Author: bcbegley

Politics

GOP Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrats vote to advance congressional stock trading ban

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri joined Senate Democrats to advance a bill banning members of Congress and their spouses from owning or trading individual stocks. Passed out of committee by an 8–7 vote, the legislation—now called the Honest Act—would give lawmakers 180 days to divest and require annual ethics certifications and biannual audits. Though Hawley introduced the bill, most Republicans on the committee opposed it, … Continue reading GOP Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrats vote to advance congressional stock trading ban

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Space

Australia’s 1st orbital rocket, Gilmour Space’s Eris, fails on historic debut launch

Australia achieved a major milestone with its first homegrown orbital rocket launch attempt on July 29, as Gilmour Space launched its Eris-1 rocket from Queensland’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport. The rocket lifted off but veered sideways and crashed just 14 seconds later. Despite the failure, Gilmour Space called it a significant step, collecting valuable data to improve future missions. This marked the first orbital launch attempt … Continue reading Australia’s 1st orbital rocket, Gilmour Space’s Eris, fails on historic debut launch

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World News

Australia bans YouTube accounts for children under 16 in reversal of previous stance

Australia will require social media platforms, including YouTube, to ban users under 16 from creating accounts starting December 10. The move reverses YouTube’s earlier exemption and aims to protect children from online harm. Platforms that fail to enforce the age limit could face fines up to AU$50 million. Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the decision, citing research showing significant harm to children on YouTube. Kids … Continue reading Australia bans YouTube accounts for children under 16 in reversal of previous stance

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World News

Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating fragile ceasefire for a second time

Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating a recently agreed ceasefire, claiming Cambodian troops launched overnight attacks with gunfire and grenades along the border in Sisaket province. The truce, intended to end five days of deadly clashes that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 300,000, began Tuesday but remains fragile. While Cambodia denies breaking the agreement, Thailand says continued aggression threatens mutual trust. Despite … Continue reading Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating fragile ceasefire for a second time

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U.S. News

Virginia lawmaker doused with gas and set on fire

Danville City Councilman J. Lee Vogler was seriously injured after being doused in gasoline and set on fire in what police say was a targeted personal attack. The suspect, 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, allegedly entered the Showcase Magazine office and assaulted Vogler, chasing him before igniting the fuel. Vogler, who was airlifted to a hospital, is reportedly “awake and talking.” Police say the attack … Continue reading Virginia lawmaker doused with gas and set on fire

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U.S. News

Radioactive wasps found at South Carolina nuclear facility

A radioactive wasp nest was discovered on July 3 at the Savannah River Site, a former nuclear weapons facility in South Carolina. The nest, found near a storage tank, registered radiation levels of 100,000 dpm and was classified as “legacy contamination,” unrelated to recent site activity. Officials say surrounding areas showed no contamination, and operations were unaffected, the Independent has reported. The site, active since … Continue reading Radioactive wasps found at South Carolina nuclear facility

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Business

U.S. economy grew at a 3% rate in Q2

The U.S. economy grew 3% in the second quarter, beating expectations and rebounding from a 0.5% decline in Q1. The growth was driven by a sharp drop in imports and stronger consumer spending, despite ongoing trade tensions and high tariffs. Consumer spending rose 1.4%, and inflation showed signs of easing. However, some underlying indicators, like private domestic sales and residential investment, pointed to a possible … Continue reading U.S. economy grew at a 3% rate in Q2

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Business

Fed leaves interest rates unchanged

The Federal Reserve voted 9-2 on Wednesday to keep interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, despite pressure from President Trump and dissent from two governors. This marks the first time since 1993 that multiple Fed governors opposed a rate decision. While inflation remains elevated and the labor market strong, the Fed noted slower economic growth and heightened uncertainty, CNBC has reported. The dissenting officials argued for … Continue reading Fed leaves interest rates unchanged

