Kanishka Singh

A Kenmore Air de Havilland DHC-3 Otter carrying 10 passengers and a pilot made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay near Washington’s Sucia Island before catching fire. All 11 people were accounted for after a rescue operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian and local responders. Four injured passengers were taken to hospitals or medical facilities for evaluation and treatment, while Kenmore Air said it was cooperating with investigators.

Donald Trump announced that imported generic drugs would remain tariff-free for two years from 1 August, followed by a 100% tariff for one year and a permanent 200% tariff for companies that continue manufacturing overseas. The measure is intended to force pharmaceutical production back to the United States and forms part of broader efforts to pressure drugmakers over pricing and domestic investment. Industry reaction was cautious, with Swiss generic-drugmaker Sandoz continuing discussions with policymakers while its shares fell; an analyst warned that relocating production from lower-cost countries such as China and India could raise prices for U.S. consumers.

MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with Donald Trump, has accumulated more than $400 million for the 2026 midterm elections, including $382 million in cash reported at the end of June. The group received major donations from Jared Isaacman and Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, and could spend heavily in Senate contests such as Texas and North Carolina to help Republicans defend narrow congressional majorities. Although super PACs can raise unlimited funds, they cannot coordinate spending with candidates or party committees, and Trump has not yet made the money available to the broader Republican campaign effort.

MAGA Inc., the super PAC aligned with Donald Trump, reported more than $400 million ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, including about $382 million in cash. The funds could give Trump and Republican allies a major financial advantage as they defend narrow congressional majorities, although the super PAC cannot coordinate spending directly with candidates or party committees. Competitive Senate contests in Texas and North Carolina may require significant additional spending, with strategists estimating that defending Texas could cost roughly $100 million. Republican leaders are urging Trump to deploy his resources, while high energy prices and pressure on his approval ratings add uncertainty to the midterm battle.

Police allege that Peter Michael Larsen asked a mall kiosk worker whether he was Muslim before stabbing him 15 times, saying he targeted the victim because of his religion and intended to kill Muslims. The victim, identified as Sohail, underwent multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition, while bystanders subdued Larsen until police arrived. The suspect was hospitalized and booked on suspicion of attempted murder. The attack has heightened concerns about anti-Muslim violence in Utah and prompted condemnation from Muslim advocacy and civil rights groups.

A Muslim mall worker in West Valley City, Utah, was critically injured after being stabbed multiple times by a man who allegedly targeted him for being Muslim. Police say the suspect, Peter Michael Larsen, admitted to intending to kill Muslims and was subdued by bystanders before being arrested. Witnesses reported that Larsen had been asking mall workers about their religion prior to the attack. Civil rights groups and local Muslim leaders condemned the assault, citing growing concerns over anti-Muslim hate. The victim, Sohail, remains hospitalized, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch rejected a White House report accusing the National Museum of American History of anti-Americanism and extreme political activism. The report, which calls for removing what the administration considers ideological bias, has also been condemned by the Organization of American Historians as an attempt to force the Smithsonian to serve the administration’s political agenda. The dispute is part of Donald Trump’s broader campaign against institutions that he says promote anti-American ideology, including threats to funding for museums that resist his policies. The Smithsonian says it is reviewing the report while maintaining its independent decision-making structure.

The U.S. State Department has renewed its call for China to hold unconditional talks with the Dalai Lama, his representatives and elected Tibetan leaders following the self-immolation death of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen outside the United Nations in New York. China rejected the appeal, insisting Tibet is part of its territory and accusing Washington of interfering in its internal affairs. The dispute reflects continuing tensions over Tibetan autonomy, religious succession and alleged human-rights abuses, with dozens of self-immolations highlighting desperation among some Tibetans in Tibet and exile.

Tibetan activist and Uber driver Logba Rangzen died after setting himself on fire near the United Nations headquarters in New York while carrying a Tibetan flag. Exiled Tibetan media identified him and linked the protest to his opposition to China's restrictions on Tibetans and its new ethnic unity law. The United States and European Union have criticized the law, which promotes a unified national identity and gives Beijing broader grounds to act against people beyond China's borders.

A man carrying a Tibetan flag died after suffering severe burns near United Nations headquarters in New York, according to police, who said he was found after an emergency call and later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. Police did not identify him, but Voice of Tibet and local reporting identified him as Tibetan activist and Uber driver Logba Rangzen. The incident occurred amid international and Tibetan opposition to China’s new ethnic unity law, which critics say strengthens Beijing’s control over Tibetans and other minorities. The NYPD said its investigation was ongoing.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the suspension of the state's Conviction Review Unit after the Trump administration declined to renew the federal grant that funded it. Established in 2020 and active in reviewing potential wrongful convictions since 2021, the unit had received $800,000 in federal grants. Ellison said Minnesota cannot cover its costs without undermining other core responsibilities, while the suspension is presented as part of broader federal funding cuts affecting programs and Democratic-led states.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suspending the state's Conviction Review Unit after the U.S. Justice Department declined to renew its federal grant. Established in 2020, the unit reviewed potential wrongful convictions and had received $800,000 in federal funding, but Minnesota says it cannot continue without diverting resources from other responsibilities. The suspension comes amid broader disputes over the Trump administration's efforts to withhold or condition federal funding for Democratic-led states and programs, alongside controversial immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota.

