Robot pet trial to target loneliness in care homes

West Berkshire Council has launched a trial using robotic pets to help reduce loneliness in care home residents, including those with dementia or learning disabilities. The android companions have realistic fur and sensors that respond to touch and motion, mimicking real animals. The trial will evaluate their impact on residents in three local care homes. Care home operator Barchester Healthcare said the robots provide predictable, … Continue reading Robot pet trial to target loneliness in care homes

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

SpaceX launches 11th batch of ‘proliferated architecture’ US spy satellites

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sept. 22, carrying a batch of spy satellites for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The mission, NROL-48, is the 11th flight supporting the NRO’s “proliferated architecture” network, which uses numerous smaller satellites instead of a few large, costly ones. These satellites aim to provide faster, more resilient intelligence, with increased coverage, revisit … Continue reading SpaceX launches 11th batch of ‘proliferated architecture’ US spy satellites

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Repeating gamma-ray bursts are ‘unlike any other’ in 50 years, astronomers say

Astronomers observed a series of repeating gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in July, an unprecedented phenomenon in 50 years of GRB studies. Typically caused by the explosive death of a star or its destruction by a black hole, GRBs usually last milliseconds to minutes, but this event repeated three times over 24 hours, making it 100 to 1,000 times longer than typical bursts. The exact cause remains … Continue reading Repeating gamma-ray bursts are ‘unlike any other’ in 50 years, astronomers say

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

James Webb telescope finds strange ‘dark beads’ in Saturn’s atmosphere

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered mysterious “dark beads” and a lopsided star-shaped structure in Saturn’s upper atmosphere above the planet’s famous hexagonal storm at the north pole. The features, seen with JWST’s Near Infrared Spectrograph, are unlike anything previously observed and remain unexplained. The dark beads drift in Saturn’s ionosphere, while the star-shaped pattern appears in the stratosphere below, and the two may … Continue reading James Webb telescope finds strange ‘dark beads’ in Saturn’s atmosphere

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Spirit Airlines to furlough 1,800 flight attendants to cut costs in bankruptcy

Spirit Airlines plans to furlough roughly 1,800 flight attendants—about a third of its cabin crew—as part of cost-cutting measures during its second bankruptcy in under a year. The airline will first offer voluntary furloughs of six or 12 months, with affected employees retaining medical benefits, before moving to involuntary furloughs starting Dec. 1. About 800 attendants are already on voluntary leave, but the company has … Continue reading Spirit Airlines to furlough 1,800 flight attendants to cut costs in bankruptcy

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Shrimp sold in 31 states recalled due to possible radioactive contamination

AquaStar (USA) Corp. is recalling more than 85,000 bags of shrimp sold at Kroger, Walmart, and other retailers across 31 states due to potential contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The recall affects multiple products, including raw and cooked shrimp varieties sold between June 12 and Sept. 17, 2025. While no shrimp have tested positive for cesium-137 and no illnesses have been reported, the FDA … Continue reading Shrimp sold in 31 states recalled due to possible radioactive contamination

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Amazon faces US trial over alleged Prime subscription deceptions

Amazon went to trial Monday in a federal lawsuit brought by the FTC, which accuses the company of using “dark patterns” to enroll millions of customers in its $139-per-year Prime service without clear consent and making cancellations excessively difficult. The FTC alleges that Amazon’s checkout process emphasized sign-ups while hiding crucial information in fine print and required navigating a convoluted four-page, six-click system to cancel. … Continue reading Amazon faces US trial over alleged Prime subscription deceptions

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Woman charged with homicide after remains of her 4 infants found in Pennsylvania house

Jessica Marie Mauthe, 39, has been charged with criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and multiple counts of abuse of a corpse after the remains of four infants were found in a home she was recently evicted from in western Pennsylvania. The bodies were discovered by her former landlord on Sept. 13, stored in a bedroom closet and the attic, wrapped in towels and plastic bags. Police … Continue reading Woman charged with homicide after remains of her 4 infants found in Pennsylvania house

