Author: bcbegley

Space

Wind Blowing Out of Uranus Makes It Hard to Probe, NASA Complains

A new study suggests that a rare solar wind event during NASA’s 1986 Voyager 2 flyby of Uranus may have skewed our understanding of the planet. Researchers found that the intense solar wind compressed Uranus’ magnetosphere, temporarily altering its shape and plasma levels. This anomaly, which occurs less than 5% of the time, could mean that Voyager 2’s data doesn’t represent typical conditions on the … Continue reading Wind Blowing Out of Uranus Makes It Hard to Probe, NASA Complains

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Technology

China reveals unstoppable all-terrain robo-dog on wheels

China’s Deep Robotics has unveiled a bionic dog equipped with wheels, capable of performing impressive stunts and navigating rough terrain. The quadruped, designed to handle extreme weather, can speed down hills, jump over obstacles, and even climb stairs. It can also stand on two legs, perform backflips, and carry up to 20kg of supplies. Operating in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C, it’s waterproof and can … Continue reading China reveals unstoppable all-terrain robo-dog on wheels

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Business

GM recalls nearly 500,000 pickup trucks and SUVs

General Motors is recalling nearly 462,000 diesel-engine SUVs and pickup trucks in the U.S. due to a faulty transmission control valve that may cause rear wheel lockup, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected vehicles may experience harsh shifting, and in rare cases, the rear wheels could lock up. The recall covers 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, and Chevrolet Tahoe models. GM will … Continue reading GM recalls nearly 500,000 pickup trucks and SUVs

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Business

Inflation hit a bump in October after slowing for six straight months

Inflation rose slightly in October, with consumer prices up 0.2% for the month and 2.6% compared to a year earlier, marking the first increase since March. Housing-related inflation contributed to half of the monthly rise, while energy prices were flat. Despite this, inflation has significantly eased from its peak of 9.1% in June 2022. Economists expect continued progress, with core inflation (excluding food and energy) … Continue reading Inflation hit a bump in October after slowing for six straight months

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Business

Amazon launches an online discount storefront to better compete with Shein and Temu

Amazon has launched a low-cost online storefront, Amazon Haul, offering electronics, apparel, and other products priced under $20, mainly under $10. The storefront, designed to compete with discount retailers like Shein and Temu, offers free delivery on orders over $25, with products shipped from China and arriving within one to two weeks. The items, including unbranded goods like phone cases and dresses, are aimed at … Continue reading Amazon launches an online discount storefront to better compete with Shein and Temu

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Politics

Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to meet in Peru this weekend

President Biden will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, marking their third in-person meeting since Biden took office. This is expected to be Biden’s final meeting with Xi as president. The discussion will focus on U.S.-China cooperation over the past four years on issues like military communications, counternarcotics, and artificial intelligence. Biden also plans … Continue reading Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to meet in Peru this weekend

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Politics

House Foreign Affairs chief arrested at airport

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul was detained by police at Dulles International Airport earlier this month after mixing Ambien and alcohol. McCaul, a nervous flyer, took Ambien to sleep on his flight home to Texas but became disoriented and locked himself out of his phone, missing his flight. Police detained him, assuming he was intoxicated. McCaul took responsibility for his actions, expressing regret … Continue reading House Foreign Affairs chief arrested at airport

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Politics

Trump picks Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general

President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida as U.S. Attorney General. Gaetz, 42, has resigned from Congress, with the resignation taking effect upon floor announcement. Trump praised Gaetz for his focus on reforming the Department of Justice. Gaetz, a vocal Trump loyalist, has faced past investigations, including a DOJ sex-trafficking probe, but was not charged. His nomination is seen … Continue reading Trump picks Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general

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Politics

Trump taps Gabbard for director of national intelligence

President-elect Trump announced Wednesday that former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will serve as his Director of National Intelligence, a surprising move given her past criticism of U.S. intelligence, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. Gabbard, a former Democrat who became a Republican this year, has been accused of promoting Russian narratives, including claims about U.S. involvement in Ukrainian biological weapons. Despite this, Trump praised her as … Continue reading Trump taps Gabbard for director of national intelligence

