B.C. Begley

Britain pushes allies to boost Ukraine support as Zelenskyy lands in London

Britain urged allies to use frozen Russian assets to strengthen Ukraine’s position in future peace talks as President Zelenskyy arrived in London for meetings with international partners. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for cutting Russian oil and gas from global markets and providing Kyiv with long-range missiles, while Zelenskyy pressed the EU for similar support after their Brussels meeting. The EU agreed to help meet … Continue reading Britain pushes allies to boost Ukraine support as Zelenskyy lands in London

Hours after Louvre heist, thieves steal 2,000 historical coins from French museum

Just hours after a $102 million jewelry heist at the Louvre, another French museum, the Maison des Lumières in Langres, was robbed of 2,000 silver and gold coins worth over $100,000. Thieves broke into the Hôtel du Breuil-de-Saint-Germain on the night of Oct. 19, smashing display cases before fleeing; no arrests have been made. The Maison des Lumières, dedicated to philosopher Denis Diderot, received far … Continue reading Hours after Louvre heist, thieves steal 2,000 historical coins from French museum

NBA gambling arrests stun league, expose mafia links

A major betting scandal has rocked American basketball, with 34 arrests across 11 states, including NBA players and a coach, in connection with illegal gambling and organized crime. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is accused of using insider information—such as knowing when players would sit out or leave games early—to place targeted bets on underperformance in points, assists, and rebounds. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey … Continue reading NBA gambling arrests stun league, expose mafia links

Essential workers left unpaid after Senate Democrats kill pay bill

Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led bill aimed at ensuring pay for essential government workers during the ongoing 23-day shutdown, arguing it was too selective and incomplete. The proposal, backed by Sens. Ron Johnson and Todd Young, failed 54-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, with only three Democrats voting in favor. The bill would have provided current and future relief … Continue reading Essential workers left unpaid after Senate Democrats kill pay bill

Judge blocks National Guard from Chicago indefinitely while awaiting Supreme Court decision

National Guard troops will not be deployed to Chicago for the foreseeable future after a judge extended a temporary restraining order indefinitely, unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes. In other cities, deployments face delays: Portland, Oregon, may see troops in several days, while federal appeals courts are reviewing whether hundreds of California Guard members should remain under federal control. President Trump’s efforts to send the … Continue reading Judge blocks National Guard from Chicago indefinitely while awaiting Supreme Court decision

Letitia James to be arraigned in Virginia on federal bank fraud charges

New York Attorney General Letitia James will be arraigned Friday in Norfolk, Virginia, on a two-count federal indictment alleging bank fraud and false statements related to her 2020 home purchase. Prosecutors claim she misled a bank to secure favorable loan terms, but James denies wrongdoing and plans to plead not guilty, calling the charges political retribution. James’s legal team, including Abbe Lowell and Andrew Bosse, … Continue reading Letitia James to be arraigned in Virginia on federal bank fraud charges

White House approves increased oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s national wildlife refuge

The Trump administration has approved expanded oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), opening 1.56 million acres of coastal plains and announcing a winter lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve. The Interior Department also reissued permits for the controversial 211-mile Ambler Road Project, which would cut through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, threatening migratory birds, wildlife, and Indigenous communities. Supporters, including … Continue reading White House approves increased oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s national wildlife refuge

Trump says he’s ending Canada trade negotiations over anti-tariff ad

President Trump announced he was ending trade talks with Canada, citing an Ontario government ad that used a clip of Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. The ad, which Reagan’s foundation said misrepresented the speech, prompted Trump to claim the former president supported tariffs and accused Canada of interfering with U.S. courts. Trump defended tariffs as vital for the U.S. economy and national security, while the ad’s … Continue reading Trump says he’s ending Canada trade negotiations over anti-tariff ad

CPI report shows inflation continued to climb in September

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3% in September from a year earlier, slightly below economists’ forecast of 3.1%, as the impact of President Trump’s tariffs remained limited. The Labor Department released the data despite the government shutdown because it determines Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment. Economists say tariffs continue to add modest upward pressure on prices, though inflation remains well below its 2022 peak … Continue reading CPI report shows inflation continued to climb in September

Maduro boasts of ‘thousands’ of Russian anti-aircraft missiles

Nicolás Maduro urged Donald Trump to avoid a “crazy war” as U.S. military actions against alleged drug traffickers raised tensions. Trump said he had authorised covert CIA action, denied sending B-1 bombers, and insisted the U.S. might not seek a formal declaration of war while vowing to target those bringing drugs. Since September 2, U.S. strikes have hit several boats and a semi-submersible, killing at … Continue reading Maduro boasts of ‘thousands’ of Russian anti-aircraft missiles

Trump Says US Will Shift to Strikes on Land After Boat Attacks

President Donald Trump announced plans to expand U.S. military operations against drug traffickers from Venezuela, saying “the land is going to be next,” signaling a shift from sea to land strikes. He instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to brief Congress on the administration’s upcoming actions but did not specify targets. Trump emphasized that land-based operations would be more dangerous but necessary to stop drugs entering … Continue reading Trump Says US Will Shift to Strikes on Land After Boat Attacks

Three arrested in UK on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence service

Three men aged 44, 45, and 48 were arrested in west and central London on Thursday on suspicion of assisting a Russian intelligence service, part of an ongoing national security investigation. They were detained under section 3 of the National Security Act, and searches continued at multiple locations in west London. While their nationalities were not disclosed, police said they were suspected of acting as … Continue reading Three arrested in UK on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence service

