Browsing: US politics

The US Treasury will utilise Iranian assets to assist Gulf allies in recovery efforts from damages incurred during the Iran war, according to sources. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has directed evaluations of the costs for repairs and potential asset access for financing, though specifics on the assets remain unclear.

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is embroiled in controversy ahead of Maine’s primary, facing accusations of abusive behaviour from former girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield. He denies the claims and describes them as politically motivated. Platner’s past, including a Nazi symbol tattoo and subsequent explicit texts, continues to draw scrutiny.

President Trump will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, prompting extensive security preparations. Enhanced measures will include a hard closure of the area, ticketed entry, and screening protocols for fans.

The FBI has dismissed five analysts linked to a now-retracted internal memo concerning “Radical Traditionalist Catholic” ideology, a decision following internal reviews that cited procedural errors but no malicious intent. The memo has attracted criticism from allies of former President Trump, alleging anti-Christian bias.

The Senate voted 47-52 to block an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which will lapse on 12 June without further action. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the motion, citing concerns over warrantless surveillance of Americans. The legislation may be revisited next week.

The Food and Drug Administration has initiated a safety study on mifepristone, which could inform future access restrictions. The retrospective study will analyse hundreds of thousands of cases, with interim findings expected in July, as scrutiny on the drug increases following recent federal policy changes.

The House voted to send up to $8 billion in military loans to Ukraine, facilitated by a discharge petition initiated by Rep. Gregory Meeks. The legislation passed 226 to 195, with support from some Republicans. Its future in the Senate remains uncertain amid stalled bipartisan legislation targeting Russia.

Four Ohio state employees, along with two co-conspirators, were indicted for their roles in a $30 million Medicaid billing fraud scheme, involving non-rendered children’s behavioural health services. Authorities seized 14 luxury vehicles, highlighting the scale of the alleged fraud.

The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to renew a ceasefire, with conditions that Hezbollah cease attacks and withdraw from southern Lebanon. This agreement follows U.S.-brokered talks and aims for further negotiations in three weeks. However, Israel conducted drone strikes shortly after the announcement, resulting in civilian injuries.

The House passed a war powers resolution on Wednesday requiring President Trump to end military engagement with Iran without congressional approval. The vote tally reached 215 to 208, supported by four Republicans and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, marking a notable challenge to the Trump administration’s authority on military actions.