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- Justice Department charges nearly 80 defendants in COVID loan fraud cases
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry featured in SNL UK sketch after UK move
- Iran and Israel derail US peace deal amid MOSSAD naval attacks
- Mount Etna erupts, releasing ash two and a half miles into sky and prompting travel disruptions
- France to ban trade in products from Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank
- European Parliament pushes for stricter energy project deadlines
- Iran-Gulf Talks Postponed Amidst Rising Oil Prices and Houthi Attacks
- One dead and 25 missing after migrant boat sinks off Greek island
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The Justice Department has announced a crackdown on COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program fraud, resulting in charges against over 160 defendants and approximately $245 million in intended losses. The initiative, dubbed “Heartland fraud surge,” involved 44 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and targeted fabricated businesses and identity theft schemes.
Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl pitched their services to Ammon Covino, seeking $300,000 to secure a pardon for him. Covino, a convicted felon, had previously submitted a pardon request, which was rejected by Donald Trump. Their meeting was secretly recorded as part of a CBS News investigation into pardon brokers.
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed highlighted concerns over artificial intelligence during an interview, advocating for public oversight to ensure technological development prioritises the common good. He proposed establishing public trust organisations for AI companies, aiming to incorporate safety measures in response to recent industry tensions.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow to caution Russia against potential aggression towards NATO member states, amid fears of new provocations. He also addressed Iran’s shipping situation, linking sanctions to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The CIA did not comment on the trip.
The Pentagon has upgraded the awards for three Marines involved in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, honouring their actions after a suicide attack killed 13 U.S. service members. Retired Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Eby and retired Lance Corporal Jordan Houston received Bronze Star Medals, while retired Corporal Michael Gretzon was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
A coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit aiming to block a new U.S. Postal Service rule on mail voting, claiming it undermines their election authority and risks disenfranchising voters. The final rule, linked to President Trump’s executive order, imposes new envelope design requirements and mandates voter information submission.
Senator Darline Graham won the South Carolina Republican Senate runoff, defeating Representative Ralph Norman, according to CBS News projections. Graham’s victory sets her up for the November election against Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic primary winner, as the seat is expected to remain Republican.
South Carolina Republicans are set to choose a candidate on Tuesday to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham in the upcoming midterm election. Sen. Darline Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff, with President Trump supporting Darline Graham amid concerns over her foreign policy knowledge.
Hasan Piker faced backlash from several Democrats, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, after asserting that some Jewish Americans’ support for Israel exacerbates antisemitism. El-Sayed clarified that his campaign does not endorse Piker’s views, emphasising that he alone represents the campaign’s stance.
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