Author: bcbegley

Business

The US dollar is on track for its worst year in modern history

The US dollar is heading for its worst year in modern history, down over 7% so far, with forecasts of another 10% drop. While a weaker dollar can help US exports, it raises import costs and inflation risks. Despite talk of “de-dollarization” through gold purchases and China’s currency push, no real alternative has emerged to replace the dollar’s global role, Semafor has reported. Historically, major … Continue reading The US dollar is on track for its worst year in modern history

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World News

Oil tycoon linked to ex-KGB spy dies after plunging from luxury apartment in Russia

Russian oil tycoon Andrey Badalov, 62, has died after falling 180ft from a Moscow tower block in what police call an apparent suicide, though investigations continue. He was vice-president of Transneft, Russia’s state oil pipeline giant. His death is the latest in a string of at least a dozen mysterious fatalities among Russian oil and gas executives since 2022, often recorded as suicides but widely … Continue reading Oil tycoon linked to ex-KGB spy dies after plunging from luxury apartment in Russia

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World News

Putin pounds Ukraine with record war blitz moments after Trump call

Russia launched its heaviest airstrikes of the war on Kyiv overnight, hitting nearly every district with 550 drones and 11 missiles, injuring dozens. Ukraine, short on air defences, managed to shoot down only two missiles. The attack came hours after Donald Trump’s unproductive phone call with Vladimir Putin, in which Putin refused to back down. Meanwhile, the US has paused critical weapons shipments to Ukraine, … Continue reading Putin pounds Ukraine with record war blitz moments after Trump call

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Politics

Jeffries stalls Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ for hours after House GOP mutiny breakthrough

The House of Representatives’ progress on Donald Trump’s $3.3 trillion “big, beautiful bill” was halted by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who used a procedural privilege to deliver a marathon speech criticizing the bill’s cuts to social programs and tax breaks for the wealthy. The bill, which includes permanent Trump-era tax cuts, new deductions, defense spending boosts, and stricter work requirements for benefits, advanced in a narrow … Continue reading Jeffries stalls Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ for hours after House GOP mutiny breakthrough

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Politics

President Trump announces surprise summit with five African Nations

US President Donald Trump will meet with the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal from July 9 to 11, in a move seen as part of growing US diplomatic engagement with Africa. The mini-summit is expected to focus on trade and investment, reflecting Trump’s push to boost business ties instead of traditional aid. It follows a US-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the … Continue reading President Trump announces surprise summit with five African Nations

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Politics

Von der Leyen’s European Commission faces no-confidence vote

The European Parliament will hold a no-confidence vote next week against the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. The motion, launched by a right-wing Romanian MEP over transparency concerns about vaccine deal text messages with Pfizer, is unlikely to pass but highlights growing frustration in Brussels. If successful, it would force the entire Commission to resign, the DW has reported. The vote comes … Continue reading Von der Leyen’s European Commission faces no-confidence vote

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Politics

Denmark pushes to suspend Hungary’s EU voting rights

Denmark is urging the EU to fully use its legal tools, including the Article 7 “nuclear option,” to address Hungary’s violations of fundamental EU values. Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre called for continuing hearings on Hungary and suggested restricting EU funds for rule-breakers. She also criticized Hungary’s blockade of Ukraine’s EU membership bid, saying Denmark wants all options on the table to move enlargement … Continue reading Denmark pushes to suspend Hungary’s EU voting rights

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Politics

Thailand’s prime minister suspended over leaked phone call with former strongman

Thailand’s prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been suspended by the Constitutional Court pending an ethics probe over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. In the call, she appeared to criticize Thailand’s army and offered to help Hun Sen during a border dispute, sparking outrage and protests. Her coalition partner withdrew support, threatening her hold on power. Despite apologizing and defending her … Continue reading Thailand’s prime minister suspended over leaked phone call with former strongman

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U.S. News

Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to murder after admitting to brutal stabbing deaths of 4 Idaho students

