B.C. Begley

Suspect in killing of Russian general pleads guilty and claims he was paid by Ukraine

A man has pleaded guilty to terrorism charges in Russia, admitting he was paid by Ukraine’s security service to kill Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik in a car bombing near Moscow. Moskalik is the second senior Russian officer killed in such an attack in four months. In December, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was also killed by a bomb in an incident Ukraine later claimed responsibility for, … Continue reading Suspect in killing of Russian general pleads guilty and claims he was paid by Ukraine

Death toll in Gaza rises to 52,000, Israel continues offensive

Palestinian officials report that over 52,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed its offensive in March, ending a ceasefire with Hamas. Israel, which controls about half of Gaza and has encircled Rafah, has blocked food and medical imports for nearly two months, worsening a humanitarian crisis. Aid groups warn of imminent shortages and widespread malnutrition. Israel says its actions aim to pressure … Continue reading Death toll in Gaza rises to 52,000, Israel continues offensive

Global powers boost military budgets by record percent

Global military spending surged by nearly 10% in 2024—the largest annual increase since the Cold War—driven by ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Total global spending reached over $2.7 trillion, with the U.S. remaining the top spender at $997 billion. Russia’s spending jumped 38% to $149 billion, while Ukraine’s rose modestly … Continue reading Global powers boost military budgets by record percent

22 people killed, 3 injured in restaurant fire in China

At least 22 people were killed and three others injured after a fire broke out at a restaurant in Liaoning, northern China, on Tuesday afternoon, according to state media. The blaze started around 12:25 p.m. local time in a multi-story building. Images from the scene showed intense flames erupting from windows and doors. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, ABC News has … Continue reading 22 people killed, 3 injured in restaurant fire in China

Hong Kong frees four pro-democracy lawmakers who completed jail terms

Four former pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong—Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam, and Gary Fan—were released from prison after serving part of their sentences under the National Security Law. They had been jailed for over three years after pleading guilty to subversion for organizing an unofficial opposition primary. Their release accounts for time served since their 2021 arrests, the BBC has reported. The case was … Continue reading Hong Kong frees four pro-democracy lawmakers who completed jail terms

Three people killed after shooting in Sweden

Three people were killed in a shooting at a hair salon in central Uppsala, Sweden, just before the city’s Walpurgis spring festival. The shooter fled on a scooter and remains at large, prompting a major police search involving helicopters and temporarily halted train services. The motive and identities of the victims are unknown, the BBC has reported. The incident comes amid growing concern over rising … Continue reading Three people killed after shooting in Sweden

Indian military says Pakistani troops fired at positions along the border in disputed Kashmir

Pakistani soldiers fired at Indian positions along the Kashmir border for a second night, the Indian military said Saturday, amid rising tensions after a deadly attack killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India blamed Pakistan for backing the assault, which was claimed by a little-known group, Kashmir Resistance. Pakistan denies involvement. No casualties were reported in the cross-border fire. The attack, one of the worst … Continue reading Indian military says Pakistani troops fired at positions along the border in disputed Kashmir

US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier

A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea during towing operations, reportedly after the ship made a hard turn to evade fire from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. All crew are accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury after jumping from the jet before it went overboard. The $60 million aircraft has sunk, and an investigation is … Continue reading US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier

Power mostly restored as Spain and Portugal grapple with fallout of massive outage

Power has been mostly restored across Spain and Portugal after a massive blackout Monday disrupted daily life, halted transport, and caused chaos across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France. While 99% of Spain and most of Portugal have electricity again, transport disruptions are expected to continue. Authorities are still investigating the cause, with Spain reporting a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts—about 60% of national … Continue reading Power mostly restored as Spain and Portugal grapple with fallout of massive outage

Archaeology

Archaeologists find wreck of large medieval boat in Barcelona

Archaeologists in Barcelona have uncovered the remains of a large medieval boat, believed to have sunk 500-600 years ago, while excavating the site of a former fish market. The vessel, found 5 meters below sea level, measures 10 meters long and 3 meters wide, with more than 30 curved wooden ribs. The boat likely sank during a storm in the 15th or 16th century, when … Continue reading Archaeologists find wreck of large medieval boat in Barcelona

Space

DARPA requests proposals for water-prospecting lunar orbiter

DARPA has launched the Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO) program, seeking proposals for a lunar orbiter to test navigation and propulsion technologies in very low orbits (as low as 10 km). The mission aims to map the lunar surface for water ice, focusing on regions with at least 5% subsurface concentrations. This effort could improve space situational awareness (SSA) in cislunar space and … Continue reading DARPA requests proposals for water-prospecting lunar orbiter

Space

NASA’s Dragonfly nuclear-powered helicopter clears key hurdle ahead of 2028 launch

NASA’s Dragonfly mission, aimed at investigating Saturn’s moon Titan for signs of life, has passed its Critical Design Review, ensuring it remains on track for a 2028 launch. The car-sized, nuclear-powered rotorcraft will study Titan’s surface, searching for prebiotic chemistry and potential life. With a budget of $3.35 billion, the mission is set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, embarking on a nearly … Continue reading NASA’s Dragonfly nuclear-powered helicopter clears key hurdle ahead of 2028 launch