Gold Price Rebounds After Sharp Selloff

Gold rebounded Wednesday after a sharp two-day selloff, with futures rising 2.3% to $4,159.70 an ounce. The prior decline, including a 5.7% drop on Tuesday—the largest in over 12 years—was driven by profit-taking after a record-breaking rally. Despite the volatility, gold remains up nearly 60% in 2025, supported by central-bank buying, potential Fed rate cuts, and strong demand from foreign investors diversifying from dollars, Barron’s … Continue reading Gold Price Rebounds After Sharp Selloff

Amazon introduces ‘Blue Jay’ warehouse robot that performs multiple tasks at once

Amazon has introduced a new robotic system, Blue Jay, designed to perform multiple warehouse tasks simultaneously. The system uses robotic arms with suction cups on a conveyor-like track to pick, sort, and consolidate items in one streamlined process. Currently being tested in a South Carolina warehouse, Blue Jay can handle about 75% of stored items, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce physical strain on employees, … Continue reading Amazon introduces ‘Blue Jay’ warehouse robot that performs multiple tasks at once

Quantum stocks surge on report Trump eyeing stakes in the group like Intel

The Trump administration is discussing taking equity stakes in quantum-computing firms, including IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave, in exchange for federal funding, according to the Wall Street Journal. Other companies, such as Quantum Computing Inc. and Atom Computing, are considering similar deals. Shares of the mentioned firms surged following the report, with gains ranging from 10% to 20%, CNBC has reported. The move reflects Washington’s broader … Continue reading Quantum stocks surge on report Trump eyeing stakes in the group like Intel

Space

SpaceX launches record-breaking 133rd Falcon 9 mission of the year

SpaceX has set a new record for Falcon 9 launches, with 133 flights in 2025, surpassing last year’s mark. A Falcon 9 carrying 28 Starlink satellites lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Oct. 22, contributing to SpaceX’s expanding low Earth orbit internet network. This launch marks SpaceX’s 138th mission of the year, tying its overall 2024 record, Space.com has reported. While Falcon Heavy … Continue reading SpaceX launches record-breaking 133rd Falcon 9 mission of the year

Lower mortgage rates push home sales up in September

Sales of previously owned homes rose 1.5% in September to an annualized rate of 4.06 million units, marking the highest pace in seven months but slightly below forecasts. Compared with last year, sales were up 4.1%, with the South and Northeast seeing the strongest annual growth. Monthly gains were led by the West, while the Midwest experienced a slight decline, CNBC has reported. Falling mortgage … Continue reading Lower mortgage rates push home sales up in September

Families describe deaths, violence in Alabama prisons as they push for change

Chase Mathis, 31, died on June 4, 2024, after being placed in general population at an Alabama prison despite telling guards he feared for his life, raising concerns from his family that he may have been deliberately given a lethal drug dose. His father and other family members joined a rally at the Alabama Capitol, highlighting widespread violence, overdoses, assaults, and neglect in state prisons. … Continue reading Families describe deaths, violence in Alabama prisons as they push for change

Man arrested in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son in California floodwaters

Authorities arrested 26-year-old Brandon Padilla-Aguilera of Barstow, California, in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son, Xavier, who was swept away by floodwaters during a September storm. He pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and child abuse or endangerment likely to result in great bodily injury, along with a special allegation of willful harm resulting in death. The father and son … Continue reading Man arrested in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son in California floodwaters

Fight over new US House districts in California could turn on advertising edge in closing days

Less than two weeks before Election Day, California’s battle over new U.S. House maps under Proposition 50 is shaping up heavily in Democrats’ favor, with Republican opponents running low on ads and resources. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s map aims to strengthen his party’s chances of retaking the House in 2026 and counter GOP efforts in Texas and elsewhere. Voting is underway, with over 1.5 million … Continue reading Fight over new US House districts in California could turn on advertising edge in closing days

North Carolina Republicans pass new US House map

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a new congressional map to secure an additional U.S. House seat, following President Trump’s push for redistricting before next year’s midterms. The previous map, drawn just two years ago, already favored Republicans, giving them 10 of 14 seats despite the state being a swing state. Democratic Governor Josh Stein cannot veto the plan due to state law. North Carolina joins … Continue reading North Carolina Republicans pass new US House map

Government shutdown continues as Senate fails to advance GOP bill

The Senate failed to advance the House-passed funding bill to end the government shutdown for the 12th time on Wednesday. Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon spoke for 22 hours and 37 minutes, beginning Tuesday evening, in protest of what he called President Trump’s “authoritarianism.” The Senate vote was 54-46, short of the 60 votes needed to move the bill forward, News has reported. At … Continue reading Government shutdown continues as Senate fails to advance GOP bill

4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash

Four members of former Illinois state Senator Darren Bailey’s family were killed in a helicopter crash in eastern Montana on Wednesday, the campaign confirmed Thursday. Those who died include Bailey’s son Zachary, his daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. Their third child was not on the helicopter, the AP has reported. The crash occurred near Ekalaka, Montana, and is … Continue reading 4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash

Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

A 21-year-old illegal immigrant from India, Jashanpreet Singh, who entered the U.S. in 2022 and was released under the Biden administration’s “alternatives to detention” policy, is accused of causing a fatal semi-truck crash in Southern California. Singh allegedly drove into slow-moving traffic on the I-10 Freeway in San Bernardino County without braking, killing three people and injuring several others. Toxicology tests confirmed he was impaired … Continue reading Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing