Business

China keeps key lending rates steady in bid to shore up yuan as Trump tariffs pressure currency

China kept its loan prime rates unchanged Monday, with the 1-year LPR at 3.1% and the 5-year at 3.6%, aiming to stabilize the yuan amid rising U.S. trade tensions. The decision followed stronger-than-expected economic data, including 5.4% GDP growth in Q1 and solid retail and industrial numbers. The move aligns with expectations, as the central bank holds off easing due to currency concerns and awaits … Continue reading China keeps key lending rates steady in bid to shore up yuan as Trump tariffs pressure currency

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

Gold soars to record high on trade war concerns, weaker dollar

Gold prices hit a record high of $3,384 an ounce on Monday, driven by rising geopolitical tensions, a weakening U.S. dollar, and fears over global economic growth amid the escalating U.S.-China trade war. Spot gold rose 1.7%, while U.S. gold futures climbed 2%. Ongoing central bank demand and safe-haven buying also supported the rally. The dollar index dropped to a three-year low, making gold more … Continue reading Gold soars to record high on trade war concerns, weaker dollar

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Business

DHL suspends high value US deliveries over tariffs

DHL Express is suspending shipments over $800 to U.S. consumers due to increased customs red tape under President Trump’s new tariff rules. The company cited a surge in formal customs checks, leading to delays. Business shipments will continue but may also face holdups. Previously, packages under $2,500 faced minimal checks, but the new threshold is now $800. Deliveries below that amount will still be processed. … Continue reading DHL suspends high value US deliveries over tariffs

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Vance arrives in India, to hold talks with Modi under US tariffs shadow

U.S. Vice President JD Vance began a four-day visit to India on Monday, combining personal and diplomatic engagements, including talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to strengthen ties and advance trade negotiations amid looming U.S. tariff hikes. Vance, traveling with his family, plans to visit the Taj Mahal and attend a wedding in Jaipur. Modi and Vance will review trade and defense … Continue reading Vance arrives in India, to hold talks with Modi under US tariffs shadow

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after tangle over migration

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Pope Francis briefly on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, exchanging greetings and gifts. Vance, whose motorcade entered Vatican City during Easter Mass, thanked the pope for the meeting and expressed his well wishes. During their encounter, Francis, who is recovering from pneumonia, gifted Vance chocolate eggs for his children, a Vatican tie, and rosaries. While the meeting was cordial, … Continue reading Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after tangle over migration

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Merz: My goal is to make Germany ‘economically stronger’

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, announced plans for new investments and tax cuts under his incoming coalition government, aiming to make Germany “economically stronger.” Set to take office around May 6, Merz highlighted the coalition’s goal to strengthen the economy, enhance security, and modernize the country. The agreement, forged through intense negotiations, focuses on investing in industry, providing tax relief for small businesses, and ensuring a … Continue reading Merz: My goal is to make Germany ‘economically stronger’

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Saturday that Israel must continue its fight in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed, hostages are freed, and the region no longer poses a threat. Despite pressure from families of hostages, reservists, and retired soldiers, Netanyahu insisted Israel has no choice but to press on after Hamas rejected Israel’s offer for a temporary truce in exchange for half of … Continue reading Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

El Salvador’s Bukele proposes prisoner swap with Maduro for Venezuelans deported from the U.S.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele proposed a prisoner swap with Venezuela on Sunday, offering to exchange 252 Venezuelan deportees from the U.S., currently imprisoned in El Salvador, for 252 political prisoners held by the Venezuelan government. Bukele directed the proposal to President Nicolás Maduro, listing opposition figures, journalists, and activists detained during Venezuela’s electoral crackdown. The offer follows criticism of El Salvador’s detention of deportees, including … Continue reading El Salvador’s Bukele proposes prisoner swap with Maduro for Venezuelans deported from the U.S.

