Author: bcbegley

Politics

Former US congressman convicted of secretly lobbying for Venezuela

Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera was convicted of illegally lobbying U.S. officials on behalf of Venezuela’s government without registering as a foreign agent. Prosecutors said he worked to influence U.S. policy toward Nicolás Maduro’s regime and received millions through a contract tied to a Venezuelan state-linked company. The trial in Miami included testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said he was unaware of … Continue reading Former US congressman convicted of secretly lobbying for Venezuela

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U.S. News

Tennessee and Alabama take steps to redraw House maps

Republican governors in Tennessee and Alabama have called special legislative sessions to begin considering redrawing congressional maps following a recent Supreme Court ruling that narrowed parts of the Voting Rights Act. In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee is pushing for an expedited effort that could reshape districts, including potentially dividing the state’s only Democratic seat to favor Republicans. In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey is preparing for … Continue reading Tennessee and Alabama take steps to redraw House maps

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Politics

Trump administration says its war in Iran has been ‘terminated’ before 60-day deadline

The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has effectively ended due to an April ceasefire, allowing it to avoid seeking congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution. Officials say there have been no exchanges of fire since the ceasefire began, and therefore the legal 60-day limit for unauthorized military action does not apply. The interpretation has been challenged by Democrats and some … Continue reading Trump administration says its war in Iran has been ‘terminated’ before 60-day deadline

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Politics

Trump says he’s dissatisfied with Iranian proposal as rift with allies deepens

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposal to resume talks, suggesting that negotiations over the ongoing conflict remain stalled. Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran is open to diplomacy but only if the United States changes its current approach and rhetoric. The standoff comes amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, while a … Continue reading Trump says he’s dissatisfied with Iranian proposal as rift with allies deepens

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U.S. News

18-year-old facing federal charges in deadly Kentucky bank robbery

An 18-year-old, Brailen Weaver, has been federally charged after allegedly killing two U.S. Bank employees during a robbery in Berea, Kentucky. Authorities say Weaver entered the bank, shot the victims, searched drawers, and then fled the scene without confirmation of taking money. He was later arrested after a high-speed police chase that ended when he crashed his vehicle and tried to escape on foot. Officials … Continue reading 18-year-old facing federal charges in deadly Kentucky bank robbery

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U.S. News

Friends of late NASCAR star Greg Biffle looted funds shortly after driver’s death, police says

Authorities say “fraudulent activities” were carried out against late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle after he and his wife died in a plane crash in North Carolina in December. Investigators believe suspects accessed banking and payment accounts by stealing personal information and changing login details, then transferring and spending funds. A break-in at Biffle’s home weeks after the crash is also suspected to have helped enable … Continue reading Friends of late NASCAR star Greg Biffle looted funds shortly after driver’s death, police says

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U.S. News

Plane carrying pickleball players crashes in Texas Hill Country, killing all 5

A small Cessna 421C carrying five pickleball players crashed in the Texas Hill Country near Wimberley, killing all onboard. The group was flying from Amarillo to a tournament in New Braunfels when the plane went down late Thursday night in a wooded area. Authorities said the aircraft began moving erratically before disappearing from radar, and a distress signal was later detected. The victims were members … Continue reading Plane carrying pickleball players crashes in Texas Hill Country, killing all 5

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U.S. News

Swalwell accuser cooperating with Manhattan DA investigation

A former staffer who accused former California Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual assault is now cooperating with an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. She alleges incidents in both 2019 and 2024, including an accusation of rape in a New York City hotel, which Swalwell denies. The Manhattan DA opened the investigation shortly after the allegations were reported publicly. Following the accusations, Swalwell withdrew … Continue reading Swalwell accuser cooperating with Manhattan DA investigation

