Author: bcbegley

U.S. News

Man set on fire in Times Square, leaving him horrifically burned: video

A man was set on fire in Times Square early Sunday after his attacker doused him with an accelerant from a food cart. The 45-year-old victim, who knew the suspect, suffered burns to his face and arms. He ran about 100 feet while on fire before a bystander used a fire extinguisher to help. The attacker fled north on Broadway, and police are still searching … Continue reading Man set on fire in Times Square, leaving him horrifically burned: video

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

At least 32 dead in massive US storm after new fatalities reported in Kansas and Mississippi

Violent tornadoes and extreme weather swept through multiple U.S. states, killing at least 32 people and causing widespread destruction. Missouri was hit hardest, with 12 fatalities, while Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas also reported deaths. A dust storm in Kansas led to an eight-person highway pileup, and wildfires burned hundreds of square miles in Oklahoma, the Associated Press has reported. The storm system, affecting over … Continue reading At least 32 dead in massive US storm after new fatalities reported in Kansas and Mississippi

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Serbian officials deny illegal sonic weapon attack on protesters

Serbian officials denied using a military-grade sonic weapon against protesters at a massive anti-government rally in Belgrade. Opposition groups claim the banned acoustic device, which causes pain and disorientation, was deployed and plan to file legal charges. The protest, sparked by a deadly train station collapse, drew over 100,000 people demanding accountability. Footage shows a sudden whooshing sound causing panic, the Associated Press has reported. … Continue reading Serbian officials deny illegal sonic weapon attack on protesters

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

At least 59 killed in ‘catastrophic’ fire at illegal nightclub in North Macedonia: Officials

A fire at an illegal nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed at least 59 people, aged 18 to 23, and injured 155 others. The blaze, sparked by pyrotechnics, erupted in a venue operating without a permit and packed beyond capacity. Authorities launched a bribery and corruption investigation, arresting several officials, including a former state secretary and a senior economy ministry official. Some suspects reportedly died … Continue reading At least 59 killed in ‘catastrophic’ fire at illegal nightclub in North Macedonia: Officials

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning

President Trump ordered airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, vowing “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iran-backed rebels stop attacking shipping routes. The strikes, targeting Houthi leaders and military sites, reportedly killed 31 people. The Houthis vowed retaliation, denying they threaten international shipping. The U.S. operation, conducted without allies, follows past strikes by the Biden administration in response to Houthi attacks. Trump warned Iran against supporting … Continue reading Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Shakespeare’s birthplace to be decolonized after ‘white supremacy’ fears

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust is “decolonising” its collection to create a more inclusive museum experience, following concerns that Shakespeare has been used to promote “white supremacy.” The initiative, based on a 2022 research project, examines colonial influences and challenges the idea of Shakespeare as a universal genius. Funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the trust is expanding its international focus, hosting events on global writers and … Continue reading Shakespeare’s birthplace to be decolonized after ‘white supremacy’ fears

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Pope Francis, showing plans to stay on, starts new Catholic reform process

Pope Francis has approved a new three-year process for Church reforms, signaling his intent to continue leading despite battling double pneumonia. The initiative extends the Synod of Bishops, focusing on issues like women’s roles and LGBTQ inclusion, with global consultations leading to a 2028 summit. Francis approved the plan from his hospital bed, countering speculation about his resignation. Critics argue his reforms dilute Church teachings, … Continue reading Pope Francis, showing plans to stay on, starts new Catholic reform process

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Archaeology

Archaeologists Unearth 1,600-Year-Old Jewish Ritual Bath—the Oldest Ever Found in Europe

Archaeologists in Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman port near Rome, have discovered what may be Europe’s oldest mikvah, a Jewish ritual bath, dating to the late 4th or early 5th century C.E. Found in a private residence, the underground pool was fed by groundwater and decorated with black and white tiles. A menorah-adorned oil lamp found at the site supports its identification as a mikvah, … Continue reading Archaeologists Unearth 1,600-Year-Old Jewish Ritual Bath—the Oldest Ever Found in Europe