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

3 dead after fire sweeps through crowded home in Queens, NY, on Easter

Three people died and a fourth was critically injured in a fire that broke out early Easter Sunday in an overcrowded Queens home. The house, which had no working smoke detectors, blocked exits, and makeshift walls, also contained extension cords that could have contributed to the fire. Firefighters arrived in under four minutes, but the blaze quickly spread, with reports of people jumping from the … Continue reading 3 dead after fire sweeps through crowded home in Queens, NY, on Easter

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

3 killed when small plane crashes into Nebraska river

A Cessna 180 crashed into the Platte River south of Fremont, Nebraska, on the evening of April 18, killing all three people on board. The crash occurred around 8:45 p.m., and the cause remains unclear. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths but withheld the victims’ identities pending next of kin notification. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, USA Today has reported. … Continue reading 3 killed when small plane crashes into Nebraska river

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

N.Y. governor says congestion pricing will remain despite federal deadline to end the program Sunday

New York City’s $9 congestion toll for Manhattan’s busiest areas remains in place despite a Sunday deadline from the federal government to end it. Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA say traffic is down, business is up, and the tolls will stay unless a court orders otherwise. Although the U.S. Transportation Department argues the toll unfairly burdens drivers and had set multiple deadlines to end … Continue reading N.Y. governor says congestion pricing will remain despite federal deadline to end the program Sunday

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

Tornado-producing storm deals deadly weather to Oklahoma and Texas

A slow-moving storm system brought tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain to Texas and Oklahoma over the Easter weekend, leaving three people dead. At least five tornadoes hit south-central Oklahoma, including one in Spaulding that killed one person and damaged homes. In Moore, flooding killed a woman and a 12-year-old boy. The storms damaged dozens of homes and infrastructure, including in Ada, which was still … Continue reading Tornado-producing storm deals deadly weather to Oklahoma and Texas

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
U.S. News

4 killed in Illinois plane crash, officials confirm

Four people from Menominee, Wisconsin, were killed Saturday when their single-engine Cessna 180G crashed near Trilla, Illinois, after reportedly hitting powerlines. The victims—Ross Nelson, Raimi Rundle, Courtney Morrow, and Michael Morrow—were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation by the NTSB and FAA, focusing on the pilot, aircraft, and environmental factors, ABC News has reported. A final report on the cause is … Continue reading 4 killed in Illinois plane crash, officials confirm

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Pope Francis emerges on Easter, delights crowd with popemobile tour

Pope Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, riding through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile and blessing thousands as he continues recovering from a near-fatal case of double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope, recently discharged from a five-week hospital stay, appeared energized, greeting pilgrims and blessing babies. Though he delegated Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Francis gave the traditional apostolic blessing from the … Continue reading Pope Francis emerges on Easter, delights crowd with popemobile tour

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

US airstrikes killed 12 people in Yemen’s capital, the Houthi rebels say

U.S. airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, killed 12 people and wounded 30, according to Houthi rebels, who said a market in the Farwa neighborhood was hit. The strikes are part of an intensified U.S. campaign targeting the Houthis over their attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israel. Recent airstrikes also hit other Yemeni regions and followed earlier attacks that killed at least 74 people. The … Continue reading US airstrikes killed 12 people in Yemen’s capital, the Houthi rebels say

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Germany: Police launch manhunt over Bad Nauheim killing

German police are searching for the suspect or suspects behind the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old man and his 28-year-old son-in-law, both Turkish nationals, in Bad Nauheim on Saturday. The victims had no prior police records, and a personal motive is suspected. Special forces and helicopters joined the manhunt, though two initial arrests were later dismissed. Authorities say there is no public danger but advised … Continue reading Germany: Police launch manhunt over Bad Nauheim killing

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

‘Professional failures’ led to killing of Palestinian medics in Gaza, says Israeli military

An Israeli military investigation found “professional failures” led to the March killing of 15 paramedics and first responders in Gaza, most of whom were with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The IDF cited a series of mistakes and breaches of orders but maintained there were no ethical violations. The deputy commander who ordered and took part in the attack was dismissed, while another officer was … Continue reading ‘Professional failures’ led to killing of Palestinian medics in Gaza, says Israeli military

