Rocket engine explodes during test launch from new spaceport in Scotland

A rocket engine exploded during a test launch at the SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, on Monday evening, according to German manufacturer Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA). No injuries were reported. Video footage showed the engine exploding on the launchpad, engulfing the structure in flames and thick smoke. The spaceport, recently licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority, is the only fully-licensed vertical rocket launch … Continue reading Rocket engine explodes during test launch from new spaceport in Scotland

SpaceX launches 22 Starlink internet satellites into orbit

SpaceX launched a new batch of 22 Starlink internet satellites into orbit on August 20, using a Falcon 9 rocket on its maiden flight. The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and successfully returned to Earth, landing on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean. This launch is notable because SpaceX typically uses pre-flown rockets for its missions. The new … Continue reading SpaceX launches 22 Starlink internet satellites into orbit

WVU sees potential in shape-shifting robot named ‘Loopy’

Roboticists at West Virginia University are exploring the potential of a “multicellular robot” named Loopy, which could determine its own shape with minimal human intervention. Led by Professor Yu Gu, the research team will test Loopy’s ability to use its interconnected cells to mark the boundary of contaminated areas, like oil spills. Loopy is an example of “swarm robotics,” where simple, decentralized reactions among its … Continue reading WVU sees potential in shape-shifting robot named ‘Loopy’

Ford delays new EV plant, cancels electric SUV

Ford Motor is delaying the production of its next-generation all-electric pickup truck at a new Tennessee plant and canceling plans for a three-row electric SUV. Instead, the company will focus on developing hybrid models and electric commercial vehicles, including a new electric van in 2026 and two EV pickup trucks in 2027. The pickups will include a full-size truck produced in Tennessee and a midsize … Continue reading Ford delays new EV plant, cancels electric SUV

Nvidia Eyes Return to Record as AI Spending Bonanza Continues

Amid uncertainty over Federal Reserve policy, the economy, and the U.S. presidential race, one clear priority on Wall Street is spending on artificial intelligence (AI). Companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure and services, with Nvidia Corp. as a key beneficiary. Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report is expected to provide more insight into AI demand and could push its stock to new highs. Analysts believe the … Continue reading Nvidia Eyes Return to Record as AI Spending Bonanza Continues

Americans are pulling back on spending as high prices persist

A growing number of Americans are cutting back on spending due to persistent inflation, with 62% reporting that their purchasing power has decreased and 82% saying their money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to, according to a study by Empower. Rising prices for essentials like food, rent, and auto insurance are leading many to reach their spending limits, with 27% saying they won’t … Continue reading Americans are pulling back on spending as high prices persist

Nonfarm payroll growth revised down by 818,000, Labor Department says

The U.S. economy added 818,000 fewer jobs than initially reported for the 12-month period ending in March 2024, according to the Labor Department’s latest revision. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ adjustment shows job growth was nearly 30% lower than the previously reported 2.9 million, marking the largest downward revision since 2009. Despite the revision, job creation still exceeded 2 million during the period, though the … Continue reading Nonfarm payroll growth revised down by 818,000, Labor Department says

Japan’s governing party to choose its head who will also be the new PM

Japan’s ruling party announced it will hold an internal election on September 27 to choose a new leader following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s decision to step down. The election will involve only the party’s parliamentarians and 1.1 million members. Kishida, who took office in October 2021, decided to bow out to allow a new leader to rebuild public trust after a corruption scandal severely damaged … Continue reading Japan’s governing party to choose its head who will also be the new PM

Putin inspects troops with Kadyrov on first Chechnya visit since 2011

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya, inspecting troops and volunteers preparing to fight in Ukraine alongside Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. This marks Putin’s first visit to the North Caucasus region since 2011. The visit comes as Moscow attempts to repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, following Ukraine’s significant incursion into Russian territory. Putin praised the soldiers, emphasizing their courage and … Continue reading Putin inspects troops with Kadyrov on first Chechnya visit since 2011

Judge rejects Hunter Biden’s bid to dismiss tax charges over special counsel argument

