Author: bcbegley

U.S. News

After Years Of Decline, Share Of US Christians Stabilizes

A new Pew Research Center study finds that the decline of Christianity in the U.S. has paused, with 62% identifying as Christian, while the religiously unaffiliated remain steady at 29%. Though overall religiosity is stable, younger generations are far less religious, suggesting future declines. Daily prayer and religious service attendance have remained steady in recent years, but secular trends continue to shape belief, Religion Unplugged … Continue reading After Years Of Decline, Share Of US Christians Stabilizes

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World News

MH370: search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight resumes after 11 years

A new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has begun, over a decade after its disappearance in 2014. Maritime firm Ocean Infinity has resumed the hunt under a “no-find-no-fee” deal with Malaysia, covering 15,000 sq km of the southern Indian Ocean. If successful, the company will receive $70 million. The renewed effort brings hope to victims’ families still seeking answers, The Guardian has reported. Previous … Continue reading MH370: search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight resumes after 11 years

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World News

Taiwan deploys forces, accuses China of causing “high degree of danger” with military drills off its coast

Taiwan deployed forces Wednesday in response to China’s “live-fire” drills near the island, condemning them as a threat to regional security. China sent 32 aircraft and warships for joint drills, designating a live-fire zone 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s southern coast without prior warning. Taiwan’s defense ministry criticized the move as a violation of international norms and vowed to strengthen its defenses, CBS News has … Continue reading Taiwan deploys forces, accuses China of causing “high degree of danger” with military drills off its coast

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World News

State of emergency declared after blackout plunges most of Chile into darkness

A massive power outage plunged most of Chile, including Santiago, into darkness on Tuesday, prompting President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency. The blackout affected 14 of 16 regions, cutting electricity to 8 million homes, disrupting transport, and knocking out internet and phone services. Authorities blamed a high-voltage transmission failure but have not identified the cause. By Wednesday, 90% of affected areas had … Continue reading State of emergency declared after blackout plunges most of Chile into darkness

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World News

Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by Hamas, Israeli security official says

Hamas has transferred four bodies to the Red Cross, with Israel expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return. This marks the final exchange under Phase 1 of the ceasefire deal, which officially ends Saturday. The bodies are being identified, and Israel has delayed previous releases over past identification errors. If confirmed as hostages, Hamas and its allies would still hold 59 captives, with … Continue reading Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by Hamas, Israeli security official says

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World News

Man found to have stashed $10,000 worth of cocaine under his toupee

A Colombian man was arrested at Cartagena’s Rafael Nunez International Airport while boarding a flight to Amsterdam after police found 19 cocaine capsules worth over $10,000 hidden under his toupee. The 40-year-old was caught through a scanner and charged with drug trafficking. Video footage showed officers removing the wig, revealing 220 grams of cocaine, the Mirror has reported. Authorities have arrested over 450 people for … Continue reading Man found to have stashed $10,000 worth of cocaine under his toupee

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Politics

Trump budget bill with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts survives House vote

The House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at advancing President Trump’s priorities, including border security, defense, energy, and taxes, with a 217-215 vote. All Democrats opposed it, along with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, concerned about its deficit impact. The resolution now moves to House committees for further development and will be negotiated with the Senate. The bill proposes a $300 billion increase in border … Continue reading Trump budget bill with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts survives House vote

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Space

Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare, triggers radio blackouts

On Sunday, February 24, the Sun erupted with a powerful X2.0 solar flare from sunspot AR 4001, located just beyond the sun’s northwestern limb. The flare caused a shortwave radio blackout across parts of the Pacific Ocean due to increased UV radiation. X-class flares are the most intense, with each increase in class representing a tenfold increase in strength. This flare was rated an R3 … Continue reading Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare, triggers radio blackouts

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Space

China to send a spacecraft out of the ecliptic to study the Sun’s poles

China plans to launch the Solar Polar Orbit Observatory in 2029 to study the Sun’s poles, offering a unique perspective on solar activity and high-speed solar winds that impact Earth’s space weather. The spacecraft will perform a gravity assist at Jupiter to enter a high-inclination orbit, allowing it to observe the solar poles. Equipped with advanced instruments like a Magnetic and Helioseismic Imager, Extreme Ultraviolet … Continue reading China to send a spacecraft out of the ecliptic to study the Sun’s poles

