OpenAI says it detected an effort to extract protected reasoning from its artificial intelligence models and linked part of the activity to China’s Moonshot AI.

OpenAIMoonshot AIAI modelsmodel reasoning

The US Supreme Court overturned a last-minute stay issued by the 6th Circuit, allowing Tennessee to proceed with Christa Pike’s execution. Pike was sentenced to death for killing 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995. Her lawyers say her childhood sexual abuse, mental illness and age at the time were not fully considered.

death penaltyUS Supreme CourtTennesseeChrista Pike

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for Tennessee to execute Christa Pike for murdering a classmate when she was 18. A federal court had halted the execution shortly before it was scheduled to take place.

Christa PikeTennesseedeath penaltySupreme Court

The US Supreme Court overturned a last-minute stay, clearing the way for Tennessee inmate Christa Pike to be executed by lethal injection. Pike was sentenced to death for the 1996 murder of Colleen Slemmer. Three liberal justices dissented, saying her pending legal challenges had not been properly considered.

death penaltyUS Supreme CourtTennesseeChrista Pike

The US Supreme Court has allowed Christa Gail Pike’s execution in Tennessee to move forward. The justices said they want to examine whether her allegations of childhood sexual abuse and rape were fully considered before she was sentenced to death.

US Supreme CourtexecutionTennesseesexual abuse allegations

A federal appeals court has paused the execution of Christa Pike, 50, Tennessee’s only woman on death row. Pike was sentenced to death after being convicted of murdering 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995.

death penaltyfederal appeals courtTennessee

A US federal appeals court temporarily halted Tennessee’s planned execution of death row inmate Christa Pike less than two hours before her lethal injection. The 6th Circuit is considering her claim that evidence of childhood sexual abuse was not properly weighed at sentencing. Tennessee has asked the Supreme Court to lift the stay.

Christa PikeTennesseedeath penaltyappeals court

Hegseth has ordered a 20% reduction in the US military’s top ranks, covering generals and admirals.

US militarygenerals and admiralsmilitary reform

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US military had cut its generals and admirals by 20%, describing the move as accountability rather than a purge. He also announced plans for a drone-focused warfare command and a task force led by Elon Musk, Newt Gingrich and Palmer Luckey to examine future weapons and warfare.

US militarydefense reformdrone warfareElon Musk

U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Wednesday that the military will eliminate 20 per cent of its generals and admirals. He made the announcement alongside other measures in what he called a “state of the force” address.

U.S. militarygenerals and admiralsmilitary reform

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the United States had reduced its number of generals and admirals by 20 percent. He described the move as intended to promote “accountability.”

US Defense Departmentmilitary reformsenior officers

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to cut military positions reserved for generals and admirals by 20 percent by January 1, 2027, affecting about 800 one- to four-star posts. He says the move is needed to reduce bureaucracy and change military culture, while analysts warn it could sideline experienced commanders, discourage dissent and favor officers loyal to Donald Trump.

US militaryPete Hegsethsenior officersmilitary reform

Burnham says there are “strong indications” Iran was involved in Sunday’s security scare at the US-used RAF Fairford airbase. Police found petrol but no explosives, and five suspects were released on bail. Tehran has denied any involvement.

IranRAF Fairfordsecurity incident

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Wednesday there were “strong indications” Tehran was involved in Sunday’s security incident near an English airbase used by the US military in its war against Iran. The government has not explained what happened. Five British men were arrested and later released on bail, and no explosives were found.

IranUKFairford airbasesecurity incident

The UK prime minister says there are “strong indications” that Iran played a part in a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford airbase.

IranUnited Kingdomairbasesuspected plot

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there are strong indications that Iran played a role in an incident outside a UK airbase used by US forces to strike Iran.

IranUnited Kingdomairbase

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says there are “strong indications” that Iran was involved in an alleged plot targeting a UK airbase used by the US military.

UKIranairbasealleged plot

UK’s Andy Burnham says there are “strong indications” that Iran was involved in an incident at RAF Fairford.

IranUnited KingdomRAF Fairford

U.S. President Donald Trump’s comment that he is still “thinking about” a diesel export ban has raised concerns that energy prices in the United States could climb further.

diesel export banenergy pricesDonald Trump

President Trump says he is considering a ban on diesel exports, while acknowledging it could negatively affect gasoline prices. He previously said he was “very seriously” weighing the step, despite warnings from the U.S. oil industry that it would raise prices.

