Author: bcbegley

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

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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

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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

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Politics

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

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Politics

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

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Politics

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

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Politics

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’

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Politics

JB Pritzker calls out ‘do-nothing’ Democrats for failing to push back against Trump

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized fellow Democrats at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, accusing them of not doing enough to oppose President Trump and failing to prioritize the struggles of working families. He condemned Democrats for listening to “know-nothing political types” and for blaming party losses on progressive causes like defending Black people, trans kids, and immigrants. Pritzker also called for … Continue reading JB Pritzker calls out ‘do-nothing’ Democrats for failing to push back against Trump

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U.S. News

Shooting at North Carolina university leaves 1 dead, 6 injured

A shooting at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina early Sunday morning left one person dead and six others injured. The shooting occurred on campus after “Viking Fest” events. A 24-year-old man, not a student at the university, was killed, and four others suffered gunshot wounds, including three students. Fortunately, none of the injuries are life-threatening. The university implemented a campus lockdown, which was … Continue reading Shooting at North Carolina university leaves 1 dead, 6 injured

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U.S. News

Georgia deputy killed, another shot during traffic stop

A Georgia deputy was killed and another critically injured when a motor home driver, James Blake Montgomery, opened fire during a traffic stop on Saturday evening near Augusta. Deputies had stopped Montgomery to serve a domestic violence protective order when he initially appeared cooperative, then shot at the officers with an automatic pistol. Deputy Brandon Sikes was killed, while Deputy Gavin White was shot in … Continue reading Georgia deputy killed, another shot during traffic stop

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U.S. News

Florida ferry carrying dozens of passengers struck by boat in hit-and-run: ‘Mass casualty incident’

First responders in Clearwater, Florida, declared a “mass casualty incident” Sunday night after a boat struck a recreational ferry with over 40 passengers onboard near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Six people were declared “trauma alerts,” with two seriously injured and flown to local hospitals by helicopter. The ferry came to a stop on a sandbar after the collision, and no one is believed to be … Continue reading Florida ferry carrying dozens of passengers struck by boat in hit-and-run: ‘Mass casualty incident’

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U.S. News

Two suspects arrested for theft of Kristi Noem’s purse, Secret Service says

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse during an Easter Sunday meal at a Washington, D.C. restaurant. The purse, which contained $3,000 in cash and Noem’s keys, driver’s license, passport, and homeland security badge, was stolen while she dined with family. One suspect, described as a “serial offender,” was arrested in Washington after being … Continue reading Two suspects arrested for theft of Kristi Noem’s purse, Secret Service says

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U.S. News

Agents cleared for warrantless arrest of alleged gang members

Federal agents can arrest Venezuelan nationals suspected of belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang without judicial or administrative warrants, according to a directive from Attorney General Pam Bondi. The arrests are being made under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law invoked by President Trump to fast-track deportations. Over 600 suspected gang members have been arrested, though a Bloomberg analysis found about 90% of … Continue reading Agents cleared for warrantless arrest of alleged gang members

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World News

Homes destroyed and 1,500 detained in Kashmir as India cracks down following attacks

After a militant attack killed 26 people in India-administered Kashmir, Indian authorities detained at least 1,500 people and destroyed several homes linked to suspected militants. India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. Pakistan denied involvement and called for a neutral investigation, NPR has reported. Kashmiri residents and lawmakers accused Indian security forces of demolishing homes without due process, … Continue reading Homes destroyed and 1,500 detained in Kashmir as India cracks down following attacks

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World News

Suspect charged with murder over Vancouver Filipino festival car ramming

A suspect has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly driving an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, killing at least 11 and injuring dozens. The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene and has a history of mental health issues. Authorities say there is no sign of terrorism. The tragedy, described as “the … Continue reading Suspect charged with murder over Vancouver Filipino festival car ramming

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World News

China seizes disputed reef in the South China Sea

China’s coastguard seized Sandy Cay, a disputed reef near the Philippines’ key outpost in the South China Sea, raising tensions during U.S.-Philippines military exercises. China planted its flag on the reef, claiming sovereignty for the first time in years. Although no permanent occupation is reported yet, the move heightens fears of future Chinese expansion. The U.S. called the action “deeply concerning,” warning it threatens regional … Continue reading China seizes disputed reef in the South China Sea

