B.C. Begley

Senate passes Trump’s big tax and spending cuts bill

Senate Republicans narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s major tax cuts and spending bill after a tense overnight session, with the vote split 50-50 and Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaker. Three GOP senators joined all Democrats in opposition, highlighting divisions within the party. The bill now returns to the House, where changes—especially to Medicaid—could spark further conflict despite Speaker Mike Johnson’s push to meet … Continue reading Senate passes Trump’s big tax and spending cuts bill

Son of notorious cartel leader “El Chapo” to plead guilty in U.S. drug trafficking case

Ovidio Guzmán López, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, plans to plead guilty to U.S. drug trafficking charges, according to newly filed court documents. Prosecutors say he and his brother led the “Chapitos” faction of the Sinaloa cartel, which smuggled fentanyl into the U.S. and used brutal torture methods against rivals. Arrested in Mexico in 2023 and extradited to the U.S., Ovidio … Continue reading Son of notorious cartel leader “El Chapo” to plead guilty in U.S. drug trafficking case

Man who killed his family after his wife sought a divorce is set for execution in Florida

Edward Zakrzewski is scheduled to be executed in Florida on July 31 under a death warrant signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. He was convicted of killing his wife and two children in 1994 in Okaloosa County after she asked for a divorce, beating and strangling his wife and killing the children with a machete. Zakrzewski pleaded guilty in 1996 and received three death sentences; he … Continue reading Man who killed his family after his wife sought a divorce is set for execution in Florida

Suspect Confesses to Crucifixion of Pastor, Planned to Kill 14 More

Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to murdering Arizona pastor William “Bill” Schonemann in April, posing the 76-year-old’s body in a crucifixion-like manner. Arrested in June on unrelated charges, Sheafe admitted in an interview he planned to kill 14 pastors across the country, targeting four in Arizona first, with thorn crowns and copies of the Ten Commandments left at the scenes. Motivated by his belief that Christian … Continue reading Suspect Confesses to Crucifixion of Pastor, Planned to Kill 14 More

Mystery surrounds Epstein files after Bondi claims ‘tens of thousands’ of videos

Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed the FBI is reviewing “tens of thousands of videos” of Jeffrey Epstein involving children or child porn, raising expectations for new evidence in the Trump administration’s promised release of Epstein investigation files. However, weeks later, it’s unclear what Bondi meant: prosecutors and lawyers in Epstein’s and Ghislaine Maxwell’s cases say they know of no such trove, and no related charges … Continue reading Mystery surrounds Epstein files after Bondi claims ‘tens of thousands’ of videos

Jurors reach partial verdict in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial, ordered to keep deliberating

Jurors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial reached a partial verdict on four of five charges—including sex-trafficking and prostitution-related counts—but remain deadlocked on the top charge of racketeering conspiracy. The judge ordered them to keep deliberating. Combs is accused of running a criminal enterprise for two decades involving kidnapping, sex-trafficking, and other crimes. Key testimony came from ex-partner Cassie Ventura, who described repeated abuse and … Continue reading Jurors reach partial verdict in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial, ordered to keep deliberating

Death toll rises to 36 after explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in India

At least 36 people were killed and around three dozen injured after a massive explosion and fire at a Sigachi Industries pharmaceutical factory in Telangana, India. The blast destroyed the plant’s structure, with many victims’ bodies badly burned. Authorities are clearing debris to check for more casualties and have launched an investigation. The factory, which makes microcrystalline cellulose for drug production, will halt operations for … Continue reading Death toll rises to 36 after explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in India

