Author: bcbegley

World News

Dozens injured in chairlift accident at Spanish ski resort

At least 30 people were injured, including nine seriously, in a chairlift accident at Spain’s Astún ski resort in the Pyrenees. Around 80 people remained trapped on the lift as helicopters conducted rescue operations and transported the injured to hospitals. The cause of the accident is unknown. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed shock and support for the victims and their families, CBS News has reported. … Continue reading Dozens injured in chairlift accident at Spanish ski resort

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World News

Protesters storm South Korean court after it extends President Yoon’s detention

Supporters of South Korea’s arrested president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building after his detention was extended, smashing windows and clashing with police. Yoon, the first sitting president to be arrested, faces insurrection charges following a brief December martial law declaration. Police restored order, arresting 46 protesters, while nine officers and dozens of others were injured. Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence, calling … Continue reading Protesters storm South Korean court after it extends President Yoon’s detention

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World News

At least 80 dead, several kidnapped in Colombia after failed peace talks

More than 80 people have been killed and 20 injured in Colombia’s northeast after failed peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN). The violence in the Catatumbo region, near Venezuela’s border, has forced thousands to flee, with many seeking refuge in shelters or nearby mountains. Community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven peace deal advocates were among the victims, while three involved in the talks … Continue reading At least 80 dead, several kidnapped in Colombia after failed peace talks

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World News

Hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher return to Israel after 471 days

Hamas released three hostages—Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31—on Sunday under a ceasefire deal, marking the first such release since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The women, taken from the Supernova music festival and Kibbutz Kfar Aza, were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City amid large crowds and propaganda efforts by Hamas. After 471 days in … Continue reading Hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher return to Israel after 471 days

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Archaeology

Pompeii excavation unearths private spa

A luxurious thermal bath complex has been discovered in Pompeii, believed to have been used by its owner to impress wealthy guests. Found in a home on Via di Nola in the city’s elite district, the spa features three pools: hot, lukewarm, and cold, and could accommodate up to 30 people. The complex is linked to a banquet room with frescoes depicting characters from the … Continue reading Pompeii excavation unearths private spa

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Space

NASA Tracks Asteroid 2024 PT5 During Close Earth Flyby

NASA’s Goldstone Solar System Radar is tracking asteroid 2024 PT5 as it makes its closest approach to Earth in January 2025. First discovered in August 2024, the 33-foot-wide asteroid orbits the Sun in a path similar to Earth’s, making it a temporary companion to our planet. It remains at a safe distance, five times farther than the Moon, and poses no threat. While its orbit … Continue reading NASA Tracks Asteroid 2024 PT5 During Close Earth Flyby

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Space

China launches Earth observation satellite for Pakistan

On January 16, China successfully launched the first satellite of a remote sensing constellation for Pakistan aboard a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The PRSC-EO1 satellite is the first of three optical satellites to support Pakistan’s space capabilities, aiding in land mapping, agriculture, disaster monitoring, and more. The mission also carried two Chinese satellites: DAO-1 and Blue Carbon-1. This launch … Continue reading China launches Earth observation satellite for Pakistan

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Space

Astronauts repair black hole observatory, inspect cosmic ray detector on ISS spacewalk

Astronauts Nick Hague and Suni Williams successfully completed a spacewalk on January 16 to repair the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) and inspect the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) on the International Space Station. Hague fixed a light leak in NICER, allowing it to resume X-ray observations, while Williams replaced a docking reflector. They also performed preparatory work on the AMS, which studies cosmic rays … Continue reading Astronauts repair black hole observatory, inspect cosmic ray detector on ISS spacewalk

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Technology

Robotic exoskeleton can train expert pianists to play faster

A robotic hand exoskeleton has been shown to help expert pianists improve their finger speed after just one 30-minute session. Developed by Shinichi Furuya at Sony Computer Science Laboratories in Tokyo, the exoskeleton uses motors to move each finger individually, helping pianists coordinate their movements and play faster. The device was tested on 118 skilled pianists, who saw improved finger dexterity and coordination after the … Continue reading Robotic exoskeleton can train expert pianists to play faster

