although it slightly recovered from earlier losses, it still added to the 4% decline observed the previous day. Bitcoin has seen a notable decrease of about 19% from its post-ETF approval peak of $49,048, … Continue reading Bitcoin breaks below $39,000 to lowest level in 7 weeks

Japan hopes sunlight can save Slim Moon lander

Japan’s space agency, Jaxa, remains optimistic about rescuing its Moon lander, the Slim spacecraft. The historic lunar touchdown occurred on Saturday, but the spacecraft was powered down three hours later to conserve energy. Engineers discovered that the solar cells were facing west, away from the Sun, rendering them unable to generate electricity. The mission team is hopeful that the situation could improve as lighting conditions … Continue reading Japan hopes sunlight can save Slim Moon lander

24 IDF troops killed in deadliest attack on military since Gaza offensive began

On Monday, the Israeli military reported that 24 soldiers were killed in Gaza, marking the deadliest day for its troops in the enclave since the conflict with Hamas began. The majority of the casualties, 21 soldiers, occurred in a central Gaza attack, where a terrorist squad surprised IDF fighters with missiles and rockets during the demolition of “terror infrastructure and buildings.” This incident, a few … Continue reading 24 IDF troops killed in deadliest attack on military since Gaza offensive began