Author: bcbegley

World News

‘Night riding army’ snarls traffic on viral quest for soup dumplings in China

A group of university students in China began cycling from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng to taste famous soup dumplings, sparking a viral trend on social media. Thousands joined the 40-mile night ride, attracted by the slogan “Youth is priceless,” seeking both fun and a low-cost way to socialize. However, as the trend grew, it caused traffic jams, leading authorities to restrict bike access on main roads, … Continue reading ‘Night riding army’ snarls traffic on viral quest for soup dumplings in China

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World News

Gunmen open fire in a bar in central Mexico killing 10 and injuring 13

Gunmen opened fire in a bar in Querétaro, central Mexico, killing 10 people and injuring 13, with two in critical condition. The attack occurred Saturday in the city’s historic center, a region previously less affected by violence. Authorities, led by Querétaro’s public security head Juan Luis Ferrusca Ortiz, confirmed the casualties and reported at least one arrest, the Associated Press has reported. Security footage shows … Continue reading Gunmen open fire in a bar in central Mexico killing 10 and injuring 13

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World News

First emperor penguin known to reach Australia found on tourist beach

An emperor penguin, found malnourished and far from Antarctica on a beach in Denmark, Western Australia, is being cared for by seabird rehabilitator Carol Biddulph, with guidance from a local wildlife expert. This is the first recorded sighting of an emperor penguin in Australia. The penguin, initially weighing only 23 kilograms, is receiving chilled water mist to cope with the warmer climate, the Associated Press … Continue reading First emperor penguin known to reach Australia found on tourist beach

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World News

Spirit flight forced to divert after being shot at while trying to land

A Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic after being struck by gunfire from gangs in Haiti. A flight attendant was grazed by a bullet, but no passengers were harmed. Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince has grounded flights, and major U.S. airlines have canceled upcoming flights to Haiti. Haiti faces escalating gang violence, recently impacting … Continue reading Spirit flight forced to divert after being shot at while trying to land

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World News

Russia amasses 50,000 soldiers including North Korean troops in Kursk ahead of counteroffensive

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly amassed 40,000 Russian troops and 10,000 North Korean soldiers to launch an attack on Ukraine-controlled Kursk, aiming to reclaim the region. The North Koreans, trained by Russian forces, are equipped and fighting in separate units. Ukrainian officials report that up to 40 North Korean soldiers have already died in clashes, with one injured soldier accusing Russia of sending them … Continue reading Russia amasses 50,000 soldiers including North Korean troops in Kursk ahead of counteroffensive

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Archaeology

Excavations in Haldensleben, Germany Reveal A Lost Settlement

Archaeological excavations in Haldensleben, Germany, since May 2024, have uncovered significant findings from the Bronze, Iron, and Middle Ages. The site, near a 11th-century castle complex, revealed evidence of early settlement dating back to the Bronze Age (circa 2200–750 BC), including ceramics, animal bones, and an intact vessel in a well. Notable discoveries include loom remains from the 11th and 12th centuries, suggesting textile production, … Continue reading Excavations in Haldensleben, Germany Reveal A Lost Settlement

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Space

Astronomers discover ‘interstellar tunnel’ in our galaxy

Astronomers have discovered an “interstellar tunnel” in our solar neighborhood, part of the Local Hot Bubble (LHB), an enormous structure of hot gas surrounding our solar system. A new study, using data from the eROSITA x-ray telescope, revealed the tunnel, which could connect to a nearby larger bubble. The LHB, first proposed over 50 years ago, was thought to be created by supernovas that blew … Continue reading Astronomers discover ‘interstellar tunnel’ in our galaxy

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Space

Astronomers Discover Zombie Star Spinning at 716 Times a Second

Astronomers have discovered an extremely fast-spinning neutron star, 26,000 light-years away, that releases bursts of energy as powerful as atomic bombs. Using NASA’s NICER telescope, they observed the neutron star, which completes 716 rotations per second, pulling material from its companion white dwarf star. This interaction causes powerful thermonuclear bursts, making the neutron star up to 100,000 times brighter than the Sun. The star system, … Continue reading Astronomers Discover Zombie Star Spinning at 716 Times a Second

