B.C. Begley

Goldman Sachs Increases Probability of US Recession After Reducing GDP Projection

Goldman Sachs (GS) has increased its projection for the likelihood of a US recession after cutting its GDP forecast, Yahoo News reported. On Thursday, Jan Hatzius, the chief economist at Goldman Sachs (GS), raised the probability of a US recession in the next 12 months from 25% to 35%. He attributed the increase to “increased near-term uncertainty” regarding the economic impact of stress on smaller … Continue reading Goldman Sachs Increases Probability of US Recession After Reducing GDP Projection

First Republic’s Potential Aid from Big Banks Lifts Shares from Lows

After CNBC’s David Faber reported that major U.S. banks are discussing a rescue plan for First Republic, which could include approximately $30 billion in deposits, the shares of First Republic rebounded and regional bank stocks climbed higher. Following the news, First Republic’s shares saw an 8% increase, after having been down over 30% earlier in the day. The SPDR S&P Regional Bank ETF (KRE) saw … Continue reading First Republic’s Potential Aid from Big Banks Lifts Shares from Lows

AP: Credit Suisse shares soar after central bank offers lifeline

On Thursday, the shares of Credit Suisse experienced a surge in value as the Swiss central bank announced its decision to provide the bank with a loan of up to 50 billion francs ($54 billion). This move was intended to restore confidence in the second-largest bank in Switzerland, following the bankruptcy of two U.S. banks, the Associated Press reported. Credit Suisse made the announcement about … Continue reading AP: Credit Suisse shares soar after central bank offers lifeline

Politico: Chinese companies are shipping rifles, body armor to Russia

According to trade and customs data obtained by POLITICO, Chinese firms, including one linked to the Beijing government, have shipped 1,000 assault rifles and various other items with potential military applications, such as drone components and body armor, to Russian entities. Customs data aggregator ImportGenius has provided data indicating that the shipments occurred between June and December 2022. China North Industries Group Corporation Limited, which … Continue reading Politico: Chinese companies are shipping rifles, body armor to Russia

Politics

Gap in data complicates legislation to keep China off American farms

Lawmakers at both the national and state levels are expressing concerns regarding the acquisition of American farmland and forestland by foreign buyers, especially those associated with the Chinese government, citing potential national security risks. Lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum are increasingly viewing Beijing and the Chinese Communist Party as potential threats to the United States, Roll Call is reporting. This has provided … Continue reading Gap in data complicates legislation to keep China off American farms

Thief crashes helicopter after trying to steal it from Sacramento airport

Police reported that a thief who attempted to fly away with a helicopter from the Sacramento Executive Airport crashed it. According to KCRA’s report, the police stated that a trespasser attempted to start four different helicopters on the tarmac between 4 and 6 a.m. before successfully getting one of them to start. The suspect fled the scene after the failed takeoff, according to reports. Police … Continue reading Thief crashes helicopter after trying to steal it from Sacramento airport

Pentagon issues official warning over ‘alien mothership UFO sending probes to Earth’

Officials from the Pentagon have cautioned that an extraterrestrial mother vessel might be present within our solar system, and dispatching probes towards Earth. As per the US intelligence center, it has been suggested that tinier probes might be employed to explore other planets, similar to NASA’s approach, the Daily Star reported. The report, which centers on the limitations of unidentified aerial phenomena, highlighted the possibility … Continue reading Pentagon issues official warning over ‘alien mothership UFO sending probes to Earth’

Violent Antifa Protestors Disrupt Charlie Kirk Event

During a TPUSA gathering featuring its founder, Charlie Kirk, at the University of California, Davis, chaos erupted on Tuesday evening as protesters, including Antifa members dressed in black, engaged in a skirmish outside the location. The altercation led to two arrests, Mediaite reported. Even prior to Kirk’s visit to the campus, his presence was causing apprehension. In an editorial published by the Sacramento Bee on … Continue reading Violent Antifa Protestors Disrupt Charlie Kirk Event

bcbegleyMarch 15, 2023March 15, 2023

China has launched hundreds of satellites to target US

According to the leader of the U.S. Space Force, China has successfully deployed numerous satellites over the last six months, resulting in a total of 347 orbiting devices owned by the People’s Liberation Army. These satellites have the capability to collect intelligence on the armed forces of the United States. During a Senate hearing, General Chance Saltzman stated that the development of lasers to interfere … Continue reading China has launched hundreds of satellites to target US

Proposed bill suggests death penalty for South Carolina women who undergo abortions

If a proposal at the State House is passed into law, women who undergo abortions in South Carolina could be subjected to the death penalty, Yahoo News reported. The South Carolina Pre-Natal Equal Protection Act, a bill in the S.C. House, aims to grant “equal protection of the laws to all preborn children from the moment of fertilization” and redefine any action resulting in the … Continue reading Proposed bill suggests death penalty for South Carolina women who undergo abortions

WSJ: U.S. to Keep Flying Drones, Undeterred by ‘Reckless’ Russian Jets

The United States vowed to persist with its aerial surveillance operations in international airspace and condemned the actions of Russian fighter pilots who collided with an American drone, prompting concerns about the possibility of increased tensions between Washington and Moscow regarding Ukraine. In addition, it aimed to convey its displeasure with Russia. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Army General Mark Milley, the Chairman of … Continue reading WSJ: U.S. to Keep Flying Drones, Undeterred by ‘Reckless’ Russian Jets

