Authorities have arrested four individuals accused of smuggling over $45 million worth of cocaine via a sophisticated 2,000-foot tunnel linking border cities in Mexico and California. This tunnel featured electricity, reinforced walls, ventilation, and a rail system, as reported by federal officials.

The discovery of this elaborate tunnel came as a result of a lengthy investigation into a warehouse posing as a discount store, Buy 4 Less, situated near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, directly across from Tijuana, Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

At the conclusion of the operation, officials uncovered over a ton of cocaine along with the advanced tunnel beneath the store.

“For these defendants, it wasn’t a light at the end of the tunnel. It was lights and sirens,” stated U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon in an official release.

The U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force began surveilling the purported Buy 4 Less store in December 2025 when, federal officials said, a new group of apparent employees was seen in and around the store. 

Federal officials keeping an eye on the store noted, “During the surveillance, the activity around the Buy 4 Less location did not appear to be consistent with a normal retail location. For example, investigators observed minimal foot traffic from customers coming in and out of the Buy 4 Less store.” 

The employees were allegedly seen taking apparently empty suitcases — based on how they were handled, according to the Department of Justice — across the border into Tijuana by car and sometimes even by hand. 

However, federal agents didn’t move in on the location until May 29, when they allegedly spotted “large, heavy items” being placed into a white van at the store. The truck left the location and was parked on a street a short distance away, officials said. 

A man on a bicycle was then allegedly observed riding up to the van, taking a key out of a secret spot near the gas cap, and driving the van back-to-back with another van, officials said. A large truck also drove up to the vans and deep freezers loaded with packages were transferred between the vehicles, according to the Justice Department.

San Diego County sheriff’s deputies then moved in and busted the operation, according to the DOJ. At the same time, agents allegedly watched another truck being loaded with packages at the Buy 4 Less store, officials said. That truck was also pulled over by authorities shortly after leaving the parking lot.

In the end, federal officials said more than 2,269 pounds of cocaine were found between three vehicles that were pulled over.

The DOJ was granted a warrant to investigate the Buy 4 Less store, upon which they found the exit of the tunnel concealed under the floor of a storage room in the building, officials said. The tunnel was as much as 55 feet deep and extended just over 1,000 feet to the U.S.-Mexico border. It continued on the Mexico side of the border for another more than 800 feet, the DOJ said.

Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez, 29, from San Diego; Jose Jimenez, 32, from San Diego; Antonio Cortez, 18, of Mexico; and Brandon Escalante Sandoval, 26, of Mexico, were arrested and charged with distribution of a controlled substance. Hernandez Lopez is also facing charges of constructing, financing, or using unauthorized tunnels and importation of a controlled substance. All four men face a maximum of life in prison if convicted.

“This investigation and seizure represent a significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel,” Kevin Murphy, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego, said in a statement. “The discovery and dismantlement of this sophisticated cross-border tunnel, along with the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine, underscore the commitment and collaboration of Homeland Security Investigations and our Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) partners.”

Although 3I/ATLAS is on its way out of our solar system, it continues to captivate Avi Loeb.

In a recent blog entry, the Harvard astrophysicist highlighted that the comet released an unexpectedly high amount of methane while traversing our galaxy. This observation led him to speculate whether this interstellar traveler might be seeding the universe with life.

“Could the methane released by 3I/ATLAS near the sun be a result of living processes?” wondered Loeb, who has previously proposed ideas about the comet’s origins.

The James Webb Space Telescope detected this significant methane release in December, Loeb noted.

He found the situation intriguing, as the outgassing was only observed when the comet passed close to the sun, causing its icy surface to sublimate and release gases.

He deemed this significant as methane is an important “biosignature” that, according to a recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), could be the “first detectable indication of life beyond Earth.”

Loeb theorized that the material shed by ATLAS’ sunward jet (anti-tail) — another sign of its possible extraterrestrial origins, per Loeb — could have “carried extrasolar life on dust or ice fragments towards habitable planets within the solar system.”

He compared this form of cosmic conception, dubbed panspermia, to a dandelion scattering its seeds to the wind.

Loeb speculated that said lifeforms could’ve lain dormant in the intergalactic iceberg, much like microbes hibernating in the permafrost for thousands of years.

When the sun thawed their delivery vehicle, this unleashed them into the cosmos like an interstellar Johnny Appleseed.

Unlike with your garden variety seed pod, however, this might not have been a random dispersal, but rather a targeted insemination.

“There is the possibility of directed panspermia, whereby an interstellar gardener seeded 3I/ATLAS on a fertilization mission targeting the habitable planets in the solar system,” Loeb theorized.

