Fact & Spin
Fact & Spin is a podcast from the Improve the News Foundation, the team behind Verity, a free daily news publication. The show aims to help listeners consume the news from fresh and more critical angles, revealing the full truth behind major stories. It focuses on media literacy, misinformation, and understanding multiple perspectives in journalism.
Afleveringen
Midterm primary results, Zelenskyy proposal claim and record Lakers sale
David Crowley defeats Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin Democratic primary, while Minnesota sets fall matchups in the Senate and governor races, Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that Ukraine gave the U.S. proposals to end the Russia war, a U.N. report suggests that half of Afghan women rarely leave home, the LA Lakers are sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger in a record $12 billion deal. Germany expands its sp
Iran compensation calls, al-Assad death sentence and released Fauci texts
Trump calls on Iran to pay compensation for the deaths and injuries of Americans in conflicts allegedly linked to Tehran, The Washington Post reports that Trump was snuck out of Turkey in a catering container, Russia frees an ailing U.S. Marine after four years in detention, Syria sentences al-Assad to death in absentia, Republican senators release a batch of Fauci’s COVID-19 text messages, Turkey
Deadly Colombia earthquake, Gaza peace plan rejection and vaccine schedule changes
At least 111 people are killed as a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Colombia, Netanyahu rejects a Trump-backed Gaza peace plan, Trump changes the U.S. child vaccine schedule, alleged Irish crime boss Kinahan is charged after extradition, seven people are killed as the Houthis strike a Yemen port and a Saudi refinery, a U.K. charity is investigated over alleged Hamas financing links, UEFA, CONCACAF a
Thailand school shooting, Meta $942M ruling and AI-designed viruses
Several people are killed in a Thailand school shooting, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan sign a defense pact, the Houthis kill dozens of troops amid an escalating conflict in Yemen, Trump responds to Zelenskyy's call for interceptors by saying, 'We want missiles too,' Meta is ordered to pay $942 million over harm to youth, Trump signs new orders targeting birthright citizenship, the US sheds 23
$100B tariff refunds, Fauci contempt vote and Hasina India speech
Trump dismisses reports of U.S. weapons shortages, the U.S. refunds $100 billion in Liberation Day Tariffs, a Senate committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt, Bangladesh condemns India over Hasina's speech to the press in New Delhi, Schwartz is confirmed as the CDC's new chief, the U.K. clears Paramount's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros., Meta confirms that its AI systems hacked real firms
Hormuz route progress, Leipzig drone threat and SpaceX moon crash
Iran and Oman near a deal on a Strait of Hormuz shipping route, newly declassified FBI memos reveal a secret Trump-Russia probe after Comey's firing, Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro names lawmaker Alfredo Gaspar as his running mate, an explosive drone is found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Germany's Leipzig Airport, a SpaceX rocket stage crashes into the moon, Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan's Democratic
Alleged US missile depletion, Blanche nomination advance and English Channel rescue
The U.S. has reportedly exhausted ‘virtually all’ of it long-range missiles in Iran, Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraine's U.S. ambassador, 25 states sue the Trump administration over its newly enacted tariffs, a Senate panel advances Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination, 157 migrants are rescued after their dinghy sets fire in the English Channel, the U.N. Security Council targets Aug. 21 for a sec
Iran talks denial, yen market intervention and fetal surgery success
Iran denies Trump's claim of resuming talks, Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 18 people days after a deal, a drone strike in Darfur kills 35 people, 72 people die amid the Ceuta migrant crisis, the U.S. and Japan intervene jointly to boost the yen from a 40-year low, a suicide bomber kills 14 people outside a police station in Pakistan's Swat, Capital One shuts down Trump Organization account
Hamas disarmament deal, Ceuta crisis tensions and Claude system hacks
