Author: bcbegley

World News

Israel’s president says ‘shocking’ settler violence against Palestinians must end

Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, and top military officials condemned violent attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian villages in the West Bank, calling the actions “shocking” and a violation of Israeli values. Dozens of masked settlers set fire to vehicles and property in Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf and clashed with Israeli soldiers responding to the violence. Authorities arrested four Israelis and reported four Palestinians wounded, … Continue reading Israel’s president says ‘shocking’ settler violence against Palestinians must end

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Space

Chinese astronauts return from space station after delay blamed on space debris damage

Three Chinese astronauts returned from the Tiangong space station Friday after a nine-day delay caused by damage to their original Shenzhou-20 return capsule, likely from space debris. They instead returned in the newly arrived Shenzhou-21, which had delivered a replacement crew, completing China’s longest space station stay at 204 days. The capsule landed in the Gobi Desert, where the crew was safely recovered, along with … Continue reading Chinese astronauts return from space station after delay blamed on space debris damage

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World News

Iran seizes tanker in Strait of Hormuz, US official says

Iran seized the Marshall Islands–flagged oil tanker Talara in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, diverting it into Iranian territorial waters in the first such interdiction in months. The tanker, traveling from the UAE to Singapore, was intercepted by Iranian forces as a U.S. Navy surveillance drone monitored the incident, according to a U.S. official. Maritime security agencies, including the U.K.’s UKMTO, acknowledged the event … Continue reading Iran seizes tanker in Strait of Hormuz, US official says

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World News

Ukrainian ministers submit their resignations as the country is rocked by a corruption scandal

A major embezzlement and kickbacks scandal involving Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power company has erupted just as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure create rolling blackouts across the country. Investigators say the scheme involved about $100 million in kickbacks, uncovered through a 15-month probe and extensive wiretaps that led to multiple detentions. Media reports have implicated an associate of President Zelenskyy, prompting him to call for — … Continue reading Ukrainian ministers submit their resignations as the country is rocked by a corruption scandal

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World News

Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv kills 6 people and injures at least 35

Russia launched a massive overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing six people and injuring at least 35, including a pregnant woman. Ukrainian officials said the barrage involved more than 430 drones and 18 missiles, causing fires and heavy damage to residential buildings. President Zelenskyy called it a deliberate strike on civilians, while Russia claimed it targeted military and energy facilities. Ukraine used U.S.-supplied … Continue reading Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv kills 6 people and injures at least 35

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U.S. News

Student-athletes among 14 charged in alleged sports betting ring tied to crime family

Fourteen people have been charged in an alleged organized crime sports betting ring run in North Jersey and led by Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, a purported Lucchese crime family soldier. Prosecutors say the operation processed about $2 million in illegal gambling transactions between 2022 and 2024 and included student-athletes among those placing bets. Perna’s sons, stepbrother, and several cousins were allegedly involved in managing and … Continue reading Student-athletes among 14 charged in alleged sports betting ring tied to crime family

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Politics

Vance says he’ll “sit down” with Trump to discuss a 2028 run after midterms

Vice President JD Vance told Fox News he plans to discuss a potential 2028 presidential run with President Trump after the midterms but said his current priority is the 2026 elections. Vance, a MAGA favorite and early polling leader for 2028, emphasized that thinking too far ahead risks distracting him from his present responsibilities. He said winning the midterms is crucial to protecting Trump’s ongoing … Continue reading Vance says he’ll “sit down” with Trump to discuss a 2028 run after midterms

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Politics

Democrat Eric Swalwell faces federal criminal inquiry for alleged mortgage fraud

Rep. Eric Swalwell confirmed he is now faceing a federal criminal investigation for alleged mortgage fraud. The probe stems from a letter from the Federal Housing Finance Agency to the attorney general claiming Swalwell may have committed mortgage and tax fraud, similar to accusations recently leveled against other Democratic officials. Swalwell denounced the investigation as politically motivated, noting his long history as a prominent Trump … Continue reading Democrat Eric Swalwell faces federal criminal inquiry for alleged mortgage fraud