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Space

A new lunar lander is set to launch to the moon’s south pole this week

The Texas-based company Intuitive Machines is launching its second robotic lunar mission, Athena, this week. The spacecraft will study the moon’s surface, focusing on the chemical makeup of rocks and soil and searching for subsurface water, which is crucial for future lunar bases. Athena will land in the moon’s south polar region on Mons Mouton, where water ice is thought to be abundant. The mission … Continue reading A new lunar lander is set to launch to the moon’s south pole this week

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Technology

Meet Concert, the robot that wants to revolutionize construction

The U.S. construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage, with a need for half a million workers in 2025. To address this, states have implemented apprenticeship programs, while some companies are turning to robots to perform dangerous or repetitive tasks. A standout innovation is “Concert,” a modular construction robot developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. Able to perform tasks like drilling, insulation spraying, … Continue reading Meet Concert, the robot that wants to revolutionize construction

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Technology

Russian cybercrime gang leaves taunting message for Kash Patel on dark web

The Russia-based ransomware gang LockBit has reportedly offered FBI Director Kash Patel alleged “classified information” that it claims could “destroy” the agency if made public. In a post on its dark web blog, the group congratulated Patel on his appointment and promised to share an archive of sensitive data exposing FBI corruption. LockBit, described as one of the world’s most harmful cybercrime groups, appears to … Continue reading Russian cybercrime gang leaves taunting message for Kash Patel on dark web

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Business

Denny’s reportedly adds egg surcharge amid rising prices

Denny’s has added a temporary surcharge to its egg-based meals at some locations due to the ongoing egg shortage caused by a bird flu outbreak that began in 2022. The shortage has led to higher egg prices, with the average dozen costing $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November. Denny’s, which has over 1,500 restaurants, is adjusting prices on a market-by-market basis. Other chains, … Continue reading Denny’s reportedly adds egg surcharge amid rising prices

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Business

Joann to shutter all 800 fabric stores after failing to find a buyer to save its locations

Joann, the fabric retailer with around 800 locations, will close all its stores after failing to find a buyer. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in January 2024, will begin nationwide going-out-of-business sales as part of its asset auction. Despite efforts to secure a better outcome, Joann announced the closure, acknowledging the support of employees, customers, and communities over its 80-year history, NBC News has … Continue reading Joann to shutter all 800 fabric stores after failing to find a buyer to save its locations

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Business

February consumer confidence posts biggest drop since 2021

Consumer confidence dropped in February, with the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index falling to 98.3, its lowest since June 2024. This decline, the largest since August 2021, reflects growing concerns about a slowing economy, rising inflation, and uncertainties over President Trump’s planned tariffs. Consumer pessimism grew about labor market conditions and future business prospects, with inflation expectations rising to 6%. Economists fear the tariffs could … Continue reading February consumer confidence posts biggest drop since 2021

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Politics

Starmer cuts aid to fund hike in defence spending

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has proposed increasing the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, funded by cuts to the international aid budget. While opposition parties support the move, charities have condemned the aid reductions, calling it a “betrayal.” The UK’s aid budget would decrease from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP by 2027 to fund the £13.4bn yearly boost in defence. The … Continue reading Starmer cuts aid to fund hike in defence spending

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Politics

Conservatives threaten to tank House budget vote needed to advance Trump agenda

Speaker Mike Johnson is moving forward with a House vote on a multitrillion-dollar budget plan, crucial for President Trump’s legislative agenda. However, conservative Republicans, including Reps. Victoria Spartz, Tim Burchett, Warren Davidson, and Thomas Massie, are threatening to oppose it due to concerns about insufficient spending cuts. With a narrow GOP majority, their votes could block the plan. The budget includes $4.5 trillion in tax … Continue reading Conservatives threaten to tank House budget vote needed to advance Trump agenda

