Artemis II astronauts rocket toward the moon after spending a day around Earth

NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully fired its engines and left Earth orbit, marking the first time humans have done so since the Apollo 17. The crew—three Americans from the United States and one astronaut from Canada—are now on a trajectory toward a lunar fly-by, traveling nearly 250,000 miles from Earth. The translunar injection burn occurred about 25 hours after liftoff and was reported to be flawless. Astronauts described the … Continue reading Artemis II astronauts rocket toward the moon after spending a day around Earth

bcbegleyApril 3, 2026

Amazon to add 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for sellers

Amazon is introducing a 3.5% “fuel and logistics-related surcharge” on fees for third-party sellers using its fulfillment services, effective April 17 in the U.S. and Canada. The company said the move is in response to rising transportation and operating costs driven by higher oil prices tied to the ongoing Iran-related conflict. Amazon emphasized that the surcharge is temporary and meant to offset increased costs, and it claims … Continue reading Amazon to add 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for sellers

bcbegleyApril 3, 2026

United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50

United Airlines is raising checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased starting Friday, with increases applying to first, second, and third bags across most routes. The airline said the first bag will rise from $35 to $45 and the second from $45 to $55, while the third bag will increase to $200, with higher prices for last-minute payments. The move follows similar increases by competitors … Continue reading United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50

bcbegleyApril 3, 2026

Tesla’s stock suffers steepest drop of 2026 on disappointing deliveries report

Tesla shares fell more than 5% after its first-quarter report showed lower deliveries and production compared with the previous quarter, despite modest year-over-year growth. The company delivered about 336,681 vehicles in Q1, slightly above last year but below analyst expectations. Overall vehicle sales have been declining in recent years, and Tesla’s stock is down roughly 20% in 2026. The bulk of deliveries still comes from its Tesla Model … Continue reading Tesla’s stock suffers steepest drop of 2026 on disappointing deliveries report

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Schumer insists calling DHS funding shutdown ‘political’ posturing’ is ‘not fair’

Chuck Schumer rejected claims that Senate Democrats were blocking Department of Homeland Security funding for political reasons, saying their goal was to push reforms to agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Speaking on CNN, Schumer argued that Democrats withheld support because they view these agencies as needing stricter oversight and change. He said the American public supports reform, citing polling that he claims shows strong … Continue reading Schumer insists calling DHS funding shutdown ‘political’ posturing’ is ‘not fair’

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Macron hits out at Trump for Brigitte insult

Emmanuel Macron criticized Donald Trump after Trump mocked him over a viral video involving his wife, calling the remarks inappropriate. Macron said Trump’s comments were “not elegant” and pushed back on U.S. demands that allies join military efforts in the Middle East, calling them unrealistic. He argued that the war and operations like reopening the Strait of Hormuz were decisions made by the U.S. and should not be imposed on … Continue reading Macron hits out at Trump for Brigitte insult

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Hegseth ousts Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George

Pete Hegseth has asked Randy George to step down and retire immediately, according to multiple sources. Officials said the move is intended to install leadership aligned with the administration’s vision for the Army, with Christopher LaNeve serving as acting chief of staff. The Pentagon expressed gratitude for George’s decades of service while describing the change as part of a broader leadership transition. Two other senior Army officers, including leaders of training and … Continue reading Hegseth ousts Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Trump doesn’t have to turn over presidential records, Justice Department says

The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion arguing that Donald Trump is not required to turn over presidential records to the National Archives and Records Administration, claiming the Presidential Records Act of 1978 is unconstitutional in limiting executive authority. The opinion asserts that Congress exceeded its powers and cannot compel the executive branch to transfer such records. While the memo signals the administration may not comply with … Continue reading Trump doesn’t have to turn over presidential records, Justice Department says

