Author: bcbegley

Business

Home Depot is buying GMS for about $4.3 billion

Home Depot announced it will acquire building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion through its subsidiary SRS Distribution, aiming to expand sales to professional contractors. The deal, expected to close by early 2026, ends a potential bidding war with billionaire Brad Jacobs’ QXO. GMS shares rose 12% on the news, while Home Depot shares dipped nearly 1%. The acquisition aligns with Home Depot’s strategy to … Continue reading Home Depot is buying GMS for about $4.3 billion

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Business

Trump sends handwritten letter to Powell demanding ultra-low interest rates

On Monday, President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, demanding deep interest rate cuts and accusing the Fed’s board of harming the U.S. economy. Trump posted a chart showing U.S. rates among the world’s highest and claimed Powell has “cost the USA a fortune.” Despite Trump’s months-long pressure, the Fed has kept rates steady, focusing on controlling inflation. Powell has … Continue reading Trump sends handwritten letter to Powell demanding ultra-low interest rates

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Business

US stocks push further into record heights

U.S. stocks rose on Monday, closing out a second straight monthly gain and hitting new records. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5%, the Dow gained 275 points (0.6%), and the Nasdaq rose 0.5%. Markets were boosted by Canada dropping a planned tax on U.S. tech firms and resuming trade talks. Hopes for tariff deals have underpinned Wall Street’s rebound from its spring sell-off. Standout stock moves … Continue reading US stocks push further into record heights

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Politics

Republican senator denounces Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ in fiery speech

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina delivered a scathing Senate floor speech criticizing the Senate’s version of Trump’s proposed budget bill, warning it would break Trump’s promise not to cut Medicaid. Tillis, who announced he won’t seek re-election, argued the bill’s Medicaid cuts would threaten coverage for over 660,000 North Carolinians. He blamed “amateurs” advising Trump and urged changes to avoid harming vulnerable people, The … Continue reading Republican senator denounces Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ in fiery speech

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Politics

Uganda’s President Museveni confirms bid to extend nearly 40-year rule

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 80, has confirmed he will run in next year’s election, aiming to extend his nearly 40-year rule. His National Resistance Movement (NRM) removed term and age limits to keep him in power. Critics accuse Museveni of suppressing dissent and using security forces to maintain control. Opposition leader Bobi Wine plans to run again after rejecting the 2021 results as fraudulent, Al-Jazeera … Continue reading Uganda’s President Museveni confirms bid to extend nearly 40-year rule

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Politics

One of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties disbands

Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats, the city’s last active protest group, has announced its disbandment due to mounting political pressure and fear of repercussions under the national security laws. The move comes ahead of the fifth anniversary of Beijing’s sweeping legislation, which critics say has crushed dissent and opposition. Over nearly 20 years, the group endured arrests, internal struggles, and suppression. Leaders cited increasing … Continue reading One of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties disbands

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Politics

Chile communist Jeannette Jara to lead beleaguered ruling coalition at election

Jeannette Jara, Chile’s former labor minister and a member of the Communist Party, won the left-wing primary with over 60% of the vote, defeating moderate rival Carolina Toha. Jara will be the government’s candidate in the November presidential election, facing strong center-right and far-right challengers amid declining popularity for the ruling coalition. Known for her work raising the minimum wage and cutting the workweek, Jara … Continue reading Chile communist Jeannette Jara to lead beleaguered ruling coalition at election

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Politics

Netanyahu says ‘opportunities have opened up’ to free hostages, as Trump demands Gaza ‘deal’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s recent military success in Iran has created new opportunities to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, signaling a shift in focus from defeating Hamas to prioritizing their return. His comments mark a change from earlier pledges of “total victory” over Hamas. The Hostages Families Forum urged a comprehensive deal to bring all 50 hostages home. Meanwhile, … Continue reading Netanyahu says ‘opportunities have opened up’ to free hostages, as Trump demands Gaza ‘deal’

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U.S. News

Harvard found in ‘violent violation’ of Civil Rights Act over antisemitism, Trump admin says

