Author: bcbegley

U.S. News

FBI director casts doubt on whether Trump was struck by bullet

FBI Director Christopher Wray questioned whether Donald Trump was hit by a bullet or shrapnel during the assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Speaking to Congress, Wray addressed security failures that allowed gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks to kill firefighter Corey Comperatore and injure two others, including Trump. Trump described the incident, recalling the sound of bullets and insisting he was grazed by one. Initial reports … Continue reading FBI director casts doubt on whether Trump was struck by bullet

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World News

Streets turn into rivers as Typhoon Gaemi sweeps over Philippines

Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines, causing flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous areas as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon. In the densely populated capital, rescuers were deployed to evacuate residents from low-lying homes as streets turned into rivers. People used small boats and shopping trolleys to navigate thigh-deep water. Government offices were shut, classes suspended, and over 70 flights canceled. Peachy de … Continue reading Streets turn into rivers as Typhoon Gaemi sweeps over Philippines

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World News

Plane crash at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport kills 18; captain survives

A small passenger plane belonging to Nepal’s Saurya Airlines crashed and caught fire while taking off from Kathmandu on Wednesday, killing 18 people and leaving one survivor, the captain, who is receiving treatment at a hospital. The CRJ-200 aircraft, carrying 17 technicians and two crew members, was heading for maintenance at Nepal’s new Pokhara airport. Among the deceased were 18 Nepali citizens and one Yemeni … Continue reading Plane crash at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport kills 18; captain survives

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World News

Death toll reaches 6 in Mexican tequila distillery blast

Rescue teams discovered another body at a Jose Cuervo tequila distillery in Mexico on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to six following an explosion and fire the previous day. Two workers were injured. The local civil defense reported that the latest body was found in a waste area where large containers had collapsed. The explosion occurred during maintenance work, as stated by the company on … Continue reading Death toll reaches 6 in Mexican tequila distillery blast

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World News

New Zealand inquiry finds 200,000 children and vulnerable adults abused in care

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologized and promised reforms after a public inquiry revealed that around 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over the past 70 years. The report, covering 1950 to 2019, found that nearly one in three individuals in care experienced some form of abuse, potentially leading to billions in compensation claims. Luxon expressed … Continue reading New Zealand inquiry finds 200,000 children and vulnerable adults abused in care

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World News

US, Canada jets intercept China, Russia planes near Alaska

American and Canadian warplanes intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers in international airspace near Alaska on Wednesday, according to the joint US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD reported detecting, tracking, and intercepting two Russian TU-95 and two Chinese H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. This zone is an area where air traffic is monitored beyond national airspace … Continue reading US, Canada jets intercept China, Russia planes near Alaska

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Archaeology

First-of-Its-Kind Prehistoric Artifact Found Below Sea, Experts ‘Stunned’

A “unique” Bronze Age artifact has been discovered off southern Norway, stunning archaeologists. The well-preserved bronze ax, dating to around 1300-1100 B.C., is the first prehistoric metal artifact found in Norwegian waters. Found at a depth of about 40 feet in the Tromøysund strait near Arendal, this socketed ax is the oldest metal artifact discovered underwater in Norway. Its origin is uncertain, but it may … Continue reading First-of-Its-Kind Prehistoric Artifact Found Below Sea, Experts ‘Stunned’

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Space

Signs of life could survive on solar system moons Enceladus and Europa

Scientists believe that if life exists on Saturn’s moon Enceladus or Jupiter’s moon Europa, detectable trace molecules might survive just beneath their icy surfaces. Both moons are thought to have vast liquid oceans that could harbor life, potentially containing complex organic molecules like amino acids and nucleic acids—key indicators of life. Although harsh solar radiation could destroy these molecules at the surface, new research suggests … Continue reading Signs of life could survive on solar system moons Enceladus and Europa