President Trump says a Hamas disarmament deal has been reached in Gaza, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rushes to Ceuta as 50,000 migrants storm the enclave, while Italy suspends Schengen with Spain after the Ceuta migrant surge, a NATO intern is arrested for espionage in Belgium for alleged China ties, Anthropic's Claude AI reportedly hacked real systems during testing, U.K. lawmakers Abbott
Ceuta border crisis, Blanche nomination delay and UEFA FIFA boycott
Spain deploys the army to Ceuta after thousands of migrants cross its border from Morocco, the U.S. launches a "heavy wave of strikes" on Iran, Poland claims a Russian missile may have struck Its territory, a U.S. Senate committee cancels a vote on acting Attorney General Blanche's nomination, the Alien Terrorist Removal Court convenes its first hearing in its 30-year history, Salman Rushdie's att
Mideast conflict strikes, Trump gain-of-function restrictions and OpenAI agent hack
Saudi Arabia and the U.S. carry out strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq, the Trump admin ends funding for gain-of-function research, while Dr. Anthony Fauci pleads the fifth a Senate COVID hearing, the U.K.'s Andy Burnham pledges "cross-party consensus" in a social care speech, OpenAI reveals that its AI agent tried to hack other companies, South Africa and Russia deepen military ties, Chile arr
Zelenskyy-Netanyahu US trip, UK Labour gains and 6.8 Japan quake
Trump hosts Netanyahu and Zelenskyy at the White House, as he denies reports that munitions shortages prompted a pause in Iran strikes, polls point to rising support for Labour after Burnham's first week as U.K. prime minister, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hits Japan, Iranian prisoners sew their lips shut in protest of state executions, a firearm is discharged outside Toronto's U.S. Consulate in the
European wildfires, voting order block and Fauci diary entries
The Spanish prime minister calls for a national pact over wildfires in Spain and France, an appeals court blocks Trump's mail-in voting order, Senator Rand Paul releases 1,000 pages of diary entries by Anthony Fauci, Troy Jackson secures the Democratic nomination for Maine's Senate seat, Modi forms a task force to reform India's exam system, the CEO of Cracker Barrel steps down. and Shein records
Killings in Seattle and Berlin, Iran UK statement and AI-powered schools
A food festival at Seattle's Space Needle turns tragic, a vehicle rams pedestrians at a Berlin Pride parade, Ukraine strikes Iranian targets, Iran suggests that U.K. bases are "legitimate targets," Haiti's Gang Suppression Force kills three in a gunfight, AI-powered schools are set to open in the Boston area, a car bomb is intercepted at the Irish border, the U.S. imposes new tariffs on its top tr
$1.15T US defense bill, Saudi tankers attack and ASEAN summit
The U.S. House passes a $1.15 trillion defense bill, Yemen's Houthis claim attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum is held in Manila, thousands of Jewish visitors enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Trump hails Nigeria's efforts to address violence against Christian communities, Google is fined €890 million for breaching the EU's Digital Markets Act, MI5 and the Police Servi
US-Saudi nuclear deal, Ukraine military shake-up and Grok Odyssey production
The Trump administration announces a U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal, Volodymyr Zelenskyy fires Ukraine's commander-in-chief, over 140 people are dead in a tragic offshore migrant accident near Mauritania, Jeff Bezos and the U.K. government back a $2.6 billion valued AI startup, Elon Musk says Grok will make a "historically accurate' Odyssey, GOP senators push a CCP "victims" memorial in Washington, D.C.,
Hegseth Iran testimony, 50% Canada tariffs and Ann Widdecombe hearing
Hegseth tells the Senate that the Iran war has cost an estimated $37.5 billion, Trump imposes 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods, Ortega declares 'no more elections' in Nicaragua, Hungarian prosecutors raid the offices of Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, prosecutors say that Ann Widdecombe died after being struck repeatedly with a hammer, police and protesters clash in Italy after the death
Burnham PM succession, Indian parliament storming and Gyana ferry sinking
Andy Burnham officially replaces Keir Starmer as U.K. prime minister, a U.S. soldier is killed and another injured in an Iranian attack in Iraq, "Cockroach" Party protesters storm parliament in India, the Tate brothers appear in court in Miami after being arrested on U.K. sex charges, dozens are feared dead after a ferry sinks off the coast of Guyana, a quake in Peru kills six people and displaces
