Russia launches massive drone strike on Ukraine as it begins talks with US

Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine overnight, sending 176 drones across six directions. Ukraine’s air force downed 103 drones, with another 67 lost due to interference. The strike caused damage in several regions, including a high-rise in Kirovohrad and a large fire in Kyiv. The attack occurred as Russian negotiators prepared for peace talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine, not invited … Continue reading Russia launches massive drone strike on Ukraine as it begins talks with US

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025February 18, 2025

Bull shark bites off both hands of woman on beach ‘after she tried to take its picture’

A 55-year-old Canadian woman lost both her hands in a shark attack while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The woman, in hip-deep water with her husband, was bitten by a seven-foot bull shark that first bumped her legs, then bit her thigh and severed both hands when she tried to protect herself. Her husband managed to fight off the shark, allowing her to … Continue reading Bull shark bites off both hands of woman on beach ‘after she tried to take its picture’

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Hamas says it will release bodies of four hostages, including Bibas children

Hamas announced it will release the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including the Bibas children, Kfir and Ariel, on Thursday, and six living hostages on Saturday, instead of the expected three. The Israeli government confirmed an agreement had been reached in Cairo, also noting four additional slain hostages would be handed over next week. Israel is expected to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The announcement … Continue reading Hamas says it will release bodies of four hostages, including Bibas children

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

“Monumental necropolis” of 200 ancient tombs unearthed by archaeologists in Italy

Italian archaeologists have uncovered a “monumental necropolis” in Trento, northern Italy, dating back to the early Iron Age (9th to 6th centuries BCE). The site, containing at least 200 tombs, was discovered during restoration work on a historic building. The graves include “grave goods” like metal weapons, amber, and glass objects, suggesting the tombs honored an elite class. The necropolis is well-preserved, likely due to … Continue reading “Monumental necropolis” of 200 ancient tombs unearthed by archaeologists in Italy

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Blue Ghost 1 enters lunar orbit as Resilience flies by the moon

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost 1 lander entered orbit around the Moon on February 13, following a 4-minute thruster burn. The lander is preparing for a March 2 landing near Mare Crisium, carrying 10 NASA payloads as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Meanwhile, the Resilience lander from ispace performed a lunar flyby on February 14 and is set for a return to lunar … Continue reading Blue Ghost 1 enters lunar orbit as Resilience flies by the moon

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

NASA rover discovers liquid water ‘ripples’ carved into Mars rock

Scientists have discovered evidence that liquid water once flowed in ancient, shallow lakes on Mars, challenging previous models that suggested Mars’ water was always covered by ice. Using images from NASA’s Curiosity rover, researchers found wave ripples in Gale Crater lakebeds, indicating the water was exposed to the atmosphere and acted upon by wind. These ripples suggest the lakes were shallow and less than 2 … Continue reading NASA rover discovers liquid water ‘ripples’ carved into Mars rock

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Nasa upgrades chances of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth

NASA has increased the likelihood of Earth being hit by asteroid 2024 YR4, now estimating a 2.6% chance of a collision in 2032. This is up from the previous 2.3% and 1% earlier in January, due to more detailed observations refining its trajectory. While the asteroid’s impact remains unlikely, it could potentially affect over 100 million people, The Independent has reported. The asteroid, measuring around … Continue reading Nasa upgrades chances of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Watch drone, robot dog face off in futuristic-like pyrotechnics battle

A viral video from China showcases a sci-fi-like battle between a robotic dog and a drone, both equipped with firework launchers. The two machines engage in a rapid-fire pyrotechnic showdown, with the robot dog firing at the drone, which retaliates from the air. The event, hosted by Kuaimantang Intelligent Equipment Co., took place in Wuhu, Anhui Province, before the Spring Festival, USA Today has reported. … Continue reading Watch drone, robot dog face off in futuristic-like pyrotechnics battle

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Musk’s xAI releases artificial intelligence model Grok 3

