Author: bcbegley

World News

‘I am Roman,’ Pope Leo says, as he becomes the bishop of Rome

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman in a ceremonial step to formalize his role as bishop of Rome. The title, though largely symbolic, emphasizes his pastoral commitment to the people of Rome. While the pope is the first from the U.S. and holds Peruvian citizenship, the statement does not negate his other national ties. Speaking at Piazza Venezia with Rome’s mayor, Roberto … Continue reading ‘I am Roman,’ Pope Leo says, as he becomes the bishop of Rome

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World News

Bodies of 5 skiers found on Swiss glacier near Zermatt

Five skiers’ bodies were found on the Adler Glacier near Zermatt, Switzerland, after abandoned skis were spotted near Rimpfischhorn by two hikers. Police conducted aerial and ground searches in the area. Formal identification of the victims is ongoing, and their nationalities are not yet known, ABC News has reported. Authorities are investigating the accident’s circumstances, including weather conditions and possible avalanche activity. Written by B.C. … Continue reading Bodies of 5 skiers found on Swiss glacier near Zermatt

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Space

Mysterious sphere in Colombia sparks UFO talk

Scientists in Mexico are examining a mysterious metal orb recovered in Colombia, sparking UFO interest. The sphere, filmed floating before crashing near Buga in March, has decorative etchings and reportedly no visible welds. Researcher Jose Luis Velazquez said X-rays show it has three layers of varying densities. However, physicist Julia Mossbridge dismissed alien origin theories, suggesting it may be an art project, The Hill has … Continue reading Mysterious sphere in Colombia sparks UFO talk

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Space

Galaxies battle in ‘cosmic joust’ witnessed by astronomers for the first time

Astronomers have, for the first time, observed two galaxies in a “cosmic joust,” where one galaxy’s quasar-powered beams of radiation are dispersing gas clouds in its neighbor. Located 11 billion light-years away, this galactic clash is causing the “victim” galaxy’s ability to form new stars to weaken. The discovery, made with telescopes like the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and ALMA, confirms that quasars can disrupt … Continue reading Galaxies battle in ‘cosmic joust’ witnessed by astronomers for the first time

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Space

Scientists stunned to find Earth’s core leaking gold and other precious metals

A new study of Hawaiian volcanic rocks reveals Earth’s core is leaking precious metals like gold and ruthenium into the surface. These metals, once thought trapped in the core, were found in high concentrations in basalt from Hawaii. The findings, published in Nature, suggest volcanic eruptions may bring core material to the surface, reshaping our understanding of the planet’s inner dynamics, the Independent has reported. Written … Continue reading Scientists stunned to find Earth’s core leaking gold and other precious metals

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Space

SpaceX spacecraft returns to Earth, sends sonic boom across Southern California

A loud boom startled Southern California residents on Saturday night as SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft reentered Earth’s atmosphere, splashing down off Oceanside around 10:44 p.m. The unpiloted Dragon had delivered 6,700 pounds of supplies to the International Space Station after launching from Florida on April 21. The spacecraft’s return marked SpaceX’s 32nd Commercial Resupply Services mission, KTLA 5 has reported. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading SpaceX spacecraft returns to Earth, sends sonic boom across Southern California

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Technology

Hong Kong surgical robot start-up Cornerstone eyes funds to take on da Vinci

Hong Kong-based Cornerstone Robotics plans to raise over 500 million yuan ($70 million) later this year to expand sales and develop new surgical robot products. The firm, which competes with da Vinci Surgical Systems, has focused on domestic component sourcing to enhance supply chain resilience. Founded in 2019, Cornerstone’s surgical systems have been used in Hong Kong, mainland China, and the UK, with around 250 … Continue reading Hong Kong surgical robot start-up Cornerstone eyes funds to take on da Vinci

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Technology

Humanoid robots fight in Chinese kick-boxing competition

China hosted the world’s first humanoid robot fighting tournament, the CMG World Robot Competition – Mecha Fighting Series, in Hangzhou. Robots, including Unitree Robotics’ G1 model, showcased their combat abilities in matches featuring punches, kicks, and real-time human-controlled battles. The event demonstrated China’s advances in AI, robotics, and engineering, with experts noting its potential to drive innovation. A larger humanoid robot tournament is planned for … Continue reading Humanoid robots fight in Chinese kick-boxing competition

