Latest News
- Senate returns from recess to tackle legislative priorities before midterms
- US pilot rescued in 21-aircraft operation after being shot down over Iran
- 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
USA News
The Senate returned to Washington on Monday, resuming work after a five-week recess. Key items include procedural votes on cryptocurrency legislation and the Protect College Sports Act, amid ongoing discussions about regulatory measures for artificial intelligence and potential action on the Farm bill and surveillance authority.
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.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance attended Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral, where speakers included Trump and Sean Hannity. Graham, remembered as a “towering figure” in the Senate, will be privately buried in Pickens, South Carolina, on Wednesday.
Senators gathered at the U.S. Capitol to pay tribute to Lindsey Graham, remembered as a “towering figure” by Majority Leader John Thune. The ceremony preceded Graham’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral, where President Trump and international leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are set to attend.
In a contentious debate ahead of Michigan’s Democratic primary, candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens debated outside funding, race tone, and electability. El-Sayed criticised Stevens for accepting financial support from groups like AIPAC, while Stevens pointed to a super PAC backing El-Sayed. Both candidates seek to replace outgoing Sen. Gary Peters.
EUROPEAN UPDATE
This morning, key discussions in the European Union focus on economic stability and energy security amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Member states prioritise collaboration and strategic responses today.
Audio recordings from former President Joe Biden, made while writing his memoir in 2017, have been released after a court ruling. The two hours of tape include Biden discussing potentially classified information and reflect strained communication. Biden’s team had previously sought to keep the recordings private.
Former FBI Director James Comey has requested a federal judge to dismiss an indictment alleging he threatened President Trump, asserting it infringes on protected political speech. His lawyers argue the phrase “86 47” lacks violent connotation and should be recognised as political hyperbole. Comey faces arraignment in late September.
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