Author: Loisa Lane

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey have formalised a historic joint defence pact, committing to mutual support in the event of an attack. Concurrently, Iran reiterated its plans to finalise a deal with Oman to co-manage the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon has revoked Frank Kendall’s eligibility for classified information, accusing the former Air Force Secretary of leaking details regarding Air Force One’s capabilities. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the action, following concerns raised by media reports about the aircraft’s security features.

U.S. journalist Reza Valizadeh has sent a new recording from Evin Prison, detailing his worsening conditions and those of fellow detainee Kamran Hekmati, who was recently returned to prison after a brief medical leave. Valizadeh reported inadequate medical care and concerns about tuberculosis spreading among prisoners.

A federal appeals court has determined that the Trump White House cannot proceed with a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the former East Wing without congressional approval. The court ruled the project, estimated at $400 million, lacks necessary legal authority.

Republican Rep. Andy Ogles lost his primary in Tennessee’s 5th District to former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, trailing by over six points. Ogles had secured an endorsement from President Trump, marking the second Trump-backed candidate to lose this week. Hatcher will face Democratic nominee Chaz Molder in November.

President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at restricting citizenship for certain children born in the United States, following a Supreme Court ruling against an earlier order. The measures target “birth tourism” and redefine ineligibility criteria for birthright citizenship.

The Government Accountability Office’s report revealed significant inaccuracies in the Department of Government Efficiency’s “Wall of Receipts,” claiming $110 billion in savings. GAO noted many reported savings were unsubstantiated or already in process before DOGE’s establishment. The report calls for greater transparency in DOGE’s methodologies.

President Trump refuted claims of U.S. munitions shortages amidst the ongoing war with Iran, stating substantial quantities are available and being produced. Reports indicate the U.S. has nearly depleted its stockpile of long-range precision missiles, raising concerns over the sustainability of military operations.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating why airport traffic wasn’t halted during Marine One’s departure with President Trump on Tuesday. Despite a previous ban on non-essential helicopter flights at Reagan National Airport, the Marine Corps reported the flight as “routine.”

Former Michigan health official Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens. El-Sayed’s leftist platform gained endorsements from prominent progressives, positioning him for a general election contest against Republican Mike Rogers, who ran unopposed in his primary.