Author: bcbegley

Space

A new lunar lander is set to launch to the moon’s south pole this week

The Texas-based company Intuitive Machines is launching its second robotic lunar mission, Athena, this week. The spacecraft will study the moon’s surface, focusing on the chemical makeup of rocks and soil and searching for subsurface water, which is crucial for future lunar bases. Athena will land in the moon’s south polar region on Mons Mouton, where water ice is thought to be abundant. The mission … Continue reading A new lunar lander is set to launch to the moon’s south pole this week

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Technology

Meet Concert, the robot that wants to revolutionize construction

The U.S. construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage, with a need for half a million workers in 2025. To address this, states have implemented apprenticeship programs, while some companies are turning to robots to perform dangerous or repetitive tasks. A standout innovation is “Concert,” a modular construction robot developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. Able to perform tasks like drilling, insulation spraying, … Continue reading Meet Concert, the robot that wants to revolutionize construction

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Technology

Russian cybercrime gang leaves taunting message for Kash Patel on dark web

The Russia-based ransomware gang LockBit has reportedly offered FBI Director Kash Patel alleged “classified information” that it claims could “destroy” the agency if made public. In a post on its dark web blog, the group congratulated Patel on his appointment and promised to share an archive of sensitive data exposing FBI corruption. LockBit, described as one of the world’s most harmful cybercrime groups, appears to … Continue reading Russian cybercrime gang leaves taunting message for Kash Patel on dark web

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Business

Denny’s reportedly adds egg surcharge amid rising prices

Denny’s has added a temporary surcharge to its egg-based meals at some locations due to the ongoing egg shortage caused by a bird flu outbreak that began in 2022. The shortage has led to higher egg prices, with the average dozen costing $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November. Denny’s, which has over 1,500 restaurants, is adjusting prices on a market-by-market basis. Other chains, … Continue reading Denny’s reportedly adds egg surcharge amid rising prices

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Business

Joann to shutter all 800 fabric stores after failing to find a buyer to save its locations

Joann, the fabric retailer with around 800 locations, will close all its stores after failing to find a buyer. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in January 2024, will begin nationwide going-out-of-business sales as part of its asset auction. Despite efforts to secure a better outcome, Joann announced the closure, acknowledging the support of employees, customers, and communities over its 80-year history, NBC News has … Continue reading Joann to shutter all 800 fabric stores after failing to find a buyer to save its locations

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Business

February consumer confidence posts biggest drop since 2021

Consumer confidence dropped in February, with the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index falling to 98.3, its lowest since June 2024. This decline, the largest since August 2021, reflects growing concerns about a slowing economy, rising inflation, and uncertainties over President Trump’s planned tariffs. Consumer pessimism grew about labor market conditions and future business prospects, with inflation expectations rising to 6%. Economists fear the tariffs could … Continue reading February consumer confidence posts biggest drop since 2021

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Politics

Starmer cuts aid to fund hike in defence spending

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has proposed increasing the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, funded by cuts to the international aid budget. While opposition parties support the move, charities have condemned the aid reductions, calling it a “betrayal.” The UK’s aid budget would decrease from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP by 2027 to fund the £13.4bn yearly boost in defence. The … Continue reading Starmer cuts aid to fund hike in defence spending

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Politics

Conservatives threaten to tank House budget vote needed to advance Trump agenda

Speaker Mike Johnson is moving forward with a House vote on a multitrillion-dollar budget plan, crucial for President Trump’s legislative agenda. However, conservative Republicans, including Reps. Victoria Spartz, Tim Burchett, Warren Davidson, and Thomas Massie, are threatening to oppose it due to concerns about insufficient spending cuts. With a narrow GOP majority, their votes could block the plan. The budget includes $4.5 trillion in tax … Continue reading Conservatives threaten to tank House budget vote needed to advance Trump agenda

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Politics

EU eyes €200B secret weapon as Trump dominates Ukraine peace talks

U.S. President Donald Trump is asserting dominance in talks to end the Ukraine war, but the EU holds a €200 billion asset in Russian sovereign funds frozen in Brussels-based Euroclear, which could be used as leverage in negotiations. Some European nations, particularly in the Baltic and Nordic regions, advocate for unfreezing the funds to aid Ukraine, while others, like France, Germany, and Italy, worry it … Continue reading EU eyes €200B secret weapon as Trump dominates Ukraine peace talks