Donald Trumpdiesel exportsgasoline prices

Pennsylvania has confirmed its fifth measles-associated death of 2026, with 943 cases recorded across 39 counties and infections more than doubling since August. The state is expanding vaccination outreach and seeking CDC support, while Governor Josh Shapiro and federal health officials dispute how measles-related deaths should be classified.

Pennsylvaniameasles outbreakvaccinationpublic health

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported a fifth measles-associated death on Wednesday as an ongoing outbreak moves toward becoming the largest measles outbreak the US has seen in decades.

Pennsylvaniameaslesoutbreak

Pennsylvania health officials said an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County has died of measles, bringing the outbreak’s death toll to five. The state has recorded 943 cases across 39 counties and at least 176 hospitalizations. Lancaster County, the outbreak’s epicenter, accounts for 381 cases and three deaths.

measles outbreakPennsylvaniavaccinationpublic health

Pennsylvania health officials said Wednesday that an unvaccinated person in Lancaster County died after contracting measles, bringing the state’s measles-related death toll this year to five as the outbreak grows.

Pennsylvaniameaslesoutbreakpublic health

Pennsylvania health officials said Wednesday that an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles had died. It was the fifth measles-related death reported in the state.

Pennsylvaniameaslespublic health

President Donald Trump said the co-pilot involved in the flydubai incident may have been a “terrorist” or a “whack-job.”

Donald Trumpflydubaiaviation security

US President Donald Trump expressed amazement while recounting how an “Israeli plumber” helped land a Flydubai flight. One pilot had been stabbed, and a cockpit altercation between the pilots left the aircraft carrying 174 passengers close to crashing.

Flydubai flightpilot altercationDonald Trump

Passengers on FlyDubai Flight 1073 described frightening moments after a suspect allegedly attacked the pilot and tried to bring down the plane.

flight safetyFlyDubaiTel Avivmid-air attack

The United States officially ended its 12-year mission fighting ISIS in Iraq on September 30. The Pentagon said all U.S. and coalition troops had left the country, formally bringing Operation Inherent Resolve to an end.

IraqUS withdrawalcounterterrorism

US President Donald Trump confirmed that the remaining American troops are leaving Iraq, describing Operation Inherent Resolve as a “very expensive excursion into hell.” He said the orderly coalition withdrawal was a victory for the United States and Iraq and a decisive victory over ISIS.

US troop withdrawalIraqDonald TrumpISIS

Donald Trump says the withdrawal from Iraq marks the end of Operation Inherent Resolve and the US-led coalition mission, describing it as a “victory.”

Donald TrumpIraqwithdrawalUS-led coalition

The last U.S. troops assigned to fight ISIS in Iraq left the country Wednesday, ending a mission that dismantled the extremists’ self-declared caliphate. The withdrawal is fueling fears over what could fill the vacuum as the Iran war continues.

IraqUS withdrawalISISregional security

The Pentagon says the last US troops assigned to the anti-ISIL mission have left Iraq, completing a years-long withdrawal. Washington says Baghdad now bears primary responsibility for the country’s remaining security challenges, while the coalition task force has moved to Jordan.

Iraq withdrawalUS troopsISILIraq security

The Pentagon says the US and its coalition partners have formally ended Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, completing a withdrawal agreed two years ago. Washington will continue training and intelligence support, while Iran and its allies hailed the departure as a victory and Iraqi experts warned it could give Islamic State and others room to recover.

US withdrawalIraqIslamic Statesecurity

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a new autonomous warfare command at the Pentagon during a speech to troops at a Virginia military base. He also repeated several of his previous criticisms of military culture.

Pentagonautonomous warfareAIPete Hegseth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday the creation of a new military command focused on developing and supplying autonomous and robotic capabilities throughout the US military.

artificial intelligencedronesUS Defense Department

Student protests at French high schools have intensified, with clashes and arson reported in several areas. Security forces detained more than 600 people on Wednesday; 83 police officers and gendarmes, along with 32 teachers and pupils, were injured. The protests affected 356 schools as students protested overcrowded classes, heavy workloads, poor materials and teacher shortages.

