Trump blames Canada wildfire smoke for unhealthy air across the United States and says the economic cost could be added to existing tariffs on Canadian goods. His remarks come as hundreds of active wildfires continue to spread smoke across North America, triggering widespread air quality alerts. Trump Blames Canada Wildfire Smoke, Warns of New Tariffs

A federal regulatory inquiry is examining whether Gabriel Perez, President Donald Trump’s longtime teleprompter operator, used advance knowledge of presidential speeches to place profitable bets on Kalshi. Sources familiar with the investigation said the disputed trades generated more than $90,000 in profits before Kalshi froze the account. Perez has worked with Trump since 2016 and reportedly had access to prepared remarks and late chan

Trump weighs strike on Iran Pickaxe Mountain as reports say the White House is reviewing military options against Tehran's underground nuclear facility near Natanz. The site is believed to play a future role in Iran's nuclear programme, while international inspectors continue seeking access.   Trump Weighs Strike on Iran Pickaxe Mountain

The United States carried out a new round of military strikes against Iranian targets on July 15, saying the operation was intended to protect commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest action adds to growing tensions between Washington and Tehran as one of the world's most important energy corridors remains under close international watch. According to US Central Command, the operation focused on military assets that it said posed a threat to vessels using the strategic waterway. CENTCOM Iran operation targets maritime threats US Central Command said the strikes began at 1900 GMT and were directed at Iranian military capabilities allegedly being used to threaten ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement posted on its official X account, CENTCOM said the objective was to safeguard freedom of navigation in the region. The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies, making security in the area a major concern for governments, shipping companies and energy markets worldwide. The operation comes after weeks of heightened military activity across the Gulf region. Washington has repeatedly stated that maintaining open sea lanes remains a priority as regional tensions continue to increase. Strait of Hormuz remains global energy focus The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and serves as one of the world's busiest maritime routes. Any disruption can quickly affect international oil prices, shipping costs and supply chains. Energy analysts continue to monitor developments closely as uncertainty grows over future military actions in the region. Global governments have also urged restraint, warning that prolonged conflict could have significant economic consequences beyond the Middle East. Iran blasts reported in Ahvaz and Chabahar As the US operation unfolded, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported explosions in several locations. Blasts were heard in Ahvaz in southwestern Iran, although the exact source was not immediately confirmed. Mehr also reported three explosions in the southeastern port city of Chabahar. Iranian authorities had not officially confirmed the cause of the explosions or released information regarding casualties at the time of reporting. Independent verification of the incidents also remained unavailable. Iran Parliament says diplomacy will continue Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country would continue diplomatic efforts while maintaining military preparedness. In an official statement, he said Iran had never sought war but must remain ready to defend its national security and strategic interests. Ghalibaf accused the United States of attempting to weaken the Islamic Republic and described the current situation as an existential challenge. He argued that relying only on diplomacy or only on military action would be a strategic mistake, saying both approaches should remain available as the situation develops. The latest developments highlight the fragile security environment surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. With military operations continuing and diplomatic channels still open, governments and energy markets are expected to monitor events closely. Information in this report is based on official statements from US Central Command, comments released by Iranian parliamentary leadership and reports published by Iran's Mehr News Agency. Relevant internal links may include your Global News category, US News, Middle East coverage, Oil & Energy news, Geopolitics section, and previous articles covering the Strait of Hormuz, Iran-US relations, and CENTCOM operations.

The Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak response includes temporarily removing limited ingredients at select restaurants. CDC, FDA and state officials are investigating rising cyclosporiasis cases, but no restaurant, supplier or specific food has been confirmed as the source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed limited ingredients from select U.S. restaurants as health authorities investigate a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis,

The US House has approved a permanent daylight saving time proposal that could end seasonal clock changes across most of the country. The Sunshine Protection Act passed with bipartisan support, but it must still clear the Senate before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk. House DST vote delivers bipartisan approval The House of Representatives passed H.R. 139, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, by a 308

US President Donald Trump has paid writer E. Jean Carroll more than $5.6 million after exhausting a major avenue of appeal against a civil verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. The payment covers the original $5 million damages award and interest accumulated while the case remained under appeal. Trump Carroll payment released after court order Federal court records released on Tue

The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned in connection with whistleblower claims. U.S. labor officials are investigating alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking and possible worker displacement. The Trump administration’s H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned while U.S. officials described a wider investigation into alleged abuse of employment-based visa programs.

