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  • U.S. Senate Judiciary Chair Uses Same Vacuum Cleaner for 49 Years
    U.S. Senate Judiciary Chair Uses Same Vacuum Cleaner for 49 Years Chuck Grassley, the 93-year-old U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee chair, has revealed that he has been using a 1970s vacuum cleaner for 49 years, far exceeding the typical lifespan of most vacuum cleaners.On August 8, Grassley announced the retirement of his 49-year-old vacuum, named 'Bess,' in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He stated, "We will no longer see Bess," adding that the black marks in the photo were caused by electrical sparks and that it is no longer safe to use. He referred to the vacuum as a "faithful worker." Grassley's vacuum is a Hoover brand model from the 1970s. It was initially used for 15 years by Grassley's in-laws before he used it for an additional 34 years. The name 'Bess' was inspired by a former staff member in Grassley's Senate office.Bess frequently appeared in Grassley's social media posts, with the first mention estimated to be in 2018. Ahead of Thanksgiving that year, Grassley tweeted, "Mrs. G and daughter Wendy are preparing a meal for 30 at the farm, and I’m starting my share of the housework. This is my vacuum, Bess." He also noted that on Christmas 2022, "faithful Bess worked for three hours to clean up for about 25 to 30 members of the Grassley family." According to Hoover, the average lifespan of their vacuum cleaners is about five years for cordless models and eight years for corded ones. Grassley's corded model has been used six times longer than the average. Techtronic Industries, which owns Hoover, did not respond to a request for comment from The New York Times.Following the announcement of Bess's 'death,' comments from fellow politicians poured in. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) expressed his condolences, saying, "I’m sorry for your loss. They don’t seem to make them as sturdy as they used to." Iowa State Representative Josh Turck also commented on social media, "Senator, I’m sorry for your loss." Grassley is known for his frugal character in U.S. political circles. According to Radio Iowa, he humorously referred to his thriftiness in a tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham in July, saying, "Senator Graham liked to tell people how frugal I am, saying that if I opened my wallet, dust and moss would come out." The Des Moines Register reported that Grassley plans to replace Bess with a new Hoover vacuum following a suggestion from a constituent in Sioux City, Iowa.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 05:04:00
  • Test Drive: Polestar 3 Offers Sports Car Speed with SUV Comfort
    Test Drive: Polestar 3 Offers Sports Car Speed with SUV Comfort The Polestar 3 combines the rapid acceleration typical of electric vehicles with the comfort of a large sports utility vehicle (SUV). It boasts powerful performance while enhancing the driving experience for those transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.The Polestar 3 features a low roofline that blends the robust physique of an SUV with the sleek silhouette of a coupe. While it resembles a typical SUV from the front, the rear incorporates aerodynamic elements like an air wing and blades that create a smooth drop in the body.On August 12, I tested the performance trim of the Polestar 3 at the Yongin Speed Way in Gyeonggi Province. My immediate impression was how impressive the speed and cornering capabilities were for a large SUV.As I pressed the accelerator on the straight track, the vehicle surged forward, defying its size. The speedometer quickly climbed above 100 km/h, showcasing the electric motor's instant response and powerful output.The Polestar 3 Performance generates a maximum output of 680 horsepower (500 kW) and 870 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds.In addition to its rapid acceleration, the cornering performance was equally remarkable. The dual-chamber active air suspension analyzes road conditions at a rate of 500 times per second, continuously adjusting the vehicle's movements. During high-speed driving, the suspension automatically lowers the vehicle's height to enhance aerodynamic performance.On that day, I set the suspension sensitivity to 'firm' through the 14.5-inch vertical center display, resulting in a solid cornering experience. The Polestar 3 allows drivers to choose suspension sensitivity settings such as standard, agile, or firm based on road conditions.After accelerating in a straight line, I applied the brakes firmly, and the vehicle decelerated quickly without feeling unstable. This was aided by the large four-piston Brembo brakes.On a slalom course with cones spaced evenly apart, I focused on the vehicle's steering response and body movements. Even while rapidly changing direction and simultaneously braking and steering, the body remained stable, and the transitions were agile.The Polestar 3 features a newly developed permanent magnet synchronous rear motor across all trims. This design allows for rear-wheel-centric power distribution and nearly 50-50 weight distribution, combining the stability typical of large SUVs with agile driving dynamics.On the road course leading from Yongin Speed Way to Yongin Mir Stadium, I felt a different sense of stability compared to the track. The vehicle, which had moved sharply on the track, became much calmer on regular roads. It effectively filtered out minor