Author: bcbegley

Politics

China dismisses U.S. Hormuz request as Trump’s Beijing trip is delayed

China has declined U.S. requests to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid President Trump’s war with Iran, while analysts say Beijing likely welcomes the delay of Trump’s planned state visit to Beijing. The Iran conflict has disrupted oil flows, strained U.S. allies, and forced Washington to request help from its strategic rival, exposing limits to U.S. power. Chinese officials have signaled willingness to reschedule … Continue reading China dismisses U.S. Hormuz request as Trump’s Beijing trip is delayed

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Gabbard fends off questions about Fulton County election raid

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard faced questioning over her presence at an FBI raid on a Georgia election office, which was seizing 2020 voter records. Senators, including Mark Warner and Jon Ossoff, pressed her on her authority and oversight during the operation, raising concerns it could signal federal interference in elections. Gabbard said she was there at President Trump’s request to “ensure the integrity … Continue reading Gabbard fends off questions about Fulton County election raid

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Trump’s DHS pick Markwayne Mullin gets grilled on ‘anger issues’ and foreign travel

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, President Trump’s nominee for DHS Secretary, faced a tense confirmation hearing amid questions about his past comments, aggressive behavior, and classified foreign travel as a House member. Senators Rand Paul and Gary Peters pressed Mullin for details on “classified” trips and criticized his past remarks suggesting he understood or condoned violence against political opponents. Mullin defended his record, saying he had nothing … Continue reading Trump’s DHS pick Markwayne Mullin gets grilled on ‘anger issues’ and foreign travel

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

JD Vance at center of Iran war rupture after closed-door meeting with spy boss

Donald Trump’s National Counterterrorism Center director, Joe Kent, resigned over the Iran war, accusing Israel of pressuring the U.S. into a conflict built on lies and claiming he could not support the war in good conscience. Kent had privately confided in his ally, Vice President JD Vance, and Tulsi Gabbard before submitting his resignation, highlighting a rift between the non-interventionist Gabbard-Vance faction and hawkish Republicans … Continue reading JD Vance at center of Iran war rupture after closed-door meeting with spy boss

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Utah woman who wrote a book on grief after husband’s death found guilty of murdering him

A Utah woman, Kouri Richins, was convicted of aggravated murder for poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022, while also self-publishing a children’s book about grief. Prosecutors said she was $4.5 million in debt and sought to inherit her husband’s $4 million estate while planning a future with another man. She was also found guilty of attempted murder, … Continue reading Utah woman who wrote a book on grief after husband’s death found guilty of murdering him

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

At least 1 dead as Nebraska wildfires scorch nearly 800,000 acres

Historic wildfires in Nebraska have burned nearly 800,000 acres, causing at least one death, and are considered the largest in state history, Gov. Jim Pillen said. The most severe blaze, the Morrill Fire, has consumed over 572,000 acres and remains only 18% contained, while three other fires — Cottonwood, Road 203, and Anderson Bridge — are also burning across the western part of the state. … Continue reading At least 1 dead as Nebraska wildfires scorch nearly 800,000 acres

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Florida sheriff blames spring break ‘promoters’ as arrests climb

Authorities in Florida are cracking down on spring break gatherings after social media-promoted “takeover” events in Volusia County led to over 100 arrests and multiple medical emergencies. Thousands flocked to popular beaches like Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, prompting the sheriff’s office to issue cease-and-desist letters to online event organizers. Law enforcement also seized six guns and handled incidents involving minors under the influence. … Continue reading Florida sheriff blames spring break ‘promoters’ as arrests climb

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

FBI buying data that can track people, Patel says

The FBI has resumed purchasing Americans’ data and location histories from commercial data brokers to support federal investigations, Director Kash Patel testified. This marks the first public confirmation since 2023 that the agency is actively buying such data, which is often collected from consumer apps and games. Senator Ron Wyden criticized the practice as a circumvention of Fourth Amendment protections, since no warrant is required … Continue reading FBI buying data that can track people, Patel says

