Author: bcbegley

Space

NASA moving ahead with Europa Clipper launch in October

NASA is preparing to clear the Europa Clipper spacecraft for launch next month after successful testing of its transistors, which confirmed they can handle the mission’s conditions. In July, concerns were raised about the transistors’ performance in Jupiter’s high-radiation environment. However, recent results suggest they will support the mission. The spacecraft is set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy during a window starting October … Continue reading NASA moving ahead with Europa Clipper launch in October

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Space

‘Strange noise’ coming from Boeing Starliner made astronaut contact mission control

On August 31, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reported a strange pulsing noise from the speakers of the Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the ISS. Mission Control described the sound as similar to a sonar ping and noted it was due to an audio configuration issue between the spacecraft and the station. NASA assured that the noise had no impact on the crew, the Starliner, or … Continue reading ‘Strange noise’ coming from Boeing Starliner made astronaut contact mission control

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Technology

Agility Robotics will produce 10,000 humanoid robots per year at its new facility

Agility Robotics will start manufacturing its new humanoid robots, Digit, at its 70,000-square-foot facility in southeast Salem by the end of the year. The company, which moved from a smaller site in Tangent due to space constraints, plans to produce up to 10,000 robots annually and employ 500 people. Digit robots, designed for repetitive tasks in warehouses, are already being tested by Amazon. Agility’s co-founder, … Continue reading Agility Robotics will produce 10,000 humanoid robots per year at its new facility

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Business

Volkswagen braces for showdown with unions after warning of possible German plant closures

Volkswagen is facing a potential conflict with trade unions as it contemplates its first-ever factory closures in Germany after nearly 90 years. The company will outline its plans to 18,000 workers in Wolfsburg on Wednesday, with possible closures in Osnabrueck and Dresden. Volkswagen is also ending its 30-year employment protection agreement to address competitiveness challenges and adapt to a tougher economic environment and new market … Continue reading Volkswagen braces for showdown with unions after warning of possible German plant closures

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Business

Bitcoin dips to $57,000 level and crypto stocks tumble to begin September trading

Bitcoin’s price dropped 10% from $64,190 to $57,800 over 10 days ending September 3, despite the S&P 500 nearing its all-time high and gold approaching its peak. The decline is attributed to recession concerns and shifting focus to U.S. monetary policy. Bitcoin’s future bullish outlook depends on anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts. In addition, the 2-year Treasury yield fell, indicating lower returns on safe assets … Continue reading Bitcoin dips to $57,000 level and crypto stocks tumble to begin September trading

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Business

Nvidia Gets DOJ Subpoena in Escalating Antitrust Probe

The U.S. Justice Department has escalated its investigation into Nvidia Corp. by issuing subpoenas to the chipmaker and other companies, seeking evidence of potential antitrust violations. The DOJ is examining whether Nvidia’s practices, such as making it difficult to switch suppliers and penalizing non-exclusive buyers, breach antitrust laws. This move follows previous inquiries and signals a step closer to formal charges. Nvidia’s stock, which has … Continue reading Nvidia Gets DOJ Subpoena in Escalating Antitrust Probe

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Politics

Raskin launches probe into closed DOJ investigation of Trump-Egypt ties

House Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, have launched an investigation into former President Trump’s alleged acceptance of $10 million from the Egyptian government during his 2016 campaign. The probe, triggered by a Washington Post report, examines whether Trump’s campaign received the funds in violation of foreign contribution laws and if allies, including then-Attorney General William Barr, obstructed the subsequent investigation. Raskin has requested documents … Continue reading Raskin launches probe into closed DOJ investigation of Trump-Egypt ties

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Politics

Trump pleads not guilty to revised election interference indictment

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty again to the charges in his federal election interference case and opted to waive his right to appear at the arraignment for a superseding indictment. The new indictment, issued following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, includes the same four charges as the original indictment. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team is prosecuting Trump for alleged efforts to … Continue reading Trump pleads not guilty to revised election interference indictment