Turkey arrests journalists over alleged cartoon of Prophet Muhammad

Four staff members of Turkey’s satirical magazine LeMan have been arrested over a cartoon accused of depicting the Prophet Muhammad, a highly sensitive issue in Islam. Turkey’s interior minister condemned the drawing as offensive, sparking protests in Istanbul where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. LeMan denied the cartoon was of Muhammad, saying it was misinterpreted and meant to highlight Muslim suffering, not insult … Continue reading Turkey arrests journalists over alleged cartoon of Prophet Muhammad

bcbegleyJuly 1, 2025July 1, 2025

Iranian Hackers Threaten to Leak 100GB of Stolen Trump Team Emails

An Iran-linked hacker group calling itself “Robert” claims to have stolen over 100 gigabytes of emails from Donald Trump’s inner circle and is threatening to release them in what U.S. officials call a politically motivated smear campaign. Targets reportedly include Trump allies like Susie Wiles, Roger Stone, and attorney Lindsey Halligan. U.S. authorities have tied the group to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The hackers … Continue reading Iranian Hackers Threaten to Leak 100GB of Stolen Trump Team Emails

‘Jesus of Siberia’ jailed for abusing followers at isolated mountain-top cult

Sergei Torop, 64, a Russian cult leader who claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for mentally and physically abusing followers of his Church of the Last Testament. Known as “Vissarion,” he founded the sect in 1991 after claiming a divine revelation, attracting thousands to remote Siberian settlements. He and two associates, also jailed, were convicted of … Continue reading ‘Jesus of Siberia’ jailed for abusing followers at isolated mountain-top cult

Pentagon halting some promised munitions for Ukraine

The Pentagon has halted shipments of some air defense missiles and precision munitions to Ukraine over concerns that U.S. stockpiles are too low. The pause, driven by a Pentagon review led by policy chief Elbridge Colby, affects Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery rounds, and Hellfire missiles. The decision, initiated in June, takes effect as Ukraine faces intense Russian attacks. While the White House says … Continue reading Pentagon halting some promised munitions for Ukraine

Space

NASA exoplanet-hunting spacecraft and citizen scientists discover a new alien world

Citizen scientists using NASA’s TESS mission have discovered TOI-4465 b, a rare, relatively cool gas giant about 400 light-years away. Roughly six times Jupiter’s mass and 1.25 times its width, it orbits its star every 102 days in an elliptical path, with temperatures between 200 and 400 °F. Unlike scorching “hot Jupiters” or frigid ice giants, TOI-4465 b occupies an underexplored middle ground, offering valuable clues … Continue reading NASA exoplanet-hunting spacecraft and citizen scientists discover a new alien world

Technology

Beijing hosts China’s first fully autonomous 3-on-3 AI robot soccer match

Humanoid robots competed in a 3-on-3 soccer tournament in Beijing, delivering a comical display of stumbles, pileups, and slow-motion collisions. Despite the slapstick spectacle, the robots were fully autonomous, using AI and advanced sensors to navigate and play without human control. The event highlighted China’s serious investment in robotics, with its market projected to reach $108 billion by 2028. The match also previewed the 2025 … Continue reading Beijing hosts China’s first fully autonomous 3-on-3 AI robot soccer match

Business

Home Depot is buying GMS for about $4.3 billion

Home Depot announced it will acquire building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion through its subsidiary SRS Distribution, aiming to expand sales to professional contractors. The deal, expected to close by early 2026, ends a potential bidding war with billionaire Brad Jacobs’ QXO. GMS shares rose 12% on the news, while Home Depot shares dipped nearly 1%. The acquisition aligns with Home Depot’s strategy to … Continue reading Home Depot is buying GMS for about $4.3 billion

Business

Trump sends handwritten letter to Powell demanding ultra-low interest rates

On Monday, President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, demanding deep interest rate cuts and accusing the Fed’s board of harming the U.S. economy. Trump posted a chart showing U.S. rates among the world’s highest and claimed Powell has “cost the USA a fortune.” Despite Trump’s months-long pressure, the Fed has kept rates steady, focusing on controlling inflation. Powell has … Continue reading Trump sends handwritten letter to Powell demanding ultra-low interest rates

Business

US stocks push further into record heights

U.S. stocks rose on Monday, closing out a second straight monthly gain and hitting new records. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5%, the Dow gained 275 points (0.6%), and the Nasdaq rose 0.5%. Markets were boosted by Canada dropping a planned tax on U.S. tech firms and resuming trade talks. Hopes for tariff deals have underpinned Wall Street’s rebound from its spring sell-off. Standout stock moves … Continue reading US stocks push further into record heights