Spain wins World Cup, Japan succession law and exoplanet atmosphere discovery
Spain wins the World Cup, 2 US soldiers are killed in Jordan, Japan revises its imperial succession law, Andy Burnham delivers his first speech as Labour leader, an atmosphere on an "Earth-Like" planet is detected for the first time, Nicaragua severs diplomatic ties with Italy over a 1978 murder case, a White House teleprompter operator is suspended over betting allegations, Taco Bell's lettuce s
Ukraine Fedorov ousting, US tanker strike and microplastics heart attack link
Protests break out in Kyiv after Zelenskyy dismisses Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Israel's Knesset passes a law curbing the attorney general's authority, Washington attacks an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. House rejects an amendment to strip military aid to Israel, Trump fires a new Seattle prosecutor just minutes after his appointment, France's parliament adopts an assisted d
Iran naval blockade, Trump ICE directive and Ontario wildfire smoke
The U.S. reimposes a naval blockade on Iran, President Trump ends the halt on ICE traffic stops, the U.K. signs a Gibraltar treaty with the EU, China investigates retired top media censor, Ontario wildfires spread smoke across Toronto and the swathes of the U.S., Donald Trump will be depicted on $1 U.S. coins, The U.S. House passes a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, Amazon will be laun
Trump Hormuz reversal, Burnham Labour leadership and Ebola vaccine trial
Trump reverses his proposal of a 20% fee on all Strait of Hormuz cargo shipping, Andy Burnham is set to become U.K. prime minister after securing the Labour leadership, Hungary passes an amendment to end the president's mandate, U.S. Supreme Court justices testify in a rare appearance before Congress, the U.K. launches the world's first Ebola vaccine human trial, Brazil's top court bars Flavio Bol
Bangkok bar fire, Widdecombe terrorism investigation, and WB-Paramount merger challenged
At least 28 people are killed in a bar fire in Bangkok, U.K. counterterrorism police take over the investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, Trump declares the U.S. the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz, a judge voids Trump's $1.8 billion IRS settlement and tax audit immunity, the U.K. designates Iran's IRGC a terrorist organization, Israel sets its national election for October, twelve st
Lindsey Graham passes, Cartel capture investigation, and UFO files batch
Sen. Lindney Graham passes away, while Sen. Mitch McConnell posts a new photo message, Mexico investigates U.S. involvement in a 2024 cartel boss capture, President Trump says that the Iran truce is over but he's still open to talks, a man is arrested in the U.K. in the murder of ex-Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe, Russia states that it's ready to assist Mozambique in eliminating a "terrorist
Continued US-Iran strikes, Platner race withdrawal and splitting ocean floor
Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz amid U.S. strikes, Trump departs Turkey in the old Air Force One plane, Platner drops his Maine Senate bid over sexual assault claims, Russia's Lavrov visits Niger on the second leg of his Africa tour, scientists observe the ocean floor splitting apart for the first time, the WHO projects that global annual cancer cases could hit 35 million by 2050, the
Iran ceasefire fallout, Sikh leader murder charges and AI safety rankings
Trump declares the ceasefire with Iran "over," the U.K. says NATO's European allies will spend $50 billion on "deep precision strike" capabilities, the U.S. charges an Indian gang leader in the murder of a Canadian Sikh leader, a judge rejects the Justice Department's attempt to obtain the names of 2020 election workers in Fulton County, top AI firms receive failing grades on the Future of Life In
NATO summit, Le Pen Élysée bid and Hamas Gaza dissolution
The 2026 NATO summit opens in Ankara, France's Marine Le Pen announces her bid for the 2027 presidency, twin bombings hit Damascus during Emmanuel Macron's visit, Hamas announces the dissolution of its Gaza government, Graham Platner faces calls to resign as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee over an assault claim, Nigel Farage resigns as MP for Clacton, Canada picks Germany's TKMS to build 12 subm
Russia-PRC drills and Japan asteroid flyby, and UN AI Summit
America celebrates its 250th birthday, Russia and China conduct joint naval drills, dozens are killed in Yemen clashes as tensions mount, the U.N. convenes Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Japan conducts a near-Earth asteroid flyby, Ukraine fails to intercept any ballistic missiles as the latest Russian attacks kill at least 16, the Sara Duterte impeachment trial begins in the Philippines, secret
