Armed man arrested at Trump California golf course faces new charges
Federal authorities have arrested a 38-year-old California man, Jeanine John Taele, at Donald Trump’s Los Angeles-area golf course after he was seen observing security preparations ahead of a presidential visit, and he now faces additional firearms-related charges as the investigation continues. The arrest occurred at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, where agents said Taele appeared to be monitoring security-planning activities, taking photographs and video, and carrying a 16-round magazine with ammunition, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and federal officials.
Taele was initially detained for suspicious behaviour and later charged with possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, among other counts. He faces firearms-related charges while law enforcement examines his motives; no completed legal or security outcome has been reached. President Trump had been scheduled to speak at the coastal club on Tuesday night and to host a fundraising dinner there.
Iran and Oman near final deal on Hormuz shipping route
Iran says it is close to finalising an agreement with Oman on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, a development that could shape navigation through the vital waterway amid five months of conflict with the United States. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday that Tehran and Muscat had agreed on geographic coordinates for the route and that a joint announcement was being finalised, provided no third parties interfered, while stressing that the arrangement would not guarantee security in the waterway.
Tehran has asserted the United States was not involved in the accord, even as President Donald Trump said negotiations over Hormuz were “moving along very nicely.” Trump also pushed back against reports that US munitions stocks were depleted, insisting that Washington has “massive amounts” of weapons, especially of certain types. An analysis by The New York Times suggested that a finalised route agreement would effectively ratify Tehran’s control over the strait.
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary
Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official and epidemiologist, has won the Democratic primary for US Senate in Michigan, narrowly defeating moderate Representative Haley Stevens in a contest dominated by the politics of Israel and heavy outside spending. El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, backs Medicare for All and has campaigned against corporate money in politics; if elected in November he would become the first Muslim US senator.
Stevens was backed by tens of millions of dollars, much of it from pro-Israel groups including AIPAC and hidden donors, a financial advantage El-Sayed sought to turn into a liability. El-Sayed will now face Republican Mike Rogers in the battle for the purple-state Senate seat.
Explosive drone found at Leipzig airport, plane collision probed
German police deployed a bomb-disposal robot after an airport employee found a drone carrying an unknown explosive device near the south runway at Leipzig airport, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation and the diversion of several flights. Regional police and prosecutors said the object was discovered close to where Ukrainian cargo planes operate, and that a DHL cargo aircraft which had aborted its landing subsequently collided in mid-air with an unknown object, sustaining slight damage.
Authorities are examining whether a second drone was involved in the airborne collision. A German official described the discovery as representing a “new quality” of threat to aviation security.
Mexican influencer César Gastélum shot dead during Sinaloa livestream
Mexican social-media influencer César Gastélum, known for comedy and lifestyle posts, was shot dead while livestreaming outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán, Sinaloa state. The killing, carried out by a gunman on a motorbike, occurred as Gastélum filmed with two friends; he had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok. The state has been wracked by lethal cartel violence.
FIFA crisis meeting reaffirms support for president Gianni Infantino
FIFA’s senior leadership has reaffirmed its support for Gianni Infantino remaining as president after a crisis meeting in Rabat, and the governing body has apologised for errors connected with his abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. Infantino has sent written apologies to the FIFA council and the 211 member associations for failing to consult them over the stake-sale proposal, the organisation said.
Perez Hilton hospitalized after livestreamed self-harm in Miami
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized after livestreaming footage of himself self-harming on TikTok from his Miami home. Concerned viewers alerted emergency services, who responded on Tuesday night; the stream has since been removed. Hilton appeared bloodied and in a distressed mental state during the broadcast, according to officials.
Judge dismisses Jan. 6 Oath Keepers case at DOJ request
A federal judge has granted the Justice Department’s request to dismiss a landmark case against leaders of the right-wing Oath Keepers militia over the 6 January 2021 assault on the US Capitol, vacating the convictions of founder Stewart Rhodes and other members. US District Judge Amit Mehta, who issued the ruling, sharply criticised the administration’s move, saying it bestowed “unearned grace” on the defendants by wiping their records clean.
Senate confirms Erica Schwartz as CDC director
The US Senate has confirmed Dr Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by a 51-44 vote, giving the Trump administration a rare success in filling senior health posts after two previous CDC nominees failed. Schwartz is Trump’s third pick to lead the agency.
Ex-neo-Nazi activist quits as Tory candidate to advise on extremism
Joshua Bonehill‑Paine, a former neo‑Nazi activist previously jailed for a campaign of antisemitic abuse against former Labour MP Luciana Berger, has withdrawn as a Conservative candidate for a Somerset council election. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Bonehill‑Paine would instead advise the party on tackling extremism, after the Tories earlier that day offered Jewish groups a meeting with him over his selection.
Vollering wins Tour de France Femmes stage five as Reusser leads
Dutch rider Demi Vollering won stage five of the Tour de France Femmes in a sprint finish ahead of overall leader Marlen Reusser, who retained the yellow jersey. The stage in the Beaujolais vineyards saw defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot lose further ground to the leading trio, which also includes Katarzyna Niewiadoma. The race has also been marked by a dispute over aerodynamic chest padding.
Police chief may join legal fight over PC Harper killers' release
The chief constable of Thames Valley Police has said he will consider joining legal action against the government if it does not block the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, two of the men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper. The Police Federation is already contemplating court action to keep the pair in prison when the government’s early-release scheme begins in October.