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- Finland joins France’s nuclear initiative to enhance European security
- 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
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.
Heavy rainfall has led to flash flooding emergencies in multiple regions, while a military helicopter crash resulted in two fatalities. Authorities are assessing the damage and coordinating response efforts as conditions continue to evolve.
President Trump’s discreet flight switch during the NATO summit in Ankara was prompted by a credible Iranian missile threat against Air Force One, as confirmed by U.S. intelligence. Coordination between the National Security Agency, CIA, and Turkish officials led to the president’s relocation to a C-32A jet.
The Justice Department has charged 11 individuals in connection with a marriage fraud scheme involving over 1,000 sham marriages between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens. The indictment, filed in New York, alleges the scheme was active from 2016 to 2026, facilitating green card applications through fraudulent means.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to a one-week low, with only eight vessels transiting the waterway, according to Reuters data. This figure is below the 10-day average of approximately 12 vessels and marks the lowest daily count since 5 August amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Republican senators have unveiled 11 text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s government phone dating to 2021, related to his management of the COVID pandemic. The messages include discussions on the risks and benefits of vaccines for pregnant women, with insights from Dr. Serena Chen of CCRM Fertility.
Six states host primaries today, featuring competitive races in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial contest, Francesca Hong faces David Crowley. Meanwhile, South Carolina Republicans vie to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with ten candidates competing for the nomination.
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