Elon Musk’s xAI unveiled its new AI model, Grok 3, claiming it outperforms OpenAI and DeepSeek based on early tests in math, science, and coding. Musk described it as “an order of magnitude more capable” than its predecessor, Grok 2. The company also introduced “Deep Search,” a next-generation search engine. Grok 3 is available to premium X subscribers and through separate subscriptions for web and … Continue reading Musk’s xAI releases artificial intelligence model Grok 3

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Huawei launches $3,660 trifold phone outside of China

Huawei launched its Mate XT trifold smartphone outside China, priced at 3,499 euros ($3,660). The device, which was first released in China last year, has three folding points allowing it to display content on a single, double, or triple screen. Huawei’s market share has significantly declined globally due to U.S. sanctions, but it has recently rebounded in China. The Mate XT is aimed at wealthy … Continue reading Huawei launches $3,660 trifold phone outside of China

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Southwest Airlines to slash 15% of corporate jobs in ‘unprecedented’ move to cut costs

Southwest Airlines announced it is cutting 15% of its corporate jobs, about 1,750 positions, to reduce costs. CEO Bob Jordan described the layoffs as “unprecedented” in the company’s 53-year history, aiming for $210 million in savings this year and $300 million in 2026. The cuts, which include senior leadership roles, are expected to be completed by the end of Q2. This follows a settlement with … Continue reading Southwest Airlines to slash 15% of corporate jobs in ‘unprecedented’ move to cut costs

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Argentine judge investigates fraud case against President Milei over crypto promotion

A judge in Argentina has been appointed to investigate fraud allegations against President Javier Milei for promoting the $LIBRA cryptocurrency, which collapsed within hours of its launch last week. Milei distanced himself from the project, stating he acted in good faith, and denied involvement with its creators. While he initially supported the cryptocurrency as an entrepreneurial project, he later retracted his endorsement as its value … Continue reading Argentine judge investigates fraud case against President Milei over crypto promotion

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Stock market little changed but near record highs

U.S. stocks began the shortened holiday week mostly higher, with investors awaiting more insights on President Trump’s tariff plans and the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last meeting. Despite concerns over tariffs and rising inflation, stocks have been nearing record highs. As of early Tuesday, the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq were close to their peaks. Investors are focused on the Fed’s stance … Continue reading Stock market little changed but near record highs

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Ukraine deserves peace through strength, says EU chief von der Leyen

European leaders meeting in Paris reaffirmed that Ukraine deserves “peace through strength” after years of war with Russia, according to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The summit focused on Ukraine’s future and Europe’s security amid the U.S.-Russia talks to end the conflict. Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg stated that Europe wouldn’t directly participate in negotiations but would still have input. Meanwhile, Russia’s top diplomat will … Continue reading Ukraine deserves peace through strength, says EU chief von der Leyen

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Germany rejects Starmer’s Ukraine peace plan

Germany rejected Sir Keir Starmer’s call for Europe to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a peace deal. After an emergency summit in Paris, Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the proposal as premature and inappropriate, noting that discussions on troop deployments were being held without Ukraine’s involvement. Countries like Poland, Spain, and Germany expressed reluctance to send troops, while Britain, France, and Sweden pushed for … Continue reading Germany rejects Starmer’s Ukraine peace plan

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

North Korea slams US and Asian rivals for pursuing ‘absurd’ plans to denuclearize North

North Korea criticized the U.S. and its Asian neighbors on Tuesday for pursuing the “absurd” goal of denuclearizing the country and vowed to expand its nuclear forces under Kim Jong Un’s leadership. The statement followed a meeting between U.S., South Korean, and Japanese diplomats in Germany, where they reaffirmed their commitment to counter North Korea’s nuclear ambitions through stronger military cooperation and sanctions. North Korea … Continue reading North Korea slams US and Asian rivals for pursuing ‘absurd’ plans to denuclearize North

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Trump speaks with Macron ahead of European leaders meeting on Ukraine

President Trump had a 30-minute, friendly call with French President Macron on Monday ahead of a European leaders’ summit about the war in Ukraine. They discussed the ongoing conflict, European leader meetings, and U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Macron organized the summit, which included leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The leaders agreed on … Continue reading Trump speaks with Macron ahead of European leaders meeting on Ukraine