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

SpaceX Successfully Launches New Batch of Starlink Satellites

SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, continuing its mission to expand global high-speed internet coverage. The Falcon 9 rocket deployed the satellites into low Earth orbit and landed its first stage on an autonomous drone ship, demonstrating the company’s reusable rocket strategy. With thousands of satellites now in orbit, Starlink provides broadband to remote areas and is poised to grow … Continue reading SpaceX Successfully Launches New Batch of Starlink Satellites

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

Probe captures rare images of moon orbiting Mars

The European Space Agency’s Hera space probe, launched on October 7, 2024, captured images of Mars’ moon, Deimos, during a flyby. Hera, on a mission to study the Dimorphos asteroid and asteroid deflection techniques, got as close as 620 miles to Deimos. The probe used three imaging instruments to capture data on the moon’s mineral composition and surface temperatures. This flyby will aid future missions … Continue reading Probe captures rare images of moon orbiting Mars

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

Successful SpaceX Dragon launch in mission to get NASA astronauts on ISS back to Earth

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center on Friday evening, headed to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew, including astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, is on a mission to relieve the current station crew. After a delay due to a technical issue, the launch occurred at 7:03 p.m. ET, with docking scheduled for Saturday. Williams and Wilmore, who have been … Continue reading Successful SpaceX Dragon launch in mission to get NASA astronauts on ISS back to Earth

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

New drone-destroying laser weapon with 1-mile-range tested for Turkey’s ‘Steel Dome’

Aselsan, a leading Turkish defense company, has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile anti-drone air defense system, which uses laser and electronic warfare (EW) to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system is designed to automatically track and destroy FPV drones, showcasing high-speed and precise engagement. GÖKBERK combines electronic warfare and high-energy lasers for both “soft kill” and “hard kill” capabilities, with AI enabling fast tracking … Continue reading New drone-destroying laser weapon with 1-mile-range tested for Turkey’s ‘Steel Dome’

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

Google-brained humanoid robot masters delicate moves, folds bags, seals snacks

Google DeepMind has introduced two AI models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, designed to improve robot control. Gemini Robotics integrates vision-language-action (VLA) capabilities, enabling robots to interpret visuals, understand language commands, and perform movements with enhanced dexterity and interactivity. It excels at tasks requiring fine motor skills and adapts to various environments. Gemini Robotics-ER focuses on embodied reasoning, improving spatial awareness and allowing robots to … Continue reading Google-brained humanoid robot masters delicate moves, folds bags, seals snacks

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

AI search engines cite incorrect sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says

A study by Columbia Journalism Review’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism revealed significant accuracy issues with AI-driven news search tools. The research tested eight AI models and found that over 60% of the queries about news sources were answered incorrectly. The error rates varied, with Grok 3 having the highest at 94%. The study highlighted a troubling trend where AI tools, instead of declining uncertain … Continue reading AI search engines cite incorrect sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Bessent says White House focused on ‘real economy’ not concerned about ‘a little’ market volatility

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the Trump administration is focused on the long-term health of the economy, not short-term market fluctuations. He dismissed concerns about recent volatility, stating that the goal is to create an environment for sustained market and economic growth. Bessent acknowledged market turmoil driven by Trump’s tariffs but expressed confidence that proper policies will lead to long-term gains in income, jobs, … Continue reading Bessent says White House focused on ‘real economy’ not concerned about ‘a little’ market volatility

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Consumer sentiment slumps in March to lowest since 2022

Consumer sentiment dropped in March, with the University of Michigan’s survey showing a 10.5% decline to a mid-month reading of 57.9, the lowest since November 2022. Concerns over inflation and a falling stock market, compounded by President Trump’s tariffs on aluminum, steel, and European goods, fueled the drop. The expectations index fell sharply, while the one-year inflation outlook increased to its highest level since November … Continue reading Consumer sentiment slumps in March to lowest since 2022

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Gold price hits $3,000 as trade tensions mount

Gold prices have reached a record $3,004.86 per ounce, driven by a 14% increase since the start of 2025. Economic uncertainty from the ongoing US trade war and fears of inflation due to tariffs have made gold a sought-after safe asset. Tariffs, like the US’s threats on EU alcohol and Chinese imports, are raising costs for businesses and consumers, further fueling demand for gold. Central … Continue reading Gold price hits $3,000 as trade tensions mount

