B.C. Begley

Senate Democrats block GOP-led bill to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports

Senate Democrats unanimously voted to block the Republican-led “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act,” which sought to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at federally funded schools. The bill, introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, failed to meet the 60 votes needed to advance, with a 51-45 vote. While Republicans framed it as a fairness issue, Democrats dismissed it as a political … Continue reading Senate Democrats block GOP-led bill to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports

King Charles ‘determined to play part’ in diplomacy as he welcomes Trudeau

King Charles, aware of his global diplomatic role, met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Sandringham on Monday, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A royal source emphasized the king’s commitment to his responsibilities as a global statesman, engaging in sensitive diplomatic efforts amid rising tensions in Europe. While remaining politically neutral, Charles offers symbolic gestures and advice to leaders. Discussions with Trudeau … Continue reading King Charles ‘determined to play part’ in diplomacy as he welcomes Trudeau

Austria’s three-party government takes office, shutting out far right

Austria’s first three-party government since World War II took office on Monday, ending the country’s longest wait for a ruling coalition. The new government, formed by the conservative People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberals Neos, excludes the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which won the September election but failed to form a coalition. Chancellor Christian Stocker’s government faces challenges, including recession recovery, spending cuts, … Continue reading Austria’s three-party government takes office, shutting out far right

Starmer lays out Ukraine peace deal framework as Zelenskyy responds to resignation calls

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed a peace plan for Ukraine and Russia on Sunday, alongside French President Macron and other European leaders, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The plan calls for European countries to take on more responsibility for Ukraine’s security in exchange for a peace agreement, with the U.K. ready to deploy troops and air force assets. However, Starmer acknowledged the … Continue reading Starmer lays out Ukraine peace deal framework as Zelenskyy responds to resignation calls

California juvenile detention officers staged ‘gladiator fights’ between youth

Thirty officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Southern California have been charged with facilitating “gladiator fights” between youth in their care. A grand jury indictment claims the officers allowed or encouraged nearly 70 fights between July and December 2023, involving over 140 victims aged 12-18. Charges include child endangerment, abuse, conspiracy, and battery. The investigation began after footage surfaced showing officers watching a brutal … Continue reading California juvenile detention officers staged ‘gladiator fights’ between youth

Emergency room security guard shot and wounded in Arizona; man arrested

A security guard was shot and wounded Sunday in the emergency room of HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center in Arizona. The suspect, 30-year-old Maximillian Yanofsky, was quickly disarmed by security and staff before police arrested him. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault. A second guard sustained hand and wrist injuries. Authorities provided no motive but said Yanofsky had been brought to the hospital earlier … Continue reading Emergency room security guard shot and wounded in Arizona; man arrested

Top official at FBI New York Field Office forced to retire

FBI New York Field Office chief James Dennehy was forced to retire Monday, confirming he was given no reason for the decision. Appointed in 2024, Dennehy had clashed with the Trump administration over FBI independence, particularly regarding the Jan. 6 investigations. His exit follows the recent appointments of FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, raising concerns of political influence in the bureau. … Continue reading Top official at FBI New York Field Office forced to retire

Illinois man pleads guilty to 2022 Highland Park mass shooting

Robert Crimo III pleaded guilty to the 2022 Highland Park Independence Day parade shooting, which killed seven and injured over 40. His plea, entered just before trial opening arguments, marks a surprise reversal from his previous not-guilty stance. Crimo, 23, fired from a rooftop after disguising himself in women’s clothing, then fled before being arrested the same day. He faces a mandatory life sentence without … Continue reading Illinois man pleads guilty to 2022 Highland Park mass shooting

Firefighters gaining upper hand after more than 175 fires erupt in the Carolinas

Wildfires scorched thousands of acres across South and North Carolina over the weekend, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency in South Carolina. Fueled by high winds and dry conditions, 175 fires erupted, with the largest burning over 2,000 acres in Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach. Firefighters, aided by aircraft, contained much of the blaze, preventing widespread home destruction. Another fire in Georgetown County burned … Continue reading Firefighters gaining upper hand after more than 175 fires erupt in the Carolinas

Dozens found alive in metal containers after India avalanche

An avalanche in India’s Uttarakhand state buried 54 construction workers in metal containers, killing eight and trapping others for nearly two days. Rescuers saved 46 workers, who survived due to sufficient oxygen in the containers. The 60-hour rescue operation, conducted in freezing temperatures, involved the Indian army and disaster response teams using helicopters and drones. Many of the rescued workers are receiving treatment, the BBC … Continue reading Dozens found alive in metal containers after India avalanche

Terror attack in Haifa, Israel leaves 1 dead, 4 wounded

A stabbing attack in Haifa, Israel, left one dead and four injured on Monday. Authorities are treating it as a militant attack. The attacker, an Arab Israeli recently returned from abroad, was killed by a security guard and a civilian. The victim was a 70-year-old man, while a 15-year-old boy was among the wounded. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility, Fox News … Continue reading Terror attack in Haifa, Israel leaves 1 dead, 4 wounded

UK orders $2 billion worth of air-defense missiles for Ukraine

The U.K. has placed a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) order with Thales for over 5,000 air defense missiles to support Ukraine. The deal, announced after a European leaders’ meeting in London, aims to counter increased Russian missile and drone attacks. The missiles will be produced in Belfast, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 more. Funded through UK Export Finance, the contract is the largest ever … Continue reading UK orders $2 billion worth of air-defense missiles for Ukraine

