Author: bcbegley

Politics

EU far-right parties rally in Madrid behind slogan ‘Make Europe Great Again’

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and France’s Marine Le Pen headlined a far-right rally in Madrid, celebrating Donald Trump’s political resurgence and calling for a major shift in the EU. The event, hosted by Spain’s Vox party, brought together leaders like Geert Wilders and Matteo Salvini under the “Patriots for Europe” banner, now the EU Parliament’s third-largest bloc. Speakers condemned the EU’s stance on immigration, … Continue reading EU far-right parties rally in Madrid behind slogan ‘Make Europe Great Again’

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Politics

President Trump revokes Biden’s security clearances, intel briefings

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearances and stopping his daily intelligence briefings, citing Biden’s own 2021 decision to deny Trump access to classified information. Trump referenced the Hur Report, which highlighted Biden’s memory lapses, as justification for the move. He declared the decision immediate, stating he will always protect national security, Fox News has reported. Written … Continue reading President Trump revokes Biden’s security clearances, intel briefings

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U.S. News

Georgia police officer fatally shot responding to pickleball club; suspect arrested

A police officer was fatally shot while responding to a suspicious person report at a Roswell, Georgia, shopping center Friday night. The suspect, 23-year-old Edward Espinoza, allegedly opened fire on the officer, who later died at a hospital. Espinoza was arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault on an officer, and firearm possession during a felony, CBS News has reported. Authorities are investigating, and Georgia … Continue reading Georgia police officer fatally shot responding to pickleball club; suspect arrested

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U.S. News

Fort Campbell soldier’s husband and woman charged in brutal stabbing death

Two people have been charged in the fatal stabbing of Fort Campbell soldier Katia Dueñas Aguilar, who was found dead in her Clarksville, Tennessee, home in May with nearly 70 stab wounds. Sofia Rodas, 35, faces first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges, while Aguilar’s husband, Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, 40, is charged with tampering with evidence. Both were previously held on unrelated federal charges before being … Continue reading Fort Campbell soldier’s husband and woman charged in brutal stabbing death

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U.S. News

Investigators probe fatal Alaska plane crash as crews push to recover wreckage

Recovery crews are working in freezing temperatures to retrieve victims from a plane crash off western Alaska. The commuter aircraft, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, vanished after departing Unalakleet on Thursday and was found Friday on unstable sea ice 34 miles southeast of Nome. All 10 onboard were declared dead. Rescuers are prioritizing body recovery before retrieving the wreckage, but harsh weather, including heavy … Continue reading Investigators probe fatal Alaska plane crash as crews push to recover wreckage

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World News

Hostages freed and prisoners released in latest Israeli ceasefire exchange

Hamas released three Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire deal, while Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, were handed to the Red Cross before reuniting with their families. Concerns arose over their frail condition, with Israeli leaders condemning Hamas’ treatment. Palestinian prisoners were welcomed with celebrations in Ramallah, with reports that many required medical care. … Continue reading Hostages freed and prisoners released in latest Israeli ceasefire exchange

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World News

Sudan army claims major advances against RSF in greater Khartoum

Sudan’s military claims it has regained nearly all of Khartoum North in its push to reclaim the capital from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recent advances include recapturing Kafouri, a key RSF base, and securing most of Gezira State. Amnesty International warns of potential reprisals, citing reports of targeted killings and detentions. The RSF has allegedly detained medical workers and volunteers, Al-Jazeera has reported. The … Continue reading Sudan army claims major advances against RSF in greater Khartoum

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World News

At least 30 missing after China landslide

At least 30 people are missing after a landslide struck Jinping village in Sichuan, China, burying 10 houses. Two people have been rescued, and 200 residents evacuated. President Xi Jinping has ordered an “all-out” rescue effort, with hundreds of emergency workers searching for survivors. Premier Li Qiang has called for an investigation into geological risks. Villagers reported falling rocks in the area for months. The … Continue reading At least 30 missing after China landslide

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Space

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams says “we don’t feel abandoned” or “stuck” as space mission stretches on