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

FBI, IRS to investigate nonprofits for ‘domestic terror’ links

The FBI and IRS are launching a joint initiative to investigate nonprofits suspected of links to domestic terrorism, particularly targeting antifa and other extremist groups. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s December memo directed federal agencies to prioritize investigations of individuals and groups using or threatening violence to advance political agendas. The initiative will use IRS expertise in financial investigations and is centered at an FBI “mission … Continue reading FBI, IRS to investigate nonprofits for ‘domestic terror’ links

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Brazilian police operation in Rio favelas leaves at least 8 dead

A major police operation in Rio de Janeiro killed seven suspected drug traffickers, including gang leader Cláudio Augusto dos Santos of the Red Command, along with a civilian caught in the crossfire. The raid involved about 150 officers targeting several favelas and resulted in the seizure of weapons. In retaliation, criminals set a bus on fire and blocked roads, leading to multiple arrests for vandalism. … Continue reading Brazilian police operation in Rio favelas leaves at least 8 dead

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Iran launches ‘revenge’ missile attack on Israel after assassinations

Iran launched cluster missile strikes on central Israel, including the Ramat Gan area near Tel Aviv, killing two people and injuring several others. The attack was described by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as retaliation for the killing of senior official Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike. The use of multi-warhead missiles heightened concern as they can evade defense systems and caused significant damage to … Continue reading Iran launches ‘revenge’ missile attack on Israel after assassinations

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Israeli Air Force strikes Iranian naval vessels in Caspian Sea

Israel carried out its first-ever strike in the Caspian Sea, reportedly hitting multiple Iranian naval vessels near the port city of Bandar Anzali. The attack marks a major expansion of Israel’s military campaign against Iran, targeting an area about 1,300 km from Israel. Israeli officials said the strikes were part of “Operation Roaring Lion,” signaling further escalation in the conflict. The targeted site is believed … Continue reading Israeli Air Force strikes Iranian naval vessels in Caspian Sea

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Man arrested after climbing into pygmy hippo Moo Deng’s enclosure at Thai zoo

A Thai man was arrested after entering the enclosure of Moo Deng, a popular pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Security footage showed him briefly inside the enclosure, apparently filming Moo Deng and her mother, Jona. Zoo staff quickly intervened, and the man was later charged with trespassing before being released on bail. Moo Deng, who became a viral sensation after her birth in … Continue reading Man arrested after climbing into pygmy hippo Moo Deng’s enclosure at Thai zoo

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Israel destroys river bridges in southern Lebanon

Israeli air strikes destroyed two key bridges over the Litani River, aiming to disrupt Hezbollah’s movement of fighters and weapons. The attacks followed warnings for civilians to evacuate nearby crossings. Strikes also hit multiple areas in Beirut, killing at least 12 people and marking an expansion of attacks into central parts of the city. Since early March, nearly 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon … Continue reading Israel destroys river bridges in southern Lebanon

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Archaeology

Ancient shipwrecks discovered near Libyan Port City

Archaeologists from the University of Warsaw have uncovered multiple ancient shipwrecks near the historic port of Ptolemais in northeastern Libya, revealing new insights into Mediterranean maritime activity. The wreck site spans over 100 metres, suggesting repeated ship losses along the rocky approach to the harbour. Researchers recovered submerged columns, anchors, and probes, as well as artefacts including a rare bronze Roman balance scale component shaped … Continue reading Ancient shipwrecks discovered near Libyan Port City

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

Russia Aims to Regain Space Supremacy with 2036 Venus Mission

Russia has announced plans for the Venera-D mission to Venus, targeting a 2036 launch. The mission will include a lander, balloon, and orbiter, marking the country’s first major return to Venus since the Soviet-era Venera program, which achieved the first successful landing on the planet in 1970. Venera-D aims to study Venus’ surface, atmosphere, and extreme conditions, with the balloon exploring the thick clouds, the … Continue reading Russia Aims to Regain Space Supremacy with 2036 Venus Mission

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

Astronomers spot super-Earth circling a star 83 light-years away using space telescope

Astronomers have confirmed a new exoplanet, TOI-1080 b, using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and follow-up ground-based observations. The planet orbits an inactive M4V-type red dwarf, TOI-1080, every 3.97 days at a distance of 0.027 AU, making it slightly larger than Earth with a radius about 1.2 times Earth’s and a likely mass near 1.75 Earth masses. Its estimated equilibrium temperature of 368 K places … Continue reading Astronomers spot super-Earth circling a star 83 light-years away using space telescope

