US lists China’s BYD, Alibaba, Baidu as ‘Chinese military companies’

The United States has added major Chinese companies Alibaba Group, BYD Company, and Baidu to a Pentagon list of firms it says support China’s military, expanding a blacklist that now includes 188 companies. The designation means the firms and their subsidiaries could be barred from U.S. defense contracts under rules set to take effect soon. China condemned the move as discriminatory, while Alibaba and others … Continue reading US lists China’s BYD, Alibaba, Baidu as ‘Chinese military companies’

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

OpenAI confidentially files for initial public offering on US stock market

OpenAI has filed confidential paperwork to go public on the U.S. stock market, setting the stage for what could become one of the largest IPOs in history with a potential valuation above $850 billion. The company said it submitted a confidential S-1 filing to the SEC, allowing regulators to review financial details before public disclosure, while noting the timing of the offering has not yet … Continue reading OpenAI confidentially files for initial public offering on US stock market

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Zelensky thanks UK for ‘ironclad’ support after meeting King

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles III at Windsor Castle following talks with European allies and thanked the UK for its continued support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy said he plans to invite the King to visit Ukraine for an official state visit in the future. The meeting followed a joint statement from leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France, and Germany calling for a “just and … Continue reading Zelensky thanks UK for ‘ironclad’ support after meeting King

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Trump officially nominates Blanche as attorney general

President Donald Trump has nominated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Justice Department, sending the appointment to the Senate for confirmation. Blanche, a former personal defense lawyer for Trump, would replace Pam Bondi and has already received support from key Republicans, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. Lawmakers are expected to question him on several controversial issues, including a proposed “anti-weaponization” … Continue reading Trump officially nominates Blanche as attorney general

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

VP JD Vance addresses US-Israel relationship, whether Iran is trying to ‘play’ the United States

Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. and Israel share key interests but also have growing differences, particularly over strategy toward Iran. He emphasized that U.S. policy is focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, even if Israel has different priorities. His comments come amid reported tensions between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including disputes over military actions and … Continue reading VP JD Vance addresses US-Israel relationship, whether Iran is trying to ‘play’ the United States

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Republican senators warn surveillance program may lapse after Trump intel pick backlash

Republicans are warning that Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act could expire this week amid political turmoil in Washington. Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley say failing to extend the program would create a major gap in U.S. foreign intelligence collection. The program allows surveillance of foreign targets without a warrant but has drawn bipartisan concern over incidental collection of Americans’ communications. Negotiations … Continue reading Republican senators warn surveillance program may lapse after Trump intel pick backlash

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Pope’s historic speech to Spain’s parliament demands respect for migrants

Pope Leo XIV delivered the first-ever papal address to Spanish lawmakers, calling for stronger protections for migrants’ rights and a renewed focus on human dignity in public life. He urged a “moral renewal” in politics and emphasized care for vulnerable groups, including migrants and the unborn. Spanish legislators responded with a standing ovation and chants of support, marking a rare moment of strong engagement between … Continue reading Pope’s historic speech to Spain’s parliament demands respect for migrants

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Homan planning largest ICE deployment in New York City: ‘It’s coming’

Tom Homan said the federal government is preparing what he described as a major increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in New York City. He linked the planned deployment to a recent state law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul that restricts cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. The law limits the use of state and local resources for federal immigration actions … Continue reading Homan planning largest ICE deployment in New York City: ‘It’s coming’

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Minnesota fraud report accuses state AG of ‘incompetence, willful blindness or worse’

The Republican majority report from the House Oversight Committee alleges that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Governor Tim Walz were aware of fraud risks in state social services programs earlier than they publicly stated. It focuses on the “Feeding Our Future” case and broader alleged fraud in Medicaid and other programs, claiming losses ranging from hundreds of millions to potentially billions of dollars. The … Continue reading Minnesota fraud report accuses state AG of ‘incompetence, willful blindness or worse’

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026June 8, 2026

Father and 10-year-old twin sons shot dead in ‘murder-suicide’ at Canoga Park

A suspected murder-suicide in Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley left a father and his twin 10-year-old sons dead. Police responded to a home on Owensmouth Avenue around 7:15 p.m. Sunday, where they found the victims and grieving relatives outside. Witnesses and neighbors described scenes of intense grief as family members reacted to the tragedy. Investigators spent hours processing the home and collecting evidence … Continue reading Father and 10-year-old twin sons shot dead in ‘murder-suicide’ at Canoga Park

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

2 shot at Kaiser medical offices in California: Police

A shooting outside Kaiser medical offices in San Jose left two people with life-threatening injuries, a man and a woman found in a shared parking area. Both victims were taken to the hospital, where the man later died and the woman remained in critical but stable condition. Police believe the deceased man was the primary suspect and say the two individuals knew each other, though … Continue reading 2 shot at Kaiser medical offices in California: Police

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

A flesh-eating cattle parasite spreads beyond Texas as new screwworm cases are found

Three additional cases of New World screwworm have been confirmed in the United States, including one outside the main cluster in Texas. This brings the total number of identified cases to five, affecting cattle, goats, and a dog in Texas and New Mexico. The parasite, caused by fly larvae that feed on living flesh, poses a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and occasionally humans. … Continue reading A flesh-eating cattle parasite spreads beyond Texas as new screwworm cases are found

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

At least 11 killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir clashes before rally

At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured after clashes between police and supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The violence erupted following a court ruling that upheld 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, a policy opposed by the group. Authorities said four police officers and one civilian were killed by gunfire from protesters, while six protesters died … Continue reading At least 11 killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir clashes before rally

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Bandits in north-west Nigeria abduct villagers they invited to discuss peace talks