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Politics

Thune elected Senate Majority Leader

John Thune was elected majority leader of a Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday, succeeding Mitch McConnell. Known for his friendly, traditional Midwestern persona, Thune won a tight race against Senators John Cornyn and Rick Scott, with Trump allies backing Scott. Thune’s victory came after hours of private questioning from his colleagues about how he would handle Trump’s agenda. He promised to support Trump’s Cabinet nominees and … Continue reading Thune elected Senate Majority Leader

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U.S. News

2 killed in Louisville factory explosion; one found dead hours later in the rubble

Two people died in a large explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour factory in Louisville on Tuesday afternoon. The blast caused part of the building to collapse, and emergency responders spent hours searching for victims in the rubble. Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the deaths, with the identities of the victims withheld at their families’ request. The explosion was felt miles away, damaging local homes and … Continue reading 2 killed in Louisville factory explosion; one found dead hours later in the rubble

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U.S. News

FBI raids home of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan

The FBI raided the Manhattan home of Shayne Coplan, CEO of the predictive betting site Polymarket, on Wednesday, seizing his phone. While Coplan was not arrested, the company suggested the raid was politically motivated due to the site’s user predictions favoring Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Coplan criticized the raid on social media, calling it political retaliation and arguing that the site was non-partisan. … Continue reading FBI raids home of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan

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U.S. News

New York firefighter accused of intentionally setting brush fire on Long Island

Long Island volunteer firefighter Jonathan Quiles was arrested for allegedly starting a brush fire in Medford, New York, on Tuesday, which damaged a nearby vehicle. Authorities reported about six small fires in the area that day, which were contained within six hours without injuries. Quiles, 20, faces arson and reckless endangerment charges and has pleaded not guilty. The Medford Fire Department suspended him, stating he … Continue reading New York firefighter accused of intentionally setting brush fire on Long Island

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U.S. News

Vermont man is fit to stand trial over shooting of 3 Palestinian college students

A Vermont judge has deemed Jason Eaton fit to stand trial for the November 2023 shooting of three Palestinian American students near the University of Vermont. Eaton, who pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges, allegedly shot the students without speaking, as they walked in his neighborhood wearing keffiyeh scarves and speaking in Arabic and English. Prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to classify the … Continue reading Vermont man is fit to stand trial over shooting of 3 Palestinian college students

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U.S. News

Peanut the squirrel euthanized after being taken from home tests negative for rabies

Peanut, a social media-famous squirrel seized from owner Mark Longo’s home in Pine City, NY, and later euthanized, tested negative for rabies, county officials reported. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) removed Peanut and a raccoon named Fred on Oct. 30 after complaints of illegal wildlife handling, sparking public outrage. The animals were euthanized for rabies testing after Peanut bit a DEC worker. … Continue reading Peanut the squirrel euthanized after being taken from home tests negative for rabies

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World News

Chilpancingo security chief arrested for mayor’s murder

Chilpancingo’s top security official, Germán Reyes Reyes, was arrested for allegedly murdering Mayor Alejandro Arcos Catalán on October 6, just days after Arcos took office. Reyes, an ex-army captain, denies the charge, calling himself a scapegoat and claiming political motives behind his arrest. Authorities suspect Reyes may have colluded with the Los Ardillos gang, involved in violent conflicts in Chilpancingo. The incident challenges Mexico’s practice … Continue reading Chilpancingo security chief arrested for mayor’s murder

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World News

Flights to Bali canceled after erupting volcano unleashes ash clouds

Australian airlines Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia have canceled flights to Bali due to ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s eruption on Indonesia’s Flores Island. The volcano, active since last week, has caused widespread ashfall, displaced thousands, and killed at least 10 people. Airlines cited safety concerns, and Jetstar plans additional flights if conditions improve. Indonesia, which has over 120 active volcanoes, sits on the … Continue reading Flights to Bali canceled after erupting volcano unleashes ash clouds

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World News

Spain arrests top police officer after over $21 million found at his home following record cocaine bust

