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White House says it backs forensic review of alleged Trump signature on Epstein letter

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Washington (BN24) – The White House on Tuesday said it would support a forensic review of a letter purportedly signed by President Donald Trump and given to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a document that Democrats released this week and that Trump’s aides insist is a forgery.

The letter, which surfaced in a birthday book for Epstein and included a sketch of a woman’s body alongside a cryptic note about “secrets,” was made public Monday by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The document, reportedly written more than two decades ago, has already become a new flashpoint in the congressional investigation into Epstein’s network and potential connections to powerful figures.

Trump, who was acquainted with Epstein in the 1990s before a falling out years prior to Epstein’s 2019 death in a New York jail, has denied signing or authorizing the letter. His spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, dismissed the document as fake and said the White House welcomed independent verification.

“The president did not write this letter. He did not sign this letter,” Leavitt told reporters. “The president has one of the most famous signatures in the world, and he has for many, many years.” She added that Trump also did not sign a separate check linked to Epstein that has been circulated by investigators.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., who subpoenaed Epstein’s estate for documents including the so-called birthday book, said Tuesday he trusted Trump’s denial. “The president says he did not sign it, so I take the president at his word,” Comer told reporters, though some Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie, said a forensic analysis should be carried out.

The controversy underscores the enduring political fallout of the Epstein scandal. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed 65% of Americans believe the government is withholding information about Epstein’s death, ruled a suicide, and 72% believe details about his client list remain hidden. Support for Trump’s handling of the issue rose among Republicans, from 35% in July to 44% in August, though only 17% of the general public approved.

Leavitt accused Democrats of weaponizing the Epstein case to damage Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “This is a desperate attempt to concoct a hoax and smear the president of the United States,” she said.

Despite the White House signaling openness to forensic verification, Comer said his committee is unlikely to devote resources to examining a decades-old signature, leaving the authenticity of the Epstein letter unresolved for now.

Police seize 23 guns from 13-year-old Washington teen who idolized mass shooters

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Seattle (BN24) – Authorities in Washington state said they arrested a 13-year-old boy after seizing 23 firearms and large amounts of ammunition from his home, alleging the teenager had posted disturbing threats on social media and appeared to idolize notorious school shooters.

The boy, who is not being identified because he is a juvenile, was taken into custody early Saturday by a SWAT team in Pierce County, south of Seattle. Prosecutors charged him with five counts, including four felonies, related to unlawful firearms possession, threats of violence, and unlawful possession of explosives. He pleaded not guilty Monday during a juvenile court hearing and was ordered to remain in detention pending trial.

According to court documents, investigators discovered tactical-style rifles mounted on walls and handguns lying unsecured throughout the residence. Inside the boy’s bedroom, deputies said they found a heavy backpack beneath a turtle habitat that contained high-capacity AR-style magazines marked with references to mass shootings, including the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.

The probable cause statement also described crude drawings of mass shooters and social media posts dating back to June in which the boy posed with weapons and mimicked clothing worn by past attackers. One post reportedly read, “when I turn 21 I am going to kill people,” while another declared, “its over! my time is almost hear!”

Pierce County sheriff’s Deputy Carly Cappetto said the investigation now extends to the boy’s parents and whether they could face charges related to improper firearm storage. “It appeared the suspect had everything ready to go to commit a mass shooting type of incident,” Cappetto said. “We may never know the intended target, but it was clear this posed an imminent threat to the community.”

Washington law bars anyone under 18 from possessing firearms, with limited exceptions for hunting, firearm safety courses, and competitive shooting. The state also enforces a safe storage statute that holds adults criminally responsible if a prohibited person gains access to a firearm and uses it in a crime or displays it to intimidate others.

The teen’s mother, who attended Monday’s hearing, told local media her son never intended to hurt anyone and suggested the online posts were an attempt to appear “cool” among peers. But investigators said the cache of weapons and threatening messages showed otherwise.

The boy, who last attended public school in 2021 before being homeschooled, is scheduled for a pretrial conference on Sept. 17 and a detention review on Sept. 22, according to the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office.

DEA arrests over 600 in operation targeting Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel

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Washington (BN24) – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Monday that more than 600 people were arrested in a series of sweeping operations targeting Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa cartel, marking one of the most significant enforcement actions in recent years against the group accused of fueling America’s deadly drug crisis.

