Court halts execution of Christa Gail Pike for a Tennessee murder

Tennessee halted the planned execution of Christa Gail Pike about an hour before it was scheduled after a federal appeals court agreed to review claims about her history of childhood sexual abuse and rape. Pike, now 50, was convicted of killing 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995 when Pike was 18, along with her then-boyfriend. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the stay in … Continue reading Court halts execution of Christa Gail Pike for a Tennessee murder

MI5 issues spy alert to UK universities over Chinese front company

MI5 issued a rare public warning alleging that the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) is a front for China’s Ministry of State Security and has used research partnerships with British universities to obtain sensitive technology information. The security service said more than 100 UK academics received funding or awards linked to CGTRI, with research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications, and … Continue reading MI5 issues spy alert to UK universities over Chinese front company

Russia launches largest attack on Ukraine energy infrastructure since spring

Russia launched its largest attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the spring, heavily targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas and killing at least five people, including a child. The overnight strikes hit 11 regions, damaging power facilities, homes, railways, and other civilian infrastructure while leaving some households without electricity. Ukraine’s largest private energy company restored power to thousands of homes, but authorities warned residents to limit … Continue reading Russia launches largest attack on Ukraine energy infrastructure since spring

Hundreds detained as student protests across France turn violent

More than 400 people, mostly children, were detained in France after high school students across the country protested over class sizes, teacher shortages, and long school days. The Education Ministry said about 400 schools were affected, while clashes between protesters and police occurred in several cities. Police reported that 48 officers were injured, with some protesters accused of throwing objects and hydrochloric acid and damaging … Continue reading Hundreds detained as student protests across France turn violent

Burnham says ‘strong indications Iran played a part’ in RAF Fairford ‘terror plot’

Andy Burnham said there are “strong indications” that Iran may have been involved in an alleged terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The Prime Minister said investigators believe foreign actors were involved but stressed that the police investigation remains ongoing. Five British nationals aged 23 to 25 were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism but were later released on bail. The RAF … Continue reading Burnham says ‘strong indications Iran played a part’ in RAF Fairford ‘terror plot’

Flydubai pilot attempts terror hijacking of flight to Tel Aviv, foiled by Israeli passengers

A flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after an altercation in the cockpit involving one of the pilots. Israeli officials said the incident may have been an attempted hijacking and that a major disaster was narrowly avoided after crew members subdued the pilot. The airline confirmed that the crew secured the aircraft but said the motive remains … Continue reading Flydubai pilot attempts terror hijacking of flight to Tel Aviv, foiled by Israeli passengers

Feds charge Venezuelan man shot by ICE agent with assaulting an officer

Federal prosecutors have charged a Venezuelan delivery driver who was shot by an ICE officer in Austin, Texas, with assaulting a federal officer, according to court documents.  The man, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, was shot while working for DoorDash and was later taken into ICE custody while still suffering from his injuries. Authorities say he had a final deportation order, while his attorney says he … Continue reading Feds charge Venezuelan man shot by ICE agent with assaulting an officer

Officials investigate possible new ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case

Authorities are investigating a possible new ransom note connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing from her Arizona home for nearly eight months. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI task force recently learned about the note and related social media posts and are working to determine whether they are credible. Officials previously released two ransom notes sent to a Tucson … Continue reading Officials investigate possible new ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case

Kentucky state trooper killed in shooting while patrolling highway

Kentucky State Police trooper Hayden Phillips was fatally shot Monday while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County. Phillips, 30, was a three-year veteran of the state police and was assigned to the Bowling Green area.  Authorities identified a 51-year-old Tennessee man as the suspect, who fled the scene but was later arrested in Jefferson County, about 94 miles away. The suspect … Continue reading Kentucky state trooper killed in shooting while patrolling highway

NYC Mayor Mamdani unveils multimillion-dollar plan to combat antisemitism

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled a $7.4 million plan focused on combating antisemitism through education, security and crime prevention. The plan includes funding to improve security at synagogues and Jewish nonprofit organizations, along with public education campaigns about antisemitism. City workers will receive training on Jewish experiences, while public schools will address discrimination complaints and expand student visits to Holocaust museums. The initiative … Continue reading NYC Mayor Mamdani unveils multimillion-dollar plan to combat antisemitism

Lindsay Clancy returns to court after Massachusetts murder case mistrial

Lindsay Clancy returned to court as her attorneys asked a Massachusetts judge to prevent a retrial and find her not guilty in the deaths of her three children. Her first trial ended in a mistrial after one juror prevented the 12-member jury from reaching a unanimous verdict on whether she was guilty or not criminally responsible. Clancy’s lawyers argue that the evidence supported their claim … Continue reading Lindsay Clancy returns to court after Massachusetts murder case mistrial

Jack Smith doubles down, testifies that Trump committed crimes

Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his investigations into President Donald Trump.  Smith brought two federal cases against Trump involving classified documents and alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election, but both cases ended after Trump returned to the presidency.  Republican senators, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley, questioned Smith over allegations that his investigations improperly targeted Trump … Continue reading Jack Smith doubles down, testifies that Trump committed crimes

Ancient tomb with 1,700-year-old Greek poem unearthed in Egypt

Archaeologists have discovered a 1,700-year-old pyramid-shaped tomb in Egypt’s Western Desert containing rare Greek poetry and Egyptian religious inscriptions. The tomb belonged to an influential man named Bisichthes, who was likely a judge living during the late third or early fourth century AD. A 19-line Greek mourning poem praises Bisichthes for his wisdom, with his son Sarapion addressing him and asking him to accept offerings … Continue reading Ancient tomb with 1,700-year-old Greek poem unearthed in Egypt

