Space

A broken thruster jeopardized Voyager 1, but engineers executed a remote fix

Earlier this year, NASA faced a critical decision that could have ended Voyager 1’s mission. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 relies on roll thrusters to keep its antenna aimed at Earth. After years of using backup thrusters due to primary failure, engineers feared both systems might fail as residue built up in the fuel lines. With the only ground antenna capable of contacting Voyager 1 … Continue reading A broken thruster jeopardized Voyager 1, but engineers executed a remote fix

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Technology

The US has a new most-powerful laser

The ZEUS laser at the University of Michigan has achieved 2 petawatts of power—twice that of any other U.S. laser—during its first official experiment. The ultrashort pulse lasts only 25 quintillionths of a second but reaches over 100 times the global power output. ZEUS is a user facility open to researchers and has applications in medicine, security, materials science, and astrophysics. Scientists aim to generate … Continue reading The US has a new most-powerful laser

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Business

Southwest will no longer allow portable batteries to be stored in passenger bags

Southwest Airlines will require passengers to keep power banks and portable chargers visible during flights starting May 28, citing safety concerns over lithium-ion battery fires. Devices can no longer be used while stored in bags or overhead bins. The airline is the first U.S. carrier to adopt such a policy, joining some international airlines like those in South Korea, ABC News has reported. The move … Continue reading Southwest will no longer allow portable batteries to be stored in passenger bags

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Business

Google launches $250 per month ‘VIP’ AI subscription service

Google has launched a new $249.99/month subscription service called Google AI Ultra, offering exclusive access to its most advanced AI tools. Announced at Google I/O, the plan includes the Gemini AI app with DeepThink mode, early access to experimental tools like the Veo 3 video generator and Project Mariner, 30TB of storage, and YouTube Premium. Aimed at power users, it competes with OpenAI’s $200/month ChatGPT Pro … Continue reading Google launches $250 per month ‘VIP’ AI subscription service

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Business

Cucumbers recalled after more than 20 people sickened in Salmonella outbreak

The FDA has announced a recall of cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. due to a multistate Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 26 people across 15 states. The cucumbers, distributed since April 29, may be unlabeled or sold in various packaging. Nine people have been hospitalized. The FDA urges consumers, retailers, and restaurants to discard … Continue reading Cucumbers recalled after more than 20 people sickened in Salmonella outbreak

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Politics

Senate will try to block California vehicle standards that would phase out gas-powered cars

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on blocking California’s tougher vehicle emissions standards, including its plan to phase out new gas-powered car sales by 2035. Senate Republicans, led by John Thune, are using the Congressional Review Act to reverse these rules, arguing they overreach federal authority and could create a de facto nationwide EV mandate. Democrats strongly oppose the move, with Sen. Alex Padilla … Continue reading Senate will try to block California vehicle standards that would phase out gas-powered cars

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Politics

Rubio fires back after Dem senator says he regrets voting for him, sparking tense exchange

During a tense Senate hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who said he regretted supporting Rubio’s nomination. Van Hollen criticized the State Department’s policy of revoking student visas for those accused of violence or campus disruptions, calling it repressive. Rubio defended the policy, stating that visas are a privilege, not a right, and vowed to continue revoking them, Fox … Continue reading Rubio fires back after Dem senator says he regrets voting for him, sparking tense exchange

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Politics

Trump to unveil plans for ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense shield

Former President Donald Trump is set to unveil plans for a massive U.S. missile defense system, dubbed the “Golden Dome,” inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. Aimed at countering threats from North Korea and beyond, the project could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over 20 years. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Michael Guetlein will help lead the effort. Critics question the need and … Continue reading Trump to unveil plans for ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense shield

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Politics

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces Georgia governor bid

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced her bid for Georgia governor on Tuesday, sharply criticizing Donald Trump and pledging to prioritize Medicaid expansion and tax relief for teachers. She called Trump a “disaster” for the country, while the Republican Governors Association attacked her mayoral record, blaming her for rising crime in Atlanta. Bottoms previously served as a senior advisor in the Biden administration, Fox … Continue reading Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces Georgia governor bid

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Politics

Trump visits Capitol to urge House Republicans to pass ‘big, beautiful bill’

Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to urge House Republicans to unite behind his sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes major tax cuts, immigration measures, and safety net reductions. The bill faces opposition from moderates and blue-state Republicans over Medicaid cuts and the lack of a restored SALT tax deduction. Despite Trump’s push, some lawmakers remain opposed ahead of a key procedural … Continue reading Trump visits Capitol to urge House Republicans to pass ‘big, beautiful bill’

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U.S. News

Nebraska To Ban Soda, Energy Drinks From Food Stamps

Nebraska has become the first U.S. state to receive federal approval to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks using SNAP (food stamp) benefits. The waiver, signed by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, will take effect on January 1, 2026, affecting about 152,000 SNAP recipients in the state. This marks a historic shift in SNAP policy, with other Republican-led states also seeking similar restrictions, … Continue reading Nebraska To Ban Soda, Energy Drinks From Food Stamps

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U.S. News

Navy Secretary’s DC home damaged in fire

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over possible race-based hiring discrimination, citing his recent remarks highlighting the number of Black officials in his administration. The probe, authorized by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, follows Johnson’s appearance at a Woodlawn church where he emphasized hiring Black staff to support Black communities. The investigation, based on potential violations of … Continue reading Navy Secretary’s DC home damaged in fire

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U.S. News

DOJ investigating Chicago Mayor Johnson for alleged racially motivated hiring

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over possible race-based hiring discrimination, citing his recent remarks highlighting the number of Black officials in his administration. The probe, authorized by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, follows Johnson’s appearance at a Woodlawn church where he emphasized hiring Black staff to support Black communities. The investigation, based on potential violations of … Continue reading DOJ investigating Chicago Mayor Johnson for alleged racially motivated hiring

