Author: bcbegley

U.S. News

4 FEMA employees fired for paying for hotels for migrants in New York City

The Department of Homeland Security fired four employees for bypassing leadership and improperly using FEMA funds to pay for luxury hotel accommodations for migrants in New York City. This follows a claim by Elon Musk that FEMA sent $59 million to house illegal immigrants in high-end hotels. The firings include FEMA’s CFO and two analysts. Critics, including Rep. Mike Lawler, condemned the misuse of taxpayer … Continue reading 4 FEMA employees fired for paying for hotels for migrants in New York City

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U.S. News

Steve Bannon pleads guilty in border wall fraud case, avoids jail time

Steve Bannon pleaded guilty to defrauding donors to the “We Build the Wall” campaign in exchange for a sentence without prison time. The felony charge stems from Bannon’s role in misdirecting funds meant for constructing a border wall. He will serve a three-year conditional discharge, barred from leading charities or fundraising for nonprofits. Bannon had promised that no funds would go to pay the salary … Continue reading Steve Bannon pleads guilty in border wall fraud case, avoids jail time

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U.S. News

FBI says it has discovered new files on JFK assassination

The FBI uncovered about 2,400 newly inventoried records related to JFK’s assassination following a search prompted by a 2017 executive order from Donald Trump. These previously unrecognized files are being turned over to the National Archives for declassification. Since 2020, the FBI has centralized records, improving search capabilities. The U.S. has periodically released JFK documents since 1992, with 99% now public, CNN has reported. Trump … Continue reading FBI says it has discovered new files on JFK assassination

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U.S. News

One dead, four injured after business jets collide at Arizona airport

A private jet owned by Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil crashed in Arizona after veering off the runway and colliding with a parked jet, killing 78-year-old pilot Joie Vitosky. The crash, reportedly caused by landing gear failure, seriously injured another pilot and two passengers, including Neil’s girlfriend, Rain Hannah. Neil was not on board, the Associated Press has reported. The National Transportation Safety Board is … Continue reading One dead, four injured after business jets collide at Arizona airport

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U.S. News

Huge explosion rocks El Paso as fire causes black smoke to billow near airport

A vehicle exploded near El Paso airport, injuring five people, including one seriously. The blast occurred around 1:06 p.m. near the Sun Metro bus headquarters, prompting evacuations. Four victims were hospitalized, while one refused treatment, the Daily Mail has reported. Authorities closed a nearby street, and firefighters are battling the blaze with 45 emergency units on the scene. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading Huge explosion rocks El Paso as fire causes black smoke to billow near airport

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U.S. News

Justice Dept Seeks Dismissal of Case Against NYC Mayor

Trump’s DOJ ordered the Manhattan U.S. attorney to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, citing political influence concerns and election-year factors. The decision has drawn criticism, with opponents calling it a blow to justice. Adams, accused of bribery and illegal campaign contributions, has built ties with Trump, fueling speculation about a possible pardon, the New York Daily News has reported. His challengers predict … Continue reading Justice Dept Seeks Dismissal of Case Against NYC Mayor

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World News

50 dead after a bus plunged into a gorge in Guatemala

At least 55 people died after a bus plunged 115 feet into a gorge near Guatemala’s capital on Monday. A multi-vehicle crash sent the bus off the road, landing upside down in a sewage-polluted stream. Children were among the victims, and several others were seriously injured, NPR has reported. President Bernardo Arévalo declared a national day of mourning. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading 50 dead after a bus plunged into a gorge in Guatemala

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World News

Rwanda-backed M23 fighters resume attacks in DR Congo after two-day pause

M23 rebels have resumed attacks in eastern DRC after a brief lull, striking near Ihusi, close to a key military airport. Bukavu is bracing for an offensive, with schools closed and residents fleeing. The conflict, which has displaced over 500,000 this year, worsens as aid shortages follow a U.S. funding pause. The UN estimates nearly 3,000 deaths from recent clashes, while regional leaders call for … Continue reading Rwanda-backed M23 fighters resume attacks in DR Congo after two-day pause