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Business

McDonald’s to close all CosMc’s locations

McDonald’s is shutting down all its CosMc’s locations, including the original Bolingbrook site, starting in late June. Launched in December 2023, CosMc’s featured customizable drinks like the Churro Frappé and was designed as a “launchpad for learning.” Despite drawing long lines, McDonald’s will now use insights from the pilot to test new beverages at regular locations, Fox 32 has reported. The CosMc’s app will also … Continue reading McDonald’s to close all CosMc’s locations

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Business

China’s BYD sees shares plunge 8% as EV maker cuts prices

BYD’s shares fell as much as 8.25% Monday after the company cut prices on 22 electric and hybrid models, including slashing the Seagull hatchback price by 20% and the Seal sedan by 34%. The price cuts, effective until June, sparked a surge in dealership foot traffic but also raised concerns of a price war in China’s auto sector. Other automakers’ shares, including Geely, Great Wall, … Continue reading China’s BYD sees shares plunge 8% as EV maker cuts prices

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Business

Trump delays 50% EU tariffs until July 9

President Trump announced a delay of a planned 50% tariff on EU imports until July 9, following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested more time for negotiations. The move temporarily eased market concerns, with Asian stocks posting modest gains. Trump previously threatened to impose the tariffs on June 1, following an earlier 20% tariff on the EU, CNN … Continue reading Trump delays 50% EU tariffs until July 9

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Politics

RNC chair pressures Senate GOP ‘to deliver’ on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

RNC chairman Michael Whatley urged Senate Republicans to support the House-approved spending bill, calling it a “big, beautiful bill” during a radio interview. He stressed its importance for Republican prospects in the 2026 midterms, despite concerns from Senate Republicans about Medicaid cuts and debt ceiling increases. Whatley emphasized unity and a strong economy as keys to expanding the House majority and maintaining Senate seats, The … Continue reading RNC chair pressures Senate GOP ‘to deliver’ on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

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Politics

Canadians gearing up for King Charles III’s visit

King Charles III will open the Canadian Parliament next week, marking the first time a British monarch has done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. His visit, from May 26-27, comes amid tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state. Charles’s visit, arranged by the U.K. and reflecting his dual role as British and Canadian king, coincides with … Continue reading Canadians gearing up for King Charles III’s visit

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Politics

Syria’s al-Sharaa meets Erdogan in as sanctions lifted

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and top officials in Istanbul after Western sanctions on Syria were lifted. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and Syria’s reconstruction. Erdogan voiced opposition to Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory. The talks involved key Turkish officials and Syrian ministers. Al-Sharaa had met Erdogan earlier in Ankara and Saudi leaders in Riyadh, Al-Jazeera has reported. … Continue reading Syria’s al-Sharaa meets Erdogan in as sanctions lifted

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Politics

Poles rally behind competing candidates and visions as presidential runoff nears

Poles gathered in Warsaw for dueling patriotic marches ahead of the June 1 presidential runoff, a tight race between liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki. Trzaskowski, supported by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European Civic Coalition, backs abortion rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion, while Nawrocki, endorsed by the nationalist Law and Justice party and recently pictured with Donald Trump, champions conservative and patriotic … Continue reading Poles rally behind competing candidates and visions as presidential runoff nears

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Politics

Trump praises West Point graduates, touts ‘golden age’ of US military in commencement speech

President Trump addressed West Point graduates in a commencement speech amid his administration’s crackdown on diversity initiatives and military leadership shake-ups. Wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, he praised the graduates as “winners” and highlighted his focus on national security, border protection, and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. He criticized past leaders, including Joe Biden, for involving the military in unnecessary conflicts … Continue reading Trump praises West Point graduates, touts ‘golden age’ of US military in commencement speech

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U.S. News

A small jet crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, killing 6 people

A Cessna 550 business jet crashed in a San Diego neighborhood after hitting power lines during an attempted landing in poor weather, killing all six onboard and injuring eight people in the Murphy Canyon military housing community. The pilot, despite warnings of low visibility, continued with the landing approach. The crash ignited fires, destroyed cars, and damaged homes. Residents rushed to help evacuate neighbors, saving … Continue reading A small jet crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, killing 6 people