Francestudent protestscivil unresteducation

Students continued protesting at schools across France, calling for more resources and improved learning conditions. Tensions and vandalism were reported around several schools in Rennes.

Francestudent protestseducation conditions

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says Cornell University’s president agreed to bring in outside counsel after speaking with her. NBC News has obtained the female student’s six-page statement to Cornell police from 2024.

Cornell Universityrape allegationsindependent investigation

Cornell University has agreed to an outside review of how it handled an alleged sexual assault, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. Hochul called for the review, saying the incident raised “serious questions about Cornell campus culture.”

Cornell Universitysexual assault allegationsoutside review

Cornell University has faced criticism over its handling of an alleged 2024 sexual assault involving a female student and several fraternity members. The university now says campus police gave all evidence to local prosecutors at the time.

Cornell Universitysexual assault investigationcampus safety

A former Cornell University student says she was drugged and gang raped by seven fraternity members in 2024. No criminal charges were filed then, but a new lawsuit and previously unseen messages have renewed outrage over the handling of the case. Prosecutors are now bringing the allegations before a grand jury for review.

Cornell Universitysexual assault allegationsgrand jurylawsuit

A New York prosecutor has revived an investigation into gang rape allegations at a Cornell University fraternity after a woman sued, alleging that seven students sexually assaulted her in 2024 after giving her alcohol and drugs. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said prosecutors will take evidence to a grand jury amid public questions over the absence of criminal charges.

Cornell Universitysexual assault allegationscriminal investigation

The Federal Reserve’s inspector general found no basis for a criminal referral or administrative misconduct over the renovation of two Washington buildings. The project is about $1bn over budget at an estimated $2.4bn, though the report identified major management shortcomings. Trump had used the costs to pressure Jerome Powell over interest rates.

Federal Reserverenovation costsJerome PowellDonald Trump

President Donald Trump began publicly attacking Jerome Powell and privately considering firing him just months after elevating Powell to lead the U.S. central bank in 2018. Trump was dissatisfied that Powell did not deliver the interest-rate cuts the president believed were warranted.

Federal ReserveDonald TrumpJerome Powellinterest rates

The Federal Reserve’s inspector general said on Wednesday that it found deficiencies in a renovation project but no basis for a criminal referral or administrative misconduct finding. The project had drawn criticism from President Donald Trump and prompted scrutiny of former Fed chief Jerome Powell.

Federal ReserveJerome Powellrenovation projectoversight

A long-awaited report from the Fed’s inspector general found failures in the renovation project but said there were no reasonable grounds to believe federal criminal law had been violated.

Federal Reserveinspector generalrenovation

The Federal Reserve’s internal watchdog found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the $2.4 billion renovation of its Washington headquarters. The project became a flashpoint between the Fed and the Trump administration as the president pressed for lower interest rates last year.

Federal Reserveheadquarters renovationinterest rates

The Federal Reserve’s watchdog said it found no basis to believe a renovation project criticized by President Donald Trump violated federal law.

Federal ReserveDonald Trumpregulatory review

Google unveiled Gemini 4 Argon, describing frontier performance in software engineering, enterprise legal and finance work, and cybersecurity defense. Access is initially restricted to a set of “trusted cyber defenders” while Google strengthens safeguards against misuse and prompt injection and monitors for misalignment before expanding availability.

GoogleGemini 4 ArgonAIcybersecurity

Google has announced Gemini 4 Argon, claiming industry-leading performance in coding, knowledge work, and cybersecurity, but the model is not yet available to the public. Google says its engineers are already using it to reduce data-center memory use, migrate C/C++ code to Rust, and tackle long-horizon tasks, while benchmark results put it ahead of several rival models.

GoogleGemini 4 Argonartificial intelligencesoftware engineering

Google has launched Gemini 4 Argon, described as Alphabet’s most advanced model so far, with major improvements in coding, cybersecurity and complex professional work.

GoogleAIGemini 4 Argon

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a landmark state law banning AI “robo bosses” from firing workers. California is the first U.S. state to adopt such a law, reversing Newsom’s earlier veto.

artificial intelligenceCaliforniaworker protections