According to the DEA, the coordinated operations took place between Aug. 25 and Aug. 29 across 23 U.S. field divisions and seven international regions. In total, 617 arrests were made, alongside the seizure of 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder, over 700,000 counterfeit pills, 2,200 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,500 kilograms of cocaine and 16 kilograms of heroin. Agents also confiscated 420 firearms and roughly $12.8 million in cash and assets, the agency said.

DEA administrator Terrance Cole hailed the crackdown as evidence of the agency’s “commitment to protecting the American people” and vowed that the Sinaloa cartel “will not be allowed to operate with impunity.” He added that the DEA’s strategy combined enforcement, intelligence-sharing, and international collaboration to strike at the cartel’s infrastructure.

The August operation came months after President Donald Trump designated eight Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa cartel and its rival, Jalisco New Generation, as terrorist organizations under a February executive order. The designation, coupled with a series of bilateral agreements with Mexico, has intensified pressure on cartel networks and accelerated extraditions of high-ranking figures.

One of the cartel’s most notorious leaders, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia, pleaded guilty earlier this year to U.S. federal charges of drug trafficking, firearms offenses and money laundering. Prosecutors alleged he played a founding role in the cartel’s global operations, which have been linked to the mass distribution of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine across the United States.

Last month, Mexico transferred 26 cartel figures to U.S. custody as part of a deal with Washington, including operatives tied to both the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. U.S. officials described the move as a critical step in dismantling transnational criminal organizations.

The DEA said the Sinaloa cartel remains one of the gravest threats to U.S. public health and security, operating with tens of thousands of members and associates in more than 40 countries. Officials say the group continues to drive the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl, which has fueled a nationwide surge in overdose deaths.

16-year-old footballer dies in horror crash days before MLS transfer to New York Red Bulls

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GUACHENE, Colombia (BN24) — A promising 16-year-old footballer died in a tragic car accident just days before he was due to fly to the United States to complete a transfer to Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

Eder Smic Valencia was killed early Sunday morning in Guachene, near Cali, when a tanker truck collided with multiple vehicles, including the car in which Valencia was traveling while on vacation. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Valencia had caught the attention of U.S. scouts after his performance at the Under-16 Bulls Cup earlier this year and was scheduled to sign with the New York Red Bulls in the coming days. He was also expected to represent Colombia’s Under-17 national team at the 2026 South American U-17 Championship.

Academia Alemana Popayán (AAFP), the club where Valencia developed his talent, confirmed his death in a statement expressing deep sorrow and extending support to his family. “We will honor his memory here at AAFP. He will forever be in our hearts,” the club said.

News of Valencia’s death quickly spread across social media, where fans, teammates, and the football community mourned the loss. Tributes poured in, with supporters expressing shock and condolences for the young striker and his loved ones.

Valencia’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through Colombian football and the international youth soccer community, ending the life and career of a player with significant promise and international potential.

Macron names ally Sébastien Lecornu as new French Prime Minister amid political turmoil

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PARIS (BN24) — President Emmanuel Macron has appointed his close ally Sébastien Lecornu as the new French prime minister, stepping in just 24 hours after a vote of no confidence removed François Bayrou from the helm of the government. At 39, Lecornu was among the leading contenders for the position and brings with him three years of experience as France’s armed forces minister, where he played a key role in shaping the country’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The Élysée Palace announced that Lecornu’s immediate priority will be to engage with political parties to secure approval for France’s upcoming budget, a task that promises to be challenging amid the nation’s fractured political landscape. Bayrou’s resignation earlier on the same day cleared the path for Lecornu to become the fifth prime minister of Macron’s second presidential term.

Lecornu inherits a difficult political and economic environment. His predecessor’s proposed budget included €44 billion in cuts, aimed at tackling France’s escalating public debt, which reached €3.3 trillion this year — equivalent to 114% of the country’s GDP. Bayrou’s decision to seek a vote of confidence on these austerity measures ultimately backfired, as the National Assembly voted 364 to 194 to oust his government.

The appointment of Lecornu has met immediate resistance across the political spectrum. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical left party France Unbowed, dismissed the move as a sign that Macron’s administration remains unchanged and called for the president’s departure. On the far right, Marine Le Pen criticized the decision as a last desperate act of “Macronism” clinging to power.

