Author: bcbegley

Technology

Foodora tests drone and robot deliveries in Sweden

Foodora Norway has partnered with Tele2 to test home deliveries using robots and drones supported by 5G and IoT technology in the Stockholm area. The trials, part of Foodora’s plan to roll out GPS-based robot deliveries across the Nordic countries by 2025 and 2026, will use the Doora robot for ground deliveries and drones for the Foodora Air project. Foodora aims to launch commercial robot … Continue reading Foodora tests drone and robot deliveries in Sweden

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Business

Apple to pay $95 million to settle claims it used Siri to eavesdrop on customers

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of using Siri to eavesdrop on users’ conversations without their consent. The lawsuit, which dates back five years, alleges that Apple secretly activated Siri on iPhones and other devices, recording conversations even when users didn’t trigger it with the phrase “Hey, Siri.” Some recordings were allegedly shared with advertisers. Apple denies wrongdoing, … Continue reading Apple to pay $95 million to settle claims it used Siri to eavesdrop on customers

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Business

Cryptocurrencies jump to start 2025

Cryptocurrencies gained at the start of 2025, with bitcoin rising 3% to $97,234.80, marking a nearly 4% gain for the year. The CoinDesk 20 index, which tracks the broader crypto market, also advanced more than 3%. Solana’s token led the gains with a 7% increase, while crypto stocks Coinbase and MicroStrategy each climbed 3.5%. Optimism surrounds the crypto industry’s outlook, with expectations of a favorable … Continue reading Cryptocurrencies jump to start 2025

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Business

Broccoli sold by Walmart in 20 U.S. states recalled over listeria risk

Walmart is recalling 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold in 20 U.S. states after a sample tested positive for listeria. The recall affects bags sourced from Braga Fresh in Soledad, California, sold in over 1,000 stores across states like California, Texas, and Michigan. The affected product has a UPC code of 6 81131 32884 5 and a lot code of BFFG327A6. Although no illnesses … Continue reading Broccoli sold by Walmart in 20 U.S. states recalled over listeria risk

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Politics

Pelosi returns to DC after hip surgery in Germany 

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, is returning to Washington after undergoing successful hip replacement surgery in Germany following a fall in Luxembourg. Pelosi had been in Luxembourg with other lawmakers for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge when she fell and was hospitalized. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent San Francisco in Congress. Her return comes ahead of Friday’s … Continue reading Pelosi returns to DC after hip surgery in Germany 

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Politics

Majority of Justin Trudeau’s caucus calls on him to quit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, facing increasing pressure from within his party, is on a ski holiday as he contemplates his future. His approval ratings are low, and many in his caucus are calling for his resignation, including 51 Liberal MPs from Ontario and the Atlantic caucus. Trudeau’s leadership is under scrutiny as Canada prepares for a potential tariff war with Donald Trump, who returns to … Continue reading Majority of Justin Trudeau’s caucus calls on him to quit

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Politics

Biden ‘discussed plans to strike Iran nuclear sites before Trump inauguration’

In the weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration, President Joe Biden reportedly discussed options for striking Iran’s nuclear sites if Tehran moved closer to building a nuclear bomb. The talks, led by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, focused on “prudent scenario planning” rather than making a final decision. Biden was briefed on the potential risks, such as Iran enriching uranium to 90% purity, which could trigger … Continue reading Biden ‘discussed plans to strike Iran nuclear sites before Trump inauguration’

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Politics

Biden Announces Liz Cheney to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

President Joe Biden will announce the recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal on Thursday, including former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, a notable critic of Donald Trump. Cheney, who co-chaired the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th riot, is being recognized for her dedication to public service and her commitment to defending the nation’s values. The White House praised her integrity and bipartisanship in serving … Continue reading Biden Announces Liz Cheney to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

