Author: bcbegley

Technology

Transit systems turn to AI-powered cameras to catch drivers who block bus lanes

Transit agencies in major U.S. cities are using AI-powered cameras to enforce bus lane rules, aiming to reduce traffic and improve bus speeds. Hayden AI, the company behind the technology, has partnered with cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to issue fines for illegally parked vehicles blocking bus lanes. While the system has helped speed up buses and reduce repeat violations, it … Continue reading Transit systems turn to AI-powered cameras to catch drivers who block bus lanes

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Technology

China Hacks Treasury Dept. in ‘Major’ Breach

Chinese hackers gained remote access to several U.S. Treasury Department workstations and unclassified documents after compromising a third-party software provider, BeyondTrust. The breach, discovered on December 8, allowed hackers to steal a security key used to remotely assist Treasury employees, but there is no evidence of continued access to Treasury information. The incident is under investigation as a major cybersecurity breach. The Treasury Department is … Continue reading China Hacks Treasury Dept. in ‘Major’ Breach

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Business

US files complaint against fintech app Dave and its CEO

The U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission have filed legal actions against fintech company Dave and its CEO, Jason Wilk, accusing the company of deceptive advertising practices related to cash advances, hidden fees, misuse of customer tips, and poor cancellation processes. The complaint seeks penalties, consumer refunds, and measures to prevent future violations. Dave denies the allegations and has introduced a new fee … Continue reading US files complaint against fintech app Dave and its CEO

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Business

The housing market is heading into 2025 with a worrying supply trend

The housing market saw an increase in supply at the end of 2024, with active listings up 12.1% from the previous year, reaching the highest level since 2020. However, more than half of these listings (54.5%) had been on the market for over 60 days, the highest share since 2019. Homes that were priced well and in good condition sold quickly, while overpriced homes sat … Continue reading The housing market is heading into 2025 with a worrying supply trend

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Business

Stocks Cap Best Two Years in Quarter-Century

U.S. stocks had a stellar 2024, with the S&P 500 climbing 23% and reaching 57 record closes. This was fueled by a healthy economy, lower inflation, and a surge in AI-driven big tech stocks. While enthusiasm remains high, investors caution that 2025 may not see the same rapid gains, as interest rates could stay higher than expected, and stocks appear increasingly expensive. Many sectors, including … Continue reading Stocks Cap Best Two Years in Quarter-Century

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Politics

Trump, Putin advisers trade barbs heading into new year

As the year ends, tensions rise between top advisers to Russian President Vladimir Putin and President-elect Trump. Trump’s special envoy pick for Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, condemned Russia’s Christmas missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, stressing the U.S. commitment to peace. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected proposals from Trump’s allies to end the war, including delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership and deploying … Continue reading Trump, Putin advisers trade barbs heading into new year

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Politics

Biden sending $5.9 billion in aid for Ukraine ahead of Trump inauguration

The Biden administration announced $5.9 billion in military and budget support for Ukraine, part of Biden’s pledge to boost aid before his presidency ends. The package includes $2.5 billion in security assistance, with $1.25 billion in military aid and $1.22 billion in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed $3.4 billion in direct budget support. Biden emphasized his commitment to rapidly … Continue reading Biden sending $5.9 billion in aid for Ukraine ahead of Trump inauguration

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Politics

Republican support wavers for Mike Johnson’s re-election as House speaker

Senior Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy stated that House Speaker Mike Johnson does not yet have enough votes for re-election, ahead of a vote later this week. Despite Donald Trump’s endorsement of Johnson, Roy expressed concerns about his ability to advance the president’s agenda, citing failures from last year. With a slim GOP majority, Johnson can afford only one defection, and Democrats are unlikely to … Continue reading Republican support wavers for Mike Johnson’s re-election as House speaker