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Space

NASA extends ISS cargo contracts through 2030

NASA has extended its Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) 2 contracts with Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, and SpaceX through 2030, ensuring continued cargo transportation to the International Space Station (ISS) until its planned retirement. These contracts, originally awarded in 2016, were set to expire in 2026. NASA’s decision to extend them comes after evaluating other companies but finding no viable alternatives, Space News has reported. The … Continue reading NASA extends ISS cargo contracts through 2030

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Technology

Japan’s Groundbreaking 10kW High-Power Laser Weapon Truck Enters Service with Japanese Army

On November 9, 2024, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force unveiled a groundbreaking 10kW-class high-power laser electronic warfare (EW) truck at South Korea’s 70th Anniversary Review Ceremony. Developed by Japan’s Defense Acquisition Agency, this mobile laser system is designed to counter aerial threats like drones and low-altitude missiles, offering a significant advancement in directed-energy weapon technology. The laser, mounted on an 8×8 truck chassis, provides rapid deployment, … Continue reading Japan’s Groundbreaking 10kW High-Power Laser Weapon Truck Enters Service with Japanese Army

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Technology

China develops first AI robot lifeguard to stand 24-hour watch over river

Chinese scientists have developed the first AI-powered robot lifeguard, designed to operate autonomously 24/7 without human involvement. Stationed at a riverside in Luohe city, the lifeguard system uses AI, big data, and advanced tracking technologies for continuous monitoring and early drowning detection. Equipped with over 100 optical and thermal cameras, it can detect distress signals and trigger rescues using unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). These USVs … Continue reading China develops first AI robot lifeguard to stand 24-hour watch over river

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Technology

First artwork painted by humanoid robot to sell at auction fetches $1m

A portrait of mathematician Alan Turing, created by Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, became the first artwork by a humanoid robot to be sold at auction, fetching $1.08 million at Sotheby’s in New York. The piece, titled A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing, far exceeded its expected price of $120,000 to $180,000, with 27 bids placed. Ai-Da, developed over two years by a team … Continue reading First artwork painted by humanoid robot to sell at auction fetches $1m

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Business

American Freight closing all stores amid parent company’s bankruptcy filing

American Freight, a furniture and appliance retailer, is closing all 328 of its stores nationwide as part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings by its parent company, Franchise Group Inc. The company is offering discounts up to 30% on its inventory, including furniture and appliances, as part of store closing sales managed by Hilco Consumer-Retail. Franchise Group, which also owns Pet Supplies Plus, The Vitamin Shoppe, … Continue reading American Freight closing all stores amid parent company’s bankruptcy filing

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Business

Elon Musk backs call to end the Fed after Jerome Powell says he won’t resign early

Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed support for increasing presidential control over the Federal Reserve, which could undermine its independence. Musk retweeted a post from Sen. Mike Lee suggesting the Executive Branch should oversee the Fed, citing it as a constitutional issue. Economists warn that Fed independence is crucial for credible monetary policy. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, when asked if he would resign if President-elect Trump … Continue reading Elon Musk backs call to end the Fed after Jerome Powell says he won’t resign early

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Business

Bitcoin hits $80,000, record high

Cryptocurrencies continued their rally on Sunday, with bitcoin reaching a record high of $80,000. Bitcoin was up 4.5%, trading at $79,800, while Ether rose 3% to $3,203. Smaller coins saw even bigger gains, including XRP (+11%), Cardano’s decentralized finance token (+40%), and memecoins dogecoin (+17%) and Shiba Inu (+31%). Analysts believe the pro-crypto stance of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration could drive further growth in the … Continue reading Bitcoin hits $80,000, record high

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Politics

Trump rejects Pompeo, Haley for Cabinet

President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday that he would not invite former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley to join his cabinet for his second term. In a Truth Social post, Trump expressed gratitude for their past service but highlighted the importance of loyalty in his administration. Haley, who ran against Trump in 2024, did not campaign with him, while Pompeo, who … Continue reading Trump rejects Pompeo, Haley for Cabinet