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Technology

Apple suspends AI-generated news alert service after BBC complaint

Apple is suspending an AI feature that inaccurately summarized news headlines after complaints from the BBC. The feature falsely linked headlines to their logos, such as misreporting that Luigi Mangione shot himself and that Rafael Nadal came out as gay. Other errors included wrong reports about Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest. Apple announced the feature would be suspended in an upcoming software update, temporarily disabling news summaries. … Continue reading Apple suspends AI-generated news alert service after BBC complaint

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Technology

Nintendo’s new Switch 2 console to be released in 2025

Nintendo revealed the Nintendo Switch 2, its successor to the popular Switch, set for release in 2025. The new console features a larger design, with Joy-Cons now attaching to the side of the unit instead of sliding in. It will support exclusive Switch 2 games, as well as most physical and digital Switch games, though some may not be fully compatible, CNN has reported. More … Continue reading Nintendo’s new Switch 2 console to be released in 2025

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Business

Bitcoin gains as Trump reportedly plans crypto executive order

Bitcoin surged more than 4% on Friday, reaching $104,672.37, following reports that President-elect Donald Trump may soon issue an executive order making crypto a national priority. The broader crypto market rose by 3%, with exchange operators Coinbase and Robinhood gaining over 4%. The potential executive order could include creating a crypto advisory council and a national bitcoin stockpile.  Investors are optimistic that supportive policies under … Continue reading Bitcoin gains as Trump reportedly plans crypto executive order

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Business

Vanguard to pay more than $100 million to SEC over violations

Vanguard has agreed to pay over $100 million to settle charges related to improper disclosures about its target date investment funds. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) found that Vanguard failed to properly disclose the tax implications when it lowered the minimum investment requirement for its institutional target date funds in 2020. This led to redemptions that triggered taxable distributions for remaining shareholders, impacting their … Continue reading Vanguard to pay more than $100 million to SEC over violations

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Business

US accuses Walgreens of filling millions of illegitimate prescriptions, including for opioids

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit accusing Walgreens of filling millions of prescriptions, including dangerous amounts of opioids, without legitimate purpose over the last decade. The lawsuit claims Walgreens pharmacists filled prescriptions with red flags indicating they were likely unlawful and that the company pressured them to do so without verifying their validity. Walgreens is accused of violating the federal Controlled Substances Act … Continue reading US accuses Walgreens of filling millions of illegitimate prescriptions, including for opioids

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Politics

Democrats urge Garland to drop case against 2 former Trump co-defendants, release rest of special counsel report

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to drop federal charges against Donald Trump’s former co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, in the classified documents case. They believe this would allow the Justice Department to release the full report from Special Counsel Jack Smith about Trump’s alleged crimes. Nauta and de Oliveira are accused of obstructing the investigation into … Continue reading Democrats urge Garland to drop case against 2 former Trump co-defendants, release rest of special counsel report

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Politics

Trump’s Homeland Security pick pressed on domestic terrorism in hearing

Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota, is being considered to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Trump, focusing on immigration, border security, and deportations. She emphasized her alignment with Trump’s priorities, particularly securing the U.S. southern border and addressing domestic terrorism. While she voiced support for policies like the “Remain in Mexico” program, she primarily focused on immigration issues during her Senate … Continue reading Trump’s Homeland Security pick pressed on domestic terrorism in hearing

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Politics

Jon Husted, Ohio’s lieutenant governor, tapped to replace JD Vance in Senate

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted will replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Husted, 57, will serve until a special election in November 2026, when a winner will complete the remainder of Vance’s term. DeWine praised Husted’s knowledge of Ohio and his record on economic development, including Intel’s $20 billion investment in the state. Husted, accepting the … Continue reading Jon Husted, Ohio’s lieutenant governor, tapped to replace JD Vance in Senate

