Author: bcbegley

Space

Rainbow Discovered Around a Nearby Dead Star Puzzles Scientists

Astronomers have discovered a glowing bow shock around the white dwarf RXJ0528+2838, located 731 light-years away, in a phenomenon that defies current understanding. Unlike typical white dwarfs, which produce outflows through a surrounding disk, RXJ0528+2838 has no disk, yet it has generated a multi-colored nebula for roughly 1,000 years. Researchers suggest the star’s strong magnetic field may channel material from its companion directly onto the … Continue reading Rainbow Discovered Around a Nearby Dead Star Puzzles Scientists

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Business

Gold smashes new record of $4,600

Gold surged to a new record above $4,600 an ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty. Concerns over a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell fueled speculation about potential leadership changes and faster interest-rate cuts. Unrest in Iran and recent U.S. actions in Venezuela added to the sense of global risk, boosting demand for gold. A weaker U.S. … Continue reading Gold smashes new record of $4,600

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Business

Capital One drops 6%, other banks hit after Trump calls for credit card rate cap

Banks and financial services stocks fell Monday after Trump called for a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates starting January 20, 2026. Capital One and Synchrony Financial saw the largest declines, while more diversified banks like JPMorgan and Bank of America fell modestly, along with Visa and Mastercard. Critics warned the cap could make credit unprofitable, prompting banks to reduce lending and scale … Continue reading Capital One drops 6%, other banks hit after Trump calls for credit card rate cap

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Business

Wall Street ticks to records

Wall Street hit record highs Monday, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq all rising despite lingering concerns about political pressure on the Federal Reserve. Walmart and Alphabet helped lift the market, while credit card companies fell sharply following Trump’s call to cap interest rates. Retailers including Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, and American Eagle also saw declines after disappointing profit forecasts, the AP has … Continue reading Wall Street ticks to records

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Politics

Jack Smith to testify next week at a public House Judiciary Committee hearing

Former special counsel Jack Smith will testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on January 22, giving lawmakers the chance to question him about his prosecutions of Donald Trump. Smith previously gave an eight-hour closed-door deposition and defended his decisions, emphasizing that he acted based on facts and law, not political considerations. He investigated Trump over the 2020 election and the retention of classified documents, … Continue reading Jack Smith to testify next week at a public House Judiciary Committee hearing

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Politics

Trump Orders Cleanup of Corrupt FBI ‘Scum’

President Donald Trump demanded on Truth Social that FBI Director Kash Patel remove agents allegedly involved in the Arctic Frost investigation, which targeted him, Republican organizations, and elected officials. The probe, originally focused on January 6, 2021, expanded under former FBI official Timothy Thibault, who circulated left-leaning news and podcast content to justify scrutiny of Trump and his associates. Internal emails and memos show Thibault … Continue reading Trump Orders Cleanup of Corrupt FBI ‘Scum’

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Politics

Cuba’s president defiant, says no negotiations scheduled as Trump moves to choke off oil lifeline

Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel said his government is not negotiating with the United States, despite Trump’s threats after cutting off Venezuelan oil supplies. He stated that only technical migration contacts exist and that broader talks must follow international law and mutual respect. Trump warned Cuba to strike a deal quickly after a U.S. operation in Venezuela disrupted its key energy lifeline. Díaz‑Canel condemned U.S. hostility … Continue reading Cuba’s president defiant, says no negotiations scheduled as Trump moves to choke off oil lifeline

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Politics

Carney visits China this week in a bid to rebuild ties and reduce Canadian dependence on US

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China this week for the first time in nearly a decade to rebuild strained relations and reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States. He aims to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade amid rising American tariffs and trade tensions. Carney plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials to expand cooperation on trade, energy, … Continue reading Carney visits China this week in a bid to rebuild ties and reduce Canadian dependence on US

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Politics

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis vows to block Trump’s Fed nominees following Powell probe

President Trump faces a major hurdle in replacing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, as Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announced he will block any Fed nominees until a Justice Department investigation into Powell for potential perjury is resolved. Tillis’ opposition complicates confirmation efforts, given the Republican-Democrat balance on the Senate banking committee. Powell acknowledged the investigation, calling it a pretext for giving Trump control over the … Continue reading Republican Sen. Thom Tillis vows to block Trump’s Fed nominees following Powell probe

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U.S. News

Man booked on reckless driving charge after U-Haul truck drives through Iran protesters in L.A.

