Anthropic closes $30 billion funding round as cash keeps flowing into top AI startups

Anthropic has closed a $30 billion funding round at a $380 billion valuation, making it the second-largest private tech fundraising behind OpenAI’s $40 billion round last year. The company, founded by former OpenAI researchers, is expanding its enterprise-focused AI offerings, including Claude and the coding tool Claude Code, which now generates $2.5 billion in annualized revenue. The fresh capital will support infrastructure, research, and continued … Continue reading Anthropic closes $30 billion funding round as cash keeps flowing into top AI startups

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Apple sees $200 billion market-cap wipeout as stock slides on AI fears

Apple’s stock fell 5% Thursday, wiping out $202 billion in market value, after reports suggested delays in rolling out an upgraded version of its Siri assistant. The tech giant had planned to release new Siri features with iOS 26.4 in March, but testing issues may push some updates to iOS 26.5 in May and iOS 27 in September. Problems include Siri relying too heavily on … Continue reading Apple sees $200 billion market-cap wipeout as stock slides on AI fears

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

GOP senators express relief over failed DOJ effort to indict Democrats

Republican senators widely agreed that a video by Sens. Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin urging military members to refuse unlawful orders was inappropriate, but they supported the grand jury’s decision not to indict the lawmakers. GOP leaders, including Roger Wicker, Thom Tillis, and Chuck Grassley, expressed relief that the Justice Department’s attempt to bring criminal charges failed, calling it political “lawfare” and a misuse of … Continue reading GOP senators express relief over failed DOJ effort to indict Democrats

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Dems dig in, guarantee shutdown with block of DHS funding

Lawmakers are leaving Washington, D.C., without a deal to prevent a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senate Democrats blocked a full-year funding bill and a short-term extension, demanding strict reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With both chambers on recess, DHS is expected to close at midnight Friday unless an agreement is reached. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers … Continue reading Dems dig in, guarantee shutdown with block of DHS funding

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Arizona sheriff blocking FBI from key evidence in escalating Guthrie case: source

The FBI has requested key evidence, including a glove and DNA found in Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home, to process at its national crime lab in Quantico, Virginia, but Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is insisting the items be sent to a private lab in Florida instead. Federal officials say this decision risks delaying the investigation and criticized the sheriff’s office for not involving the FBI … Continue reading Arizona sheriff blocking FBI from key evidence in escalating Guthrie case: source

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

DOJ accused of ‘spying’ on members of Congress’ Epstein searches

Lawmakers accused the Department of Justice of tracking their searches of unredacted Epstein files, with Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly using a binder showing members’ search histories during a House Judiciary Committee hearing. Democrats called the move a violation of the separation of powers and a form of intimidation, with Rep. Pramila Jayapal and others demanding investigations by the DOJ’s inspector general. Republicans expressed concern … Continue reading DOJ accused of ‘spying’ on members of Congress’ Epstein searches

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Kim Jong Un’s daughter close to being designated future leader, says spy agency

South Korea’s intelligence agency believes that Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and around 13 years old, is being positioned as his successor, marking a potential fourth-generation leadership in North Korea. Intelligence officials note her increasingly prominent appearances at missile tests, military parades, factory openings, and diplomatic events, including a 2023 visit to Beijing with her father. Her presence at the … Continue reading Kim Jong Un’s daughter close to being designated future leader, says spy agency

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Gabbard Whistleblower Complaint Based on Intercepted Conversation About Jared Kushner

A highly classified whistleblower complaint involving Tulsi Gabbard centers on a foreign-intelligence conversation last year discussing Jared Kushner, though officials say the claims about him appear false. The complaint alleges Gabbard delayed sharing the intelligence with Congress for political purposes after meeting with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. A heavily redacted version of the complaint was provided to select lawmakers, who could only … Continue reading Gabbard Whistleblower Complaint Based on Intercepted Conversation About Jared Kushner

