B.C. Begley

Biden gets defensive when pushed on who’s ‘commanding’ Hurricane Helene response

President Biden addressed the federal response to Hurricane Helene, pledging to visit affected areas but stating his visit could disrupt relief efforts if done too soon. During the press conference, Biden grew defensive when questioned about his leadership over the weekend, emphasizing his involvement via phone calls. He assured the public that his team, including FEMA, the National Guard, and the Department of Defense, is … Continue reading Biden gets defensive when pushed on who’s ‘commanding’ Hurricane Helene response

Ryan Routh pleads not guilty in alleged Trump assassination attempt

Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty to five charges in federal court in West Palm Beach. His attorney, Kristy Militello, entered the plea and requested a trial. Routh, 58, was indicted for attempted assassination, firearm possession, and other related crimes. Authorities allege Routh was spotted with a rifle near Trump while he was golfing on Sept. 15 … Continue reading Ryan Routh pleads not guilty in alleged Trump assassination attempt

Thousands told to stay home a day after bio lab fire sent a plume containing chlorine high into the air

A fire at the BioLab industrial plant in Conyers, Georgia, led to a chemical reaction that prompted the evacuation of around 17,000 residents on Sunday and resulted in a shelter-in-place advisory for about 90,000 people. Residents were advised to stay indoors with windows closed due to lingering chlorine in the air, which can cause respiratory issues. The fire, which broke out early Sunday and was … Continue reading Thousands told to stay home a day after bio lab fire sent a plume containing chlorine high into the air

‘Rust’ armorer denied new trial, conviction upheld for fatal shooting

A New Mexico judge has denied Hannah Gutierrez Reed’s request for a new trial, upholding her involuntary manslaughter conviction related to the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust.” Gutierrez Reed, who was the film’s armorer responsible for firearms, was sentenced to 18 months in custody. Her conviction stemmed from a live round fired from a prop gun held by actor … Continue reading ‘Rust’ armorer denied new trial, conviction upheld for fatal shooting

Helene kills over 100; Homes and memories washed away

Residents in western North Carolina, cut off from power and cellular service after Hurricane Helene, lined up for fresh water and to contact loved ones on Monday. The storm has resulted in at least 121 deaths across six states, with North Carolina’s Asheville region reporting at least 35 fatalities. Government officials and aid groups are working to deliver supplies to the area by airlift and … Continue reading Helene kills over 100; Homes and memories washed away

Pope ends troubled Belgium visit by doubling down on abortion and women and praising abuse victims

Pope Francis concluded his contentious visit to Belgium by reaffirming his traditional views on women and abortion, and calling for Catholic bishops to stop protecting predator priests. During a press conference on his flight home, he praised the late King Baudouin for abdicating for a day in 1990 to avoid signing an abortion legalization law, describing his actions as courageous. Francis faced criticism for labeling … Continue reading Pope ends troubled Belgium visit by doubling down on abortion and women and praising abuse victims

Mexico counting dead from ‘zombie storm’ John

At least 15 people have died in Mexico due to Hurricane John, confirmed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The storm initially made landfall as a category three hurricane, weakened, and then regenerated, earning the term “zombie storm.” Heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding, cutting off residents and causing significant damage. Local media report death tolls of over 20, with some estimates as high as … Continue reading Mexico counting dead from ‘zombie storm’ John

Israel hits Yemen’s infrastructure again

The Israeli military has launched significant airstrikes on Yemen for the second time in over two months, targeting key ports and power stations operated by the Iran-backed Houthis. The latest attack on the Ras Isa and Hodeidah ports resulted in major explosions, killing at least four and injuring dozens. This escalation comes amid ongoing Israeli bombardments in Gaza and Lebanon, where over 41,000 Palestinians have … Continue reading Israel hits Yemen’s infrastructure again

Ukraine Says It Struck Cache of Iranian Missiles in Russia

Ukraine reported an overnight strike on a weapons stockpile in Russia’s Volgograd region, potentially targeting newly arrived missiles from Iran. The Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed to have hit the cache near Kotluban, with indications of fire and ammunition detonation observed at the site. Unverified social media footage showed a significant blaze. Russia’s defense ministry noted it faced a swarm of 125 Ukrainian drones but did … Continue reading Ukraine Says It Struck Cache of Iranian Missiles in Russia

Israeli Special Forces Launch Raids Into Lebanon Ahead of Possible Ground Incursion

Israeli commandos are currently conducting a raid in southern Lebanon, with indications that more forces may be deployed, according to a senior U.S. official. This follows earlier intelligence-gathering operations as Israel prepares for a potential limited ground offensive. However, U.S. officials believe Israel is not ready for a major ground incursion due to troop strain from ongoing operations in Gaza. Former Israeli military intelligence chief … Continue reading Israeli Special Forces Launch Raids Into Lebanon Ahead of Possible Ground Incursion

Man charged with arson after setting fire to stop ‘imaginary people’

Waylon William St. John, a resident of Farmland, was charged with two counts of Level 4 felony arson following a house fire on Windsor Road on October 25, 2023. According to court documents, St. John initially misled authorities about the presence of individuals trapped inside the home. Firefighters found no one inside, and St. John later admitted he was confused when he called 911, claiming … Continue reading Man charged with arson after setting fire to stop ‘imaginary people’

Archaeology

50 “exceptionally well-preserved” Viking skeletons unearthed in Denmark

Archaeologists have discovered over 50 well-preserved Viking skeletons at a burial site in Åsum, dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Michael Borre Lundø, an archaeologist at Museum Odense, noted the rarity of finding so many intact skeletons simultaneously, which will allow for extensive scientific analyses on health, diet, and origins. The site spans 2,000 square meters, and the skeletons are expected to yield … Continue reading 50 “exceptionally well-preserved” Viking skeletons unearthed in Denmark

