Author: bcbegley

Politics

Trump says he’ll attend Notre Dame Cathedral reopening celebration in Paris

President-elect Donald Trump will attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this weekend, marking his first foreign trip since the election. The cathedral, fully restored after a devastating fire in 2019, will reopen with a high-security celebration attended by around 50 world leaders. Trump expressed his honor at attending the event and praised French President Macron for the restoration efforts. The reopening will … Continue reading Trump says he’ll attend Notre Dame Cathedral reopening celebration in Paris

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Politics

Single House race stands between Republicans and 1-seat majority

House Republicans may begin the new year with a one-seat majority, a precarious margin as President-elect Donald Trump plans an active first 100 days. A tight race in California’s 13th Congressional District, where Rep. John Duarte faces Democrat Adam Gray, could determine whether Republicans hold a one- or two-seat majority. As of Monday, Gray leads Duarte by 0.1%, with results to be certified by December … Continue reading Single House race stands between Republicans and 1-seat majority

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Politics

Hunter Biden pardon ‘unprecedented’ and ‘very unusual,’ experts say

President Joe Biden issued a broad and rare pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering any federal crimes committed between January 1, 2014, and the end of 2024. Legal experts compared it to Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, calling it unprecedented in its wide scope. The pardon shields Hunter from future federal charges, including potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and … Continue reading Hunter Biden pardon ‘unprecedented’ and ‘very unusual,’ experts say

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U.S. News

Good Samaritan finds two baby girls in an Indiana ditch after car was stolen

A good Samaritan in Indiana found two infant girls left in car seats in a ditch after their car was stolen. The babies, aged 4 and 5 months, were in a stolen silver Hyundai Sonata. The man discovered the infants while retrieving a package and immediately called 911. Police later confirmed the children were the missing girls, and the car was found nearby. Authorities praised … Continue reading Good Samaritan finds two baby girls in an Indiana ditch after car was stolen

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U.S. News

FBI investigates mysterious drones filling night sky in New Jersey

Large drones have been appearing nightly over northern New Jersey, prompting concern among residents. The FBI and Morris County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the aerial phenomenon, though authorities have stated there is no immediate safety threat. The drones, which began appearing in mid-November, hover in formation and have been keeping locals like Julie Shavalier awake. While some residents are alarmed, the drones have not caused … Continue reading FBI investigates mysterious drones filling night sky in New Jersey

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U.S. News

Secret Service agent fired at suspects outside of Janet Yellen’s house

An investigation is underway after a Secret Service agent, assigned to protect Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, discharged a weapon during a confrontation outside her home early Tuesday. Around 1:30 a.m., the agent observed a sedan with multiple occupants attempting to open car doors along the street near Yellen’s residence, according to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. A confrontation ensued, during which the agent fired their … Continue reading Secret Service agent fired at suspects outside of Janet Yellen’s house

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U.S. News

Biden administration announces additional $725m in military assistance to Ukraine

The Biden administration is expediting $725 million in military aid to Ukraine, including Stinger missiles, Himars munitions, anti-drone weapons, and repair support, to bolster defenses against Russia before Donald Trump assumes the presidency in January. With Trump pledging to cut aid and push peace talks, Biden aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position with remaining funds approved by Congress. The package includes a policy exception allowing anti-personnel … Continue reading Biden administration announces additional $725m in military assistance to Ukraine

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U.S. News

Ohio Woman Charged With Killing, Eating Cat Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty

Allexis Ferrell, 27, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in Ohio after killing and eating a cat at her Canton housing complex. She was sentenced to a year in jail and had been held on a $100,000 bond since her August arrest. Police found Ferrell with blood and fur on her and reported her silence when questioned, the Smoking Gun has reported. The case, which drew … Continue reading Ohio Woman Charged With Killing, Eating Cat Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty

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World News

Georgian leader backs harsh crackdown as over 40 people hospitalized amid protests

In Georgia, over 40 people were hospitalized after police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters in Tbilisi, following the government’s suspension of its EU membership bid. Pro-Russia Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the crackdown and claimed the move was to avoid foreign interference. The suspension came after the EU condemned Georgia’s recent elections as unfair, sparking criticism from the U.S. and EU over … Continue reading Georgian leader backs harsh crackdown as over 40 people hospitalized amid protests

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World News

Ukraine issues ultimatum on NATO membership

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine will accept no security guarantees other than full NATO membership, calling it the only effective deterrent against Russian aggression. In a letter to NATO counterparts, Sybiha criticized past agreements like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum as ineffective and urged correcting the “strategic mistake” of not providing Ukraine with real security guarantees. The statement comes as NATO foreign ministers … Continue reading Ukraine issues ultimatum on NATO membership

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World News

Vietnam court may commute tycoon’s death sentences if she repays $11 billion

Vietnam’s high court upheld the death sentence for real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, 67, for orchestrating the country’s largest financial fraud, involving $12.5 billion. The court ruled the sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment if she reimburses $11 billion, three-fourths of the losses. Lan, who controlled Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank and approved fraudulent loans, was convicted of embezzlement, bribery, and illegal bond … Continue reading Vietnam court may commute tycoon’s death sentences if she repays $11 billion

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World News

Israel threatens to ‘go deeper’ into Lebanon as strikes strain ceasefire

Tensions escalate as tit-for-tat strikes strain a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes killed nine in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, citing Israeli truce violations. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, warned Tuesday that Lebanon could face direct retaliation if the ceasefire collapses, ending the separation between Lebanon and Hezbollah in Israeli responses. Since the truce began, … Continue reading Israel threatens to ‘go deeper’ into Lebanon as strikes strain ceasefire