Republican senator denounces Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ in fiery speech

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina delivered a scathing Senate floor speech criticizing the Senate’s version of Trump’s proposed budget bill, warning it would break Trump’s promise not to cut Medicaid. Tillis, who announced he won’t seek re-election, argued the bill’s Medicaid cuts would threaten coverage for over 660,000 North Carolinians. He blamed “amateurs” advising Trump and urged changes to avoid harming vulnerable people, The … Continue reading Republican senator denounces Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ in fiery speech

Uganda’s President Museveni confirms bid to extend nearly 40-year rule

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 80, has confirmed he will run in next year’s election, aiming to extend his nearly 40-year rule. His National Resistance Movement (NRM) removed term and age limits to keep him in power. Critics accuse Museveni of suppressing dissent and using security forces to maintain control. Opposition leader Bobi Wine plans to run again after rejecting the 2021 results as fraudulent, Al-Jazeera … Continue reading Uganda’s President Museveni confirms bid to extend nearly 40-year rule

One of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties disbands

Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats, the city’s last active protest group, has announced its disbandment due to mounting political pressure and fear of repercussions under the national security laws. The move comes ahead of the fifth anniversary of Beijing’s sweeping legislation, which critics say has crushed dissent and opposition. Over nearly 20 years, the group endured arrests, internal struggles, and suppression. Leaders cited increasing … Continue reading One of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties disbands

Chile communist Jeannette Jara to lead beleaguered ruling coalition at election

Jeannette Jara, Chile’s former labor minister and a member of the Communist Party, won the left-wing primary with over 60% of the vote, defeating moderate rival Carolina Toha. Jara will be the government’s candidate in the November presidential election, facing strong center-right and far-right challengers amid declining popularity for the ruling coalition. Known for her work raising the minimum wage and cutting the workweek, Jara … Continue reading Chile communist Jeannette Jara to lead beleaguered ruling coalition at election

Netanyahu says ‘opportunities have opened up’ to free hostages, as Trump demands Gaza ‘deal’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s recent military success in Iran has created new opportunities to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, signaling a shift in focus from defeating Hamas to prioritizing their return. His comments mark a change from earlier pledges of “total victory” over Hamas. The Hostages Families Forum urged a comprehensive deal to bring all 50 hostages home. Meanwhile, … Continue reading Netanyahu says ‘opportunities have opened up’ to free hostages, as Trump demands Gaza ‘deal’

Harvard found in ‘violent violation’ of Civil Rights Act over antisemitism, Trump admin says

A federal task force has warned Harvard it could lose all federal funding over alleged “violent” violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act related to antisemitism on campus. The government letter cites findings that many Jewish students reported bias, threats, and assaults, accusing Harvard of failing to protect them equally. It demands immediate changes, NBC News has reported. Harvard disputes the findings, saying … Continue reading Harvard found in ‘violent violation’ of Civil Rights Act over antisemitism, Trump admin says

Father jumps overboard after daughter falls off Disney cruise ship

A Disney cruise took a dramatic turn when a young girl fell overboard near Fort Lauderdale, prompting her father to jump in after her. The Disney Dream crew quickly launched a rescue, pulling both to safety within minutes. The incident occurred as the ship was returning from a four-night Bahamas cruise, ABC News has reported. Disney praised the crew’s swift response and emphasized their commitment … Continue reading Father jumps overboard after daughter falls off Disney cruise ship

FBI arrests one man, searches laptops in 16 states in crackdown on North Korean tech-worker scheme

U.S. authorities have arrested a New Jersey man and searched tech equipment across 16 states in a major crackdown on a North Korean scheme using remote IT workers to fund its weapons program. Prosecutors say North Koreans, aided by people in the U.S., China, and elsewhere, used fake identities to get jobs at over 100 U.S. companies, stealing sensitive data and funds. One case involved … Continue reading FBI arrests one man, searches laptops in 16 states in crackdown on North Korean tech-worker scheme