Doina Chiacu

The U.S. House ethics panel opened an investigation into Republican Representative Max Miller after he requested a probe to clear his name. Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him of burning her with boiling water and physically abusing her and their toddler daughter, allegations he denies. Her father, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, called Miller a danger and said he should not serve in Congress, while Donald Trump described Miller as a good person and said the families should resolve the matter. Miller intends to remain in the race for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, but the controversy could put the traditionally safe Republican seat at risk for Democrats.

Donald Trump renewed his demand that oil companies lower gasoline prices and sharply criticized Chevron CEO Mike Wirth for not crediting his administration’s support of the industry. Trump cited Chevron’s expanded return to Venezuela and urged other companies to reduce retail oil prices immediately. The pressure comes as tensions involving Iran have driven global energy-market volatility and higher fuel costs, creating cost-of-living concerns and potential risks for Republicans before the midterm elections. Although global crude prices fell after Trump called off a planned attack on Iran, pump prices may not decline at the same pace. Recent earnings from Chevron, ExxonMobil, Valero Energy and Marathon Petroleum showed that U.S. oil companies benefited from elevated crude prices and refining margins.

A software error in New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle system caused more than 6,000 non‑citizens to be mistakenly added to voter rolls, with fewer than 400 casting ballots. Governor Mikie Sherrill ordered removals of the erroneous registrations and replacement of the responsible vendor while stressing the issue occurred under the previous administration. The announcement followed federal claims that several states had large numbers of non‑citizens registered, part of broader Trump administration election security efforts. Experts noted that non‑citizen voting remains extremely rare and the registrations represented a negligible share of total voters.

The US Department of Homeland Security introduced new regulations limiting the duration of student, exchange, and journalist visas, including a 90‑day cap for Chinese journalists. China condemned the move as discriminatory and a violation of previous media agreements, warning of potential countermeasures. Critics in the US argued the rules impose unnecessary restrictions, lack legal basis, and could force international students into illegal status. DHS defended the policy as necessary due to rising visa numbers and monitoring challenges, noting that holders can still apply for extensions or seek readmission.

The Trump administration introduced new regulations limiting the duration of visas for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists. Student and exchange visas will be capped at four years, and journalist visas will be restricted to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. Extensions remain possible, and the rules will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register pending congressional review. The administration cited increased visa numbers and monitoring difficulties as justification.

New federal regulations from the Department of Homeland Security impose fixed, shorter visa durations for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown. Student and exchange visas will be capped at four years, while journalist visas will be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals, with extensions available through DHS. The administration cites rising visa numbers and oversight challenges as justification, while the rule awaits congressional review before taking effect.

Marco Rubio stated during a congressional hearing that he had never heard of Bill Pulte in an intelligence context despite Pulte being named by Donald Trump as acting director of national intelligence. Representative Bill Keating questioned Pulte’s qualifications, citing his lack of national security experience and allegations that he misused confidential information in his previous regulatory role. Critics raised concerns about appointing someone without intelligence expertise during a period of global tension, while Trump praised Pulte’s management experience in announcing the appointment.

A fire in an Amtrak maintenance vehicle near Penn Station caused major disruptions along the East Coast rail corridor, injuring five people and leading to suspended or reduced services for Amtrak, NJ Transit, and LIRR. Damage to overhead wires and equipment issues further compounded delays during the morning commute. The incident follows earlier disruptions this month due to an LIRR strike that halted service for hundreds of thousands of commuters.

The US State Department warned Americans in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened to target 18 US companies, including major tech firms, beginning 1 April. The US Embassy identified hotels, American businesses and educational institutions as potential targets. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days would be decisive, while a White House official stated the military is ready to counter any attacks and President Donald Trump remains open to a deal to end the conflict.

The United States warned its citizens in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place amid reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps plans to target major US corporations in retaliation for recent attacks. The threat against 18 companies, including several leading technology and aerospace firms, comes as a month-long conflict continues to escalate across the Middle East. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days would be decisive and indicated that Washington is willing to negotiate while remaining prepared for intensified military action. A White House official stated that the US military is ready to counter any attacks on American interests.