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Politics

Putin says Russia is open to economic cooperation with US on rare earth minerals

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on mining rare earth minerals in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, emphasizing the economic value of these resources. He also proposed energy deals and aluminum exports to the U.S. if sanctions are lifted. Putin’s comments coincide with the Trump administration’s efforts to secure access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for financial support in the war, … Continue reading Putin says Russia is open to economic cooperation with US on rare earth minerals

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Politics

Trump meets France’s Macron at White House, says ‘lot of progress’ made toward ending war in Ukraine

President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the White House to discuss progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. Trump praised their efforts, noting that substantial progress had been made in talks with Russia and other nations. Macron emphasized the need for a solid peace to stabilize Ukraine and reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to stronger defense and economic partnerships. Trump also discussed a … Continue reading Trump meets France’s Macron at White House, says ‘lot of progress’ made toward ending war in Ukraine

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U.S. News

Indiana man who killed Dutch soldier, injured 2 others sentenced to 105 years in prison

An Indiana man, Shamar Duncan, was sentenced to 105 years in prison for the 2022 fatal shooting of Dutch soldier Simmie Poetsema and the wounding of two others in downtown Indianapolis. The incident began as a confrontation outside a club before escalating when Duncan and his group returned in a truck and opened fire near the soldiers’ hotel. Duncan was convicted of murder, attempted murder, … Continue reading Indiana man who killed Dutch soldier, injured 2 others sentenced to 105 years in prison

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U.S. News

North Carolina substitute teacher charged in ATV crash that killed 2 high school football players

A North Carolina substitute teacher, Ashley Marie Darity, 34, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the ATV crash that killed two Rosman High School football players, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo, in August 2024. Authorities say speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. Darity was released on a $20,000 bond, and two others, Brandon Rathbone and Patricia Whitehead, were also arrested for providing … Continue reading North Carolina substitute teacher charged in ATV crash that killed 2 high school football players

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U.S. News

Supreme Court throws out Oklahoma inmate Richard Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence

The Supreme Court overturned Richard Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence, ruling that prosecutors violated his right to a fair trial by withholding key evidence. Glossip, convicted in a 1997 murder-for-hire case, has long maintained his innocence. Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general supported a new trial, citing new evidence and prosecutorial misconduct. The ruling ensures Glossip will not face the death penalty if retried. Justices Thomas … Continue reading Supreme Court throws out Oklahoma inmate Richard Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence

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U.S. News

Woman arrested after videos show her urinating on store food products, prompting recalls

A New Hampshire woman, Kelli Tedford, was arrested after allegedly posting videos of herself urinating on food products at Monadnock Food Co-Op, prompting a recall of several items. Police began investigating after receiving an anonymous tip on Feb. 14 and identified Tedford through store footage. The contamination, which occurred on Feb. 10, caused over $1,500 in losses. Detectives found additional videos suggesting similar incidents dating … Continue reading Woman arrested after videos show her urinating on store food products, prompting recalls

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U.S. News

Thieves fake seizure to steal puppies from Colorado pet store

A Colorado pet store, Perfect Pets, was hit by its second puppy theft this month when thieves staged a medical emergency to steal two English bulldog puppies worth $4,299 each. One suspect faked a seizure, distracting employees while another grabbed the puppies. A struggle ensued, but the thief escaped with an accomplice in a gold Cadillac Escalade. Police arrested 37-year-old Timothy Dais for theft and … Continue reading Thieves fake seizure to steal puppies from Colorado pet store

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World News

3 American women found dead at beach resort in Belize

Three American women from Revere, Massachusetts, were found dead at a luxury beach resort in Belize, with authorities investigating possible drug overdoses. The women, aged 23 to 26, were last seen entering their rooms Thursday night. When they failed to respond, resort staff entered their room Saturday morning and found them motionless, with froth on their mouths. Police discovered alcohol and gummies but have not … Continue reading 3 American women found dead at beach resort in Belize

