NASA’s Artemis Program Takes a Big Leap With the Gateway Lunar Space Station

NASA’s Artemis program is advancing with Gateway, a lunar space station set to support astronauts and deep-space exploration. Key progress includes near-completion of the HALO module in Italy, which will be integrated with the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) before launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy by December 2027. ESA is developing communication and habitation modules, while Maxar is finalizing the PPE’s propulsion and solar … Continue reading NASA’s Artemis Program Takes a Big Leap With the Gateway Lunar Space Station

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

NASA picks SpaceX rocket to launch asteroid threat hunter NEO Surveyor in 2027

NASA has selected SpaceX to launch its NEO Surveyor spacecraft in September 2027 to detect potentially hazardous asteroids and comets. The $100 million mission will send the telescope to a stable orbit 930,000 miles from Earth, where it will scan for NEOs in infrared. Over five years, it aims to identify at least two-thirds of undiscovered objects 460 feet wide or larger, Space.com has reported. … Continue reading NASA picks SpaceX rocket to launch asteroid threat hunter NEO Surveyor in 2027

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

NASA space observatory poised to launch on a mission to map 450 million galaxies

NASA’s SPHEREx observatory is set to launch Thursday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to map over 450 million galaxies. The $488 million mission will survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors, offering insights into galaxy formation, cosmic inflation, and the origins of water in the Milky Way. Using spectroscopy, SPHEREx will create a 3D map of the universe, helping scientists study the early … Continue reading NASA space observatory poised to launch on a mission to map 450 million galaxies

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Sanctuary AI integrates tactile sensors into Phoenix general purpose robots

Sanctuary AI has integrated new tactile sensors into its Phoenix robots, improving dexterous manipulation for teleoperated tasks. The sensors enhance precision by providing real-time touch feedback, reducing reliance on video alone. Sanctuary, a leader in general-purpose robotics, has raised $140 million and ranked third globally for U.S. patents by Morgan Stanley. The company’s hydraulic-actuated hands now feature seven-cell touch sensors with near-human sensitivity, enabling fine … Continue reading Sanctuary AI integrates tactile sensors into Phoenix general purpose robots

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Robot utilizes AI to construct walls in 1 day

PulteGroup, one of the largest U.S. homebuilders, used AI and robotics to rapidly construct a home in Florida. The pilot test featured Hadrian X, an AI-guided construction robot from Australian firm FBR, at TerraWalk in Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered town. Hadrian X can build structural walls in a day using a robotic arm and specialized adhesive. PulteGroup says the technology improves efficiency, safety, … Continue reading Robot utilizes AI to construct walls in 1 day

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

China arms combat robots with thermobaric weapon in urban warfare drill

Chinese scientists linked to the PLA are exploring equipping ground robots with deadly thermobaric weapons for urban warfare. These robots would work alongside drones to detect and neutralize threats, particularly in underground complexes. Thermobaric weapons create intense explosions that can vaporize bodies and destroy bunkers, raising concerns about potential war crimes if used in civilian areas. A recent study suggests drones would authorize strikes, with … Continue reading China arms combat robots with thermobaric weapon in urban warfare drill

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

New home sales slump in January amid elevated mortgage rates

New home sales fell 10.5% in January to a three-month low of 657,000 units, as high mortgage rates, record prices, and severe winter weather kept buyers away. Mortgage rates remained above 7%, discouraging purchases despite incentives from builders. Analysts expect sales to rebound in February with improved weather, but concerns persist over mortgage rate volatility. The median new home price rose to $446,300, adding to … Continue reading New home sales slump in January amid elevated mortgage rates

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Eli Lilly plans at least $27 billion in new U.S. manufacturing investments

Eli Lilly announced a $27 billion investment to build four new U.S. manufacturing sites, bringing its total U.S. investments to over $50 billion. The move, aligned with Trump’s reshoring policies, was unveiled at a Washington, D.C., event featuring Trump administration officials. The sites will boost production of key drug ingredients, including those for its obesity and diabetes treatments Zepbound and Mounjaro, and create over 3,000 … Continue reading Eli Lilly plans at least $27 billion in new U.S. manufacturing investments