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World News

Several thousand earthquakes detected near Greece’s island of Santorini

A swarm of over 12,000 small earthquakes has struck near Greece’s Santorini island since late January, raising concerns about a potential larger quake. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, deploying rescue crews and putting the coast guard and navy on standby. Thousands have left the island, schools are closed, and extra medical teams have been sent. Scientists are monitoring the situation closely but remain … Continue reading Several thousand earthquakes detected near Greece’s island of Santorini

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World News

Israeli cabinet backs Trump’s demand for Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday deadline

Israel’s security cabinet fully supports President Donald Trump’s ultimatum that Hamas release all hostages by noon on Saturday or face renewed military action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that if Hamas fails to comply, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense combat. Trump emphasized that hostages must be released “all at once” and reiterated that Israel could override the ceasefire. Hamas claims … Continue reading Israeli cabinet backs Trump’s demand for Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday deadline

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World News

Marc Fogel, American teacher held in Russia for 3 years, back in U.S. after release

Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old American teacher held in Russia for 3½ years over medical cannabis possession, returned to the U.S. on Tuesday. Fogel, sentenced to 14 years, was released following negotiations led by President Donald Trump. He landed in Maryland and met Trump at the White House, expressing gratitude. Officials suggested his release could aid Trump’s efforts for a Ukraine ceasefire. It remains unclear what … Continue reading Marc Fogel, American teacher held in Russia for 3 years, back in U.S. after release

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World News

Ukraine Prepared To Offer Territory Swap With Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would offer to swap territory with Russia in potential peace talks but stressed that Europe alone cannot support Kyiv’s war effort without U.S. backing. Zelensky will meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference as Washington pushes for an end to the nearly three-year war. Trump, eager for a deal, is sending envoy Keith Kellogg to … Continue reading Ukraine Prepared To Offer Territory Swap With Russia

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Space

SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites to orbit from California

SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites from California on Feb. 10 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The booster, completing its 23rd flight, landed on a drone ship in the Pacific, while the upper stage deployed the satellites into orbit. This marks SpaceX’s 18th Falcon 9 mission of 2025, with 12 dedicated to Starlink, Space.com has reported. The constellation now has over 6,900 operational satellites. Written … Continue reading SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites to orbit from California

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Space

NASA Calls in Webb Telescope to Track Recently Identified Hazardous Asteroid

NASA is using the Webb telescope to monitor asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 2.1% chance of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. Discovered in December 2024, its impact probability has fluctuated, and more observations are needed. Measuring 130-300 feet wide, it could release energy comparable to the 1908 Tunguska blast. Webb will refine estimates before the asteroid becomes too faint to track from Earth … Continue reading NASA Calls in Webb Telescope to Track Recently Identified Hazardous Asteroid

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Space

Space telescope finds rare ‘Einstein Ring’ of light in nearby galaxy

The Euclid space telescope has discovered a rare Einstein Ring surrounding the galaxy NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years away, the European Space Agency announced. This ring, caused by gravitational lensing, was previously obscured by the galaxy’s brightness but became visible due to Euclid’s high resolution. The ring is formed by the light of a more distant, unnamed galaxy 4.42 billion light-years away bending around … Continue reading Space telescope finds rare ‘Einstein Ring’ of light in nearby galaxy

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Technology

MIT builds swarms of tiny robotic insect drones that can fly 100 times longer than previous designs

MIT scientists are developing robotic insects that could revolutionize pollination by boosting crop yields without harming the environment. Previous designs lacked endurance, speed, and agility, but a new version detailed in Science Robotics on Jan. 15 flies 100 times longer, is lighter, and has improved wing flexibility. Unlike earlier eight-wing models, the new design features four single-wing units, enhancing lift and stability while allowing room for batteries, … Continue reading MIT builds swarms of tiny robotic insect drones that can fly 100 times longer than previous designs

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Technology

Apple’s new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds get heart rate sensors, improved design

Apple’s Beats brand launched the Powerbeats Pro 2, its first earbuds with built-in heart rate monitoring, set to release on Feb. 13 for $249. They feature improved audio, battery life, and redesigned ear hooks for a better fit. The heart rate sensors use LED optical technology and sync with fitness apps but won’t support Apple Fitness+ at launch. The earbuds include active noise canceling, transparency … Continue reading Apple’s new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds get heart rate sensors, improved design

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Technology

Hackers leak cop manuals for departments nationwide

Hackers leaked over 8,500 files from Lexipol, a Texas-based company that provides policy manuals and training for first responders. The leaked data, shared with DDoSecrets, includes police, fire, and EMS policies, as well as customer records containing names, emails, and hashed passwords. Lexipol has faced criticism for its influence on policing, resistance to reform, and policies that allegedly enable racial profiling and excessive force. The … Continue reading Hackers leak cop manuals for departments nationwide

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Business

Canned tuna at Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Costco recalled over botulism risk

Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall for select canned tuna products sold at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Costco, and other retailers due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to botulism. The recall affects Genova, Van Camp’s, Trader Joe’s, and H-E-B brand tuna, with compromised seals that may cause leakage or contamination. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised not to eat the … Continue reading Canned tuna at Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Costco recalled over botulism risk

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Business

Costco, Trader Joe’s Impose Egg Rationing As Avian Flu Hits Supply

An egg shortage caused by avian flu has led grocery stores like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market to limit egg purchases. Trader Joe’s allows only one dozen eggs per customer daily, while Costco has set a three-package limit in stores and a five-dozen cap for online orders. Signs warn of continued shortages, with some stores restricting purchases to four dozen eggs per visit. … Continue reading Costco, Trader Joe’s Impose Egg Rationing As Avian Flu Hits Supply

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Business

Musk, DOGE descend on consumer bureau

The Trump administration is rapidly dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), halting its operations, cutting funding, and closing its headquarters. This move mirrors earlier efforts to weaken the agency, but with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aggressively slashing government programs, concerns are mounting over the extent of the damage. Acting CFPB Director Russell Vought has ordered staff to stop work, rejected new … Continue reading Musk, DOGE descend on consumer bureau

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Politics

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announces resignation

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation, effective Feb. 12, following pressure from populist opposition groups after a court annulled the presidential election. His departure comes amid political turmoil after far-right candidate Calin Georgescu won the first round amid allegations of Russian interference. Protests erupted in Bucharest following the announcement, with police using tear gas on demonstrators. A new election is set for May 4, … Continue reading Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announces resignation

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Politics

Trump claims multiple calls with Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine, citing their “good relationship.” Trump claimed Putin wants to stop the violence but did not disclose how many conversations they’ve had. The Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied the talks. Despite Trump’s push for negotiations on Ukraine, experts say Putin has little incentive to engage, as Russia … Continue reading Trump claims multiple calls with Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

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Politics

Ecuador goes to the polls amid rise in drug-related gang violence

Ecuadorians are voting in a presidential election that mirrors the 2023 race, with incumbent Daniel Noboa facing leftist candidate Luisa González. Crime and insecurity, driven by drug trafficking, dominate voter concerns. Noboa, a conservative millionaire, has reduced the homicide rate but remains unpopular. González, a protégé of former president Rafael Correa, promises to tackle crime and improve the economy. Allegations of gang influence on voting … Continue reading Ecuador goes to the polls amid rise in drug-related gang violence

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Politics

Kosovo PM Albin Kurti wins election

Kosovo’s ruling Self-Determination (VVL) party, led by PM Albin Kurti, won the general election with 41.3% of the vote but will need a coalition partner. Kurti’s pro-Albanian nationalism has strained ties with the U.S. and EU, especially over policies affecting Kosovo’s Serb minority. His refusal to grant Serb-majority areas autonomy led to EU aid cuts and stalled Kosovo’s EU membership bid. U.S. relations have also … Continue reading Kosovo PM Albin Kurti wins election

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