Bryan Kohberger, a former criminal justice graduate student, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. The attack shocked the small community of Moscow, Idaho, and sparked a nationwide manhunt that ended with Kohberger’s arrest in Pennsylvania. As part of a plea deal, Kohberger will avoid the death penalty but will serve four life sentences without the possibility of … Continue reading Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to murder after admitting to brutal stabbing deaths of 4 Idaho students

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U.S. News

Flap falls from Delta plane, lands in driveway

A family in Raleigh, North Carolina, found a Delta Air Lines plane’s wing flap in their driveway Wednesday morning. The part had detached from Delta Flight 3247, a Boeing 737-900ER with 109 passengers and six crew, which landed safely at Raleigh-Durham International Airport early that morning despite missing part of its left wing’s trailing edge flap. No injuries or property damage were reported. The flap … Continue reading Flap falls from Delta plane, lands in driveway

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U.S. News

Congressional intern killed in DC shooting

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old congressional intern for Kansas Rep. Ron Estes, was fatally shot Monday night near the Mt. Vernon Square Metro station in Washington, D.C. Police believe he was not the intended target, as multiple suspects fired at a group from a car. Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts Amherst student, died Tuesday despite lifesaving efforts. A woman and a 16-year-old boy were also injured … Continue reading Congressional intern killed in DC shooting

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U.S. News

Drive-by shooting in Chicago leaves 4 dead, 14 wounded

Four people were killed and 14 others hospitalized after a drive-by shooting late Wednesday in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, a busy nightlife area. Police said someone fired into a crowd outside a restaurant and lounge that had hosted a rapper’s album release party before fleeing in a vehicle. The victims, aged 21 to 32, included two men and two women who died. At least three … Continue reading Drive-by shooting in Chicago leaves 4 dead, 14 wounded

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U.S. News

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs verdict: Combs won’t be freed before sentencing

Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking but was found guilty on two lesser counts of transporting former girlfriends for prostitution. The verdict is seen as a partial legal victory, as his defense team chose not to call any witnesses before resting the case. Despite the acquittals, the judge denied bail, and Combs will remain in custody … Continue reading Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs verdict: Combs won’t be freed before sentencing

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World News

Iran charges French detainees Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris with spying for Israel

French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained in Iran since May 2022, have been charged with spying for Israel, conspiracy to overthrow the regime, and “corruption on earth”—all carrying the death penalty. France rejects the charges as baseless. Their families only recently received proof they were alive after Israeli strikes on Tehran’s Evin prison, France 24 has reported. Iran is accused of using detained … Continue reading Iran charges French detainees Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris with spying for Israel

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World News

Haiti’s gangs have ‘near-total control’ of the capital as violence escalates, UN says

The UN warns that gangs now control about 90% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and are expanding into previously safe regions, pushing the country toward total state collapse. Criminal groups have set up parallel governance, crippling trade and driving up food prices. A Kenyan-led UN-backed mission meant to help is understaffed and underfunded. Meanwhile, violence—including sexual assaults and extrajudicial killings by both gangs and security forces—continues … Continue reading Haiti’s gangs have ‘near-total control’ of the capital as violence escalates, UN says

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World News

Deputy commander of Russian navy killed in strike near Ukraine frontline

Russian Maj Gen Mikhail Gudkov, deputy navy commander and former head of the 155th marine brigade, was killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on a field headquarters in Russia’s Kursk region. Reports suggest the base’s location may have been exposed by poor security or a mole. The attack also killed other senior officers. Gudkov’s brigade has faced heavy losses and war crimes accusations, The Guardian … Continue reading Deputy commander of Russian navy killed in strike near Ukraine frontline

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World News

Six dead, dozens missing after ferry sinks off Bali

At least six people have died and dozens are missing after a ferry with 65 listed passengers and crew sank late Wednesday en route to Bali from Java, Indonesia. Thirty-one survivors have been rescued so far as searches continue. Authorities suspect there were unlisted passengers on board, complicating rescue efforts. Survivors described the ferry capsizing quickly after taking on water. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered … Continue reading Six dead, dozens missing after ferry sinks off Bali