A fourth US service member has died from injuries sustained during a US operation in Iran following earlier attacks in which three troops were killed and several wounded. Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US bases across the Persian Gulf, prompting retaliatory strikes by the US and Israel that resulted in casualties including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Donald Trump warned the conflict could last weeks and vowed strong retaliation if Iran seeks revenge for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The IRS improperly disclosed confidential tax information to federal immigration authorities under an agreement finalized earlier in the year, prompting resignations among senior IRS leadership and legal challenges from advocacy groups. A judge ultimately struck down the data‑sharing arrangement, but not before the Department of Homeland Security requested information on 1.2 million migrants, receiving data on 47,000 individuals. The disclosure conflicted with longstanding IRS policy designed to encourage tax compliance among undocumented immigrants by assuring confidentiality.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the 20‑year sentence handed to Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai as unjust and urged authorities to grant humanitarian parole. Lai, a long‑time pro‑democracy figure and founder of the closed Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. His co‑defendants received sentences of up to 10 years. Hong Kong leader John Lee accused Lai of using his newspaper to spread hatred, while the British government pledged to engage rapidly with China over what it called the harshest penalty yet under Hong Kong’s national security law.

The United States imposed visa restrictions on individuals in Nicaragua associated with transportation and travel services accused of enabling illegal immigration under permissive migration policies attributed to the Ortega government. The State Department said it is revoking existing visas and implementing additional entry limits under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This follows earlier U.S. restrictions on Nicaraguan officials over alleged human rights abuses.

Donald Trump expressed declining confidence that Iran will agree to halt uranium enrichment as part of a potential nuclear deal with the United States. He stated that Iranian negotiators appear less enthusiastic about reaching an agreement and suggested they may be employing delaying tactics. Trump reiterated that the US would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, preferably without resorting to military action. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. The remarks follow discussions Trump held with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and come amid efforts to negotiate a revised nuclear accord after the US withdrawal from the 2015 agreement during Trump’s first term.

The US, UK and Norway urged an end to blockades of ports and transport links in eastern Sudan, supporting Sudan’s transitional government in calling for political dialogue to address local grievances. Blockades by Beja tribes have disrupted key Red Sea ports, creating shortages of medicine, fuel and wheat. The Troika encouraged international backing for Sudan’s efforts to resolve the crisis and noted their previous support through the 2020 Juba peace agreement.

Describes The Independent’s expansion through licensed international editions in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Urdu, outlining each site’s editorial leadership, geographic base, and journalistic focus while emphasizing the publication’s longstanding commitment to independent global reporting.

Donald Trump moved his planned Tulsa campaign rally from Juneteenth to the following day after criticism that the original date and location were insensitive given the holiday’s ties to the end of slavery and Tulsa’s history of racist violence. The decision came amid nationwide protests over racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd. Trump denied intentionally choosing the date and faced further scrutiny for remarks about Abraham Lincoln and use of a phrase linked to a segregationist Miami mayor. The Republican Party set his nomination acceptance speech for 27 August in Jacksonville, coinciding with the anniversary of a racially motivated attack known as Axe Handle Saturday.

Democratic leaders raised concerns that the removal of State Department inspector general Steve Linick may have been unlawful if done in retaliation for investigations involving Mike Pompeo. The dismissal is one in a series of inspector general firings under Donald Trump that critics argue undermine independent oversight. Administration officials downplayed the action and criticized what they termed the deep state, while experts warned that the pattern weakens accountability. Some Republicans defended the president’s authority to remove inspectors general.

Christine Blasey Ford will testify before the Senate regarding her allegation that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her during high school. Kavanaugh, who denies the accusation, will also testify. The Senate Judiciary Committee declined to subpoena alleged witness Mark Judge, prompting objections from Ford’s legal team. The hearing unfolds amid the #MeToo movement and shortly before congressional elections, with significant implications for the ideological balance of the Supreme Court.

The United States has devised a plan to dismantle North Korea's nuclear, chemical, biological and ballistic missile programmes within a year if Pyongyang fully cooperates, according to National Security Adviser John Bolton. President Trump expressed belief in Kim Jong-un's sincerity but acknowledged uncertainty over reaching a deal. Former officials and nuclear experts argued that full dismantlement and verification would require much longer, with some estimates extending to a decade. Reports from US intelligence agencies indicate North Korea may be increasing nuclear fuel production and concealing warheads despite agreeing to work toward denuclearisation. US lawmakers from both parties emphasized the need for scepticism and rigorous verification in any negotiations with Pyongyang.

