B.C. Begley

Southwest pilot removed from cockpit, booked for DUI

A Southwest Airlines pilot, David Paul Allsop, was removed from the cockpit before a flight from Georgia to Chicago on Wednesday after allegedly showing signs of intoxication and smelling of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Southwest Airlines apologized for the disruption, ensuring customer safety and rescheduling flights. Allsop’s bail was set at $3,500, and he was released on bond. … Continue reading Southwest pilot removed from cockpit, booked for DUI

Texas sheriff’s deputy killed, suspect fatally shot after large search in Houston

Texas sheriff’s deputy Jesus Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the Brazoria County sheriff’s department, was fatally shot on Wednesday while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Houston. Vargas, working with a U.S. Marshal’s task force, was targeted by a suspect with a lengthy criminal history, including aggravated assault. A large-scale search involving helicopters and K-9 units ensued, culminating hours later when law enforcement located … Continue reading Texas sheriff’s deputy killed, suspect fatally shot after large search in Houston

Pacific Palisades residents sue Los Angeles department of water and power

Residents and businesses in Pacific Palisades have sued Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power (LADWP), claiming unpreparedness and a failed water system worsened the Palisades Fire, which began January 7, destroyed 5,000 structures, and caused eight deaths. The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, seeks damages for property losses, living expenses, and lost income, citing the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir and ignored fire warnings … Continue reading Pacific Palisades residents sue Los Angeles department of water and power

Guards ‘systematically and casually’ beat New York inmate to death, lawsuit says

The son of Robert L. Brooks Sr., who died after a brutal beating by guards at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York, filed a federal lawsuit alleging systematic violence and negligence. Brooks, a 43-year-old Black inmate, died in December 2023, a day after being handcuffed, beaten, and lifted by his neck in an attack caught on body camera footage. The lawsuit names over a dozen … Continue reading Guards ‘systematically and casually’ beat New York inmate to death, lawsuit says

Sinaloa cartel leader ‘El Mayo’ in plea talks in Brooklyn federal case, prosecutor says

Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, 76, is negotiating a plea deal with U.S. federal prosecutors in Brooklyn to avoid a trial that could result in the death penalty. Arrested in New Mexico in July after decades on the run, Zambada faces 17 counts of drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and money laundering. During a hearing, he chose to keep his lawyer despite a conflict … Continue reading Sinaloa cartel leader ‘El Mayo’ in plea talks in Brooklyn federal case, prosecutor says

Ukraine losing ground on the battlefield as Trump team pushes ceasefire

With Donald Trump set to re-enter the White House, Ukraine faces mounting challenges. Its troops are struggling against Russia’s advances, with limited resources and dwindling military aid prospects. Russia continues its offensive, gaining territory in Donetsk while Ukrainian forces defend key positions. Ukraine’s defense priorities include stabilizing frontlines and bolstering capabilities, with allies pledging further aid. Talks of ending the conflict remain unlikely, as Moscow … Continue reading Ukraine losing ground on the battlefield as Trump team pushes ceasefire

After cable damage, Taiwan to step up surveillance of ‘flag of convenience’ ships

Taiwan will enhance surveillance and inspection of foreign-flagged ships after a Chinese-linked cargo vessel allegedly damaged an undersea communication cable. Authorities plan to board suspicious vessels near sensitive areas and strengthen monitoring of undersea cables and landing points. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau emphasized international cooperation with the U.S. and Europe to address cable sabotage risks. The incident adds to concerns over China’s “gray zone” tactics, … Continue reading After cable damage, Taiwan to step up surveillance of ‘flag of convenience’ ships

Russian missile attack forces Ukraine to shut down power grid

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure across multiple regions, including Lviv and Kharkiv. Ukrainian forces shot down 30 of 43 missiles and 47 of 74 drones, but emergency power outages were imposed in six regions. The assault aims to cripple Ukraine’s power grid during winter, exacerbating energy shortages. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged Western allies to expedite air defense … Continue reading Russian missile attack forces Ukraine to shut down power grid