Trump threatens Khamenei funeral, Fujimori election victory and Meta claims AI slowdown
Trump pauses attacks for Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral, America celebrates its 250th, Russia claims the capture of a key Ukrainian stronghold, Keiko Fujimori is declared President-elect of Peru, Germany's Friedrich Merz announces major reforms, eight are arrested as the U.K. busts a global drug-rape network, a report suggests that India is proposing new VPN regulations, an ex-Olympian is indicted
Birthright citizenship ruling, Monaco bomb attack and Antarctic melanoma discovery
SCOTUS votes 6-3 to uphold birthright citizenship, Kushner and Witkoff meet Qatari mediators in Doha for Iran talks, Keiko Fujimori wins Peru's presidency by a slim margin, South Korea's parliament confirms Han Seong-sook as prime minister, a Ukrainian businessman is among three people injured in a Monaco bomb attack, SCOTUS upholds state transgender sports bans, a Gallup poll shows that economic
Quake death toll climbs, Trump Fed ruling and Antarctica dinosaur find
Venezuela's earthquake death toll passes 1,700 as rescue efforts continue, the WHO says Europe's heatwave is linked to 1,300 deaths, the Supreme Court rules Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook, Australia and Vanuatu sign a security pact, Pakistan says its strikes kill 29 militants in Afghanistan, the Supreme Court upholds late mail ballot counting, South Korea unveils a $576 billion
US-Iran 'stand down', Bolton plea deal and King Charles tax disclosure
The U.S.and Iran pause fighting, renewed strikes on Iran following a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz,Israel and Lebanon sign an agreement in Washington, ex-Trump adviser John Bolton pleads guilty to retaining national security information, King Charles publicly discloses his personal tax bill, a study claims that climate change is behind Europe's record heatwave, Florida's 'Al
Deadly Venezuela quakes, Supreme Court immigration ruling and OpenAI 'jalapeño' chip
Deadly twin earthquakes strike Venezuela, the U.S. Supreme Court allows President Trump to end protections for Syrians and Haitians, Taiwan's Legislative Speaker meets U.S. lawmakers amid a $14 billion arms deal, Africa CDC raises its Ebola funding needs to $1.4 billion, OpenAI debuts its 'jalapeño' AI chip, President Trump asks Congress for $87.6 billion, including $67 billion for the Iran war, a
UN Hormuz operation, Mamdani candidate sweep and Mediterranean whale dialects
Earthquakes rock Venezuela, the U.N. launches an operation to evacuate 11,000 sailors stranded in Hormuz, Mamdani-backed candidates sweep New York City Democratic primaries, the EU hosts Taliban officials for the first time, Niger becomes the third country to leave the International Criminal Court, a study suggests that sperm whales have developed distinct dialects in the Mediterranean, the EU is
Iran sanctions waiver, Montreal shooting and Five Eyes AI warning
The U.S. waives sanctions on Iranian oil, the U.K.'s outgoing Starmer government pauses all "major" policy announcements, Trump’s acting intelligence director begins firing staff, a Montreal shooting leaves three people dead, a note claims that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after her abduction, the U.K. considers requiring social media to prioritize trusted news, a child under 12 is euthanized in th
De la Espirella win, Greenspan death and Japan visa hikes
Abelardo de la Espriella wins the presidential runoff in Colombia, China announces sanctions on 10 American military-related companies, Alan Greenspan, a former Fed chair, dies at age 100, Czech broadcasters strike over a state funding takeover, at least five people are arrested for alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Pool, the Spanish prime minster’s wife is ordered to stand trial on corrup
Starmer resignation, US-Iran talks, Trump-Meloni spat and UAE social media guardrails
Keir Starmer resigns, US and Iran diplomats work on nuclear deal, Italy's foreign minister cancels a planned trip to the U.S. amid a dispute between Trump and Meloni, D.C. Democratic Socialist Janeese Lewis George wins the Democratic mayoral primary, the UAE bans social media for users under the age of 15, the parents of a Serbian school shooter are sentenced in a re-trial, the CDC activates $107
Mideast conflict intrigue, EU migrant 'return hubs' and Apple price warning