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World News

Massive explosion at Iran port linked to missile fuel shipment

A massive explosion and fire at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port on Saturday killed 25 people and injured around 800, reportedly linked to a shipment of missile fuel chemicals. The blast occurred as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks took place in Oman. Although Iranian officials denied missile fuel was involved, reports suggest the fire stemmed from mishandling solid rocket propellant, the Associated Press has reported. The fire was … Continue reading Massive explosion at Iran port linked to missile fuel shipment

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World News

CIA deputy director’s son died fighting for RUSSIA in Ukraine

Michael Gloss, 21, the son of CIA deputy director Julianne Gallina Gloss and Navy veteran Larry Gloss, was killed in April 2024 while secretly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, a fact only recently revealed by an iStories investigation. His parents, unaware he had joined the Russian military, described him as a “peacenik” struggling with mental health issues. After traveling through Italy, Turkey, and Georgia, Michael … Continue reading CIA deputy director’s son died fighting for RUSSIA in Ukraine

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Space

Mars orbiter snaps 1st image of Curiosity rover driving on the Red Planet

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has captured the first-ever image of the Curiosity rover mid-drive across Mars. Taken on Feb. 28 by the HiRISE camera, the photo shows Curiosity making tracks through Gale Crater. These tracks, spanning about 1,050 feet, mark 11 recent drives as the rover moves toward a region with possible ancient groundwater formations, Space.com has reported. Curiosity has been exploring Mars since … Continue reading Mars orbiter snaps 1st image of Curiosity rover driving on the Red Planet

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Space

Mercury, Venus and Saturn to delight stargazers in a parade across the sky

Early Friday morning, a planetary alignment featuring Mercury, Venus, and Saturn will be visible alongside a crescent moon, about 45 minutes before sunrise in the eastern sky, according to NASA. Venus and Saturn will be easiest to spot, with Mercury appearing low on the horizon. This “planet parade” is one of several in 2025, with another set to occur in August, NPR has reported. Stargazers … Continue reading Mercury, Venus and Saturn to delight stargazers in a parade across the sky

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Technology

Top secret US spy drone gets deadly laser that melts missiles mid-air

General Atomics has unveiled a laser-equipped MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone capable of shooting down small drones and missiles mid-air. Debuted at Sea Air Space 2025, the 25-kilowatt laser can be scaled up to 300 kilowatts, potentially taking down larger targets. The system offers a cost-effective, precise alternative to traditional missile defenses and is designed for use in various environments, the Daily Mail has reported. While power … Continue reading Top secret US spy drone gets deadly laser that melts missiles mid-air

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Technology

Arizona robot showcase features companies and students building next-generation robots

Revobots has introduced the AI-powered “Taskbot,” a versatile robot that can learn tasks by demonstration and repeat them autonomously. Unlike traditional robots limited to one function, Taskbot can adapt to various roles—from factory work to bartending—thanks to its AI. CTO Kent Gilson says the robot is designed to address global labor shortages, not replace workers, with an estimated 85 million jobs expected to go unfilled … Continue reading Arizona robot showcase features companies and students building next-generation robots

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Business

McDonald’s unveils its first new permanent menu item in four years

McDonald’s is adding a new permanent menu item for the first time in four years: McCrispy Strips with a Creamy Chili Dip, launching nationwide on May 5. The chicken strips feature 100% white meat with bold black pepper seasoning and will be served with a sweet and tangy dip. McDonald’s says the release responds to strong demand for chicken strips, WTHR 13 News has reported. … Continue reading McDonald’s unveils its first new permanent menu item in four years

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Business

Stocks continue relief rally amid talks of trade negotiations

Wall Street extended its relief rally Thursday, buoyed by President Trump’s hints at easing tariffs on China and backing off criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The Dow rose 236 points by midday, with the S&P 500 up 1.2% and Nasdaq gaining 1.8%. Markets were encouraged by signs Trump may soften his stance when markets react negatively. Despite China’s denial of active trade talks, negotiations … Continue reading Stocks continue relief rally amid talks of trade negotiations

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Business

Home sales just posted their biggest monthly fall since 2022

The spring housing market is faltering instead of booming, with existing home sales in March dropping 5.9% from February — the biggest monthly decline since November 2022 — and down 2.4% from a year ago. Despite increased inventory and expectations for a busy season, high mortgage rates (averaging 6.81%) and rising home prices continue to dampen demand. Analysts say the market remains subdued, with sales … Continue reading Home sales just posted their biggest monthly fall since 2022

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