A man, Calor Madanescht, 48, was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly driving a U-Haul truck into a group of protesters demonstrating against the Iranian government. The incident occurred Sunday near the Federal Building in the “Tehrangeles” neighborhood, where demonstrators waved pre-revolution Iranian flags and called for an end to Iran’s regime. Madanescht was booked for misdemeanor reckless driving with $0 bail and released the … Continue reading Man booked on reckless driving charge after U-Haul truck drives through Iran protesters in L.A.

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U.S. News

3 inmates dead, 12 hurt after “major fights” at Georgia prison, authorities say

A prison disturbance in northern Georgia on Sunday left three inmates dead and 12 others injured, along with one guard. The fight broke out during visitation hours at Washington State Prison in Davisboro, authorities said. Washington County Sheriff reported multiple major fights occurred during the incident. The Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed the facility was secured and all inmates were accounted for, CBS News has … Continue reading 3 inmates dead, 12 hurt after “major fights” at Georgia prison, authorities say

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U.S. News

Largest nursing strike in New York City history begins amid stalled contract negotiations

New York City’s largest nurses’ strike in history began Monday after union negotiations with five major hospitals failed. Nearly 15,000 nurses at Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian walked off the job, demanding pay increases, safer staffing levels, full health coverage, pensions, and protections against workplace violence. Hospitals say they are prepared to maintain patient care despite the strike, while the union warned that executives are … Continue reading Largest nursing strike in New York City history begins amid stalled contract negotiations

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U.S. News

Suspect targeted historic Mississippi synagogue in arson, FBI says

Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, has been charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to the historic Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Mississippi. According to a federal affidavit, Pittman admitted targeting the building because of “the building’s Jewish ties” and referred to it as the “synagogue of Satan.” The fire occurred in the early hours of Jan. 10, damaging the synagogue’s administrative office, library, and several … Continue reading Suspect targeted historic Mississippi synagogue in arson, FBI says

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U.S. News

Renowned chef indicted for allegedly trying to rob 3 banks in day

Valentino Luchin, a 62-year-old former Bay Area chef, has been federally indicted for allegedly attempting to rob three San Francisco banks in a single day. Police say he stole about $2,800 from two banks and failed at a third, and he was arrested at his home shortly afterward. Luchin previously ran restaurants including Ottavio, which closed in 2016, leaving him in financial trouble and leading … Continue reading Renowned chef indicted for allegedly trying to rob 3 banks in day

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World News

Elephant kills 20 in Indian state as rescue efforts continue

At least 20 people have been killed by a wild elephant over nine days in Jharkhand, eastern India, with the animal still at large. The attacks occurred mostly at night in the Chaibasa and Kolhan forest areas, part of one of Asia’s largest Sal forests, as residents guarded crops. Officials said the elephant is young, highly mobile, and may be in a mating phase, which … Continue reading Elephant kills 20 in Indian state as rescue efforts continue

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World News

USS Abraham Lincoln engages in live-fire exercises in South China Sea

The U.S. Navy said the USS Abraham Lincoln conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea during its Indo-Pacific deployment. The aircraft carrier, escorted by several destroyers, used systems such as the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System to demonstrate defensive capabilities. U.S. officials said the drills aim to deter aggression, strengthen alliances, and promote regional stability. The exercises come amid heightened global tensions, including recent U.S. … Continue reading USS Abraham Lincoln engages in live-fire exercises in South China Sea

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World News

Israel launches new strikes in southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation order

