Author: bcbegley

Business

Stocks, bonds and gold slump while Iran war rages

US financial markets fell sharply as the war with Iran intensified, sending oil prices higher and gold to its worst weekly performance in four decades. The Russell 2000 entered correction territory, down 10.3% from its January peak, while the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all posted multi-month lows, erasing six months of gains. Treasury yields surged, with the 10-year hitting 4.39%, as investors sold bonds … Continue reading Stocks, bonds and gold slump while Iran war rages

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Business

US jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase

A federal jury in California found that Elon Musk misled Twitter shareholders with two tweets in May 2022, causing the company’s share price to drop ahead of his $44 billion acquisition. The class-action verdict could result in Musk paying roughly $2.6 billion in damages, though jurors concluded he did not “scheme” to defraud investors. The trial included Musk’s in-person testimony, and the lawsuit was filed on behalf … Continue reading US jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase

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Politics

North Korean leader Kim and his daughter ride a tank together during army training

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was pictured riding a tank with his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, during military drills, according to state media. The exercises included tank and infantry unit training, with Kim calling for full war preparations. Kim Ju Ae, about 13, has accompanied her father to numerous high-profile military and diplomatic events, sparking speculation she may be his heir. Recent appearances … Continue reading North Korean leader Kim and his daughter ride a tank together during army training

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Politics

Netanyahu says revolution in Iran will require ‘ground component’ to war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said overthrowing Iran’s regime will require a “ground component” in addition to air strikes, while urging the Iranian people to rise against their leadership. Netanyahu claimed Israel has neutralized Iran’s uranium enrichment and ballistic missile capabilities and will continue strikes to destroy them, noting Israel acted alone in recent attacks on the South Pars gas field. The remarks highlight differences … Continue reading Netanyahu says revolution in Iran will require ‘ground component’ to war

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Politics

Boebert on $200B Iran war funding request: ‘I’m not doing that’

Rep. Lauren Boebert announced she will oppose the Pentagon’s $200 billion supplemental funding request amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, citing domestic priorities and criticism of the military-industrial complex. Boebert emphasized “America First” policies and said she has deferred decisions about the Iran campaign to President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the funding as necessary to sustain U.S. … Continue reading Boebert on $200B Iran war funding request: ‘I’m not doing that’

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Politics

Trump invokes Pearl Harbor in front of Japanese prime minister to defend Iran attack

During a meeting at the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump awkwardly referenced Pearl Harbor while discussing surprise attacks on Iran with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Trump explained the U.S. had not informed allies about the February 28 strikes to maintain surprise, citing the success of the operation. He praised Japan for “stepping up” to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite Takaichi noting … Continue reading Trump invokes Pearl Harbor in front of Japanese prime minister to defend Iran attack

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Politics

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro under investigation in US for drug ties

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro is reportedly under two U.S. criminal investigations examining whether he met with drug traffickers or solicited campaign donations, though he is not personally charged. Petro denied the allegations, saying he has never spoken with traffickers and instructed his campaign managers to reject illicit donations, blaming Colombia’s right-wing opposition for spreading claims. The reports come ahead of Colombia’s May 31 presidential election, … Continue reading Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro under investigation in US for drug ties

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U.S. News

US says it struck alleged drug trafficking vessel in Pacific, killing two

The U.S. military conducted another strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, part of Operation Southern Spear, which has killed at least 159 people in 46 incidents since September 2025. While initially reported that three survived, the Coast Guard later confirmed only one person was recovered alive, with two others found dead. The USSOUTHCOM stated the targeted vessel was on known … Continue reading US says it struck alleged drug trafficking vessel in Pacific, killing two

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U.S. News

‘Highway Robbery’: Personal injury attorneys found guilty in staged crash scheme

A federal jury found attorneys Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles guilty on all charges in a scheme involving staged collisions with 18-wheelers to inflate lawsuit settlements. A third defendant, Diaminike Stalbert, was convicted of making false statements but cleared of conspiracy. Motta, Giles, and their law firms were convicted of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and obstruction of justice, with Motta also guilty of witness … Continue reading ‘Highway Robbery’: Personal injury attorneys found guilty in staged crash scheme

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U.S. News

Hochul says NY can’t meet its own climate targets, so she wants to change them

Governor Kathy Hochul proposed changes to New York’s 2019 climate law, seeking to delay key emissions reduction deadlines and extend regulatory timelines to 2030. Her plan would allow homes and businesses to burn more gas longer, while linking future rules to an unspecified 2040 emissions target, though the original 2030 goal remains unchanged. Hochul cited federal opposition to renewable energy as justification, arguing stricter enforcement … Continue reading Hochul says NY can’t meet its own climate targets, so she wants to change them

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U.S. News

Woman, 80, receives probation and no jail time over San Francisco crash that killed four

Mary Fong Lau, 80, was sentenced to two years of probation and a suspended driver’s license for a car crash in San Francisco that killed a family of four, with no jail time or home confinement. Lau must also complete 200 hours of community service after pleading no contest to the charges. The March 2024 crash occurred when she drove at speeds up to 70 … Continue reading Woman, 80, receives probation and no jail time over San Francisco crash that killed four

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U.S. News

Hawaii suffers its worst flooding in 20 years and forecasters warn more rain is coming