Poland eases engagement rules for pilots guarding against Russia

Poland plans to make it easier and faster for its military to shoot down drones and missiles that enter its airspace. Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said pilots currently must visually identify an aerial threat before firing, but the government plans to allow radar information alone to support an engagement decision. The proposed change comes after several recent Russian aerial incursions, including a Russian Mi-8 … Continue reading Poland eases engagement rules for pilots guarding against Russia

Severely disabled toddler euthanized in the Netherlands under new rules

A nearly 2-year-old child in the Netherlands has become the first child under 12 to be euthanized under rules introduced in 2024.  The child was born extremely prematurely and suffered severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other serious complications that caused unbearable suffering. Doctors and the child’s parents determined that the condition could not improve and that other treatments had failed to provide sufficient … Continue reading Severely disabled toddler euthanized in the Netherlands under new rules

At least 49 dead after airstrike near market in Myanmar’s Rakhine state

A Myanmar military airstrike near a crowded market in Kyauktaw, Rakhine State, killed at least 49 people and wounded 58 others.  The strike reportedly involved two bombs dropped near the market, which was a major trading center for the region. The Arakan Army, which controls the area, said civilians including vendors, shoppers and pedestrians were among those killed. The military has not immediately commented on … Continue reading At least 49 dead after airstrike near market in Myanmar’s Rakhine state

Estonia says Russia ordered August arson attack on defence company

Estonia has accused Russia of ordering an August arson attack on Milrem Robotics, a defence company in Tallinn that supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine.  Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the attack was an act of sabotage directed by Russian intelligence services. Estonian authorities say the suspects have been arrested and no longer pose a threat. Russia has rejected Estonia’s accusation, and Tallinn has … Continue reading Estonia says Russia ordered August arson attack on defence company

Incident at US air base in UK involved foreign state, Rubio says

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a suspected attack plot near a U.S.-used British air base involved a foreign actor. British authorities arrested five men near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses after suspicious vehicles were reported. No viable explosives were found, and the suspects were later released on bail while the investigation continues. Rubio did not identify the foreign actor or … Continue reading Incident at US air base in UK involved foreign state, Rubio says

Earth microbes survive simulated conditions of Saturn moon’s ocean

Scientists found that microbes from deep-sea hydrothermal vents can survive in laboratory conditions designed to mimic the ocean beneath Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The microbes survived highly alkaline water and produced methane by converting hydrogen and carbon dioxide, suggesting Enceladus could potentially support microbial life. Researchers based the simulated ocean on evidence from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and the James Webb Space Telescope showing water plumes, a … Continue reading Earth microbes survive simulated conditions of Saturn moon’s ocean

OpenAI pauses training of latest models after agents searched U.S. government sites in unexpected ways

OpenAI has paused training its latest AI models after agents behaved unexpectedly while interacting with U.S. government websites. The company said some agents went beyond their assigned instructions while gathering and distributing information, including accessing publicly available government data. OpenAI said no nonpublic information was exposed in the incidents, although researchers reported that some agents attempted actions such as accessing restricted areas. The company said … Continue reading OpenAI pauses training of latest models after agents searched U.S. government sites in unexpected ways

Trump says he is rolling back Biden-era US fuel economy rules for cars

President Donald Trump announced plans to roll back Biden-era fuel economy standards for cars, saying the changes would reduce vehicle costs and encourage U.S. manufacturing. The rules, known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, require automakers to meet average fuel-efficiency targets across the vehicles they sell. Under Biden’s 2024 rules, the fleetwide target was scheduled to rise from 39.1 miles per gallon to about 50.4 … Continue reading Trump says he is rolling back Biden-era US fuel economy rules for cars

Walmart vows not to use customer data for personalized pricing

Walmart CEO John Furner said the company will not use customers’ personal information or artificial intelligence to set personalized prices. He said prices may change because of factors such as product and transportation costs, but not based on a customer’s income, shopping history or urgency. Furner also said Walmart’s digital shelf labels are designed to improve price accuracy and reduce the work required to replace … Continue reading Walmart vows not to use customer data for personalized pricing

Burnham proposes NHS-style social care system for England

Andy Burnham has proposed making social care in England free at the point of use for everyone who qualifies for support. He said the system would follow NHS-style principles, with everyone contributing and everyone covered, while acknowledging that tax increases could be considered. Burnham has asked Baroness Casey to accelerate her review of social care and provide advice on how the system could be implemented. … Continue reading Burnham proposes NHS-style social care system for England

France’s far-right National Rally surges in Senate elections

France’s National Rally (RN) and its allies won a record 14 seats in the 348-member Senate, giving the party enough seats to form its first Senate group. Nine RN candidates won seats, while two candidates from Eric Ciotti’s allied Union of the Right for the Republic also won. Marine Le Pen described the results as a “historic victory” ahead of France’s next presidential election scheduled … Continue reading France’s far-right National Rally surges in Senate elections

S Korea demands Ukraine apology over disclosure of N Korea’s POW transfer

South Korea demanded an explanation and apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Seoul said the transfer had been covered by a confidentiality agreement intended to protect the prisoners and their families. Ukraine has disputed that an agreement existed to keep the transfer completely secret, creating a diplomatic dispute between the … Continue reading S Korea demands Ukraine apology over disclosure of N Korea’s POW transfer