A former Conservative election candidate, Jack Ross, has been suspended from the party after he was filmed discussing hiring contract killers and brokering violent acts. Scottish police are reviewing the case for possible criminal activity following an Al Jazeera documentary exposing these claims.
Key Facts
Jack Ross was filmed offering to arrange violent acts such as kicking, stabbing, shooting, or killing for money.
Ross introduced an undercover reporter to a violent criminal linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force, a paramilitary group.
Scottish police are reviewing the documentary for potential criminal charges.
Ross is the CEO of Turning Point UK, which has ties to a group founded by US Republican commentator Charlie Kirk.
Ross has advised Conservative MPs and appeared with high-profile politicians, including Boris Johnson.
Ross reportedly acted on behalf of the Zimbabwe government to pay for a fake political rally and requested violent actions.
The Conservative Party suspended Ross immediately after the story was published, pending investigation.
Turning Point UK has been involved in anti-migrant protests, and its chief operating officer is associated with the far-right UK Independence Party.
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Vice President JD Vance expressed strong feelings against Republicans who complained about a campaign ad targeting Amy Acton. He said he is more focused on helping Republican candidates in upcoming elections than on the ad’s content.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance spoke on Wednesday about a campaign ad against Amy Acton.
The ad included Amy Acton's estranged mother.
Some Republicans criticized the ad as inappropriate.
Vance said he is "disgusted" by those Republicans who are complaining.
He stated he is focused on supporting Republican candidates for the midterm elections.
Vance made these remarks during his first public comments on the ad.
He also mentioned that Democrats' plans for the country are a bigger concern than the ad.
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A public report on the Covid-19 pandemic found that government policies during lockdown caused harm to care home residents by isolating them and allowing the virus to spread through untested hospital discharges. Families of affected residents say the measures led to loneliness and preventable deaths.
Key Facts
Care home residents were isolated during the early pandemic to stop Covid-19 but this caused emotional harm.
The government discharged patients from hospitals into care homes without testing, spreading the virus widely.
The inquiry said the care sector was treated as an “afterthought” in planning.
Family members described loneliness and difficulty visiting relatives in care homes.
Some residents, like Amy’s grandfather Eric and Roger Dennison’s father Lucius, caught Covid and died after prolonged isolation.
Care workers also found the early situation frightening and distressing, fearing the serious effects of Covid.
The report criticized claims that a protective ring was placed around care home residents.
Many families are still upset about the impact of these policies years after the pandemic began.
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Helen Haines, an independent Member of Parliament from Wangaratta, Australia, was seriously injured when she was hit by a car in a deliberate attack. She had to have both legs amputated but remains mentally strong, and police have charged a man with causing harm and are considering further charges.
Key Facts
Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon.
The attack was targeted and deliberate, according to police.
Haines was airlifted to Melbourne and had both legs amputated but is mentally and emotionally stable.
A local man, Brendan Nugent, was charged with intentionally causing harm and may face attempted murder charges.
Haines is known for her work on establishing a national anti-corruption commission and helping her regional community with infrastructure projects.
She is respected and liked by the local community, described as warm, kind, and committed.
Bystanders helped her immediately after the attack, and she thanked them despite her injuries.
The attack has shocked the town of nearly 30,000 people which usually welcomes tourists and festival visitors.
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Elon Musk restricted Ukrainians' access to the SpaceX satellite network during the conflict in Ukraine. This decision raised worries about how much control technology owners have over important communication tools.
Key Facts
Elon Musk limited Ukraine's use of SpaceX satellites.
SpaceX satellites help provide internet and communication capabilities.
The restriction affected Ukraine's ability to communicate during the conflict.
The situation sparked debate about the power held by private tech companies.
Concerns arose over the accountability of those who control critical technology.
