State and city in focus in a fast-moving news cycle
The BBC has asked a Florida federal court for permission to serve subpoenas on Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Donald Trump Jr. in Donald Trump’s $10bn defamation suit over a 2024 Panorama episode. The broadcaster says the three "have personal knowledge" of the president's remarks on Jan. 6, 2021; attempts to serve them have been blocked by security and Secret Service rules.
Ghent University has suspended postdoctoral researcher Nathan Cofnas and launched a preliminary disciplinary investigation over public statements about Professor Jason Arday. The action follows weeks of media scrutiny of Arday’s alleged plagiarism, Cambridge’s inquiry into his appointments and Arday’s death on 14 August; universities and campaigners are calling for lessons on press conduct and institutional checks.
OpenAI unveils a privacy-centric safety monitoring approach, while Anthropic maintains a 30-day data retention policy for its covered models, prompting enterprise concerns and competitive tension in the AI safety space.
Genesis has unveiled its GV90 flagship electric SUV, with a Neolun variant featuring coach doors and a lounge-like rear. The company signals a second-gen range and a possible smaller Genesis model to be revealed in New York in 2027, as it expands its luxury portfolio.
Jessica Bowie, 35, has been arrested in Albany after the FBI says she planned a bombing at the New York State Capitol, using an inert explosive and a DoorDash bag. She has pledged allegiance to ISIS and is under investigation for radicalization online. Authorities say the case is ongoing and closely tied to counterterrorism efforts.
Fury and Joshua have signed contracts to fight this November, but disagree over the venue. Netflix-backed plans push for New York; Joshua/Hearn want the UK. Addenda are being negotiated with Saudi organisers to resolve travel, tax, and media terms as both camps push for an agreement.
Duane “Keffe D” Davis has gone on trial in Las Vegas on a charge of murder with a deadly weapon for allegedly organising the 1996 drive-by that killed Tupac Shakur. Prosecutors are relying on Davis’s 2008 police interview and his 2019 memoir; Davis has pleaded not guilty and denies firing the shots.
Wall Street has committed hundreds of billions to finance artificial intelligence build-outs while equity indexes have hit record highs and volatility measures sit near year-to-date lows. Heavy borrowing by AI-focused players has pushed corporate credit costs higher and left some funds exposed: Situational Awareness has suffered a 67% one-month loss and sold much of its public book to Citadel.
Seniors face higher living costs as inflation persists. The government has not matched price increases fully, and analysts forecast a 3.6-3.8% COLA for 2027, lifting average payments but risking long-term funding if inflation remains elevated.
A wave of discounts across beauty brands has drawn attention to premium skincare and haircare lines, including Neal’s Yard Remedies, medicube, Luseta, Supergoop! and Olaplex. Editors note growing consumer interest as retailers push promotions while highlighting product quality and results.
A Scotsman article highlights an Amazon-exclusive ghd Gold gift set priced at 139.99, including a paddle brush and heat-resistant bag, offering substantial savings versus the standalone straightener. Reviews describe salon-quality results and fast heating, suggesting strong value for gifting. Other posts review IPL devices and multi-styler sets, noting discounts and practical use.
Two assault counts as a hate crime and a criminal mischief charge have been filed against a Bronx man following an antisemitic incident at Central Synagogue during Shabbat. Police say security quickly detained the suspect, with officials pledging increased protection for Jewish communities as hate crimes rise.
California state senator Aisha Wahab has won the special election to serve the remainder of Eric Swalwell’s term in the 14th Congressional District, defeating Melissa Hernandez. Wahab will serve through January and will face Hernandez again in November for a full term. Her campaign faced heavy outside spending from groups tied to AIPAC.
Colleges face affordability concerns and shifting value signals as students reassess the return on a degree. New data show ongoing affordability hurdles, while institutions push for clearer outcomes to prove worth amid rising costs.
CBRE data shows New York has the most tech talent, edging out the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time. AI roles drive hiring and office leasing in major markets, with New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto leading in AI jobs.
Public backlash to AI data centers is mounting across the U.S., with voices ranging from governors to voters citing energy usage, noise, and job impacts. Tech giants are deploying outreach and infrastructure projects, while politicians frame data centers as key to tech dominance. The issue is shaping local politics ahead of elections.
China has designated US citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained after detainment in Yunnan in June, as Washington urges Beijing to secure his release. The move ahead of Xi Jinping’s White House visit heightens diplomatic tensions and mirrors a separate case of Youlin Chen.
A speedboat captain has been arrested and charged after a capsizing off New York’s Statue of Liberty killed a 5‑month‑old and a 27‑year‑old. Investigators say the vessel was overcrowded, lacked infant life jackets, and the operator entered the U.S. illegally. He is in ICE detention and faces potential deportation and prison time.
Employers increasingly monitor workers using digital tools first deployed during the pandemic. A wave of tracking spans location, productivity, communications, and device access, creating detailed dossiers that can punish or predict behavior. Pharmacist Lannie Duong’s case illustrates how hours, calls, and appointments are quantified, fueling burnout and union organizing.
A 35-year-old woman in Albany has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization after prosecutors say she sought to destroy the New York State Capitol, observed security measures, and planned to carry out a deadly attack before fleeing to Syria.
A waterspout-like tornado has struck Atlantic Beach on Long Island, ripping roofs from cabanas and damaging Sun and Surf Beach Club. Officials say there are no serious injuries, but property damage is extensive as a state of emergency is declared and rescue crews search for anyone trapped.
Judge Nusrat Choudhury has ruled that Michael Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, following a four-month hospital stint for cognitive concerns. The trial is set for October, with co-defendants and a pretrial hearing on the horizon.
Nancy Kissinger has died at 92 in Kent, Connecticut. She has been described as a powerful presence in philanthropy and as Henry Kissinger’s trusted advisor. The couple has been central to U.S. diplomacy and social circles for decades.
Chief Justice John Roberts has signed a temporary order allowing construction on the disputed White House ballroom to continue while the Supreme Court considers an emergency appeal. Lower courts had ordered work halted for lack of congressional approval; the administration argues the project is necessary for presidential security and is already about 65% complete.
The outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts has grown, with 55 confirmed cases nationwide and several hospitalizations. Investigations identify the Minnesota grower’s products as the likely source; the FDA notes no recall yet. Authorities are continuing testing and tracing to contain the spread.
The United States has imposed 50% duties on about $20bn of Canadian goods after last‑minute trade talks collapsed late Friday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has suspended negotiations and said Canada will retaliate by matching the tariffs "dollar for dollar." The measures have taken effect early Saturday and will hit goods from wine to hockey equipment.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has been fined by MLS for a hands-to-face incident in the 101st minute of the draw with the Philadelphia Union. The match finished 2-2, with two red cards in stoppage time. Messi scored, and the league also fined Ian Fray for a separate clash. Sullivan's red card was rescinded on review; Cavan Sullivan remains suspended but its outcome was revised.