Author: bcbegley

Space

NASA delays first crewed flight to the moon in over 50 years

NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon, has faced further delays. A planned moon landing in 2026 will now occur no earlier than mid-2027, and a mission to fly astronauts around the moon, originally scheduled for 2025, is now set for April 2026. These delays are partly due to issues with the Orion crew capsule’s heat shield, which experienced unexpected damage … Continue reading NASA delays first crewed flight to the moon in over 50 years

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Technology

Google Says AI Weather Model Masters 15-day Forecast

A new AI-based weather model, GenCast, developed by Google DeepMind, delivers 15-day forecasts with unmatched accuracy and speed. In tests on 1,320 real-world scenarios, GenCast outperformed the global benchmark, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), in over 97% of cases. Trained on 40 years of data, GenCast can produce forecasts in just eight minutes, compared to the current model’s hours, Barron’s has reported. … Continue reading Google Says AI Weather Model Masters 15-day Forecast

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Technology

Pope Francis receives first all-electric popemobile from Mercedes

Pope Francis received the first-ever all-electric popemobile from Mercedes-Benz, marking a historic moment in papal transportation. The vehicle, a modified G-class SUV in pearl-white, was tailored to the pope’s needs with features like low-speed adaptation, a heated and elevated seat, and a grab bar for stability. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius personally delivered the popemobile at the Vatican, emphasizing the honor of creating this one-of-a-kind vehicle, … Continue reading Pope Francis receives first all-electric popemobile from Mercedes

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Business

Bitcoin surges above $100,000 for the first time

Bitcoin surged to $100,000 for the first time on Wednesday, hitting a new record after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Paul Atkins, a crypto advocate, to lead the SEC. Atkins is expected to regulate cryptocurrency with a more lenient approach than current SEC chair Gary Gensler, who has been critical of the industry. Bitcoin’s rise is part of a broader post-election rally, with the cryptocurrency up … Continue reading Bitcoin surges above $100,000 for the first time

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Business

Chi-Chi’s Mexican restaurants to return after 20-year absence

Chi-Chi’s, the popular Mexican restaurant chain that closed in 2004, is making a comeback in 2025. Hormel Foods, which owns the Chi-Chi’s trademark, has partnered with Michael McDermott, son of one of the original founders, to reopen the chain. The first two stores will open in Minnesota, with plans for further expansion on the Midwest and East Coast. Chi-Chi’s, founded in 1975, closed after a … Continue reading Chi-Chi’s Mexican restaurants to return after 20-year absence

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Business

Lilly invests $3 billion to expand Wisconsin plant as obesity drug demand soars

Eli Lilly announced a $3 billion investment to expand its Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin manufacturing plant, which it acquired earlier this year. The expansion will increase production of its weight-loss drug Zepbound, diabetes treatments, and other medicines. This investment, Lilly’s largest outside Indiana, aims to meet soaring demand for drugs like Zepbound and Mounjaro, which faced shortages earlier this year. Lilly has committed over $23 billion … Continue reading Lilly invests $3 billion to expand Wisconsin plant as obesity drug demand soars

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Politics

Senior UK commander warns of ‘Third nuclear age’

Admiral Tony Radakin, head of Britain’s armed forces, warned that the world is on the brink of a “third nuclear age” marked by complex challenges and weakened safeguards. In a speech, he highlighted growing threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, alongside increasing cyber-attacks and disinformation. Radakin emphasized the need for Britain to adapt its military strategies, including maintaining its nuclear deterrent, to address … Continue reading Senior UK commander warns of ‘Third nuclear age’

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Politics

Mexico wants a deal with Trump to avoid receiving non-Mexican deportees

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed hopes of reaching a deal with President-elect Donald Trump to limit the number of third-country deportees Mexico could receive from the U.S., a similar agreement already in place with the Biden administration. Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico’s main focus is to assist Mexican nationals but is preparing for potential mass deportations. She mentioned coordinating with governors of Mexican border states to … Continue reading Mexico wants a deal with Trump to avoid receiving non-Mexican deportees