Conversely, some centrists have expressed cautious optimism. Édouard Philippe, former prime minister and leader of the Horizons party, praised Lecornu’s experience and debate skills, highlighting the difficult negotiations ahead. Marc Fesneau of the MoDem party, aligned with Bayrou, urged all political forces to seek compromise for the country’s stability and economic recovery.

Amid this political uncertainty, France is bracing for the reassessment of its credit rating by Fitch on Friday, with potential repercussions for its borrowing costs. Meanwhile, large-scale protests organized by the grassroots movement Bloquons Tout (“Let’s Block Everything”) are planned for Wednesday, prompting authorities to prepare a deployment of 80,000 police officers to maintain order.

As Lecornu steps into his new role, the challenges of governing without a parliamentary majority, managing economic austerity, and navigating deep political divides will test both his leadership and Macron’s broader political strategy.

Anthony Joshua may face Moses Itauma in 2026 heavyweight showdown

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LONDON (BN24) — British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn says discussions are underway for a potential heavyweight title fight between former unified world champion Anthony Joshua and rising British-Nigerian prospect Moses Itauma in 2026.

Joshua, 35, is 15 years older than Itauma, who is 20 and widely regarded as one of the top young heavyweights in Britain. The bout could be a major event if a world heavyweight title is on the line.

“I don’t really look at the Moses fight and think that’s a fight for AJ,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “There’s many reasons for that. One, what do you gain out of it? Moses is a very good fighter. If you win, you’ve beaten up a 20-year-old. If you lose, you’ve lost to a 20-year-old and your career’s over. It’s a dangerous fight — I rate Moses very highly.”

Hearn added that Joshua’s view might differ. “AJ’s decision would be completely different. He would probably be bang up for fighting Moses. He’d find that exciting, and if there was a chance to fight Moses for the world heavyweight title, we’d take it in a heartbeat.”

The potential fight marks a possible generational clash and would highlight the growing British-Nigerian presence in the heavyweight division.

Israel to demolish homes in Palestinian villages of Jerusalem attackers

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Israeli machinery demolish a Palestinian house in Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank August 29, 2023. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma

JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israeli authorities have ordered the demolition of homes in the West Bank hometowns of two Palestinian gunmen who killed six people in a shooting attack near a Jerusalem bus stop. The gunmen, from the villages of Qatanna and Qubeiba north of Jerusalem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, carried out the deadly assault on Monday at the city’s outskirts.

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced sanctions targeting family members of the attackers and residents of the two villages. “Every structure that had been built without permits in the two towns would be demolished, and 750 people would have their permission revoked to work in Israel,” Katz said in a statement. Work permits represent a vital source of income for many Palestinian families.

Israel maintains that demolishing the homes of relatives of attackers serves as a deterrent against future violence. However, Palestinians and human rights organizations condemn the policy as collective punishment, which they argue is prohibited under international law.

World Cup qualifier: Nigeria’s hopes hang after 1-1 draw with South Africa

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BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (BN24) — Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Tuesday at the Free State Stadium, leaving both teams with a point in their World Cup qualifying group.

South Africa started aggressively, leveraging their home advantage. Nigeria’s first corner came in the 10th minute after Ademola Lookman delivered a precise cross, but goalkeeper Foster cleared the danger with a header. The visitors fell behind in the 25th minute when South Africa forced an own goal from Nigeria’s captain, Troost-Ekong, giving Bafana Bafana the lead.

Nigeria responded before halftime as Bassey powered a controversial header into the net to level the score at 1-1. At the break, Nigeria made two substitutions to bolster their attack, bringing on Arokodare for Dessers and Onyemaechi for Troost-Ekong. Arokodare made an immediate impact with a lively run, while Dele-Bashiru tested the South African defense with a blocked shot.

Nigeria gradually gained control in the second half despite South Africa’s resilience. Both sides made several substitutions, with Nigeria’s Ndidi leaving injured and replaced by Uche, and Chukwueze coming on for Simon. South Africa also made tactical changes to manage the closing stages.

