THE BIG STORY
DOJ drops criminal probe of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
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Trump admin reclassifies marijuana
The Justice Department has reclassified certain cannabis
products as a less dangerous Schedule III drug, marking a
significant shift in federal drug policy while keeping marijuana
illegal nationwide. The move, directed by President Trump, aims
to expand research and access, with broader reclassification
still under consideration.
Russia invited to upcoming G20 summit
The Trump administration plans to invite Russia to the upcoming
G20 summit in an effort to ease its international isolation
following the Ukraine invasion. While the Kremlin says no
decision has been made on Vladimir Putin's attendance, the move
reflects a broader push by Trump to reengage Russia despite
ongoing tensions and stalled peace efforts.
Senate approves budget for immigration enforcement
The Senate narrowly approved a budget plan to fund immigration
enforcement agencies, advancing a Republican effort to bypass a
Democratic blockade that has partially shut down the Department
of Homeland Security. The measure now heads to the House as part
of a broader push to secure long-term funding without Democratic
support.
Trump orders 'shoot and kill' warning in Hormuz
President Donald Trump said he has ordered the US Navy to “"hoot
and kill" any boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and to
ramp up mine-clearing operations. The directive signals an
escalation as the US intensifies efforts to secure the key
waterway.
DOJ withdraws subpoenas in John Brennan investigation
The Justice Department has withdrawn grand jury subpoenas in its
investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan, opting
instead to seek voluntary interviews, the AP reports. The reason
for the shift is unclear as the politically sensitive probe into
2016 election-related intelligence continues.
Surveillance vendors caught abusing people's phone location
data
Security researchers have uncovered two spying campaigns
exploiting weaknesses in global telecom systems to track
people's locations, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in
networks like SS7 and Diameter. A report from Citizen Lab found
surveillance vendors used access to legitimate telecom providers
to carry out the activity while masking their operations.
US Navy secretary stepping down
Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down after just over a
year in the role, with an official saying he was asked to
resign. Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as acting secretary
as leadership shakeups continue within the Pentagon.
Judge blocks Virginia redistricting
A Virginia judge has blocked certification of the state's
congressional redistricting referendum, ruling it
unconstitutional, even after voters narrowly approved it. State
officials say they will appeal the decision as legal battles
over the map overhaul continue.
Pentagon says clearing mines from Hormuz could take 6 months
Pentagon officials told Congress it could take up to six months
to clear Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, potentially
prolonging disruptions to global oil shipments and keeping
energy prices elevated. The timeline highlights the lasting
economic and political impact of the conflict as tensions
between the U.S. and Iran continue.
Spirit Airlines to be bailed out by US government
The Trump administration is in advanced talks on a potential
$500 million financing package for Spirit Airlines as it faces
possible liquidation, CNBC reports. The deal could give the
government an equity stake while helping stabilize the
struggling carrier amid mounting financial pressures.
Ukraine to receive $105 billion loan from the EU
EU countries have given preliminary approval to a €90 billion
($106 billion) loan for Ukraine after months of delays tied to
Hungary's veto. The funding, aimed at supporting Ukraine's
economic and military needs, could receive final approval soon
as political and energy disputes ease.
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Main sources
- aljazeera.com
- apnews.com
- arstechnica.com
- axios.com
- bbc.com
- bloomberg.com
- cnbc.com
- dw.com
- france24.com
- independent.co.uk
- justthenews.com
- nationalreview.com
- news.sky.com
- newser.com
- newsweek.com
- newzit.com
- nytimes.com
- politico.com
- reuters.com
- semafor.com
- talkingpointsmemo.com
- techcrunch.com
- telegraph.co.uk
- theguardian.com
- thehill.com
- theintercept.com
- washingtonpost.com
- wsj.com