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Politics

Venezuelan judge issues arrest warrant for opposition’s former presidential candidate

A Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for former presidential candidate Edmundo González, accusing him of conspiracy, falsifying documents, and usurpation of powers. This follows González’s failure to appear for questioning regarding the July election results, which he and opposition leader María Corina Machado claimed showed he had won, not President Nicolás Maduro. The ruling party declared Maduro the victor without publishing detailed results. … Continue reading Venezuelan judge issues arrest warrant for opposition’s former presidential candidate

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Politics

U.S. government seizes plane used by Venezuelan president, citing sanctions violations

The U.S. government has seized a Dassault Falcon 900EX jet used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing violations of sanctions and export control laws. The plane, valued at $13 million, was allegedly purchased through a shell company and smuggled out of the U.S. to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023. The aircraft was registered to San Marino and frequently used by Maduro for international … Continue reading U.S. government seizes plane used by Venezuelan president, citing sanctions violations

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Politics

Putin welcomed in Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for the first time since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him last year. The ICC seeks his arrest for the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. During his visit, Putin was greeted with a formal ceremony in Ulaanbaatar. Despite calls from Ukraine for Mongolia to arrest him, the Mongolian government has not … Continue reading Putin welcomed in Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

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U.S. News

Shooting at NYC’s West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn leaves 1 dead, 4 hurt

One person was killed and four others were injured in a shooting at New York City’s West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn on Monday. The gunman opened fire into a crowd near Eastern Parkway, killing 25-year-old Denzel A. Chan and injuring four others, including a 69-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy. The motive is under investigation, with police exploring potential gang-related links, though Chan’s … Continue reading Shooting at NYC’s West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn leaves 1 dead, 4 hurt

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U.S. News

Mountain lion attacks 5-year-old at Southern California park and is euthanized

A mountain lion attacked a 5-year-old boy at Malibu Creek State Park in Southern California over the holiday weekend. The child was playing near his family’s picnic table when the mountain lion pounced, but adults intervened, causing the animal to release him. The boy was airlifted to a hospital with significant but non-life-threatening injuries and was released the next day. The mountain lion climbed a … Continue reading Mountain lion attacks 5-year-old at Southern California park and is euthanized

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U.S. News

11-year-old boy confessed to killing former Louisiana mayor and his daughter

An 11-year-old boy is in custody after confessing to fatally shooting former Minden, Louisiana, mayor Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31. The victims were found Sunday morning in Cornelius’ home with multiple gunshot wounds, and two emptied handguns matching shell casings at the scene were recovered. The boy, a relative of Cornelius, initially gave a false account but later confessed. His … Continue reading 11-year-old boy confessed to killing former Louisiana mayor and his daughter

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U.S. News

Chicago man charged in random shooting deaths of 4 sleeping transit passengers

Rhanni S. Davis, 30, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing four passengers on a Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train early Monday. The victims, who were sleeping, were shot around 5:30 a.m. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, and the fourth died at a hospital. Two victims have been identified as Adrian Collins, 60, and Simeon … Continue reading Chicago man charged in random shooting deaths of 4 sleeping transit passengers

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U.S. News

Former aide to New York governors charged with acting as an agent of the Chinese government

Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and her husband Chris Hu have been charged with acting as agents for the Chinese government, visa fraud, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege Sun secretly worked for the Chinese government, while Hu facilitated the transfer of millions in kickbacks. Both pleaded not guilty in federal court, with their bonds … Continue reading Former aide to New York governors charged with acting as an agent of the Chinese government

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World News

At least 12 dead after boat carrying migrants sinks in the English Channel

At least 12 people, mostly women and children, died when a migrant boat capsized off northern France, with nearly 70 people on board. Rescuers saved 53 individuals, several of whom are in critical condition. The boat sank near Cap Gris-Nez, with most migrants appearing to be from Eritrea. French authorities blamed smugglers and unsafe conditions, noting that few had life jackets. The incident highlights the … Continue reading At least 12 dead after boat carrying migrants sinks in the English Channel