Late in the match, Nigeria’s Uche had a chance to take the lead but his low shot rolled wide. The draw leaves South Africa atop Group C with 17 points, while Nigeria sits on 11 points, with qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

The African 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are played under a new format where nine group winners automatically qualify, and the four best second-placed teams enter a playoff for an intercontinental spot. Nigeria, aiming for their seventh World Cup appearance, must now win all remaining matches and rely on slip-ups from South Africa, who face a possible three-point deduction over an ineligible player controversy.

Benin Republic and Rwanda, both with 11 points, also remain strong contenders in the group.

South Korea to send chartered plane for nationals detained in US immigration raid at Georgia factory

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SEOUL, South Korea (BN24) — South Korea is preparing to dispatch a chartered flight to the United States as early as Wednesday to repatriate hundreds of its citizens detained during a large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery factory construction site in Georgia.

The South Korean foreign ministry said it had finalized a repatriation agreement with U.S. authorities, clearing the way for the workers’ return once administrative procedures are completed. National carrier Korean Air confirmed Tuesday it plans to send a Boeing 747-8i to Atlanta for the operation, pending final approvals.

The move follows a massive U.S. immigration enforcement action last Thursday, which saw 475 people taken into custody at the $4.3 billion joint-venture site. The facility, a collaboration between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, is under construction to produce electric vehicle battery cells. American officials described the raid as the largest single-site operation of its kind under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Among those arrested were 47 employees of LG Energy Solution, including 46 South Koreans and one Indonesian. An estimated 250 others worked for the company’s contractors, most of them also South Korean nationals. Hyundai stated that none of its direct employees were among those detained.

South Korea’s foreign minister departed for Washington on Monday to meet with U.S. officials. Labeling the detentions a “grave situation,” he pledged to ensure the workers return home “in good health” and with urgency.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between U.S. immigration enforcement and foreign labor practices within major international investment projects. While South Korea has long supported American calls for increased foreign investment in domestic industries, the raid highlights the complex legal and diplomatic challenges that can arise.

On Sunday, President Trump issued a warning via social media to foreign investors, stating: “Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people.” The message signaled a continued crackdown on visa misuse and unauthorized employment by foreign nationals on U.S. soil.

Analysts believe many of the detained workers were likely on non-immigrant visas that did not authorize direct construction labor, making them vulnerable to enforcement under tightened federal policies.

As South Korea moves swiftly to bring its nationals home, the episode raises questions about compliance oversight and visa classifications within the context of multinational ventures in the U.S. industrial sector.

Israel launches airstrikes on senior Hamas members in Qatar amid Gaza ceasefire Talks

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Tel Aviv (BN24) – Israel carried out airstrikes in Doha targeting senior Hamas officials, including members of the group’s negotiating delegation, in a move that has rattled ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. The strike, which Israeli officials confirmed was a “precise operation” led by the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet, sparked immediate condemnation from Qatar, which called the attack “cowardly” and a “flagrant violation of international law.”

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that President Donald Trump had given a green light before the strike, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later emphasized that the operation was “wholly independent” and not conducted under Washington’s direction. Nonetheless, Israeli officials acknowledged that the United States had been notified ahead of the attack.

The strikes struck the Katara district of Doha, a popular tourist area, sending plumes of smoke over the city and residents running for cover. Footage aired on local networks showed widespread panic, while Hamas sources told Reuters and Al Jazeera that their negotiating delegation had survived the attack. The Hamas delegation had reportedly been reviewing a new U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal when the strikes occurred, leading the group to accuse Washington of using “deception” to lure its officials into a trap.

The Israeli government framed the attack as part of its broader campaign against Hamas leaders abroad, saying those targeted were directly responsible for orchestrating the October 7 attacks and ongoing assaults against Israel. “For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led operations and managed the war against the state of Israel,” the IDF and Shin Bet said in a joint statement, stressing that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties.

The escalation comes as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza, with the IDF ordering the forced displacement of all residents from Gaza City ahead of a planned occupation. The timing of the strike also coincides with upcoming diplomatic moves, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s scheduled visit to the United Kingdom later this week.

The assault in Doha underscores Israel’s expanding campaign to target Hamas officials abroad, less than two weeks after IDF chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir vowed that leaders sheltering outside Gaza would be hunted down. Meanwhile, President Trump reiterated his warning to Hamas, urging the group to accept a deal for the release of hostages taken in the October 2023 attack that triggered the war.

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