Israel releases a new map of a security zone in southern Lebanon, the EU greenlights offshore migrant "return hubs," the U.S. and Bolivia ink a $20 million anti-drug trafficking deal, Ukrainian drones target Moscow, Apple warns that price hikes are unavoidable amid an AI chip surge, Gunmen attack an airport in Niger's capital, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that marijuana users can't be banned from
Iran deal anticipation, Eduardo Bolsonaro conviction and cat ring bust
President Trump suggests that an Iran deal could be inked by Thursday or Friday, while AI, Ukraine and children's online safety are also discussed at the G7 summit in France, Brazil's top court convicts Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, Israel and Somaliland reveal secret ties, authorities in Vietnam bust a large-scale cat theft ring, Trump-Backed Mike Collins wins Georgia's GOP runoff, Luigi Mangio
Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, foiled UFC attack and $60B SpaceX Cursor acquisition
Trump and Vance virtually sign the U.S.-Iran agreement, while also meeting with Zelenskyy at the G7 summit, the Ukraine and Moldova formally launch EU membership talks, the FBI says it foiled an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event, a poll finds that 38% of surveyed Americans don't think the U.S. will survive another 250 years, the life sentence of Henry Nowak's killer is referred to t
US-Iran deal, UK social media ban and Swiss population vote
Israel vows to remain in southern Lebanon despite the U.S.-Iran deal, Keir Starmer announces a social media ban for U.K. children under 16, Gavin Newsom says Trump ordered the DOJ to investigate him and his wife, Swiss voters reject a 10 million population cap, Donald Trump threatens a 100% tariff on French wine, the U.S. president backs Mike Collins in the Georgia Senate runoff, a U.K. court upho
Iran peace deal, SpaceX record IPO, and blocked data centers
Iran and the US reach a preliminary peace deal, 'SpaceX's IPO breaks an all-time record and makes Elon Musk the first trillionaire, French, German, and U.K. envoys hold talks in Russia, an Al Qaeda branch in Mali puts a bounty on President Goïta, a study says that opposition to AI data centers blocked $130 billion in U.S. projects during Q1 of this year, South Korea's ex-President Yoon gets 30 yea
John Healey resignation, temporary Pentagon lockdown and World Cup kickoff
Trump calls off military strikes on Iran, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigns, the Pentagon is temporarily placed on lockdown following a hazardous material incident, Canada proposes a social media ban for children under 16, the U.N. finds that one in 70 people worldwide is forcibly displaced, Washington's climate agency confirms that El Nino has officially arrived, Nigeria repatriates its
Trump oil claim, Belfast suspect appearance and Claude Mythos release
Iranian officials warn of a wider escalation as President Trump describes a covert oil operation, the Belfast knife attack suspect appears in court as the victim's family calls for calm, Hong Kong charges nine people over the Wang Fuk Court blaze, Turkey and Saudi Arabia ink rail and logistics deals, Anthropic releases its Claude Mythos AI system to the public with safety guards, Trump signs a $70
Hormuz drone rescue, Karmelo Anthony verdict and Artemis III crew selection
A downed U.S. helicopter crew is rescued by a sea drone near the Strait of Hormuz, an Israeli strike on Lebanon's Tyre kills at least 8, Karmelo Anthony is found guilty in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Texas, a stabbing in Belfast sparks protests, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan is suspended over misconduct allegations, the Pentagon adds Alibaba and dozens of other firms
Iran-Israel clash, Philippines earthquake and Pope's Madrid mass
Iran declares an end to attacks against Israel, a Philippines earthquake kills at least 32, Xi visits North Korea for the first time in seven years, Keir Starmer orders social media companies to add nudity filters for children, Central African Republic agrees to accept third-country deportees from the U.S., Zelenskyy and EU leaders set out five conditions for peace with Russia, Pashinyan claims vi
Chile austerity protests, Trump immigration ruling and AI-designed COVID jab
Chile is rocked by austerity protests, a judge strikes down President Trump's immigration freeze policies, Volodymyr Zelenskyy pens an open letter to Vladimir Putin calling for face-to-face talks, Libyans storm U.N. headquarters in Tripoli in anti-migrant protests, an AI-designed COVID vaccine passes its first human trial, Xi Jinping will visit North Korea for the first time in seven years, a U.K.
