Author: bcbegley

Technology

AI care robot doll from Korea eyes US entry in 2025

A South Korean company, Hyodol, has registered its AI-powered companion doll for seniors with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The doll, first released in 2019, offers emotional, safety, and emergency care support, acting as a seven-year-old grandchild with personalized, real-time conversations powered by AI. It helps with meal and medication management, cognitive tests, and can alert healthcare centers in emergencies. Hyodol aims to … Continue reading AI care robot doll from Korea eyes US entry in 2025

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Business

Starbucks union votes to authorize strike

Workers United announced that 98% of union baristas have voted to authorize a strike as they continue to negotiate a contract with Starbucks. Bargaining delegates will meet with the company on Tuesday for the final negotiation session of the year, aiming to establish a “foundational framework.” While both sides have made progress with multiple agreements, unresolved issues include unfair labor practice cases and barista pay … Continue reading Starbucks union votes to authorize strike

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Business

Amazon investing another $10 billion in Ohio-based data centers

Amazon Web Services (AWS) will invest an additional $10 billion to expand its data center infrastructure in Ohio, bringing its total commitment to over $23 billion by 2029. AWS, which first established data centers in Ohio in 2016, currently operates campuses in two central Ohio counties. The new investment will fund expansion to new sites, though their locations are yet to be determined. The data … Continue reading Amazon investing another $10 billion in Ohio-based data centers

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Business

Grubhub to pay $25 million in FTC settlement over harmful practices against diners, workers

Grubhub has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul over alleged deceptive practices. The company was accused of misleading diners about delivery costs, blocking access to customer accounts, deceiving drivers about earnings, and listing unaffiliated restaurants without permission. Grubhub allegedly added hidden fees, such as “service” and “small order” fees, and … Continue reading Grubhub to pay $25 million in FTC settlement over harmful practices against diners, workers

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Politics

EU investigates TikTok over alleged Russian meddling in Romanian vote

The European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok for possible foreign interference in Romania’s recent presidential election. Allegedly, 25,000 TikTok accounts were activated before the first-round vote to promote independent candidate Calin Georgescu, a far-right figure. Although Russia was accused of involvement, the Kremlin denied it. The EU’s inquiry will focus on TikTok’s content recommendation system and its compliance with the Digital Services Act, … Continue reading EU investigates TikTok over alleged Russian meddling in Romanian vote

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Politics

South Korean president doesn’t respond to summons after martial law declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has not responded to a summons for questioning regarding his failed attempt to declare martial law. Despite being asked to appear on Sunday, Yoon stated he was still forming a legal defense. Prosecutors plan to issue another summons. Yoon was impeached on Saturday, with his powers suspended and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo acting as president. Yoon gave a defiant … Continue reading South Korean president doesn’t respond to summons after martial law declaration

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Politics

Canada PM Trudeau reflecting on criticism amid leadership crisis, says ally

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing criticism from within his own Liberal Party following Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation. Freeland, a close ally, left due to a policy clash and criticized Trudeau’s leadership. Polls show the Liberals could lose to the opposition Conservatives in the next election. Trudeau held a meeting with his caucus to address their concerns, with some members urging him to … Continue reading Canada PM Trudeau reflecting on criticism amid leadership crisis, says ally

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Politics

Republican House Majority in Peril

The Republican majority in the House of Representatives is facing uncertainty as several GOP members are being considered for roles in Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Representative Victoria Spartz of Indiana announced she would step back from committees and the Republican caucus to focus on the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Her decision follows a failed bid for a … Continue reading Republican House Majority in Peril

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Politics

GOP report recommends Liz Cheney be criminally investigated over Jan. 6 work

Republicans released a report Tuesday criticizing the disbanded House Jan. 6 committee, accusing it of politicizing the investigation and unfairly blaming President Trump. The 128-page report calls for a criminal investigation into former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) for alleged witness tampering involving Cassidy Hutchinson, a key witness. Cheney rejected the report, asserting it ignored the truth and defended the committee’s findings. The report also challenges … Continue reading GOP report recommends Liz Cheney be criminally investigated over Jan. 6 work

