Nearly 8,000 images from around the globe were submitted for the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 competition, showcasing the incredible talents of underwater photographers. Ultimately, an Australian photographer triumphed with a heartwarming capture of elephant seal pups nuzzling in a rockpool, highlighting the intimate moments that can be found beneath the ocean’s surface.
In other significant news, former President Bill Clinton is set to be questioned regarding his past relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Claimed documents indicate that Clinton utilized Epstein’s private plane 16 times, although he asserts their interactions occurred before Epstein’s criminal activities were unveiled. Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently completed hours of testimony before the House Oversight Committee, firmly denying any ties to Epstein or his illegal conduct. She criticized Republican lawmakers for focusing on her instead of scrutinizing President Donald Trump and others mentioned in the Epstein files. Both Clintons and Trump have not been accused by law enforcement of any wrongdoing linked to Epstein.
Vice President JD Vance addressed public concerns regarding a potential lengthy U.S. involvement in a conflict in the Middle East, particularly as President Trump contemplates military action against Iran. Vance reassured citizens that a protracted Middle Eastern war is unlikely. Trump has reportedly been briefed on military options concerning Iran, but the direction his administration will take—either military strikes or diplomatic negotiations—remains uncertain. Recent talks in Geneva showed some progress but fell short of a substantial breakthrough.
In the realm of technology, American AI company Anthropic faces a deadline to comply with Pentagon demands. If unmet, it risks being classified as a “supply chain risk,” a label typically associating companies with foreign adversaries. The Pentagon, which uses Anthropic’s Claude AI system on classified networks, seeks broader authority for its usage while Anthropic maintains its conditions—specifically, a refusal to allow the technology for autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. Although the Defense Department insists it has no interest in using AI for these purposes, Anthropic is determined to uphold its red lines.
The stock market is experiencing a noticeable shift, particularly among technology stocks, which are no longer the primary drivers of growth. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite has failed to reach new heights in the past four months, as the S&P 500 is poised for its poorest monthly performance since March. Meanwhile, less tech-reliant stocks, such as those in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, have seen an uptick of around 3% this year, signaling growing investor skepticism about the AI boom and its potential disruption of existing business models.
The Trump administration is set to release over $5 billion in delayed FEMA disaster aid, although several states governed by Democrats will not receive this funding. The money is crucial for state recovery and mitigation efforts, with more than $14 billion previously stalled due to stringent Homeland Security spending rules. While one-third of the backlog is being resolved, states including California, Illinois, Minnesota, and Colorado are notably excluded, prompting concerns about political manipulation in times of need.
In media developments, Netflix opted out of the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, paving the way for Paramount to acquire its extensive portfolio, including CNN. In personal news, Savannah Guthrie is reportedly planning to return to the “Today” show, although her exact timeline remains uncertain amid her focus on locating her missing mother.
In cultural news, nearly three decades after the launch of Pokémon, rare trading cards are now fetching millions, igniting a resurgence in collecting enthusiasm among fans. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently paraded with his teenage daughter, sparking speculation about her potential grooming for succession.
As cultural and technological trends evolve, many parents are looking to reduce screen time for their children, shifting towards hands-on, offline activities, according to Pinterest’s latest Parent Trend Report.
Lastly, in an unusual incident, a man inadvertently gained control of 7,000 robot vacuums while attempting to connect one to a PlayStation controller. This security breach allowed him access to other users’ microphone audio and video streams, though the company has since assured that the issue has been resolved.
