Technology

US Sends Laser-Armed Warship to Front-Line Base Near China

The USS Preble, a 9,700-ton Arleigh Burke-class destroyer equipped with a powerful laser weapon system, has departed Naval Base San Diego for Japan to bolster U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific amid rising Chinese military activity. The Preble, set to replace the USS Benfold at Yokosuka naval base, is the only destroyer of its class armed with the 60-kilowatt High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler … Continue reading US Sends Laser-Armed Warship to Front-Line Base Near China

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Technology

Beijing hackers target US internet providers

Hackers linked to the Chinese government have infiltrated several U.S. internet service providers, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This operation, named Salt Typhoon, aims to establish a presence in U.S. broadband networks to access sensitive data or launch cyberattacks. Concurrently, U.S. officials recently disrupted a network of over 200,000 devices infected by a Chinese hacking team known as Flax Typhoon. Another operation, Volt … Continue reading Beijing hackers target US internet providers

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Business

FBI Raids Carahsoft, Major Federal Cyber Contractor, Headquarters

Federal agents, including the FBI and Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), raided the headquarters of Carahsoft Technology Corp. in Reston, Virginia, on September 24. This operation was described as “court-authorized law enforcement activity,” although specific details were not disclosed. Carahsoft, a major IT services provider for U.S. government agencies, reported approximately $13 billion in revenue in 2022 and holds contracts worth $2.6 billion due to … Continue reading FBI Raids Carahsoft, Major Federal Cyber Contractor, Headquarters

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Business

Most banks expect gold’s bull run to persist into 2025

Major banks anticipate that gold will continue its record-breaking rally into 2025, fueled by renewed inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and expected interest rate cuts from central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve. Gold prices have risen over 27% this year, reaching a record high of $2,639.95 per ounce recently. Analysts from J.P. Morgan highlight that while strong physical demand from China and central banks … Continue reading Most banks expect gold’s bull run to persist into 2025

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Business

Mortgage applications hit 2-year high as refinancings surge

Mortgage applications have surged to their highest levels since July 2022, with a notable 11% increase in the week ending September 20, driven primarily by homeowners looking to refinance as mortgage rates decline. Refinancing applications rose 20% during this period, comprising nearly 56% of all applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 6.09%, down … Continue reading Mortgage applications hit 2-year high as refinancings surge

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Politics

Macron: We cannot have a war in Lebanon

During a speech at the U.N. General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to prevent a potential third war in Lebanon. He urged Israel to stop its escalatory actions and Hezbollah to cease missile launches. Macron emphasized the importance of respecting obligations along the Blue Line and highlighted France’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing … Continue reading Macron: We cannot have a war in Lebanon

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Politics

Zelenskyy slams ‘colonial’ peace proposal to war with Russia in UN speech

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned proposals for a peace deal with Russia that do not ensure a “just peace” for Ukraine during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly. He highlighted the ecological dangers posed by Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and criticized the U.N. for its inability to act decisively against Russia due to its veto power in the Security Council. Zelenskyy rejected … Continue reading Zelenskyy slams ‘colonial’ peace proposal to war with Russia in UN speech

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Politics

AOC says NYC mayor should resign ‘for good of city’ amid federal probes

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called for Mayor Eric Adams to resign due to ongoing federal investigations impacting his administration. In a tweet, she expressed concern that the recent wave of resignations and vacancies threatens the city’s governance and makes it difficult to maintain a qualified administration. Adams has faced significant turnover, with several prominent officials, including former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Health Commissioner Ashwin … Continue reading AOC says NYC mayor should resign ‘for good of city’ amid federal probes

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Politics

Kamala to Visit US-Mexico Border for First Time as Candidate

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the U.S.-Mexico border during a campaign rally in Arizona on Friday, aiming to address immigration issues that voters trust her opponent to handle better. This marks her first visit to the border since 2021 amid ongoing Republican criticism linking her to rising illegal crossings. Harris advocates for reviving a bipartisan border bill to enhance security and create more legal … Continue reading Kamala to Visit US-Mexico Border for First Time as Candidate