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U.S. News

Oregon man who quit his job to set sail with his cat arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii

Oliver Widger, a 29-year-old from Oregon, quit his job and used his retirement savings to sail to Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix. After weeks at sea, he was greeted Saturday by cheering fans and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green at the Waikiki Yacht Club. Widger, diagnosed with a paralysis-risk syndrome four years ago, left his managerial job with $10,000 debt, taught himself to sail via YouTube, … Continue reading Oregon man who quit his job to set sail with his cat arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii

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U.S. News

Crypto investor is charged with kidnapping and torturing a man in an NYC apartment for weeks

John Woeltz, 37, was arrested for kidnapping a 28-year-old Italian man in a Manhattan apartment, where the victim was held for weeks, beaten, shocked, and threatened with death to force him to reveal his Bitcoin password. The victim escaped after distracting Woeltz and was later treated for his injuries. Prosecutors said Woeltz, who had access to a private jet and helicopter, posed a flight risk … Continue reading Crypto investor is charged with kidnapping and torturing a man in an NYC apartment for weeks

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U.S. News

Video shows dump truck plowing into NJ home after driver suffers medical emergency

Dashcam footage shows a dump truck crashing into a New Jersey home after its driver suffered a medical seizure. The truck, loaded with sand, drifted across the road, hit a utility pole, crossed lawns, and slammed into the two-story house, partially sinking into the basement. The driver, trapped for two hours, was hospitalized but survived, as did the homeowner, who was rescued by a neighbor. … Continue reading Video shows dump truck plowing into NJ home after driver suffers medical emergency

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U.S. News

Texas Advances Ten Commandments Mandate for Public Schools

The Texas House gave preliminary approval to SB10, a bill requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, passing 88-49. Texas, with nearly 6 million students, would join Louisiana and Arkansas, though Louisiana’s similar law is on hold after a federal ruling. This move coincides with recent Supreme Court decisions favoring religious entities and sparked unsuccessful Democratic attempts to include other texts or … Continue reading Texas Advances Ten Commandments Mandate for Public Schools

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Archaeology

Sutton Hoo bucket believed to be cremation vessel

A 6th-century Byzantine bucket unearthed at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, is believed to have been a cremation vessel, archaeologists revealed. Originally discovered in 1986, with additional fragments found in 2012 and last year, the bucket contained cremated human and animal bones, suggesting it held the remains of a prominent figure. The copper alloy bucket, adorned with a hunting scene, predates the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial. … Continue reading Sutton Hoo bucket believed to be cremation vessel

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World News

289 miners trapped in shaft at South African gold mine

South Africa’s Sibanye Stillwater is working to rescue 289 miners trapped underground at the Kloof 7 shaft, about 60 km west of Johannesburg. The miners are safe, accounted for, and gathered at an underground assembly point. Safety checks and shaft inspections are underway, with plans to bring the workers to the surface by midday. The incident, which occurred late Thursday, highlights ongoing risks in South … Continue reading 289 miners trapped in shaft at South African gold mine

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World News

Kyiv comes under large-scale Russian drone and missile attack

Kyiv was hit by a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack overnight, injuring at least 15 people and causing widespread damage. Ukrainian officials reported that 14 ballistic missiles and 250 Shahed drones were launched, with most intercepted. The assault coincided with a major prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, involving the exchange of 1,000 prisoners each, ABC News has reported. Despite the exchange, fighting along … Continue reading Kyiv comes under large-scale Russian drone and missile attack

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World News

Israel investigates use of Palestinians as human shields by its forces in Gaza

Israel is investigating reports that soldiers in Gaza forced Palestinians to act as human shields, sending them into buildings and tunnels to check for bombs and gunmen. The IDF stated that such actions are prohibited, but said several cases are under investigation. Testimonies from both Palestinians and former soldiers suggest the practice is widespread and has been used to speed up operations. Rights groups expressed … Continue reading Israel investigates use of Palestinians as human shields by its forces in Gaza

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