vibrations from the surface, and even at higher speeds, the body felt solidly planted, reinforcing the sensation of driving a large SUV while still enjoying the smooth acceleration characteristic of electric vehicles.The dual-motor model I drove on regular roads boasts a maximum output of 544 horsepower (400 kW), yet it does not overly reveal its power when the accelerator is pressed normally.The driving range is also sufficient for everyday use, with a maximum range of 486 km on a single charge according to domestic certification standards. It supports rapid charging of up to 350 kW based on an 800V electric architecture. This means it combines strong performance with the necessary range and charging capabilities for long-distance travel.The Polestar 3 is fast and agile like a sports car on the track, yet it offers the comfort expected of a large SUV on regular roads. It presents an impressive option for drivers who desire the ability to switch between these two characteristics seamlessly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 00:04:00
  • Eleven Busan City Council Members Form Research Group
    Eleven Busan City Council Members Form Research Group Eleven members of the Busan City Council have come together to form a research group aimed at studying local issues and developing policy alternatives.The research group, tentatively named 'Busan Station,' held a preliminary meeting on the morning of August 10 in the council meeting room, where participating members discussed ways to enhance research activities.This meeting was organized to review specific research directions and tasks ahead of the council's operating committee's review process for registering the research group. The name 'Busan Station' will be finalized after the operating committee's review, with formal registration expected before the council's activities begin in September.The name 'Busan Station' signifies a group dedicated to ensuring the happiness of Busan citizens.The group consists of 11 members from four standing committees: the Planning and Finance Committee, the Administrative and Cultural Committee, the Construction and Transportation Committee, and the Marine City Safety Committee.Among the members, five belong to the Planning and Finance Committee: Kim Tae-hyo, Bae Kwan-gu, Kim Tae-hee, Kang Young-du, and Han Gap-yong. Three members from the Administrative and Cultural Committee include Song Woo-hyun, Choi Hong-chan, and Ha Eun-mi. The Construction and Transportation Committee has two members, Gyeon Mi-ryeong and Choi Eun-young, while the Marine City Safety Committee has one member, Seong Hyun-dal.The core goal of 'Busan Station' is to enhance legislative expertise through collaborative research among council members and to establish a cooperative legislative activity system. The participating members expressed their commitment to creating practical and refined policy alternatives that Busan citizens can truly feel through in-depth study and ongoing research.During the meeting, a wide range of issues directly related to Busan's future competitiveness and the quality of life for its citizens were presented, not limited to specific standing committees.Key topics included: housing and urban maintenance areas such as redevelopment, reconstruction, and private rental housing; youth and welfare issues like isolated and reclusive youth and preventive elderly care; the promotion of youth culture and arts, including busking; balanced urban development; changes in tree species for urban forests to achieve carbon neutrality; and strengthening the review of Busan's budget and settlement.The attending members agreed to first conduct common foundational learning to avoid what is known as 'department store-style research' before expanding discussions into specific areas.As a result, the first joint research task has been set as a study inviting experts in the housing maintenance sector, including redevelopment and reconstruction. Given the recent increase in conflicts surrounding maintenance projects and complaints related to private rental housing in Busan, the aim is to familiarize members with relevant laws and administrative procedures to reflect them in legislative and council activities.'Busan Station' plans to kick off its study in September, followed by expert policy meetings, site visits, and public hearings. The group intends to avoid purely academic research confined to the office and actively incorporate the derived alternatives into five-minute free speeches, ordinance amendments, administrative audits, and budget reviews, promoting a 'practical legislative activity' approach.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 00:00:00
  • BTS V, Jungkook disclose health concerns amid tour
