Technology

Killer Robots: UN Vote Should Spur Action on Treaty

Nations endorsing the inaugural United Nations General Assembly resolution addressing “killer robots” are urged by Human Rights Watch to champion discussions for a novel international treaty aimed at prohibiting and overseeing these weapons. Autonomous weapons systems identify and engage targets using sensor processing rather than human guidance. On December 22, 2023, a total of 152 countries supported the General Assembly resolution underscoring the perils associated … Continue reading Killer Robots: UN Vote Should Spur Action on Treaty

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Business

GM’s 2023 U.S. vehicle sales were its best since 2019

General Motors’ U.S. vehicle sales experienced a notable 14.1% increase last year, marking the automaker’s most successful year since 2019, predating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the protracted challenges in the supply chain. On Wednesday, the Detroit-based automaker disclosed the sale of approximately 2.6 million vehicles in 2023, encompassing 625,176 cars and trucks sold during the fourth quarter, showing relative stability compared to … Continue reading GM’s 2023 U.S. vehicle sales were its best since 2019

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Space

SpaceX Falcon 9 launches Ovzon-3 satellite

The commencement of orbital launches in Florida for the year 2023 mirrored its conclusion, with the deployment of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Carrying a communications satellite for Sweden-based Ovzon, the liftoff occurred within the ten-minute launch window that opened at 6:04 p.m. EST (2304 UTC). This marked the second Falcon 9 flight within a 24-hour period, following the launch of 21 Starlink satellites from … Continue reading SpaceX Falcon 9 launches Ovzon-3 satellite

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World News

Iran Says Will ‘Respond With Fire and Fury’ to Deadly Attack 

Iran has pledged to retaliate against the responsible party for the destructive explosions, which allegedly claimed the lives of over 100 individuals during a commemorative event marking the fourth anniversary of the demise of Major General Qassem Soleimani, a renowned commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Quds Force, killed in a U.S. airstrike. “The fear of the Zionist regime & its puppet terrorist groups of … Continue reading Iran Says Will ‘Respond With Fire and Fury’ to Deadly Attack 

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U.S. News

Las Vegas judge attacked in court

On Wednesday, a man assaulted a Las Vegas judge in her courtroom, compelling her to seek cover and injuring a marshal in the process, as revealed in video obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators. Deobra Redden, a 30-year-old three-time felon, was present in Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus’ courtroom for sentencing on a charge of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm, … Continue reading Las Vegas judge attacked in court

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Politics

Johnson Leads Group of GOP Lawmakers to Texas Border

On Wednesday, numerous Republican lawmakers journeyed to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas to witness firsthand the migrant crisis, with the intention of advocating for increased funding for the region that can garner bipartisan support. The White House reports that negotiations regarding border funding are “progressing in the right direction” as both political parties work toward reaching a consensus. Republicans have stipulated that any new assistance … Continue reading Johnson Leads Group of GOP Lawmakers to Texas Border

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U.S. News

State Capitols Around US Evacuated After Hoax Bomb Threats

On Wednesday, state capitols in Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, and various other states underwent evacuation procedures following bomb threats, as reported by officials. Gabriel Sterling, Georgia’s chief elections official, communicated via X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the commencement of activities at the Georgia State Capitol was postponed on Wednesday morning until an all-clear signal was provided. “There have been multiple … Continue reading State Capitols Around US Evacuated After Hoax Bomb Threats

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World News

US and allies warn Houthis to stop ship attacks or face military strikes

On Wednesday, the United States, Britain, and crucial allies jointly issued a definitive caution to the Houthi Yemeni rebel group, urging them to halt their assaults on international shipping in the Red Sea or face the impending consequences. “Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilizing,” says the statement issued by more than a dozen nations. “The Houthis will bear … Continue reading US and allies warn Houthis to stop ship attacks or face military strikes

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World News

Iran says at least 95 were killed in blasts at a ceremony honoring slain general

On Wednesday, two bombs detonated during a commemoration event in Kerman, located about 820 kilometers southeast of Tehran, resulting in the death of at least 95 people. The event was held to mark the fourth anniversary of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force, who was slain in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq in 2020. The explosions, … Continue reading Iran says at least 95 were killed in blasts at a ceremony honoring slain general

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Space

NASA flies extremely close by volcanic moon of Jupiter

During its 57th orbit around Jupiter, NASA’s Juno spacecraft achieved the closest approach to the planet’s moon Io, surpassing the proximity of any other mission in the past two decades. On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Juno came within approximately 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) of Io, renowned as the most volcanic body in the solar system. This close encounter allowed Juno to capture exceptionally detailed images … Continue reading NASA flies extremely close by volcanic moon of Jupiter

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Archaeology

1,500-year-old gold buckles depicting ruler ‘majestically sitting on a throne’ discovered in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, archaeologists have unearthed two gold ornaments in a 1,500-year-old tomb, showcasing the earliest known representations of the great khan, or “khagan,” of the Göktürks. This nomadic confederation of Turkic-speaking peoples held sway over the region for approximately three centuries, as per the excavating archaeologist. The opulent gold plaques depict “the crowned sovereign, majestically sitting on a throne in a saintly pose and surrounded … Continue reading 1,500-year-old gold buckles depicting ruler ‘majestically sitting on a throne’ discovered in Kazakhstan

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World News

Israel kills top Hamas leader in Beirut

A Hamas office in the Lebanese city of Beirut was struck by an Israeli drone, raising concerns that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war. Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said: “‘Four people were martyred and a number of others injured when the Hamas office was targeted.” The strike targeted Dahiyeh, a stronghold of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israel has … Continue reading Israel kills top Hamas leader in Beirut

