Year: 2026

Michele Spagnuolo, a Google software engineer, faces federal charges for allegedly profiting over $1.2 million by wagering on confidential company data using Polymarket. The charges include commodities fraud and wire fraud, and he has been released on a $2.25 million bond after an arrest in New York.

Radley, the UK handbag retailer, is set to close multiple stores after being acquired from administration by Gordon Brothers, owner of Poundland. The buyout excludes retail operations, leading to significant job losses. All 21 UK locations, including flagship stores in London and Glasgow, will cease trading by September.

A fire at Utumishi Girls School in central Kenya has resulted in the deaths of over a dozen students while they slept, with investigations ongoing.

Beretta Defense Technologies will unveil the Livet, an automated weapon station targeting drone attacks, at the Eurosatory defence show in Paris this June. Featuring eight Benelli shotguns in a remote-controlled turret, it boasts auto-tracking capabilities and rapid response for protecting critical infrastructure.

EUROPEAN UPDATE

This morning, Europe faces key discussions on trade policies and energy agreements.

Several countries, including Canada, the Bahamas, and the US, have enacted travel bans in response to the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Restrictions aim to contain the disease after over 220 suspected deaths were reported since mid-May.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether E. Jean Carroll committed perjury regarding her civil lawsuits against President Trump. The inquiry, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, focuses on her 2022 deposition claims about funding sources for her litigation.

GCHQ’s head warns of escalating Russian threats to critical infrastructure and democratic processes in the UK, urging heightened urgency in cybersecurity measures.

Giorgia Meloni’s government faces increasing tension with historic allies, the US and Israel, as calls grow for European sanctions against Israeli officials following controversial remarks by Itamar Ben-Gvir. The shift in Italy’s foreign policy has sparked debate among political figures amid concerns of self-sanctioning trade impacts.

The U.S. military conducted strikes against Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a control station in Bandar Abbas. Although described as defensive measures, the strikes challenge the ongoing U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The situation evolves as diplomatic discussions continue regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.