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

Donald Trump fired Pam Bondi following reported dissatisfaction with her handling of Department of Justice matters, including files related to Jeffrey Epstein and other prosecutions. Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general while a permanent replacement is considered, with Lee Zeldinmentioned as a potential candidate. Trump praised Bondi publicly but indicated she will transition to a private-sector role, while Bondi said she will help ensure an orderly handover. The move follows other recent … Continue reading Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Tina Peters could receive same sentence after re-sentencing ordered by Colorado Court of Appeals

The Colorado Court of Appeals had her sentence thrown out for Tina Peters, though her conviction for election system misconduct was upheld. The court ruled that the original judge violated her First Amendment rights by considering her public statements when imposing the sentence. As a result, the case is being sent back for re-sentencing, though the same sentence could potentially be reimposed if properly justified. Peters has a … Continue reading Tina Peters could receive same sentence after re-sentencing ordered by Colorado Court of Appeals

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Doctors, nurses arrested in SoCal health care fraud investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a major health care fraud crackdown in Southern California, resulting in multiple arrests of doctors, nurses, and other individuals. Officials said eight people were arrested and more than a dozen charged in connection with schemes involving fraudulent hospice care claims. Prosecutors allege defendants recruited people who were not terminally ill and paid them to pose as hospice patients to bill Medicare for millions … Continue reading Doctors, nurses arrested in SoCal health care fraud investigation

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Manhunt continues for 2nd suspect after baby girl shot and killed in Brooklyn

A manhunt is underway in Brooklyn for a second suspect linked to a deadly shooting that killed a 7-month-old baby girl identified as Kaori Patterson-Moore. Police have arrested the alleged gunman, 21-year-old Amuri Greene, who faces murder and attempted murder charges, while the search continues for the moped driver. Authorities say the shooting, believed to be gang-related, occurred when gunfire erupted as the child was being pushed … Continue reading Manhunt continues for 2nd suspect after baby girl shot and killed in Brooklyn

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Rapper Gucci Mane ‘robbed and kidnapped’ by other rappers

Nine people have been arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping at a Dallas music studio involving rapper Gucci Mane and others during what was supposed to be a contract meeting. Prosecutors say the group, which includes rappers Big30 and Big30, held victims at gunpoint, forced one to sign a contract release, and stole valuables. Authorities allege the suspects coordinated the takeover after arranging the meeting, with … Continue reading Rapper Gucci Mane ‘robbed and kidnapped’ by other rappers

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new policy allowing service members to carry personally owned firearms on military installations for self-protection. He said base commanders will presume such requests are valid, though any denials must be justified in writing. The change aims to address concerns about recent shootings on bases, where access to personal weapons has been restricted under existing rules. Critics argue the policy could increase … Continue reading Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Americans in Iraq warned to leave ‘now’ amid threats of imminent attacks

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has urged all United States citizens to leave Iraq immediately due to imminent threats from Iran-aligned militias. The warning follows reports of the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, allegedly by militants linked to Kataib Hezbollah. Officials say militias may target Americans, infrastructure, and locations associated with the U.S., with risks of further attacks and abductions. Travel is complicated by closed airspace, though overland routes to neighboring … Continue reading Americans in Iraq warned to leave ‘now’ amid threats of imminent attacks

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Austria latest to block US warplanes from using its airspace

Austria has blocked United States military aircraft from using its airspace for operations against Iran, citing its neutrality laws. Officials said several U.S. requests had been made, but each case would be reviewed individually. Other European countries, including Spain, have taken similar steps, restricting American warplane access amid the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has allowed limited U.S. use of its bases for defensive purposes, the Metro has reported. The situation … Continue reading Austria latest to block US warplanes from using its airspace

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

China Is Building Another Massive Base in the South China Sea

China has resumed large-scale island-building in the South China Sea, focusing on Antelope Reef, which could become its largest military base there. The project may include a runway, missile systems, and surveillance facilities, strengthening China’s strategic position and supporting its territorial claims. The move comes amid ongoing disputes with regional players like Vietnam and Philippines, while the United Statescontinues to oppose Beijing’s expansion. Analysts say the buildup could be significant in any … Continue reading China Is Building Another Massive Base in the South China Sea