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Space

Chinese lunar probe finds water in moon samples

A study in Nature Astronomy reveals that China’s Chang’e-5 lunar probe detected trace amounts of water in moon soil samples. These findings, from a higher lunar latitude, suggest water may persist on the moon as hydrated salts. The Chang’e-5 mission, which returned to Earth in 2020, was the first lunar sample collection in 40 years, following the Chang’e-4’s 2019 landing on the far side of the moon, … Continue reading Chinese lunar probe finds water in moon samples

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Space

China wants 50 countries involved in its ILRS moon base

China is seeking collaboration with 50 countries for its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program, aiming to build a lunar base at the south pole. Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, announced that China is open to international partners from both emerging and established nations. This initiative follows NASA’s recent cancellation of its VIPER lunar rover mission, which was intended to search … Continue reading China wants 50 countries involved in its ILRS moon base

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Technology

Physicists Just Created an Element Using a Particle Beam

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have successfully created livermorium (element 116) using a titanium particle beam for the first time. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to reaching the “island of stability,” a theoretical point where superheavy elements might be more stable and easier to study. Reiner Kruecken, director of nuclear science at the lab, noted that while producing element 120 will be more challenging, … Continue reading Physicists Just Created an Element Using a Particle Beam

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Technology

Robot umpire challenge system could be tested next spring training

Major League Baseball (MLB) is considering testing robot umpires in spring training next year, with a potential full rollout in the 2026 season. The automated ball-strike system (ABS) has been in use in minor leagues since 2019, but MLB is still refining the strike zone parameters. Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that spring training in 2024 could be used to trial the technology, with a 2026 … Continue reading Robot umpire challenge system could be tested next spring training

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Technology

Vayu unveils ‘first-of-its-kind’ LiDAR-free delivery robot

Robotics and AI specialist Vayu has introduced its new autonomous delivery robot, the One, which can navigate stores and streets at speeds of up to 20 mph. The company has also secured its first major order for the robots. Founded by former Velodyne, Apple, and Lyft professionals, Vayu focuses on advanced AI technology for autonomous deliveries, Electrek has reported. The company, which has raised $12.7 … Continue reading Vayu unveils ‘first-of-its-kind’ LiDAR-free delivery robot

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Business

4 in 10 Americans worry about paying bills in numbers surpassing Great Recession era

A new CNN poll shows nearly 40% of American adults are worried about managing their bills, amid record household debt of $17.69 trillion. Rising prices on essentials like groceries, clothing, and insurance are exacerbating financial strain. This level of concern matches the anxiety felt during the 2008 Great Recession. Bankrate’s Greg McBride notes that while inflation is slowing, it continues to impact household budgets significantly, … Continue reading 4 in 10 Americans worry about paying bills in numbers surpassing Great Recession era

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Business

U.S. Home Prices Hit Record in June for Second Consecutive Month

In June, home prices reached a record high of $426,900, marking a 4.1% increase from the previous year. This peak occurred amid a persistent housing slump characterized by reduced buyer activity. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell for the fourth consecutive month, declining 5.4% from May to an annualized rate of 3.89 million. This drop in sales also represented a 5.4% decrease compared to … Continue reading U.S. Home Prices Hit Record in June for Second Consecutive Month

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Business

South Florida woman pleads guilty to $190.7 million Ponzi scheme

Johanna Michely Garcia, 41, from Broward County, faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to leading a $190.7 million Ponzi scheme. Garcia, the former CEO of MJ Capital Funding, LLC, admitted to conspiracy charges involving mail and wire fraud. Her scheme, which defrauded investors by soliciting funds for merchant cash advances, ran from October 2020 to August 2021. The FBI shut down … Continue reading South Florida woman pleads guilty to $190.7 million Ponzi scheme

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Politics

Menendez to resign from Senate next month

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) will resign from the Senate effective August 20, following his conviction last week on bribery charges. The Senate received his resignation letter on Tuesday, which was entered into the record. Menendez faces potential decades in prison for accepting bribes and other federal charges. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin indicated that Menendez is unlikely to attend sessions or receive classified … Continue reading Menendez to resign from Senate next month