Hezbollah ceasefire rejection, John Bolton plea deal and Canada AI strategy
Hezbollah rejects a U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, the U.S. House passes an Iran War Powers resolution, Trump taps Todd Blanche as attorney general, China bans four New Zealand lawmakers for visiting Taiwan, John Bolton reportedly plans to plead guilty to mishandling secret documents, the U.S. Senate debates a $70 billion ICE funding bill, the BBC apologizes to Nigel Farage for misquoting
Iran regional strikes, New Delhi fire and Mpox smuggling plot
Iran strikes Kuwait airport and targets U.S. Gulf bases, New Delhi, India suffers a deadly hotel fire, Tunisia's Ennahda leader is sentenced in a "secret apparatus" case, Colombia's Abelardo de la Espriella is praised by Donald Trump, U.S. government researchers are charged over an alleged Mpox smuggling plot, a U.K. regulator mandates a Google AI opt-out for publishers, FBI shoots and kills a sus
Continued Israel-Hezbollah attacks, Denmark coalition deal and Anthropic IPO filing
Israel and Hezbollah exchange strikes despite reports of a partial truce, Russia launches over 650 drones at Ukraine, Denmark's Frederiksen secures a third term with a minority coalition deal, the Trump administration moves to drop its $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, Bill Pulte is named acting director of U.S. national intelligence, the U.K. announces a probe into the police handling of Henr
Beirut strikes order, Colombia election runoff and UK Mandelson files
Thousands flee Beirut’s southern suburbs after Israel orders strikes, De La Espriella and Cepeda advance to a runoff in Colombia's presidential election, the UK government releases more than 1,000 pages of Mandelson files, the U.S. tightens AI chip export rules for firms linked to China, one person dies and hundreds are arrested across France after PSG’s Champions League win, an appeals court rule
Romania drone incident, Trump fund pause and Blue Origin explosion
NATO alleges that a drone that crashed into an apartment building was Russian in origin, a judge pauses President Trump's anti-weaponization fund, Benjamin Netanyahu orders 70% Gaza control amid ceasefire strain, South Africa launches a Ramaphosa "Farmgate" impeachment probe, Blue Origin's new Glenn rocket explodes during a fire, a U.K. inquiry alleges that SAS leaders hid Afghan war crime concern
US-Iran truce extension, deadly Kenyan school fire and potential Hepatitis B cure
The U.S. and Iran reportedly reach a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire by 60 days, a judge declines to block Trump's order restricting mail-in voting, Mexico's congress backs a constitutional amendment adding foreign interference as grounds to annul elections, a deadly school fire kills 16 in Kenya, the U.N. projects a 75% chance that Earth will surpass the 1.5°C threshold by 2030, the DOJ
Trump Iran warning, Hungary ICC reversal and deepfake defamation arrest
President Trump warns Iran amid ongoing deal negotiations, Hungary reverses its ICC withdrawal, North Korea reportedly tests AI-guided missiles targeting Seoul, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair says Labour needs a "fundamental reset," a Seoul YouTuber is arrested for an alleged defamation case using an AI deepfake, Cyril Ramaphosa challenges the farm scandal impeachment in court, a report all
Quad FM meeting, renewed Iran strikes and $640K electric Ferrari
Quad unveils a series of new initiatives after its foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, the U.S. launches new strikes on Iran, Netanyahu vows to 'crush' Hezbollah, former Scottish National Party Chief Peter Murrell pleads guilty to embezzlement, Trump completes his annual physical, a U.S. court blocks Alabama's Republican-drawn congressional map, the sentences of three U.K. teens convicted of
Mojtaba secret site, California chemical leak and Pope AI warning
Iran’s supreme leader is reportedly at a secret site, officials rule out the worst case scenario after a chemical tank leak in California, Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical calls for AI regulation, Vladimir Putin hails Africa's "impressive success" ahead of Africa Day, at least 24 people are killed in a suicide bombing in Pakistan, Turkish police storm opposition party headquarters, China launches S
Tulsi Gabbard resignation, Iran talks push and reported OpenAI math breakthrough
Tulsi Gabbard issues her resignation from the Trump Administration, Qatar and Pakistan push the Iran peace talks amid the Strait of Hormuz row, DR Congo residents burn an Ebola treatment center as anger grows, Alberta, Canada sets an Oct. 19 referendum on separation, OpenAI allegedly cracks an 80-year-old math conjecture, President Trump halts an AI Executive Order over China concerns, the White H
Netanyahu Ben-Gvir rebuke, DNC election autopsy and new Everest record
The New York Times reports that the U.S. and Israel planned to install Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader, Netanyahu rebukes an Israeli minister for taunting a group of detained Gaza flotilla activists, the U.K. seals a free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council, a judge orders the White House to comply with the Presidential Records Act, the DNC releases its autopsy report on the 2024 U.S. electi
