Space

Analysis of NASA InSight data suggests Mars hit by meteoroids more often than thought

Data from NASA’s Mars InSight Lander, though no longer active on the Red Planet, remains pivotal in new scientific discoveries. Researchers, led by Brown University, used InSight’s data to reveal that Mars might be experiencing more frequent meteoroid impacts than previously known. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests impact rates could be two to 10 times higher than earlier estimates, depending on meteoroid size. … Continue reading Analysis of NASA InSight data suggests Mars hit by meteoroids more often than thought

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

Boeing Starliner spacecraft could wait months before return

Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, on board Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, face an uncertain return date after issues with helium leaks and thruster outages prolonged their mission beyond its initial timeframe. NASA and Boeing are working to ensure the spacecraft’s safety for their return, with NASA considering extending the mission from 45 to 90 days. Engineers are conducting ground tests in New Mexico to understand … Continue reading Boeing Starliner spacecraft could wait months before return

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

Chip-scale titanium-sapphire laser puts powerful technology in reach

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking Tilaser on a chip at Stanford University, marking a significant advancement from traditional models. Typically known for unmatched performance in fields like quantum optics, spectroscopy, and neuroscience, Tilasers are large, cubic feet in size, and costly, often requiring additional expensive lasers for adequate energy supply. However, the new chip-based prototype is 10,000 times smaller and 1,000 times less expensive than … Continue reading Chip-scale titanium-sapphire laser puts powerful technology in reach

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

SoftBank alum unveils ‘affectionate’ companion robot in Japan

Japanese startup Groove X, founded by a former SoftBank robotics unit member, unveiled its first creation, the Lovot, a companion robot designed to make users happy. The Lovot, combining “love” and “robot,” is not for housework but aims to evoke affection. It uses AI to interact, resembling a penguin with human-like eyes, and has interchangeable outfits. The robot shows affection by becoming warm when touched, … Continue reading SoftBank alum unveils ‘affectionate’ companion robot in Japan

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

Korean Robot Throws Itself Down the Stairs to Escape the 9-to-5 Grind

If you’re worried about a robot uprising, there’s one less potential threat. A South Korean office assistant robot at the Gumi City Council has dramatically “died” in what local media call the nation’s first robot suicide. Appointed in August 2023, this robot was integral to daily operations and even had a civil service officer card. Despite being the pride of the council, the robot apparently … Continue reading Korean Robot Throws Itself Down the Stairs to Escape the 9-to-5 Grind

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley boost buybacks and dividends

JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley announced significant increases in dividend payouts and share repurchases. JPMorgan, the largest U.S. bank by assets, raised its quarterly dividend by 8.7% to $1.25 per share and authorized a new $30 billion share repurchase program. Morgan Stanley increased its dividend by 8.8% to 92.5 cents per share and approved a $20 billion repurchase plan. In contrast, Citigroup and Bank of … Continue reading JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley boost buybacks and dividends

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Tractor Supply slashes its DEI and climate goals after a right-wing pressure campaign

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., will eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles, withdraw its carbon emissions goals, and stop sponsoring Pride events in response to criticism from conservative activists. The Brentwood, Tennessee-based company announced these changes on social media, ending a weeks-long right-wing pressure campaign. The company emphasized its commitment to its Mission and Values, acknowledging customer … Continue reading Tractor Supply slashes its DEI and climate goals after a right-wing pressure campaign

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Key Fed measure shows inflation rose 2.6% in May from a year ago

In May, inflation slowed to its lowest annual rate in over three years, according to a key economic measure for the Federal Reserve. The core personal consumption expenditures price index rose by a seasonally adjusted 0.1% for the month and 2.6% from a year ago, down 0.2 percentage points from April, as reported by the Commerce Department. These figures matched Dow Jones estimates and marked … Continue reading Key Fed measure shows inflation rose 2.6% in May from a year ago

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Biden’s debate performance sends Democrats into a panic

President Joe Biden’s debate performance was intended to reassure the nation about his physical and mental capacity. However, at the start of the debate, the 81-year-old struggled to speak clearly, often stumbling over his words and losing his train of thought. One notable moment was when he mistakenly said, “We finally beat Medicare,” before being cut off by the moderators. As the debate progressed, Biden … Continue reading Biden’s debate performance sends Democrats into a panic

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Democrats are talking about replacing Joe Biden

President Joe Biden’s performance in the first debate on Thursday has led to criticism from Democrats and questions about whether he should remain the party’s nominee. Historically, a national party has never adversarially replaced its nominee, as party rules make it nearly impossible without the nominee’s consent and would undermine the primary results, where Biden secured almost 99% of the delegates. Despite no serious efforts … Continue reading Democrats are talking about replacing Joe Biden

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Outside advisers urging Biden team to focus on Trump, not first-term record

Several prominent Democrats have issued strong warnings to President Joe Biden’s campaign, advising them to focus less on Biden’s policy record and more on directly challenging former President Donald Trump. According to sources close to the White House, Biden’s policy achievements are failing to resonate with voters, prompting calls for a shift in strategy. Critics within Biden’s circle, including top Democrats speaking anonymously, urge the … Continue reading Outside advisers urging Biden team to focus on Trump, not first-term record

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Former Honduran president sentenced for helping traffickers get cocaine into US

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was defiant as he received a 45-year prison sentence in New York for conspiring with drug traffickers over more than a decade, ensuring over 400 tons of cocaine reached the United States. Judge P. Kevin Castel also fined him $8 million, warning that the sentence should serve as a message to those who abuse power and believe they are … Continue reading Former Honduran president sentenced for helping traffickers get cocaine into US

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Ayanna Pressley condemns ‘dark money’ in politics after Bowman primary defeat

