Global News Digest

World

Trump to Drop Plans for $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund | Balance of Power: Late Edition 06/01/2026
Bloomberg

Trump to Drop Plans for $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund | Balance of Power: Late Edition 06/01/2026

On June 1, 2026, President Trump canceled plans for a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, halting the proposed financial initiative for defense against weaponization threats.

SEC Defends Settlement With Musk After Judge Cites ‘Red Flags’
Bloomberg

SEC Defends Settlement With Musk After Judge Cites ‘Red Flags’

The SEC defends its settlement with Elon Musk after a judge highlighted "red flags," justifying the deal despite judicial concerns regarding the agreement's adequacy and fairness.

Lebanon says Hezbollah agrees reciprocal halt to attacks on Israel
BBC News

Lebanon says Hezbollah agrees reciprocal halt to attacks on Israel

Lebanon confirms Hezbollah accepted a US-mediated mutual ceasefire with Israel, though fighting persisted and Netanyahu warned strikes would resume if violations occur.

Reuters

New Mexico Epstein commission makes first subpoenas

New Mexico’s Epstein Commission issued its first subpoenas, marking the initial enforcement action by the special task force investigating the financier’s regional activities and connections.

Reuters

EU paves way to allow migrant deportations to centres outside bloc

The EU has approved measures allowing the deportation of migrants to reception centers located outside the bloc's borders.

Reuters

Australian regulator orders Amazon, others to remove banned magnetic toys

Australia ordered Amazon and other retailers to remove banned magnetic toys. This action protects consumers from safety hazards linked to these prohibited items.

How health workers in DR Congo are treating Ebola and staying safe
BBC News

How health workers in DR Congo are treating Ebola and staying safe

Health workers in DR Congo combat Ebola using isolation and the protective "Cube" unit, but face critical shortages of PPE and equipment that endanger staff safety.

Reuters

Five dead, dozens wounded as Russia launches major attack across Ukraine, authorities say

Russia’s major attack across Ukraine has killed five people and injured dozens, according to authorities.

Reuters

US court blocks Pentagon from removing transgender troops, for now

A US federal court temporarily blocked the Pentagon from dismissing transgender service members, halting the military's expulsion policy for now.

Reuters

Serena to make much-awaited return at Queen's Club Championships

Serena Williams will make her long-awaited comeback at the Queen's Club Championships. This marks a significant return to professional tennis for the star player.

Toy Story 5 shows 'terror' of children's screen addiction, says Tom Hanks
BBC News

Toy Story 5 shows 'terror' of children's screen addiction, says Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks says *Toy Story 5* tackles children’s screen addiction, featuring a frog-like tablet villain. The film reflects his terror at how technology captivates youth, mirroring real-world concerns about digital distraction.

Trump administration will abide by ruling halting $1.8bn 'anti-weaponisation' fund
BBC News

Trump administration will abide by ruling halting $1.8bn 'anti-weaponisation' fund

The Trump administration will comply with a court order halting its $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation" fund, despite DOJ objections. The injunction follows a lawsuit alleging the compensation program was discriminatory.

Trump inserts himself into the centre of America's 250th birthday celebrations
BBC News

Trump inserts himself into the centre of America's 250th birthday celebrations

Trump dismisses withdrawing musicians to center himself in America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations, promoting a rival “Freedom 250” event featuring a massive rally on the National Mall.

Reuters

Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes off coast of southern Italy, GFZ says

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of southern Italy, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).

'Mornings and nights no longer exist':  A day in the hottest place in India
BBC News

'Mornings and nights no longer exist': A day in the hottest place in India

Banda, India’s hottest district, forces residents to compress daily activities into cooler hours. People adapt by working early and late, seeking shade to survive extreme temperatures.

Reuters

Moderna and other groups get $60 million to develop Ebola vaccine

Moderna and other groups received a $60 million grant to develop an Ebola vaccine. This funding supports collaborative efforts to create an effective immunization against the deadly virus.

New Zealand Prime Minister Vows to Keep Nuclear-Free Stance
Bloomberg

New Zealand Prime Minister Vows to Keep Nuclear-Free Stance

At the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, NZ PM Christopher Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to its nuclear-free stance.

Reuters

Toronto police seize $2.5 million worth of fake soccer gear ahead of World Cup

Toronto police seized $2.5 million in counterfeit soccer gear ahead of the World Cup. This operation targets intellectual property infringement and protects consumers from illicit merchandise.

Rep. Goodlander: Congress Must Check Trump on Iran
Bloomberg

Rep. Goodlander: Congress Must Check Trump on Iran

Rep. Goodlander urges Congress to check President Trump’s Iran policy, demanding accountability for his administration’s actions regarding the region.

Rep. Flood: Congress Should 'Get On With Reconciliation'
Bloomberg

Rep. Flood: Congress Should 'Get On With Reconciliation'

Rep. Flood urges Congress to proceed with reconciliation, emphasizing the need to move forward with the legislative process efficiently.