A federal task force has warned Harvard it could lose all federal funding over alleged “violent” violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act related to antisemitism on campus. The government letter cites findings that many Jewish students reported bias, threats, and assaults, accusing Harvard of failing to protect them equally. It demands immediate changes, NBC News has reported. Harvard disputes the findings, saying … Continue reading Harvard found in ‘violent violation’ of Civil Rights Act over antisemitism, Trump admin says

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U.S. News

Father jumps overboard after daughter falls off Disney cruise ship

A Disney cruise took a dramatic turn when a young girl fell overboard near Fort Lauderdale, prompting her father to jump in after her. The Disney Dream crew quickly launched a rescue, pulling both to safety within minutes. The incident occurred as the ship was returning from a four-night Bahamas cruise, ABC News has reported. Disney praised the crew’s swift response and emphasized their commitment … Continue reading Father jumps overboard after daughter falls off Disney cruise ship

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U.S. News

FBI arrests one man, searches laptops in 16 states in crackdown on North Korean tech-worker scheme

U.S. authorities have arrested a New Jersey man and searched tech equipment across 16 states in a major crackdown on a North Korean scheme using remote IT workers to fund its weapons program. Prosecutors say North Koreans, aided by people in the U.S., China, and elsewhere, used fake identities to get jobs at over 100 U.S. companies, stealing sensitive data and funds. One case involved … Continue reading FBI arrests one man, searches laptops in 16 states in crackdown on North Korean tech-worker scheme

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U.S. News

Bryan Kohberger agrees to plead guilty to all counts in Idaho college murders case

Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, avoiding the death penalty. Under the plea deal, he will receive four consecutive life sentences for the killings and up to 10 years for burglary, with no right to appeal. The sentencing is expected in late July. The agreement aims to spare victims’ families from a lengthy trial … Continue reading Bryan Kohberger agrees to plead guilty to all counts in Idaho college murders case

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U.S. News

2 Idaho firefighters killed after gunman started blaze to lure them into an ambush

Two firefighters were killed and another critically injured in northwest Idaho on Sunday when a gunman allegedly set a brush fire on Canfield Mountain and ambushed the responding crew. The suspect was later found dead nearby with a gun. Authorities described the attack as intentional and “heinous.” The fallen firefighters, one a 17-year veteran, were from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire … Continue reading 2 Idaho firefighters killed after gunman started blaze to lure them into an ambush

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World News

92-year-old British man convicted of rape and murder in 1967 cold case

A 92-year-old British man, Ryland Headley, was convicted Monday of the 1967 rape and murder of 75-year-old Louisa Dunne in Bristol, closing a 58-year cold case. Dunne was found strangled in her home. Despite a massive early investigation, the case went unsolved until a 2023 review used modern DNA analysis on preserved evidence, matching Headley’s DNA from a 1977 rape arrest, CNN has reported. He … Continue reading 92-year-old British man convicted of rape and murder in 1967 cold case

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World News

Serbian police remove street blockades in Belgrade, make new arrests

Serbian police cleared street blockades in Belgrade early Monday after protesters demanding early elections used fences and trash bins to block roads and bridges. The protests follow the arrest of anti-government demonstrators after a massive student-led rally calling for a snap vote to oust President Aleksandar Vucic’s government. Unrest began after a train station canopy collapse killed 16 people, fueling anger over alleged corruption. Clashes … Continue reading Serbian police remove street blockades in Belgrade, make new arrests

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World News

Iran: More than 900 killed in war with Israel

Iran reported over 900 deaths from its nearly two-week war with Israel, which ended with a ceasefire soon after U.S. strikes hit three Iranian underground nuclear sites. Israeli attacks starting June 13 killed military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, while Iran retaliated with missile barrages that killed 28 in Israel. Casualty estimates vary, with rights groups suggesting even higher Iranian civilian tolls. Despite tensions, Qatar … Continue reading Iran: More than 900 killed in war with Israel

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World News

Israel kills 95 Palestinians, bombing across Gaza amid new ceasefire push

Israeli forces launched heavy attacks across the Gaza Strip on Monday, killing at least 95 Palestinians, including families sheltering in schools and people at a crowded hospital. Strikes hit Gaza City, where a seaside café serving displaced people was bombed, killing over 30, including women, children, and journalists. In central Gaza, Israeli forces also targeted the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Hospital without warning, injuring many and … Continue reading Israel kills 95 Palestinians, bombing across Gaza amid new ceasefire push