Vice President JD Vance criticized the Vatican’s opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, arguing that mass migration has victims while inviting dialogue with Catholic leaders who disagree. Pope Leo XIV has urged deeper reflection on the treatment of migrants and condemned what he considers the administration’s disrespectful and inhumane approach. The dispute reflects broader tensions between the Vatican and Trump over immigration, the Iran conflict, and the proposed Gaza Board of Peace.

The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice announced potential enforcement action against Kansas City Public School District over a policy protecting students’ transgender status from disclosure to parents. The action could result in judicial proceedings and the loss of federal funding. The move follows President Donald Trump’s efforts to restrict transgender rights in schools and comes as the Supreme Court allowed states to limit transgender girls’ and women’s participation in school sports. Civil-rights activists have condemned the administration’s funding threats and executive actions.

Donald Trump said it may never be established who was responsible for the deadly February 28 strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed more than 175 children and teachers. He said he had not seen evidence that U.S. forces carried out the attack and added, “I don’t think it was us.” An initial U.S. military assessment reportedly found U.S. forces likely responsible, but the Pentagon has not publicly released definitive conclusions. Families and international observers continue to demand answers as investigations proceed.

A February 28 strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, killed more than 175 children and teachers, according to Iranian officials. Reuters reported that an initial U.S. military assessment found U.S. forces were likely responsible, possibly because of outdated targeting information, although the Pentagon has not confirmed that conclusion and officials deny the school was intentionally targeted. Donald Trump said he had seen no evidence that the missile was American and suggested responsibility might never be determined, despite earlier offering conflicting claims and promising to accept the investigation’s findings. The incident has drawn international condemnation and renewed demands from victims’ families and observers for accountability, with a deliberate attack on the school potentially constituting a war crime.

Anthony James Kazmierczak pleaded guilty in federal court to assaulting Representative Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall. He admitted planning the attack because he opposed Omar’s political views and sprayed her with apple cider vinegar from a syringe; laboratory testing confirmed the liquid contained acetic acid. Omar was not injured, and the event resumed after security subdued Kazmierczak. The incident occurred amid controversy over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, criticism of ICE, and broader concerns about political violence and threats against Omar.

President Donald Trump is expected to receive military options for new strikes against Iran, including attacks on infrastructure, an operation to control part of the Strait of Hormuz and a special-forces mission to secure Iran's enriched uranium. The proposals come three weeks into a fragile ceasefire after a conflict that has caused extensive deaths and displacement, disrupted shipping and pushed up oil prices. The administration reportedly hopes increased pressure will force Iran toward nuclear negotiations, while critics including Tucker Carlson dispute claims about the immediacy of Iran's nuclear threat. International law experts warn that attacks on civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes, and the conflict has created divisions within Trump's political base.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons will resign on May 31 and move to the private sector, according to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who praised him as a strong leader. Lyons previously led ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations directorate. His departure comes amid intense scrutiny of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, including allegations of due-process and free-speech violations, fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers in Minnesota, protests and the first state assault charge against an ICE officer linked to the enforcement campaign.

Pope Leo XIV said he would continue condemning war and promoting peace despite Donald Trump’s attacks on him over the Iran conflict. Trump called the pope weak and terrible on foreign policy, objected to his positions on Iran and Venezuela, and shared an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus. Catholic leaders and politicians from both parties criticized Trump, while Cardinal Blase Cupich condemned the administration’s use of edited war footage for entertainment. The dispute comes amid a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, ongoing regional violence, and reports of tensions between the Pentagon and the Vatican over the pope’s opposition to war.

The Trump administration has opened two new federal investigations into Harvard University, examining alleged race-based admissions preferences and antisemitism on campus. Harvard denies discrimination, says it complies with the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative-action ruling, and accuses the administration of retaliating against the university’s independence. The probes add to ongoing litigation and funding pressure on Harvard and other universities over campus protests, diversity policies and alleged antisemitism. Advocates warn that demands for admissions data could threaten student privacy, while critics say the administration has not pursued equivalent investigations into Islamophobia or anti-Palestinian bias.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly offered to move Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia as part of a proposed deal to end the U.S. and Israeli war against Tehran, but Donald Trump rejected the offer. Trump also acknowledged that Putin might be assisting Iran, contradicting earlier statements from Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and the White House that Moscow had denied sharing intelligence with Tehran. Separately, changes affecting Russian oil shipments could generate more than $10 billion in additional revenue for Moscow, while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices above $120.

