By Ahmed Abdelsalam
President Donald Trump is urging the Justice Department to intensify its criminal investigation into Alaska's Senate race, while Israel's final election results show neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival Gadi Eisenkot secured a parliamentary majority. The developments headline a morning news roundup that also includes the death of actor Patrick Stewart at 86 and a massive cryptocurrency heist targeting Binance.
Trump escalates pressure on Alaska Senate investigation
The Justice Department has issued at least three dozen new subpoenas and document preservation requests as part of its probe into the Alaska Senate race, following a New York Times report that Democratic candidate Mary Peltola's campaign recruited a retired teacher to run against Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. President Trump has ordered the department to file a civil lawsuit seeking to block certification of the election results. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy also announced a state investigation into Peltola's campaign, which denies involvement in the recruitment effort. The neck-and-neck race could determine whether Republicans retain control of the Senate.
Israel election yields no clear winner
Final results from Israel's election show Netanyahu's right-wing bloc winning 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the bloc supporting former military chief Gadi Eisenkot secured 48 seats. Neither reached the 61 seats needed to form a government. Arab minority parties made historic gains with a combined 19 seats after record turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel, though both major blocs have ruled out partnering with the main Arab parties. President Isaac Herzog will now choose a candidate to attempt forming a coalition.
Patrick Stewart, 'Star Trek' and 'X-Men' star, dies at 86
Beloved English actor Patrick Stewart died this week at age 86 after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, his representative said. Stewart rose from Shakespearean stage to global fame as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" films. Tributes poured in from colleagues including Ian McKellen, who called him a dear friend, and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who praised his "quiet strength and gravitas." The Royal Shakespeare Company hailed him as one of the finest classical actors of his generation.
Binance hit by $6.3 billion crypto heist
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance said it was targeted in a $6.3 billion hack, believed to be the largest ever recorded. The company suspended all deposits and withdrawals while working with law enforcement, and has identified and frozen about $3 billion in assets linked to the hackers. Binance pledged to cover all losses, though asset values may fluctuate. The breach follows a separate compromise at prediction market platform Polymarket earlier Thursday.
Cruise company Villa Vie strands passengers in Cambodia
Villa Vie, a cruise company offering a lifelong worldwide voyage, has left more than 200 passengers stranded in Cambodia after citing high fuel prices to halt the trip. The company, founded in 2023, has faced multiple lawsuits alleging contract breaches, itinerary changes, unpaid wages, and a failed health inspection. Some passengers sold their homes to join the cruise; one plaintiff said she was removed before departure after raising concerns in a private chat group.
