B.C. Begley

California police officer dies after pursuit ends in high-speed collision

Officer Alec Sanders, a 28-year-old member of the Alhambra Police Department, was killed early Thursday during a high-speed pursuit when a fleeing SUV collided with his patrol vehicle. A female passenger in the suspect’s vehicle also died, while another passenger was critically injured and the driver sustained moderate injuries. Sanders, who previously served with the Long Beach Police Department, had joined Alhambra’s force eight months … Continue reading California police officer dies after pursuit ends in high-speed collision

Former GOP staffer charged with fabricating anti-MAGA assault

Former congressional staffer Natalie Greene, 26, has been charged with conspiracy and making false statements after allegedly staging a politically motivated attack against herself. Prosecutors say Greene and a co-conspirator fabricated a story that three men assaulted her, bound her with zip ties, and carved derogatory political messages into her skin. Investigators later found that Greene had paid a scarification artist for the cuts and … Continue reading Former GOP staffer charged with fabricating anti-MAGA assault

Indicted House Dem will step down from committee leadership position

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, is stepping down from her leadership role on a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee after being indicted, as required by House Democratic Caucus rules. She faces charges of stealing federal disaster relief funds, funneling the money into her congressional campaign through straw donors, and conspiring to file a false tax return. Cherfilus-McCormick called the indictment a “baseless” and “unjust sham,” … Continue reading Indicted House Dem will step down from committee leadership position

In reversal, DOJ says Comey indictment was reviewed by full grand jury

Federal prosecutors reversed their position Thursday and said the full grand jury had reviewed and approved the two-count indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, contradicting statements made in court the previous day. During Wednesday’s hearing, U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons both testified that the revised indictment was never shown to the entire grand jury, prompting Comey’s attorney to argue … Continue reading In reversal, DOJ says Comey indictment was reviewed by full grand jury

Maine Mom Challenges Court Order Forbidding Her to Take Daughter to Church

The Maine Supreme Court is reviewing a lower-court order that bars a mother from taking her 12-year-old daughter to church after the child’s father claimed the religious environment caused psychological harm. The district court restricted nearly all religious activity for the girl after an expert witness described the family’s evangelical church as “cultic” and linked its teachings to the child’s anxiety and panic attacks. Liberty … Continue reading Maine Mom Challenges Court Order Forbidding Her to Take Daughter to Church

French general: Country must prepare to ‘lose its children’ in war with Russia

France’s new armed forces chief, Gen. Fabien Mandon, warned that the country must be ready to “lose its children” in a potential war with Russia within the next three to four years, citing a lack of societal “spirit” to endure necessary sacrifices. His remarks, linking France’s rearmament to the ongoing war in Ukraine, sparked backlash across the political spectrum, with critics accusing him of warmongering … Continue reading French general: Country must prepare to ‘lose its children’ in war with Russia

Police chopper forced to take evasive action after targeted by UFO over air base

A police helicopter had a terrifying encounter with high-speed, unidentified drones over RAF Lakenheath in November 2024, forcing emergency evasive maneuvers. Witnesses described the objects as “tic-tac” shaped, echoing similar Navy sightings in 2004, and logs indicate the drones appeared to pursue and mirror the helicopter’s movements at speeds around 160 mph. Initial reports dismissed the incident as a misidentified F-15 fighter jet, but pilot … Continue reading Police chopper forced to take evasive action after targeted by UFO over air base

Fire erupts at UN Cop30 conference in Brazil sending delegates fleeing

A massive fire broke out at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, forcing a mass evacuation of hundreds, including foreign ministers. The blaze, which may have started from a generator failure or short circuit near the China pavilion, spread to multiple neighboring pavilions, sending thick smoke through the venue. Dozens of firefighters responded, and while no one was burned, many were treated for smoke … Continue reading Fire erupts at UN Cop30 conference in Brazil sending delegates fleeing

