Author: bcbegley

U.S. News

School bus with 15 students bursts into flames during morning route

A Cleveland-area school bus carrying 15 students caught fire Thursday morning, but all students were safely evacuated thanks to the driver’s quick actions. The fire started behind a rear wheel while en route to Monticello Middle School. Superintendent Liz Kirby praised the driver and students for their calm response, crediting annual evacuation drills. Another vehicle transported the students to school, where support staff assisted them. … Continue reading School bus with 15 students bursts into flames during morning route

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Deadly explosions hit rebel rally in DR Congo

Gunfire and explosions erupted at a rally held by Rwanda-backed rebels in Bukavu, eastern DR Congo, killing at least 11 and injuring 60, according to reports. The rebels blamed President Tshisekedi’s government, while he accused a “foreign army.” Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa had earlier promised security in the city before the attack. The rebels, including M23, have seized key cities since January, displacing 500,000 people, … Continue reading Deadly explosions hit rebel rally in DR Congo

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

North Korea’s Kim orders nuclear readiness after missile test, state media says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a strategic cruise missile test and ordered full nuclear readiness, calling it the most effective defense, state media reported. The test, conducted Wednesday over the sea, aimed to warn “enemies” and demonstrate nuclear capabilities. South Korea confirmed tracking the launches. Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles are not banned under U.N. resolutions. The test follows Kim’s military school visits, … Continue reading North Korea’s Kim orders nuclear readiness after missile test, state media says

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Mexico sends 29 cartel suspects to U.S. to face charges, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero

Mexico extradited drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, wanted for the 1985 killing of a U.S. DEA agent, along with 28 other cartel members to the U.S. The prisoners face charges including drug trafficking, murder, and money laundering. Among them are Los Zetas leaders Miguel and Omar Treviño Morales. The transfer coincided with Mexican officials’ visit to Washington amid trade and security negotiations. Caro Quintero, arrested … Continue reading Mexico sends 29 cartel suspects to U.S. to face charges, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

At least 13 injured after car rams into bus stop in Israel

A car rammed into a bus stop at Karkur Junction, Israel, injuring at least 13 people, including a critically wounded 17-year-old girl. The suspect, a 53-year-old Palestinian from Jenin living in Israel without a permit, fled but was stopped by police. He rammed a police vehicle and was “neutralized” after charging officers with a sharp object. Among the injured are a police officer and several … Continue reading At least 13 injured after car rams into bus stop in Israel

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Mystery Disease Linked to Bats Kills Scores in Congo

A fast-spreading mystery illness linked to bats has killed 60 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with nearly half dying within 48 hours, the WHO reported. The disease, causing hemorrhagic fever symptoms, has infected over 1,000 people, with outbreaks in Équateur Province. Scientists suspect a new virus, as Ebola and Marburg have been ruled out. The outbreak worsens Congo’s healthcare crisis, already strained by … Continue reading Mystery Disease Linked to Bats Kills Scores in Congo

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Archaeology

Denver archaeologist helps discover ancient Peruvian throne room

Peruvian conservators recently uncovered a Moche throne room at the Pañamarca archaeological site, believed to have been used by a female ruler. This discovery, led by Dr. Michele Koons from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, is one of only three known thrones in Peru suggesting a queen’s rule. The throne shows signs of use, with human hair embedded in it. The murals and … Continue reading Denver archaeologist helps discover ancient Peruvian throne room

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

NASA’s Artemis Program Takes a Big Leap With the Gateway Lunar Space Station

NASA’s Artemis program is advancing with Gateway, a lunar space station set to support astronauts and deep-space exploration. Key progress includes near-completion of the HALO module in Italy, which will be integrated with the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) before launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy by December 2027. ESA is developing communication and habitation modules, while Maxar is finalizing the PPE’s propulsion and solar … Continue reading NASA’s Artemis Program Takes a Big Leap With the Gateway Lunar Space Station