Astronaut Sunita Williams has responded to President Trump’s recent claim that she and crewmate Barry “Butch” Wilmore were “virtually abandoned” in space, stating they are well-supported and not stranded. During an interview, Williams reassured that they have food, clothes, and a ride home if needed, while continuing to conduct important science aboard the International Space Station. NASA plans to bring Williams and Wilmore back to … Continue reading NASA astronaut Sunita Williams says “we don’t feel abandoned” or “stuck” as space mission stretches on

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Space

NASA’s launching a new sun mission this month

NASA’s upcoming PUNCH mission, launching on February 27, aims to solve key solar mysteries, particularly how the sun’s corona connects to the solar wind and forms the heliosphere—a vast region that encases our entire solar system. The mission, consisting of four small satellites, will create 3D observations of the inner heliosphere. PUNCH will provide insights into how the corona transitions into the solar wind and … Continue reading NASA’s launching a new sun mission this month

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Space

Scientists discover largest black hole jet ever seen in the early universe

A quasar, J1601+3102, powered by a relatively small supermassive black hole (450 million solar masses), has been found emitting a massive twin-lobed jet stretching at least 200,000 light-years, double the width of the Milky Way. This discovery challenges previous assumptions, showing that powerful jets in the early universe don’t require extremely massive black holes. The jets were detected by the LOFAR telescope and studied with … Continue reading Scientists discover largest black hole jet ever seen in the early universe

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Technology

It’s Russian Men Against Machines on Battlefields in Ukraine

In eastern Ukraine, drones are playing a pivotal role in the ongoing conflict, compensating for Ukraine’s severe shortage of infantry. Outnumbered 5-to-1, Ukraine relies heavily on drones for surveillance and explosive attacks on Russian troops, with many frontline soldiers being older, inexperienced, or recently conscripted. While drones have slowed Russian advances, they cannot fully replace infantry. The Russian forces continue to push forward despite heavy … Continue reading It’s Russian Men Against Machines on Battlefields in Ukraine

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Technology

Apple ordered to open encrypted user accounts globally to UK spying

The UK government has reportedly ordered Apple to create a backdoor to access encrypted iCloud backups, giving security officials worldwide access without notifying users. This secret order, based on the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, demands blanket access to end-to-end encrypted files from all iCloud users, not just British ones. In response, Apple may stop offering its Advanced Data Protection service in the UK. However, … Continue reading Apple ordered to open encrypted user accounts globally to UK spying

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Technology

Yum Bets Big On AI As It Attempts To Move To 100% Digital Sales

Yum Brands is investing heavily in AI to achieve 100% digital sales across its brands. In its latest earnings report, the company revealed digital sales surpassed $9 billion, with digital transactions now making up over 50% of its total sales. This shift is powered by Byte by Yum!, a proprietary AI-driven platform that enhances operations across mobile apps, web ordering, point of sale, and more. … Continue reading Yum Bets Big On AI As It Attempts To Move To 100% Digital Sales

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Business

GM, Pepsi, Disney, others scrub some DEI references from investor reports

Many major U.S. companies are quietly scaling back or removing references to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) in their annual reports, a trend linked to growing political pressure. Companies like Google, Disney, Pepsi, and Intel have reduced or eliminated DEI language, often citing reassessments of their programs amid changing political climates, including executive orders from President Trump. Some companies have even cut specific diversity hiring … Continue reading GM, Pepsi, Disney, others scrub some DEI references from investor reports

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Business

Consumer inflation fears spike in February as tariff worries hit sentiment

Consumers grew more concerned about inflation in February, with the University of Michigan’s survey showing expectations for inflation a year from now rising to 4.3%, the highest since November 2023. This jump in inflation concerns followed President Trump’s aggressive tariff actions, including against China, despite delaying tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The survey also revealed a decline in consumer sentiment, with the overall index dropping … Continue reading Consumer inflation fears spike in February as tariff worries hit sentiment

