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US Strikes Narco Vessel in Eastern Pacific, Killing Two Amid Controversial Campaign
The US Southern Command says it conducted a lethal strike on a low-profile vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two men it labels narco-traffickers as part of a year-long campaign against drug trafficking at sea. The operation, which critics say lacks publicly verifiable evidence of drug involvement, follows a broader pattern of similar strikes that have destroyed boats and resulted in dozens of casualties and ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. International bodies and humanitarian groups have questioned the legality and effectiveness of the campaign, while oversight reviews and victim-family investigations continue.

El Niño drought tightens Panama Canal traffic, prompting reductions
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NASA's Swift telescope doomed to burn up after failed rescue mission
France 24•5 days ago
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Capital One links Trump Organization account closures to anti-money-laundering review
Capital One says it closed more than 300 Trump Organization accounts in 2021 after an anti-money-laundering review, a disclosure tying AML concerns to the Trump business for the first time. The bank argues the closures followed months of AML analysis in line with policy and regulatory guidance and is seeking to dismiss a Florida lawsuit alleging debanking for political reasons, noting the case has faced dismissals and amendments while the broader policy environment around banks remains charged.

Culver City weighs extending drive-thru ban, threatening In-N-Out plans
Culver City is debating extending a temporary moratorium on new drive-thru permits, a move that could block a planned In-N-Out Burger after a 45-day ban and a July expiry, as officials study a permanent ban amid concerns about traffic congestion and safety for nearby schoolchildren and the park.

Foot bite at Jones Beach triggers shark-safety response
A swimmer at Jones Beach State Park in New York was bitten on the foot in a suspected shark attack, with lifeguards responding and the victim taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The beach was briefly closed during an hour-long shark search before swimming was allowed again with restrictions to waist-deep water. Officials reported other shark sightings nearby at Rockaway Beach and Point Lookout on Long Island amid record heat; drones are increasingly used to monitor sharks. Shark bites are rare, with about 60–80 unprovoked bites worldwide each year.

Bolsonaro clan feud puts Flávio's presidential bid at risk
Michelle Bolsonaro publicly criticized her stepson Flávio Bolsonaro in a video, accusing him of humiliating her, a family feud within the Bolsonaro dynasty that could complicate Flávio's bid for Brazil's presidency and influence voters as Lula remains a central challenger.

Trump unveils interim Air Force One: a Qatar-gifted 747 with a luxury interior
Trump unveiled a former Qatari-owned Boeing 747 converted into a temporary Air Force One, featuring a luxury interior and bold color scheme, to serve until Boeing VC-25Bs arrive in 2028; the jet will be used for upcoming missions including a NATO summit in Ankara, while the older VC-25As remain in service and questions about accepting the foreign gift have been raised.

Oliver Tree Among Six Killed in Brazil Helicopter Collision
American singer Oliver Tree died in a midair collision between two helicopters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, along with five others including the pilot of the other helicopter; Tree, 32, was aboard the chopper with four other passengers when the crash occurred west of downtown Rio.

Ipsos quick count shows razor-thin tie in Peru presidential runoff
An Ipsos quick count shows Roberto Sanchez leading Keiko Fujimori 50.3% to 49.7%, a statistical tie, with Fujimori strongest in Lima and the coast while Sanchez dominates rural areas; the quick count is not official but has historically tracked the final result, keeping the Peru runoff too close to call.

Keiko Fujimori bets on stability in a fourth bid for Peru’s presidency
Keiko Fujimori—who was Peru’s first lady at 19 during her father Alberto Fujimori’s presidency—is running for a fourth time in a runoff against leftist Roberto Sánchez, with some polls showing her ahead by a slim margin. The race comes amid Peru’s decade-long political volatility (eight presidents in ten years) and lingering scrutiny of Fujimori’s Fuerza Popular, including past corruption investigations now declared null in 2025. Proponents argue she offers a calmer, pro‑market agenda aimed at restoring investor confidence, while critics link her to her family’s contentious legacy as Peru strives for stability.

World Cup prep chaos hits Mexico City as protests, construction clog streets
Eight days before the World Cup kickoff, Mexico City experiences gridlock as dissident CNTE teachers, retired judges, road closures and last‑minute construction disrupt commutes, with authorities avoiding a crackdown while ongoing renovations ahead of the tournament continue.

Colombia’s runoff showdown could redefine its alliance with the US
Colombia will decide its presidency in a June 21 runoff after Abelardo de la Espriella led the first round with 43.74% and Iván Cepeda trailed with 40.90%, with Paloma Valencia at 6.92%. The race pits a right‑wing, security‑focused platform seeking closer ties with the United States (and Israel) against Cepeda’s leftist, Petro‑era agenda emphasizing social reforms and diplomacy. The outcome could redefine domestic policy and Colombia’s foreign stance, including drug interdiction and regional diplomacy, regardless of which candidate wins the presidency.