Author: Loisa Lane

A military judge has dismissed a confession from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed regarding the September 11 attacks, determining it was not made voluntarily. The ruling hampers the US government’s prosecution efforts as Mohammed awaits trial at Guantanamo Bay, with proceedings set to begin in June 2028.

Far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Louisiana, facing a final order of removal for overstaying his visa. Detained after reportedly attending a concert, he was issued the removal order on 22 July following his failure to attend an immigration hearing.

Marine One experienced communication issues with air traffic controllers for the second time in August during its departure from Washington, D.C. The FAA confirmed contact was eventually established, following earlier reports from the NTSB that noted similar failures, prompting concerns over communication interference in the area.

A US District Judge has permanently barred the Trump administration from enforcing rules against Anthropic, citing unconstitutional punishment for protected speech. The ruling ends a legal battle over the AI company’s push to prevent military use of its model Claude for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has awarded a $16.7 million no-bid contract to Compliant Technologies LLC for 6,000 electric shock gloves, intended to aid in controlling resisting detainees. The G.L.O.V.E. devices require direct contact to activate and are designed for lower-impact interventions during law enforcement actions.

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” following his earlier statements on social media. The order instructs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to update federal records, although it cannot impose this name change internationally. Canada has yet to respond.

Three employees of the U.S. Secret Service, including Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi, have been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into potential misconduct. The employees have lost their security clearances and access to work devices as the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility conducts the inquiry.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow to caution Russia against potential aggression towards NATO member states, amid fears of new provocations. He also addressed Iran’s shipping situation, linking sanctions to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The CIA did not comment on the trip.

The Pentagon has upgraded the awards for three Marines involved in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, honouring their actions after a suicide attack killed 13 U.S. service members. Retired Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Eby and retired Lance Corporal Jordan Houston received Bronze Star Medals, while retired Corporal Michael Gretzon was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

A coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit aiming to block a new U.S. Postal Service rule on mail voting, claiming it undermines their election authority and risks disenfranchising voters. The final rule, linked to President Trump’s executive order, imposes new envelope design requirements and mandates voter information submission.