Radiohead has demanded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement remove a promotional video that used the band’s song “Let Down” without permission. The video presented alleged victims of violence attributed by ICE to undocumented immigrants, while Radiohead objected to the song’s appropriation and its association with the agency. The dispute comes amid intense criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, including reported deaths in detention, shootings involving federal agents and concerns over due process and free speech.

Donald Trump is scheduled to chair the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace initiative, which was proposed to address international conflicts and is initially focused on the war in Gaza. Founding members reportedly include Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Argentina, Hungary and Vietnam, while Britain, the European Union, Japan and South Korea are expected to participate as observers. The meeting will address Gaza’s reconstruction, humanitarian aid and the possible deployment of a stabilization force.

Donald Trump is preparing to chair the first meeting of his Board of Peace, an initiative initially proposed to address conflicts with a focus on Israel’s war in Gaza. Its charter allows countries to obtain permanent membership by contributing $1 billion, while others receive three-year terms. Critics say the board could undermine the United Nations, excludes Palestinian representation and includes states with questionable human-rights records. Britain, the European Union, France, Germany, the Vatican and several major Global South powers have declined invitations, while China and Russia have abstained. The UN Security Council nevertheless approved a US-drafted resolution recognizing the board as a temporary administration for Gaza through 2027 and authorizing an International Stabilisation Force.

Donald Trump's Board of Peace is an international initiative initially proposed to help end the war in Gaza but later expanded to address conflicts worldwide. Trump will chair it, with founding executive board members including Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Tony Blair and Jared Kushner. More than two dozen countries have joined, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, while Canada, several Western allies, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, China, Russia and the Vatican have declined or not joined. A U.S.-drafted U.N. Security Council resolution recognizes the board as a temporary administration for Gaza's redevelopment through 2027 and authorizes a stabilization force, but its authority beyond Gaza remains unclear. Critics object to the absence of Palestinian representation, Trump's extensive powers, the inclusion of Israel and countries accused of human-rights abuses, and the initiative's resemblance to a colonial structure. The first meeting will address Gaza's reconstruction, humanitarian aid and deployment of a stabilization force.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a review into allegations that TikTok suppressed content critical of Donald Trump following the platform’s restructuring into a majority US-owned joint venture. TikTok attributed the problems to a data-centre power outage and cascading technical failures, while ByteDance said the new venture would protect US data and algorithms. The deal gives American and global investors an 80.1% stake, with Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX as major investors and ByteDance retaining 19.9%; US and Chinese authorities reportedly approved the agreement.

Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, Pedro Pascal and the National Basketball Players Association have condemned the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration officials in Minnesota. Perry urged followers to contact senators about defunding ICE, while Eilish praised Pretti and called on celebrities to speak out. Administration officials characterized the shootings as self-defense, but video evidence reportedly contradicted that account, and the White House blamed Democratic leaders for hostile resistance.

Katy Perry urged followers to contact senators and oppose funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Pedro Pascal and Billie Eilish also expressed support for the victims, while the National Basketball Players Association called for solidarity with protesters and defense of free speech. Administration officials described the shootings as self-defense, but the report says video evidence contradicted that account. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, while President Donald Trump spoke with Governor Tim Walz in an effort to reduce tensions.

Donald Trump announced that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 percent tariff on all business with the United States, although the White House provided no documentation or legal justification. China condemned the measure as unilateral coercion and warned it would protect its interests. The announcement came as Iran faced its largest anti-government protests in years, with HRANA reporting 599 verified deaths since 28 December. Trump has considered diplomacy and possible military action, while Iran says communication channels with Washington remain open. The policy also faces uncertainty amid legal challenges to the administration’s broader tariff program.

Donald Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, including major partners such as China, the United Arab Emirates and India. China criticized the threat, while no official White House documentation or legal authority for the measure had been provided. The announcement came as Iran faced deadly anti-government protests, with 599 deaths reportedly verified, and as the United States weighed diplomatic and possible military responses.

The US military conducted an extensive series of airstrikes against ISIS targets across Syria under Operation Hawkeye Strike. CENTCOM said the operation used 90 precision munitions against more than 35 targets and was retaliation for a December attack in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter and wounded three Iowa National Guard members. The strikes are part of broader US-led coalition operations against ISIS, conducted increasingly with the cooperation of Syria's post-Assad government.

