Stories from United States

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Ra warns residents against fraudulent messages targeting the state employee's retirement system. Scammers are using messages that claim to be associated with the retirement system to solicit contact information and clicks on scheduling links. Officials advise recipients to avoid providing information and instead forward suspicious messages to reportfraud.srs.illinois.gov. The warning follows reports of fraudulent communications attempting to impersonate state retirement officials.

Polymetallic nodules located in the region between Mexico and Hawaii are estimated to weigh 21 billion tons. Canadian company Metals Company maintains three exploration licenses in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The company's market capitalization has fallen to $600 million from its 2021 valuation. The zone is not under any national jurisdiction and is regulated by the International Seabed Authority. Metals Company remains a leader in this region alongside the Chinese firm Comra. Over 30 countries have called for a moratorium on such explorations until sufficient data regarding marine ecosystem damage is available. Beth Arkott, a deep-sea microbiologist, is cited regarding the environmental implications of these activities. Russia and South Korea follow China in the race for these resources. The competition is framed as a battle for energy supply security.

The SkillBit platform has been chosen to power the 2026 International Cybersecurity Challenge. The program is hosted by the Eastern Florida State College Cybersecurity Program.

The United States has modified the license governing Nicolás Maduro's ability to receive funds from the Venezuelan government. The discussion noted that fuel supplies previously sourced from Venezuela have shifted toward Trinidad following the capture of Maduro. This transition occurred after periods of fuel shortages on islands caused by conflicts with Venezuela. The US Treasury Department has issued a decision regarding the use of Venezuelan government funds for legal fees. Prosecutors in the Southern District of New York previously argued that President Nicolas Maduro should not access plundered wealth to fund his legal defense. Maduro's attorney has challenged the move, claiming the US is improperly blocking his client's ability to pay for legal representation. Both legal teams are requesting a status conference in approximately 60 days and a pause on the trial clock.

The group Black Lives Matter LA has unveiled the 'People's Budget' to the Los Angeles City Council. The plan proposes diverting millions of dollars from the police department to fund various social programs. The proposal was presented during hearings regarding Mayor Karen Bass's official budget. Mayor Bass's reelection campaign currently reports over $2 million in cash on hand. Proposed spending areas include affordable housing, food security, economic aid, healthcare, and child development. The plan also aims to improve the justice system.

Volunteers from Lowe's are completing a new men's shelter in Mount Clemens. The project, part of a Red Vest Day initiative, includes building beds, painting, and sprucing up the facility. The shelter will provide housing, meals, and support services for men without safe accommodations. This effort is part of a nationwide program to restore community spaces.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker has called for military action against Iran. Wicker requested that the Commander-in-Chief order military leaders to destroy Iran's conventional armed forces. He also called for the liquidation of any remaining elements of Iran's nuclear program. This follows reports that Iran's oil export earnings increased by 40% over the last month. The comments come amid rising calls for escalation from former Trump envoy Keith Kellogg.

Terry Kim, a 61-year-old pharmacy owner, was sentenced to over five years in prison for his role in a money laundering scheme. Kim co-owned several retail pharmacies located in Brooklyn and Queens. Federal prosecutors stated that he conspired to launder $24 million through these businesses. The sentencing occurred yesterday following the conclusion of legal proceedings.

Four men face criminal charges regarding the 1982 killing of Roxanne.

Louisiana State Police have identified four men facing criminal charges in the 1982 rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl. Investigators solved the decades-old case with the assistance of a podcast. The suspects are now facing formal criminal charges for the killing.