B.C. Begley

White House does not rule out Hunter Biden commutation

The White House did not rule out the possibility of President Joe Biden commuting any sentence for his son Hunter Biden, following Hunter’s federal gun trial conviction. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, addressing reporters on Wednesday, stated that she had no new information beyond what the president had previously stated about the case. Hunter Biden was found guilty by a Delaware jury on Tuesday on … Continue reading White House does not rule out Hunter Biden commutation

New Jersey businessman tells jury that bribes paid off with Sen. Bob Menendez

In a federal court testimony on Monday, a New Jersey businessman implicated in a bribery case involving Senator Bob Menendez claimed that the Democrat assured him in 2019 that he would address a state criminal investigation affecting the businessman’s interests. Jose Uribe stated that he believed Menendez was aware of payments he made towards a Mercedes-Benz for Menendez’s girlfriend, who later married the senator. Prosecutors … Continue reading New Jersey businessman tells jury that bribes paid off with Sen. Bob Menendez

House votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for withholding Biden audio

The House voted on Wednesday to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress amid a dispute over audio recordings related to President Biden’s handling of classified information. Garland had defied subpoenas from Republican-led House committees seeking audiotapes of Biden’s interviews with special counsel Robert Hur as part of an impeachment inquiry. President Biden invoked executive privilege over these recordings, prompting the contempt resolutions … Continue reading House votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for withholding Biden audio

Senate Dem launches sweeping probe into Jared Kushner’s investment firm

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden initiated an investigation into an investment firm managed by Jared Kushner on Wednesday. Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, expressed concern over substantial foreign funding received by Affinity Partners, founded by Kushner, husband of Ivanka Trump. He argued that such funding poses risks of foreign influence and potential conflicts of interest, especially as it pertains to politically connected figures returning … Continue reading Senate Dem launches sweeping probe into Jared Kushner’s investment firm

3 deputies shot while responding to northern Illinois home, suspect also wounded

Three sheriff’s deputies were shot on Wednesday while responding to a report of a person threatening self-harm or harm to others in the Lost Lake community near Dixon, Illinois. The suspect was also wounded in the incident. Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle stated that the deputies were fired upon as they entered the home after negotiators’ attempts to make contact by phone failed. Despite the … Continue reading 3 deputies shot while responding to northern Illinois home, suspect also wounded

Atlanta bus ‘hijacker’ hid inside Peachtree Center mall during mass shooting hours earlier

Joseph Grier, charged with murder and over a dozen counts of kidnapping, was hiding inside a Wells Fargo during the Peachtree Center mall shooting earlier that day, reports say. Grier recounted to 11Alive witnessing a confrontation between the suspect and two women before shots were fired, resulting in three people being shot. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Grier mentioned he had been off his medication for … Continue reading Atlanta bus ‘hijacker’ hid inside Peachtree Center mall during mass shooting hours earlier

Ex-cellmate of Jeffrey Epstein sentenced to life in prison for murder of 4 men

Nicholas Tartaglione, a former New York police officer and cellmate of Jeffrey Epstein, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2016 kidnappings and murders of four men. Tartaglione received four consecutive life sentences for the killings of Martin Luna, Miguel Luna, Urbano Santiago, and Hector Gutierrez. Convicted in April 2023 of multiple counts including murder and kidnapping resulting in death, Tartaglione was described by … Continue reading Ex-cellmate of Jeffrey Epstein sentenced to life in prison for murder of 4 men

Heavy rain and ‘life-threatening flooding’ hit South Florida,

Multiple South Florida communities, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, experienced severe flooding on Wednesday due to torrential rain, prompting the state’s governor to declare an emergency. Flood warnings are in effect for Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier, and Hendry counties through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warned of “life-threatening flooding,” urging residents to avoid roads as many areas are inundated with water and stalled cars, with … Continue reading Heavy rain and ‘life-threatening flooding’ hit South Florida,

Rare white buffalo at Yellowstone fulfills Native American prophecy

A rare white buffalo calf, considered sacred by many Native American tribes, has been born in Yellowstone National Park, fulfilling a prophecy of the Lakota Sioux. The calf was first seen on June 4 in the Lamar Valley by photographer Erin Braateen, who was visiting the park. Braateen captured photos of the calf among a herd of bison, causing traffic to stop as the herd … Continue reading Rare white buffalo at Yellowstone fulfills Native American prophecy

Clashes erupt between police and protesters as Argentina debates reform

Violent protests erupted in Buenos Aires as Argentina’s Senate debated a bill central to President Javier Milei’s economic reforms. Thousands gathered outside the Congress building on Wednesday to oppose the austerity measures in the proposed legislation. Initially peaceful with barbecues and songs, the protest turned violent in the afternoon as riot police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Several … Continue reading Clashes erupt between police and protesters as Argentina debates reform

40 Killed, 50 Injured In Kuwait Building Fire

A fire in a six-storey building housing workers in Mangaf city, Kuwait, resulted in the deaths of 49 people, including 40 Indians, and left 50 injured, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The fire broke out at 6 am local time in the building’s kitchen, which housed nearly 195 workers from the same company. Most fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation while residents were … Continue reading 40 Killed, 50 Injured In Kuwait Building Fire

UN says Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups may have committed war crimes in a deadly raid

The U.N. human rights office has highlighted potential war crimes committed by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups during a deadly raid in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where Israeli forces freed four hostages but killed hundreds of Palestinians. Spokesman Jeremy Laurence expressed concerns about violations of proportionality, distinction, and precaution by Israeli forces, noting the deaths of at least 274 Palestinians, including many women … Continue reading UN says Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups may have committed war crimes in a deadly raid

