- US lawmakers reach bipartisan agreement on budget to avert shutdown
- US designates Ecuador’s Chone Killers gang as a terrorist organisation
- Transit advocates urge low-income transit pass as TransLink fares rise
- Emergency services responded to unconscious patient at Mitch McConnell’s home
- China does not disclose details following plane crash into CITIC Tower
- Palestinian committee concludes productive talks in Cyprus on Gaza recovery
- Couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building for marriage proposal
- Manitoba cuts provincial sales tax on grocery and convenience store food
UK public borrowing exceeds official forecast in September
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Government borrowing overshot official projections in September, which is a sign of the difficult fiscal position that the Chancellor faces as she puts the finishing touches on her first tax and spending budget.
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US lawmakers reach bipartisan agreement on budget to avert shutdown
The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case on affirmative action today, focusing on admissions policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. This ruling could reshape the future of diversity initiatives in higher education across the United States, impacting how institutions assess race in their admissions strategies. Legal experts are closely watching this case, as its outcomes may reverberate through various sectors, from academia to employment practices.
In market developments, investors are bracing for potential volatility ahead of the Supreme Court decision, given its implications for corporate diversity policies and workforce recruitment strategies. The S&P 500 recently saw fluctuations amid speculation about the ruling’s implications for businesses nationwide. Traders will monitor market reactions closely, particularly in sectors sensitive to demographic considerations, as announcements unfold today.
Key developments across the United States
Trump mourns death of longtime advisor, confirms plans to attend funeral
US POLITICS — Donald Trump confirms he will attend the funeral of a close advisor who passed away.
The advisor, who played a significant role in Trump’s campaigns and administration, was noted for their deep loyalty and political insight. The acknowledgment of their passing illustrates the ongoing personal and political ties within Trump’s circle.
House passes bipartisan bill to strengthen protection of whistleblowers
US LAW — The House of Representatives has passed a bill to enhance protections for whistleblowers in government.
This bipartisan initiative aims to ensure that individuals who report wrongdoing are safeguarded from retaliation, thereby encouraging transparency and accountability in federal agencies. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of protecting whistleblowers to maintain trust in public institutions.
Senate begins debate on critical infrastructure funding bill
US ECONOMY — The Senate has started discussions on a significant bill related to infrastructure funding.
This funding is intended to modernize aging facilities and improve transportation networks across the nation. Senators highlighted the bill’s potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth while addressing urgent infrastructure needs.
Federal Reserve signals possible interest rate increases
US ECONOMY — The Federal Reserve has indicated potential interest rate hikes in response to economic conditions.
Biden administration focuses on renewable energy investment
US ENERGY — The Biden administration is prioritizing investments in renewable energy sources.
What to watch — Key decisions on economic policy and infrastructure funding are expected to unfold in the coming weeks as debates continue.
Further reading from US News sources
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Politico
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Get you up to speed: US designates Ecuador’s Chone Killers gang as ‘terrorist’ organisation
The US State Department has designated the Ecuadorian gang Chone Killers as a foreign “terrorist organisation” due to its attacks on civilians and officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the designation is part of a broader anti-crime campaign during the Trump administration, which involves collaboration with Ecuador and President Daniel Noboa.
The US designation of the Chone Killers as a terrorist organisation follows a series of coordinated efforts to combat organised crime in Latin America. Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed gratitude for the US support, signalling a continued commitment by President Daniel Noboa to intensify measures against gang-related violence.
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the US designation of the Chone Killers as a foreign terrorist organisation, emphasising strong bilateral support for President Daniel Noboa’s campaign against crime. In response to escalating gang activity, Noboa has imposed curfews and deployed military forces in several provinces, with plans for continued collaboration with US authorities to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.
What remains unclear — The exact number of individuals affected by the gang’s attacks has not been disclosed.
US designates Ecuador’s Chone Killers gang as a terrorist organisation
News|CrimeUS designates Ecuador’s Chone Killers gang as ‘terrorist’ organisation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the gang had also been classified as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’.
Published On 2 Jul 20262 Jul 2026
The US State Department has designated the Ecuadorean gang Chone Killers as a foreign “terrorist organisation”, imposing sanctions on a crime group that Washington has accused of carrying out attacks on civilians and public officials.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the gang has also been classified as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist”.
“Chone Killers has committed numerous attacks targeting civilians, law enforcement officers and government officials, including high-profile assassinations of public officials,” Rubio said in a statement announcing the designations.
The move against the Ecuadorian street gang is part of a broader campaign by US President Donald Trump’s administration on organised crime and drug trafficking in Latin America.
The Trump administration has designated several other Latin American gangs and drug cartels as “terrorist” organisations, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and the Mexican Sinaloa cartel.
“The Trump administration, in partnership with Ecuador and President Daniel Noboa, will continue to protect our hemisphere by keeping illicit drugs off our streets and disrupting the revenue streams funding violent narcoterrorists,” Rubio said.
Rubio also alleged that Ecuadorean gangs help Mexican cartels transport and export illegal drugs, which he said fund “terrorism” and other criminal activity.
Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the US decision, saying it reflected Washington’s strong support for Noboa’s campaign against criminal organisations.
“The Government of Ecuador thanks the firm support of the United States for the decision by President Daniel Noboa to maintain an all-out fight against criminal organisations,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on X.
Noboa, a staunch ally of Trump, has imposed curfews and deployed the military to several provinces in a US-backed crackdown aimed at stamping out gang activity.
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