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World News

Kim Jong-un weeps over coffins of NKorea troops killed in Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un grew emotional at a ceremony honoring thousands of North Korean soldiers sent to fight for Russia in Ukraine, many of whom died in battle. At the event, Kim draped flags over coffins as images of the fallen were broadcast, with North Korean and Russian officials in attendance. The ceremony marked deepening ties between the two countries following a defense pact … Continue reading Kim Jong-un weeps over coffins of NKorea troops killed in Ukraine

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Space

SpaceX sends two batches of Starlink satellites on Saturday

SpaceX launched two Starlink missions on Saturday, June 28, sending a total of 53 broadband satellites into low Earth orbit. The first Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 12:26 a.m. EDT, carrying 27 satellites, while the second launched from Vandenberg, California, at 1:13 p.m. EDT with 26 satellites. Both rocket boosters successfully landed on droneships after their flights, marking the fifth flight for … Continue reading SpaceX sends two batches of Starlink satellites on Saturday

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Technology

Ukraine approves new ‘Murakha’ ground robot for combat use

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has approved the Ukrainian-made “Murakha” (“Ant”) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for combat use, it announced on June 28. Designed to support front-line units in tough conditions like enemy artillery fire and minefields, the tracked robotic platform can carry over half a ton of cargo across long distances and navigate rough terrain and shallow water. It also has multiple control channels to maintain … Continue reading Ukraine approves new ‘Murakha’ ground robot for combat use

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Technology

Microsoft is retiring the infamous ‘blue screen of death’

Microsoft is retiring the infamous “blue screen of death” that has frustrated Windows users for decades. In its place, Windows 11 devices running the 24H2 update will see a new black-colored screen during unexpected restarts. The redesigned screen is part of Microsoft’s effort to “streamline the unexpected restart experience” and will begin rolling out later this summer, CNN has reported. The update will also reduce … Continue reading Microsoft is retiring the infamous ‘blue screen of death’

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Business

J.M. Smucker plans to remove artificial colors from its jams and other products

J.M. Smucker Co. plans to eliminate artificial colors from all its products by the end of 2027 and from foods sold to K-12 schools by the 2026–2027 school year. While most Smucker products are already free of synthetic dyes, some, like sugar-free jams, ice cream toppings, and Hostess snacks, still contain them. Smucker joins other major food companies, including Nestle, Conagra, Kraft Heinz, and General … Continue reading J.M. Smucker plans to remove artificial colors from its jams and other products

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Business

Bank of America says tariffs might spark a ‘reshoring’ boom

The U.S. manufacturing sector is showing signs of slowing down, according to the Bank of America Institute. While tariffs may encourage companies to bring production back to the U.S., this reshoring is likely to rely more on automation than increased hiring due to labor shortages and high costs. Despite a drop in new manufacturing orders and contraction signals, tariffs could help certain subsectors recover. Reshoring … Continue reading Bank of America says tariffs might spark a ‘reshoring’ boom

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Business

Warren Buffett announces $6 billion in donations to five foundations

Warren Buffett is donating $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to five foundations, raising his total donations since 2006 to about $60 billion. The largest portion, 9.4 million shares, goes to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. Other recipients include the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and NoVo Foundation. Buffett’s donations use Class B shares, which are more affordable … Continue reading Warren Buffett announces $6 billion in donations to five foundations

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Politics

Trump, lawmakers react after ‘big, beautiful bill’ clears Senate hurdle

President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” cleared a key Senate vote 51–49, with Republicans largely united behind it despite Democratic opposition. Sen. Ron Johnson switched to a “yes,” calling it a vital step toward fiscal responsibility. Democrats condemned the nearly 1,000-page bill as radical and plan to delay debate by forcing a full reading, Fox News has reported. Trump praised GOP senators for advancing his … Continue reading Trump, lawmakers react after ‘big, beautiful bill’ clears Senate hurdle

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