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

US, Russian officials propose peace plan, lay ‘groundwork for cooperation’ in Riyadh

U.S. and Russian officials, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, held diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, discussing terms for a peace agreement in Ukraine and a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. They proposed a ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and a peace agreement, though reports suggest that forced elections could be a … Continue reading US, Russian officials propose peace plan, lay ‘groundwork for cooperation’ in Riyadh

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Massive fire breaks out at Pennsylvania aerospace manufacturer

A massive fire broke out at the SPS Technologies warehouse in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, around 9:35 p.m. Monday, with witnesses reporting an explosion. All 60 employees were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters battled the blaze overnight, and as of Tuesday morning, it was still smoldering but contained, NBC 10 Philadelphia has reported. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area. Written by B.C. … Continue reading Massive fire breaks out at Pennsylvania aerospace manufacturer

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Man drives over 700 miles to set fire to home of man talking with his ex-girlfriend

A Michigan man, Harrison Jones, was arrested and charged with six counts of attempted homicide after allegedly driving over 700 miles to Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and setting fire to a home where six people were inside. The fire, which occurred on Feb. 10, forced residents to jump from second-story windows, injured all six, and killed two dogs. Surveillance footage and license plate readers helped track Jones’ … Continue reading Man drives over 700 miles to set fire to home of man talking with his ex-girlfriend

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Judge orders Mayor Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to appear in court, explain case dismissal request

A federal judge has ordered New York Mayor Eric Adams, his attorneys, and DOJ prosecutors to appear in court to explain the DOJ’s controversial request to dismiss corruption charges against Adams. Judge Dale Ho’s order suggests skepticism over the unusual move, which led to the resignation of seven top DOJ prosecutors. The dismissal request came after Adams agreed to let ICE access Rikers Island, raising … Continue reading Judge orders Mayor Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to appear in court, explain case dismissal request

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Leader of cultlike group linked to multiple killings is arrested in Maryland

Jack LaSota, 34, alleged leader of a cultlike group linked to multiple killings, including the recent shooting of a Border Patrol agent in Vermont, was arrested in Maryland for trespassing, firearms violations, and obstruction. LaSota, who previously faked her death in 2022, has alleged ties to violent attacks, including a stabbing and a double homicide. Authorities continue investigating her group’s role in recent crimes, NBC … Continue reading Leader of cultlike group linked to multiple killings is arrested in Maryland

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Leonard Peltier leaves prison after Biden commuted his sentence in the killing of two FBI agents

Native American activist Leonard Peltier, 80, was released from a Florida prison Tuesday after President Biden commuted his life sentence for the 1975 killings of two FBI agents. His imprisonment symbolized systemic injustice for many Native Americans, while critics, including former FBI Director Christopher Wray, maintain his guilt. Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, was a key figure in the American … Continue reading Leonard Peltier leaves prison after Biden commuted his sentence in the killing of two FBI agents

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

Vatican cancels more Holy Year events as pope remains hospitalized

Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized with a complex respiratory infection, prompting the Vatican to cancel his audiences through the weekend. His illness raises concerns about the upcoming Holy Year events, expected to draw 30 million pilgrims. The pope, who has a history of lung issues, was admitted after worsening bronchitis and is receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. While he continues working from the hospital, … Continue reading Vatican cancels more Holy Year events as pope remains hospitalized

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025

CIA Expands Secret Drone Flights Over Mexico

The U.S. has expanded secret CIA drone flights over Mexico to locate fentanyl labs as part of the Trump administration’s intensified campaign against drug cartels. The program, which began under Biden, does not authorize airstrikes, but intelligence is shared with Mexican officials. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has increased surveillance along the border, deploying analysts and reconnaissance aircraft. Mexico has expressed concerns over sovereignty but continues … Continue reading CIA Expands Secret Drone Flights Over Mexico

bcbegleyFebruary 18, 2025