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U.S. News

Thousands in US join ‘no school, no work, no shopping’ May Day protest

Thousands of people across the United States took part in a coordinated International Workers’ Day economic blackout organized under the “May Day Strong” movement. The actions included walkouts, protests, and blockades targeting institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange, Amazon facilities, and airports, with some participants arrested. Groups including labor unions, student organizations, and activist networks called for “no work, no school, no shopping” … Continue reading Thousands in US join ‘no school, no work, no shopping’ May Day protest

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World News

Rebel checkpoints reported around Mali’s capital, northern town seized

Al-Qaeda-linked group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has reportedly expanded its operations in Mali, setting up checkpoints near the capital, Bamako, and seizing the northern town of Tessalit. The group has called for an uprising against the ruling military junta and the imposition of Islamic law. Fighting involving JNIM and Tuareg separatists has intensified, with reports that several northern military bases are now under rebel control. … Continue reading Rebel checkpoints reported around Mali’s capital, northern town seized

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World News

Attack on French nun in Jerusalem draws widespread condemnation

A video showing a Catholic nun being violently attacked in Jerusalem has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. The attacker pushed her to the ground and kicked her before being stopped by a passerby; she suffered minor injuries, and a suspect has been arrested. The incident occurred on Mount Zion, a location significant to both Jewish and Christian traditions. Officials, including Israel’s Foreign Ministry and French … Continue reading Attack on French nun in Jerusalem draws widespread condemnation

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World News

Man charged with attempted murder after stabbings of Jewish men in London

A 45-year-old man, Essa Suleiman, has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing two Jewish men in London’s Golders Green, an attack police have labeled terrorism. He also faces a third attempted murder charge tied to a separate stabbing earlier the same day. The victims, aged 34 and 76, were seriously injured, though both are now in stable condition. The incident follows a series of … Continue reading Man charged with attempted murder after stabbings of Jewish men in London

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World News

May Day protests across Europe and Asia turn anti-American, anti-Israel

May Day protests across Europe and Asia are increasingly shifting from traditional labor-focused demonstrations to broader political movements. While issues like wages, inflation, and worker protections remain central, many protests also included anti-war messaging, criticism of U.S. foreign policy, and anti-Israel rhetoric. Demonstrations in cities such as Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, Manila, and Seoul often linked economic concerns to global conflicts and ideological struggles. Some events … Continue reading May Day protests across Europe and Asia turn anti-American, anti-Israel

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World News

Pentagon withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany

The Pentagon plans to withdraw about 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany over the next 6–12 months, according to defense officials. The move is seen as a signal of President Trump’s frustration with European allies, particularly Germany, for not contributing more to the U.S. conflict with Iran. Germany hosts a major U.S. military presence, including key command headquarters and Ramstein Air Base, though essential operations like … Continue reading Pentagon withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany

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Archaeology

Ancient ritual complex unearthed at site tied to biblical city in Ezekiel

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered an ancient “sacred water installation” at Pelusium that was used from the 2nd century B.C. to the 6th century A.D. The basin was filled with water and Nile silt, likely symbolizing a ritual connection to the deity Pelusios. The structure, first partially discovered in 2019, was initially thought to be a civic building but is now believed to have served … Continue reading Ancient ritual complex unearthed at site tied to biblical city in Ezekiel

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Archaeology

Norway’s largest-ever trove of Viking Age coins discovered

Metal detectorists in Norway have uncovered the country’s largest-ever Viking Age coin hoard near the village of Rena. More than 3,150 silver coins have been recovered so far after an initial discovery of 19 coins prompted a larger excavation. The coins, dated to the late 10th and early 11th centuries, were mostly minted in England and Germany during the reigns of rulers such as Cnut … Continue reading Norway’s largest-ever trove of Viking Age coins discovered

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Archaeology

Egyptian mummy unearthed with literary text on abdomen

Archaeologists at the ancient Egyptian site of Oxyrhynchus discovered a 1,600-year-old mummy with a fragment of Homer’s Iliad placed on its abdomen. The papyrus contains a passage from the “catalogue of ships” in Book II of the Greek epic, marking the first known case of a literary text used in a mummification ritual. Researchers say this is unprecedented, as previous finds included only ritual or protective writings … Continue reading Egyptian mummy unearthed with literary text on abdomen