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Politics

Biden Tries to Change Constitution on Way Out

President Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, asserting it was ratified by the necessary three-fourths of states. Legal experts, including Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Turley, criticized this move as “cynical and irrelevant,” arguing that Biden lacks constitutional authority in the amendment process and that the ERA missed its ratification deadline set by Congress. The ERA, aimed … Continue reading Biden Tries to Change Constitution on Way Out

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Politics

Trump’s inauguration to be moved indoors

President-elect Donald Trump announced that his inauguration on Monday will be held indoors due to freezing temperatures expected in Washington, D.C. The swearing-in ceremony and address will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda, and the public viewing will occur at Capital One Arena. Due to this change, most ticketed guests will not be able to attend in person, although those with tickets for the Presidential … Continue reading Trump’s inauguration to be moved indoors

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U.S. News

Louisiana State Police engaged in pattern of excessive force for years, scathing DOJ report finds

A U.S. Justice Department report released Thursday accuses Louisiana State Police (LSP) of a pattern of excessive force during arrests and vehicle pursuits, posing a serious public risk. The civil rights inquiry, launched after an AP investigation, highlights concerns about the use of stun guns, especially on restrained individuals or those not posing a threat. The report details systemic failures, chronic underreporting of force, and … Continue reading Louisiana State Police engaged in pattern of excessive force for years, scathing DOJ report finds

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U.S. News

Washington man rescued nearly 24 hours after going missing on Oregon’s Mount Hood

Brendan Davis, a 26-year-old from Washington state, was found safe after going missing while climbing Mount Hood in Oregon. Davis became separated from his friend in foggy conditions after summiting the mountain. Rescue teams located him through his voice nearly 24 hours later, around 2:45 p.m. Pacific Time, and he was in good condition despite spending the night on the mountain. Davis was able to … Continue reading Washington man rescued nearly 24 hours after going missing on Oregon’s Mount Hood

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U.S. News

2 missing Ohio children found in Iceland

Two missing children from Ohio, ages 8 and 9, were found in Iceland after a months-long search, the U.S. Marshals Service announced. The children were reported missing in October after their mother, 34, stopped taking her medication and left their home. The search tracked them from Colorado to London, Jersey, and finally to Reykjavik, Iceland, where police located them on Jan. 10. Icelandic social services … Continue reading 2 missing Ohio children found in Iceland

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U.S. News

Fire at one of the world’s largest battery plants in California forces evacuations

A massive fire at the Moss Landing battery storage plant in Northern California prompted the evacuation of 1,700 people and the closure of a major highway. The blaze, which began Thursday, has significantly diminished, but fire crews are letting it burn out due to the difficulty of extinguishing lithium battery fires. Residents raised concerns about air quality, and local schools were closed. The plant, owned … Continue reading Fire at one of the world’s largest battery plants in California forces evacuations

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U.S. News

Recalled Oakland mayor indicted on federal corruption charges

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, recalled by voters in November, has been indicted on federal corruption charges alongside her boyfriend, Andre Jones, and waste company executives David and Andy Duong. Thao allegedly accepted bribes from the Duongs, including payments disguised as a no-show job for Jones and funding for a $75,000 campaign against her political rivals, in exchange for extending city contracts and using her … Continue reading Recalled Oakland mayor indicted on federal corruption charges

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World News

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan recovering after knife pulled from spine following burglary stabbing attack

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, 54, was stabbed multiple times by an intruder at his Mumbai home but is now recovering after surgery, doctors confirmed. Khan sustained injuries to his spine, neck, and hand, with surgeons removing a knife lodged in his spinal cord and repairing other wounds. The attack occurred during an attempted robbery, and police are searching for the suspect, CBS News has … Continue reading Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan recovering after knife pulled from spine following burglary stabbing attack

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