Russian Nuke-Powered Sub Arrives In Cuba

A group of Russian warships, closely monitored by U.S. destroyers, arrived in Havana on Wednesday morning for upcoming military exercises in the Caribbean. The arrival included the missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov, greeted by Cuban and Russian officials, tourists, and locals, with a 21-gun salute. The nuclear-powered submarine Kazan was also seen near Havana Harbor before submerging. Russian media reported that the Kazan, equipped with Zircon … Continue reading Russian Nuke-Powered Sub Arrives In Cuba

215 rockets fired after IDF killing of ‘most senior’ Hezbollah officer yet

Hezbollah launched approximately 215 rockets, along with missiles and drones, at northern Israel on Wednesday in retaliation for the killing of a senior commander by an Israeli airstrike the previous night. This marked the largest attack by Hezbollah amid ongoing border conflicts with Lebanon during the Gaza Strip war. The group vowed to intensify its operations against Israel in response to the elimination of commander … Continue reading 215 rockets fired after IDF killing of ‘most senior’ Hezbollah officer yet

Macron rules out resigning, ‘whatever the result’ of French election

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Tuesday that he would not resign regardless of the outcome of the upcoming parliamentary elections. He called the election following a strong performance by the far-right National Rally in the European election, which has increased pressure on his administration. In an interview with Le Figaro Magazine, Macron emphasized that the National Rally does not determine the Constitution or the … Continue reading Macron rules out resigning, ‘whatever the result’ of French election

King Charles’ first official portrait vandalized by activists

Activists from the animal rights group Animal Rising vandalized the first official portrait of King Charles at the Philip Mould gallery in London. The group posted a video on social media showing two activists using a paint roller to attach signs over the monarch’s portrait. The portrait, by artist Jonathon Yeo, features King Charles against a crimson red background and has received mixed reactions since … Continue reading King Charles’ first official portrait vandalized by activists

Archaeology

Archaeologists Unearth 19,000 Artifacts at ‘Once-in-a-Decade’ Site

A “once-in-a-decade” archaeological site has been uncovered in the United Kingdom at the Calthorpe Gardens residential development near Banbury, southern England. The excavation, conducted ahead of new home construction, revealed artifacts dating back to the Mesolithic period (10000 B.C. to 4000 B.C.), including flint tools. Additionally, researchers found remains of a small settlement from the Late Bronze Age to Middle/Late Iron Age and an Anglo-Saxon … Continue reading Archaeologists Unearth 19,000 Artifacts at ‘Once-in-a-Decade’ Site

Four American college instructors stabbed in China

Four instructors from Cornell College in Iowa were injured in a stabbing attack during a teaching trip to China, officials from both countries reported. Chinese police confirmed that a suspect has been arrested and the injured are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The attack occurred during a daytime visit to a public park in Jilin, accompanied by a faculty member from Beihua University. This rare … Continue reading Four American college instructors stabbed in China

Space

Massive Solar Flares, Storm ‘Light Up’ Mars

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have reached Mars, allowing researchers to observe “Martian auroras,” according to a NASA statement. Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with the current peak, known as a solar maximum, resulting in increased space weather activity, including CMEs and geomagnetic storms, which produce spectacular auroras. In May, a significant solar storm created dazzling northern lights visible … Continue reading Massive Solar Flares, Storm ‘Light Up’ Mars

Space

Water frost on Mars discovered near Red Planet’s equator

For the first time, water frost has been detected at the equator of Mars, an area previously thought incapable of sustaining frost. This discovery is significant for understanding the distribution and exchange of water on Mars, which is crucial for future manned missions. The frost was observed by two European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft: the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), which has been orbiting Mars … Continue reading Water frost on Mars discovered near Red Planet’s equator

Archaeology

Robot captures never-before-seen footage uncovering secrets from inside Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, has long fascinated people, often leading to speculation about alien involvement. However, archeologists faced limitations in exploring certain sections of the 4,500-year-old structure, with some areas being too small for humans. In 1993, a mysterious “blocking stone” in the Queen’s Chamber was discovered, but the technology to explore it properly was lacking. … Continue reading Robot captures never-before-seen footage uncovering secrets from inside Great Pyramid of Giza

Business

Chiquita found liable for financing paramilitary group

A Florida jury found Chiquita Brands International liable for financing the Colombian paramilitary group Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), ordering the banana company to pay $38.3 million to the families of eight victims. The jury determined Chiquita knowingly provided substantial assistance to the AUC, creating a foreseeable risk of harm. Chiquita, planning to appeal, stated there was no legal basis for the claims. In 2007, … Continue reading Chiquita found liable for financing paramilitary group

Business

Fed meeting and inflation report both hit Wednesday,

Wednesday is set to be a crucial day for economic news, with significant updates on inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response. The day begins with the release of the consumer price index (CPI) for May and concludes with the Fed’s policy meeting. These events will provide key insights into the economy’s direction and the Fed’s future actions. UBS economist Jonathan Pingle noted that the day … Continue reading Fed meeting and inflation report both hit Wednesday,

Hunter Biden is convicted of all 3 felonies in federal gun trial

Hunter Biden was convicted on Tuesday of three felony charges related to his 2018 purchase of a revolver, during which prosecutors argued he lied on a mandatory form by denying illegal drug use or addiction. Biden showed little emotion as the verdict was read after three hours of jury deliberation. He hugged his attorneys, smiled faintly, and kissed his wife before leaving the courtroom. President … Continue reading Hunter Biden is convicted of all 3 felonies in federal gun trial