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Politics

Congress on edge after surge of threats, swatting attacks against lawmakers

A surge in bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting lawmakers since the election highlights the deep political divide in the U.S., prompting calls for increased protection. Over 50 members of Congress have been victims of swatting, and some, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Jared Golden, have faced serious threats. These incidents, which include fake emergency calls and bomb threats, have stressed Capitol Hill … Continue reading Congress on edge after surge of threats, swatting attacks against lawmakers

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U.S. News

Part of Nebraska city loses power for hours after garbage truck falls in sinkhole

A large portion of downtown Omaha lost power Thursday after a garbage truck became stuck in a sinkhole, exposing utility lines. The truck was tilted in the hole, which was over 10 feet deep, near an alley entrance. Officials had previously placed a barricade to prevent vehicles from entering, but the driver moved it to pass through. As a result, the Omaha Public Power District … Continue reading Part of Nebraska city loses power for hours after garbage truck falls in sinkhole

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U.S. News

Special prosecutor appointed in death of man beaten by New York corrections officers

New York’s Attorney General Letitia James appointed Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick as a special prosecutor in the case of Robert Brooks, who died after being beaten by state corrections officers. James recused her office due to potential conflicts of interest, as some officers under investigation were represented by her office in other cases. Brooks was attacked while handcuffed at Marcy Correctional Facility, and … Continue reading Special prosecutor appointed in death of man beaten by New York corrections officers

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U.S. News

At least 10 wounded in mass shooting outside Queens nightclub

At least 10 people, mostly teenagers aged 16 to 20, were injured in a mass shooting outside the Amazura nightclub in Queens late Wednesday night. Four men fired over 30 shots into a crowd after a private event. Police are searching for a light-colored sedan linked to the shooting. None of the victims are in critical condition, and all are expected to survive, the New … Continue reading At least 10 wounded in mass shooting outside Queens nightclub

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U.S. News

Driver who killed 15 in New Orleans joined ISIS over summer

The FBI confirmed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, acted alone in the New Year’s Eve truck attack in New Orleans, reversing earlier claims of possible accomplices. Inspired by the Islamic State, Jabbar posted five videos on Facebook pledging allegiance to the group before driving a rented truck into a crowd, killing 14 people. He was fatally shot by police after the … Continue reading Driver who killed 15 in New Orleans joined ISIS over summer

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U.S. News

Bomber in Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion is Green Beret from Colorado

Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, 37, carried out a bombing outside Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel using a rented Tesla Cybertruck, leaving seven injured. Livelsberger, who was on leave from active duty in Germany, died in the explosion. Authorities suspect the blast was caused by explosives or large fireworks stored in the truck’s bed. Livelsberger, a decorated soldier with 19 years in the Army Special Forces, … Continue reading Bomber in Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion is Green Beret from Colorado

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Technology

Chinese underwater spy drone found by fishermen

A suspected Chinese submarine drone was recovered off the central Philippines by fishermen and turned over to authorities, raising concerns about national security. The yellow, torpedo-shaped device, marked “HY-119,” is believed to be an underwater navigation and reconnaissance system. While unarmed, it has capabilities for monitoring and communication. Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated in the South China Sea, with recent confrontations involving … Continue reading Chinese underwater spy drone found by fishermen

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World News

Drunken Zambian policeman freed 13 suspects to celebrate New Year

A drunken police officer in Zambia, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, freed 13 suspects from a Lusaka police station on New Year’s Eve, telling them they were “free to cross over into the new year.” The suspects, accused of assault, robbery, and burglary, are now on the run, and a manhunt is underway. Phiri reportedly seized the cell keys from a constable before fleeing the scene … Continue reading Drunken Zambian policeman freed 13 suspects to celebrate New Year

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World News

Dead infant found in Italian baby box after alarm fails to notify priest

A male infant’s body was found in a baby box at a church in Bari, southern Italy, after an alarm meant to notify the parish priest failed to trigger. The baby, believed to be about a month old, was discovered by a funeral home director who noticed the box’s door was ajar. Authorities are investigating whether the baby was already deceased when placed in the … Continue reading Dead infant found in Italian baby box after alarm fails to notify priest