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Cracks Open Martian Rock, Makes an Unbelievable Discovery

NASA’s Curiosity rover has discovered pure yellow sulfur crystals on Mars for the first time, found in the Gediz Vallis Channel in May 2024. Unlike common Martian sulfates, which form when sulfur mixes with minerals in evaporated water, elemental sulfur requires rare conditions not previously confirmed in the area. Scientists say this discovery could reveal new insights into Mars’ geological processes and the planet’s watery … Continue reading NASA’s Curiosity Rover Cracks Open Martian Rock, Makes an Unbelievable Discovery

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

World’s first robot arrest? Humanoid Detained by police after harassing elderly woman

A humanoid robot in Macau was temporarily taken into custody after reportedly startling and “harassing” an elderly woman on a public street. Video shows the nearly 70-year-old woman yelling at the robot, which raised its arms twice as she berated it. The machine belonged to an education center and was being operated remotely with mixed programming; it was later returned to its 50-year-old operator, who … Continue reading World’s first robot arrest? Humanoid Detained by police after harassing elderly woman

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Hyundai stops sales of some 2026 models and plans a recall after child’s death

Hyundai Motor North America is halting sales of certain 2026 Palisade models and planning a recall of over 68,000 vehicles after a child died in a seat-related incident. The issue involves second- and third-row power seats that may not detect contact with a person or object when folding or sliding. The recall will cover 60,515 U.S.-produced vehicles and 7,967 in Canada, with repairs provided at … Continue reading Hyundai stops sales of some 2026 models and plans a recall after child’s death

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Nebius jumps 14% after company inks $27 billion infrastructure deal with Meta

Meta has signed a long-term deal to spend up to $27 billion on Dutch AI cloud provider Nebius, the company announced Monday. Over five years, Nebius will provide $12 billion in dedicated capacity, including deployments using Nvidia’s Vera Rubin AI chips, with Meta able to purchase up to $15 billion more in additional compute capacity. Nebius, founded in 2022 and listed in New York in … Continue reading Nebius jumps 14% after company inks $27 billion infrastructure deal with Meta

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

3,800 workers are on strike at one of the largest meatpacking plants in the US

About 3,800 workers at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, went on strike Monday, marking the first walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse in four decades. Strikers, many carrying signs in English and Spanish, protested outside the JBS USA-owned facility, citing alleged retaliation and unfair labor practices during contract negotiations. Union officials said workers face dangerous conditions, insufficient pay, and high costs for … Continue reading 3,800 workers are on strike at one of the largest meatpacking plants in the US

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Trump says he’s not ready to declare victory in Iran

President Donald Trump said Sunday he is not ready to declare victory over Iran, despite claiming the U.S. has inflicted severe military and economic damage. Speaking to The Hill on Air Force One, he said Iran is “decimated” and would take “10 years and more” to rebuild if U.S. forces withdrew, but he stopped short of calling the conflict won. Trump did not clarify whether … Continue reading Trump says he’s not ready to declare victory in Iran

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Bolsonaro’s kidney function improves but he remains in intensive care

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has shown improved kidney function but remains in intensive care for pneumonia at DF Star Hospital in Brasilia, doctors said Sunday. The 70-year-old, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for leading a 2023 coup attempt, has been given additional antibiotics since Saturday. Bolsonaro was transferred to the hospital from prison after showing high fever, chills, and elevated inflammatory markers. … Continue reading Bolsonaro’s kidney function improves but he remains in intensive care

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Republican donors plot shadow ‘draft Rubio’ ’28 effort as his star rises

A year ago, Vice President JD Vance appeared poised to succeed President Donald Trump as the MAGA heir for 2028, enjoying strong Republican support and backing from Trump’s family. While Vance remains well-positioned, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has risen in prominence, particularly due to his role in the war with Iran. Trump and some of his closest allies have praised Rubio’s popularity and effectiveness, … Continue reading Republican donors plot shadow ‘draft Rubio’ ’28 effort as his star rises

Unknown's avatarbcbegley