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.
Test results have confirmed that a substance found in the work van of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant shot by an ICE agent, tested negative for illicit drugs, according to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare. This finding challenges ICE’s assertion that methamphetamine was present in the vehicle.
The Justice Department has retracted its subpoenas for grand jury testimony and phone records from New York Times reporters concerning an article about security systems in the new Air Force One jet. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian highlighted procedural missteps during the court hearing, questioning the initial issuance of the subpoenas.
The Trump administration implemented tariffs of up to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, citing inadequate enforcement against forced labour. The measure, effective immediately, predominantly targets Vietnam and China, while applying lower rates to countries with some restrictions, including the UK and Canada.
EUROPE UPDATE
This morning, Europe focuses on energy policies and economic recovery amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
A member of Vice President JD Vance’s Secret Service detail is under investigation for leaking sensitive information, confirmed Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications. The inquiry, which could escalate to a criminal investigation, centres on allegations of compromising operational and information security, potentially threatening the safety of protectees.
Vance Boelter has been sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years for the 2025 shooting of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman and their spouses. Judge John R. Tunheim described the sentence as the longest he has imposed, with no possibility of parole.
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