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World News

At least 129 killed during mass prison break attempt in DR Congo

More than 120 people were killed during an attempted mass breakout from Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, DRC, amid ongoing attacks on the country’s prisons. The incident occurred early Monday morning, involving gunfire and fires that destroyed several prison buildings. Most deaths resulted from suffocation, jostling, and gunfire. Over 12,000 inmates were held in the overcrowded facility, built for 1,500. The DRC government has launched … Continue reading At least 129 killed during mass prison break attempt in DR Congo

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World News

2 Marines Attacked by Members of Anti-American Group During Port Call in Turkey

Two off-duty Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were attacked by members of the Turkish Youth Union while on a port visit in Izmir, Turkey. The attackers forced a bag over one Marine’s head, and 15 people were arrested in connection with the incident. The Marines were evaluated at a local hospital but were unharmed and have returned to their ship, the USS Wasp, … Continue reading 2 Marines Attacked by Members of Anti-American Group During Port Call in Turkey

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World News

IDF bombs Gaza City college it says housed Hamas command center

The IDF conducted an airstrike on a Hamas command room located within a former college in Gaza City, claiming Hamas used the site to plan attacks. The military stated that measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, including precision strikes and aerial surveillance. The IDF accused Hamas of violating international law by using civilian institutions as human shields, Times of Israel has reported. In recent … Continue reading IDF bombs Gaza City college it says housed Hamas command center

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World News

Russian missile strike kills 41, wounds 180 in Ukrainian city of Poltava

Two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military academy and a nearby hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, killing over 50 people and injuring more than 200 in one of the deadliest attacks since the war began, according to Ukrainian officials. The missiles hit the Poltava Military Institute of Communication, causing parts of the building to collapse. Rescue crews saved 25 people, and a search continues for those … Continue reading Russian missile strike kills 41, wounds 180 in Ukrainian city of Poltava

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Archaeology

Human-built 5600-year-old underwater bridge found inside cave stuns scientists

A University of South Florida geology professor has uncovered a 5,600-year-old stone bridge in a submerged cave on Mallorca, revealing that humans were on the island much earlier than previously thought. The discovery challenges previous beliefs that humans bypassed Mallorca in favor of more distant islands. The bridge, found in the Genovesa Cave, includes a 25-foot-long stone path and wall leading to an underwater lake, … Continue reading Human-built 5600-year-old underwater bridge found inside cave stuns scientists

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Space

SpaceX launches back-to-back Falcon 9 rockets

SpaceX successfully launched two Falcon 9 rockets within an hour early Saturday, delivering 42 Starlink satellites into orbit and achieving back-to-back booster landings. The launches, from Florida and California, followed a recent failure where a booster landed unsuccessfully on August 28. The Florida mission, carrying 21 satellites with new “Direct to Cell” capabilities, saw its booster land on the Atlantic drone ship “Just Read The … Continue reading SpaceX launches back-to-back Falcon 9 rockets

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Space

US Space Force general urges China to report space debris as G60 satellite network launches

General Stephen Whiting, head of the US Space Command, has urged China to improve communication about space debris as its rocket launches increase. China’s efforts to expand its satellite network, including the Qianfan Constellation, have resulted in significant debris in orbit. Notably, a recent Long March 6A rocket launch created over 700 fragments, while another in November 2022 dispersed more than 530 pieces of debris. … Continue reading US Space Force general urges China to report space debris as G60 satellite network launches

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Technology

X goes offline in Brazil after Elon’s refusal to comply

X, one of the world’s most popular social networks, was blocked in Brazil on Saturday after Elon Musk refused to comply with local laws. The ban, enforced by internet providers and mobile companies, left millions of Brazilian users unable to access the platform. In response, Bluesky gained 500,000 new users in two days, including prominent Brazilian influencer Felipe Neto, The Guardian has reported. The ban … Continue reading X goes offline in Brazil after Elon’s refusal to comply

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