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World News

Russia’s Klyuchevskoy Volcano Starts Erupting after Earthquake

The Klyuchevskoy volcano, the largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere, began erupting Wednesday on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, just hours after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake triggered Pacific-wide tsunami alerts. Lava and ash explosions were observed on the volcano’s western slope, with ash plumes reaching up to 3 kilometers high. Scientists had predicted the eruption due to increasing lava buildup. The region, known for high … Continue reading Russia’s Klyuchevskoy Volcano Starts Erupting after Earthquake

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Space

Firefly Aerospace wins fourth lunar lander award

Firefly Aerospace secured a $176.7 million NASA contract to deliver five payloads to the Moon’s South Pole in 2029 via its Elytra Dark orbital vehicle and Blue Ghost lunar lander. The mission, Blue Ghost 4, will deploy two rovers and three instruments to study lunar resources, radiation, and thermal conditions, supporting future human exploration. This marks NASA’s continued shift toward partnering with private companies to … Continue reading Firefly Aerospace wins fourth lunar lander award

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Space

Massive asteroid on potential impact path with the Moon may trigger meteor shower on earth

Asteroid 2024 YR4, about the size of a 15-story building, has a small chance of hitting the Moon in 2032. If it does, it could create the largest lunar crater in 5,000 years and eject debris into space, threatening satellites in low-Earth orbit and possibly causing a meteor shower on Earth. The debris could damage hundreds or thousands of satellites and pose serious risks to … Continue reading Massive asteroid on potential impact path with the Moon may trigger meteor shower on earth

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Technology

Spy agencies experimenting with newest AI models

On Trump’s inauguration day, China’s DeepSeek released a powerful AI model, surprising U.S. intelligence. In response, the Biden administration pushed agencies to work with AI labs like OpenAI and Google to catch up, awarding major contracts for advanced AI. While AI is now used widely in U.S. intelligence, progress is slow due to caution over reliability and errors. Experts worry China may be advancing faster … Continue reading Spy agencies experimenting with newest AI models

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Technology

AI in Wyoming may soon use more electricity than state’s human residents

Wyoming Mayor Patrick Collins announced plans for a massive AI data center near Cheyenne that would consume more electricity than all homes in the state combined. The joint venture between Tallgrass and Crusoe would start at 1.8 gigawatts—over five times the state’s household energy use—and could scale up to 10 gigawatts, doubling Wyoming’s entire current electricity generation. To meet its huge power needs, the project … Continue reading AI in Wyoming may soon use more electricity than state’s human residents

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Politics

Senate GOP ready to bulldoze Dems on Trump nominees

GOP senators, frustrated with Democratic delays, are considering major moves to fast-track President Trump’s nominees, including changing Senate rules and using recess appointments. During a closed-door meeting, options like cutting debate times, removing cloture votes, and expanding en-bloc confirmations were discussed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned Democrats that their obstruction could backfire, while senators like Eric Schmitt suggested all options are on the table, … Continue reading Senate GOP ready to bulldoze Dems on Trump nominees

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Politics

In a first, the Senate confirms a new CDC director

After months without an official leader amid staffing cuts and disease outbreaks, the Senate confirmed Susan Monarez as the new director of the CDC in a 51-47 party-line vote. Monarez, a health scientist and longtime civil servant, is the first Senate-confirmed CDC director under a 2023 law and the first non-medical degree holder in the role in over 70 years. She takes charge of an … Continue reading In a first, the Senate confirms a new CDC director

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Politics

Republicans confirm former Trump lawyer Emil Bove to appeals court

The Republican-led Senate narrowly confirmed Emil Bove, President Trump’s former personal lawyer, to a lifetime judgeship on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a 50-49 vote, with only Republicans supporting him. Despite allegations from three whistleblowers accusing Bove of disregarding laws and misleading senators, GOP leaders dismissed the complaints as politically motivated. Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joined Democrats in opposing … Continue reading Republicans confirm former Trump lawyer Emil Bove to appeals court

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Politics

Trump boasts he ‘stopped about five wars’ while opening new Scotland golf course

During a visit to open his new Scottish golf course, President Trump highlighted his foreign policy achievements, claiming credit for multiple global ceasefires and diplomatic breakthroughs. Speaking at Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen, he emphasized efforts to prevent wars and strengthen international relations, including a recent U.S. strike on Iran he says ended the Israel-Iran conflict. The trip, blending diplomacy with personal business promotion, … Continue reading Trump boasts he ‘stopped about five wars’ while opening new Scotland golf course