The issue is tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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A 1-year-old boy named Kohen Wiley was fatally shot by a police officer in Senatobia, Mississippi, during an incident involving a shoplifting suspect trying to drive away from a Walmart. The Mississippi Attorney General said the officer’s use of force was justified and no charges will be filed, but the family and their lawyer are demanding the release of body camera footage.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on June 14, 2026, outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi.
Police were responding to a report of shoplifting and tried to stop a car leaving the scene.
Kohen Wiley was in the car, held by a woman who was a friend of his mother.
An officer fired at the car when it moved forward and nearly hit an officer.
Kohen was taken to a hospital but died from the injuries.
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office reviewed the case and said the shooting was justified.
Kohen’s family denies any shoplifting and has not been charged.
The family’s lawyer, Ben Crump, and the community are asking for the body camera footage to be released.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety plans to release the footage after the family views it.
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A Ukrainian reporter explained how important SpaceX satellites are for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. There are reports that Elon Musk limited Ukraine’s use of these satellites.
Key Facts
SpaceX satellites help Ukraine with communication and defense.
Elon Musk reportedly restricted Ukraine’s access to the satellite network.
A journalist from Kyiv, Francis Farrell, discussed this issue on CBS News.
The satellites play a role in Ukraine’s ability to respond to Russian attacks.
The situation has raised concerns about Ukraine’s security and support.
SpaceX is a private company owned by Elon Musk that operates satellite internet.
The SpaceX satellite network is called Starlink.
Ukraine depends on this technology in its conflict with Russia.
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Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on charges of grand theft and fraud, according to Florida's Attorney General. Espinosa’s lawyer says she is innocent and will fight the charges in court.
Key Facts
Jackie Espinosa is the mayor of Kissimmee, Florida, since November 2024.
She was arrested on grand theft and organized fraud charges.
The grand theft charge involves an amount between $20,000 and $100,000.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest but did not give details.
Espinosa’s lawyer says she did not steal taxpayer money and claims the case concerns a city grant program.
The lawyer said the prosecution must prove Espinosa had criminal intent to steal.
Espinosa was booked into Osceola County Jail under her full name, Eva Jacqulyn Espinosa.
Her current mayoral term runs until 2028.
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A judge ordered Meta to pay New Mexico $25 billion after a jury found Meta guilty of misleading users about privacy and content rules on Facebook. The case involved data misuse by Cambridge Analytica during the 2016 election, and New Mexico chose to take Meta to court separately from other states.
Key Facts
Meta must pay New Mexico $25 billion for deceiving users about privacy and content moderation.
The penalty is one of the largest state verdicts against a company in U.S. history.
The case is linked to the 2016 election data breach, where Cambridge Analytica used Facebook data for targeted political ads.
Forty-eight other states settled with Meta, but New Mexico took the company to court alone.
New Mexico’s Attorney General said the money will help fund state education under state law.
Meta plans to appeal the verdict and the amount awarded.
Meta’s lawyers argued the company should pay no more than $3.4 billion and questioned the claim of harm.
Jurors found Meta liable for over 43 million violations of consumer protection laws in New Mexico.
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The New Mexico attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein’s attorney, Darren Indyke, and accountant, Richard Kahn, accusing them of helping to hide Epstein’s crimes. The lawsuit aims to stop them from receiving money from Epstein’s estate while the case is ongoing.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in a New Mexico federal court against Indyke and Kahn as individuals and as co-executors of Epstein’s estate.
The suit claims Epstein, with help from his associates, abused victims at places including his New Mexico ranch, called Zorro Ranch.
Indyke and Kahn allegedly got large payments and benefits for supporting Epstein and staying silent.
Between 2011 and 2019, Indyke received over $16 million and Kahn over $10 million from Epstein or related entities.
The New Mexico attorney general wants a court order to stop Indyke and Kahn from getting paid by Epstein’s estate during the lawsuit.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse support the lawsuit and want Indyke and Kahn held accountable.
The lawsuit is part of a broader investigation into Epstein’s crimes in New Mexico, including disputes over government records.