A judge rejected Hunter Biden’s second attempt to dismiss his tax charges, stating that his request was untimely and lacked new legal arguments. Biden had cited recent developments in former President Trump’s cases to support his claim that David Weiss’s appointment as special counsel was improper. The judge, Mark Scarsi, noted that neither the legal opinions nor the decisions from Trump’s cases were binding precedents, … Continue reading Judge rejects Hunter Biden’s bid to dismiss tax charges over special counsel argument

Trump says it’s ‘pretty sad’ for Democrats to focus on him at convention

Former President Trump criticized Democrats for focusing on him during their convention in Chicago, calling it “pretty sad” and accusing them of being “out of control.” In an interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump argued that Democrats should have prioritized issues like crime and the economy instead of mentioning him nearly 200 times. He also suggested that rhetoric against him might have contributed to an assassination … Continue reading Trump says it’s ‘pretty sad’ for Democrats to focus on him at convention

Biden Approved Secret Nuke Strategy Refocusing on China Threat

In March, President Biden approved a highly classified nuclear strategy, shifting U.S. deterrence efforts to focus on China’s rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal. This new “Nuclear Employment Guidance” prepares the U.S. for potential simultaneous nuclear challenges from China, Russia, and North Korea. The plan reflects concerns that China’s nuclear capabilities could rival those of the U.S. and Russia within a decade. Although the strategy remains secret, … Continue reading Biden Approved Secret Nuke Strategy Refocusing on China Threat

$5 million worth of meth disguised as watermelons found at California customs checkpoint

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in California seized $5 million worth of methamphetamine disguised as watermelons last week. The drugs were discovered at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility in San Diego when a 29-year-old driver attempted to cross the border from Mexico, claiming to be transporting watermelons. Upon further inspection, CBP found 4,587 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in 1,220 packages wrapped to resemble … Continue reading $5 million worth of meth disguised as watermelons found at California customs checkpoint

Escaped Mississippi inmate taken into custody after hourslong standoff with U.S. Marshals near Chicago’s United Center

An escaped Mississippi inmate, Joshua Zimmerman, was captured Wednesday morning after a 12-hour standoff with U.S. Marshals near Chicago’s United Center. Zimmerman, who escaped from a DeSoto County courthouse on June 14 while facing attempted murder charges, had been on the run since then. He was found barricaded inside a restaurant close to the Democratic National Convention venue. Zimmerman had previously evaded capture by slipping … Continue reading Escaped Mississippi inmate taken into custody after hourslong standoff with U.S. Marshals near Chicago’s United Center

Former officer who killed George Floyd transferred to Texas prison after attack

Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd in 2020, has been transferred to a low-security prison in Texas after being stabbed 22 times by another inmate at a facility in Arizona nine months ago. Chauvin, who is serving a combined 43.5-year sentence for murder and civil rights violations, was attacked by John Turscak, a former gang leader, who targeted him the … Continue reading Former officer who killed George Floyd transferred to Texas prison after attack

Defense for Bryan Kohberger says ‘mob mentality’ justifies moving venue of Idaho murders trial

Bryan Kohberger’s defense attorneys are seeking to move his trial out of Latah County, Idaho, citing a “mob mentality” against him in the community, according to new court documents. They presented a survey showing local hostility, with some residents expressing extreme reactions if Kohberger is not convicted, such as threats of violence and property destruction. The defense argues that extensive and biased media coverage in … Continue reading Defense for Bryan Kohberger says ‘mob mentality’ justifies moving venue of Idaho murders trial

Woman nearly bitten by tiger after climbing over fence at New Jersey zoo

Police are searching for a woman who climbed over a barrier at a New Jersey zoo’s tiger enclosure, then approached the tigers and put her hand through a metal fence, narrowly avoiding being bitten. Video footage released by Bridgeton Police shows the woman breaching the wooden fence at Cohanzick Zoo, attempting to pet a tiger, which quickly snapped at her hand. After posing for a … Continue reading Woman nearly bitten by tiger after climbing over fence at New Jersey zoo