    BTS' V, Jungkook disclose health concerns amid tour SEOUL, August 12 (AJP) - BTS members V and Jungkook opened up about health issues during the group's North American tour, giving fans a rare look at the physical strain they are managing on the road. The two spoke during a Weverse livestream Tuesday after BTS wrapped a concert in Baltimore, sitting down for a casual meal together while talking to fans. V said he had not previously told ARMY, the group's fandom, that he has been dealing with hearing problems for roughly two and a half years. "If my left ear hears at about 100, my right only hears about 30," he said, adding that he has been managing the condition with medication and regular hospital visits. Jungkook's issue is more recent, which is shin pain that worsened over the course of the tour. He described the condition as bordering on a stress fracture — not quite there yet, he said, but with significant inflammation and possible minor bone damage. The pain affected his performance in Baltimore, where he wanted to move more freely on stage but had to hold back at times. "I'll pace myself where I can, and push through when I really need to," he said, adding that managing his condition carefully would be necessary to complete the rest of the tour. The comments came as BTS continues the North American leg of its "ARIRANG" world tour. The group is scheduled to perform at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Aug. 15 and 16, followed by shows at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on Aug. 22 and 23. AJP Takeaway: · BTS members V and Jungkook discussed health concerns during a Weverse livestream after the group's Baltimore concert. · V said he has been dealing with hearing problems for about two and a half years and is receiving treatment with medication and regular hospital visits. · Jungkook said he is managing shin pain, significant inflammation and possible minor bone damage, though he said it has not yet become a stress fracture. 2026-08-12 22:11:44
  • U.S. July CPI Rises 0.1%, Reducing Odds of September Rate Hike
    U.S. July CPI Rises 0.1%, Reducing Odds of September Rate Hike U.S. consumer prices rose at a slower pace in July, suggesting that the Federal Reserve's chances of raising interest rates in September may be diminishing. With the labor market showing signs of weakness and inflation remaining within expected ranges, market sentiment is shifting toward maintaining current interest rates rather than pursuing further increases. Reuters noted that this data could lessen the need for a rate hike next month.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on August 12 that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July increased by 3.4% compared to the same month last year, a slight decrease from June's 3.5%. Month-over-month, the CPI rose by 0.1%, aligning with market expectations.Excluding the volatile food and energy sectors, core CPI also showed a slowdown, rising 2.5% year-over-year in July, down from 2.6% in June. The month-over-month increase for core CPI was 0.2%. Both headline and core figures met market forecasts, indicating no unexpected inflation shocks.Prior to the CPI announcement, the futures market reflected a 46% chance of a rate hike in September, with the likelihood of a freeze already surpassing that of an increase.Energy prices played a significant role in curbing inflation, with July energy costs falling 1.5% from the previous month, and gasoline prices dropping 2.9%. However, compared to a year ago, energy and gasoline prices remain elevated, up 14.7% and 24.6%, respectively.Housing costs rose by 0.1% from the previous month, accounting for about two-thirds of the overall monthly CPI increase. Food prices also saw a 0.1% rise. Service prices, excluding energy, increased by 3.0% year-over-year, indicating that inflationary pressures in the service sector have not been fully alleviated.This inflation data, coupled with last week's disappointing employment figures, is likely to reduce the Federal Reserve's need for further tightening. The Fed held its benchmark interest rate steady at 3.50% to 3.75% last month. The next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is scheduled for September 15-16.However, the possibility of a rate hike is not entirely off the table. Rising international oil prices due to Middle Eastern tensions could still impact future inflation. The Fed plans to assess August's employment and CPI data before making a decision on interest rates at the September meeting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 21:56:00
  • Six Candidates Recommended for Election Commission Special Prosecutor, Two to be Selected on 14th
    Six Candidates Recommended for Election Commission Special Prosecutor, Two to be Selected on 14th The recommendation process for six candidates for the 'Election Commission Special Prosecutor' to investigate the voting paper shortage during the June 3 local elections has been completed. The Public Recommendation Committee plans to narrow down the candidates to two on the 14th for submission to the President.According to Yonhap News, the Korean Bar Association and the Law School Council each recommended three candidates, totaling six, by the deadline of the 12th.This special prosecutor was established to investigate the shortage of voting papers and the subsequent voting interruptions that occurred at some polling stations during the June 3 elections. The Special Prosecutor Act stipulates that the President of the Korean Bar Association and the Director of the Law School Council must select three individuals each with over 15 years of legal experience upon request from the Public Recommendation Committee.The list of candidates has not been made public. A representative from the Public Recommendation Committee told Yonhap, "The recommendations from the two organizations have been completed, but due to confidentiality obligations under the Special Prosecutor Act, we cannot disclose the names of the recommended candidates."The candidate selection process now moves to the Public Recommendation Committee. On the 14th, the committee will hold a meeting to review the six candidates based on their investigative expertise and political neutrality. Following discussions among the members, two final candidates will be selected and recommended to the President.The President will appoint one of the two candidates recommended by the Public Recommendation Committee as the special prosecutor. Therefore, the meeting on the 14th will be a crucial turning point in determining which individuals will be included in the final candidate pool for the special prosecutor's office.Once appointed, the special prosecutor is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the voting paper shortage and the Election Commission's preparations and responses during the June 3 elections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 21:36:00