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Politics

Isolated Netanyahu Resists Pressure to End Conflicts

International efforts to isolate and penalize Israel for its actions in Gaza are prominently on display at the U.N. General Assembly this week, where leaders are expected to call for an end to the conflict. Despite nearly a year of diplomatic efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to defeating Hamas following the deadly October 7 attacks. While the U.S. continues to support Israel, … Continue reading Isolated Netanyahu Resists Pressure to End Conflicts

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U.S. News

White House urges Ohio residents near chemical leak to heed calls to evacuate

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on a hazardous chemical leak from a railcar near Cincinnati, Ohio, which prompted evacuations. The leak involved styrene, a toxic, flammable chemical used in plastics and rubber, which can cause health issues. Emergency teams are on-site, conducting hazmat operations and air quality testing. Residents within a half-mile were urged to evacuate, while those nearby were … Continue reading White House urges Ohio residents near chemical leak to heed calls to evacuate

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U.S. News

Kentucky sheriff pleads not guilty in fatal shooting of judge in his chambers

Kentucky sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of Judge Kevin Mullins, which shocked Letcher County. Stines, 43, remains jailed without bond, and a motive for the killing is still unclear. The arraignment was held remotely, with Stines requesting a court-appointed attorney, despite earning $115,000 annually. The preliminary hearing is set for October 1. Stines and Mullins had … Continue reading Kentucky sheriff pleads not guilty in fatal shooting of judge in his chambers

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U.S. News

Hurricane Helene to roar ashore in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 3

Hurricane Helene is expected to rapidly intensify into a Category 4 storm before making landfall in northern Florida late Thursday, bringing life-threatening conditions and extreme damage. It could hit the Florida Big Bend area with winds of 120-125 mph, gusts up to 160 mph, and a storm surge up to 20 feet. Torrential rain of 8-12 inches, with up to 24 inches in some areas, … Continue reading Hurricane Helene to roar ashore in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 3

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U.S. News

2 hurt in explosion from intentionally set IED at Santa Maria Courthouse

Two people sustained non-life-threatening injuries from an explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse in California, believed to be caused by an intentionally set improvised explosive device, according to authorities. A male person of interest has been detained and is being interviewed. No other suspects are believed to be at large. The courthouse and nearby city buildings are temporarily closed, and people are advised to avoid … Continue reading 2 hurt in explosion from intentionally set IED at Santa Maria Courthouse

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U.S. News

Secret Service agent under investigation for alleged sex assault on Harris campaign aide

The U.S. Secret Service is investigating allegations that one of its agents sexually assaulted a female staff member from Vice President Kamala Harris’ office during a recent trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin. The agent allegedly groped the woman in her hotel room after dining and drinking with her and other staffers. The agent has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation proceeds. Harris’ office … Continue reading Secret Service agent under investigation for alleged sex assault on Harris campaign aide

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World News

Pentagon has recommends giving white phosphorus shells to Ukraine

Senior Pentagon officials recommended providing Ukraine with white phosphorus munitions for use in battlefield illumination and smoke screens, but the White House has repeatedly rejected the idea due to concerns over civilian harm. White phosphorus is not illegal, but its use carries significant risks, including severe burns and respiratory damage. The Pentagon’s recommendation aimed to supply Ukraine with these shells for non-lethal purposes, but the … Continue reading Pentagon has recommends giving white phosphorus shells to Ukraine

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World News

NATO plans for large-scale transport of wounded troops in case of Russia war

NATO is preparing to transport large numbers of wounded troops during a potential war with Russia, possibly using hospital trains due to likely challenges with air evacuations. Lieutenant-General Alexander Sollfrank, NATO’s logistics commander, noted that medical evacuations in a Russia conflict would involve a larger war zone and more casualties compared to recent wars. Russian air defenses would complicate air evacuations, making trains a viable … Continue reading NATO plans for large-scale transport of wounded troops in case of Russia war

