Author: bcbegley

Space

SpaceX Starlink satellites made 50,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers in the past 6 months

In the past six months, satellites in SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation performed nearly 50,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers, double the number from the previous half-year. According to SpaceX’s latest Semiannual Constellation Status Report, each Starlink satellite executed its thrusters an average of 14 times to avoid collisions with other satellites, spacecraft, and space debris. The constellation grew from about 5,100 to 6,200 satellites during this period. SpaceX also … Continue reading SpaceX Starlink satellites made 50,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers in the past 6 months

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Space

SpaceX Reveals Plan to Bring Down the ISS Using a Powered-Up Dragon Spacecraft

SpaceX and NASA are preparing to de-orbit the International Space Station (ISS) using an upgraded Dragon spacecraft designed for this purpose. NASA awarded SpaceX an $843 million contract to create a spacecraft capable of shifting the ISS, which weighs over 400 tons, into a controlled re-entry trajectory over an unpopulated ocean area. The ISS is scheduled for decommissioning after 2030, marking the end of its … Continue reading SpaceX Reveals Plan to Bring Down the ISS Using a Powered-Up Dragon Spacecraft

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Technology

Department of Homeland Security to use robot dogs in raids

The Department of Homeland Security plans to deploy four-legged robots, similar to Boston Dynamics’ creations, in raids on suspects. These robots, equipped with capabilities to jam networks, disable devices, and provide video and audio feedback, will act as “walking denial of service attacks” to enhance tactical operations. The robots, such as the NEO model, can disable “Internet of Things” devices like cameras, which is particularly … Continue reading Department of Homeland Security to use robot dogs in raids

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Technology

Hong Kong-backed humanoid robot maker wants to take on tech giants

Galbot, a robotics start-up from Beijing, plans to challenge major tech giants in the global humanoid robot market. Backed by the Hong Kong government, Galbot aims to use Hong Kong as a gateway to enter developed markets with high labor costs. Co-founder Yao Tengzhou shared this strategy following a partnership announcement with the Hong Kong Investment Corp. The company will face competition from established firms … Continue reading Hong Kong-backed humanoid robot maker wants to take on tech giants

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Technology

New ‘Jetsons law’ paves the way for flying cars starting August 1

Minnesota is set to enter a new era of transportation with the implementation of the “Jetsons law” on August 1. This legislation officially defines a “roadable aircraft” as a vehicle capable of both flying and driving on public highways. The law streamlines the registration process for these dual-purpose vehicles, allowing them to use tail numbers instead of traditional license plates. While on the road, these … Continue reading New ‘Jetsons law’ paves the way for flying cars starting August 1

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Business

US Department of Justice finalizes plea deal with Boeing

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed the finalized plea deal with Boeing, which involves the company pleading guilty to a felony charge of defrauding the government. Boeing will pay a $243.6 million fine and admitted to misleading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the 737 Max plane’s passenger certification. The plea deal, pending a federal judge’s approval, also requires Boeing’s board to meet … Continue reading US Department of Justice finalizes plea deal with Boeing

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Business

Renewable energy demand could triple as electricity consumption surges

NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum predicted that renewable energy demand will triple over the next seven years due to the rapid growth of data centers driven by artificial intelligence. In the second quarter, NextEra added 3,000 megawatts of renewable and storage projects to its backlog, with 860 megawatts—28%—coming from agreements with Google to power its data centers. Ketchum described this as the company’s second-best origination … Continue reading Renewable energy demand could triple as electricity consumption surges

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Business

Home goods retailer Conn’s files for bankruptcy, to close over 70 stores

On Tuesday, home goods and furniture retailer Conn’s Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced plans to close over 70 HomePlus stores across 13 states. The company filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, estimating both assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion. Conn’s reported having 25,000 to 50,000 creditors. The filing includes Conn’s and several … Continue reading Home goods retailer Conn’s files for bankruptcy, to close over 70 stores

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Politics

Biden says he’ll call for Supreme Court reform in final months in office

On Wednesday, President Biden announced plans to call for Supreme Court reform as part of his agenda for his final six months in office. Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden explained his decision not to seek reelection and outlined his priorities, including lowering costs, boosting the economy, combating extremism, addressing the climate crisis, and working for peace and the release of hostages in Gaza. He … Continue reading Biden says he’ll call for Supreme Court reform in final months in office