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Agriculture secretary outlines plan to lower egg prices

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined a five-point plan to lower egg prices, citing avian flu as a key factor. The USDA will invest up to $1 billion, including $500 million for poultry biosecurity and $100 million for vaccine research. Other measures include importing eggs, reviewing regulations like California’s Proposition 12, and funding farmers affected by avian flu, The Hill has reported. Rollins expects the plan … Continue reading Agriculture secretary outlines plan to lower egg prices

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Trump says $5m ‘gold card’ immigration visas will ‘sell like crazy’

Donald Trump announced a new “$5M gold card” visa offering wealthy buyers permanent U.S. residency and a path to citizenship, replacing the EB-5 investor visa. He claimed it would boost job creation and help pay off U.S. debt. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called it an improvement over the EB-5 program, though details on eligibility and limits remain unclear, the BBC has reported. Written by B.C. … Continue reading Trump says $5m ‘gold card’ immigration visas will ‘sell like crazy’

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Trump says 25% tariffs on EU will be announced soon

Donald Trump announced plans for a 25% tariff on EU goods, claiming the bloc was created to “screw the United States.” The EU vowed to respond firmly. Trump also suggested possible delays on tariffs for Mexico and Canada, set for March 4, though an official insisted the deadline remains, the BBC has reported. His trade policies have sparked uncertainty, with markets reacting negatively. Written by … Continue reading Trump says 25% tariffs on EU will be announced soon

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Frontrunner of Romania’s Annulled Election Georgescu Indicted

Romanian populist leader Călin Georgescu was detained and charged just days after U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned of threats to democracy in Romania. Georgescu, who won the first round of last year’s annulled presidential election, was accused of promoting extremist ideologies and inciting actions against the constitutional order. Authorities claim Russian interference influenced the election, but critics call the evidence weak. His arrest sparked … Continue reading Frontrunner of Romania’s Annulled Election Georgescu Indicted

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

German parliament in race against time to sign off on new defense fund

Germany’s outgoing parliament may approve a new €200bn defense fund before dissolving in March, as conservative leader Friedrich Merz pushes for greater military spending amid rising geopolitical tensions. Merz argues Europe must reduce dependence on the U.S., while Germany struggles to meet NATO and U.S. defense spending targets. A proposed constitutional reform to ease borrowing limits remains controversial, with opposition from far-left and far-right factions, … Continue reading German parliament in race against time to sign off on new defense fund

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Bosnian Serb president Dodik sentenced for separatist actions

Bosnia’s court has sentenced pro-Russia Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and banned him from politics for six years over his separatist actions. The conviction follows charges of defying the international peace envoy overseeing Bosnia’s stability. Dodik, absent during sentencing, has vowed to disobey the ruling and has threatened secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia. The US has imposed sanctions on … Continue reading Bosnian Serb president Dodik sentenced for separatist actions

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

FAA investigates after third skydiver dies in 2 months at Arizona facility

Arizona authorities and the FAA are investigating a series of deadly skydiving incidents at Skydive Arizona after three fatalities in two months. The latest occurred on Feb. 16, when a 47-year-old experienced skydiver died. Earlier this month, a 46-year-old man’s parachute failed to deploy, and in January, a 55-year-old woman died due to parachute complications. The FAA is reviewing parachute packing and flight rules but … Continue reading FAA investigates after third skydiver dies in 2 months at Arizona facility

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Man pleads guilty to killing homeless people in Las Vegas

Cristobal Omar Perez, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder for a 2023 shooting that killed two homeless people and wounded three others in Las Vegas. He faces 40 years to life in prison at his April 8 sentencing. Prosecutors say a third victim is near death, which could lead to additional charges. Perez allegedly targeted the group after suspecting one of them … Continue reading Man pleads guilty to killing homeless people in Las Vegas

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

A Georgia deputy won’t be charged for killing an exonerated man during a violent traffic stop