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U.S. News

Car crashes in foggy weather injure 33 people and force bridge near New Orleans to close

Several crashes on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in foggy conditions Tuesday morning injured 33 people and temporarily closed the 24-mile bridge connecting southeast Louisiana’s north and south shores. The crashes involved six incidents, stranding 30 people who were later transported off the bridge. Officials cited fog and inattentive driving as factors. The bridge reopened by evening, The Toronto Star has reported. The incident recalled a … Continue reading Car crashes in foggy weather injure 33 people and force bridge near New Orleans to close

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U.S. News

Gilgo Beach serial killings suspect charged with seventh murder

Rex Heuermann, a New York architect accused of multiple killings in Gilgo Beach, has been charged with a seventh murder. Prosecutors linked him to the 2000 death of Valerie Mack through DNA evidence and detailed notes found in his Long Island home. Heuermann, 61, has been held without bail since his July 2023 arrest and previously faced charges for the murders of six other women, … Continue reading Gilgo Beach serial killings suspect charged with seventh murder

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U.S. News

Police ID 15-year-old girl as Abundant Life Christian School shooter in Wisconsin

A 15-year-old girl, Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, killing a teacher, a student, and wounding six others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police are investigating the origin of the handgun used and potential warning signs but have not identified a motive. Two victims remain in critical condition, and all students have been reunited with their … Continue reading Police ID 15-year-old girl as Abundant Life Christian School shooter in Wisconsin

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U.S. News

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect charged with first-degree murder

Luigi Mangione, 26, has been indicted by a New York grand jury on charges of first- and second-degree murder in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione is also charged with multiple counts of weapon possession. Prosecutors allege he carried out a premeditated, targeted attack, killing Thompson, 50, on December 4 in Manhattan as he walked to an investors’ meeting. Mangione fled the … Continue reading UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect charged with first-degree murder

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World News

Syrian HTS leader says rebel factions that overthrew Assad will be ‘disbanded’

Syria’s rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), pledged to disband rebel factions and integrate fighters into a defense ministry to reassure minorities and promote unity. Sharaa emphasized protecting all Syrians and restoring relations with foreign nations while urging the lifting of international sanctions to enable refugee returns. Assad’s recent fall has led the EU to reopen its delegation in Damascus and … Continue reading Syrian HTS leader says rebel factions that overthrew Assad will be ‘disbanded’

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World News

14 dead and hundreds injured in magnitude 7.3 quake in Vanuatu

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off Vanuatu, killing at least 14 people, injuring over 200, and causing widespread destruction. Centered near Port Vila, the quake damaged hospitals, infrastructure, and diplomatic buildings, leaving many trapped under rubble. Rescue efforts continue, with some survivors pulled from collapsed buildings. The government declared a state of emergency, imposing curfews and prioritizing restoring water and communication services, ABC News has … Continue reading 14 dead and hundreds injured in magnitude 7.3 quake in Vanuatu

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World News

Vatican ‘on the brink of Bankruptcy’ due to decline in global donations

The Vatican faces a severe financial crisis, with a 2023 deficit of $87 million, exacerbated by declining donations, reduced tourism, and falling gold investments. Critics partly blame Pope Francis, citing his progressive policies on issues like climate change and family values, which have alienated conservative Catholics. The crisis threatens pensions for retired clergy and staff, the Irish Star has reported. Hopes rest on the 2025 … Continue reading Vatican ‘on the brink of Bankruptcy’ due to decline in global donations

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World News

Pope Says Escaped Two Attempts On His Life In Iraq

Pope Francis narrowly escaped two assassination attempts during his historic trip to Iraq in March 2021, as revealed in excerpts from his upcoming autobiography, Hope. British intelligence warned of a young suicide bomber and a van packed with explosives targeting the pope in Mosul. Both threats were neutralized by Iraqi police. Despite intense security concerns and the Covid-19 pandemic, the 88-year-old pontiff insisted on the trip, … Continue reading Pope Says Escaped Two Attempts On His Life In Iraq