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World News

Hamas police chief among 40 reported killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza

Over 40 Palestinians were killed in 15 Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, including an attack on a tent camp in the al-Mawasi “humanitarian zone,” where Gaza’s police chief and his deputy died. Israel confirmed targeting the deputy, alleging his involvement in Hamas military operations. Among the casualties were three young brothers hit by shrapnel while sleeping. Strikes also hit Khan Younis, Jabalia, and Gaza City, with … Continue reading Hamas police chief among 40 reported killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza

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World News

Virgin Australia crewmembers allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in Fiji

Fiji police are investigating allegations of theft and sexual assault involving two Virgin Australia crew members in Nadi on New Year’s Day. The incidents occurred in the city’s nightclub area, with a suspect in the sexual assault case already questioned. The crew members are assisting with the investigation before returning home, while Virgin Australia has sent support staff. Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka emphasized that … Continue reading Virgin Australia crewmembers allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in Fiji

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World News

Ukraine halts transit of Russian gas to Europe after a prewar deal expired

Ukraine has halted Russian natural gas supplies to Europe via its pipeline network after a prewar transit deal expired, citing national security concerns. This move disrupts energy supplies to EU countries, notably Austria, Slovakia, and Moldova, as they brace for winter shortages and potential power cuts. Moldova, heavily reliant on Russian gas through Ukraine, faces an energy crisis, with Transnistria already experiencing heating and hot … Continue reading Ukraine halts transit of Russian gas to Europe after a prewar deal expired

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Space

NASA Unveils New Mars Drone Design: A Larger, Enhanced Version Of Ingenuity Helicopter

NASA has revealed the successor to its Ingenuity helicopter, the “Mars Chopper,” a larger drone designed for advanced exploration on Mars. The new model features six rotors with smaller blades for increased lift and can carry up to five kilograms of scientific instruments over a distance of up to three kilometers. With a greater payload capacity, the Mars Chopper will enable detailed terrain studies in … Continue reading NASA Unveils New Mars Drone Design: A Larger, Enhanced Version Of Ingenuity Helicopter

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Space

Space debris weighing over 1,000 pounds crashes into Kenya village

Kenyan officials are investigating fragments of metal believed to be from a rocket that crashed into Mukuku village in southern Kenya on December 30. The object, a metallic ring about 8 feet in diameter and weighing 1,100 pounds, was retrieved by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) for further analysis. Preliminary assessments suggest it is a separation ring from a launch vehicle, which is typically designed … Continue reading Space debris weighing over 1,000 pounds crashes into Kenya village

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Business

Citigroup joins US lenders in exiting Net-Zero Banking Alliance

Citigroup announced on Tuesday that it is exiting the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), a group of global banks committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It follows the exits of Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs earlier this month. Financial firms have scaled back net-zero efforts to avoid alienating Republican policymakers who oppose restricting fossil fuel financing, Reuters has reported. Citigroup stated it has made progress on … Continue reading Citigroup joins US lenders in exiting Net-Zero Banking Alliance

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Business

Social Security Payments Are Going Out Early for First Three Months of 2025

In early 2025, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will be issued earlier than usual due to holidays. Instead of being made on the first of the month, payments will be sent on the last day of the previous month. For January, payments will be made on December 31. The SSA clarified that this does not mean duplicate payments. If payments are not received as expected, … Continue reading Social Security Payments Are Going Out Early for First Three Months of 2025

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Business

21 states are getting minimum wage bumps in 2025

Starting in 2025, minimum-wage workers in 21 states will see pay increases, benefiting an estimated 9.2 million workers with a total wage boost of $5.7 billion. States like California, raising its minimum wage from $16 to $16.50, are adjusting for inflation, while other areas increase wages through legislation or voter-approved measures. Despite these changes, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25, unchanged for 15 years, … Continue reading 21 states are getting minimum wage bumps in 2025

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