Author: bcbegley

Space

Chinese astronauts beef up Tiangong space station’s debris shield during spacewalk

Chinese astronauts from the Shenzhou 20 mission conducted a 6.5-hour spacewalk on Aug. 15 to add debris shielding and maintain equipment on the Tiangong space station. Taikonauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie carried out the extravehicular activities, assisted by Chen Zhongrui inside. This was Dong’s sixth spacewalk, the most by any Chinese astronaut. The crew, more than halfway through their six-month stay, has also conducted … Continue reading Chinese astronauts beef up Tiangong space station’s debris shield during spacewalk

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Space

Hijacked satellites and orbiting weapons: Space is new battlefield

During Russia’s Victory Day parade, Kremlin-backed hackers hijacked a satellite broadcasting to Ukraine, replacing normal programming with parade footage to intimidate viewers. Experts warn that satellites are critical to communications, navigation, and military operations, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. U.S. officials revealed Russia is developing a nuclear, space-based weapon capable of destroying satellites in low-Earth orbit, a move that could disrupt global systems and spark … Continue reading Hijacked satellites and orbiting weapons: Space is new battlefield

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Technology

Hong Kong to unleash mosquito-killing robot dogs to combat Chikungunya virus

Hong Kong plans to deploy robot dogs equipped with insecticide sprayers to combat rising cases of mosquito-borne Chikungunya fever. The robots will target hard-to-reach areas, reducing the workload on frontline workers. A trial will begin next month, with the potential for wider deployment if successful, Interesting Engineering has reported. Continue reading Hong Kong to unleash mosquito-killing robot dogs to combat Chikungunya virus

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Technology

Tesla Optimus rival Unitree shines at the ‘World Humanoid Robot Games’ in China

The first “World Humanoid Robot Games” in Beijing featured 280 teams from 16 countries competing in sports, dance, and job-skill challenges. Robots showcased advanced abilities in events like soccer, track, and long jump, as well as tasks such as housekeeping and retail work. Chinese companies like Unitree, X-Humanoid, and UBTECH won multiple medals, highlighting China’s push to become a global leader in humanoid robotics by … Continue reading Tesla Optimus rival Unitree shines at the ‘World Humanoid Robot Games’ in China

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Technology

‘Pregnancy robots’ could give birth to humans in revolutionary breakthrough

China is developing a humanoid “pregnancy robot” with an artificial womb that could carry a fetus for 10 months, potentially offering a lower-cost alternative to human surrogates. While the prototype may debut next year, questions remain about fertilization, birth, and ethical and legal implications. Separately, humanoid robots have been showcased performing everyday tasks in New York to promote a new ETF, drawing both amazement and … Continue reading ‘Pregnancy robots’ could give birth to humans in revolutionary breakthrough

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Business

Air Canada flight attendant union refuses to end strike

Air Canada flight attendants continue their strike despite a Canada Industrial Relations Board ruling it “unlawful” and a government back-to-work order. The walkout, now in its third day, has stranded roughly 500,000 passengers. The union, CUPE, demands higher pay and compensation for ground time, rejecting the airline’s recent offer, the BBC has reported. Leaders say they are willing to face fines or jail rather than … Continue reading Air Canada flight attendant union refuses to end strike

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Business

Soho House bought for £2bn as Ashton Kutcher joins board

Private members’ club chain Soho House has been acquired for $2.7bn (£2bn) by a consortium led by MCR Hotels and backed by private equity firm Apollo, with actor-investor Ashton Kutcher joining the board. Founded in London in 1995, Soho House now operates 46 clubs worldwide and other luxury hospitality ventures. Once a hotspot for celebrities including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, its NYSE-listed shares had … Continue reading Soho House bought for £2bn as Ashton Kutcher joins board

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Business

Trump administration in talks to take 10% stake in Intel

The Trump administration is reportedly considering taking a 10% equity stake in Intel by converting some or all of its $10.9 billion in Chips Act grants, potentially valuing the stake at around $10 billion. The move comes amid concerns over Intel’s struggling foundry business and follows a meeting between President Trump and new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Analysts say federal backing could help Intel, though the … Continue reading Trump administration in talks to take 10% stake in Intel

