Author: bcbegley

Politics

Ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued for allegedly breaking up bodyguard’s marriage

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is being sued by the ex-wife of her former security detail member, alleging that Sinema’s romantic relationship with him led to the breakup of their marriage. The lawsuit claims Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel while he was married, exchanged “romantic and lascivious” messages with him, and provided him with jobs and support, including psychedelic treatment for PTSD and other issues. Ammel … Continue reading Ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued for allegedly breaking up bodyguard’s marriage

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Politics

Lindsey Graham returns to Israel for talks with Netanyahu amid Middle East tensions

Sen. Lindsey Graham announced he is traveling to Israel to meet again with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing a critical moment for the Middle East and strong ties forged under President Donald Trump. Graham praised the Trump–Netanyahu alliance as one of the strongest in U.S.-Israel history and said it could yield major developments soon. His visit comes less than a month after a previous meeting … Continue reading Lindsey Graham returns to Israel for talks with Netanyahu amid Middle East tensions

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Politics

Senate Republicans don’t want Trump to take Greenland by force

Republican senators are expressing alarm over President Trump’s threats to use military force to seize Greenland, warning it could damage NATO and strengthen Russia in its war against Ukraine. Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski plan to travel to Copenhagen to reassure Danish leaders of strong Congressional opposition to any such action. Murkowski and Senator Jeanne Shaheen are sponsoring a bill to block U.S. funds … Continue reading Senate Republicans don’t want Trump to take Greenland by force

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Politics

CIA director Ratcliffe meets with Venezuela’s Rodriguez in Caracas

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, in Caracas on Thursday in what U.S. officials described as an effort to build trust and cooperation between the countries. Ratcliffe discussed potential economic collaboration and emphasized that Venezuela should no longer serve as a safe haven for U.S. adversaries, including narcotraffickers. The visit was directed by President Donald Trump and comes after U.S. forces captured former … Continue reading CIA director Ratcliffe meets with Venezuela’s Rodriguez in Caracas

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Politics

Trump accepts Nobel medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Machado

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House meeting Thursday as a symbolic gesture of gratitude for his role in supporting Venezuelan freedom. Trump confirmed on social media that he would keep the medal, calling Machado’s gift a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect.” The White House posted a photo of Trump and … Continue reading Trump accepts Nobel medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Machado

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U.S. News

3 deaths, dozens of illnesses linked to California poisonous mushroom outbreak

California is facing what could be its largest toxic mushroom outbreak in history, with three deaths and more than 30 people sickened after consuming poisonous fungi. Heavy rains and mild weather have caused death cap and Western destroying angel mushrooms to flourish, particularly in Northern California. Between November 18 and January 4, 35 mushroom poisoning cases were reported, including three that required liver transplants. Officials … Continue reading 3 deaths, dozens of illnesses linked to California poisonous mushroom outbreak

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U.S. News

U.S. forces seize sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker

U.S. forces seized their sixth Venezuelan oil tanker, the Veronica, in a pre‑dawn operation in the Caribbean, part of efforts to enforce sanctions on shipments from Venezuela. Marines and sailors launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford and carried out the seizure without incident. The tanker had been operating in defiance of a U.S. quarantine on sanctioned vessels. The operation, called “Southern Spear,” targets ships … Continue reading U.S. forces seize sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker

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U.S. News

Latin Kings gang member accused of vandalizing FBI vehicle, stealing government property in Minneapolis

Raul Gutierrez, a 33-year-old member of the Latin Kings gang with a violent criminal history, was arrested for allegedly stealing government property from an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis. The theft occurred during unrest Wednesday night, when multiple federal vehicles were vandalized amid protests following an ICE operation. Authorities said Gutierrez allegedly took FBI body armor and weaponry, and additional arrests are expected as investigations continue. … Continue reading Latin Kings gang member accused of vandalizing FBI vehicle, stealing government property in Minneapolis

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U.S. News

Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act to quell anti-ICE protests in Minnesota