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World News

Highway overpass collapses, killing at least four construction workers in South Korea

A highway overpass under construction collapsed in Cheonan, South Korea, killing four workers, including two Chinese nationals, and injuring six others. Five of the injured are in serious condition. Dashcam footage captured the sudden collapse, but no passenger cars were in the area, CNN has reported. Authorities have mobilized rescue efforts, with Acting Interior Minister Koh Ki-dong ordering all available resources to be deployed. Written … Continue reading Highway overpass collapses, killing at least four construction workers in South Korea

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World News

American woman detained in Paris after newborn baby fatally thrown from window

A U.S. woman was detained in Paris after allegedly throwing her newborn from a hotel window in the 20th arrondissement. The baby received emergency care but did not survive. Authorities are investigating it as a homicide of a minor under 15, with the Child Protection Brigade leading the case. Officials suggest it may involve pregnancy denial, where a mother is unaware of or unable to … Continue reading American woman detained in Paris after newborn baby fatally thrown from window

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World News

Taiwan coast guard detains Chinese-crewed vessel suspected of cutting undersea cable

Taiwan’s coast guard detained the Chinese crew of a Togolese-registered vessel suspected of cutting an undersea fiber optic cable linking Taiwan and Penghu. The ship, Hong Tai 168, had been loitering near the cable before the cut was confirmed. Taiwan diverted communications to other cables, avoiding service disruption. Officials classify the incident as potential “gray zone” activity by China. The event follows tensions over the U.S. … Continue reading Taiwan coast guard detains Chinese-crewed vessel suspected of cutting undersea cable

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World News

Iran on ‘high alert’ amid fears of attack on nuclear sites

Iran has placed its defense systems around nuclear sites on high alert amid fears of an Israeli and U.S. attack, deploying additional air defense launchers. U.S. intelligence has warned that Israel may strike Iran’s nuclear facilities this year, intensifying Iranian preparations. Iran, weakened by past Israeli strikes, is fortifying sites and pressuring Russia for S-400 missile systems. IRGC aerospace commander General Amir Ali Hajizadeh announced … Continue reading Iran on ‘high alert’ amid fears of attack on nuclear sites

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Space

Space mission aims to map water on surface of the moon

Space engineers are preparing to launch the Lunar Trailblazer mission, a two-year project to map water on the moon’s surface. The probe, scheduled for launch on Thursday from Florida on a SpaceX Falcon rocket, will use advanced instruments to locate and analyze lunar water. While the moon was once thought to be dry, recent discoveries suggest water, mainly in ice form, exists in permanently shadowed … Continue reading Space mission aims to map water on surface of the moon

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Technology

Orlando could soon resemble ‘The Jetsons’ with flying cars from airport as soon as 2028

Orlando International Airport is moving toward a future with flying cars, seeking partners to develop a vertiport, a landing pad for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The airport aims to complete the project by 2028, with potential locations in the East Airfield or near the train station. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer envisions the airport becoming a multimodal hub, with flying cars and other … Continue reading Orlando could soon resemble ‘The Jetsons’ with flying cars from airport as soon as 2028

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Business

Elon Musk to be let inside Fort Knox depository to inspect gold reserves

President Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk will inspect Fort Knox, the U.S. gold reserve depository, to ensure the gold is still present. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that an annual audit is conducted, and all gold is accounted for. Fort Knox, which has stored U.S. gold since 1937, also serves as the Army’s human resources command center and hosts its largest annual training event, … Continue reading Elon Musk to be let inside Fort Knox depository to inspect gold reserves

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Politics

Zelenskyy says he would ‘quit for peace’ as he refuses US demand for Ukraine minerals

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected U.S. pressure to sign a $500bn minerals deal, stating that the sum was far higher than the U.S.’s actual military contribution of $100bn. He criticized the financial terms, including the demand for Ukraine to repay $2 for every $1 of military aid, which was not applied to other countries like Israel or Saudi Arabia. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s … Continue reading Zelenskyy says he would ‘quit for peace’ as he refuses US demand for Ukraine minerals

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