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) criticized “special interests” like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as a threat to democracy following Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s (D-NY) primary defeat by George Latimer. Pressley, speaking on MSNBC with Joy Reid, condemned the $20 million spent in the race, arguing against allowing special interests, dark money, and super PACs to influence congressional elections. Latimer, supported by AIPAC with over … Continue reading Ayanna Pressley condemns ‘dark money’ in politics after Bowman primary defeat

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Trump immunity ruling set to loom over Biden debate

The upcoming Supreme Court decision on former President Trump’s immunity from prosecution is set to influence his debate with President Biden this week. The ruling will determine whether Trump can be prosecuted for actions during his presidency, potentially affecting his ongoing criminal trials. Scheduled to be announced before the debate, the decision could sway discussions on Thursday’s CNN event, where Trump’s legal challenges are expected … Continue reading Trump immunity ruling set to loom over Biden debate

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Supreme Court allows White House to press social media companies to remove disinformation

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden administration on Wednesday, allowing federal agencies like the White House and the FBI to continue urging social media platforms to remove content deemed misinformation. This decision, seen as a significant victory for the administration ahead of the upcoming elections, permits agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security to flag posts they suspect are linked to … Continue reading Supreme Court allows White House to press social media companies to remove disinformation

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Five charged over alleged plot to bribe Minnesota juror with $120,000 in cash

Five individuals have been accused of attempting to bribe a Minnesota juror with $120,000 in cash to secure the acquittal of defendants in a major Covid-related fraud case, as announced by the US attorney’s office and the FBI. Court documents reveal a complex plot where the accused extensively researched the juror’s personal details on social media, conducted surveillance, monitored her daily routines, and even placed … Continue reading Five charged over alleged plot to bribe Minnesota juror with $120,000 in cash

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Robert Crimo III, accused in mass shooting, backs out of plea deal in court hearing

Robert Crimo III, accused of a fatal mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, withdrew from a proposed plea deal during a dramatic court hearing. The deal, which involved pleading guilty to seven murder counts and 48 counts of aggravated battery in exchange for a life sentence and the dismissal of other charges, fell through when Crimo, brought into the … Continue reading Robert Crimo III, accused in mass shooting, backs out of plea deal in court hearing

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Tribes honor the birth of a rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone

At a gathering near a picturesque lake outside Yellowstone National Park, hundreds celebrated the naming of a rare white buffalo born in the park: Wakan Gli, meaning “Return Sacred” in Lakota. The event, featuring dancing, drumming, singing, and storytelling, marked a significant moment in a Native American religious ceremony. The white buffalo calf, born earlier this month in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, is seen by several … Continue reading Tribes honor the birth of a rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

DHS identifies 400 migrants smuggled into US by ISIS

The Department of Homeland Security has identified over 400 migrants brought to the US by an ISIS-affiliated smuggling network, with more than 50 unaccounted for. Over 150 migrants have been arrested, and ICE is seeking to arrest others on immigration charges due to potential ISIS ties. No threats have been linked to these migrants since the arrests began. Many of the migrants, who were not … Continue reading DHS identifies 400 migrants smuggled into US by ISIS

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Gamer accused of flying across country to try to kill online rival

A New Jersey man, Edward Kang, 20, became so enraged during an online video game match that he flew to Florida overnight to assault his rival with a hammer, according to authorities. Kang left from Newark Liberty International Airport, landed at Jacksonville International Airport, and booked a hotel room before attacking his victim at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Sheriff Bill Leeper of Nassau County, Florida, … Continue reading Gamer accused of flying across country to try to kill online rival

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Coup attempt feared in Bolivia as troops pour into streets

On Wednesday, armored vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia’s government palace in what President Luis Arce called a coup attempt. Led by a top general vowing to “restore democracy,” the troops appeared to take control of the government but retreated within three hours. President Arce vowed to stand firm, named a new army commander, and ordered the troops to stand down. The soldiers withdrew, and … Continue reading Coup attempt feared in Bolivia as troops pour into streets

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

NATO Will Offer Ukraine ‘Bridge’ to Membership

At its upcoming 75th anniversary summit in Washington, NATO will offer Ukraine a new headquarters to manage military assistance, signaling the alliance’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security and serving as a “bridge” to eventual membership. President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped for membership negotiations, but NATO will instead announce the establishment of a mission in Germany to coordinate aid for Ukraine. This move aims to demonstrate … Continue reading NATO Will Offer Ukraine ‘Bridge’ to Membership

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

US Diplomat Found Dead in Kyiv Hotel

A U.S. Embassy staffer was found dead in Kyiv, Ukraine, according to local media reports. The unnamed attaché’s body was discovered on Tuesday at the Hilton Hotel, with sources indicating no signs of violence. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death, stating it was due to natural causes and unrelated to foul play. This incident occurs amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, during which the U.S. … Continue reading US Diplomat Found Dead in Kyiv Hotel

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Assange welcomed home in Australia a free man after Biden deal

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returned to Australia on a charter jet, raising a celebratory fist as supporters cheered. This followed his guilty plea to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors, concluding a long legal saga. Assange credited Australian government intervention with saving his life in a call to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Upon arrival, he embraced his wife … Continue reading Assange welcomed home in Australia a free man after Biden deal

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Russia starts secret trial for WSJ Gershkovich on spy charges

The trial of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist accused of espionage in Russia, began on Wednesday behind closed doors. U.S. officials have criticized the Kremlin for using the case for political purposes. The trial in Sverdlovsk Regional Court in Yekaterinburg marks the first presentation of evidence against the Wall Street Journal reporter, who is accused of working for the CIA. The case has been widely … Continue reading Russia starts secret trial for WSJ Gershkovich on spy charges

Unknown's avatarbcbegley