United States
US Gulf Oil Shutdown Nears 1.3 Million Barrels a Day as Isaias Approaches
Hurricane Isaias has halted nearly 1.3 million barrels a day of US Gulf oil production, with 121 offshore platforms evacuated. The precautionary shutdowns add to global supply pressures as operators wait to assess damage and determine when production can resume.
Springsteen and Morello Rally Musicians Against Trump-Era Policies
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello brought protest music, voter registration and political activism together at Maryland's Power to the People Festival, one month before the US midterm elections.
Trump Rules Out Iran Strikes Before US Midterm Elections
Trump says the US will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterms, citing productive talks with Tehran. The pause removes the immediate threat of a new offensive but leaves the blockade, nuclear dispute and prospect of post-election escalation intact.
US Freezes Green-Card Sponsorship Route for TCS, Cognizant and Other IT Firms
The US has frozen a key green-card sponsorship route for TCS, Cognizant, Infosys and five other tech firms, halting new and pending PERM applications. The suspension adds uncertainty for Indian professionals, though it does not itself cancel existing H-1B visas.
Christa Pike Conscious and Speaking After Failed Execution
Christa Pike is conscious and speaking after surviving Tennessee’s failed lethal injection. She remains in intensive care with severe arm injuries as her lawyers seek evidence about the procedure and ask that her death sentence be commuted.
Whistleblower Who Exposed Lutnick’s Epstein Links Dies
British financial whistleblower Simon Andriesz has died aged 57, months after uncovering records that challenged Howard Lutnick’s account of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Suicide has been reported, but no official cause or evidence of foul play has been released.
California Woman Charged With Spying on Taiwan President’s Son for China
US authorities have arrested California realtor Wanying Zhang, accusing her of surveilling Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s son and family for Chinese officials. The case centres on an alleged Seattle operation involving photographs, video and vehicle details.
US Military Strike Kills Four on Suspected Drug Boat in Caribbean
The US military has killed four people aboard a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The strike is part of a disputed campaign that has killed at least 235 people, while Washington has released little evidence identifying its targets or their cargo.
Weak US Bond Demand Fuels Alarm as Treasury Yields Reach Multi-Decade Highs
Weak demand for long-term US government bonds is pushing Treasury yields to multi-decade highs. Buyers have not disappeared, but investors are demanding greater returns as inflation, rising interest costs and Washington’s $40 trillion debt intensify concerns.
Women Rally Under #IamJaneDoe to Protect Cornell Rape Accuser
Women are using #IamJaneDoe to defend a Cornell rape accuser’s anonymity after online attempts to reveal her identity. The campaign has spread as New York’s attorney general takes control of the reopened criminal investigation into the disputed 2024 fraternity-house allegations.
Tennessee Prison Chief Resigns After Christa Pike’s Failed Execution
Tennessee prison chief Frank Strada has resigned after Christa Pike survived two doses of pentobarbital and was left unconscious on a ventilator. Governor Bill Lee has halted executions and ordered an independent investigation.
ShinyHunters Suspect Detained in Jordan After FBI Data Theft
A suspected ShinyHunters member has reportedly been detained in Jordan and is cooperating with the FBI after hackers claimed to have stolen Social Security numbers, medical files, job details and family information covering bureau personnel.