Garbage Mounts in Odorous Last Stand Against France’s Pension Reform

Mountains of food waste stacked within sight of the Eiffel Tower. Narrow cobblestone roads flanked by overflowing garbage containers. The Seine riverbank bordered by piles of rubbish. In various French cities, sanitation workers have been on strike for over a week in objection to President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to raise the age for receiving a government pension for most employees from 62 to 64, DNYUZ … Continue reading Garbage Mounts in Odorous Last Stand Against France’s Pension Reform

Russia cautions U.S. to halt “hostile” flights following drone crash in Black Sea

Following the dramatic incident involving an American drone over the Black Sea, Russia has issued a warning to the United States to discontinue any “hostile” actions near its border. On Wednesday, Ukraine stated that the recent incident – which marks the first documented face-to-face clash between the two major powers since the war began last year – demonstrates the Kremlin’s intent to escalate the conflict, … Continue reading Russia cautions U.S. to halt “hostile” flights following drone crash in Black Sea

Guo Wengui indicted on charges of participating in $1 billion fraud conspiracy

Guo Wengui, a Chinese businessman in exile, has been charged by federal prosecutors in Manhattan for defrauding investors of hundreds of millions of dollars to fund the purchase of extravagant assets such as a large mansion and a luxury yacht measuring 145 feet. Guo Wengui, who also goes by the name Kwok Ho Wan, was taken into custody in New York on Wednesday and has … Continue reading Guo Wengui indicted on charges of participating in $1 billion fraud conspiracy

Flooding, evacuations, power outages as another storm hits California

In California, hundreds of thousands of people in flood-affected areas are currently without power, and hundreds of individuals have sought refuge in shelters, as the latest atmospheric river moves through the state. This weather event is bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall, exacerbating the flooding in already affected neighborhoods, CNN reported. The strength of the wind was such that it is believed to have caused … Continue reading Flooding, evacuations, power outages as another storm hits California

Consumer Spending Declines After Hot Start to Year

The US economy may be cooling down after a strong start to the year, as evidenced by a decrease in retail sales and a decrease in inflationary pressures last month. On Wednesday, the Commerce Department reported that spending at retail stores, online, and restaurants decreased by 0.4% in February after seasonal adjustments, the Wall Street Journal reported. The figure for January was revised upward to … Continue reading Consumer Spending Declines After Hot Start to Year

Credit Suisse shares plummet as Saudi supporter refuses additional aid

For the second day in a row, Credit Suisse’s stocks hit an all-time low as a key investor announced that regulatory limitations prevented them from offering further financial assistance to the struggling Swiss bank. The bank’s plummeting stock experienced several halts in trading during the morning, as it dropped below 2 Swiss francs ($2.17) for the first time, CNBC reported. At approximately 3 p.m. London … Continue reading Credit Suisse shares plummet as Saudi supporter refuses additional aid

NASA seeks “space tug” in $30 billion dollar funding to bring down space station

NASA is striving to create a spacecraft that has the capability to direct the International Space Station (ISS) to a controlled demolition in Earth’s atmosphere when it is time for the station to complete its orbit. Details of this plan were revealed on Thursday, March 9, with the release of the White House’s 2024 federal budget request. NASA was granted a budget of $27.2 billion, … Continue reading NASA seeks “space tug” in $30 billion dollar funding to bring down space station

Star on Brink of Death Captured by NASA’s Webb Telescope

NASA’s Webb Space Telescope has successfully captured the elusive and momentary phase of a star that is about to die. On Tuesday, NASA unveiled the image at the South by Southwest conference held in Austin, Texas, the Associated Press reported. Shortly after its launch in late 2021, the Webb Space Telescope made one of its earliest observations. Using its infrared capabilities, it captured an image … Continue reading Star on Brink of Death Captured by NASA’s Webb Telescope

American spy stabbed by alleged terrorist in UK

It can now be revealed that an American spy, who was working on secondment with GCHQ, was stabbed by an alleged terrorist just three miles away from the headquarters, this is according to an exclusive article that was published by the Daily Mail. According to the police, a knifeman targeted a woman employed by US intelligence in an alleged terrorist attack outside a leisure center … Continue reading American spy stabbed by alleged terrorist in UK

AP: San Francisco reparations idea: $5 million per Black person

Every eligible Black adult will receive payments of $5 million, personal debt and tax burdens will be eliminated, a guaranteed annual income of at least $97,000 will be provided for 250 years, and families will be able to purchase homes in San Francisco for just $1, the Associated Press reported. A committee appointed by the city has made several recommendations to address the difficult question … Continue reading AP: San Francisco reparations idea: $5 million per Black person

Politics

McConnell Released From Hospital, to Enter Rehab

An aide has reported that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) has been released from the hospital, but he will be admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility before returning home. This means that he will have to remain away from the Senate for a more extended period. McConnell was hospitalized last week after he suffered a concussion from tripping at a private dinner held … Continue reading McConnell Released From Hospital, to Enter Rehab

Russian fighter jet collides with US surveillance drone

In international airspace over the Black Sea, a Russian fighter jet has collided with a US ‘Reaper’ drone, Metro reported. According to a statement by the US military, a Russian aircraft intercepted and struck the drone, resulting in its destruction. John Kirby, the national security spokesman for the White House, stated that Joe Biden has been informed about the incident and has denounced it as … Continue reading Russian fighter jet collides with US surveillance drone

AP: Illinois enacts mandatory paid leave ‘for any reason’

Starting next year, Illinois will become one of three states mandating that employers provide paid time off for any reason, after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law on Monday, the Associated Press reported. As of January 1, Illinois-based employers will be obligated to provide paid time off to their employees based on the number of hours worked. The reason for the absence need … Continue reading AP: Illinois enacts mandatory paid leave ‘for any reason’