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Politics, Uncategorized

House Dems’ anti-Schumer caucus is growing rapidly

A growing number of House Democrats are calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down, arguing he has lost the confidence of the party and failed to manage his caucus during the recent government funding fight. Their frustration stems from eight Senate Democrats joining Republicans to reopen the government under a deal many House Democrats see as inadequate, despite Schumer personally opposing it. … Continue reading House Dems’ anti-Schumer caucus is growing rapidly

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Politics

Fetterman hospitalized after heart issue, fall

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was hospitalized in Pittsburgh after a heart issue caused him to fall and sustain minor facial injuries. The fall occurred during a morning walk near his home, and doctors identified a ventricular fibrillation flare-up, a serious heart rhythm disorder that can be fatal without treatment. Fetterman, who has a history of heart problems and suffered a stroke during his 2022 campaign, … Continue reading Fetterman hospitalized after heart issue, fall

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Politics

Justice Department joins lawsuit over California’s redrawn House map

The Justice Department joined a Republican-led lawsuit challenging California’s new Democratic-drawn congressional map approved by voters last week. The map could allow Democrats to gain up to five additional House seats in next year’s midterms. DOJ and California GOP lawyers claim the map constitutes a racial gerrymander, arguing it manipulates district lines to favor Hispanic voters, which they say violates the Constitution. The ballot measure … Continue reading Justice Department joins lawsuit over California’s redrawn House map

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World News

U.S. conducts 20th strike on drug boat, killing 4 people in Caribbean Sea

The U.S. military conducted another strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, killing four people, part of the broader “Operation Southern Spear” anti-drug campaign. Since September, U.S. forces have destroyed at least 21 vessels in international waters, though officials have provided little evidence linking them to drug smuggling. Experts and the U.N. human rights chief have raised concerns about potential violations of international … Continue reading U.S. conducts 20th strike on drug boat, killing 4 people in Caribbean Sea

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Business

U.S. to remove tariffs on some products from Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala and El Salvador

The U.S. announced it will remove tariffs on select foods and other imports from Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador, aiming to lower prices on items like coffee and bananas while giving U.S. firms greater market access. Most framework agreements are expected to be finalized within two weeks, with additional deals possible before year-end. The deals maintain broader tariffs but lift them on products not … Continue reading U.S. to remove tariffs on some products from Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala and El Salvador

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Politics

BBC formally apologizes to President Trump for documentary edit

The BBC formally apologized to President Trump over a misleading edit of his Jan. 6 speech in the “Panorama” documentary but said it will not rebroadcast the program or provide compensation. Trump had threatened a $1 billion defamation lawsuit unless the broadcaster issued a retraction, apology, and payment. The apology acknowledged the edit created the false impression that Trump made a direct call for violence, … Continue reading BBC formally apologizes to President Trump for documentary edit

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Politics

Trump signs bill ending longest government shutdown in US history

President Donald Trump signed legislation to reopen the government, ending the 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. The bill funds the government at 2025 levels through January 30, allowing more time to negotiate a longer-term budget for 2026. It also restores pay for federal workers, reverses planned layoffs, and continues SNAP benefits for over 42 million Americans. The shutdown had caused missed paychecks, airline … Continue reading Trump signs bill ending longest government shutdown in US history

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U.S. News

Millions face 1st deep freeze and snow of the season

A powerful cold front is bringing the season’s first deep freeze and significant snow across much of the U.S., from the Midwest to the Northeast and South. Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan saw over a foot of lake-effect snow on Monday, with hundreds of emergency calls reported, while flurries reached as far south as Nashville, Tennessee, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The snow moved east … Continue reading Millions face 1st deep freeze and snow of the season

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U.S. News

Bay Area, Monterey Bay atmospheric river to bring heavy rain, winds up to 60 mph

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the Bay Area and Monterey Bay, effective 10 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday, as an atmospheric river storm brings heavy rain and strong winds. Southeast winds of 15–25 mph, gusting up to 50 mph, are expected, with coastal areas under a High Wind Warning for gusts up to 60 mph, raising risks of downed … Continue reading Bay Area, Monterey Bay atmospheric river to bring heavy rain, winds up to 60 mph