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Politics

Judge Labour on six targets, Starmer says in major speech

In a major speech, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled six key targets for his government, focusing on the economy, housing, healthcare, policing, education, and green energy. His plan aims to raise living standards, build 1.5 million homes, reduce NHS waiting times, recruit 13,000 new police officers, improve early childhood education, and achieve at least 95% clean energy by 2030. However, the plan faced … Continue reading Judge Labour on six targets, Starmer says in major speech

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Politics

Emmanuel Macron vows to name new French PM within days

French President Emmanuel Macron announced he will appoint a new prime minister following Michel Barnier’s resignation after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The vote, the first in over 60 years, came after Barnier used special powers to pass his budget without a vote. Macron rejected calls for his own resignation, pledging to serve until 2027. He criticized the far-right and left for collaborating in an … Continue reading Emmanuel Macron vows to name new French PM within days

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Politics

Biden team reportedly considering preemptive pardons for Fauci, Schiff, other Trump ‘targets’

The White House is reportedly considering preemptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, Sen.-elect Adam Schiff, and former Rep. Liz Cheney. Discussions, led by White House counsel Ed Siskel, include concerns about potential investigations or indictments under the incoming Trump administration. Schiff expressed opposition to the idea, suggesting it could appear defensive. The consideration of pardons was driven by concerns over Trump’s appointment of Kash Patel … Continue reading Biden team reportedly considering preemptive pardons for Fauci, Schiff, other Trump ‘targets’

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U.S. News

Baby discovered in back seat after high-speed chase in New York and fatal shooting

A baby survived a high-speed police chase in New York City on Thursday, which ended with a passenger fatally shot by officers and the driver wounded. Police were unaware of the infant’s presence until after they stopped the car and opened fire. The situation began when officers followed a car linked to a shots-fired report in Brooklyn. The car ran several red lights before stopping … Continue reading Baby discovered in back seat after high-speed chase in New York and fatal shooting

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U.S. News

Proud Boys leader balks at answering a prosecutor’s questions about Capitol attack

Enrique Tarrio, former Proud Boys leader, testified on Thursday at the trial of retired police Lt. Shane Lamond, accused of leaking confidential information to him. Tarrio, who is serving a 22-year sentence for his role in the Capitol riot, initially refused to answer questions about January 6, prompting a federal judge to warn him he could face contempt charges. Despite complaints that the prosecutor had … Continue reading Proud Boys leader balks at answering a prosecutor’s questions about Capitol attack

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U.S. News

Two children wounded and gunman dead in California school shooting

A gunman in Oroville, California, shot and critically injured two young children at a Seventh-Day Adventist-affiliated school before fatally shooting himself. The attack, believed to be motivated by the war in Gaza, occurred during a staged meeting about student enrollment. The gunman, 56-year-old Glenn Litton, left a note citing his actions as a response to U.S. involvement in global conflicts. Authorities described the shooting as … Continue reading Two children wounded and gunman dead in California school shooting

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U.S. News

Tsunami warning canceled after massive 7.0 earthquake rattles Northern California

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Humboldt County, California, prompting a brief tsunami warning for Northern California and Southern Oregon. The alert, affecting over 5.3 million people, was canceled within an hour. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern about potential damage in Northern California and signed a state emergency declaration to provide resources as needed, Yahoo News has reported. No specific damage was … Continue reading Tsunami warning canceled after massive 7.0 earthquake rattles Northern California

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U.S. News

Words are found on shell casings where UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot dead

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot in a targeted attack outside the New York Hilton Midtown. Shell casings at the scene bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” The masked gunman, still at large, approached Thompson from behind and fired multiple shots before fleeing. Thompson, en route to speak at an investor conference, had received prior threats but did not travel with security. … Continue reading Words are found on shell casings where UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot dead

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World News

Cuba restores power grid but planned outages to resume amid energy crisis

Cuba’s national electricity grid has been restored after a nationwide blackout, but power generation remains insufficient to meet demand. The blackout, the third in two months, was triggered by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, overwhelming the country’s aging, oil-fired power system. With half of its facilities offline and reduced oil imports, Cuba faces daily five-hour rolling blackouts. Recent hurricanes and fuel shortages … Continue reading Cuba restores power grid but planned outages to resume amid energy crisis