  • Takaichi Likely to Avoid Yasukuni Visit on Liberation Day Amid Tensions
    Takaichi Likely to Avoid Yasukuni Visit on Liberation Day Amid Tensions Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to refrain from visiting Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, which marks both South Korea's Liberation Day and Japan's defeat in World War II. Takaichi, who regularly visited the shrine before taking office, appears to be moderating her approach in consideration of Japan-South Korea relations and trilateral cooperation with the United States.According to reports from Kyodo News and Jiji Press on August 12, Takaichi is adjusting her plans to avoid a visit to Yasukuni Shrine on the 15th. This decision is believed to be influenced by concerns that a visit could negatively impact the improving relations between Japan and South Korea and provoke backlash from China.Takaichi is known as a prominent conservative politician in Japan. Before becoming Prime Minister, she regularly visited Yasukuni Shrine during the spring and autumn festivals, as well as on August 15. She visited the shrine last year on the same date before taking office.During her campaign for the presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party, she indicated that she would continue to visit the shrine even after becoming Prime Minister. However, around the time of her appointment in October last year, she opted for offering ritual offerings instead of a direct visit, and during the spring festival this year, she sent a ceremonial offering known as 'masakaki.'Takaichi's decision seems to be influenced by diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, including South Korea and the United States. Yasukuni Shrine enshrines 14 Class A war criminals from the Pacific War, leading to consistent backlash from South Korea and China whenever a senior Japanese politician visits. The United States also expressed disappointment when former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the shrine in 2013.The last time a sitting Japanese Prime Minister visited Yasukuni Shrine was in December 2013, when Abe made the visit. Since then, subsequent Prime Ministers have avoided direct visits, opting instead for offerings.Since taking office, Takaichi has emphasized stabilizing relations with South Korea. While concerns about deteriorating Japan-South Korea relations due to past visits to Yasukuni Shrine and historical perceptions have been raised, her actions since taking office have been viewed as more pragmatic compared to her previous hardline stance.The Japanese government has not yet officially confirmed whether Takaichi will visit the shrine. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated on August 7 that the Prime Minister would make an appropriate decision regarding the visit on the 15th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 21:20:00
  • Election Commission Dismisses All 261 Appeals Related to June 3 Local Elections
    Election Commission Dismisses All 261 Appeals Related to June 3 Local Elections The National Election Commission has dismissed all 261 appeals related to the June 3 local elections, either rejecting or dismissing them. While the commission acknowledged that some voting interruptions due to a shortage of ballots in areas like Seoul and Busan constituted violations of election regulations, it concluded that these issues did not significantly affect the election results.On August 12, the commission reported that it rejected 112 of the appeals and dismissed 149, with none being upheld.The appeal filed by the People Power Party regarding the Seoul mayoral election was also dismissed. The commission recognized that the shortage of ballots at certain polling stations violated relevant regulations but determined that this violation did not influence the election outcome.For similar reasons, appeals concerning the mayoral elections in Busan and Incheon, as well as proportional representation elections for city councils in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, were also dismissed. Appeals related to the Gyeonggi governor and proportional representation elections for the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, as well as the mayoral elections in Ulsan and the Chungbuk governor election, were likewise rejected.All appeals filed by the Reform Party regarding proportional representation in the Seoul City Council and the mayoral elections in Busan, Daegu, and Incheon, as well as the Gyeonggi governor election, were also dismissed.The commission stated that while there were violations of regulations due to voting interruptions in the Seoul, Busan, and Incheon mayoral elections and the Gyeonggi governor election, it did not find any violations in the elections for the integrated mayor of Gwangju, Ulsan mayor, and Chungbuk governor.In light of the commission's decisions, the People Power Party plans to pursue legal action to contest the election results. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated that if the appeals were dismissed, they would have to go to court, and floor leader Jeong Geum-sik indicated that they would consider filing a lawsuit.The Reform Party is also expected to decide on whether to file a lawsuit after legal review.According to the Public Official Election Act, if a party disagrees with the commission's decisions on the dismissal or rejection of appeals related to the elections for city and provincial governors and proportional representation members, they can file a lawsuit with the Supreme Court within 10 days of receiving the decision notice.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 21:12:00
  • Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Early Morning of August 13
    Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Early Morning of August 13 The Perseid meteor shower, which lights up the summer night sky, will reach its peak from the night of August 12. This year, the peak coincides with a new moon, providing some of the best viewing conditions in recent years.According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the calculated peak time for the Perseid meteor shower is at noon on August 13. While this peak will not be visible in South Korea due to daytime, the early mornings of August 13 and 14, when there is no moonlight, will be favorable for observation. NASA has also indicated that the main viewing times will be from the night of August 12 into the early hours of August 13.The International Meteor Organization (IMO) estimates that the maximum number of meteors visible per hour (ZHR) during this year's Perseid shower could reach 100. However, this figure assumes ideal conditions with a high radiant point and minimal surrounding light. In typical dark suburban areas, the actual number observed may range from 30 to 50 meteors per hour.The Perseid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the debris and small particles left by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. It is active from mid-July to late August, with the highest number of meteors observed in mid-August.No special telescope is required for viewing. It is recommended to find a location with minimal city lights and an unobstructed view of the sky, rather than focusing on specific constellations. Avoiding bright screens, such as those on mobile phones, and allowing time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness can also enhance the experience.This year, the meteor shower coincides with a total solar eclipse. On August 12, the eclipse will be visible in northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, but it will not be observable in South Korea. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute noted that a total solar eclipse will occur at 2:04 AM on August 13, local time.Notably, this year's Perseid meteor shower contrasts with last year's event, when a bright moon obscured the faint meteors. This year, the new moon will significantly reduce moonlight interference.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 21:04:00
  • Turkeys Anadolu Agency Reports U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Agreement, Iran Denies
    Turkey's Anadolu Agency Reports U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Agreement, Iran Denies Reports have emerged that the United States and Iran have agreed to extend a ceasefire set to expire on the 17th. However, a senior Iranian source has denied any discussions regarding the extension, leaving the actual status uncertain.According to Yonhap News, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported on the 12th, citing sources from the Pakistani government, that the U.S. and Iran communicated their intent to approve an extension of the ceasefire to Pakistan, the mediating country.The two sides are currently engaged in further discussions about how long to extend the ceasefire, which is set to expire on the 17th.Contrarily, Iranian officials have expressed a different stance. A senior Iranian source told Reuters, "There are no discussions between Iran and the U.S. regarding a ceasefire extension," adding, "From Iran's perspective, there is no date on which the ceasefire began, so there is nothing to extend."This source explained that while the U.S. is discussing returning to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Islamabad and determining a timeline for fulfilling commitments, there has been no progress to date.The U.S. and Iran signed an MOU in Islamabad, Pakistan, on June 17, outlining plans for a peace settlement. The two sides agreed to engage in follow-up negotiations over the next 60 days, including discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.However, the situation has stalled since last month when the U.S. resumed airstrikes against Iran, which Iran has deemed a violation of the MOU. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against U.S. military bases in the region.Iran maintains that it will be difficult to reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless the U.S. takes measures to compensate for its violations of the agreement. Regardless of the ceasefire extension, if both sides cannot find common ground on how to implement the existing agreement, tensions in the Middle East may rise again.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 20:44:00