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World News

Over 5,000 evacuated as wildfire rages on Greek island of Crete

A large wildfire on the Greek island of Crete forced the evacuation of about 5,000 people, mostly tourists, from the Lasithi region. The fire, which started Wednesday near Achlia, spread rapidly on three fronts due to strong winds. Five coastal towns were evacuated as flames damaged homes, forests, and olive groves. Four people were hospitalized for breathing problems, and some required rescue from trapped locations, … Continue reading Over 5,000 evacuated as wildfire rages on Greek island of Crete

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Space

SpaceX launches advanced European weather satellite

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the advanced European weather satellite MTG-S1 on July 1 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The rocket’s first stage landed on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean, marking its ninth flight. MTG-S1 will enter geostationary orbit to deliver frequent, detailed weather data over Europe and northern Africa, Space.com has reported. Operated by EUMETSAT, the satellite carries … Continue reading SpaceX launches advanced European weather satellite

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Business

Biggest US banks hike dividends, announce share buybacks

Major U.S. banks announced third-quarter dividend hikes after passing the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test, which confirmed their resilience to economic shocks. JPMorgan raised its dividend to $1.50 per share and launched a $50 billion share buyback program. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup also announced dividend increases and, in some cases, new repurchase plans. The Fed found banks held … Continue reading Biggest US banks hike dividends, announce share buybacks

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Business

Lululemon accuses Costco of selling ‘unauthorized’ versions of its $128 pants

Lululemon is suing Costco, accusing the retailer of selling knockoff versions of its high-end athleisure wear under the Kirkland brand. The lawsuit claims Costco’s lookalike products mislead consumers into thinking they’re authentic Lululemon items, damaging the brand’s reputation. Lululemon seeks monetary damages and a court order to stop Costco from selling the alleged copies, CNN has reported. This comes as Lululemon faces declining store visits, … Continue reading Lululemon accuses Costco of selling ‘unauthorized’ versions of its $128 pants

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Business

Powell confirms that Fed would have cut by now were it not for tariffs

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed would have eased monetary policy by now if not for President Trump’s tariff plan, which raised inflation forecasts and caused the central bank to hold rates steady. Speaking at a European Central Bank forum, Powell explained that the tariffs led the Fed to pause rate cuts despite pressure from the White House. The Fed has kept interest … Continue reading Powell confirms that Fed would have cut by now were it not for tariffs

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Politics

Trump and Ron DeSantis put aside rivalry at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis put aside their rivalry to jointly open a large immigrant detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, built in just eight days to house 3,000 detainees, is a key part of Trump’s immigration crackdown and boosts Florida Republicans’ political standing. Despite past tensions, Trump and DeSantis praised each other during the event, signaling a thaw … Continue reading Trump and Ron DeSantis put aside rivalry at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

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Politics

House kicks off final sprint for Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ with key committee hearing

The House of Representatives is beginning final steps to approve President Trump’s sweeping “big, beautiful bill” after the Senate narrowly passed it with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill, covering taxes, border security, energy, defense, and raising the debt limit by $5 trillion, faces potential challenges in the House, where just four GOP “no” votes could block it. Key conservatives on … Continue reading House kicks off final sprint for Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ with key committee hearing

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Politics

Starmer survives rebellion as watered-down welfare cuts pass key vote

Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare bill passed its first Commons vote by a narrow majority of 75 despite a large rebellion of 49 Labour MPs—the biggest defiance since 1997. The bill, heavily watered down after concessions, mainly cuts Universal Credit sickness benefits for new claimants but delays changes to disability payments (PIP) until after a 2026 review. Many MPs expressed concern over the bill’s impact on … Continue reading Starmer survives rebellion as watered-down welfare cuts pass key vote

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