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Business

US employers added 143,000 jobs in solid January hiring, jobless rate fell to 4%

U.S. employers added 143,000 jobs in January, with the unemployment rate falling to 4%. The job growth was slower compared to previous months, and economists had expected 170,000 new jobs. Despite the solid job market, wage growth slightly exceeded expectations, raising concerns about inflation. Trump’s administration is expected to make significant economic changes, including cutting federal jobs, imposing tariffs, and deporting undocumented workers, which could … Continue reading US employers added 143,000 jobs in solid January hiring, jobless rate fell to 4%

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Politics

Trump orders ‘anti-Christian bias’ task force, creation of White House Faith Office

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday to create a task force aimed at addressing “anti-Christian bias” in the federal government. Announced during the National Prayer Breakfast, the task force will be led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and focus on ending anti-Christian discrimination within government agencies like the DOJ, FBI, and IRS. Trump also revealed plans for a new presidential commission on religious liberty … Continue reading Trump orders ‘anti-Christian bias’ task force, creation of White House Faith Office

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Politics

Senate confirms Russell Vought as White House budget director

The Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the next head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a party-line vote of 53-47, despite strong opposition from Democrats. Democrats criticized Vought for his ties to Project 2025, his support for slashing spending on middle-class programs, and his past election denial. They argued he would harm key social programs and expand Trump’s influence. Republicans, however, celebrated … Continue reading Senate confirms Russell Vought as White House budget director

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Politics

Hungary’s Orban Follows Trump’s Lead: Will Shutter Organizations Taking USAID Funding

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced plans to take legal action against local NGOs and media outlets receiving funding from U.S. agencies and international sources, claiming these groups aim to undermine his government. Orbán, a close ally of former President Trump, criticized U.S. foreign aid, particularly from USAID, and praised Trump’s decision to dismantle the agency. He stated that any organizations receiving foreign funding to … Continue reading Hungary’s Orban Follows Trump’s Lead: Will Shutter Organizations Taking USAID Funding

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Politics

Red states pursue their own DOGE-style reforms

Several Republican-led states are following the Trump administration’s push to reduce government size and cost by establishing local versions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Governors in Oklahoma and New Hampshire have launched DOGE-like commissions, while lawmakers in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri have introduced similar initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce inefficiencies in state agencies and echo the federal cuts under DOGE, including … Continue reading Red states pursue their own DOGE-style reforms

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Politics

Netanyahu says ‘worth listening carefully’ to Trump’s proposal for Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, calling it a “worth listening carefully” idea. Trump’s plan, which suggests resettling Gaza’s residents in other countries after the defeat of Hamas, has faced international criticism but remains part of his broader vision for Gaza’s future. Netanyahu agreed that it was an original proposal and emphasized … Continue reading Netanyahu says ‘worth listening carefully’ to Trump’s proposal for Gaza

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U.S. News

US border czar blames leaks for hindering immigration raids in Colorado

Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, criticized media leaks on Thursday for hindering a large-scale operation targeting the Tren de Aragua gang in the Denver area. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, aimed at over 100 gang members, resulted in 30 arrests, according to Fox News, though the White House reported more than 100 deportations. The operation involved armed federal agents raiding multiple locations, … Continue reading US border czar blames leaks for hindering immigration raids in Colorado

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U.S. News

Amtrak service impacted after SEPTA train traveling from Philly goes up in flames

Amtrak service along the Northeast Corridor was delayed Thursday night after a SEPTA train caught fire near Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. The six-car train, carrying about 350 passengers, was en route from Philadelphia to Wilmington when smoke began billowing from the first car. The train was evacuated, and crews acted quickly to ensure safety. Service to Wilmington was halted, but Amtrak resumed … Continue reading Amtrak service impacted after SEPTA train traveling from Philly goes up in flames

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U.S. News

Alabama executes a man with nitrogen gas for 1991 murder and rape

Demetrius Frazier, 52, was executed in Alabama on Thursday for the 1991 murder of Pauline Brown, using nitrogen gas, the fourth such execution in the U.S. Frazier had broken into Brown’s apartment, raped her, and shot her in the head before returning later to search for more money. His execution marked Alabama’s first of 2025 and was the third in the U.S. that year. Frazier, … Continue reading Alabama executes a man with nitrogen gas for 1991 murder and rape

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