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Politics

Lula raises alarm over Maduro’s ‘bloodbath’ warning to Venezuela

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has urged Venezuela’s government to respect the results of the upcoming election, expressing concern over Nicolás Maduro’s warnings of a “bloodbath” if he loses. Maduro, who is seeking a third term, is trailing in polls against opposition candidate Edmundo González. Lula, who has historically avoided criticizing Maduro, emphasized the need for a fair electoral process and announced that … Continue reading Lula raises alarm over Maduro’s ‘bloodbath’ warning to Venezuela

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Politics

Bipartisan commission to study Trump assassination attempt teed up for House vote

The House of Representatives is set to vote this week on a bipartisan commission to investigate the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The proposed panel, consisting of five Democrats and six Republicans, aims to examine the incident, where a 20-year-old gunman killed one person and injured two others, with Trump being shot in the ear. The … Continue reading Bipartisan commission to study Trump assassination attempt teed up for House vote

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Politics

Harris earns $231M in donations on first day of presidential campaign

Vice President Kamala Harris raised a record $231 million in the first 24 hours of her presidential campaign, with $81 million from small donors and $150 million from major contributors. This impressive fundraising effort follows President Biden’s endorsement of Harris as his successor. The campaign saw a surge of enthusiasm, including a reported $11 million raised in just one hour on Sunday. Future Forward, a … Continue reading Harris earns $231M in donations on first day of presidential campaign

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Politics

Biden to Address Nation in Prime Time Wednesday

President Joe Biden will deliver a prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET to announce his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. In his address, Biden plans to explain his withdrawal and discuss his priorities for the remainder of his term. He announced his exit from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Biden, who … Continue reading Biden to Address Nation in Prime Time Wednesday

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U.S. News

220,000 Fentanyl Pills Discovered in Colorado After High-Speed Chase

Police in western Colorado seized 48 pounds (about 220,000 pills) of fentanyl following a high-speed chase on Friday. The incident began around 6:20 a.m. near Fruita when a Mesa County Sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop, and the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Levyn Angulo-Ayala, fled. The chase was initially halted for safety reasons but resumed when a Colorado State Patrol trooper deployed stop sticks … Continue reading 220,000 Fentanyl Pills Discovered in Colorado After High-Speed Chase

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U.S. News

Man Fatally Shot Three-Year-Old During Chicago Road Rage Incident

Murder charges have been approved for 32-year-old Govanni Hernandez in the fatal shooting of three-year-old Mateo Zastro during a road rage incident in Chicago on September 30, 2022. Hernandez faces two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Authorities used DNA evidence, witness testimony, and investigative work to arrest him. Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti commended the detectives for their efforts. … Continue reading Man Fatally Shot Three-Year-Old During Chicago Road Rage Incident

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U.S. News

Former Philadelphia police officer sentenced to at least 8 years in shooting death of a 12-year-old boy

Former Philadelphia police officer Edsaul Mendoza, who pleaded guilty to third-degree murder for the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Thomas “T.J.” Siderio, was sentenced to 8 to 20 years in prison. Mendoza, who was fired shortly after the 2022 incident, expressed sorrow and regret before sentencing. Initially charged with first- and third-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, he accepted a plea deal in April. Prosecutors revealed that … Continue reading Former Philadelphia police officer sentenced to at least 8 years in shooting death of a 12-year-old boy

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U.S. News

California wildfire that caused millions in damage was started by fireworks, officials say

Illegal fireworks ignited the Hawarden Fire in Riverside, California, causing significant destruction and financial loss. Starting on Sunday, the blaze reached 527 acres by Monday night, destroying six homes and damaging seven others, amounting to $11 million in damages and response costs. One firefighter and one civilian sustained minor injuries. Authorities are searching for suspects seen fleeing the scene and have identified a vehicle of … Continue reading California wildfire that caused millions in damage was started by fireworks, officials say

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