A Georgia deputy will not face charges for fatally shooting Leonard Cure, a Black man wrongfully imprisoned for 16 years, during a 2023 traffic stop. Authorities say Cure resisted arrest and grabbed the deputy’s throat before being shot. His family argues the deputy used excessive force. The deputy, previously fired for misconduct, remains employed, the Associated Press has reported. A federal lawsuit against him and … Continue reading A Georgia deputy won’t be charged for killing an exonerated man during a violent traffic stop

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Three survive small plane crash into Vermont mountain

Three people survived after their small plane crashed into Mount Equinox, Vermont’s highest Taconic peak, early Wednesday. Rescuers faced deep snow and rugged terrain to locate them hours later. All sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with one airlifted for further care. The FAA is investigating the cause, the Independent has reported. The crash is the latest in a string of recent aviation incidents, though air travel remains … Continue reading Three survive small plane crash into Vermont mountain

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

After Years Of Decline, Share Of US Christians Stabilizes

A new Pew Research Center study finds that the decline of Christianity in the U.S. has paused, with 62% identifying as Christian, while the religiously unaffiliated remain steady at 29%. Though overall religiosity is stable, younger generations are far less religious, suggesting future declines. Daily prayer and religious service attendance have remained steady in recent years, but secular trends continue to shape belief, Religion Unplugged … Continue reading After Years Of Decline, Share Of US Christians Stabilizes

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

MH370: search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight resumes after 11 years

A new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has begun, over a decade after its disappearance in 2014. Maritime firm Ocean Infinity has resumed the hunt under a “no-find-no-fee” deal with Malaysia, covering 15,000 sq km of the southern Indian Ocean. If successful, the company will receive $70 million. The renewed effort brings hope to victims’ families still seeking answers, The Guardian has reported. Previous … Continue reading MH370: search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight resumes after 11 years

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Taiwan deploys forces, accuses China of causing “high degree of danger” with military drills off its coast

Taiwan deployed forces Wednesday in response to China’s “live-fire” drills near the island, condemning them as a threat to regional security. China sent 32 aircraft and warships for joint drills, designating a live-fire zone 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s southern coast without prior warning. Taiwan’s defense ministry criticized the move as a violation of international norms and vowed to strengthen its defenses, CBS News has … Continue reading Taiwan deploys forces, accuses China of causing “high degree of danger” with military drills off its coast

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

State of emergency declared after blackout plunges most of Chile into darkness

A massive power outage plunged most of Chile, including Santiago, into darkness on Tuesday, prompting President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency. The blackout affected 14 of 16 regions, cutting electricity to 8 million homes, disrupting transport, and knocking out internet and phone services. Authorities blamed a high-voltage transmission failure but have not identified the cause. By Wednesday, 90% of affected areas had … Continue reading State of emergency declared after blackout plunges most of Chile into darkness

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by Hamas, Israeli security official says

Hamas has transferred four bodies to the Red Cross, with Israel expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return. This marks the final exchange under Phase 1 of the ceasefire deal, which officially ends Saturday. The bodies are being identified, and Israel has delayed previous releases over past identification errors. If confirmed as hostages, Hamas and its allies would still hold 59 captives, with … Continue reading Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by Hamas, Israeli security official says

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Man found to have stashed $10,000 worth of cocaine under his toupee

A Colombian man was arrested at Cartagena’s Rafael Nunez International Airport while boarding a flight to Amsterdam after police found 19 cocaine capsules worth over $10,000 hidden under his toupee. The 40-year-old was caught through a scanner and charged with drug trafficking. Video footage showed officers removing the wig, revealing 220 grams of cocaine, the Mirror has reported. Authorities have arrested over 450 people for … Continue reading Man found to have stashed $10,000 worth of cocaine under his toupee

bcbegleyFebruary 26, 2025

Trump budget bill with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts survives House vote

The House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at advancing President Trump’s priorities, including border security, defense, energy, and taxes, with a 217-215 vote. All Democrats opposed it, along with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, concerned about its deficit impact. The resolution now moves to House committees for further development and will be negotiated with the Senate. The bill proposes a $300 billion increase in border … Continue reading Trump budget bill with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts survives House vote

bcbegleyFebruary 25, 2025