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U.S. News

Man found dead inside plane engine at Salt Lake City airport

Authorities discovered the lifeless body of a 30-year-old man inside an airplane engine on Monday night in Salt Lake City, after he breached an emergency exit onto the airfield, according to officials. Delta Airlines reported that there were 95 passengers on the commercial aircraft at Salt Lake City International Airport when the man was located by police and airport staff. Despite performing life-saving measures after … Continue reading Man found dead inside plane engine at Salt Lake City airport

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Politics

Rep. Bill Johnson plans Jan. 21 House resignation

Ohio GOP Representative Bill Johnson is set to step down from Congress on January 21, taking on the role of the new head of Youngstown State University. This move will contribute to the reduction of the already slim House GOP majority. Following the recent resignations of Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and the expulsion of Representative George Santos (R-N.Y.),Johnson’s departure will leave Republicans with control over … Continue reading Rep. Bill Johnson plans Jan. 21 House resignation

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Politics

Bill Clinton identified as ‘John Doe 36’ among 170 names to be revealed in Epstein files

A multitude of documents pertaining to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is anticipated to be unveiled this week, with the list of names set to include former President Bill Clinton. Clinton, alongside other influential figures, was part of Epstein’s social circle before the financier’s arrest for sex trafficking minors and subsequent death in custody. Notable individuals linked to Epstein encompass Britain’s Prince Andrew, Microsoft … Continue reading Bill Clinton identified as ‘John Doe 36’ among 170 names to be revealed in Epstein files

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Space

‘Strongest’ solar flare since 2017 detected

On New Year’s Eve, a substantial solar flare, the most significant in years, was observed on the sun, prompting a cautionary alert for certain high-frequency radio users. In a recent update on Sunday evening, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of NOAA unveiled an image of the flare, manifesting as a sizable, luminous spot on the sun. This specific solar flare, reaching its peak just … Continue reading ‘Strongest’ solar flare since 2017 detected

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U.S. News

Man breaks into Colorado Supreme Court overnight, opens fire

In the early hours of Tuesday, a man was apprehended following a break-in at the Colorado Supreme Court, during which he discharged a firearm inside the building, as stated in a news release by state police. According to the preliminary investigation, there is a “high probability” that the incident is unrelated to “recent threats against the Colorado Supreme Court Justices,” as confirmed by the Colorado … Continue reading Man breaks into Colorado Supreme Court overnight, opens fire

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Business

US debt tops $34T for first time

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $34 trillion for the first time, marking a significant milestone amidst heightened scrutiny over government spending. The Treasury Department’s latest data reveals that the national debt, representing the amount owed by the U.S. to its creditors, reached $34 trillion by Friday afternoon. In contrast, just four decades ago, the national debt was approximately $907 billion. This unprecedented debt level … Continue reading US debt tops $34T for first time

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World News

At least 5 dead as passenger plane smashes into coastguard jet

A Japan Airlines aircraft caught fire following an apparent collision with a coastguard plane at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Tuesday. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members aboard the Airbus A350 were successfully evacuated, according to Japan Airlines. The other involved aircraft was a Japan Coast Guard plane, which was reportedly preparing to assist in rescue efforts following a significant earthquake in central Japan on … Continue reading At least 5 dead as passenger plane smashes into coastguard jet

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World News

South Korea opposition leader stabbed in neck during visit to Busan

On Tuesday, Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader of South Korea, suffered a neck stabbing during his visit to the southern port city of Busan. As the head of the main opposition Democratic Party, Lee remains conscious and has been airlifted to Pusan National University Hospital, as reported by a party official and a fire department official to Reuters. The assault occurred at the proposed airport … Continue reading South Korea opposition leader stabbed in neck during visit to Busan

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U.S. News

Exchange student found in Utah while police look for cyber kidnappers

A 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, Kai Zhuang, who authorities claim fell victim to an international cyber kidnapping scheme, has been rescued after facing near-freezing conditions in a tent outside Salt Lake City. Zhuang reportedly fled his host home on December 28, influenced by cybercriminals who convinced him that his family in China was under threat. His family informed the police that they had paid an … Continue reading Exchange student found in Utah while police look for cyber kidnappers

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U.S. News

A Colorado mother suspected of killing 2 of her children makes court appearance

Kimberlee Singler, a Colorado mother suspected of killing two of her young children and injuring a third, appeared in court for an initial hearing in London on Monday, where she was arrested over the weekend. After her appearance in Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the 35-year-old Singler was held in custody. A hearing is scheduled for January 29 to determine whether she should be extradited to the … Continue reading A Colorado mother suspected of killing 2 of her children makes court appearance

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Business

Office buildings face $117B debt in US

The imminent maturity of billions of dollars in loans tied to office buildings poses a significant threat to the US economy amid a surge in interest rates. Approximately $117 billion of such loans are slated to come due this year, requiring repayment or refinancing, as reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association. A substantial portion of these loans is at risk of default, potentially leading to … Continue reading Office buildings face $117B debt in US

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Business

More big companies set to collapse in 2024

Insolvency experts anticipate a surge in the number of major companies facing bankruptcy in the upcoming year, attributing the risk to a “double whammy” of elevated borrowing costs and constraints on consumer budgets. Administrators and restructuring specialists, in communication with the PA news agency, caution that even high-growth sectors like technology may not be immune to financial challenges. This projection follows a challenging economic environment … Continue reading More big companies set to collapse in 2024

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World News

IDF moving troops out of Gaza, but expects prolonged fighting

Israel’s military has initiated the relocation of thousands of troops from the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the Israel Defense Forces will persist in a prolonged conflict against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The decision to redeploy follows a statement by Israel’s prime minister foreseeing the continuation of the conflict well into the new year. According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the military spokesperson, on Monday, … Continue reading IDF moving troops out of Gaza, but expects prolonged fighting

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