Author: Grace Johnson

Epstein assistant Groff has come under renewed scrutiny as US lawmakers investigate the extent of knowledge held by Jeffrey Epstein’s long-time executive assistant, Lesley Groff, and her role in managing his daily life for nearly two decades. Apart from Epstein himself, Groff’s name appears more frequently than almost anyone else in the newly released Department of Justice documents linked to the late financier’s network. According to the files, her name appears more than 160,000 times, placing her at the center of Epstein’s professional and social operations. The investigation is now expected to intensify as Groff prepares to testify before the…

Wall Street is taking a closer look at the recent slowdown in the AI stock market pause after a strong rally in artificial intelligence shares showed signs of cooling this week. The pullback comes after months of sharp gains that pushed major tech stocks to record highs. The S&P 500 ended a nine-week winning streak, while the Nasdaq fell 4.2% on Friday. The decline was led by a sharp drop in semiconductor stocks, which had been among the strongest performers in the AI-driven market rally this year. Investors moved away from high growth tech shares and shifted into more stable…

A murder charge against Arkansas sheriff candidate Aaron Spencer has been dismissed after a judge ruled that law enforcement seriously mishandled key evidence in the case. The decision was issued by Special Circuit Court Judge Ralph Wilson Jr., who said the conduct of investigators was so flawed that it violated the defendant’s right to a fair trial. The ruling ends the second-degree murder case against Spencer, at least for now. Spencer had been charged in connection with the October 2024 killing of Michael Fosler, a 67-year-old man who had previously been accused of sexually abusing Spencer’s 13-year-old daughter. Fosler had…

The US jobs growth report showed that employers added 172,000 jobs in May. The data was released by the Labor Department on June 5. It also included upward revisions for earlier months. The report suggests that the US economy is still growing at a steady pace. Many analysts had expected weaker results. The unemployment rate stayed at 4.3%. This shows that the labor market remains stable. Average hourly wages increased by 0.3% compared to April. This means workers earned slightly more in May. The rise in pay also shows ongoing demand for labor across key sectors. Job gains were strongest…

A man has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of actor James Handy in Los Angeles, officials confirmed on Friday. The case involves Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He is accused of murder with a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon. Prosecutors say he could face up to 26 years in prison if convicted. The investigation is still ongoing as authorities review the case. James Handy, 81, was found stabbed outside his girlfriend’s home in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday morning. Police…

A National Park Service mountain guide has died after falling into a crevasse on Mount McKinley, officials said. The incident happened near the 14,000-foot camp inside Denali National Park and Preserve on Thursday. The guide was identified as Robin Pendery, a seasonal mountaineering ranger from Enumclaw, Washington. She was assigned to climbing patrol duties at the time of the fall. Despite rescue efforts, she did not survive. The National Park Service said she fell into a crevasse near the high-altitude camp area. The agency confirmed she had been working in one of the most remote and dangerous regions of the…

The United States has announced plans to impose new tariffs on dozens of trading partners over concerns that they have not done enough to prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering global supply chains. The proposed US Forced Labour Tariffs would apply to 60 countries and trading blocs that account for the vast majority of imports entering the American market. The measures include import duties ranging from 10% to 12.5%. The announcement marks the second major tariff initiative from President Donald Trump’s administration since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down several earlier trade measures in February. According to the…

A proposal to transform a former seaside restaurant in Jersey into a holiday accommodation property and cafe has moved a step closer to approval after receiving support from a key government department. The Jersey Holiday Let Plan focuses on a property at La Pulente in the parish of St Brelade. The site overlooks St Ouen’s Bay and has remained largely unused since the restaurant operating there closed unexpectedly in November 2023 after only a short period in business. The current owners submitted the latest planning application in March. Their proposal seeks permission to create a two-bedroom self-catering holiday apartment alongside…

A tense hostage situation unfolded in downtown Bakersfield, California, after a man reportedly barricaded himself inside a building and made a bomb threat, forcing evacuations and a large law enforcement response. Authorities said several people were inside the building when officers arrived Tuesday afternoon. Police quickly secured the area and began working to resolve the situation through negotiations. The incident started around 1 p.m. local time when the Bakersfield Police Department received reports of a bomb threat at a building located on 17th Street in the city’s downtown area. After arriving at the scene, officers established a security perimeter around…

Veteran television journalist Scott Pelley has been fired by CBS News following a heated confrontation with the new executive producer of “60 Minutes,” according to reports. The dismissal marks a dramatic end to Pelley’s nearly four-decade career with CBS News and adds to growing turmoil surrounding one of America’s most recognized television news programs. CBS informed Pelley of his termination in a letter sent by new “60 Minutes” executive producer Nick Bilton. In the letter, Bilton said Pelley’s actions during a staff meeting showed hostility toward the future direction of the program. Bilton stated that Pelley had demonstrated a lack…