Author: bcbegley

U.S. News

At least 9 people are dead, including 8 in Kentucky from winter storm

Severe storms and flooding have killed at least nine people in the U.S., including eight in Kentucky, where heavy rain caused creeks to swell and roads to flood. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear reported 1,000 rescues and warned residents to stay off roads. President Trump approved a disaster declaration for the state. In Tennessee, a levee failure led to mandatory evacuations, while Alabama saw tornado damage. … Continue reading At least 9 people are dead, including 8 in Kentucky from winter storm

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World News

Man who stabbed five people in Austria is suspected Islamist, minister says

A Syrian asylum seeker suspected of a deadly stabbing in Villach, Austria, is believed to be an Islamic State follower radicalized online. The attack killed a 14-year-old boy and injured five others. Authorities found an IS flag in the suspect’s home and said he had sworn allegiance to the group. The incident follows a foiled IS-linked attack in Vienna and a deadly car attack in … Continue reading Man who stabbed five people in Austria is suspected Islamist, minister says

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World News

Rwanda-backed rebels take second major city in Congo

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized the administrative office in Bukavu, Congo’s second-largest city, after government forces fled. Residents were seen cheering the rebels, though parts of the city remained deserted. The rebels, supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops, are expanding beyond past conflicts, now seeking political power. Congo’s President Tshisekedi claimed Bukavu remains under government control, despite no signs of Congolese forces. The fighting, linked to ethnic … Continue reading Rwanda-backed rebels take second major city in Congo

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World News

Netanyahu vows to “open the gates of hell” if all hostages in Gaza not returned

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas to release all hostages or face severe retaliation, vowing to eliminate its military and political rule. Speaking with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he praised Trump’s vision for Gaza’s future. Rubio, on a regional tour, reiterated U.S. support for Israel but did not meet Palestinian leaders. Trump backed Netanyahu, lifting a Biden-era block on heavy bomb deliveries to … Continue reading Netanyahu vows to “open the gates of hell” if all hostages in Gaza not returned

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World News

Starmer ready to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine if peace deal reached

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated he is prepared to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping deal, acknowledging the risks if Russia attacks again. This marks the first time he has openly considered such a move. His comments come ahead of emergency talks with European leaders on fears of reduced US defense commitments. The UK has pledged £3bn annually to … Continue reading Starmer ready to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine if peace deal reached

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World News

Australia bans foreigners from buying existing homes

Australia will impose a two-year ban on foreign purchases of existing homes starting April 1 to boost housing supply. The policy, expected to free up 1,800 properties annually, excludes new builds but prohibits purchases by foreign investors, including companies and temporary residents. It also enforces land development deadlines to prevent land banking. Exceptions apply to investments that increase housing supply and the Pacific Australia Labour … Continue reading Australia bans foreigners from buying existing homes

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Archaeology

Archaeologists discover London’s first Roman basilica under office building

A 1930s office building in London was set to be demolished until archaeologists discovered remnants of the city’s first Roman basilica in its basement. Built around 80 AD, the basilica was part of Londinium’s forum and served as a key site for political and commercial decisions. The discovery, located at 85 Gracechurch Street, is one of Britain’s most significant Roman finds. Archaeologists uncovered well-preserved walls, … Continue reading Archaeologists discover London’s first Roman basilica under office building

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Space

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 21 Starlink satellites on record-setting 26th flight

SpaceX has set a new rocket-reuse record with the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket on February 15, 2025, carrying 21 Starlink satellites to orbit. This marked the 26th liftoff for the rocket’s first stage, breaking a record set just last month. After launching from Cape Canaveral, the rocket’s booster successfully landed on a platform in the Atlantic Ocean. The Falcon 9’s upper stage deployed … Continue reading SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 21 Starlink satellites on record-setting 26th flight

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Space

‘Iridescent’ clouds on Mars captured in Martian twilight in stunning NASA rover images