Washington air quality drops after fireworks Washington briefly became the world’s most polluted major city after a large Independence Day fireworks display linked to the Freedom 250 celebrations, according to air quality monitoring platform IQAir. The spike came after the July 4 event sent heavy smoke and fine particles into the air over the US capital, turning a patriotic celebration into a public health

White House trolls Taylor Swift wedding with Trump-themed post The White House found itself at the center of online discussion after its official social media accounts shared a series of Taylor Swift-inspired posts during the wedding celebrations of Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce. The celebrity wedding, held on July 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, quickly became one of the biggest trending topics across social media. As f

US 250th Independence Day marked by Trump speech and celebrations The United States marked its 250th Independence Day with nationwide celebrations, fireworks displays and political speeches that reflected both national pride and deep division. The historic July Fourth anniversary honored 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, bringing millions of Americans together for concerts, family gatherings, flyovers and

An Indian student dies in North Carolina after a reported carbon monoxide poisoning incident inside a parked car, according to details shared in a social media post. Rathan Kishore, who reportedly moved to the United States in 2024 to pursue his Master’s degree, died on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after allegedly sleeping inside a parked vehicle with the engine running. Indian Student Dies in North Carolina After Reported Car I

Washington, D.C., is preparing for a major July Fourth fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as Freedom 250 marks America’s 250th birthday with a large Independence Day celebration on the National Mall. The Freedom 250 fireworks display is scheduled for about 10:30 p.m. ET at the Washington Monument Grounds, following an evening program that includes remarks by President Donald Trump at 9:45 p.m. ET. Organizers describe the fireworks show as a roughly 40-minute display tied to

An Andhra Pradesh student died in Kansas floodwaters near Wellington after his vehicle reportedly entered a flooded roadway during a trip from Houston, according to an account shared by a friend. Doppalapudi Venkatesh was identified as an Indian student from Andhra Pradesh. The information provided did not include the date or time of the incident. Andhra Pradesh Student Dies in Kansas Floodwaters The friend’s account said Venkatesh selected a

Arrests reported after pool damage claim At least five people have been arrested and five others cited in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, an administration official said Monday. The case followed claims by US President Donald Trump that vandals had damaged the Washington landmark by cutting what he described as a 250-foot-long gash into its surface. Trump made the allegation on Saturday but did not p

US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized a report on the Iran conflict, accusing the publication of presenting a misleading picture of the war’s outcome. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said the article ignored what he described as major military, economic and regional changes after months of fighting. Trump also warned that the coverage could become part of a multibillion-dollar lawsuit. He claimed the report unders

Strike Announcement US President Donald Trump said American forces killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, widely known as Niño Guerrero, in what he described as a “swift and lethal” military operation against the alleged leader of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. Trump said the strike was carried out by US Southern Command and coordinated with Venezuela, but officials had not immediately released

Facebook settlement second payment notices are going out to some eligible users as a new Meta privacy settlement distribution begins Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The second round is not for every Facebook user who filed a claim. It applies only to settlement class members who successfully cashed their first payment from the Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation settlement. Facebook Settlement Second Payment Begins June 9 According t

House Approves Ukraine Aid and Russia Sanctions In a notable move, the US House of Representatives passed legislation providing billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine while imposing stricter sanctions on Russia. The vote ended 226-195, with 18 Republicans and one independent breaking ranks with party leadership to join Democrats. The legislation introduces targeted oil and gas sanctions on Russia and signals bipartisan concern over c

Eligible U.S. residents who received a Krispy Kreme data breach notice may be able to file a settlement claim before Monday, June 22, 2026. The Krispy Kreme data breach settlement offers an estimated $75 alternate cash payment or up to $3,500 for documented fraud or identity-theft losses. Who qualifies for the Krispy Kreme data breach settlement? The proposed $1,616,760 settlement covers living individuals in the United States who were s