Raúl Castro indictment, Xi-Putin deals and record whale journey
The U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro, Presidents Xi and Putin sign 40 deals in Beijing, Trump-backed Ed Gallrein ousts Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky, U.S.-Nigeria strikes kill 175 Islamic State fighters, Bolivia expels Colombia's ambassador over Petro's remarks, the U.K. allows Russian-refined fuel imports amid price rises, Spain's ex-Prime Minister Zapatero is summoned in a corruption probe, an e
Putin Beijing trip, Todd Blanche testimony and artificial egg hatching
Putin arrives in Beijing for a two-day state visit, as Russia holds large-scale nuclear drills near NATO borders, Iranian media reveal details of Tehran's latest ceasefire proposal, the Pentagon pauses its participation in a U.S.-Canada military board, Todd Blanche faces questioning over a $1.8B "anti-weaponization fund," Trump endorses Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, the WHO convenes an emer
Iran strike deferral, Ebola emergency declaration and Mythos FSB briefing
Trump says he called off a new military strike on Iran following requests from Gulf states, six Americans are exposed to Ebola as the WHO declares an international public health emergency, the US and China announce multiple trade deals, Anthropic is reportedly set to brief the Financial Stability Board on Mythos, a jury tosses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, Cuba warns that US military action
US-Iran impasse, Sudan hunger crisis and AI agent crimes
Iran-U.S. talks stall as the ceasefire remains fragile, President Trump and President Xi conclude their summit, 19.5 million people in Sudan reportedly face hunger as its civil war enters its fourth year, the Māori Queen meets King Charles, AI agents commit arson and crimes in a virtual world test, London deploys 4,000 police officers and deploys live facial recognition ahead of rival marches, the
Trump-Xi meeting, Wes Streeting resignation and Neanderthal dentistry
Trump and Xi convene in Beijing for their seventh face-to-face meeting, the U.S. Senate blocks another War Powers resolution to limit Trump's military campaign in Iran, U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigns, the White House unveils its 2026 counterterrorism strategy, Yemen and the Houthis agree to their largest prisoner swap deal in a decade, the U.K. leads the G7 with 0.3% economic growth i
Philippine Senate gunshots, Trump Beijing arrival and lab leak testimony
Shots are fired at the Philippine Senate amid an International Criminal Court arrest stand-off, President Trump arrives in Beijing, new reports suggest that Iran is reportedly retaining 70% of its missiles amid the fragile ceasefire, the UAE condemns a Somali pirate hijacking of an Egyptian tanker, a CIA officer alleges that COVID lab leak findings were suppressed, four Palestine Action activists
Trump China trip, Oct. 7 tribunal and FDA chief resignation
Trump heads to China for talks with Xi, Israel establishes a live streamed Oct. 7 tribunal, Trump says the Iran ceasefire is on "massive life support," FDA Chief Dr. Marty Makary resigns, four British minister quit amid calls for Starmer's resignation, Zelenskyy's former press secretary accuses him of corruption and drug abuse on the Tucker Carlson Show, former Arcadia, California, mayor Eileen Wa
Starmer resignation calls, Magyar swearing in and hantavirus cruise repatriation
Over 70 Labour MPs call for Keir Starmer's resignation, Péter Magyar is sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, Cole Allen pleads not guilty in the Correspondents’ Dinner shooting case, US and French nationals test positive for hantavirus as passengers are repatriated from the MV Hondius cruise ship, Bashar al-Assad’s cousin faces trial for atrocities in Syria, Netanyahu seeks an end to US military
WHO hantavirus statement, Pentagon UFO files and AI system replication
The World Health Organization issues a statement on the recent hantavirus outbreak, Trump calls Iran peace response unacceptable, U.K. Members of Parliament will visit China for the first time since 2019, the Pentagon releases 162 secret UFO files, AI systems reportedly have self-replicated across servers, dozens are killed in deadly village attacks in Mali, U.S. imposes sanctions on the Cuban mil
Trump-Lula meeting, Israel Beirut strike and Anthropic-SpaceX deal
Trump meets Brazil's Lula at the White House, Israel kills a Hezbollah commander in its first strike on Beirut since April's ceasefire, Iran reviews Washington's latest proposal to end the war, North Korea rejects the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the U.S. and Russia are accused of fueling Alberta's separatist movement, millions of voters head to the polls across Britain, a U.S. judge releases
Iran-China meeting, new Sweden intel agency and Ted Turner death
Iran and China meet amid Hormuz crisis talks, Sweden plans a new foreign intelligence agency by 2027, the Canary Islands refuses to dock the hantavirus-hit cruise ship, at least 23 Chadian soldiers are killed in a Boko Haram attack, CNN Founder Ted Turner dies at 87, the U.K.'s Nigel Farage defends an undeclared £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire, the EU pushes for access to Anthropic's Myt
