Grammy-winning R&B singer Peabo Bryson passes away at 75

Good morning, and welcome to The Morning Scoop, your quick roundup of the biggest stories making headlines around the world today.

From breaking news and royal updates to entertainment, politics, and viral moments everyone’s talking about, here’s everything you need to know to start your day.

Grammy-winning singer Peabo Bryson dies at age 75

Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer whose powerful voice helped define both romantic ballads and some of Disney’s most beloved songs, has died at the age of 75. His family announced that Bryson died surrounded by loved ones days after suffering a stroke. Over a career spanning five decades, he became best known for his Oscar-winning duets “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle from Aladdin, songs that introduced his voice to audiences around the world.

Beyond his Disney success, Bryson was a major figure in R&B, earning acclaim for hits including “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” Born in South Carolina, he began performing as a teenager before launching a solo career that produced multiple gold-certified albums and collaborations with artists such as Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole. Tributes from across the music industry praised his distinctive vocals and enduring influence, with many describing him as one of the defining balladeers of his generation.

World’s first vaccine developed by AI

Scientists have announced a world-first vaccine developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence, marking a significant step toward creating broader protection against future viral outbreaks. Researchers used machine-learning technology to analyze large amounts of data from past and current viruses, allowing the system to identify key features shared across entire virus families. The resulting “super-antigen” vaccine is designed to provide protection not only against known strains but also against future variants that have yet to emerge. A first-in-human clinical trial found the vaccine to be safe, and a larger Phase II study is now being planned.

Researchers say the technology could transform vaccine development by shifting from a reactive approach to a preventative one, helping scientists prepare for potential pandemics before they occur. Experts involved in the project described the breakthrough as a major change in how vaccines are designed, with AI significantly accelerating the process of identifying effective targets. While further testing is required to confirm the vaccine’s effectiveness, scientists believe the approach could eventually be applied to a wide range of infectious diseases.

U.S. House approves Military Aid package to Ukraine

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan package of military aid for Ukraine and new sanctions targeting Russia, delivering a significant rebuke to President Donald Trump and Republican leaders who had opposed the measure. The legislation passed with support from a coalition of Democrats and a group of Republicans who argued that continued assistance is necessary to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The bill includes additional military funding, security assistance, and expanded sanctions aimed at weakening Russia’s economy and war effort.

The vote exposed divisions within the Republican Party over U.S. support for Ukraine, with several lawmakers breaking from Trump’s position that further aid should be limited or tied to broader negotiations. Supporters of the package described it as a demonstration of continued American commitment to Ukraine and European security, while opponents argued that Washington should focus on domestic priorities. The measure now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to debate its costs, scope, and long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Man accused of murdering landlord and dismembering her appears in court

A man accused of murdering his landlord and disposing of her dismembered remains appeared in court this week as prosecutors outlined disturbing details of the case. Authorities allege the suspect killed the woman at her home before dismembering her body and abandoning the remains at multiple locations in an effort to conceal the crime. Investigators launched a homicide investigation after family members reported the victim missing and later linked the suspect to evidence recovered from the property and surrounding areas.

During the court hearing, prosecutors argued that the severity of the allegations and the risk of flight justified keeping the defendant in custody. Defense attorneys have not publicly addressed the specific accusations, and the suspect has not entered a plea. The victim’s family attended the proceedings, with relatives describing the case as a devastating loss. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and prepare for future court proceedings.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new strategy to address the city’s housing shortage

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is embracing an unexpected strategy to address the city’s housing shortage: relying on private developers and market-based reforms to help build affordable housing. While Mamdani campaigned on progressive policies such as rent freezes and expanded public housing, his newly unveiled $22 billion housing plan seeks to create 200,000 affordable homes over the next decade by easing zoning restrictions, streamlining regulations, and encouraging private-sector construction. The approach reflects a shift toward policies that have been credited with boosting housing supply in cities such as Austin, Minneapolis, and Seattle.

The plan highlights the challenges of balancing progressive housing goals with the realities of development in one of the nation’s most expensive real estate markets. Mamdani argues that increasing housing supply is essential to lowering costs, but critics warn that proposals such as a rent freeze could discourage investment and place additional strain on already struggling landlords. Supporters, meanwhile, describe the strategy as a pragmatic attempt to combine government action with market incentives to expand access to affordable housing across the city.

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