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Politics

Drop-Off in Dem Votes Ignites Conspiracy Theories on Left and Right

After President-elect Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 election, both Republicans and some Democrats raised doubts about the vote count. Republicans pointed to a sharp drop in Democratic votes compared to 2020 as evidence of fraud, while some left-leaning voices suggested millions of votes were “missing,” despite reassurances from federal agencies about the election’s security. Both sides used social media to spread … Continue reading Drop-Off in Dem Votes Ignites Conspiracy Theories on Left and Right

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Politics

US Military Leaders Strategize On How To Respond To Orders From Trump

U.S. military leaders are informally discussing how to respond if President-elect Donald Trump orders active-duty troops to handle civilians or aid in his mass deportation plans. Trump had previously suggested using the military to quell protests and target what he called “enemies from within,” including political critics like Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff. There is concern that such orders could be unlawful, with military leaders … Continue reading US Military Leaders Strategize On How To Respond To Orders From Trump

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Politics

Sotomayor Staying on Supreme Court

Despite calls from some liberal activists for Justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire before Democrats lose the opportunity to fill her seat, sources close to her say she has no plans to step down. At 70, Sotomayor remains a key member of the court’s liberal minority, often dissenting against the conservative majority. While some have suggested her retirement could benefit the liberal cause, Sotomayor is focused … Continue reading Sotomayor Staying on Supreme Court

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Politics

House Democrat Targeted in Apparent Assassination Plot

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) revealed that a convicted felon was arrested near his Florida home on Monday, found with a rifle, suppressor, body armor, and a manifesto containing antisemitic rhetoric and a list of targets, including Moskowitz. The congressman expressed concern for his family’s safety, noting that serving his constituents has put them in danger. Moskowitz, elected in 2022 and reelected this week, shared the … Continue reading House Democrat Targeted in Apparent Assassination Plot

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U.S. News

Man suspected of stabbing spree in Seattle held on $2m bail

A 37-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stabbing five people in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District on Friday, with possible involvement in four other stabbings the day before. The man, who has a lengthy criminal record, was denied bail after making his first court appearance on Saturday, facing five counts of first-degree assault. Four of the victims were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. Police recovered multiple … Continue reading Man suspected of stabbing spree in Seattle held on $2m bail

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U.S. News

N.J. wildfire grows to 2,500 acres, 0% contained yet

Wildfires continued to spread across New Jersey on Sunday, fueled by a prolonged dry spell. The largest, the Jennings Creek wildfire, had burned 2,500 acres by Sunday morning and was threatening 25 structures. It remains at 0% containment. An 18-year-old firefighter, Dariel Vasquez, died while fighting a blaze in Sterling Forest. Other wildfires, like the Cannonball 3 Wildfire in Pompton Lakes, were being contained but … Continue reading N.J. wildfire grows to 2,500 acres, 0% contained yet

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U.S. News

One person is dead and 16 are injured after a shooting at Tuskegee University

A shooting at Tuskegee University early Sunday left one person dead and 16 others injured, including several students. The 18-year-old victim was not a student, but some of the injured were. The shooting occurred at the West Commons on-campus apartments as the university’s 100th Homecoming Week was concluding. Twelve people were injured by gunfire, and four others sustained non-gunshot injuries. Authorities, including the FBI, are … Continue reading One person is dead and 16 are injured after a shooting at Tuskegee University

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U.S. News

Firefighters make progress, but Southern California wildfire rages on

Improved weather conditions helped firefighters increase containment of the Mountain Fire northwest of Los Angeles, which had destroyed over 130 structures and damaged 88 others. The fire, which started Wednesday in Ventura County, was 26% contained by Sunday morning after burning 20,640 acres. Evacuations were ordered for over 10,000 people, and around 1,000 homes remained evacuated. Firefighters faced challenges with low water pressure and power … Continue reading Firefighters make progress, but Southern California wildfire rages on

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U.S. News

FEMA worker fired for telling hurricane responders to avoid MAGA homes

A FEMA worker was fired after allegedly telling a team responding to hurricane survivors to avoid homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned the action, calling it a violation of the agency’s core values, and referred the matter to the Office of Special Counsel. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who confirmed the incident occurred in Florida, labeled the behavior as … Continue reading FEMA worker fired for telling hurricane responders to avoid MAGA homes

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