Space

SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral on Sunday night, carrying 23 Starlink satellites, including 13 for direct-to-cell service. The launch occurred at 10:09 p.m. EDT, marking SpaceX’s 48th Falcon 9 launch of 2025. The booster used, B1077, completed its 20th flight, landing on the droneship “Just Read the Instructions” in the Atlantic Ocean about eight minutes after liftoff. The 23 satellites were … Continue reading SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral

Technology

Russia eyes AI and lasers for future warfare

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered significant changes to Russia’s military strategy, focusing on the development of unmanned systems, AI, and laser weaponry. Following a meeting on April 23, Putin revealed that Russia’s defense industry is operating at full capacity, delivering thousands of armored vehicles, aircraft, and drones. However, he acknowledged a persistent shortage of drones on the battlefield. Putin emphasized that innovations driven by … Continue reading Russia eyes AI and lasers for future warfare

Technology

Chinese humanoid robot with eagle-eye vision and powerful AI

XPENG’s humanoid robot, Iron, is a cutting-edge blend of artificial intelligence and human-like movement, currently assisting in electric vehicle production. Standing 5’8″ and weighing 154 pounds, Iron features 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom, enabling smooth, natural movements. Powered by XPENG’s proprietary Turing AI chip, Iron is capable of performing complex tasks with precision and adapting to various environments. Its advanced vision system, inspired … Continue reading Chinese humanoid robot with eagle-eye vision and powerful AI

Business

Gold falls as easing US-China tensions curb safe-haven demand

Gold prices dropped on Monday as easing U.S.-China trade tensions increased investor risk appetite, reducing demand for safe-haven assets like gold. Spot gold fell 0.8% to $3,292.43 an ounce, down from its record high of $3,500.05 on April 22. The stronger dollar also pressured prices, making gold more expensive for foreign buyers. U.S. President Trump’s comments on potential trade deal progress with China contributed to … Continue reading Gold falls as easing US-China tensions curb safe-haven demand

Business

Toyota considers investing in potential $42 billion buyout of key supplier

Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda has proposed a ¥6 trillion ($42 billion) buyout of Toyota Industries Corp., which makes looms and parts for Toyota cars. The move aims to increase his control over Toyota’s vast business empire, with Toyota Industries holding a 9.1% stake in Toyota Motor. The offer represents a 40% premium over Toyota Industries’ market value. The company has formed a special committee … Continue reading Toyota considers investing in potential $42 billion buyout of key supplier

Business

SEC Chair Atkins says crypto innovation ‘has been stifled’ as regulators push for change

SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated on Friday that innovation in the crypto industry has been stifled and significant changes are needed to address the current regulatory framework. Speaking at the SEC’s Crypto Task Force roundtable, Atkins emphasized the need for a more collaborative approach to crypto regulation. The session, which followed the SEC’s dropping of its lawsuit against Ripple, focused on digital asset custody. Atkins … Continue reading SEC Chair Atkins says crypto innovation ‘has been stifled’ as regulators push for change

Trump floats income tax cut to ease tariff impact

President Trump proposed a new income tax cut on Sunday to offset the effects of his tariffs, which polls show are likely to raise consumer prices. He suggested that many people earning less than $200,000 could see their income taxes significantly reduced or eliminated. Trump defended his tariffs, claiming they would create jobs and boost the economy. He has previously suggested replacing federal income tax … Continue reading Trump floats income tax cut to ease tariff impact

France is ‘no place’ for racism and hate, says Macron after murder of Muslim in mosque

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the brutal stabbing death of a Muslim worshipper at a mosque in southern France, stating that racism and religious hate have no place in the country. The attacker, who remains at large, filmed the victim after stabbing him up to 50 times while shouting insults at Islam. The victim, a young Malian man, was discovered later by other worshippers. The suspect, … Continue reading France is ‘no place’ for racism and hate, says Macron after murder of Muslim in mosque

Pope Francis funeral updates: Pope Francis laid to rest after historic funeral in front of 250,000

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, was buried Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, following a funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica and a procession through the city. Known for his outreach to the poor, his minimalist burial reflects this commitment. Francis is the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican and the first at Santa … Continue reading Pope Francis funeral updates: Pope Francis laid to rest after historic funeral in front of 250,000

Bernie Sanders denies he, AOC are starting a third party but scolds Democrats for ‘lack of vision’

Senator Bernie Sanders denied rumors that he and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are planning to start a third political party but criticized Democrats for lacking a clear vision for the future. He emphasized the need for a stronger focus on improving the standard of living for younger generations and advocated for policies like a higher minimum wage, campaign finance reform, and healthcare system repairs. Sanders also … Continue reading Bernie Sanders denies he, AOC are starting a third party but scolds Democrats for ‘lack of vision’