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Politics

Germany’s Scholz takes veiled swipe at Musk in New Year’s address

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz subtly criticized billionaire Elon Musk’s influence on President-elect Trump, stating that Germany’s future would not be determined by “the owners of social media.” In his New Year’s Eve message, Scholz warned against extreme opinions gaining attention and stressed that Germany’s direction should be guided by the majority of reasonable people. His comments followed accusations that Musk had attempted to influence Germany’s … Continue reading Germany’s Scholz takes veiled swipe at Musk in New Year’s address

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Politics

Xi says no one can stop China’s ‘reunification’ with Taiwan

In his New Year’s speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that no one can stop China’s “reunification” with Taiwan, sending a clear warning to pro-independence forces. Tensions have escalated as Beijing has increased military pressure near Taiwan, with frequent incursions by warships and planes. China considers Taiwan, a democratically governed island, part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claims, asserting that only its people … Continue reading Xi says no one can stop China’s ‘reunification’ with Taiwan

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U.S. News

North Dakota senator’s son sentenced to 28 years for killing a deputy during a chase

Ian Cramer, son of Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the death of Deputy Paul Martin during a police chase in 2023. Cramer, 43, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including homicide while fleeing a peace officer. The crash occurred when Cramer’s vehicle struck an unoccupied patrol car, which then hit Martin. The judge noted Cramer would likely serve only … Continue reading North Dakota senator’s son sentenced to 28 years for killing a deputy during a chase

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U.S. News

10 people injured after Lego display falls at New Year’s Eve event in Massachusetts

Ten people, including six children, were injured when a Lego display collapsed from a 12-foot ledge during a New Year’s Eve balloon drop event at In The Game, an arcade in Peabody, Massachusetts. The incident caused minor injuries, with eight people transported to local hospitals and two declining treatment. Fire officials confirmed everyone is OK, and the arcade’s ownership is cooperating with authorities, NBC News … Continue reading 10 people injured after Lego display falls at New Year’s Eve event in Massachusetts

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U.S. News

Georgia judge shoots himself dead inside courtroom on last day in office

Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his Effingham County courtroom on what would have been his last day on the bench. Recently defeated in his re-election bid, Yekel had attempted to resign earlier but was denied by Governor Brian Kemp, who cited respect for the voters’ will. Yekel, a father of four with over 45 years of … Continue reading Georgia judge shoots himself dead inside courtroom on last day in office

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U.S. News

US releases one of longest-held Guantánamo Bay detainees to Tunisia

Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a Tunisian national and one of Guantánamo Bay’s longest-held detainees, has been released after over two decades without charge. Captured in 2001 near the Afghanistan border, Yazidi was held amid unproven allegations of ties to al-Qaida. Despite being cleared for transfer in 2007, diplomatic hurdles and his reluctance to resettle elsewhere delayed his release. Yazidi’s departure is part of ongoing efforts … Continue reading US releases one of longest-held Guantánamo Bay detainees to Tunisia

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U.S. News

Nearly all of Puerto Rico is without power on New Year’s Eve

A massive blackout struck nearly all of Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve, leaving over 1.3 million customers without power. Luma Energy, responsible for electricity transmission, blamed the outage on an underground power line failure and estimated up to two days for full restoration. The incident intensified public frustration with Luma and Genera PR, prompting Governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón to propose an “energy czar” to … Continue reading Nearly all of Puerto Rico is without power on New Year’s Eve

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World News

Russia, Ukraine trade dozens of attacks as sea drone downs Mi-8 helicopter

Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and multiple regions with missiles and drones. Ukraine’s air force reported downing six of 21 missiles and 16 of 40 drones, while 24 drones failed to hit their targets. Explosions were heard in Kyiv, and missile debris fell in the Darnytskyi district without causing casualties. In the Sumy region, 12 residential buildings and two schools … Continue reading Russia, Ukraine trade dozens of attacks as sea drone downs Mi-8 helicopter