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World News

Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in Europe for the first time

Researchers in Spain are urgently searching for the nest of southern giant hornets, a species found in Europe for the first time. Known for destroying beehives in hours, these “murder hornets” were spotted twice in Asturias province, with the first sighting in 2022. Likely introduced via cargo ships, their presence threatens native ecosystems and pollination-dependent crops. The hornets, which nest underground, are difficult to locate. … Continue reading Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in Europe for the first time

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World News

Assad regime under major pressure as Islamist rebels seize more territory

Anti-Assad rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured the strategic city of Hama, marking a significant turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war. The U.S., while acknowledging the destabilizing effects, denied involvement and called for de-escalation. HTS, designated a terrorist group, has spearheaded recent advances and warned Iran-backed militias to stay out of the conflict. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are countering an … Continue reading Assad regime under major pressure as Islamist rebels seize more territory

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World News

Canada man jumps on polar bear to defend wife from attack

A man in Ontario’s far north leapt onto a polar bear to save his wife from an attack outside their home in Fort Severn First Nation. The bear lunged at the woman, who slipped, prompting her husband to intervene. He suffered serious injuries to his arms and legs but is expected to recover. A neighbor shot the bear, which later died in nearby woods, the … Continue reading Canada man jumps on polar bear to defend wife from attack

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World News

Italian police arrest nun over links to mafia

Italian police arrested 24 people, including a nun named Sister Anna Donelli, as part of a mafia investigation targeting the ‘Ndrangheta, one of Europe’s most powerful criminal groups. Sister Donelli is accused of acting as a go-between for the mafia and jailed members while volunteering at a prison. The operation, spanning northern and southern Italy, also led to the arrest of two politicians and the … Continue reading Italian police arrest nun over links to mafia

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Archaeology

206 priceless archaeological, heritage sites destroyed by Israel in Gaza: Palestinian official

The Israeli army has destroyed or severely damaged 206 archaeological and heritage sites in Gaza, according to Palestinian official Ismail Thawabteh. The sites, which include ancient landmarks like the Great Omari Mosque, Byzantine Church in Jabalia, and the Al-Saqqa House, span from the Phoenician and Roman eras to more recent ones, some over 400 years old. Thawabteh claims this destruction is part of a systematic … Continue reading 206 priceless archaeological, heritage sites destroyed by Israel in Gaza: Palestinian official

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Space

European twin satellites to create perfect artificial solar eclipse

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on December 4th, using the PSLV-XL rocket. Proba-3 will deploy two spacecraft, the Occulter and Coronagraph, which will fly in close formation to create artificial solar eclipses, enabling detailed study of the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. This mission will offer scientists an unprecedented view of the corona, … Continue reading European twin satellites to create perfect artificial solar eclipse

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Space

China debuted a new rocket on the nation’s path to the Moon

China’s new Long March 12 rocket successfully completed its inaugural flight on Saturday, placing two experimental satellites into orbit and testing upgraded engines for future lunar missions. The rocket, launched from the Wenchang spaceport, is designed to be a more affordable option for deploying small satellites and competing with SpaceX’s Starlink. It uses four upgraded YF-100K engines, which will also be used on the upcoming … Continue reading China debuted a new rocket on the nation’s path to the Moon

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Space

Asteroid nearly hits Earth in Siberia, with a 2nd massive asteroid passing this week

A small asteroid, C0WEPC5, was visible in northern Siberia on Tuesday as it approached Earth. The European Space Agency alerted that the 27-inch asteroid would create a visible fireball upon entry, though the impact was deemed harmless. It entered Earth’s atmosphere over Yakutia in northeastern Siberia, producing a bright fireball witnessed by locals. This marked the fourth detected asteroid strike of the year, ABC News … Continue reading Asteroid nearly hits Earth in Siberia, with a 2nd massive asteroid passing this week

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