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Ex-Trump official launches bid for Tuberville’s seat in Alabama

Morgan Murphy, a former top Trump administration official and aide to Sen. Tommy Tuberville, is running for Tuberville’s Alabama Senate seat as he seeks the governor’s office. Murphy, a Navy veteran, promotes himself as a “Trump-tested conservative” and criticizes the Obama and Biden administrations for weakening the military, undermining free speech, and influencing education. He highlights his experience in Trump’s administrations and his work with … Continue reading Ex-Trump official launches bid for Tuberville’s seat in Alabama

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

7 children found after escape from North Carolina psychiatric hospital

Seven children escaped from Holly Hill Hospital — South Campus, a psychiatric facility in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sunday evening following a reported disturbance. Police launched a massive search using K-9 teams and drones, and all seven juveniles were back in custody within three hours. Authorities said the children were not considered armed or dangerous, and there was no threat to the community. Holly Hill provides … Continue reading 7 children found after escape from North Carolina psychiatric hospital

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Defense tells judge Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has served enough time behind bars

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers asked a New York federal judge to sentence him to no more than 14 months in prison for his conviction on two prostitution-related charges, which could allow him to go free almost immediately. Combs was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges that carried potential sentences of 15 years to life. His lawyers argued that his celebrity status, businesses, … Continue reading Defense tells judge Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has served enough time behind bars

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Man accused of trying to assassinate Trump in Florida rests his case without testifying

Ryan Routh, representing himself, declined to testify in his trial for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Trump at a Florida golf club last year. Prosecutors say Routh plotted for weeks before aiming a rifle at Trump, but a Secret Service agent fired first, forcing Routh to flee without firing. Routh presented three witnesses, including a firearms expert who testified the gun was likely ineffective, and … Continue reading Man accused of trying to assassinate Trump in Florida rests his case without testifying

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Lightning strike caused deaths of 2 hunters in Colorado mountains, coroner says

Two hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, were found dead last week in the San Juan Mountains and died from a lightning strike, Conejos County authorities confirmed. The pair had been hiking and camping at elevations above 10,000 feet from September 7 to 12, using GPS data to track their movements. A severe storm struck the area on September 12, bringing rain, snow, … Continue reading Lightning strike caused deaths of 2 hunters in Colorado mountains, coroner says

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Family of boy killed in hyperbaric oxygen chamber fire files suit

The parents of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper filed a $100 million lawsuit against the Oxford Center, its staff, and the manufacturer of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, alleging corporate greed and negligence led to their son’s death in January. Thomas died in a fire that erupted inside the chamber during treatment for sleep apnea and ADHD, with his mother unable to save him. The lawsuit claims the … Continue reading Family of boy killed in hyperbaric oxygen chamber fire files suit

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Trump signs order targeting antifa as a ‘terrorist organization’

President Donald Trump signed an executive order labeling the antifa movement a “terrorist organization,” following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 in Utah. While authorities have charged a 22-year-old student with Kirk’s murder, no evidence links the suspect to any group, however authorities are currently investigating potential accomplices. Trump’s order directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations by … Continue reading Trump signs order targeting antifa as a ‘terrorist organization’

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Man charged with aiming laser pointer at Trump’s helicopter

Jacob Samuel Winkler was arrested by the Secret Service for aiming a red laser pointer at Marine One as it departed the White House with President Trump on board. The incident began when Winkler also shined the laser at a uniformed officer, temporarily disorienting him. Officers detained Winkler near the Ellipse, where he was found carrying a 3-inch fixed-blade knife. In an interview, he admitted … Continue reading Man charged with aiming laser pointer at Trump’s helicopter

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

FBI arrests man accused of ABC news station shooting after bail release

Anibal Hernandez Santana, 63, was arrested by the FBI for shooting at Sacramento’s ABC10 news station after being released on bail. He faces federal charges for possessing and discharging a firearm in a school zone and interfering with a radio station. No one was injured, but the lobby sustained bullet damage. Authorities found threatening notes at his home referencing public figures. The incident followed local … Continue reading FBI arrests man accused of ABC news station shooting after bail release