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Space

Russia Set to Launch “Noah’s Ark” Mission to space

On August 20, 2025, Russia will launch the Bion-M No. 2 biosatellite on a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying 75 mice, over 1,000 fruit flies, and other biological specimens for a 30-day space mission. The goal is to study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on living organisms, with mice divided into three groups for comparison: Earth-based, simulated flight, and orbiting. The mission … Continue reading Russia Set to Launch “Noah’s Ark” Mission to space

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Business

Air Canada halts flight restart after union defies back-to-work order

Air Canada has delayed its planned limited flight resumption after the flight attendants’ union defied a federal order to return to work. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board had directed staff to resume duties Sunday following binding arbitration imposed by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. CUPE, representing the attendants, called the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and said members remain on strike, demanding fair contracts and pay. The walkout, … Continue reading Air Canada halts flight restart after union defies back-to-work order

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Politics

Republican civil war erupts over earmarks in funding bills

Republicans are clashing over the return of earmarks in the fiscal 2026 appropriations bills, pitting fiscal conservatives against Appropriations Committee members seeking to direct federal funds to their states. Conservatives criticize earmarks as “pork-barrel spending” that worsens the $37 trillion national debt, with some pushing for stop-gap measures to freeze spending. Senators like Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Rick Scott have proposed stricter rules, including … Continue reading Republican civil war erupts over earmarks in funding bills

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Politics

Marco Rubio accuses CBS reporter of pushing ‘stupid media narrative’ in fiery clash over Zelenskyy

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan on Sunday, calling her suggestion that European leaders were visiting Washington to protect President Zelenskyy from being “bullied” a “stupid media narrative.” The dispute comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to mediate the Ukraine-Russia war following President Trump’s recent summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump plans to meet Zelenskyy and several European … Continue reading Marco Rubio accuses CBS reporter of pushing ‘stupid media narrative’ in fiery clash over Zelenskyy

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Politics

Bolivia’s presidential vote headed for first-ever runoff

Bolivians face a historic runoff presidential election after centrist Sen. Rodrigo Paz led Sunday’s vote with 32.8%, ahead of right-wing former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga at 26.4%, but short of a majority. Paz will face Quiroga on Oct. 19. The result marks a major setback for the leftist MAS party, whose candidates garnered minimal support, ending nearly 20 years of dominance. Paz’s moderate stance, distancing … Continue reading Bolivia’s presidential vote headed for first-ever runoff

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Politics

Obama, Biden and Clinton criminal investigations are most likely approaching, Trump ally says

Mike Davis, a Republican lawyer and former counsel to Sen. Chuck Grassley, has spent three years pushing for federal investigations into Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and senior intelligence and Justice officials. Recent moves by Attorney General Pam Bondi—approving probes into NY Attorney General Letitia James, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Obama-era Russia assessments—have fueled Davis’s claims of a vast Democratic conspiracy against Trump. Democrats … Continue reading Obama, Biden and Clinton criminal investigations are most likely approaching, Trump ally says

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Politics

Trump says Zelenskyy can end Russia war ‘almost immediately’ before hosting seven European leaders

President Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could end the war with Russia “almost immediately” if he chose, ahead of a Monday meeting at the White House with Zelenskyy and several European leaders. The meeting, including leaders from NATO and the EU, aims to coordinate long-term military aid, support Ukraine’s EU ambitions, and strengthen transatlantic unity against Russian aggression. Trump also promoted his recent … Continue reading Trump says Zelenskyy can end Russia war ‘almost immediately’ before hosting seven European leaders

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U.S. News

Teen missing for 1 week after going on vacation in Florida found dead

Eighteen-year-old Giovanni Pelletier from North Carolina, who went missing on Aug. 1 while visiting relatives in Florida, was found dead a week later in a retention pond in Bradenton, Florida. Pelletier disappeared after texting his mother “Help me” shortly after leaving with cousins for a three-hour drive. His body was identified through dental records, but the cause of death remains pending toxicology results. Authorities are … Continue reading Teen missing for 1 week after going on vacation in Florida found dead