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Black gloves found in search for Nancy Guthrie, sources close to the investigation say

Investigators searching for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie found a pair of black gloves near her Arizona home, which will be tested for DNA and may match footage of a person seen outside her house. The FBI released a description of a male suspect, about 5’9”–5’10” with an average build, wearing a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack and a distinctive ski mask. Authorities have been following … Continue reading Black gloves found in search for Nancy Guthrie, sources close to the investigation say

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

2-year-old rescued from claw machine that decides who will go and who will stay

A 2-year-old boy, Cooper King, caused a stir in Webster Groves, Missouri, when he crawled into a claw machine at the Vetta Sports – Soccerdome on February 7, 2026. Cooper wandered off while his family watched his older brother play soccer and ended up playing happily inside the machine for about 20 minutes. Bystanders, including police and firefighters, gathered around as a service technician eventually … Continue reading 2-year-old rescued from claw machine that decides who will go and who will stay

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Eyewitness video of mysterious craft hovering over El Paso upends ‘party balloon’ claims

New video from El Paso, Texas, appears to show a large hovering UFO releasing smaller objects, contradicting official claims that a party balloon prompted a temporary U.S. airspace shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration had closed a ten-mile-wide area near El Paso International Airport for “special security reasons” on February 10, affecting all commercial and general aviation, but quickly reversed the order. Witnesses submitted multiple sightings … Continue reading Eyewitness video of mysterious craft hovering over El Paso upends ‘party balloon’ claims

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Border czar says Minnesota immigration crackdown is over

The Trump administration is ending its large‑scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, known as “Operation Metro Surge,” after weeks of protests and criticism. The crackdown, led by federal immigration agents, resulted in thousands of arrests and sparked significant backlash following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens during confrontations. Border czar Tom Homan announced the drawdown of federal officers, saying the mission achieved its goals … Continue reading Border czar says Minnesota immigration crackdown is over

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

FBI reveals description of suspect and backpack he was wearing in Guthrie case

The FBI released a description of the suspect in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, describing him as 5’9”–5’10” with an average build and carrying a black 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack. The agency raised the reward to $100,000 for information leading to her location or the arrest of those responsible. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department conducted searches near her home in the Catalina … Continue reading FBI reveals description of suspect and backpack he was wearing in Guthrie case

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Syrian army takes control of al-Tanf military base as US troops pull out

Syrian forces have taken control of the strategic al-Tanf as U.S. troops withdraw from the long-standing presence there. The Syrian Arab Army said it secured the base and its surroundings while deploying units along the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border. US Central Command described the pullout as an “orderly departure” and emphasized that U.S. forces remain ready to respond to any ISIL threats in the region. Al-Tanf was … Continue reading Syrian army takes control of al-Tanf military base as US troops pull out

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Death toll rises to 31 after Tropical Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Gezani killed at least 31 people and injured dozens after slamming into Madagascar’s main port city of Toamasina with winds exceeding 195 kph, collapsing homes and damaging infrastructure. Authorities said more than 6,000 people were displaced and about 75% of the city’s infrastructure was damaged or destroyed. The storm later weakened as it moved inland toward the capital, Antananarivo, with red alerts issued … Continue reading Death toll rises to 31 after Tropical Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Israel accuses two of using military secrets to place Polymarket bets

Israeli authorities have arrested several people and charged two suspects — a civilian and a military reservist — for allegedly using classified military information to place bets on Polymarket. Prosecutors in Tel Aviv said the suspects face bribery and obstruction of justice charges, following reports that officials wagered on sensitive events such as a potential Israeli strike on Iran. The case marks the first publicly … Continue reading Israel accuses two of using military secrets to place Polymarket bets

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Police visited home of Canada school shooting suspect multiple times over mental health concerns

Six people, including a teacher and five children, were killed in a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, with about 25 others injured. Police identified the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found at the school with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while the suspect’s mother and stepbrother were also found dead at home. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers had previously responded … Continue reading Police visited home of Canada school shooting suspect multiple times over mental health concerns