Spain has arrested a top police officer, Oscar Sanchez Gil, after discovering €20 million hidden in his home’s walls, tied to Spain’s largest-ever cocaine bust. Sanchez, formerly head of the fraud and anti-money laundering division in Madrid, was arrested with his police officer partner and 15 others. Police found additional cash in his office, and the couple now face charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, … Continue reading Spain arrests top police officer after over $21 million found at his home following record cocaine bust

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World News

Russia fires dozens of missiles and drones at Ukraine’s capital

Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv, marking the first strike on the Ukrainian capital in over two months. Meanwhile, reports from the Pentagon and South Korea’s intelligence agency confirm that over 10,000 North Korean troops are actively supporting Russian forces in combat along the Kursk border region. Russia has been training these troops in artillery, drone operation, and trench warfare. The … Continue reading Russia fires dozens of missiles and drones at Ukraine’s capital

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World News

FBI arrests alleged leaker of US intelligence documents related to Israel’s attack plans against Iran

The Justice Department has charged Asif W. Rahman, a former CIA employee, for allegedly leaking classified U.S. intelligence about Israel’s military plans concerning Iran. Rahman, who held top-secret clearance, was arrested in Cambodia and will initially appear in court in Guam before a requested transfer to Virginia for trial. The leaked documents, marked for limited U.S. and “Five Eyes” allies, appeared on a Telegram channel … Continue reading FBI arrests alleged leaker of US intelligence documents related to Israel’s attack plans against Iran

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Archaeology

Sunken World War II destroyer USS Edsall found at bottom of Indian Ocean, U.S. Navy confirms

The USS Edsall, a Navy destroyer sunk by Japanese forces during World War II, has been discovered at the bottom of the Indian Ocean, over 80 years after its sinking. The Royal Australian Navy located the wreck using advanced robotic systems. The Edsall, which had taken part in numerous naval convoys, was attacked by Japanese forces on March 1, 1942, and sank with over 200 … Continue reading Sunken World War II destroyer USS Edsall found at bottom of Indian Ocean, U.S. Navy confirms

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Space

SpaceX Wants to Develop a Version of Starlink Around the Red Planet

SpaceX is proposing a Marslink satellite constellation to NASA, aiming to provide communication for future missions to Mars. The plan is based on SpaceX’s successful Starlink design, with multiple satellites in Mars’ orbit to support both ground and orbital assets. This follows SpaceX’s recent launch of its 7,000th Starlink satellite, part of a larger plan for a 42,000-satellite network. Other companies, including Blue Origin and … Continue reading SpaceX Wants to Develop a Version of Starlink Around the Red Planet

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Space

Firefly Aerospace raises $175 million

Firefly Aerospace raised $175 million in an oversubscribed Series D round led by RPM Ventures, bringing its valuation to over $2 billion. The funds will support increased production of its Alpha launch vehicle and Elytra spacecraft, and accelerate the development of new vehicles. Firefly, a leader in responsive space capabilities, gained attention with its rapid-launch demonstration of the Space Force’s Victus Nox mission in 2023. … Continue reading Firefly Aerospace raises $175 million

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Space

November’s ‘beaver moon’ marks the year’s final supermoon

The lunar calendar year ends with November’s “Beaver Moon,” marking the last supermoon of 2024, following a series that began in August. Supermoons appear larger and brighter due to the moon being closer to Earth. November’s full moon, named for beavers preparing for winter, follows other monthly names linked to nature, like the “Wolf Moon” in January and the “Snow Moon” in February. This month … Continue reading November’s ‘beaver moon’ marks the year’s final supermoon

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Technology

NASA Studies Laser Beam Welding for In-Space Manufacturing

NASA has been exploring additive manufacturing since the 1990s, progressing from 3D printing with plastics to creating rocket engines by the 2010s. Now, they are testing laser beam welding for space manufacturing, a technology not used in space since the 1973 Skylab mission. In collaboration with Ohio State University, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is simulating in-space welding under reduced gravity and vacuum conditions. This … Continue reading NASA Studies Laser Beam Welding for In-Space Manufacturing

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