The Israeli army carried out multiple airstrikes on southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation warnings, killing one person, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel said it targeted a Hezbollah militant and infrastructure in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations. The strikes came despite Lebanon’s announcement that it had completed the first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, a move Israel says … Continue reading Israel launches new strikes in southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation order

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World News

UN’s top court opens landmark Myanmar Rohingya genocide case

The United Nations’ top court has opened a landmark genocide case against Myanmar over alleged crimes against its mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. The Gambia told the International Court of Justice that Myanmar’s military deliberately targeted the Rohingya with the intent to destroy the group. The case stems from a 2017 military offensive that forced about 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, with refugees reporting mass … Continue reading UN’s top court opens landmark Myanmar Rohingya genocide case

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World News

Trump threatens ‘strong’ military action as Iran protest deaths rise

Rights groups say hundreds of protesters have been killed in Iran as security forces violently suppress nationwide demonstrations, despite an imposed internet blackout. The unrest poses a serious challenge to Iran’s decades-long clerical rule. President Trump has warned of possible strong U.S. military action if more protesters are killed, while also saying a meeting with Iranian officials may be arranged. Iran has threatened retaliation against … Continue reading Trump threatens ‘strong’ military action as Iran protest deaths rise

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Space

Space Force awards $739 million in launch orders to SpaceX

SpaceX has secured $739 million in new contracts from the U.S. Space Force for multiple military satellite launches. The contracts, issued under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1, include task orders for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), supporting missile warning and tracking capabilities. Planned launches include SDA-2 missions in late FY2026, SDA-3 missions in mid-FY2027, and … Continue reading Space Force awards $739 million in launch orders to SpaceX

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Space

SpaceX launches NASA’s Pandora exoplanet mission, 3 dozen other satellites

NASA’s Pandora exoplanet satellite successfully launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sunday as part of SpaceX’s “Twilight” mission. Pandora, weighing 716 pounds, will spend a year observing at least 20 known exoplanets as they transit their stars, helping astronomers study planetary atmospheres and disentangle stellar effects from planetary signals. The mission also carried around 40 other satellites, including Kepler … Continue reading SpaceX launches NASA’s Pandora exoplanet mission, 3 dozen other satellites

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Space

Astronaut says crew in good shape after medical issue, but calls early return to Earth “bittersweet”

Astronaut Mike Fincke and his Crew 11 colleagues are returning early from the International Space Station due to a medical issue affecting an unidentified crew member, though all are reported as stable and well cared for. The crew, including Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov, will undock Wednesday and splash down in the Pacific Thursday morning, followed by medical evaluations onshore. This marks the … Continue reading Astronaut says crew in good shape after medical issue, but calls early return to Earth “bittersweet”

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Technology

Walmart expands drone delivery with Wing to 150 more stores

Alphabet-owned Wing is expanding its drone delivery partnership with Walmart to 150 more U.S. locations, including Los Angeles, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Miami. The service, which launched in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2023, will aim to serve up to 40 million customers and operate from 270 locations by 2027. Wing’s top customers order deliveries up to three times a week, reflecting growing demand for drone-based grocery … Continue reading Walmart expands drone delivery with Wing to 150 more stores

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Business

Fur store in Detroit to close after 132 years in business

Dittrich Furs, Detroit’s oldest privately held business, announced it will close on April 30 after 132 years in operation. Founded in 1893, the family-owned store has been run for five generations, offering fur and natural material fashions with a focus on craftsmanship and personal service. The Dittrich family cited retirement and prioritizing their health and well-being as the reason for closing. A “retirement liquidation sale” … Continue reading Fur store in Detroit to close after 132 years in business

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Business

FDA upgrades nationwide cheese recall to highest danger level after listeria-causing bacteria found

A nationwide cheese recall by The Ambriola Company has been upgraded to the FDA’s highest-risk Class I category after testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Class I recalls indicate a “reasonable probability” that exposure could cause serious illness or death, particularly for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The original recall, issued in November 2025, followed routine testing … Continue reading FDA upgrades nationwide cheese recall to highest danger level after listeria-causing bacteria found

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