South Africa criticized for ‘horrific’ mining crackdown after 78 bodies pulled from underground

South Africa’s government faces criticism after cutting off food and water to illegal miners underground, leading to at least 78 deaths and over 100 others presumed dead from starvation at the Stilfontein mine. Rescuers have saved 166 people following a court-ordered operation, with survivors described as severely emaciated. Unions and opposition parties have condemned the government’s handling, calling it a display of negligence. The government … Continue reading South Africa criticized for ‘horrific’ mining crackdown after 78 bodies pulled from underground

Israel and Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal ending 15 months of conflict, confirmed by U.S. President Joe Biden. The agreement includes a complete ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas. UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized prioritizing aid to alleviate suffering. However, the ceasefire, set to begin on January 19, follows continued violence, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly … Continue reading Israel and Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal

Space

Enormous, mountain-size asteroid will be visible from Earth this weekend in rare ‘once in a decade’ event

The asteroid (887) Alinda, measuring 2.6 miles wide, recently passed within 7.6 million miles of Earth on January 8 and will peak in brightness on January 12, visible through binoculars or a good telescope. This rare event occurs once a decade, with Alinda being one of the five largest asteroids to pass close to Earth in the next 175 years. While it poses no threat, … Continue reading Enormous, mountain-size asteroid will be visible from Earth this weekend in rare ‘once in a decade’ event

Space

SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, lands booster for 15th time

SpaceX launched 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, from Cape Canaveral on January 13. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster successfully landed in the Atlantic Ocean after eight minutes, marking its 15th launch and landing. The upper stage deployed the satellites into low Earth orbit about 65 minutes after liftoff, Space.com has reported. This launch was SpaceX’s sixth of 2025, following a busy … Continue reading SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, lands booster for 15th time

Space

Strange Flashes Could Be Signs of Closest Object Seen Near a Black Hole

A supermassive black hole in the galaxy 1ES 1927+654, located 275 million light-years from the Milky Way, has baffled astronomers with its unusual behavior. Recent observations suggest the black hole’s fluctuations are caused by a white dwarf star orbiting dangerously close to its event horizon. The star’s orbit is shrinking, causing rapid changes in the black hole’s X-ray emissions. The dense white dwarf, which is … Continue reading Strange Flashes Could Be Signs of Closest Object Seen Near a Black Hole

Technology

China’s newest humanoid robot is ready to serve like never before

Chinese startup Pudu Robotics has launched the D9 humanoid robot, designed to transform how we interact with machines. Standing 5.57 feet tall, the D9 can carry up to 44 pounds, walk at speeds of 4.5 mph, and navigate stairs and slopes while maintaining balance. It features advanced sensors for real-time 3D mapping, enabling autonomous navigation and self-positioning. The robot has diverse applications, such as ground … Continue reading China’s newest humanoid robot is ready to serve like never before

Business

Southwest Airlines pauses corporate hiring, most summer internships to cut costs

Southwest Airlines is pausing corporate hiring, promotions, and most summer internships, while suspending some employee team-building events to reduce costs and improve margins. CEO Bob Jordan emphasized the importance of financial performance and said the company would evaluate hiring needs as necessary. The airline is also halting its long-standing employee rallies and other activities to focus on profitability. This move comes after pressure from activist … Continue reading Southwest Airlines pauses corporate hiring, most summer internships to cut costs

Business

Starbucks says people using its coffee shops must buy something

Starbucks has reversed its 2018 policy of allowing non-customers to use its bathrooms, stating that from January 27, only customers who make a purchase will have access to its restrooms, cafes, and patios in North America. This change is part of a new code of conduct aimed at creating a welcoming environment, while addressing safety concerns. The company is also working to simplify its menu … Continue reading Starbucks says people using its coffee shops must buy something

