A new International IDEA report says key U.S. democracy indicators have fallen to 50-year lows and are weakening the global rule of law. The report links democratic erosion to pressures on courts, elections, press freedom, civic space and international stability.
News Mash
FBI Director Kash Patel defended loosened hiring rules on prostitution and bestiality during a contentious Senate oversight hearing. Senators also pressed him on election security, FBI firings, his travel, a defamation lawsuit and investigations involving federal agents.
Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon are appearing at a Washington gathering urging a “human-centric” approach to artificial intelligence. The event comes amid bipartisan concern over AI risks, data centers and calls from some industry leaders for slower development.
The United States says it has deployed “on-orbit space control weapons,” but has not disclosed their number, location or capabilities. Experts say the systems are likely electronic or radio-jamming tools rather than destructive anti-satellite weapons.
Los Angeles prosecutors said they will not seek the death penalty against Nick Reiner, who is charged with murdering his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. If convicted of all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Denmark summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian frigate fired two flares near a Danish military helicopter in international waters. Moscow blamed the helicopter’s “dangerous manoeuvres,” while Copenhagen called the incident reckless and unacceptable.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged new drone strikes hours after President Donald Trump said both sides had agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would pause attacks only if the U.S. secured a genuine Russian commitment to spare Ukrainian infrastructure.
A public inquiry found “complete failure” at the Countess of Chester Hospital allowed Lucy Letby to continue harming babies. Lady Justice Kathryn Thirlwall said some deaths and attacks could have been prevented with earlier safeguarding action.