Donald Trump rejected reports that Jared Kushner sought a secret communications channel with Russia, denouncing media leaks as fabricated. Senior administration officials, including John Kelly, defended the concept of back-channel diplomacy, while intelligence figures such as James Clapper voiced concerns about contacts with Russian representatives. Lawmakers offered mixed responses, with some minimizing the allegations and others calling for further scrutiny, including potential review of Kushner's security clearance. The developments unfolded amid ongoing investigations into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election.

Senator Lindsey Graham signaled interest in investigating potential Russian connections to Donald Trump’s business dealings but noted that the Senate subcommittee he leads may avoid issues overlapping with the FBI’s ongoing probe. James Clapper declined to comment on the matter during testimony, and the White House asserted that Trump has no business ties to Russia, with Sean Spicer saying a law firm would certify this in writing. Graham indicated he would like to see Trump’s tax records but said it was too early to consider a subpoena.

Former US intelligence chief James Clapper and former deputy attorney general Sally Yates are set to testify before a Senate panel investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible ties to Donald Trump’s campaign. Multiple congressional committees are examining findings that Russia hacked Democratic groups to aid Trump. A cancelled House hearing and the recusal of Devin Nunes have complicated the inquiry, while Democrats continue to push for an independent commission. Senators plan to question witnesses about surveillance of Trump adviser Carter Page, and additional closed‑door testimony from top intelligence officials is expected.

The White House defended its description of a US naval armada headed to the Korean Peninsula after reports showed the USS Carl Vinson strike group had initially moved in a different direction for training with Australia. Officials maintained the deployment aligned with stated plans and attributed confusion to operational security and schedule adjustments. Defense leaders confirmed the group was now en route, with the deployment extended to maintain presence amid concerns over potential North Korean provocations ahead of South Korea’s election.

The White House indicated that Attorney General Jeff Sessions may eventually step aside from investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 US election, though officials said it was too early for such a decision. Democrats continued pressing for an independent inquiry into contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials, while bipartisan voices raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The debate intensified following Michael Flynn’s resignation and reports that the administration sought to counter media stories about Russian ties.

The US ruled out offering Israel new weapons in connection with the Iran nuclear deal as Defence Secretary Ash Carter traveled to Tel Aviv for security discussions. Benjamin Netanyahu urged the US Congress to reject the agreement, arguing it would only delay Iran’s path to nuclear capability and provide funds for further aggression. While Carter supports the deal, he is not seeking to change Israel’s opposition, and is expected to offer alternative security assistance amid Israeli concerns over US arms sales to Gulf states.

Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United States to renegotiate the preliminary nuclear agreement with Iran, arguing it would allow Tehran to retain the capacity to develop multiple nuclear weapons. He engaged both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington, reiterating his concerns that the deal endangers Israel and global security. Senator Dianne Feinstein countered that the agreement posed no threat to Israel and criticized Netanyahu for opposing a rare chance to shift regional dynamics. Netanyahu’s earlier acceptance of a Republican invitation to address Congress had strained relations with the White House and some Democrats.

Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United States to push for stronger terms in the Iran nuclear agreement, arguing it leaves Iran with the capability to develop nuclear weapons. He said he has consulted members of both major US parties and warned that the deal endangers global security. Senator Dianne Feinstein countered that the agreement does not threaten Israel and criticized Netanyahu’s opposition. The dispute reflects ongoing tensions between Netanyahu and the Obama administration following his controversial address to Congress.

Barack Obama acknowledged that the United States underestimated the threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, attributing the misjudgment to intelligence assessments led by James Clapper. He warned that militants regrouped amid Syria’s civil war and described the region as a hub for global jihadists. Obama expressed confidence in the campaign in Iraq but uncertainty about efforts in Syria, citing the contradiction of targeting Islamic State while opposing Bashar al-Assad. He reiterated that stabilizing Syria under Assad was impossible and emphasized the need for long-term political solutions. Polls showed many Americans expect US ground troops to be deployed despite his assurances. Obama outlined goals to weaken Islamic State militarily while stressing the necessity of broader regional reforms and international cooperation.