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte a no-show for first court hearing in The Hague

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte skipped his first ICC hearing in The Hague, appearing via video link due to exhaustion from his flight after his arrest. Accused of crimes against humanity over his deadly war on drugs, Duterte was taken into ICC custody upon arriving in the Netherlands. He acknowledged responsibility in a video message. The 79-year-old, reportedly in poor health, is the first Asian … Continue reading Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte a no-show for first court hearing in The Hague

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Rubio says South Africa ambassador no longer welcomed in USA

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata, accusing him of “race-baiting” and anti-American sentiment. Rasool, who began his tenure under former President Biden, is now unwelcome in the U.S. Relations between the two countries have worsened since Trump cut financial aid, criticizing South Africa’s land policies and its genocide case against Israel, the Jerusalem Post has reported. Trump … Continue reading Rubio says South Africa ambassador no longer welcomed in USA

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Greenland Prime Minister Says Enough Is Enough In Response To Trump

Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected President Trump’s renewed threats to annex the island, with Prime Minister Mute Egede declaring, “Enough is enough.” Incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also denounced Trump’s comments, emphasizing Greenland’s desire for independence from both the U.S. and Denmark. Trump, citing national security, suggested sending more U.S. troops to Greenland, but NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declined involvement. Greenlanders overwhelmingly opposed U.S. … Continue reading Greenland Prime Minister Says Enough Is Enough In Response To Trump

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Democrats Plan Nationwide Blitz of Town Halls in Republican Districts

Democrats are launching a nationwide series of “People’s Town Halls” in Republican-held districts to highlight unpopular GOP policies and capitalize on recent Republican efforts to avoid in-person forums. The initial wave targets nine vulnerable House Republicans in battleground states ahead of the 2026 midterms. Inspired by Senator Bernie Sanders’ town halls, the initiative includes events led by figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gov. Tim … Continue reading Democrats Plan Nationwide Blitz of Town Halls in Republican Districts

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Dem Civil War Erupts With ‘Screaming,’ Primary Threats Behind Closed Doors

Democrats are in turmoil over Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s decision to support a GOP stopgap funding bill, preventing a government shutdown but sparking backlash from his own party. Schumer defended his move as a tough but necessary choice to avoid giving Trump more power. Progressive and centrist Democrats alike condemned him, with some even suggesting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez challenge him in 2028. House Democratic … Continue reading Dem Civil War Erupts With ‘Screaming,’ Primary Threats Behind Closed Doors

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Trump calls his opponents ‘scum’ in speech at Justice Department

Trump delivered a fiery speech at the DOJ, calling his courtroom opponents “scum,” labeling prosecutors “deranged,” and vowing to remake the department. With the DOJ logo behind him, he accused political foes of lawbreaking and called for their imprisonment. He repeated claims about the 2020 election, condemned the Afghanistan withdrawal, and claimed the DOJ spied on his campaign. Trump praised Judge Aileen Cannon for dismissing … Continue reading Trump calls his opponents ‘scum’ in speech at Justice Department

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

‘Malnourished’ man held captive by stepmom for decades set fire to home to escape: ‘I wanted my freedom’

A Connecticut man set fire to his home last month to escape after allegedly being held captive by his stepmother for 20 years, police said. Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested after an investigation confirmed her stepson, now 32, endured prolonged abuse, starvation, and severe neglect. He was found emaciated and had been deprived of medical care and adequate food. Sullivan faces multiple charges, including kidnapping … Continue reading ‘Malnourished’ man held captive by stepmom for decades set fire to home to escape: ‘I wanted my freedom’

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Pentagon orders review into military standards, including fitness and grooming

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a review of military standards, including fitness, body composition, and grooming, to ensure readiness and meritocracy. The review will assess changes since 2015, when combat roles were opened to women—a policy Hegseth previously opposed but later softened on. The Pentagon may revise the Army Combat Fitness Test, which currently has different requirements based on gender and age. The review … Continue reading Pentagon orders review into military standards, including fitness and grooming

Unknown's avatarbcbegley