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World News

South Korean president to lift martial law after own party voted against it

Martial law in South Korea lasted just six hours, sparking widespread outrage after President Yoon Suk Yeol suspended parliament, banned political gatherings, and ended a doctors’ strike, citing vague threats from North Korea. The National Assembly unanimously voted to lift the order, forcing Yoon to comply. His actions caused political chaos, with mass protests calling for his impeachment and accusations that he targeted domestic opponents … Continue reading South Korean president to lift martial law after own party voted against it

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Space

The sun is at its solar maximum

The sun has entered a more active phase, known as solar maximum, with increasing solar storms, flares, and plasma eruptions. These events have triggered geomagnetic storms on Earth, creating vivid auroras visible farther south than usual. The heightened activity is expected to continue for the next year. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, set to make its closest-ever approach to the sun on Dec. 24, will study … Continue reading The sun is at its solar maximum

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Space

SpaceX launches fifth mission bolstering US government reconnaissance satellite architecture

SpaceX successfully launched the NROL-126 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Saturday. This mission, the fifth in the NRO’s proliferated architecture program, carried government satellites and 20 Starlink satellites to orbit. It marked SpaceX’s 100th successful launch from the base. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster also successfully landed on a drone ship in the Pacific … Continue reading SpaceX launches fifth mission bolstering US government reconnaissance satellite architecture

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Space

Over a month into mission, Europa Clipper continues deploying instruments

NASA’s Europa Clipper mission launched on October 14, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, beginning its journey to Jupiter. As of now, the spacecraft is about 20 million km from Earth. The spacecraft has deployed its solar arrays and magnetometer boom, with instruments being gradually activated. Europa Clipper will travel over 2.9 billion km, including two flybys of Mars and Earth, before reaching Jupiter. … Continue reading Over a month into mission, Europa Clipper continues deploying instruments

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Technology

Chinese military trials ‘robot dogs’ armed with machine guns learn lessons from Ukraine

China has developed a regiment of robot dogs, equipped with weapons and programmed to respond to human voice commands. These cyber-canines are used for intelligence gathering, hunting enemies, and delivering firepower with mounted guns. While the U.S. and UK focus on using robot dogs for mine clearance, reconnaissance, and surveillance, China has gone further, testing armed robot dogs and even a robot shark. The U.S. … Continue reading Chinese military trials ‘robot dogs’ armed with machine guns learn lessons from Ukraine

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Technology

Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warship

The U.S. Navy is transforming the USS Zumwalt, a costly warship, into a platform for hypersonic weapons. Workers are replacing its unused gun system with missile tubes to launch the “Conventional Prompt Strike” hypersonic missiles, which travel over Mach 5. This upgrade aims to enhance the ship’s capabilities, offering fast, precise strikes from long distances. Despite its reputation as an expensive mistake, the Zumwalt remains … Continue reading Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warship

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Technology

Mass deportation plan can use AI to extend immigration crackdown

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to launch the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history, starting with criminals and possibly repealing Temporary Protected Status for certain individuals. His administration has appointed hard-line immigration officials, such as Thomas Homan and Stephen Miller, to lead the crackdown. Although the details are unclear, Trump has signaled that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a role in the operation. The … Continue reading Mass deportation plan can use AI to extend immigration crackdown

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Politics

Biden pardons son on gun, tax charges

President Joe Biden has decided to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, ahead of his December sentencing for federal gun charges and tax evasion. This marks a reversal of Biden’s previous stance, where he had repeatedly stated he would not use his pardon power for his son. The pardon will cover Hunter’s gun charges and guilty plea. The decision comes after months of internal discussions, despite … Continue reading Biden pardons son on gun, tax charges

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Business

Elon Musk asks court to block OpenAI from converting to a for-profit

Elon Musk is asking a federal court to prevent OpenAI from fully transitioning into a for-profit company. Musk, his AI startup xAI, and former OpenAI board member Shivon Zilis filed for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI, alleging the company required investors to avoid funding competitors, including xAI. The legal dispute, which escalated after Musk’s original March lawsuit, includes claims of antitrust violations and racketeering against … Continue reading Elon Musk asks court to block OpenAI from converting to a for-profit

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Business

Shoppers continue indulging in Black Friday sales, but mostly online

US consumers spent more on Black Friday than in the days leading up to it, with a 3.4% increase in retail sales year-over-year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. Online sales rose 14.6%, while in-store sales grew less than 1%. Shoppers focused on promotions with the best value, and grocery and restaurant spending also increased. Adobe Analytics reported $10.8 billion in online sales, up from $9.8 billion … Continue reading Shoppers continue indulging in Black Friday sales, but mostly online

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Business

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares steps down

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned on Sunday due to differences with the board amid declining sales, rising vehicle prices, and workforce layoffs. The company faced criticism for high prices on brands like Jeep and Ram, which hurt US sales, and Tavares’ compensation package sparked backlash. Under Tavares, Stellantis’ global sales dropped 10% in the first half of the year and 20% in the third quarter. … Continue reading Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares steps down

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Politics

Trump threatens 100% tariff on Brics nations if they try to replace dollar

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on nine nations in the BRICS alliance—China, Russia, Brazil, India, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE—if they create a rival currency to the US dollar. Trump warned that these countries must commit to not backing any alternative currency or face severe tariffs on their exports to the US. Some allies view Trump’s threats as … Continue reading Trump threatens 100% tariff on Brics nations if they try to replace dollar

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Politics

Trump praises ‘very productive’ Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trudeau

Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a “very productive” meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, discussing key issues such as fentanyl, illegal immigration, and trade. Trudeau, the first G7 leader to visit Trump since his election, is aiming to prevent the president-elect’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods. While Trump emphasized addressing the drug crisis and securing borders, Trudeau expressed a commitment to … Continue reading Trump praises ‘very productive’ Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trudeau

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