The attorney general said Epstein’s death does not end efforts to hold his helpers responsible.
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Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio plans to introduce a bill to let Americans under 40 use the investment accounts set up during President Trump's administration for children. He said this change will be important and he will lead the effort in the Senate.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Moreno is a Republican from Ohio.
He announced plans to introduce new legislation in the Senate.
The bill aims to expand access to investment accounts created under President Trump's administration.
Currently, these accounts are for children, but the bill would include people younger than 40.
Moreno stated the bill would be a “game-changer.”
He shared this news on the social media platform X.
The Trump Accounts are meant to help people invest and grow their money over time.
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A judge in New Mexico ordered Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to pay a $25 billion fine. The court found that Meta lied for years about how it handled Facebook users' data, misleading the public about its data privacy practices.
Key Facts
Meta was fined $25 billion by a federal judge in New Mexico.
The fine follows a two-week trial that found Meta intentionally lied about Facebook user data.
The judge said these lies went to the core of Meta's business practices.
The original penalty was calculated as $219 billion but was reduced to $25 billion.
Communications from top executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, were found to be designed to mislead.
Meta has faced multiple fines and settlements this year, including an $18 billion deal with California.
Meta has not yet responded publicly to this new fine.
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A study from Northeastern University found that smart TVs made by Samsung, Vizio, and Roku still send data to tracking services even after users turn off tracking in the TV settings. This data helps measure what shows people watch and deliver ads, but the ongoing data sending raises privacy concerns.
Key Facts
The research tested 12 smart TVs from 10 brands, covering about 95% of the TVs used in the U.S.
Automatic content recognition (ACR) sends screenshots or audio clips from the TV to outside servers.
Samsung, Vizio, and Roku TVs sent tracking data even after users opted out in settings.
Roku’s tracking during opt-out happened only when using its own streaming app, The Roku Channel.
Samsung and Vizio TVs showed tracking behavior in more situations beyond just the streaming app.
The researchers could not see exactly what data was sent because it was encrypted.
The continued sending of tracking data after opting out is described as “suspicious” and a possible privacy issue.
The research methods can be used to test other TVs and tracking systems in the future.
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Heidi Levine, an American photojournalist, was seriously injured in an attack by Israeli settlers while covering an olive harvest in a Palestinian village on the West Bank. Local Palestinian youths helped protect her from further harm, allowing other journalists to assist her to safety.
Key Facts
Heidi Levine suffered four fractured vertebrae, two broken ribs, and four puncture wounds during the attack.
The attack happened in the Palestinian village of Abu Falah, north of Ramallah, while covering olive harvesting.
The attackers were masked Israeli settlers, some using wooden clubs with nails.
Palestinian youths used slingshots and stones to drive the settlers away, saving Levine’s life.
The Israeli army arrived during the incident, and afterward pursued the Palestinian youths rather than the settlers.
Levine has covered many conflicts and was wearing body armor and a helmet, which likely saved her life.
More than 20 Palestinians have been killed by settlers so far this year amid rising violence.
Levine plans to return to reporting in the West Bank once she recovers.
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A close friend of President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine, praising Putin as a humanitarian. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including deadly drone strikes that killed civilians, continue, raising doubts among Ukrainians about U.S. support for Ukraine during the war.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff, a friend of President Trump, acted as a U.S. envoy meeting Putin in St. Petersburg.
Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian during the meeting, a rare compliment given Putin’s record.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.
Russian forces plan to cut electricity to major Ukrainian cities this winter to create a humanitarian crisis.
Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv have built underground schools for children to protect them from bombings.
A recent drone strike near Kharkiv killed six people, including two children.
Local Ukrainian officials express fear and doubt about U.S. support and President Trump’s efforts to stop Russia.
President Trump made a controversial comment saying Russia “has been fine on Ukraine” after the attacks.