According to the scientists, this would explain other ATLAS anomalies discussed by Loeb, including the unique alignment between the solar system’s habitable planets and the comet’s trajectory.

“Whether the seeds of extrasolar life reach a fertile ground in the solar system remains to be seen,” said the scientist, who hopes we can discover more of these cosmic cryogenic pods in the future.

He said that should these interstellar icebergs be oriented similarly to ATLAS, then his hypothesis “will gain a higher likelihood.” Loeb said that our space agencies could confirm the existence of these space hitchhikers by intercepting and diagnosing their composition with a probe.

Doing so could perhaps shed light on the origins of life on our own planet, he claimed.

“In case it does [harbor life], the most pressing question is whether extrasolar life resembles life-as-we-know-it,” he said. “If so, perhaps life on Earth was seeded by an interstellar gardener.”

The Trump administration has set its sights on eliminating government waste and misuse, with a focus on the substantial federal tax dollars allocated to healthcare for undocumented immigrants. In addition, the administration is instituting new work requirements for Medicaid recipients who are deemed able-bodied.

In a press briefing held at the White House on Tuesday, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), unveiled a robust plan designed to curb what he referred to as “legalized money laundering.” He warned that, without intervention, this issue could potentially inflate the program’s costs by an additional $5.4 trillion over the next ten years.

Dr. Oz highlighted that the administration has identified approximately $2 billion in federal tax funds that have been improperly allocated to undocumented immigrants. This figure has seen a significant increase, doubling since he last addressed the issue a year ago.

During the conference, which took place in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., Dr. Oz specifically called out California. He reported that CMS has informed the state of its obligation to repay $2 billion to the federal government, noting that half of this amount has already been successfully recovered.

He specifically took aim at California, noting CMS told the state it owes the federal government $2 billion — half of which has already been successfully recouped.

“Just to put it in context, in California, if you’re on Medi-Cal, the Medicaid program in California, until this administration, you got full dental and full vision benefits,” Oz said. “Now, I’m for those benefits, I like them, but we don’t give that to Medicare patients. So we should at least be equitable, and all of us together should decide what we are going to do as a nation.”

“The people who pay that bill, when … the largesse of California allows folks to get benefits that the rest of the country doesn’t think is appropriate for illegal immigrants …, is paid by folks who are taxpayers in New Mexico — which is a blue state — and Mississippi, a red state,” he continued.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, discussed a number of healthcare topics during a news conference with reporters on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In tandem with cutting funds for illegal immigrants, the administration is overhauling Medicaid by instituting work requirements. 

The new rule will mandate that able-bodied recipients must work for 20 hours a week, volunteer or get an education in order to receive free healthcare coverage.

“If you’re sitting at home, which is true for the millions of people who are able-bodied on Medicaid, on average, you’re spending 6.1 hours watching television just hanging around,” Oz said.

He framed the new requirements as a “path to prosperity,” claiming they return Medicaid to its original 1965 intent.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, takes questions from members of the media during a news conference at the White House in Washington, DC, US on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Oz argued that anyone receiving value from the American people should have an obligation to participate in society if they are physically able.

“If you can work, you should get up and work,” Oz said. “… If we put guardrails around these programs, we’ll allow them to thrive. I’m here because I love Medicaid. The president has already said he loves and cherishes Medicaid and Medicare. … We cannot allow these programs to be defrauded into a turmoil that they cannot pull up from. If we love these programs, we will make the difficult decisions.”

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The King and the Princess of Wales extended personal gratitude to the leaders in the fight against cancer during an evening event at St James’s Palace.

King Charles, aged 77, and Princess Catherine, 44, who both have faced the challenge of a cancer diagnosis, were accompanied by Queen Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at a reception celebrating the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research UK.

Both the King and the Princess received their diagnoses within a few weeks of each other in 2024.

While King Charles continues with a confidential treatment plan, Catherine shared that she completed a round of chemotherapy by late summer of that year.

In January 2025, Catherine joyfully announced her remission but acknowledged the significant physical impact of her treatment, noting that her return to public engagements will be gradual and carefully paced.

During the reception the royals met researchers, clinicians, volunteers and partners involved in Cancer Research UK’s prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

High profile supporters of the charity including fellow cancer survivors Davina McCall, Hannah Fry and Adele Roberts were in attendance, as well as singer Ronan Keating, who lost his mother to cancer, and his wife, Storm.

The reception included immersive installations showcasing the work of the charity, including the charity’s past impact, current work and future innovation.

Princess Catherine personally thanked those who are leading the nation’s battle against cancer at a special reception at St James’s Palace tonight

Catherine, 44, shares the unenviable bond of a diagnosis of the disease with King Charles

The Princess of Wales was welcomed by researchers, clinicians, volunteers and partners involved in the work of Cancer Research UK

At one point during the busy reception, Queen Camilla walked over and hugged the Princess of Wales.

