B.C. Begley

Graham honored with memorial service at US Capitol

Former Sen. Lindsey Graham was honored during a memorial service at the U.S. Capitol following his sudden death on July 11 from an aortic dissection. Senate leaders, lawmakers from both parties, family members, and Trump administration officials gathered to remember his decades of public service. Speakers praised Graham’s humor, bipartisan relationships, and advocacy on national security issues, including support for Israel and Ukraine. Vice President … Continue reading Graham honored with memorial service at US Capitol

Kentucky governor calls on McConnell to ‘verbally address’ Kentuckians or resign

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called on Sen. Mitch McConnell to either publicly demonstrate he is able to continue serving or resign from the Senate. Beshear criticized McConnell’s absence while he recovers from a fall and pneumonia, saying important national issues require his involvement. McConnell’s office said he is undergoing physical therapy and working toward returning to his full Senate schedule. Beshear also urged Senate Majority … Continue reading Kentucky governor calls on McConnell to ‘verbally address’ Kentuckians or resign

Trump expresses frustration with Netanyahu before White House meeting

President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of their White House meeting, questioning why Netanyahu publicly discussed intelligence about Iran’s nuclear site. Trump said he already knew about Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain facility and suggested Netanyahu was sharing the information to encourage continued U.S. involvement. The meeting comes as Trump balances renewed diplomacy with Iran while warning of possible military action … Continue reading Trump expresses frustration with Netanyahu before White House meeting

Comey asks judge to drop case over seashells Instagram post

Former FBI Director James Comey asked a federal judge to dismiss charges accusing him of threatening President Trump, arguing the case violates his First Amendment rights. The charges stem from an Instagram post showing seashells arranged to form “86 47,” which prosecutors say could be interpreted as a threat, while Comey’s lawyers argue it was political expression. Comey’s defense team said the phrase “86” commonly … Continue reading Comey asks judge to drop case over seashells Instagram post

Sailor voyaging to Hawaii survives after being stranded at sea

A sailor was rescued after becoming stranded at sea during a solo voyage from Southern California to Hawaii. Kaichi Sato’s boat was disabled after strong winds and rough seas snapped his mast, leaving him without enough water and forcing him to cook with seawater. He survived for weeks by collecting rainwater before becoming dehydrated and struggling emotionally. On July 21, the crew of the container … Continue reading Sailor voyaging to Hawaii survives after being stranded at sea

Suspect in fatal Fox River boat crash ordered detained

A McHenry County judge ordered Richard M. Stevenson held without pretrial release after a fatal boat crash on the Fox River. Prosecutors allege Stevenson was driving a high-powered pontoon boat at speeds over 80 mph while drinking alcohol when he struck another boat, killing a woman. Witnesses said Stevenson drank Fireball whisky before the crash, later stopped at a bar, and admitted he had been … Continue reading Suspect in fatal Fox River boat crash ordered detained

Michigan authorities identify man they say killed wife and six children before home fire

Authorities in Michigan identified Kristopher Karolkiewicz as the man who killed his wife and six children before taking his own life in a suspected murder-suicide. Autopsies confirmed that Kristopher, his wife Amanda, and their six children died from gunshot wounds, while investigators said a fire was intentionally set throughout the home afterward. The Grand Haven Township killings are being investigated as a family annihilation, a … Continue reading Michigan authorities identify man they say killed wife and six children before home fire

Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in University of Idaho murders

Bryan Kohberger, convicted in the University of Idaho murders, has filed a petition seeking to withdraw his guilty plea and challenge his conviction. Kohberger claims he received poor legal advice and was pressured into accepting a false plea deal. He pleaded guilty in 2025 to killing four University of Idaho students and received four consecutive life sentences after the death penalty was removed from consideration. … Continue reading Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in University of Idaho murders

Chad announces intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court

Chad has announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing the tribunal of being ineffective and unfairly targeting African nations. The country has formally begun the withdrawal process, which will take at least one year to complete. Chad joins Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in moving to leave the court since 2025. The ICC is also facing other challenges, including the recent removal … Continue reading Chad announces intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court

Bosnian authorities investigate desecration and fire damage at Medjugorje Virgin Mary shrine

Authorities in Bosnia are investigating the vandalism of a Virgin Mary statue and a shrine that was damaged by fire in the pilgrimage town of Medjugorje. The statue was defaced with black paint and graffiti, while a nearby banner accused the reported visionaries of being frauds. Medjugorje has drawn millions of Catholic pilgrims since claims of Marian apparitions began in 1981. Although the Vatican has … Continue reading Bosnian authorities investigate desecration and fire damage at Medjugorje Virgin Mary shrine

Widow of murdered mayor arrested in extortion case in Mexico

Mexican authorities arrested the widow of Temoac Mayor Valentin Lavin and the town’s police chief as part of an anti-extortion investigation. Lavin was shot and killed during a town hall meeting on July 22 in the state of Morelos. Prosecutors have not said whether the arrests are connected to the mayor’s murder. Violence against local officials remains a major issue in Mexico, with dozens of … Continue reading Widow of murdered mayor arrested in extortion case in Mexico

7.1 magnitude quake shakes Japan, people missing after a shopping center collapses

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, causing widespread damage and injuries. Part of a shopping mall collapsed, leaving dozens of employees missing while others were rescued and hospitalized. A tsunami advisory was issued but lifted within two hours, and officials reported no problems at nearby nuclear power plants. Transportation was disrupted as bullet trains stopped, an airport closed, and a … Continue reading 7.1 magnitude quake shakes Japan, people missing after a shopping center collapses