A new video from NASA’s Curiosity rover showcases delicate red-and-green-tinted clouds on Mars, drifting in patterns similar to Earth clouds. These “noctilucent” clouds, made of carbon dioxide ice, are illuminated by sunlight even at night on Mars. Captured in January 2025, the video speeds up 16 minutes of footage taken by Curiosity’s cameras. These clouds typically form about 37-50 miles above Mars’ surface and are … Continue reading ‘Iridescent’ clouds on Mars captured in Martian twilight in stunning NASA rover images

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Space

Blue Origin laying off 1,000 employees: reports

Blue Origin is laying off about 1,000 employees, or roughly 10% of its workforce, according to an internal email from CEO Dave Limp. The cuts will affect roles in engineering, research and development, project management, and management layers. The company cited the need for better alignment with its priorities following rapid growth. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, Blue Origin is developing several space ventures, … Continue reading Blue Origin laying off 1,000 employees: reports

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Technology

Robotic exoskeletons help Chinese tourists climb the country’s most punishing mountain

Mount Tai in China has introduced AI-powered exoskeletons to assist hikers, especially seniors and those with mobility issues, during their climb. These robotic legs, co-developed by Taishan Cultural Tourism Group and Kenqing Technology, provide synchronized support to ease the strain of hiking. Launched during Chinese New Year, the exoskeletons were trialed by over 200 users for a fee and received positive feedback, though some users … Continue reading Robotic exoskeletons help Chinese tourists climb the country’s most punishing mountain

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Technology

Meta plans ‘major investment’ into humanoid robots

Meta has announced plans to invest significantly in AI-powered humanoid robots, with a focus on household chores. The company is forming a new team within its Reality Labs division to develop the necessary hardware, AI, sensors, and software. While Meta will not initially build its own branded robots, it aims to provide technology for robots to be manufactured and sold by other companies, Yahoo Finance … Continue reading Meta plans ‘major investment’ into humanoid robots

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Technology

Pathfinder 1: The airship that could usher in a new age

Pathfinder 1, an airship developed by Sergey Brin’s company LTA Research, achieved its first untethered flight in October 2024 at NASA’s Moffett Field in California. This marks a significant milestone in the revival of rigid airships, a design last used in the 1930s. Despite past disasters like the Hindenburg crash, LTA Research aims to safely mass-produce large airships using modern materials and technology, the BBC … Continue reading Pathfinder 1: The airship that could usher in a new age

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Business

OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk’s takeover offer

OpenAI’s board unanimously rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion takeover offer, with chairman Bret Taylor calling it an attempt to disrupt competition. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously stated the company wasn’t for sale, and the board’s decision reinforces this stance. Musk’s offer, which came from a consortium of entities, included conditions that OpenAI deemed not in its best interest. OpenAI is currently separating its nonprofit … Continue reading OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk’s takeover offer

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Business

Judge temporarily blocks mass terminations at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A judge ruled on Friday that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) cannot fire employees without cause, blocking President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the agency. This decision followed a lawsuit by several unions challenging actions by the CFPB and its acting director, Russell Vought. The ruling prevents mass layoffs and mandates that any firings must be based on employee performance. Vought had sought to cut … Continue reading Judge temporarily blocks mass terminations at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

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Business

IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season

The IRS plans to lay off thousands of probationary workers during tax season, with cuts potentially starting as soon as next week. This move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce by eliminating probationary employees without civil service protection. While the exact number of IRS workers affected is unclear, the agency previously restricted buyout offers for employees working … Continue reading IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season

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Politics

Trump defends Vance’s stance on censorship overseas: ‘Europe has to be careful’

President Trump defended Vice President JD Vance’s recent speech criticizing European leaders on issues of immigration and free speech. Trump agreed with Vance’s assessment that Europe is losing its freedom of speech and facing a significant immigration problem, which he linked to rising crime. Vance, in his speech, argued that Europe’s biggest threat is not Russia or China, but mass immigration and speech restrictions. His … Continue reading Trump defends Vance’s stance on censorship overseas: ‘Europe has to be careful’