Space

Europe will launch a satellite in 2027 just to watch it burn

The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch the Destructive Reentry Assessment Container Object (DRACO) satellite in 2027 to study how satellites break apart during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. ESA has contracted Deimos to develop DRACO, which will collect data on the disintegration process and its environmental impact, including interactions with the upper atmosphere. The 440-pound spacecraft will feature a capsule designed to withstand reentry … Continue reading Europe will launch a satellite in 2027 just to watch it burn

Space

NASA Inspector Issues Warning About Growing Cracks Leaking Air From Space Station

A recent report from NASA’s inspector general highlights serious concerns over leaks in the tunnel connecting the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) to a docking port. The report describes ongoing cracks and air leaks as a major safety risk, with the leak rate increasing significantly from under 1 pound per day in February to 3.7 pounds in April. NASA and Roscosmos are … Continue reading NASA Inspector Issues Warning About Growing Cracks Leaking Air From Space Station

Space

SpaceX to launch capsule that will bring two stranded astronauts back from space station

SpaceX is preparing to launch two crew members to the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday, weather permitting. The Crew Dragon capsule will carry NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, with liftoff scheduled for 1:17 p.m. ET from Florida’s Cape Canaveral. They will join five others onboard the ISS, rounding out the Expedition 72 team, and are set to stay until February, … Continue reading SpaceX to launch capsule that will bring two stranded astronauts back from space station

Business

Port workers from Maine to Texas are set to strike

Longshore workers at ports from Maine to Texas plan to strike early Tuesday, potentially causing significant disruptions to the U.S. economy. The strike may halt the flow of various goods at nearly all cargo ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, affecting items like food, clothing, and auto parts critical for factory operations. Negotiations are between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International … Continue reading Port workers from Maine to Texas are set to strike

Business

Dow jumps 100 points to close at a record

The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a new record on Friday, gaining 137.89 points (0.33%) to close at 42,313.00, marking its highest-ever closing level. The S&P 500 dipped 0.13% to 5,738.17, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.39% to 18,119.59, partly due to a 2% decline in Nvidia shares. All three major indices have extended their gains for three consecutive weeks, with the S&P 500 and … Continue reading Dow jumps 100 points to close at a record

Business

DirecTV, Dish reportedly close to reaching a merger agreement

DirecTV and Dish are in advanced discussions to merge, potentially creating the largest pay-TV provider in the U.S. with over 20 million subscribers, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The agreement could be announced as soon as Monday and would also include Sling TV, Dish’s streaming service. Both companies have been losing customers to more affordable streaming options, and the merger could help DirecTV-parent AT&T … Continue reading DirecTV, Dish reportedly close to reaching a merger agreement

Pope gets an earful from Belgian king over scandals and failures to respond

During a challenging visit to Belgium, Pope Francis faced strong criticism from the country’s king, prime minister, and a university rector regarding the Catholic Church’s handling of clergy sex abuse and its lack of progress on issues concerning women and the LGBTQ+ community. Before meeting with 17 abuse survivors, who shared their trauma and demanded reparations, Francis expressed remorse and pledged to ensure such abuses … Continue reading Pope gets an earful from Belgian king over scandals and failures to respond

Democrats up pressure on Supreme Court with bill adding six justices

Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), are pushing a bill to expand the Supreme Court from nine to 15 justices over 12 years and implement stricter requirements for overturning laws, including mandatory audits of justices’ tax returns. This initiative comes as Democrats seek to counter the current 6-3 Republican majority on the Court, which they attribute to former President Trump and former Senate … Continue reading Democrats up pressure on Supreme Court with bill adding six justices

Trump Meets Zelensky, Says ‘It’s Time’ for Ukraine War to End

Before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York City, former President Donald Trump stated that it is time for the Ukraine War to end, reiterating his commitment to resolving the conflict if he wins a second term. He expressed gratitude to Zelensky for defending him during the 2019 impeachment inquiry, noting that Zelensky’s assertion that Trump did nothing wrong during their phone call … Continue reading Trump Meets Zelensky, Says ‘It’s Time’ for Ukraine War to End

N.C. Gov. Republican Candidate Mark Robinson Hospitalized ‘For Burns’

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was hospitalized on Friday evening for burns sustained during a campaign event in Mt. Airy, according to his campaign. Communications Director Michael Lonergan stated that Robinson is in good spirits. Reports indicated he left the Mayberry truck show event abruptly, leading to his hospitalization. This incident follows resignations among his campaign staff after a CNN report revealed Robinson’s association … Continue reading N.C. Gov. Republican Candidate Mark Robinson Hospitalized ‘For Burns’

Opponent of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna charged with threatening her in 2022 primary

William Braddock, a former Republican congressional candidate in Florida, has been charged with threatening to send a hit squad to kill his opponent, Anna Paulina Luna, during the 2022 primary. In a recorded call, Braddock discussed using Russian and Ukrainian assassins against Luna, whom he referred to derogatorily. After moving to the Philippines, Braddock was extradited and appeared in a Los Angeles federal court. He … Continue reading Opponent of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna charged with threatening her in 2022 primary

Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast

Hurricane Helene devastated Florida and the southeastern U.S., killing at least 44 people and causing widespread destruction. The Category 4 storm, with winds of 140 mph, uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and left millions without power across several states. Rescue efforts were launched to save people trapped by floodwaters, including at a hospital in Tennessee. Significant damage was reported in Georgia and the Carolinas, where two … Continue reading Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast