- Sudan’s aid network faces collapse without immediate funding, warns UN agency
- Canada’s 2026 census participation rate reaches 98.4 per cent, says StatCan
- 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
USA News
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.
President Trump announced a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing their refusal to participate in efforts to denuclearise Iran. He labelled the exercises as costly and provocative towards North Korea, stressing that their reduction is “somewhat unrelated” to this refusal.
Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Rabb, the Democratic nominee for the state’s third congressional district, discussed his platform on “Face the Nation,” advocating for health care as a human right and increased wages. He asserted that voters seek a fighter for their interests, rather than a label.
The Trump administration has requested intervention from the Supreme Court to proceed with a $400 million project replacing the demolished White House East Wing. This follows a federal appeals court ruling stating the White House likely lacks authority for the construction without congressional approval.
Severe flooding has affected the Midwest as Tropical Storm Lala approaches Hawaii. Additionally, industry insights reveal developments within a prominent spy satellite company, while a year has passed since President Putin’s meeting with President Trump.
Democrats have approved a new presidential primary calendar for 2028, placing South Carolina first on January 22, followed by Nevada and others through February. This shift aims to better reflect the party’s diverse voter base, moving away from the traditional influence of Iowa and New Hampshire.
Federal authorities have apprehended Rigoberto Brown, a fugitive charged with conspiring to monopolise the Texas-Mexico transmigrante forwarding industry. His arrest near McAllen follows an investigation into a price-fixing scheme led by Carlos Martinez, now serving an 11-year prison sentence for similar charges. Brown faces significant penalties if convicted.
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