President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act to send troops to Minneapolis after protests and vandalism erupted following a federal immigration agent shooting a man in the leg. The Department of Homeland Security said the agent was attacked by three Venezuelan nationals with a shovel and broom handle after a car chase, and all three were arrested. Clashes between protesters and … Continue reading Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act to quell anti-ICE protests in Minnesota

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U.S. News

Defendant in Charlie Kirk’s killing asks judge to disqualify prosecutors

Tyler Robinson, 22, charged with the September 10 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, is due back in court Friday as his attorneys seek to disqualify prosecutors over a potential conflict of interest. Robinson faces aggravated murder charges, and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted, though he has not yet entered a plea. The defense argues … Continue reading Defendant in Charlie Kirk’s killing asks judge to disqualify prosecutors

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World News

Spanish police seize record 10 tons of cocaine hidden in cargo of salt

Spanish police made their largest-ever cocaine seizure at sea, intercepting a vessel carrying nearly 10 metric tons of the drug hidden in a shipment of salt from Brazil to Europe. Thirteen people on board were arrested, and the vessel, which ran out of fuel, was towed to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Officers recovered 294 bales of cocaine and a handgun, using … Continue reading Spanish police seize record 10 tons of cocaine hidden in cargo of salt

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World News

Explosion in the Netherlands injures at least four and causes widespread damage

A massive explosion and fire hit central Utrecht on Thursday, causing several buildings to collapse and injuring at least four people. Emergency services rushed to the scene, urging residents to stay away while assessing the damage and searching for anyone who might be trapped under the rubble. TV footage showed smoke rising above the historic city center and debris scattered across the streets. The cause … Continue reading Explosion in the Netherlands injures at least four and causes widespread damage

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World News

Two dead in Thailand after another crane collapses, crushing cars

A crane collapse near Bangkok killed two people on Thursday, a day after a similar accident in northeastern Thailand derailed a train and killed 32 passengers. Thai officials said both incidents involved construction firm Italian-Thai Development, intensifying scrutiny of the company. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the cancellation of two state contracts with the firm, vowed legal action, and directed authorities to blacklist the contractor. … Continue reading Two dead in Thailand after another crane collapses, crushing cars

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World News

US warns Iran that ‘all options are on the table’ in emergency UN meeting

U.S. and Iranian officials confronted each other at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting as Washington renewed threats against Tehran despite President Donald Trump signaling possible de-escalation. The U.S., joined by Iranian dissidents, condemned Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests that activists say killed at least 2,677 people. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz warned that “all options are on the table,” while Iran accused Washington of … Continue reading US warns Iran that ‘all options are on the table’ in emergency UN meeting

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World News

Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

European troops from several NATO countries began arriving in Greenland as a show of unity after President Donald Trump reiterated his goal of U.S. acquisition of the territory, dismissing European objections. European leaders expanded their military presence in the Arctic to counter Trump’s claims that U.S. control is necessary for security against China and Russia, despite Washington saying the deployments would not affect its stance. … Continue reading Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

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Space

NASA, Department of Energy to Develop Lunar Surface Reactor by 2030

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy renewed their partnership to develop a fission surface power system for the Moon and future Mars missions under the Artemis program. A new memorandum of understanding formalizes the collaboration, aiming to deploy a lunar surface nuclear reactor by 2030. The system is designed to provide safe, efficient, and continuous electrical power for sustained lunar operations, independent of sunlight … Continue reading NASA, Department of Energy to Develop Lunar Surface Reactor by 2030

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Space

NASA Fears Mars Imager Probe MAVEN May Be Lost

NASA may have lost contact permanently with its long-running Mars orbiter, MAVEN, which has been silent since December 6 while passing behind Mars. Analysis suggests the spacecraft is tumbling and has left its planned orbit, making recovery unlikely. MAVEN exceeded its original two-year mission, studying Mars’ upper atmosphere, the solar wind, and helping relay communications for rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance. Multiple attempts to locate … Continue reading NASA Fears Mars Imager Probe MAVEN May Be Lost