Car ‘carrying explosives’ crashes in Amsterdam after police chase

A car believed to contain explosives crashed in an Amsterdam neighborhood after a police chase linked to an ATM ram-raid in Germany. Police, military personnel, and emergency crews quickly responded to the scene. Authorities evacuated homes within a 100-meter radius and cordoned off the area due to the potential explosive threat. The people inside the vehicle fled after the crash and have not been found, … Continue reading Car ‘carrying explosives’ crashes in Amsterdam after police chase

Space

Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites

A two-armed space robot launched on a private mission to extend the lives of aging satellites by attaching fuel-boosting jetpacks in orbit. Northrop Grumman’s Mission Robotic Vehicle will spend the next year reaching geosynchronous orbit before servicing three communication satellites beginning in 2027. The jetpacks are designed to give low-fuel satellites several more years of operation, potentially saving companies millions of dollars in replacement costs. … Continue reading Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites

Technology

Teachers decry plan for humanoid robot in New York high school

A New York high school has introduced a pilot program featuring a humanoid robot named Sally and an AI teaching assistant designed to provide personalized learning support. The $57,590 robot, purchased by the Cattaraugus County school district, is intended to supplement teachers and give students access to new AI and robotics tools. Teachers and community members have criticized the program, raising concerns about privacy, security, … Continue reading Teachers decry plan for humanoid robot in New York high school

Business

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino to step down

Cracker Barrel announced that CEO Julie Masino will step down on Aug. 10 and will be replaced by David Deno, who has experience in restaurant and retail leadership. Masino will remain with the company in an advisory role through October to help with the transition. Her departure follows a controversial rebranding effort that changed the company’s logo and restaurant designs, sparking customer backlash. Cracker Barrel … Continue reading Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino to step down

Business

Oil prices plunge and stocks rise after US pauses attacks on Iran

Oil prices dropped and global stocks rose after the U.S. paused military strikes on Iran and avoided a major escalation of the conflict. Crude prices fell about 6%, briefly dropping below $90 a barrel after previously rising above $100 during the fighting. The decline boosted markets, with major U.S. stock indexes posting gains as investors reacted to easing energy concerns. Lower oil prices could eventually … Continue reading Oil prices plunge and stocks rise after US pauses attacks on Iran

Hakeem Jeffries doubles down on Dems’ and affordability ahead of midterms

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries launched a 100-day campaign push ahead of the midterm elections, focusing on lowering costs for Americans. Jeffries said Democrats would prioritize reducing expenses for groceries, gas, housing, and healthcare if they regain control of Congress. He also highlighted plans to challenge Trump administration policies on immigration, the Iran war, and the release of additional Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. Democrats need … Continue reading Hakeem Jeffries doubles down on Dems’ and affordability ahead of midterms

GOP senators warn confidence in Hegseth eroding as Iran war drags on

Republican senators are expressing growing concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership as the war with Iran continues without a clear resolution. Some GOP lawmakers say the Pentagon failed to anticipate prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, rising costs, and attacks by Iran-backed groups on U.S. allies and shipping routes. Critics have also questioned the removal of senior military leaders and whether changes at … Continue reading GOP senators warn confidence in Hegseth eroding as Iran war drags on

Trump tells Thune to keep Senate in session to pass SAVE America Act

President Donald Trump pressured Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep lawmakers in session until Republicans pass the SAVE America Act or eliminate the Senate filibuster. Trump argued that ending the filibuster would allow Republicans to quickly advance their legislative priorities. The push comes as Trump urges GOP senators to pass election-related legislation and a party-line spending package before the August recess. Some Republican senators, … Continue reading Trump tells Thune to keep Senate in session to pass SAVE America Act

Netanyahu and Zelenskyy to arrive in Washington for Graham funeral

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are traveling to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump during critical moments in their countries’ conflicts. Both leaders will attend the funeral of former Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally who supported Israel and Ukraine. Netanyahu’s meeting comes amid rising tensions with Trump over the Iran conflict, ceasefire efforts, and disagreements involving regional policy. … Continue reading Netanyahu and Zelenskyy to arrive in Washington for Graham funeral

Argentine leader calls Brazilian president a ‘thief’ and a ‘convict’

Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after accusing President Javier Milei of insulting Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other officials. Milei made the remarks during a rally in São Paulo supporting Flávio Bolsonaro, who is running against Lula in Brazil’s upcoming presidential election. The Argentine leader criticized Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes while backing the Bolsonaro family’s political movement. … Continue reading Argentine leader calls Brazilian president a ‘thief’ and a ‘convict’

Son of retired NYPD sergeant, 12, killed in Bronx stray shooting; suspect charged

A 12-year-old Bronx boy, Jacob Freytes, was killed by stray gunfire while walking to a nearby store, according to police. Freytes, known as “Kai,” was the son of retired NYPD Detective Sgt. Jesus Freytes, and his death has prompted mourning from family, friends, and law enforcement. Police arrested 45-year-old William Ferrer, who is accused of firing into a group during an argument in the Mount … Continue reading Son of retired NYPD sergeant, 12, killed in Bronx stray shooting; suspect charged

Four dead after driver fleeing traffic stop careens off bridge, strikes train in Chicago

A driver fleeing a traffic stop in Chicago died after losing control of a vehicle, driving off a bridge, and crashing into a freight train. The incident began when Chicago police attempted to stop the vehicle after someone inside allegedly pointed a gun at another driver. Illinois State Police later located the vehicle and began a pursuit after the driver fled again. The crash killed … Continue reading Four dead after driver fleeing traffic stop careens off bridge, strikes train in Chicago