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U.S. News

2 American Carnival Cruise passengers drown in separate incidents on same day

Two American Carnival Cruise passengers — a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman — drowned Friday in separate incidents at Celebration Key, the cruise line’s private destination in the Bahamas. Police said the man became unresponsive while snorkeling at a beach, and the woman while swimming in a pool; both died despite lifeguard CPR attempts. Carnival confirmed the victims were sailing with family on different … Continue reading 2 American Carnival Cruise passengers drown in separate incidents on same day

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U.S. News

Thousands without power in Puerto Rico as Hurricane Erin pummels region

Hurricane Erin regained Category 4 strength Sunday night with 130 mph winds after briefly weakening, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm, expected to remain a “large and dangerous” hurricane through midweek, has already knocked out power to thousands in Puerto Rico, where heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf continue. Advisories warn of waves up to 13 feet around Puerto Rico and the U.S. … Continue reading Thousands without power in Puerto Rico as Hurricane Erin pummels region

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U.S. News

Thieves grab $2 million in jewelry in Seattle heist

Four masked thieves stole an estimated $2 million in jewelry, watches, and gold during a 90-second smash-and-grab at a West Seattle store Thursday, police said. The suspects broke through the glass door with hammers, looted six display cases — including $750,000 in Rolex watches and a $125,000 emerald necklace — and threatened staff with bear spray and a Taser before fleeing in a getaway car. … Continue reading Thieves grab $2 million in jewelry in Seattle heist

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U.S. News

3 dead, 8 wounded in NYC restaurant shooting

Three people were killed and nine others wounded in a suspected gang-related shooting early Sunday at the Taste of the City Lounge, a hookah bar in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights. Police say up to four gunmen opened fire during a dispute inside the crowded club, leaving victims ages 19, 27, and 35 dead — including one bystander. Nine others, ranging from 20s to 60s, were hospitalized … Continue reading 3 dead, 8 wounded in NYC restaurant shooting

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World News

South Korean and US militaries begin annual summertime drills

South Korea and the U.S. launched their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise Monday, involving 21,000 troops in command simulations and field training. The allies say the drills are defensive, but North Korea condemned them as invasion rehearsals and warned of retaliation. The exercise comes as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung prepares for an Aug. 25 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid concerns Trump may … Continue reading South Korean and US militaries begin annual summertime drills

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World News

Serbia’s populist leader vows tough response to protesters following riots

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced tougher measures against anti-government protesters after days of violent clashes across the country. Despite his threats, thousands demonstrated Sunday in Belgrade and other towns, demanding the release of detained protesters. Vucic denounced the unrest as “terrorism” allegedly orchestrated by the West, though without evidence, and warned of harsher state action within a week. The unrest, which has seen offices of … Continue reading Serbia’s populist leader vows tough response to protesters following riots

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World News

U.S. tourist attacked by a shark while spearfishing in the Bahamas

A 63-year-old American tourist was seriously injured in a shark attack while spearfishing near Big Grand Cay in the Bahamas on Sunday, authorities said. He was first treated at a local clinic before being airlifted to the U.S. The Bahamas, which has one of the world’s highest rates of shark attacks, has recorded 34 confirmed incidents in the past 400 years, CBS News has reported. … Continue reading U.S. tourist attacked by a shark while spearfishing in the Bahamas

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World News

Iraq starts excavation of large mass grave left by Islamic State

Iraqi authorities have begun excavating a suspected Islamic State mass grave at Khasfa, near Mosul, believed to contain thousands of victims, including Iraqi security forces, Yazidis, and Shiites. The effort, launched August 9 by Iraq’s Martyrs’ Foundation, is in its early phase—collecting visible remains and surface evidence while preparing for full exhumation, which requires international support due to site hazards like sulfur water and unexploded … Continue reading Iraq starts excavation of large mass grave left by Islamic State

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World News

Protesters in Israel demand hostage deal in one of the largest demonstrations since war

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis joined nationwide protests and a strike on Sunday, with organizers estimating over one million participants throughout the day. The demonstrations, centered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, demanded the government secure the release of 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The protests coincided with the release of a video of captive Matan Zangauker, intensifying public pressure on leaders. Families of hostages, … Continue reading Protesters in Israel demand hostage deal in one of the largest demonstrations since war

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