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

14 killed, including a guard, in prison clashes in Ecuador as some inmates escape

A prison riot in Machala, Ecuador, between rival gangs Los Choneros and Los Lobos left 13 inmates and a guard dead, with 14 others injured and some inmates escaping. The 40-minute clash involved guns, bombs, and grenades, highlighting the country’s overcrowded, gang-controlled prisons. Ecuador has seen a surge in violence, with prisons under military control since January 2024 and homicides rising sharply, CBS News has … Continue reading 14 killed, including a guard, in prison clashes in Ecuador as some inmates escape

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Russia and Ukraine trade deadly drone strikes

Russia and Ukraine accused each other of deadly drone strikes on civilian areas as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy prepared for a “very intense week” at the U.N. General Assembly, seeking support for a U.S.-led peace effort and a potential summit with Putin. International concern has grown over the conflict spreading, following Russian drones reaching Poland and fighter jets entering Estonian airspace, prompting an emergency U.N. Security … Continue reading Russia and Ukraine trade deadly drone strikes

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Moldova detains 74 people over alleged Russia-backed plot before elections

At least 74 people were arrested in Moldova over an alleged plot to incite mass riots ahead of next weekend’s parliamentary elections, which President Maia Sandu blamed on Russian interference. Police carried out over 250 raids, saying the suspects were trained abroad and coordinated by criminal elements from Russia. Sandu accused the Kremlin of funding efforts to destabilize the country and warned voters not to let Moldova fall under … Continue reading Moldova detains 74 people over alleged Russia-backed plot before elections

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

NZ woman found guilty of killing her two children in ‘suitcase murders’

A New Zealand mother, Hakyung Lee, 44, has been convicted of murdering her two children and hiding their bodies in suitcases, a case that shocked the country. The remains were discovered in 2022 in an abandoned storage unit in Auckland, years after the killings. Lee, arrested in South Korea and extradited, claimed she was mentally unwell following her husband’s death and believed it was best for … Continue reading NZ woman found guilty of killing her two children in ‘suitcase murders’

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Clashes break out as Italians strike demanding action over Gaza

Thousands of Italians staged nationwide strikes and protests on Monday in solidarity with Palestinians, causing major disruption in cities including Milan, Rome, Turin and Bologna. Clashes erupted outside Milan’s central station, where police were injured as a fringe group hurled stones and smoke bombs. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence as “shameful,” while critics accused her of failing to clarify Italy’s stance on Israel. … Continue reading Clashes break out as Italians strike demanding action over Gaza

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah freed from prison

British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has been released from prison in Egypt after serving six years for sharing a Facebook post, following a pardon by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. His release came after sustained lobbying by the UK government and pressure from Egypt’s human rights council. Abd el-Fattah, a prominent figure of the Arab Spring, was convicted of spreading false news but widely seen as … Continue reading British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah freed from prison

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Unification Church leader arrested in bribery case involving former South Korean president’s wife

Hak Ja Han, the 82-year-old leader of the Unification Church and widow of founder Sun Myung Moon, was arrested in South Korea on Tuesday amid a bribery investigation. Prosecutors allege church officials bribed former First Lady Kim Keon Hee and conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, both of whom are facing criminal charges. Han denies directing the payments, insisting a church official acted alone. A Seoul court … Continue reading Unification Church leader arrested in bribery case involving former South Korean president’s wife

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025

Rodrigo Duterte, former Philippines president, charged with crimes against humanity at ICC

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has been charged at the International Criminal Court (ICC) with three counts of crimes against humanity over his deadly “war on drugs.” Prosecutors allege his involvement in at least 76 murders: 19 in Davao City between 2013–2016, 14 “high value target” killings during his presidency in 2016–2017, and 43 during nationwide “clearance” operations from 2016–2018. While prosecutors say thousands were … Continue reading Rodrigo Duterte, former Philippines president, charged with crimes against humanity at ICC

bcbegleySeptember 23, 2025