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Politics

Senate floor erupts as Booker accuses Dems of being “complicit” with Trump

In a rare public clash on the Senate floor, Democrats sparred over how to confront President Trump, revealing internal divisions. While the Senate was considering bipartisan police grant legislation, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) used the moment to criticize his party for not doing enough to oppose Trump. His surprise amendment sparked frustration from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Catherine Cortez Masto, who accused him of derailing … Continue reading Senate floor erupts as Booker accuses Dems of being “complicit” with Trump

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Business

Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern merge creating first US transcontinental railroad

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announced a historic $85 billion merger to create the first U.S. transcontinental railroad, spanning over 50,000 route miles from coast to coast. Valued at more than $250 billion combined, the deal would be one of the largest rail mergers in U.S. history and aims to boost American manufacturing, jobs, and global competitiveness. The merger promises faster freight service, fewer delays, … Continue reading Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern merge creating first US transcontinental railroad

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Business

Starbucks same-store sales fall again

Starbucks reported its sixth consecutive quarter of same-store sales declines but said its turnaround efforts are gaining traction. CEO Brian Niccol, known for reviving Chipotle, emphasized growing momentum despite weak financial results. In Q3, net income dropped to $558 million from $1.05 billion a year ago, while global same-store sales fell 2%. However, U.S. performance beat expectations, with smaller sales declines and rising customer engagement. … Continue reading Starbucks same-store sales fall again

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Business

Federal Reserve likely to stand pat on rates this week

The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged for the fifth straight meeting, highlighting a growing divide between Chair Jerome Powell and President Donald Trump. Trump is pushing for deep rate cuts, arguing they’re needed despite a strong economy, while Fed officials believe higher rates are appropriate to prevent inflation. The Fed has signaled limited cuts this year, while Trump wants rates slashed … Continue reading Federal Reserve likely to stand pat on rates this week

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U.S. News

3 men killed in Reno Grand Sierra Resort shooting identified

Three people were killed in a shooting outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno on Monday. The victims were identified as Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, both 33 and from Southern California, and Angel Martinez, 66, of Reno/Sparks. Aguila and Canepa were in town for a bachelor party, while Martinez was driving through the parking lot when ambushed. Three others were injured, two critically. The … Continue reading 3 men killed in Reno Grand Sierra Resort shooting identified

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U.S. News

Arkansas State Police releases new photo of ‘person of interest’ in Devil’s Den double homicide

Arkansas State Police have released a new photo of the suspect connected to the July 26 killings of Clinton and Cristen Brink at Devil’s Den State Park. The Prairie Grove couple was fatally attacked while hiking with their two daughters, who were unharmed. The suspect is described as a white male of medium build, last seen wearing a long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, a dark cap, … Continue reading Arkansas State Police releases new photo of ‘person of interest’ in Devil’s Den double homicide

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U.S. News

3 people unaccounted for following explosion at Nebraska plant

Three people are missing after a large explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont, Nebraska, on Tuesday. The blast caused significant structural collapse and ongoing fires, preventing search teams from entering the building. The facility, which produces fuel pellets and animal bedding, contains wood and alcohol-based materials, complicating firefighting efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause, and multiple agencies, including Nebraska Task Force One, are … Continue reading 3 people unaccounted for following explosion at Nebraska plant

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U.S. News

Invasive jellyfish swarm Texas beaches, causing new concerns

The Australian white-spotted jellyfish, an invasive species native to the western Pacific, is increasingly appearing along the Texas coast. Known scientifically as Phyllorhiza punctata, this jellyfish poses a threat to local marine ecosystems by consuming large amounts of plankton, outcompeting native species like shrimp and juvenile fish. Though their sting is mild, their dense swarms can disrupt food chains and clog fishing gear. First spotted in … Continue reading Invasive jellyfish swarm Texas beaches, causing new concerns

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