THE REGISTER

Today's stories

More from today's coverage, told in the same calm voice.

1. NBC News Helicopter Crashes in Los Angeles, Three Dead

   A helicopter contracted to provide aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 crashed Tuesday evening in the Chatsworth neighbourhood of Los Angeles, killing all three people on board. At least one person on the ground was hospitalised. The cause of the crash is under investigation by federal aviation authorities. NBC's parent company confirmed the accident and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.

   "We are deeply saddened to share that a helicopter providing aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was involved in a fatal accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening."

   8 outlets · Read more →

2. Pentagon IG Reports Rising Costs in Iran War

   The Pentagon Inspector General has released a report detailing U.S. losses and operational challenges in the ongoing Iran war, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating total costs have reached $38 billion and are rising by roughly $3 billion each month. The report, presented to the House of Representatives, also flags strain on U.S. munitions stockpiles and notes the conflict is contributing to domestic inflation. The findings put pressure on lawmakers to weigh the war's long-term fiscal and military sustainability.

   "The Iran war is increasing inflation and straining U.S. munitions, according to the congressional report."

   6 outlets · Read more →

3. Ed Sheeran's support acts quit over Macklemore removal

   Four acts — Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Finneas, and Lukas Graham — withdrew from Ed Sheeran's US tour after Macklemore was dropped from the lineup. Sheeran attributed the decision to the tour's promoters rather than himself. The departures leave Sheeran's concert schedule without support acts and draw public attention to whoever made the call to remove Macklemore.

   5 outlets · Read more →

4. Houthi Drone Targets Mecca, Saudi Coalition Warns

   A Houthi drone attack reached the vicinity of Mecca, wounding dozens of civilians and pilgrims. Saudi Arabia's coalition intercepted the strike but confirmed casualties in the surrounding area. Riyadh issued a formal warning, describing the security of Islam's holiest sites as a threshold it will defend with military force.

   "The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line."

   4 outlets · Read more →

5. Left and Right Unite Over AI Control Concerns

   A rare cross-partisan coalition including Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon gathered in Washington to advocate for human-centred limits on artificial intelligence development. The group, which also included legislators Chip Roy, Greg Casar, and Lori Trahan, argued that unchecked AI poses risks to workers, democratic institutions, and long-term human agency. Their shared concern centres on the possibility that AI could advance beyond meaningful human oversight before adequate safeguards are in place.

   "If AI surpasses human intelligence, as many scientists believe could happen, this technology will escape human control with potentially catastrophic consequence."

   4 outlets · Read more →

6. US Plans $2.8 Billion Bomb Sale to Israel

   The Trump administration has notified Congress of a proposed $2.8 billion arms sale to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs. Israel has used munitions of that class hundreds of times in Gaza and Lebanon, including in areas it designated as safe zones for civilians. Rights groups have raised sustained objections to the practice. The sale requires congressional review before it can proceed.

   "Israel has used 907kg bombs hundreds of times in Gaza and Lebanon, including in areas it had designated safe for civilians."

   3 outlets · Read more →

7. Kennedy Center Closes Amid Trump Naming Dispute

   The Kennedy Center has temporarily closed after President Trump threatened to withhold repair funding over a dispute about the venue's name. Trump's newly appointed board is at the centre of the conflict, which has left staff, performers, and patrons facing sudden disruption. The closure puts one of the country's most prominent arts institutions in an uncertain position while a political standoff over its identity continues.

   3 outlets · Read more →

8. Zuckerberg and Huang oppose coordinated AI slowdown

   Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has aligned with Nvidia's Jensen Huang in rejecting calls to slow down artificial intelligence development through coordinated industry action. Both executives argue that pausing or restraining AI progress would be counterproductive. The position puts them at odds with researchers and governance advocates who say faster development outpaces the ability to manage safety risks.

   "Nvidia and Meta bosses reject efforts to coordinate AI slowdown."

   3 outlets · Read more →

9. Supreme Court Pauses Trump Mail Ballot Rules

   The Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administration's new mail-in voting rules from taking effect while legal challenges work through the courts. The rules, finalized last month, will remain on hold ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump attorney Todd Blanche confirmed the administration will comply with the order.

   "The high court rejected the administration's efforts to move forward with the new rules while multiple legal challenges proceed."

   2 outlets · Read more →

10. Canada Seeks Closer EU Ties Amid US Tariff Pressure

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to build a 'unique security and economic alliance' with the European Union, a move shaped largely by ongoing trade tensions with the United States. The pivot reflects Canada's effort to diversify its economic relationships as US tariffs continue to weigh on Canadian exporters. Both Canadian and EU businesses stand to be affected by any resulting shift in trade and security arrangements.

    "Canada will pursue a unique security and economic alliance with the EU amid its trade dispute with the United States."

    2 outlets · Read more →