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World News

Ukraine Says It Killed Senior Russian General in Moscow Scooter Bombing

Ukraine carried out a daring operation in Moscow, killing Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops, by detonating a scooter bomb. The attack, claimed by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), marked the most senior Russian commander killed in the capital since the war began. Kirillov, accused by Kyiv of war crimes involving chemical weapons, was under U.K. sanctions for deploying … Continue reading Ukraine Says It Killed Senior Russian General in Moscow Scooter Bombing

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Space

China kicks off Guowang megaconstellation with Long March 5B launch

China launched the first group of satellites for its Guowang megaconstellation on Dec. 16, marking the beginning of its efforts to provide global satellite internet coverage. The Long March 5B rocket, launched from Hainan, carried the satellites into low Earth orbit. The Guowang constellation, managed by China Satnet, aims to compete with systems like Starlink, with plans to deploy nearly 13,000 satellites by 2032. This … Continue reading China kicks off Guowang megaconstellation with Long March 5B launch

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Space

SpaceX’s 31st Dragon cargo capsule departs ISS to head home to Earth

SpaceX’s Dragon cargo capsule undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Dec. 16 at 11:05 a.m. EST, completing the CRS-31 mission. The spacecraft will splash down off Florida’s coast on Dec. 17, returning thousands of pounds of equipment and experiment samples for NASA. Dragon is the only cargo vehicle capable of safely bringing items back to Earth; other cargo freighters, like Cygnus and Progress, … Continue reading SpaceX’s 31st Dragon cargo capsule departs ISS to head home to Earth

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Space

SpaceX launches U.S. Space Force ‘rapid response’ GPS mission

In a secretive mission, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the U.S. military’s GPS III SV-07 satellite on Dec. 16, demonstrating the ability to condense a typical two-year planning cycle to under six months. Originally slated for a late 2025 launch aboard ULA’s Vulcan rocket, SV-07 was reassigned due to Vulcan delays. The “Rapid Response Trailblazer-1” (RRT-1) mission aimed to prove the U.S. Space Force’s … Continue reading SpaceX launches U.S. Space Force ‘rapid response’ GPS mission

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Business

China’s weak consumption drags on economy as Trump tariff threat looms

China’s industrial output grew slightly in November, rising 5.4%, but retail sales disappointed with a three-month low of 3.0%, highlighting weak consumer demand. Analysts urge Beijing to boost consumer-focused stimulus as trade tensions loom under a second Trump administration, which could impose tariffs exceeding 60% on Chinese goods. This pressure may accelerate China’s shift from an investment- and export-driven economy to a consumption-based model. Fixed … Continue reading China’s weak consumption drags on economy as Trump tariff threat looms

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Business

Bitcoin reaches new all-time high of $107,000 after Trump confirms plans for Bitcoin reserve

Bitcoin surged to a record high of $107,822, driven by President-elect Donald Trump’s support for a national Bitcoin reserve and investor optimism. Trump reaffirmed his stance in a CNBC interview, citing the need to compete globally, while Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ proposed Bitcoin Act seeks to establish the reserve. Trump’s Treasury pick, Scott Bessent, and Lummis’ involvement add credibility to Bitcoin as a reserve asset. … Continue reading Bitcoin reaches new all-time high of $107,000 after Trump confirms plans for Bitcoin reserve

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Business

Trump and SoftBank CEO announce the company will invest $100 billion in US projects

President-elect Donald Trump and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son announced a $100 billion investment in U.S. projects over the next four years, aiming to create 100,000 jobs, focusing on artificial intelligence and AI infrastructure. This follows a similar 2016 pledge where SoftBank invested $75 billion but with unclear job outcomes, partly due to COVID-19’s impact. Large corporate investment promises, like Foxconn’s failed $10 billion Wisconsin factory … Continue reading Trump and SoftBank CEO announce the company will invest $100 billion in US projects

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