Armed bandits in northwestern Nigeria abducted at least 39 villagers during a meeting that was intended to discuss possible peace negotiations in Zamfara State. Authorities said the victims were meeting relatives of a bandit leader when the gang leader arrived with armed men and seized them. Local residents and officials believe the number of abductees could be closer to 50. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded … Continue reading Bandits in north-west Nigeria abduct villagers they invited to discuss peace talks

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Youth protests in Brussels turn violent for second week

Thousands of students, teachers, and civil society members protested in Brussels on Monday against planned education spending cuts, marking the second consecutive week of demonstrations. Violence broke out when a small group of protesters damaged property and threw stones and firecrackers, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons. The protests were sparked by austerity measures proposed by the government of French Community … Continue reading Youth protests in Brussels turn violent for second week

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Protesters, police clash in Bolivia after president signs law enabling a harsher crackdown

Protests in Bolivia intensified on Monday as demonstrators demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz clashed with police in Cochabamba, resulting in dozens of arrests. The unrest, driven by anger over fuel subsidy cuts, inflation, and economic hardship, has led protesters to establish around 90 road blockades nationwide, causing shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. A recent ombudsman report said the five-week crisis has … Continue reading Protesters, police clash in Bolivia after president signs law enabling a harsher crackdown

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Strongest earthquake in nearly 150 years hits off Cuba, shakes Mexico, Florida

A rare magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off Cuba’s northwest coast on Monday, with tremors felt across Cuba, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and parts of Florida. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 26 km (16 miles) and was unusual because it happened within a tectonic plate rather than along a plate boundary, where earthquakes are more common. According to the USGS, no earthquake of similar … Continue reading Strongest earthquake in nearly 150 years hits off Cuba, shakes Mexico, Florida

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

First shipwrecks linked to real pirates of the Caribbean found in Bahamas

Archaeologists and filmmakers have discovered the first shipwrecks linked to real pirates from the “Golden Age of Piracy” in waters around Nassau in the Bahamas. The team identified six wrecks, including several dating to the early 1700s, when pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny operated in the region. One wreck shows signs of being deliberately burned and stripped after capture, a common pirate tactic to … Continue reading First shipwrecks linked to real pirates of the Caribbean found in Bahamas

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Meteorite found in Sahara desert may be 1st evidence of lost solar system world

A meteorite found in the Sahara Desert, known as NWA 12774, has provided evidence of a previously unknown ancient protoplanet that may have existed early in the solar system’s history. Scientists say the rock, classified as an angrite, contains unusual chemical features suggesting it formed under extremely high pressure in a large planetary body rather than a small asteroid. Analysis indicates the parent world could … Continue reading Meteorite found in Sahara desert may be 1st evidence of lost solar system world

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

NASA astronauts could soon wear Prada as luxury label unveils new gear for Artemis IV

Italian fashion house Prada and Axiom Space have unveiled a jointly developed next-generation lunar spacesuit inner layer for NASA’s Artemis IV mission, planned for early 2028. The garment, called a liquid cooling and ventilation system, is designed to regulate temperature, support breathing, and help astronauts endure long spacewalks on the Moon. It will be worn beneath the main protective suit and uses circulating water tubes … Continue reading NASA astronauts could soon wear Prada as luxury label unveils new gear for Artemis IV

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Hong Kong to open first convenience store operated by humanoid robot in AI push

Hong Kong is preparing to open its first humanoid robot–run convenience store on the Hung Hom waterfront, as part of a wider push to integrate artificial intelligence into daily life. The 24-hour shop will be operated by a robot system capable of serving customers in multiple languages and interacting with them to encourage purchases. It is developed by a mainland Chinese embodied AI company, marking … Continue reading Hong Kong to open first convenience store operated by humanoid robot in AI push

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Target recalls baby wipes over risk of ‘life-threatening’ bacterial infections

Target is recalling its Up & Up baby wipes nationwide after reports that they may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious infections in infants. The recall covers both fragrance-free and cucumber-scented versions sold in multiple package sizes at stores and online. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified bacterial contamination after complaints of discoloration, irritation, and possible infections. Customers are advised to stop … Continue reading Target recalls baby wipes over risk of ‘life-threatening’ bacterial infections

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Bitcoin cracks $60,000, sinking to lowest level since October 2024

Bitcoin fell sharply on Friday, dropping to its lowest level since October 2024 and extending a weekly loss of about 16%. The price slid to around $59,000 after a combination of factors, including a small Bitcoin sale by Strategy, broader market liquidations, and pressure from stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data. The decline was also linked to shifting investor sentiment, with money flowing into AI stocks and … Continue reading Bitcoin cracks $60,000, sinking to lowest level since October 2024

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Oil prices climb more than $3 after Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Brent crude oil prices jumped more than $3 per barrel on Monday after renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon and reports of explosions in several Iranian cities raised fears of wider conflict. Brent futures rose about 3.4% to $96.24, while U.S. crude also climbed more than 3%, reversing losses from the previous session. The gains came amid heightened tensions in the U.S.–Iran conflict and concerns about … Continue reading Oil prices climb more than $3 after Israeli strikes on Lebanon

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026

Sen. Bob Packwood of Oregon, who resigned after sexual harassment scandal, dies

Former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood has died at the age of 93, his family announced. He was a prominent Oregon Republican known for his work on tax reform and as an early GOP supporter of abortion rights and women’s issues. However, his political career collapsed in the 1990s after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and other misconduct. Following a Senate … Continue reading Sen. Bob Packwood of Oregon, who resigned after sexual harassment scandal, dies

bcbegleyJune 8, 2026