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

NASA picks SpaceX rocket to launch asteroid threat hunter NEO Surveyor in 2027

NASA has selected SpaceX to launch its NEO Surveyor spacecraft in September 2027 to detect potentially hazardous asteroids and comets. The $100 million mission will send the telescope to a stable orbit 930,000 miles from Earth, where it will scan for NEOs in infrared. Over five years, it aims to identify at least two-thirds of undiscovered objects 460 feet wide or larger, Space.com has reported. … Continue reading NASA picks SpaceX rocket to launch asteroid threat hunter NEO Surveyor in 2027

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

NASA space observatory poised to launch on a mission to map 450 million galaxies

NASA’s SPHEREx observatory is set to launch Thursday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to map over 450 million galaxies. The $488 million mission will survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors, offering insights into galaxy formation, cosmic inflation, and the origins of water in the Milky Way. Using spectroscopy, SPHEREx will create a 3D map of the universe, helping scientists study the early … Continue reading NASA space observatory poised to launch on a mission to map 450 million galaxies

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

Sanctuary AI integrates tactile sensors into Phoenix general purpose robots

Sanctuary AI has integrated new tactile sensors into its Phoenix robots, improving dexterous manipulation for teleoperated tasks. The sensors enhance precision by providing real-time touch feedback, reducing reliance on video alone. Sanctuary, a leader in general-purpose robotics, has raised $140 million and ranked third globally for U.S. patents by Morgan Stanley. The company’s hydraulic-actuated hands now feature seven-cell touch sensors with near-human sensitivity, enabling fine … Continue reading Sanctuary AI integrates tactile sensors into Phoenix general purpose robots

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

Robot utilizes AI to construct walls in 1 day

PulteGroup, one of the largest U.S. homebuilders, used AI and robotics to rapidly construct a home in Florida. The pilot test featured Hadrian X, an AI-guided construction robot from Australian firm FBR, at TerraWalk in Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered town. Hadrian X can build structural walls in a day using a robotic arm and specialized adhesive. PulteGroup says the technology improves efficiency, safety, … Continue reading Robot utilizes AI to construct walls in 1 day

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

China arms combat robots with thermobaric weapon in urban warfare drill

Chinese scientists linked to the PLA are exploring equipping ground robots with deadly thermobaric weapons for urban warfare. These robots would work alongside drones to detect and neutralize threats, particularly in underground complexes. Thermobaric weapons create intense explosions that can vaporize bodies and destroy bunkers, raising concerns about potential war crimes if used in civilian areas. A recent study suggests drones would authorize strikes, with … Continue reading China arms combat robots with thermobaric weapon in urban warfare drill

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

New home sales slump in January amid elevated mortgage rates

New home sales fell 10.5% in January to a three-month low of 657,000 units, as high mortgage rates, record prices, and severe winter weather kept buyers away. Mortgage rates remained above 7%, discouraging purchases despite incentives from builders. Analysts expect sales to rebound in February with improved weather, but concerns persist over mortgage rate volatility. The median new home price rose to $446,300, adding to … Continue reading New home sales slump in January amid elevated mortgage rates

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Eli Lilly plans at least $27 billion in new U.S. manufacturing investments

Eli Lilly announced a $27 billion investment to build four new U.S. manufacturing sites, bringing its total U.S. investments to over $50 billion. The move, aligned with Trump’s reshoring policies, was unveiled at a Washington, D.C., event featuring Trump administration officials. The sites will boost production of key drug ingredients, including those for its obesity and diabetes treatments Zepbound and Mounjaro, and create over 3,000 … Continue reading Eli Lilly plans at least $27 billion in new U.S. manufacturing investments

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Agriculture secretary outlines plan to lower egg prices

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined a five-point plan to lower egg prices, citing avian flu as a key factor. The USDA will invest up to $1 billion, including $500 million for poultry biosecurity and $100 million for vaccine research. Other measures include importing eggs, reviewing regulations like California’s Proposition 12, and funding farmers affected by avian flu, The Hill has reported. Rollins expects the plan … Continue reading Agriculture secretary outlines plan to lower egg prices

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Trump says $5m ‘gold card’ immigration visas will ‘sell like crazy’