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Mexico delivers humanitarian aid to Cuba as US blockade sparks energy crisis

Two Mexican Navy ships carrying more than 800 tons of food, milk and hygiene supplies docked in Cuba on Thursday as the island’s energy crisis worsens under a tightening U.S. blockade. Donald Trump’s recent threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba have contributed to fuel shortages and rationing across the country. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the situation as an “energy blockade” that … Continue reading Mexico delivers humanitarian aid to Cuba as US blockade sparks energy crisis

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Two Navy Ships Collide in Waters Near South America

Two sailors suffered minor injuries when the USS Truxtun collided with the USNS Supply during a refueling operation in the Caribbean, military officials said. Both vessels were able to continue sailing, and the cause of the incident remains under investigation by United States Southern Command. In a separate incident, a Marine died after falling from the USS Iwo Jima during operations in the region. The … Continue reading Two Navy Ships Collide in Waters Near South America

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

SpaceX Falcon 9 deploys 24 Starlink satellites after California launch

SpaceX has expanded its Starlink satellite network again, launching 24 new satellites on Wednesday, Feb. 11, marking the third launch this month and the 12th this year. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:11 p.m. EST, successfully deploying the new satellites into low Earth orbit about an hour later. The rocket’s first-stage booster, B1100, completed its third … Continue reading SpaceX Falcon 9 deploys 24 Starlink satellites after California launch

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Hubble Space Telescope captures the stunning final breaths of a dying star

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured stunning images of the Egg Nebula in the constellation Cygnus, about 1,000 light-years away, showcasing the dramatic final stage of a dying star. The nebula features twin beams of light piercing rippling arcs of dust and gas, with the star itself illuminating the surrounding shell rather than the gas glowing on its own. As a pre-planetary nebula—the first, youngest, … Continue reading Hubble Space Telescope captures the stunning final breaths of a dying star

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Ford reports worst quarterly earnings miss in four years

Ford Motor reported its largest quarterly earnings miss in four years, with adjusted EPS of 13 cents versus 19 cents expected, largely due to unexpected tariff costs and supply disruptions from a Novelis aluminum plant fire. Despite the miss, automotive revenue came in slightly above expectations at $42.4 billion, and full-year 2025 revenue reached a record $187.3 billion, up 1% from 2024. The company posted … Continue reading Ford reports worst quarterly earnings miss in four years

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

McDonald’s earnings beat estimates as chain’s value push pays off

McDonald’s reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts’ expectations, driven by a value-focused push that has boosted customer traffic. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $3.12 versus the $3.05 expected, while revenue rose 10% to $7 billion, surpassing the $6.84 billion forecast. Same-store sales climbed 5.7% overall, led by a 6.8% increase in the U.S., with promotions like the Grinch Meal and Monopoly … Continue reading McDonald’s earnings beat estimates as chain’s value push pays off

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

January jobs report smashes expectations as payrolls grow by 130,000

The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January, exceeding expectations, while the unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.3%, according to Labor Department data. However, revised figures show that 2025 overall saw just 181,000 jobs added, the slowest annual growth outside a recession since 2003, with much of January’s gains concentrated in healthcare and construction. Government jobs continued to decline at the federal, state, and local … Continue reading January jobs report smashes expectations as payrolls grow by 130,000

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026

Rules of mysterious ancient board game decoded by AI, scientists say

Researchers in the Netherlands have identified a smooth, white Roman-era stone as an ancient board game, using AI to help reconstruct its rules. The circular limestone features straight and diagonal lines, with wear patterns suggesting pieces were slid along them. Scientists at Maastricht University trained an AI program called Ludii on 100 similar ancient games, which generated possible rule sets that were then compared to … Continue reading Rules of mysterious ancient board game decoded by AI, scientists say

bcbegleyFebruary 12, 2026