Business

Inflation watch: Wholesale prices rose 0.2% in December, less than expected

Wholesale prices in December rose less than expected, with the producer price index (PPI) increasing by just 0.2%, below the 0.4% forecast. Excluding food and energy, the core PPI remained flat, suggesting that inflation pressures eased. On an annual basis, the PPI rose 3.3%, up from 1.1% in 2023. The report indicates a slowdown in inflation, but likely not enough to prompt an immediate Federal … Continue reading Inflation watch: Wholesale prices rose 0.2% in December, less than expected

Biden says US ‘winning’ on world stage, dealing Trump ‘very strong hand’

President Biden on Monday defended his foreign policy legacy, arguing that his administration is leaving President-elect Trump with a strong position to handle global challenges, especially in countering China’s ambitions and Russia’s aggression. Biden highlighted that the U.S. is stronger, its alliances are stronger, and adversaries are weaker compared to four years ago. He also noted that, unlike under Trump, the U.S. had not gone … Continue reading Biden says US ‘winning’ on world stage, dealing Trump ‘very strong hand’

Greenland seeking closer ties with US, particularly on mining, PM says

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede announced on Monday that the autonomous territory is open to stronger ties with the United States, particularly in areas like mining. He emphasized the importance of business cooperation, stating that Greenland would continue seeking opportunities with the U.S., but made it clear that the territory would not entertain a U.S. takeover. Egede’s comments followed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s previous remarks … Continue reading Greenland seeking closer ties with US, particularly on mining, PM says

Speaker Mike Johnson suggests ‘conditions’ needed on disaster aid for LA wildfires

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that any aid for California’s wildfire relief should have conditions, signaling a potential political conflict. Johnson criticized state leadership, particularly Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, for issues like water and forest management, which he claimed contributed to the devastation. He hinted at a possible tie between debt limit increases and aid to California, though he emphasized that discussions are ongoing. … Continue reading Speaker Mike Johnson suggests ‘conditions’ needed on disaster aid for LA wildfires

Trump plans limited inauguration festivities despite massive fundraising

Donald Trump’s presidential transition team released the schedule for his inauguration next week, which includes a fireworks show, VIP events at his Virginia golf course, and three inaugural balls. Despite raising over $170 million for the event, the number of balls and events is fewer than in previous inaugurations. The inaugural committee, with more than $200 million in funds, is hosting smaller events compared to … Continue reading Trump plans limited inauguration festivities despite massive fundraising

DOJ releases former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on investigation into Trump

The Justice Department released Volume One of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report on his investigations into President-elect Donald Trump, focusing on the election case against him. The report, made public just before Trump’s inauguration, confirms Smith’s stance on bringing criminal charges against Trump for attempting to retain power after the 2020 election. Smith defends his decision, asserting that Trump’s actions were criminal and harmful … Continue reading DOJ releases former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on investigation into Trump

Connecticut youth basketball coach accused of vehicular assault after argument about game

A youth basketball coach in Connecticut, Bryan Baez-Rivera, has been charged with vehicular assault after hitting a person with his car following an argument about a weekend game. The incident occurred Saturday at Horace W. Porter School, where Baez-Rivera struck the victim, sending them over the vehicle’s hood. Baez-Rivera also faces charges of breach of peace, reckless endangerment, and risk of injury to a minor. … Continue reading Connecticut youth basketball coach accused of vehicular assault after argument about game

FBI, DHS warn of possible copycat attacks after NOLA ISIS-inspired vehicle attack

The FBI and DHS issued a warning to law enforcement nationwide about potential copycat attacks following an ISIS-inspired vehicle ramming attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day that killed 14 people. The agencies cautioned about the appeal of vehicle ramming as a tactic for extremists and the possible use of additional weapons like firearms, knives, or IEDs. The warning urged vigilance and reporting of … Continue reading FBI, DHS warn of possible copycat attacks after NOLA ISIS-inspired vehicle attack