Schumer, Jeffries accuse Trump of calling for ‘execution of elected officials’

President Trump posted on Truth Social accusing six Democratic lawmakers of sedition, calling their actions “punishable by death” and reposting a user advocating hanging them. Congressional Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, condemned the posts as explicit threats that could incite political violence and called for Trump to delete them. The posts targeted Democrats who had appeared in a viral video urging military … Continue reading Schumer, Jeffries accuse Trump of calling for ‘execution of elected officials’

US court blocks Texas from using newly redrawn voting maps

A federal court blocked Texas from using new Republican-drawn voting maps for the 2026 midterms, ruling they were racially gerrymandered, and ordered the state to use its 2021 congressional lines instead. Governor Greg Abbott has appealed to the Supreme Court. The maps, passed in August, added five Republican-leaning districts, while similar disputes over redistricting have occurred in California and Utah, the BBC has reported. Critics … Continue reading US court blocks Texas from using newly redrawn voting maps

bcbegleyNovember 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Massachusetts law will fine homeowners $200 for common yard maintenance practice

Massachusetts homeowners in Arlington face fines of up to $200 for using gas-powered leaf blowers under a new upkeep and noise-control law, which phases in a full ban for homeowners by March 15, 2026. Electric blowers remain legal year-round but with time restrictions. The rules also apply to hired landscapers, and first-time offenders receive warnings before fines escalate. The law reflects a broader national push … Continue reading Massachusetts law will fine homeowners $200 for common yard maintenance practice

Botulism cases in infants rise to 31 amid ongoing recall of ByHeart baby formula, FDA says

Cases of infant botulism linked to ByHeart baby formula have doubled to at least 31 across 15 states since Aug. 9, according to the FDA, though no deaths have been reported. Symptoms include poor feeding, muscle weakness, and breathing difficulties. Despite an expanded recall, the formula remains on store shelves and online. Parents of affected infants have filed lawsuits alleging the product was defective and … Continue reading Botulism cases in infants rise to 31 amid ongoing recall of ByHeart baby formula, FDA says

Alleged plot to bribe a juror with $100,000 upends former heavyweight boxer’s NYC drug trial

Three men were arrested for attempting to bribe a juror with $100,000 in the Brooklyn trial of former heavyweight boxer Goran Gogic, prompting a federal judge to dismiss the jury. Gogic faces charges of smuggling over 18 tons of cocaine to Europe via U.S. ports. The bribery plot, captured in recorded conversations, involved multiple meetings with a juror. The trial will resume with an anonymous … Continue reading Alleged plot to bribe a juror with $100,000 upends former heavyweight boxer’s NYC drug trial

Business

Sharp disagreements over economy threaten Federal Reserve interest rate cut

What once seemed a near-certain Federal Reserve rate cut in December now looks uncertain, with officials divided over whether inflation or weak hiring poses a greater threat. Some policymakers, like Boston Fed President Susan Collins, favor keeping rates steady to curb persistent price increases, while others, such as Fed Governor Christopher Waller, emphasize sluggish hiring and support a cut. The Fed faces heightened uncertainty due … Continue reading Sharp disagreements over economy threaten Federal Reserve interest rate cut

House votes against censuring Rep. Plaskett over texting Epstein during congressional hearing

The House voted 214-209-3 against censuring Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) or removing her from the Intelligence Committee over texts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2019, Plaskett exchanged messages with Epstein during a congressional hearing, using some information he provided to question former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. Plaskett defended her actions, saying she sought information to “get at the truth” and did not consider … Continue reading House votes against censuring Rep. Plaskett over texting Epstein during congressional hearing

Teen who died on Carnival cruise was found under bed, stepbrother under investigation

Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Florida, was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 8, under a bed wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests. The cause of death has not been determined. Investigators are examining possible causes, including an altercation with her stepbrother, a medical emergency, or an overdose, and are reviewing security footage and access records. A court … Continue reading Teen who died on Carnival cruise was found under bed, stepbrother under investigation