Hawaii experienced its worst flooding in over 20 years as heavy rains hit already saturated soil, prompting evacuation orders for 5,500 people on Oahu’s North Shore. Muddy waters damaged homes, cars, and infrastructure, with the cost of the storm estimated to exceed $1 billion, including airports, schools, and a Maui hospital. No deaths were reported, though 10 people were hospitalized with hypothermia, and 72 children … Continue reading Hawaii suffers its worst flooding in 20 years and forecasters warn more rain is coming

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World News

Iran hits Kuwaiti oil refinery as Israel renews attacks on Tehran

Iran launched widespread drone and missile attacks across the Gulf, striking Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery and causing fires but no casualties. The attacks came in retaliation for an اسرائیلی strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and also targeted sites in the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Severe damage to Ras Laffan and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global energy … Continue reading Iran hits Kuwaiti oil refinery as Israel renews attacks on Tehran

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World News

At least 14 people killed in fire at South Korean car parts factory

A devastating factory fire in Daejeon killed 14 people and injured nearly 60, with all missing workers later accounted for. The blaze spread rapidly through the three-story building, forcing some workers to jump from windows to escape. Firefighters faced delays due to collapse risks and the presence of hazardous chemicals, including sodium, which complicated efforts to extinguish the fire. Many victims were found in a … Continue reading At least 14 people killed in fire at South Korean car parts factory

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World News

Iran says a strike hit a key nuclear facility as Mideast war enters week 4

An airstrike hit Iran’s main nuclear facility at Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, though officials reported no radiation leakage. Israel Katz warned that attacks by Israel and the U.S. would intensify, while missile debris also struck near Tel Aviv without causing casualties. Heavy strikes were reported in Tehran, and a separate drone attack in Baghdad killed an intelligence officer. Iran also attempted to strike a joint … Continue reading Iran says a strike hit a key nuclear facility as Mideast war enters week 4

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World News

Missile strikes near Temple Mount as Iran targets Jerusalem

An Iranian missile barrage struck areas around Jerusalem, with one impact reported just 350 meters from Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, though no injuries were reported at that site. Tensions were already high after Israel closed the compound during Eid al-Fitr—a rare move that drew widespread criticism and led to clashes between worshippers and police. Other missile impacts caused damage and minor injuries in … Continue reading Missile strikes near Temple Mount as Iran targets Jerusalem

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World News

Pentagon making heavy preparations for potential use of ground troops in Iran

The Pentagon has prepared detailed plans for potentially deploying U.S. ground forces to Iran as President Trump considers options in the ongoing conflict. Military leaders have submitted requests and held planning meetings, including scenarios for detaining Iranian personnel if troops are deployed. Although Trump publicly denied plans to send ground troops, he left open the possibility. The White House emphasized that these preparations are routine … Continue reading Pentagon making heavy preparations for potential use of ground troops in Iran

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Space

Artemis II rocket set to roll back to launch pad

NASA’s Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft are set to roll out to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, aiming for a launch as soon as April 1. The rollout was moved up after an electrical harness issue in the rocket’s flight termination system was resolved sooner than expected. Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of the Artemis program, sending … Continue reading Artemis II rocket set to roll back to launch pad

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Space

Exploding Comet Is Spotted by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured the rare moment a comet, K1 (C/2025 K1 ATLAS), broke apart while under observation, an event considered extremely unlikely. The comet, about 5 miles across, began disintegrating roughly eight days before Hubble imaged it from November 8 to 10, 2025. During the observations, one of K1’s smaller fragments also broke apart, allowing scientists to reconstruct the comet’s breakup timeline. Hubble’s … Continue reading Exploding Comet Is Spotted by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope

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Technology

Robot Goes Berserk in Restaurant, Dragged Away by Staff After Smashing Tableware

Humanoid robots are increasingly appearing in public spaces, but incidents highlight the challenges of coexisting with them. At a Haidilao hot pot restaurant in San Jose, California, a dancing robot knocked over plates and sent chopsticks flying during a promotional event for Zootopia 2. Staffers struggled to restrain the robot, ultimately requiring three workers to control its waving, sauce-covered arms, raising concerns about the lack … Continue reading Robot Goes Berserk in Restaurant, Dragged Away by Staff After Smashing Tableware

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Business

Fed votes to hold rates steady, notes ‘uncertain’ impacts from Iran war

The Federal Reserve voted 11-1 to hold its benchmark interest rate at 3.5%-3.75%, citing mixed economic signals, persistent inflation, and uncertainty from the war in Iran. Fed officials projected slightly faster economic growth and higher inflation for 2026, while signaling one possible rate cut this year and another in 2027, though timing remains uncertain. Rising oil prices and energy disruptions from the Middle East conflict … Continue reading Fed votes to hold rates steady, notes ‘uncertain’ impacts from Iran war

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Business

Powell: Job creation is near zero

Job creation in the U.S. has effectively stalled, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell noting “zero net job creation” in the private sector over the past six months. Despite slightly higher economic growth projections, the Fed sees little change in the unemployment rate, which rose to 4.4% in February. Powell said the economy may not need as many new jobs due to low labor force … Continue reading Powell: Job creation is near zero

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Politics

Former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent under FBI investigation for alleged classified leaks

The FBI is investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent over allegations that he leaked classified information, with the probe reportedly beginning before his resignation. Kent stepped down Tuesday, citing opposition to the U.S. war against Iran, which he argued was unnecessary and violated the administration’s prior non-interventionist approach. A senior official described Kent as a “known leaker” who had been excluded from intelligence … Continue reading Former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent under FBI investigation for alleged classified leaks

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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

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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

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