The King and Queen later viewed visual representations of how technological innovation is transforming cancer research, including using AI to spot signs of the disease.

The reception was held held to launch Cancer Research UK’s 125th anniversary year, its work stretching back to the founding of the charity’s predecessor organisations (The Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Cancer Research Campaign, founded in 1902 and 1923 respectively).

Since then, the charity has helped to transform how cancer is understood, prevented, detected and treated.

This progress has contributed to a doubling of cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years and today 8 in 10 people who receive cancer drugs in the UK receive a drug developed by or with Cancer Research UK.

The King has been Patron of Cancer Research UK since 2024. His Majesty’s patronage was announced to coincide with a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre to highlight some of the innovative research supported by Cancer Research UK.

The Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra are joint presidents of the charity.

Kate wore a £1,600 midi dress by Rodarte with a detachable flower charm. 

She also spoke to the widow of ‘bowel babe’ Dame Deborah James, who was honoured by Prince William for her incredible fundraising and campaigning in the face of incurable bowel cancer.

Dame Deborah received her insignia from the future king in May 2022 in a special ceremony at her parent’s home and died just weeks later.

Her husband Sebastian Bowen told the Princess: ‘I’ve been thinking about you guys a lot’.

Catherine praised Deborah for the ‘impact of her work’ and listened intently as Mr Bowen told her how it had been ‘bittersweet’ to smash fundraising targets for research and clinical trials into the disease that his wife had dreamed of achieving.

He also appeared to thank William for a sympathetic conversation he apparently had with the couple’s two children. 

The princess replied: ‘He’s good like that.’

Mr Bowen said afterwards: ‘I told her I was incredibly touched that they as a family had been so supportive and thought about them all the time.

‘It was deeply touching and moving for me and my family to have had the opportunity to meet them and ongoing support and given to the fund both privately and publicly.’

Dame Deborah’s father Alistair James also spoke to the royals.

After chatting to Camilla he said: ‘She congratulated everything we had achieved with the fund.’

He also met the Princess and said afterwards: ‘It is the first time I’ve met Catherine she was genuine and warm. I’ve met William and I have a lot of respect for both of them.’

Fellow cancer survivor Davina McCall was among those seen speaking with the Princess of Wales at the reception

Th reception was held to launch Cancer Research UK’s 125th anniversary year

Meanwhile TV presenter Davina McCall said her exchange with the Princess of Wales at the Cancer Research UK reception was ‘really wonderful’.

Ms McCall was introduced to the princess by Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy, information and communications at the charity, on Tuesday evening.

Ms McCall said: ‘It was a really wonderful exchange, and they (the King, Queen and princess) are all wonderful.

‘I can’t imagine what it must be like having going through something like cancer, and then sort of having to tell people about it, when possibly it would have been much easier and nicer to not have to share it with the world.

‘And I’ve got to say, after my brain tumour, I didn’t massively want to have to do that myself.’

She later added: ‘But it really helped me get through it by sharing it, and other people relating, or feeling like I could help.’

Ms McCall underwent surgery in 2024 to remove a benign brain tumour.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year and had surgery to remove a lump but said in April that she had now received the ‘all clear’.

After Charles asked her about her cancer, Davina was heard saying ‘I’m so grateful’ and told him ‘anything is possible’. 

She also chatted at length to Kate and on meeting the Princess said ‘it’s such an honour’.

Ms McCall said: ‘It was a great honour to meet the Princess of Wales, I’m an enormous fan of everything she does and stands for, and for her role in speaking out about her journey and how hard that is. She is very brave.’

Davina McCall beamed as she met King Charles and Queen Camilla at the reception

Singer Ronan Keating, who lost his mother to cancer, was seen alongside his wife, Storm, speaking with the King

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, were seen speaking animatedly with Davina McCall

The Princess of Wales shares an amusing moment with guests at the reception

The Princess of Wales shares a moment of empathy with a guest at Tuesday night’s event

Hannah Fry, who appeared on Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer last year when King revealed in a landmark statement that his treatment was being reduced, also chatted to Charles at length.

The scientist and broadcaster had the all clear after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.

She said afterwards: ‘We spoke about Stand Up To Cancer which I did last year and what a massive difference that made.

‘To hear somebody like him who has been through it and survived cancer has same experience as so many people across the county for him to give words of encouragement to take part in screening programme is massive.

‘On a simple personal level I think there is something really profound about a family who are at the top of society going through same the rest of us, something very humanising and being willing to talk to people on their level makes a big difference.’

DJ and broadcaster Adele Roberts, diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer and now cancer-free, also attended.