Arrests now top 250 in immigration crackdown across North Carolina

Federal agents have arrested over 250 people in a North Carolina immigration crackdown focused on Charlotte, part of President Trump’s nationwide mass deportation efforts targeting both big cities and small towns. The operation, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” has spread to the Raleigh area, causing fear in immigrant communities, protests, school absenteeism, and business closures. DHS says it is focusing on criminal illegal immigrants but has … Continue reading Arrests now top 250 in immigration crackdown across North Carolina

Trump to meet with New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at White House on Friday

President Donald Trump announced he will meet with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday, November 21. Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in both the primary and general elections, requested the meeting. Trump, who had endorsed Cuomo and threatened to withhold federal funds if Mamdani won, referred to Mamdani as a “communist mayor” in … Continue reading Trump to meet with New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at White House on Friday

Democrats help save GOP Rep. Cory Mills’ committee seats

House Democrats joined Republicans on Wednesday to defeat a measure that would have removed Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) from the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees. The motion, forced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-La.), passed 310 to 103 to refer the measure to the House Ethics Committee, which announced an investigation into Mills over allegations of domestic abuse, stolen valor, and financial misconduct—all denied by … Continue reading Democrats help save GOP Rep. Cory Mills’ committee seats

All 267 passengers and crew rescued after South Korean ferry runs aground

All 267 passengers aboard the South Korean ferry Queen Jenuvia 2 were rescued after the vessel ran aground on rocks near Jogdo Island off the country’s south-east coast. The 26,000-tonne ferry, traveling from Jeju to Mokpo, remains stuck on a reef but is stable with no risk of sinking or capsizing. Twenty-seven people sustained minor injuries, and passengers described the impact as a loud bang … Continue reading All 267 passengers and crew rescued after South Korean ferry runs aground

Mount Semeru volcano eruption in Indonesia prompts evacuations

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru, Java’s highest peak, erupted on Wednesday, sending hot ash, lava, and gas up to 7 km down its slopes and prompting authorities to raise the alert to the highest level. More than 300 residents from three villages in Lumajang district were evacuated, and the danger zone was extended to 8 km from the crater, with people advised to avoid the Besuk Kobokan … Continue reading Mount Semeru volcano eruption in Indonesia prompts evacuations

China to suspend imports of Japanese seafood in latest escalation over Taiwan comments

China has announced a suspension of Japanese seafood imports, escalating tensions after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo could take military action if China attacks Taiwan. Beijing cited concerns over treated Fukushima wastewater but framed the move as a response to Takaichi’s comments, calling them damaging to China-Japan relations. The dispute has prompted travel warnings, diplomatic summoning, and heightened rhetoric, including threats of severe … Continue reading China to suspend imports of Japanese seafood in latest escalation over Taiwan comments

Archaeology

Typhoon reveals ancient ship buried for centuries

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck central Vietnam on November 7, bringing powerful winds, heavy flooding, and widespread destruction. The storm also unearthed the centuries-old wooden frame of a merchant ship buried beneath Tan Thanh beach in Hoi An, estimated to be 55 feet long and 16 feet wide. Carbon dating confirmed the ship was built between the 14th and 16th centuries, during Hoi An’s height as a … Continue reading Typhoon reveals ancient ship buried for centuries

Business

JetBlue to add Milan, Barcelona flights next year in push for high-spending travelers

JetBlue Airways will expand its European network next year with daily seasonal flights from Boston to Milan starting May 11 and Barcelona beginning April 16. The airline is using its long-range Airbus A321LR planes, allowing single-aisle jets to operate transatlantic routes more efficiently and cost-effectively than larger twin-aisle aircraft. These new routes target higher-paying vacationers with JetBlue’s profitable Mint business class, complementing its existing service … Continue reading JetBlue to add Milan, Barcelona flights next year in push for high-spending travelers