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U.S. News

New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver faces felony assault charge in conflict at ICE facility

Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey has been charged with assaulting federal officers during a May 9 scuffle at an ICE detention facility in Newark. According to a federal complaint, McIver allegedly struck and grabbed two Homeland Security agents while trying to prevent the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who had entered a restricted area during a visit by McIver and two other House … Continue reading New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver faces felony assault charge in conflict at ICE facility

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U.S. News

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee arrested following the escape of 10 inmates

A maintenance worker with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sterling Williams, has been arrested in connection with the escape of 10 inmates from a New Orleans jail. Authorities say Williams admitted to turning off water in the escape cell and acted under an inmate’s orders. He faces 11 charges, including malfeasance in office. The inmates escaped through a hole in the wall, crossed an interstate, … Continue reading Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee arrested following the escape of 10 inmates

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World News

WHO adopts ‘pandemic agreement’

WHO member countries have approved a new agreement to improve global prevention, preparedness, and response to future pandemics, following the impact of COVID-19. The deal ensures countries sharing virus samples will receive tests, vaccines, and medicines, with up to 20% allocated to the WHO for equitable access in poorer nations. WHO chief Tedros called it a “historic” move for global cooperation, ABC News has reported. … Continue reading WHO adopts ‘pandemic agreement’

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World News

Personal secretary and adviser to Mexico City’s mayor killed in brazen attack

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada’s personal secretary and adviser were shot dead in a daylight attack by gunmen on a motorcycle in the Moderna neighborhood. Brugada called it a “direct attack” and vowed justice. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage as the investigation continues. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killings and pledged full support, The Guardian has reported. While political violence is common in parts of … Continue reading Personal secretary and adviser to Mexico City’s mayor killed in brazen attack

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World News

UK police arrest third man over fire at PM Starmer’s house

British police have arrested a third man in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London, including a fire at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s former home. A 34-year-old was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson, joining two others already in custody, including 21-year-old Roman Lavrynovych, who faces multiple charges. The fires targeted properties and a car linked to Starmer, prompting a … Continue reading UK police arrest third man over fire at PM Starmer’s house

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World News

At least 38 killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza in half-hour period, medics say

At least 38 Palestinians were killed in a series of intense Israeli airstrikes across Gaza overnight, targeting locations including a school in Gaza City and a fuel station sheltering displaced families in Nuseirat. Rescue efforts were hampered by equipment shortages and heavy bombardment. The strikes followed Israel’s mass evacuation order ahead of what it called an “unprecedented attack,” the BBC has reported. The assault coincided … Continue reading At least 38 killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza in half-hour period, medics say

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World News

UK suspends free trade talks with Israel and announces sanctions over West Bank

The U.K. has suspended free trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers in response to Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza and the blockade of humanitarian aid. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Israel’s actions as “indefensible,” citing famine warnings and the spread of illegal settlements. Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined leaders from France and Canada in condemning Israel’s conduct and … Continue reading UK suspends free trade talks with Israel and announces sanctions over West Bank

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Space

NASA spacecraft snaps eerie image of eclipsed sun with an extra moon overhead

NASA’s PUNCH mission captured a stunning photo of the moon against a dark sky while testing its instruments. Launched in March, PUNCH is a group of four small satellites studying the solar wind—the charged particles from the sun that cause space weather affecting Earth. Using an “occulter” to block the sun’s bright light, PUNCH reveals the sun’s corona and plasma structures that help scientists understand … Continue reading NASA spacecraft snaps eerie image of eclipsed sun with an extra moon overhead

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Space

New strain of bacteria found on China’s Tiangong space station

A new bacterial strain, niallia tiangongensis, was discovered aboard China’s Tiangong space station. This microbe shows strong resistance to oxidative stress and radiation damage, helping it survive extreme space conditions. The finding, part of China’s CHAMP program, could lead to better microbial control on spacecraft and offer sustainable ways to convert waste into useful resources for space and Earth applications, NDTV has reported. Written by B.C. … Continue reading New strain of bacteria found on China’s Tiangong space station

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Technology

Hidden source of clean energy could power Earth for 170,000 years

New research suggests vast underground hydrogen reservoirs in the Earth’s crust could provide clean energy to power the planet for 170,000 years. These natural hydrogen systems exist beneath continents, including in at least 30 U.S. states, and have built up over a billion years. Scientists have developed an “exploration recipe” to identify and extract these reservoirs safely and economically. Unlike current hydrogen production, which contributes … Continue reading Hidden source of clean energy could power Earth for 170,000 years

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Technology

Coming to a Brain Near You: A Tiny Computer

A major race is underway in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), technology that lets people with paralysis control devices and prosthetics using their minds. Fewer than 100 people have permanent implants so far, but that number is expected to more than double within a year as companies like Neuralink, Paradromics, Synchron, and Precision Neuroscience advance clinical trials. Apple plans to enable implants to control iPhones soon. While … Continue reading Coming to a Brain Near You: A Tiny Computer

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Business

Two of America’s largest cable companies are merging

Two major U.S. cable companies, Charter Communications (Spectrum) and Cox Communications, announced a $34.5 billion merger to better compete amid rising cord-cutting and wireless competition. The combined company aims to strengthen broadband and service offerings as customers leave traditional pay-TV for cheaper streaming. Charter’s stock rose over 6% on the news. The new company will be named Cox Communications, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with a … Continue reading Two of America’s largest cable companies are merging

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