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Space

Sick astronaut, rest of crew splash down in Pacific after undocking from ISS

NASA’s ISS Crew-11 safely returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific off San Diego early Thursday morning. The mission was cut short due to a medical issue affecting one astronaut, though the individual remained stable and no emergency evacuation was needed. Crew-11 undocked from the ISS Wednesday evening after preparing cargo and reviewing return procedures. The team included two Americans, a Japanese astronaut, and … Continue reading Sick astronaut, rest of crew splash down in Pacific after undocking from ISS

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Technology

Bluetooth devices with Google Fast Pair vulnerable to “WhisperPair” hack

Security researchers have discovered a vulnerability called WhisperPair that allows attackers to hijack Google Fast Pair–enabled Bluetooth devices. The flaw affects more than a dozen products from major manufacturers, including Sony, JBL, Google, and OnePlus, even if users have never used Google services. Attackers can exploit the weakness in seconds from up to 14 meters away, often without the victim noticing. Once connected, hackers can … Continue reading Bluetooth devices with Google Fast Pair vulnerable to “WhisperPair” hack

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Technology

Verizon to issue $20 credits to customers affected by cell service outage

Verizon announced it will issue $20 account credits to customers affected by a nearly daylong cellular outage on Wednesday. The disruption, which halted voice and data services nationwide, lasted from around noon until late evening. Verizon apologized for the failure and said customers can redeem the credit through the myVerizon app. The company did not explain the cause of the outage, while lawmakers raised concerns … Continue reading Verizon to issue $20 credits to customers affected by cell service outage

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Technology

5 Million Accounts Removed Under Australia’s New Social Media Ban

Nearly five million social media accounts belonging to Australian teenagers have been removed or deactivated since a law banning users under 16 took effect last month. The law requires major platforms to take reasonable steps to block underage users or face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the early results encouraging, though officials acknowledged the figures offer only … Continue reading 5 Million Accounts Removed Under Australia’s New Social Media Ban

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Business

White House says 25% semiconductor tariffs a ‘phase one’ action

The U.S. Commerce Department announced a 25% national security tariff on certain high-end semiconductors. A White House official said the move is a “phase one” step to protect the U.S. chip sector and may be followed by additional actions. Further announcements could come after negotiations with other countries and companies. President Trump has previously warned of imposing tariffs as high as 100% on chips not … Continue reading White House says 25% semiconductor tariffs a ‘phase one’ action

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Business

Coinbase CEO says key crypto vote can be rescheduled after 11th hour cancellation

Senators say they will continue pushing a major cryptocurrency bill after a last-minute committee vote was postponed. The legislation, intended to create clear rules for the crypto industry, has stalled amid long-standing disagreements among lawmakers, crypto firms, and banks. Opposition from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who cited concerns over limits on crypto rewards and reduced regulatory authority, contributed to the delay. Banking Committee Chair Tim … Continue reading Coinbase CEO says key crypto vote can be rescheduled after 11th hour cancellation

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Business

Taiwan will invest $250 billion in U.S. chipmaking under new trade deal

The U.S. and Taiwan reached a trade agreement aimed at expanding semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, the Commerce Department announced. Taiwanese chip and technology firms will invest at least $250 billion in U.S. production, backed by $250 billion in credit guarantees from Taiwan’s government. In return, the U.S. will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Taiwan to 15% and eliminate them on certain goods, while offering … Continue reading Taiwan will invest $250 billion in U.S. chipmaking under new trade deal

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Politics

Japan, Philippines sign new defence pacts amid surging China tensions

The Philippines and Japan signed two defense agreements, including an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement allowing their forces to exchange supplies such as fuel, ammunition, and food during joint training. Japan also pledged $6 million in security assistance to build facilities for donated patrol boats, boosting Manila’s naval capabilities. The agreements deepen military ties amid regional tensions, with both countries emphasizing freedom of navigation and opposition … Continue reading Japan, Philippines sign new defence pacts amid surging China tensions

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