Donald Trump announced a new “$5M gold card” visa offering wealthy buyers permanent U.S. residency and a path to citizenship, replacing the EB-5 investor visa. He claimed it would boost job creation and help pay off U.S. debt. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called it an improvement over the EB-5 program, though details on eligibility and limits remain unclear, the BBC has reported. Written by B.C. … Continue reading Trump says $5m ‘gold card’ immigration visas will ‘sell like crazy’

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Trump says 25% tariffs on EU will be announced soon

Donald Trump announced plans for a 25% tariff on EU goods, claiming the bloc was created to “screw the United States.” The EU vowed to respond firmly. Trump also suggested possible delays on tariffs for Mexico and Canada, set for March 4, though an official insisted the deadline remains, the BBC has reported. His trade policies have sparked uncertainty, with markets reacting negatively. Written by … Continue reading Trump says 25% tariffs on EU will be announced soon

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Frontrunner of Romania’s Annulled Election Georgescu Indicted

Romanian populist leader Călin Georgescu was detained and charged just days after U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned of threats to democracy in Romania. Georgescu, who won the first round of last year’s annulled presidential election, was accused of promoting extremist ideologies and inciting actions against the constitutional order. Authorities claim Russian interference influenced the election, but critics call the evidence weak. His arrest sparked … Continue reading Frontrunner of Romania’s Annulled Election Georgescu Indicted

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

German parliament in race against time to sign off on new defense fund

Germany’s outgoing parliament may approve a new €200bn defense fund before dissolving in March, as conservative leader Friedrich Merz pushes for greater military spending amid rising geopolitical tensions. Merz argues Europe must reduce dependence on the U.S., while Germany struggles to meet NATO and U.S. defense spending targets. A proposed constitutional reform to ease borrowing limits remains controversial, with opposition from far-left and far-right factions, … Continue reading German parliament in race against time to sign off on new defense fund

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Bosnian Serb president Dodik sentenced for separatist actions

Bosnia’s court has sentenced pro-Russia Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and banned him from politics for six years over his separatist actions. The conviction follows charges of defying the international peace envoy overseeing Bosnia’s stability. Dodik, absent during sentencing, has vowed to disobey the ruling and has threatened secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia. The US has imposed sanctions on … Continue reading Bosnian Serb president Dodik sentenced for separatist actions

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

FAA investigates after third skydiver dies in 2 months at Arizona facility

Arizona authorities and the FAA are investigating a series of deadly skydiving incidents at Skydive Arizona after three fatalities in two months. The latest occurred on Feb. 16, when a 47-year-old experienced skydiver died. Earlier this month, a 46-year-old man’s parachute failed to deploy, and in January, a 55-year-old woman died due to parachute complications. The FAA is reviewing parachute packing and flight rules but … Continue reading FAA investigates after third skydiver dies in 2 months at Arizona facility

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Man pleads guilty to killing homeless people in Las Vegas

Cristobal Omar Perez, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder for a 2023 shooting that killed two homeless people and wounded three others in Las Vegas. He faces 40 years to life in prison at his April 8 sentencing. Prosecutors say a third victim is near death, which could lead to additional charges. Perez allegedly targeted the group after suspecting one of them … Continue reading Man pleads guilty to killing homeless people in Las Vegas

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

A Georgia deputy won’t be charged for killing an exonerated man during a violent traffic stop

A Georgia deputy will not face charges for fatally shooting Leonard Cure, a Black man wrongfully imprisoned for 16 years, during a 2023 traffic stop. Authorities say Cure resisted arrest and grabbed the deputy’s throat before being shot. His family argues the deputy used excessive force. The deputy, previously fired for misconduct, remains employed, the Associated Press has reported. A federal lawsuit against him and … Continue reading A Georgia deputy won’t be charged for killing an exonerated man during a violent traffic stop

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Three survive small plane crash into Vermont mountain

Three people survived after their small plane crashed into Mount Equinox, Vermont’s highest Taconic peak, early Wednesday. Rescuers faced deep snow and rugged terrain to locate them hours later. All sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with one airlifted for further care. The FAA is investigating the cause, the Independent has reported. The crash is the latest in a string of recent aviation incidents, though air travel remains … Continue reading Three survive small plane crash into Vermont mountain

Unknown's avatarbcbegley