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World News

China fires ICBM into Pacific

China test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, raising regional security concerns amid its rivalry with the U.S. The ICBM carried a dummy warhead and landed in a designated area, with China stating the test was part of routine training and not directed at any nation. This marked the first such long-range test in 44 years, the Associated Press has reported. Analysts … Continue reading China fires ICBM into Pacific

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World News

IDF commander urges readiness for possible Lebanon invasion amid Hezbollah conflict

IDF Northern Commander Maj. Gen. Uri Gordon told troops they must be ready to invade Lebanon, as tensions with Hezbollah escalate. He emphasized the need to improve security for 60,000 northern residents displaced for nearly a year. Gordon highlighted that the conflict has entered a new phase, with Operation Northern Arrows targeting Hezbollah’s firepower and leadership, The Jerusalem Post has reported. While airstrikes continue, former … Continue reading IDF commander urges readiness for possible Lebanon invasion amid Hezbollah conflict

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World News

Israel widens air strikes after Hezbollah fires at Tel Aviv

Israel’s top general, Maj Gen Herzi Halevi, stated that the country is preparing for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon as airstrikes continue to target Hezbollah’s infrastructure. The Israeli military is calling up reserves and readying troops for operations in response to Hezbollah’s missile attacks, including a failed strike on Tel Aviv. Amid growing international pressure for a ceasefire, the US warned of the risk … Continue reading Israel widens air strikes after Hezbollah fires at Tel Aviv

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Archaeology

Largest Jade Dragon from Hongshan Culture Unearthed in China

Archaeologists have discovered the largest jade dragon from the Hongshan culture at a stone tomb site in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia. This significant find, made by the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, includes over 100 jade artifacts and marks the largest stone tomb of the late Hongshan culture identified in the region. The jade dragon measures 15.8 cm long and is part of a unique … Continue reading Largest Jade Dragon from Hongshan Culture Unearthed in China

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Space

NASA creates space sustainability division to consolidate orbital debris activities

NASA has launched a Space Sustainability Division to consolidate its efforts on orbital debris and related issues. Announced by Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy at the AMOS Conference, the division aims to integrate operational, research, and policy functions that were previously spread across various offices. While not all organizations will be merged, the division will streamline those that can be, enhancing coordination and accountability. Led by … Continue reading NASA creates space sustainability division to consolidate orbital debris activities

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Space

China’s first-ever reusable kerosene rocket crashes during vertical landing

Chinese private rocket company Deep Blue Aerospace announced that its Nebula-1 rocket failed to complete a high-altitude recovery test. While the rocket met 10 out of 11 objectives during the vertical takeoff and landing trial, it crashed during the final landing phase due to a malfunction in the landing mechanism. The three engines initially performed well, but complications arose during descent, leading to a hard … Continue reading China’s first-ever reusable kerosene rocket crashes during vertical landing

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Space

2 Russians set record for longest single stay on the International Space Station

Two Russian astronauts, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, have set a new record for the longest continuous stay on the International Space Station (ISS), surpassing the previous record of 370 days, 21 hours, and 22 minutes set in September 2023. Kononenko, who will return to Earth on Monday, also holds the record for the most cumulative time in space, totaling 1,110 days over five missions. … Continue reading 2 Russians set record for longest single stay on the International Space Station

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Business

Busiest port on East Coast winds down operations ahead of looming strike

The Port of New York and New Jersey is bracing for a potential work stoppage by unionized dockworkers, which could trigger a significant supply chain crisis similar to the disruptions experienced during the COVID pandemic. The International Longshoremen’s Association, representing 85,000 workers at 36 ports, threatens to strike if a new contract isn’t reached by the September 30 deadline. Port operations are being adjusted to … Continue reading Busiest port on East Coast winds down operations ahead of looming strike

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