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World News

At least 71 dead after vehicle carrying wedding party misses bridge

At least 71 people, including 68 men and three women, died when a truck carrying a wedding party plunged off a bridge in Ethiopia. The accident occurred on a winding road, with authorities suspecting the truck was overloaded. Four survivors remain in critical condition, the Local 12 has reported. Witnesses reported seeing people dancing and hearing loud music before the crash. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading At least 71 dead after vehicle carrying wedding party misses bridge

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World News

Trinidad and Tobago announces state of emergency to combat gang violence

Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency following a surge in gang violence, including a deadly ambush outside a police station in Port of Spain. The emergency grants police expanded powers to arrest suspects, conduct searches, and suspend bail. Authorities anticipate further reprisal killings, driven by the widespread use of high-powered firearms like AK-47s and AR-15s, many illegally imported from the United States, … Continue reading Trinidad and Tobago announces state of emergency to combat gang violence

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World News

Taliban leader bans windows overlooking places ‘usually used by women’

The Taliban’s supreme leader has ordered a ban on residential windows overlooking areas where Afghan women might be seen, such as courtyards and kitchens, citing concerns about “obscene acts.” Existing windows must be blocked, and authorities will monitor compliance. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on women, including bans on education, employment, and public spaces, and prohibitions on women singing … Continue reading Taliban leader bans windows overlooking places ‘usually used by women’

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World News

U.S. strikes Houthi targets in Yemen after American warships attacked

The U.S. military conducted precision airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting facilities used for missile and drone attacks on American and commercial ships. The strikes, carried out by U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft, hit command centers, weapons storage sites, and a coastal radar system. CENTCOM reported no U.S. casualties or equipment damage. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have been … Continue reading U.S. strikes Houthi targets in Yemen after American warships attacked

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Space

NASA discovered planet bigger than Earth with a gas that is ‘only produced by life’

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has discovered an exoplanet, K2-18 b, located 124 light years away, that is 2.6 times the radius and 8.6 times the mass of Earth. The planet orbits a red dwarf star in a “habitable zone” and has a hydrogen-rich atmosphere with possible signs of life. Key findings include the presence of methane, carbon dioxide, and dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a molecule … Continue reading NASA discovered planet bigger than Earth with a gas that is ‘only produced by life’

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Technology

Robotic pets gain popularity in Japan

Lovot, a pet robot developed by Groove X, has regained popularity in Japan. Standing 43 cm tall and weighing 4 kg, the AI-powered robot is designed to interact with its owner using sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence. Lovot can move, blink, make noises, and react to touch, offering affection and even dancing when tickled. Despite its high price, it’s seen as an effective tool against … Continue reading Robotic pets gain popularity in Japan

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Business

Russia’s Gazprom says it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting Jan. 1

Gazprom announced it will halt gas supplies to Moldova on January 1, citing unpaid debt, which Moldova disputes. The cut will affect the Kuciurgan power plant in the separatist region of Transnistria, which supplies much of Moldova’s electricity. Moldova has accused Russia of using energy as a political weapon and has implemented emergency measures to cope with potential power shortages. The Moldovan government contests Gazprom’s … Continue reading Russia’s Gazprom says it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting Jan. 1

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Politics

Trump: ‘I Have Always Been in Favor’ of H-1B Visas

President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong support for the H-1B visa program, stating he has “always been in favor” of it and has used it extensively in his businesses. His comments follow ongoing debates over the program, which critics argue displaces American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, primarily from India. While Trump has previously criticized abuses of the program, in 2020, he implemented reforms to prevent … Continue reading Trump: ‘I Have Always Been in Favor’ of H-1B Visas

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Politics

Netanyahu undergoes prostate removal operation, court testimony delayed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent prostate removal surgery due to a urinary tract infection caused by benign prostate enlargement. The two-hour operation, performed under full anesthesia at Hadassah Medical Center, was successful, and Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. Justice Minister Yariv Levin temporarily served as caretaker prime minister, while Defense Minister Israel Katz chaired the political-security cabinet during the procedure. … Continue reading Netanyahu undergoes prostate removal operation, court testimony delayed

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