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
World News

Ukraine reports many Russian drone attacks after truce ends

Just hours after Moscow’s 30-hour “Easter truce” ended, Ukraine reported Russian drone and rocket attacks across several regions, including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Kherson. Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych confirmed explosions in Mykolaiv, but casualties are unknown. Ukraine said Russia launched over 1,800 shelling incidents during the truce, which President Zelensky dismissed as a PR stunt. Both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with Russia claiming … Continue reading Ukraine reports many Russian drone attacks after truce ends

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Politics

Van Hollen meets with Abrego Garcia; El Salvador says inmate will remain in custody

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) traveled to El Salvador this week to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old illegal immigrant deported from Maryland to a high-security prison in El Salvador. After repeated denials, Van Hollen was finally allowed to visit Garcia on Thursday night. U.S. courts had ruled Garcia’s deportation was an administrative error and ordered his return, but El Salvador has refused to release … Continue reading Van Hollen meets with Abrego Garcia; El Salvador says inmate will remain in custody

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Archaeology

IDF to allow rare visit to ‘Solomon’s Pools’ archaeological site in West Bank

The Israel Defense Forces will permit a group of Israelis to visit “Solomon’s Pools,” an ancient site near Bethlehem in the West Bank’s Area A, which is typically off-limits to Israeli citizens without military approval. The tour, organized by the Kfar Etzion Field School, will take place during Passover and include bulletproof buses and IDF security. Though named after King Solomon, the pools were actually … Continue reading IDF to allow rare visit to ‘Solomon’s Pools’ archaeological site in West Bank

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

A ‘fireball’ lights up Mexico City skies

A bright object that lit up the skies over Mexico City early Wednesday, initially thought to be a meteorite, was identified by scientists as a bolide, or a fireball. The object, about 1.5 meters long, disintegrated in the atmosphere and posed no threat to the public. It sparked awe and quickly became a viral sensation on social media, with memes and jokes circulating, the Associated … Continue reading A ‘fireball’ lights up Mexico City skies

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

NASA developing 1st-ever space-based quantum sensor for gravity measurements

Scientists are developing a quantum sensor for low Earth orbit that can detect tiny changes in Earth’s gravity, caused by factors like moving water or tectonic shifts. This device could help map underground features such as aquifers and mineral deposits, crucial for navigation, resource management, and national security. The sensor, based on atom interferometry, uses cooled atoms and lasers to measure gravity changes with extreme … Continue reading NASA developing 1st-ever space-based quantum sensor for gravity measurements

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Space

Astronomers say they’ve found strongest ever ‘hints’ of life beyond our solar system

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected potential signs of life on the exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away. The team found two chemicals, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide, which are typically produced by life on Earth. While the findings suggest the possibility of biological activity, researchers caution that more observations are needed to confirm these results. K2-18b, an ocean world in … Continue reading Astronomers say they’ve found strongest ever ‘hints’ of life beyond our solar system

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

U.K. touts successful test of new radio wave weapon to take down “swarms of drones”

The U.K. military has successfully tested a new weapon designed to counter drone swarms. The “RapidDestroyer,” a Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) developed by Thales, tracked, targeted, and defeated over 100 drones during a test in Wales. This system uses radio waves to disrupt or damage drone components, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defenses at about $0.18 per shot. The RF DEW … Continue reading U.K. touts successful test of new radio wave weapon to take down “swarms of drones”

Unknown's avatarbcbegley
Technology

Google is gifting a year of Gemini Advanced to every college student in the US

Google CEO Sundar Pichai aims to reach 500 million Gemini users by the end of 2025. To help achieve this, Google is offering US college students free access to Gemini Advanced for a year. This includes premium features like Pro models, Deep Research, Veo 2 video generator, and 2TB of Google Drive storage through the Google One AI Premium plan. The offer is available until … Continue reading Google is gifting a year of Gemini Advanced to every college student in the US

Unknown's avatarbcbegley