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Politics

Trump calls on FBI head to resign for comment on Biden’s competency

On Wednesday, former President Trump called for FBI Director Christopher Wray’s resignation, accusing him of lying to Congress about President Biden’s mental competency. Trump, who appointed Wray, criticized him after Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee about an assassination attempt against Trump. During the hearing, when asked by Rep. Matt Gaetz about Biden’s cognitive state, Wray said he hadn’t observed any such decline, Axios … Continue reading Trump calls on FBI head to resign for comment on Biden’s competency

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Politics

Trump blasts ‘lunatic’ Harris in first rally since Biden dropped out

At his first rally since President Biden announced he would not seek reelection, former President Trump launched a barrage of attacks on Vice President Harris, who is now the likely Democratic nominee. Speaking in North Carolina, Trump criticized Harris on immigration and inflation, labeling her a “radical-left lunatic” and “the most incompetent and far-left vice president in American history.” He mispronounced her name, accused her … Continue reading Trump blasts ‘lunatic’ Harris in first rally since Biden dropped out

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Politics

Democrats to confirm nominees by virtual roll call weeks before DNC in Chicago to avoid legal challenges

The Democratic National Committee announced that it will conduct a virtual roll call vote for the presidential and vice presidential nominees ahead of its Chicago convention next month. This decision, made to preempt potential legal challenges, addresses concerns that Republicans might contest the inclusion of the Democratic nominee on state ballots if voting were delayed until the convention, following President Biden’s withdrawal. Candidates have until … Continue reading Democrats to confirm nominees by virtual roll call weeks before DNC in Chicago to avoid legal challenges

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Politics

Biden says he’s ‘passing the torch’ in speech from Oval office

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race in a heartfelt Oval Office address. Citing concerns about the nation’s future, Biden reflected on his deep respect for the presidency and his love for the country, invoking past presidents like Jefferson, Washington, and Lincoln. Despite facing mounting pressure from Democrats following a poor debate performance, Biden chose to step aside after … Continue reading Biden says he’s ‘passing the torch’ in speech from Oval office

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U.S. News

Yosemite hiker slips on cables in Half Dome and falls to death during storm

A tragic accident occurred on July 13 when 20-year-old Grace Rohloff fell to her death while descending Yosemite’s Half Dome. Grace, an Arizona college student, was hiking with her father, Jonathan Rohloff, as part of a bucket list adventure. They were descending the cables at the summit when Grace slipped on a slick section of rock and fell down the mountain. The hike to Half … Continue reading Yosemite hiker slips on cables in Half Dome and falls to death during storm

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U.S. News

JFK Airport escalator fire leads to evacuations in Terminal 8; minor injuries reported

A fire on an escalator at JFK Airport’s Terminal 8 caused significant smoke and led to the evacuation of nearly 1,000 passengers early Wednesday morning. The FDNY responded to the smoke report just after 7 a.m., finding the source to be an escalator fire. Around 960 people in Concourse C were evacuated and bused to another terminal area. Eyewitness photos and videos showed passengers gathered … Continue reading JFK Airport escalator fire leads to evacuations in Terminal 8; minor injuries reported

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U.S. News

Yellowstone closes Biscuit Basin for the season after hydrothermal explosion

Yellowstone National Park has closed Biscuit Basin for the rest of the 2024 season following a hydrothermal explosion on Tuesday morning. The blast, which occurred around 10 a.m., launched steam and debris into the air but did not result in any injuries. Video footage captured visitors running from the explosion, which was caused by water rapidly turning to steam in the shallow hydrothermal system beneath … Continue reading Yellowstone closes Biscuit Basin for the season after hydrothermal explosion

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U.S. News

An ATV driver ran over an 80-year-old man posting Trump signs in his yard, police say

An 80-year-old man in Hancock, Michigan, was critically injured after being run over by an ATV driver while putting up Trump election signs in his yard. The incident is part of what police believe was a politically motivated crime spree. The suspect, a 22-year-old man, vandalized multiple vehicles displaying pro-Trump or pro-law enforcement symbols before returning and running over the elderly man. The suspect was … Continue reading An ATV driver ran over an 80-year-old man posting Trump signs in his yard, police say

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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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