United States
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.
Christa Pike Unconscious on Ventilator After Failed Execution
Christa Pike remains unconscious and dependent on a ventilator after surviving Tennessee’s attempt to execute her. Her lawyers say failed intravenous lines caused pentobarbital to enter surrounding tissue, leaving both arms swollen, burned and blistered.
US Suspends Consular Services Across Brazil Days Before Presidential Election
The United States has suspended consular services across Brazil after a reported threat against its diplomatic facilities. The unexplained shutdown, two days before a closely fought presidential election, has added to an already tense political atmosphere.
US Military Buildup Intensifies as 9,000 Troops Head to Middle East
The United States is sending approximately 9,000 sailors and Marines aboard seven warships towards the Middle East, significantly expanding its military presence as diplomacy with Iran stalls and President Donald Trump considers renewed strikes.
New York Attorney General Takes Over Cornell University Gang-Rape Investigation
New York’s attorney general will investigate allegations that a Cornell student was drugged and sexually assaulted by fraternity members in 2024, after a civil lawsuit raised serious questions about the original police, prosecutorial and university responses.
Pentagon Creates Autonomous Warfare Command to Lead US Autonomous Warfare
The Pentagon has announced AutoWarCom, a four-star command dedicated to drones, robotics and AI-enabled warfare. Expected to become operational in 2027, it will accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous systems across the US military.