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Space

SpaceX launches high-power ViaSat internet satellite

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launched from Florida carrying the third ViaSat broadband satellite into orbit. The rocket’s two side boosters successfully returned and landed after helping lift the payload, while the core stage was expended as planned. The mission aims to place the satellite into geosynchronous orbit to deliver high-speed internet coverage over the Asia-Pacific region. The new satellite is part of ViaSat’s global network of … Continue reading SpaceX launches high-power ViaSat internet satellite

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Space

SpaceX rocket debris could slam into the moon

A spent SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is expected to crash into the Moon on August 5, according to astronomer Bill Gray of Project Pluto. The object, tracked since its 2025 launch, gradually shifted orbit and is now on course for a near-side lunar impact. It originally helped launch Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar mission and Japan’s HAKUTO-R M2 lander, though the latter was lost during … Continue reading SpaceX rocket debris could slam into the moon

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Business

Core inflation rate hit 3.2% in March

U.S. consumers faced rising prices in March as oil costs surged due to the Iran war, pushing inflation higher, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Core inflation rose to 3.2%, its highest level since late 2023, while overall inflation reached 3.5%, driven largely by energy prices. The economy grew at a modest 2% annualized rate in the first quarter, slightly below expectations despite strong … Continue reading Core inflation rate hit 3.2% in March

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Business

U.S. jobless claims fall to lowest in more than five decades

New U.S. jobless claims fell sharply to 189,000 last week, the lowest level in more than 50 years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The decline suggests layoffs remain very low despite economic uncertainty tied to higher energy prices and the ongoing Iran war. Economists note the labor market is in a “low-hire, low-fire” state, with hiring slowing but job losses also limited. Inflation … Continue reading U.S. jobless claims fall to lowest in more than five decades

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Business

US economic growth bounces back

U.S. economic growth rebounded in the first quarter, with GDP rising at an annualized rate of 2%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The result was slightly below economists’ expectations of 2.3% but marked an improvement from the weaker end of 2025. Growth was driven by consumer spending, investment, exports, and government spending, with strong gains in AI-related technology investment. Some sectors like housing … Continue reading US economic growth bounces back

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Politics

Trump signs DHS legislation, ending record-breaking shutdown

President Donald Trump signed bipartisan legislation ending a record 76-day shutdown of key agencies at the Department of Homeland Security. The bill restores funding for services like the Coast Guard, TSA, Secret Service, FEMA, and cybersecurity operations. Immigration enforcement agencies such as ICE and Border Patrol were already funded separately and did not miss paychecks. The shutdown had caused furlough risks, delayed operations, and uncertainty … Continue reading Trump signs DHS legislation, ending record-breaking shutdown

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Politics

Kim Jong Un said North Korean troops chose ‘self-detonation’ to avoid capture by Ukraine

Kim Jong Un praised North Korean troops who fought in Russia’s Kursk region for choosing “self-detonation” to avoid capture. He made the remarks during a memorial ceremony honoring soldiers killed while supporting Russia’s war effort in Russia. Western and South Korean officials estimate North Korea sent thousands of elite troops to assist Russian operations in the area. Reports from Ukraine previously described instances of North … Continue reading Kim Jong Un said North Korean troops chose ‘self-detonation’ to avoid capture by Ukraine

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Politics

Brazil’s Congress overrides Lula’s veto of a bill to reduce Bolsonaro’s sentence

Brazil’s Congress voted to override a presidential veto and pass a law that could reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence for allegedly plotting a coup. The move is seen as a setback for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose government is expected to challenge the law in court. Legal experts say the legislation may cut decades from Bolsonaro’s sentence by limiting how overlapping … Continue reading Brazil’s Congress overrides Lula’s veto of a bill to reduce Bolsonaro’s sentence

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