Latest News
- 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.
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.
© 2026 WTX News.