The U.S. House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena billionaire Leslie Wexner and the executors of Jeffrey Epstein’s estate as part of its investigation into Epstein’s connections and records. Wexner, who previously entrusted Epstein with managing his finances and serving as trustee of his foundation, has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. The subpoenas come as the Trump administration faces pressure to release files from federal Epstein investigations; the Justice Department says 5.2 million pages remain under review.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran will not abandon uranium enrichment, calling it both a scientific achievement and a matter of national pride, despite severe damage to nuclear facilities during Israeli and US strikes. He said Iran is assessing the damage and remains open to talks with Washington, though not direct negotiations for now. The conflict targeted facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, while the International Atomic Energy Agency says it has no credible indication of an active, coordinated Iranian weapons programme. Iran maintains its nuclear activities are civilian, whereas Israel and the United States say they sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The Trump administration is targeting Harvard and Brown University over alleged campus antisemitism. Reports say $510 million in Brown grants may be frozen, while Harvard was told to ban masks at protests, eliminate DEI programs, cooperate with law enforcement, and address programs officials say contribute to antisemitic harassment. The measures follow funding cuts and grant reviews involving Columbia and Princeton and broader pressure on universities over pro-Palestinian protests. Universities, academics, human-rights advocates, and protesters argue that the administration is conflating criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights with antisemitism, threatening free speech and institutional autonomy.

Donald Trump denied a New York Times report that Elon Musk was scheduled to receive a Pentagon briefing on the U.S. military’s strategy for a potential conflict with China. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Musk would visit the Pentagon to discuss innovation, efficiency and production, not top-secret plans. The reported briefing would have raised concerns about Musk’s access to sensitive information and possible conflicts involving his companies Tesla and SpaceX, which have business interests in China and with the Pentagon. The White House has said Musk would recuse himself from matters involving conflicts of interest.

American Airlines flight AA292 from New York to New Delhi diverted to Rome after the crew was alerted to an emailed bomb threat while the Boeing 787-9 was over the Caspian Sea. The threat was reportedly deemed unfounded, and Italian law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to depart. Passengers and baggage underwent additional screening, while the flight remained in Rome overnight for crew rest before continuing to India.

An accidental explosion involving more than 5,000 pounds of confiscated illegal fireworks in South Los Angeles injured 17 people, including nine LAPD officers and an ATF agent. Six civilians sustained serious or moderate injuries, while others suffered minor injuries. The blast damaged a bomb squad trailer, vehicles, nearby buildings and homes four days before the 4 July holiday. Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered a full investigation, and building inspectors assessed whether residents would need to be displaced.

Michelle Obama will be inducted into the US National Women’s Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2021, alongside eight other distinguished women, including Indra Nooyi, Mia Hamm, Katherine Johnson, Octavia Butler, Rebecca Halstead, Joy Harjo, Judy Chicago and Emily Howland. The induction ceremony was scheduled for 2 October 2021 in Seneca Falls, New York, with plans for a free virtual livestream and safety measures for any in-person events because of Covid-19.

Heavy rain caused the Kaupakalua Dam on Maui to crest and breach, prompting authorities to order evacuations in nearby areas and along the coast because of the risk of life-threatening flooding and major property damage. Shelters opened at the Paia Community Center and Hana High School, while Maui County parks remained closed.

Elon Musk said Tesla had received about 146,000 Cybertruck orders shortly after its unveiling, with customers choosing dual-, tri- and single-motor versions in roughly equal proportions. The reported demand came despite a launch mishap in which the vehicle’s supposedly armoured windows shattered during a demonstration, raising doubts among some Wall Street analysts about its futuristic design. The Cybertruck starts at $39,900, requires a $100 reservation payment and is expected to enter production around late 2021, targeting the highly profitable US pickup-truck market dominated by Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Twitter representatives were scheduled to meet staff of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence as part of investigations into possible links between Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. The meeting came amid growing pressure on Twitter, Facebook and other technology companies to disclose political advertising and prevent foreign governments from influencing elections. Facebook had reported that a Russia-based operation spent $100,000 on divisive advertisements before and after the election, prompting Democrats to urge the Federal Election Commission to impose greater transparency requirements. Russia denied meddling, while special counsel Robert Mueller and congressional committees continued their investigations.

A ScotCen Scottish Social Attitudes survey found that 46% of Scots support independence, twice the level recorded in 2012, while 42% favor devolution and 8% oppose having a Scottish Parliament. Despite Scotland’s 62% vote to remain in the EU, Euroscepticism has risen, with two-thirds wanting the UK to leave the EU or the EU’s powers reduced. Support for independence is strongest among younger voters, but the report cautions that pro-EU sentiment may be too weak to help the SNP win a second referendum. Nicola Sturgeon is seeking a vote in late 2018 or early 2019, while Theresa May’s government says it will engage with Scotland over Brexit.