Mass.: Democrat State Rep. Francisco Paulino charged with COVID-19-era fraud, pleads not guilty
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Democrat State Representative Francisco Paulino has been charged with committing COVID-19 pandemic-era fraud amounting to more than $700,000, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

‘Preventable’: Iryna Zarutska’s family sues Charlotte over light rail stabbing
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The family of Iryna Zarutska, the Ukrainian-American woman who was slain on a light rail train, is suing Charlotte, North Carolina, a year after the 23-year-old refugee’s death.

Nearly 50 Americans missing after devastating flash floods in Nepal-China border region
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Nearly 50 Americans are missing after devastating flash floods ravaged the China-Nepal border region.

Calif.: Newsom signs controversial ‘Privacy for Immigration Support Services Providers’ bill, nicknamed the ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’
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California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624 into law — a measure dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” by GOP lawmakers, who argue it will prevent journalists from exposing more fraud tied to immigration service providers.

Nearly 3 decades later: 9/11 ‘mastermind’ Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to stand trial in 2028
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The alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on September 11, 2001, and three other accomplices will finally have their day in court.

U.S. designates far-left UK-based activist group Palestine Action as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist
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In an expansion of its domestic and international counterterrorism focus, the United States government has officially designated the far-left UK-based activist group Palestine Action (Pal Action) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

Federal Judge blocks Minnesota’s attempt to force extradition of Texas ICE agent charged in Minn. shooting
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A federal judge in Texas has rejected an emergency request by Minnesota state officials to force Texas GOP Governor Greg Abbott to extradite an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent accused of shooting a man during a operation in Minneapolis.

3 Secret Service officials, including communications director, on leave amid investigation of potential leaks
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Three United States Secret Service (USSS) officials, including the agency’s spokesman, have reportedly been placed on leave and stripped of security clearances amid an internal probe over alleged misconduct related to leaks.

More than 350 dead, over 1,000 missing after deadly glacial collapse and flood at Nepal-China border
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The death toll continues to rise after a glacial collapse sent a river surging in the Nepal-China border region, according to officials.

4 killed in small aircraft crash near remote coastal town in Alaska
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A small airplane has crashed into shallow waters near a remote coastal town in Alaska, killing all four people on board.

UKMTO: Tanker in Strait of Hormuz hit by ‘unknown projectile’ in second attack this week
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A tanker traveling through the Strait of Hormuz has been reportedly struck by an “unknown projectile,” sparking a fire onboard.

‘Effective immediately’: Trump renames Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America’
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order (EO) directing the U.S. government to rename “Lake Ontario” to “Lake America.”

Meta agrees to landmark $18B settlement in state youth addiction lawsuit
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In a landmark agreement concluding years of legal pressure, Meta—the parent company of Facebook and Instagram—has agreed to pay an $18 billion settlement with 51 states and U.S. territories to implement stricter safety measures for children and teens.

Trump declares national emergency in EO to restrict importing some foreign electric grid components
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President Donald Trump has signed Executive Order (EO) 14420, declaring a national emergency to restrict the import and installation of foreign-made electric grid components deemed a national security threat.

U.S. Coast Guard interdicts, destroys suspected drug boat carrying more than $54M worth of cocaine
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The United States Coast Guard (USCG) stopped a vessel carrying more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine in the Caribbean.

Peter Cullen, voice of Eeyore and Optimus Prime, dead at 85
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Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, best known for his roles in the “Winnie the Pooh” and “Transformers” franchises, has died at age 85.

Near-total lunar eclipse will bring a ‘blood moon’ to U.S. skies Thursday night
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Skies will darken Thursday night as a near-total lunar eclipse covers 96% of the Moon. The deep alignment will cast a dramatic red-orange glow, reaching its peak just past 9 p.m. PT.

Calif.: Parents sue school district over field trip to mosque, allegedly encouraging hijabs
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A group of California parents have joined together to file a lawsuit against Palo Alto Unified School District and Palo Alto High School Principal Brent Kline over a field trip in which students were taken to a local mosque.

‘It’s very bittersweet’: Karoline Leavitt closes out her last day as WH Press Secy.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is wrapping up her final day in the role on Thursday, after serving roughly 20 months as President Donald Trump’s chief spokeswoman.

Fla. becomes first U.S. state to restrict public welfare funds from being spent on nonessential and luxury items
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Florida has officially become the first state in the nation to restrict public welfare funds from being spent on nonessential and luxury items, including vaping products, tattoos, theme park admissions, and spa services.