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Iran vows ‘crushing’ attacks as strikes hit regional infrastructure

Fighting between Iran, Israel, and the United States has intensified, with attacks spreading across the Middle East and showing no sign of easing after a month of war. Iran said it struck U.S.-linked industrial sites in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as Israeli military facilities, in retaliation for earlier strikes on its own infrastructure. The conflict has increasingly targeted economic assets, raising concerns about global energy supplies, especially as … Continue reading Iran vows ‘crushing’ attacks as strikes hit regional infrastructure

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

IRGC claims to have attacked Dubai Oracle data center, US fighter jets at Jordan’s Al Azraq base

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched multiple attacks across the region, including a claimed strike on an Oracle data center in Dubai, which local officials denied. The group also allegedly targeted an Amazon cloud facility in Bahrain, causing damage and a fire, according to officials and reports. Meanwhile, drones struck near a U.S. diplomatic site by Baghdad Airport and crashed at Iraq’s Trebil … Continue reading IRGC claims to have attacked Dubai Oracle data center, US fighter jets at Jordan’s Al Azraq base

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Nasa’s Artemis II rocket lifts off for historic moon mission

NASA’s Artemis II mission launched astronauts into space for the first time in nearly 54 years, marking a major step in the agency’s lunar exploration program. The spacecraft is currently orbiting Earth and will soon begin its journey toward the moon, with a planned flyby rather than a landing. The four-member crew includes astronauts from the U.S. and Canada, who are testing systems, conducting health … Continue reading Nasa’s Artemis II rocket lifts off for historic moon mission

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Hershey says it will shift back to classic recipe for all Reese’s products

Hershey announced it will return all Reese’s products to their classic recipes starting next year, following criticism over the use of cheaper ingredients in some items. The company said that by 2027, products that currently use alternative coatings will switch back to traditional milk chocolate and dark chocolate. It also plans to make additional changes, including introducing natural colors and improving the creaminess of Kit-Kat, … Continue reading Hershey says it will shift back to classic recipe for all Reese’s products

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Oil prices surge with Brent rising 5% as Trump vows to hit Iran ‘extremely hard’

Oil prices surged amid volatile trading after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of further military action against Iran within the next two to three weeks, raising concerns about prolonged conflict. U.S. West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude both rose sharply as markets reacted to the prospect of continued instability. Trump also claimed Iran was responsible for attacks on oil tankers, while reiterating that the U.S. … Continue reading Oil prices surge with Brent rising 5% as Trump vows to hit Iran ‘extremely hard’

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Trump says US military objectives in Iran ‘nearing completion’

President Donald Trump said U.S. forces will “finish the job” in Iran soon, claiming key objectives are nearing completion and suggesting operations could end within two to three weeks. His remarks came in his first national address since the conflict began more than a month ago, during which he also asserted that Iran’s president was seeking a ceasefire, a claim denied by Iranian officials. Meanwhile, … Continue reading Trump says US military objectives in Iran ‘nearing completion’

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Britain to host 35 countries for strait of Hormuz talks, says Starmer

The UK is set to convene 35 countries, excluding the US, to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route currently disrupted by Iran’s actions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting will focus on diplomatic and political measures to restore safe passage for ships and goods. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will take part alongside international leaders from Europe and other allied … Continue reading Britain to host 35 countries for strait of Hormuz talks, says Starmer

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026

Macron lauds Europe’s ‘predictability’ on visit to Japan in apparent swipe at Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Europe’s “predictability” during a visit to Japan, indirectly responding to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Macron contrasted Europe’s steady approach with countries that may act unpredictably or without warning, referencing tensions linked to the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. His office had previously expressed surprise at Trump’s claims that France was uncooperative over military overflights. Macron … Continue reading Macron lauds Europe’s ‘predictability’ on visit to Japan in apparent swipe at Trump

bcbegleyApril 2, 2026