Romania government collapse, Russia-Ukraine truce and $1.5M Musk-SEC settlement
Romania's government is ousted in a record no-confidence vote, Iran accuses the U.S. of violating their truce, Russia and Ukraine announce competing temporary ceasefires, Louise Arbour is named Canada's 31st governor general, a report finds that a deliberate fuel cutoff caused a 2022 Boeing 737 plane crash in China, the U.S. probes Smith College for admitting trans women, Trump considers establish
Leipzig car ramming, US warship claims and suspected hantavirus outbreak
Two people are killed and many injured after a car rams into a crowd in Germany's Leipzig, the U.S. denies claims that Iran hit an American warship near the Strait of Hormuz, a suspected hantavirus outbreak kills three people on a polar cruise ship, Australia begins an antisemitism probe following an attack in Bondi, Rudy Giuliani is hospitalized with pneumonia in Florida, Armenia hosts EU summits
Iran peace proposal, Bolsonaro sentence reduction and Senate prediction market ban
Iran submits a new peace proposal amid President Trump's skepticism, Brazil's Congress cuts Bolsonaro's prison term, Ukrainian media publishes tapes of President Zelenskyy associates in a corruption sting, Switzerland rejects Palestinian state recognition, the U.S. Senate bans members and staff from prediction markets betting, Sahel Alliance confirms joint airstrikes in Mali, The Pentagon signs AI
DHS shutdown resolution, Trump-Putin call and Sanders AI summit
The U.S. House votes to end a record 76-day Homeland Security shutdown, Trump and Putin discuss Iran and Ukraine during a 90-minute phone call, as the Russian president also meets with his Congolese counterpart at the Kremlin, Gov. Landry suspends Louisiana's House primaries, Bernie Sanders hosts a U.S.-China AI safety panel, seven families sue OpenAI over British Columbia's Tumbler Ridge mass sho
Hegseth Iran testimony, PRC-Panama tensions and Greece online ID plans
Pete Hegseth testifies about the Pentagon budget and Iran, two Jewish men are stabbed in London in an alleged terrorist attack, six nations back Panama amid China port tensions, 7.8 million reportedly face hunger in South Sudan, Greece considers targeting anonymous posters with its social media policies, Auckland officials reject a statue memorializing Japanese sex slaves, James Comey is indicted
UAE OPEC withdrawal, King Charles Congress speech and robot baggage handlers
The UAE announces its withdrawal from OPEC, King Charles addresses the U.S. Congress, U.S.-Iran talks on reopening the Strait stall, Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of striking a university, a former Fauci advisor is indicted over an alleged COVID-19 cover-up, a train crash in Indonesia kills at least 15 people, the Elon Musk vs OpenAI trial begins in California, the FBI raids over 20 Minnesota child
WHCD suspect arraignment, Mali attacks and deafness gene therapy
The suspect in the Correspondents' Dinner shooting appears in court, Britain’s King Charles visits the United States, armed groups launch coordinated attacks across Mali, Iran strikes have reportedly caused billions of dollars in damage to U.S. bases, three people are killed in an alleged drug boat strike, 42 people are killed in clashes over a water dispute in Chad, China orders Meta to unwind it
Correspondents' Dinner shooting, Powell probe withdrawal and Argentina journalist ban
A shooter causes chaos as the White House Correspondents' dinner, the Pentagon reportedly considers options to penalize NATO allies seen as uncooperative during the Iran war, Russia says it was invited to this year's G20 summit, the DOJ drops its probe into U.S. Fed chairman Jerome Powell, Argentina bans 60 journalists from the presidential palace, Syria arrests the suspected leader of the 2013 Ta
Israel-Lebanon truce extension, Duterte trial confirmation and unauthorized Mythos access
Trump announces a three-week extension to the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, U.S. forces board two tankers carrying Iranian oil, the ICC confirms that the Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity, U.S. Navy Chief John Phelan is fired, the private health records of half a million Britons are listed for sale on a Chinese website, the House Oversight Committee rema
Iran ships seizure, €90B Ukraine loan and Meta employee tracking
Iran seizes two ships and fires on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the EU approves a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, Trump blocks dollar shipments to Iraq to curb Iran-backed militias, RFK Jr faces questions in the US Senate, Meta reportedly plans to track employees’ keystrokes to train AI, Indonesia passes a law protecting domestic workers, the Southern Poverty Law Center is indicted on federal fr
US-Iran ceasefire extension, Tim Cook resignation and mass MS-13 trial
The U.S. extends the ceasefire with Iran pending further negotiations, Japan approves the export of lethal arms for the first time since World War II, U.S. Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh testifies before the Senate Banking Committee, Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO, El Salvador begins a mass trial for 486 alleged MS-13 gang members, a gunman kills a Canadian and injures 13 others at Mexico's Teoti