Police raid Andrew Tate’s home probing alleged sex crimes against minors

Romanian police conducted new raids at the home of internet influencer Andrew Tate, who is awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang. The raids, carried out by Romania’s anti-organized crime agency DIICOT, targeted four properties in Bucharest and Ilfov county, investigating additional allegations including trafficking of minors, influencing statements, and money laundering. Tate’s spokesperson acknowledged the raids but did … Continue reading Police raid Andrew Tate’s home probing alleged sex crimes against minors

Accused serial killer dubbed ‘vampire’ and suspected of killing 42 women escapes custody

A suspected Kenyan serial killer, Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, known as “the vampire” and accused of murdering 42 women, escaped from custody along with 12 other detainees from Nairobi’s Gigiri police station. The escape, allegedly aided by eight officers, including station commanders, involved the inmates cutting through a wire mesh and scaling a perimeter wall. Authorities discovered the breakout during a routine check when serving breakfast. … Continue reading Accused serial killer dubbed ‘vampire’ and suspected of killing 42 women escapes custody

Crocodile kills woman bathing in a river in eastern Indonesia

A woman was killed by a crocodile while bathing in a river on Indonesia’s Maluku islands, with villagers later recovering parts of her body from the slaughtered animal. Halima Rahakbauw, 54, was attacked after spending the morning searching for clams. Villagers began searching when she failed to return home, eventually finding a sandal and body parts in the river. The crocodile, approximately four meters long, … Continue reading Crocodile kills woman bathing in a river in eastern Indonesia

Divers find 4 bodies during search of yacht wreckage off Sicily

Divers recovered four bodies from the wreck of a superyacht that sank off Sicily, with the search continuing for two more missing passengers. The yacht, the 56-meter British-flagged Bayesian, sank quickly during a storm on Monday, likely due to a waterspout. Fifteen people were rescued, but six remained missing, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch and his daughter, NPR has reported. The incident has prompted a … Continue reading Divers find 4 bodies during search of yacht wreckage off Sicily

Ukraine attacks Moscow in one of largest ever drone strikes on Russian capital

Ukraine launched one of the largest drone attacks on Moscow since the war began, with at least 11 drones shot down by Russian air defenses on Wednesday. The war, primarily a battle of artillery and drones in eastern Ukraine, escalated on August 6 when Ukraine sent troops into Russia’s Kursk region. While Ukraine has been targeting Russian refineries and airfields with drones, major strikes on … Continue reading Ukraine attacks Moscow in one of largest ever drone strikes on Russian capital

Archaeology student finds 7 stunning Viking silver arm rings, Danish museum says

A Danish archaeology student discovered seven Viking-era silver arm rings near Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, highlighting the area’s significance as a Viking hub. The rings, found by 22-year-old Gustav Bruunsgaard, date back to around 800 CE. Some of the rings have ties to Viking settlements in present-day Russia and Ukraine, while others are typical of southern Scandinavia and England. The total weight of the rings … Continue reading Archaeology student finds 7 stunning Viking silver arm rings, Danish museum says

Archaeologists uncover stones in Israel matching road where ‘Jesus walked’

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority are excavating a large quarry at Mount Hotzvim in Jerusalem, uncovering significant artifacts from the Second Temple period. The site, covering 3,500 square meters, has revealed dozens of large building stones, tools, and pathways. The stones, some weighing 2.5 tons, were likely intended for major construction projects in Jerusalem, possibly including the paving of streets like the recently discovered … Continue reading Archaeologists uncover stones in Israel matching road where ‘Jesus walked’

Chinese scientists planning rotating launch system on the moon

Chinese scientists are planning to build an $18 billion magnetic space device to launch resources from the moon back to Earth, aiming to address the planet’s energy crisis. Developed by researchers at the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering, the device will use magnetic levitation to fling lunar materials, such as helium-3, toward Earth. Helium-3 is seen as a potential clean energy source through nuclear fusion, … Continue reading Chinese scientists planning rotating launch system on the moon