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Vice President JD Vance defended Steve Witkoff, a U.S. envoy, after Witkoff called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian." Witkoff made this comment while thanking Putin for releasing an American hostage held in Russia for over four years.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff is a U.S. envoy involved in negotiating the release of an American hostage in Russia.
Putin released the American who had been jailed for more than four years.
Witkoff called Putin a "humanitarian" during his remarks of thanks.
Some Republicans criticized Witkoff for this choice of words.
Vice President JD Vance supported Witkoff’s comment, emphasizing the importance of getting the hostage home.
Vance described Witkoff as a diplomat focused on completing his mission.
The focus, according to Vance, should be on the hostage’s release, not the language used to achieve it.
Witkoff’s comments and Vance’s defense relate to ongoing U.S.-Russia diplomatic efforts.
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President Donald Trump has made $2.2 billion in 2025, raising concerns about him using his position for personal gain. Despite his efforts to support Republican candidates in key states, his popularity is low, and many voters worry more about the economy and government corruption than culture war issues.
Key Facts
President Trump earned $2.2 billion in 2025, mixing his personal business with his role as president.
A recent poll found 34% of Republicans and 66% of all American voters think Trump is using his position to get rich.
Government corruption ranked as voters' top concern, followed by inflation and high prices.
Trump's promises to lower grocery and gas prices have not been met; gas prices remain above $4 per gallon.
His approval rating dropped to 36%, a record low.
Democrats are expected to do well in the midterm elections, possibly winning both the House and Senate.
Some Republican voters feel disappointed, thinking Trump was their champion but now see him as a typical politician.
Republicans are spending heavily to win back seats but their cultural attacks are less effective than hoped.
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) updated millions of Social Security Number (SSN) records to prevent fraud and mistakes in government payments. This is the biggest cleanup in SSA's history, fixing wrong or missing information like death dates and citizenship status for many Americans.
Key Facts
The SSA corrected tens of millions of SSN records, including adding 17 million missing death dates.
About 25 million records were updated to include missing citizenship information.
The SSA is working on fixing another 8.5 million records with incorrect citizenship data.
Nearly 15 percent of active Social Security numbers were corrected, covering about 330 million U.S. citizens.
Updates help prevent fraud and ensure government benefits go to the right people.
Stronger controls are now in place to avoid errors from manual data entry.
Between 2015 and 2022, SSA paid $8.6 trillion in benefits, with less than 1 percent being improper payments, which are often errors, not fraud.
The cleanup aims to improve record accuracy which supports federal programs and identity verification.
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A chemical tank exploded in Toledo, Ohio, releasing a harmful gas and causing a large evacuation. One first responder was hurt, but officials say the injury is not life-threatening. Authorities continue to investigate the cause and are monitoring the situation.
Key Facts
The explosion happened at MC Tank Terminal, a company handling bulk liquid chemicals.
The released chemical was glycidyl methacrylate, which can irritate eyes, nose, mouth, and skin.
People living within 1 mile of the explosion were told to evacuate; those within 3 miles were told to stay inside and seal windows.
About 1,000 people were evacuated in total.
A first responder was injured and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Local officials urged anyone with serious symptoms like trouble breathing or dizziness to seek medical help immediately.
A visible fog and a plastic-like smell were reported around the city after the explosion.
Some schools closed or delayed opening due to the evacuation and safety concerns.
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James Carville, a Democratic political strategist, joked that he suffers from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a term used to describe people who are very worried or focused on President Donald Trump’s actions. He made this comment during an interview on a podcast YouTube channel called Politicon.
Key Facts
James Carville is a Democratic strategist.
He used the phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a joke.
The term suggests a strong focus or worry about President Trump’s behavior.
Carville said he “can’t sleep” because of this worry.
The comment was made during an appearance on Politicon’s YouTube podcast.
The phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is often called a fake condition.
Other political commentators, like comedian Bill Maher, are known for strong opinions about Trump.
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