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Politics

Tulsi Gabbard at Munich Security Conference: Trump Will Be ‘Peacemaker, Unifier’

At the Munich Security Conference, newly-sworn Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard emphasized President Trump’s commitment to being a “peacemaker and unifier.” Gabbard, a former congresswoman and military officer, highlighted Trump’s focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict and preventing nuclear war. She also stressed the need for global cooperation to combat terrorism and address threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Gabbard, with over … Continue reading Tulsi Gabbard at Munich Security Conference: Trump Will Be ‘Peacemaker, Unifier’

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Politics

Trump lauds latest hostage release, says US will support Israel’s decision on ceasefire

President Trump celebrated the release of three hostages by Hamas, including an American citizen, but warned the group that the U.S. would support Israel’s decision on whether to continue the fragile ceasefire. Trump emphasized that the U.S. would back Israel if they chose to end the truce over Hamas’s failure to meet the deadline for releasing all hostages. The latest exchange involved three hostages being … Continue reading Trump lauds latest hostage release, says US will support Israel’s decision on ceasefire

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Politics

JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration

US Vice President JD Vance criticized European democracies at the Munich Security Conference, arguing that their greatest threat came from within rather than from Russia or China. He accused European governments, including the UK, of retreating from core values and ignoring voter concerns on migration and free speech. Vance’s speech, which focused on culture-war issues, was met with silence and later denounced by several politicians, … Continue reading JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration

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Politics

Macron calls emergency European summit on Trump, Polish minister says

French President Emmanuel Macron is organizing an emergency summit in Paris on Monday, with European leaders expected to discuss the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to diplomacy. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized the need for a united European response, likening Trump’s strategy to “reconnaissance through battle.” While it’s unclear if all EU leaders will attend, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will … Continue reading Macron calls emergency European summit on Trump, Polish minister says

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U.S. News

New Mexico jury convicts police officer in fatal shooting of Black man at gas station

Las Cruces police officer Brad Lunsford was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting Presley Eze, a Black man, during a 2022 confrontation at a New Mexico gas station. Prosecutors argued Lunsford used unjustifiable deadly force, shooting Eze in the back of the head during a struggle over a stun gun. The conviction, rare in police shooting cases, carries a possible nine-year sentence, the … Continue reading New Mexico jury convicts police officer in fatal shooting of Black man at gas station

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U.S. News

U.S. Coast Guard ship offloads $275 million of cocaine days after crew member lost at sea

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche offloaded over 37,000 pounds of cocaine worth $275 million after a two-month counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific. The crew intercepted 11 drug-smuggling vessels but faced adversity, including the loss of Seaman Bryan K. Lee, who went missing on Feb. 4. A massive search effort covering 19,000 square nautical miles was suspended on Feb. 8, CBS News has reported. … Continue reading U.S. Coast Guard ship offloads $275 million of cocaine days after crew member lost at sea

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U.S. News

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake sends tremors across western Texas

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck western Texas on Friday night, with its epicenter 33 miles northwest of Toyah, according to the USGS. The quake, at a depth of 4.1 miles, was felt in parts of New Mexico, including Carlsbad, Roswell, and Las Cruces. Aftershocks followed within minutes, and the NWS in El Paso confirmed feeling tremors, CNN has reported. No immediate injuries have been reported. … Continue reading A 5.0 magnitude earthquake sends tremors across western Texas

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U.S. News

Prosecutors file motion to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams

Federal prosecutors in New York have moved to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, citing concerns over election interference and governance. The decision, ordered by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, sparked internal DOJ turmoil, with multiple resignations, including Manhattan’s acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon. Prosecutors opposed the dismissal, alleging political influence and a quid pro quo involving Adams’ cooperation with the Trump … Continue reading Prosecutors file motion to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams

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