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U.S. News

Kansas county apologizes over raid on a small-town newspaper, agrees to pay over $3 million

Marion County, Kansas, has agreed to pay over $3 million and issue an apology following a 2023 law enforcement raid on the Marion County Record, a small-town newspaper, that sparked a national debate over press freedom. The raid, carried out by Marion County sheriff’s officers and Marion city police, targeted the newspaper’s offices, the publisher Eric Meyer’s home, and a city council member’s home, seizing … Continue reading Kansas county apologizes over raid on a small-town newspaper, agrees to pay over $3 million

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Politics

Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s grandson, running for US House seat

Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has announced his candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District, aiming to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. In his campaign video, Schlossberg criticized President Donald Trump, highlighting issues like the cost-of-living crisis, social program cuts, and perceived threats to civil rights and the Constitution. A lifelong resident of the district, Schlossberg emphasizes his connection to local … Continue reading Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s grandson, running for US House seat

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Politics

Mike Johnson to swear in Democrat who could force Epstein vote

Democratic representative-elect Adelita Grijalva is set to be sworn into the House on Wednesday, ending a seven-week delay that blocked her from taking her Arizona seat. Her swearing-in will make her the 218th signature needed on a discharge petition to force a House vote on legislation demanding the Justice Department release additional Jeffrey Epstein files. The move follows the release of previously unseen emails linking … Continue reading Mike Johnson to swear in Democrat who could force Epstein vote

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Space

Solar storms delay the launch of Blue Origin’s big new rocket with Mars orbiters for NASA

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket launch was postponed Wednesday due to intense solar storms, which were also creating spectacular auroras across the U.S. The rocket, carrying two NASA Mars orbiters from Florida, had already faced delays from poor weather. NASA delayed the liftoff over concerns that heightened solar radiation could affect the spacecraft. No new launch date has been announced, the AP has reported. This … Continue reading Solar storms delay the launch of Blue Origin’s big new rocket with Mars orbiters for NASA

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Business

Mortgage demand from homebuyers hits highest level since September

Mortgage applications to buy a home rose 6% last week, marking the strongest pace since September, as increased supply and softening prices encouraged buyers. Volume was 31% higher than the same week a year ago, despite the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising slightly to 6.34%. Demand for refinancing fell 3% for the week but remained 147% higher than last year, reflecting lower rates. Economist … Continue reading Mortgage demand from homebuyers hits highest level since September

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Business

Bessent says ‘substantial’ tariff relief on coffee and bananas is coming soon

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that “substantial” tariff relief on everyday consumer goods, including coffee, bananas, and other fruits, will be implemented soon. The move comes after President Trump raised tariffs on imports like Brazilian coffee, contributing to rising prices and surging inflation, which hit 3% in September. Bessent said the cuts would help bring prices down quickly and that Americans could start feeling relief … Continue reading Bessent says ‘substantial’ tariff relief on coffee and bananas is coming soon

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U.S. News

Nearly 900 flights canceled in US early Wednesday

At least 888 U.S. flights were canceled Wednesday morning, with major hubs like Chicago O’Hare, Denver, and Atlanta leading the disruptions, while another 720 flights were delayed. The cancellations continue a dayslong pattern caused by the federal government shutdown, which has left many Transportation Security Administration staff working without pay. FAA capacity limits remain in place at 40 major airports, though staffing issues were minimal … Continue reading Nearly 900 flights canceled in US early Wednesday

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Business

US Mint in Philadelphia to press final penny as the 1-cent coin gets canceled

The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia will strike its last circulating penny on Wednesday, ending a production run that began in 1793. President Donald Trump ordered the coin’s phase-out as it now costs nearly 4 cents to produce a 1-cent coin, making it financially inefficient. While many Americans collect pennies for nostalgia or luck, retailers and banks have faced challenges adjusting to the abrupt end, including … Continue reading US Mint in Philadelphia to press final penny as the 1-cent coin gets canceled

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