Two killed, 11 injured after car rams crowd in German city of Mannheim

A deliberate car-ramming attack in Mannheim, Germany, killed two people and injured 11 others on Monday. Authorities ruled out political or religious motives, citing the suspect’s psychological illness. The attacker, a 40-year-old German national, struck people at high speed before being arrested. The incident follows a series of similar attacks in Germany, raising security concerns, CNN has reported. Officials, including CDU leader Friedrich Merz, condemned … Continue reading Two killed, 11 injured after car rams crowd in German city of Mannheim

Pope ‘alert’ after respiratory failure

Pope Francis, 88, suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, requiring medical intervention to clear mucus from his lungs. He has resumed using an oxygen mask and ventilator but remains alert. This marks the third serious downturn since his hospitalization for pneumonia 18 days ago. His illness has prevented him from delivering the Angelus prayer in person for three weeks, and he will … Continue reading Pope ‘alert’ after respiratory failure

Trump halts all U.S. military aid to Ukraine

President Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following a clash with President Zelenskiy, citing a need to ensure the aid supports peace efforts. Trump criticized Zelenskiy for lacking gratitude and reacted strongly to comments suggesting the war’s end is far off. Despite tensions, Trump indicated a potential deal for U.S. investment in Ukraine’s minerals is still on the table. Since Russia’s invasion, the U.S. … Continue reading Trump halts all U.S. military aid to Ukraine

Space

NASA’s Europa Clipper Flies Past Mars On Its Way To Jupiter’s Icy Moon

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft successfully completed a flyby of Mars on March 1, passing just 550 miles above the planet to use its gravity for a trajectory boost toward Jupiter’s moon Europa. This maneuver, part of its 1.8-billion-mile journey, allows the spacecraft to adjust its course with a gravitational assist, saving fuel. Launched in October 2024, Europa Clipper is NASA’s first mission dedicated to exploring … Continue reading NASA’s Europa Clipper Flies Past Mars On Its Way To Jupiter’s Icy Moon

Space

Russian cargo ship docks at space station with science, spacesuit and supplies

A Russian Progress MS-30 cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station on March 1, delivering about 3 tons of supplies for the Expedition 72 crew. The spacecraft, launched from Kazakhstan two days earlier, brought food, medical supplies, a new spacesuit, and materials for scientific experiments. It also delivered fuel, water, and nitrogen to replenish the station’s resources. The Progress will remain docked for … Continue reading Russian cargo ship docks at space station with science, spacesuit and supplies

Space

Private lunar lander Blue Ghost touches down on moon with special delivery for NASA

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander successfully touched down on the Moon, making it the first private company to land a spacecraft upright without crashing. Carrying NASA experiments, including a drill and vacuum, the lander aims to support future astronaut missions. The $101 million mission is part of NASA’s effort to foster a lunar economy. Blue Ghost sent back images, including a selfie and Earth in … Continue reading Private lunar lander Blue Ghost touches down on moon with special delivery for NASA

Technology

Chinese humanoid robot is Kung Fu fighting

Chinese robotics company Unitree showcased its G1 humanoid robot performing kung fu moves, including punches and a roundhouse kick. The child-sized robot, priced from $16,000, features up to 43 joint motors, allowing it to walk, hop, and even dance. Unlike competitors like Tesla’s Optimus, the G1 is already available for purchase. Videos show it balancing after being nudged and navigating rough terrain, Futurism has reported. … Continue reading Chinese humanoid robot is Kung Fu fighting

Technology

Beijing working on enormous aircraft carrier that rivals U.S. fleet

Satellite images reveal China is developing a massive nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that could rival the largest U.S. supercarriers, analysts told NBC News. The images of China’s Dalian shipyard suggest a new design with four catapult launch points, matching American carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. Experts believe this signals the upcoming Type 004 carrier, which would be larger than China’s current Fujian and likely … Continue reading Beijing working on enormous aircraft carrier that rivals U.S. fleet

Technology

Quest to set a 450mph speed record could pioneer frictionless travel on water

Richard Noble, former land speed record holder (1983-1997), is now aiming to inspire the next world water speed record (WSR) breaker at age 79. Motivated by childhood memories of John Cobb’s Crusader, Noble acknowledges the extreme dangers of WSR, with seven out of 13 challengers since 1930 perishing. The current record of 317 mph, set by Ken Warby in 1978, remains unbeaten. Noble’s team, Thrust … Continue reading Quest to set a 450mph speed record could pioneer frictionless travel on water

Business

Walmart CEO warns food prices causing pain

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon warns that U.S. consumers are struggling as high food prices persist, with many running out of money before month’s end and opting for smaller pack sizes. While non-food prices have dropped, food costs remain elevated due to wages and input costs. Inflation, particularly rising egg prices, is adding pressure. Walmart, facing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, recently projected lower-than-expected profits. Safety and … Continue reading Walmart CEO warns food prices causing pain

Business

First quarter on track for negative GDP growth, Atlanta Fed indicator says

Early 2025 economic data signals negative growth, with the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow tracker predicting a 1.5% contraction for Q1, down from a previous 2.3% growth estimate. Lower consumer spending, weak exports, and declining consumer confidence contributed to the downgrade. Inflation cooled slightly, but jobless claims rose, and bond market signals hint at a possible recession, CNBC has reported. Stock markets remain volatile, and traders now … Continue reading First quarter on track for negative GDP growth, Atlanta Fed indicator says

Business

Trump announces US crypto reserve

President Trump announced plans for a U.S. Crypto Reserve to boost the industry, citing attacks from the Biden administration. His executive order directs a working group to develop a Crypto Strategic Reserve including XRP, SOL, and ADA. Trump aims to make the U.S. the “Crypto Capital of the World.” The move follows the White House’s upcoming crypto summit on March 7, The Hill has reported. … Continue reading Trump announces US crypto reserve