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Politics

EU eyes €200B secret weapon as Trump dominates Ukraine peace talks

U.S. President Donald Trump is asserting dominance in talks to end the Ukraine war, but the EU holds a €200 billion asset in Russian sovereign funds frozen in Brussels-based Euroclear, which could be used as leverage in negotiations. Some European nations, particularly in the Baltic and Nordic regions, advocate for unfreezing the funds to aid Ukraine, while others, like France, Germany, and Italy, worry it … Continue reading EU eyes €200B secret weapon as Trump dominates Ukraine peace talks

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Politics

Putin says Russia is open to economic cooperation with US on rare earth minerals

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on mining rare earth minerals in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, emphasizing the economic value of these resources. He also proposed energy deals and aluminum exports to the U.S. if sanctions are lifted. Putin’s comments coincide with the Trump administration’s efforts to secure access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for financial support in the war, … Continue reading Putin says Russia is open to economic cooperation with US on rare earth minerals

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Politics

Trump meets France’s Macron at White House, says ‘lot of progress’ made toward ending war in Ukraine

President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the White House to discuss progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. Trump praised their efforts, noting that substantial progress had been made in talks with Russia and other nations. Macron emphasized the need for a solid peace to stabilize Ukraine and reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to stronger defense and economic partnerships. Trump also discussed a … Continue reading Trump meets France’s Macron at White House, says ‘lot of progress’ made toward ending war in Ukraine

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U.S. News

Indiana man who killed Dutch soldier, injured 2 others sentenced to 105 years in prison

An Indiana man, Shamar Duncan, was sentenced to 105 years in prison for the 2022 fatal shooting of Dutch soldier Simmie Poetsema and the wounding of two others in downtown Indianapolis. The incident began as a confrontation outside a club before escalating when Duncan and his group returned in a truck and opened fire near the soldiers’ hotel. Duncan was convicted of murder, attempted murder, … Continue reading Indiana man who killed Dutch soldier, injured 2 others sentenced to 105 years in prison

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U.S. News

North Carolina substitute teacher charged in ATV crash that killed 2 high school football players

A North Carolina substitute teacher, Ashley Marie Darity, 34, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the ATV crash that killed two Rosman High School football players, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo, in August 2024. Authorities say speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. Darity was released on a $20,000 bond, and two others, Brandon Rathbone and Patricia Whitehead, were also arrested for providing … Continue reading North Carolina substitute teacher charged in ATV crash that killed 2 high school football players

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U.S. News

Supreme Court throws out Oklahoma inmate Richard Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence

The Supreme Court overturned Richard Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence, ruling that prosecutors violated his right to a fair trial by withholding key evidence. Glossip, convicted in a 1997 murder-for-hire case, has long maintained his innocence. Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general supported a new trial, citing new evidence and prosecutorial misconduct. The ruling ensures Glossip will not face the death penalty if retried. Justices Thomas … Continue reading Supreme Court throws out Oklahoma inmate Richard Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence

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U.S. News

Woman arrested after videos show her urinating on store food products, prompting recalls

A New Hampshire woman, Kelli Tedford, was arrested after allegedly posting videos of herself urinating on food products at Monadnock Food Co-Op, prompting a recall of several items. Police began investigating after receiving an anonymous tip on Feb. 14 and identified Tedford through store footage. The contamination, which occurred on Feb. 10, caused over $1,500 in losses. Detectives found additional videos suggesting similar incidents dating … Continue reading Woman arrested after videos show her urinating on store food products, prompting recalls

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U.S. News

Thieves fake seizure to steal puppies from Colorado pet store

A Colorado pet store, Perfect Pets, was hit by its second puppy theft this month when thieves staged a medical emergency to steal two English bulldog puppies worth $4,299 each. One suspect faked a seizure, distracting employees while another grabbed the puppies. A struggle ensued, but the thief escaped with an accomplice in a gold Cadillac Escalade. Police arrested 37-year-old Timothy Dais for theft and … Continue reading Thieves fake seizure to steal puppies from Colorado pet store

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