July 18, 2025

Taiwan holds largest ever exercise to stop an invasion from China

Taiwan just launched its largest-ever annual military drill, the Han Kuang exercise, simulating a full-scale defense against a Chinese invasion. Now in its 41st year, the 10-day event mobilized more than 22,000 reservists and featured U.S.-made HIMARS rocket launchers for the first time. Soldiers rehearsed urban defense operations, made use of the Taipei Metro for […]

July 18, 2025

US, Panama test canal security as China eyes key ports

The U.S. and Panama are conducting a major military exercise during the week of July 13 to practice defending the Panama Canal, an increasingly strategic chokepoint as tensions with China grow. The operation, led by the U.S. Southern Command and Panama’s National Aeronaval Service, runs from July 13 to 18 and includes more than 80 personnel from both […]

July 18, 2025

US sanctions 6 leaders of Tren de Aragua gang. What does that mean?

The United States Treasury Department imposed sanctions on six individuals tied to Tren de Aragua on Thursday, July 17, including the group’s leader, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores. Guerrero is accused of transforming Tren de Aragua from a prison-based gang in Venezuela into a transnational criminal organization with a growing presence throughout the Western Hemisphere. Treasury […]

July 18, 2025

Trump’s former lawyer, Emil Bove, is about to get a lifetime judgeship

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Emil Bove’s judicial nomination Thursday, July 17, the last step in the process before a final vote by the full chamber. If confirmed, Bove, 44, will hold a lifetime position as a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Jersey. Bove is a controversial […]

July 18, 2025

Icons like Connie Francis recognized across generations thanks to TikTok

Connie Francis, the pop legend known for her chart-topping hits of the 1950s and 60s, passed away Wednesday at 87 — but not before witnessing a surprising resurgence of her music. Her 1960 hit “Pretty Little Baby” gained new life with more than two million videos featuring the song on the platform. Francis even joined […]

July 18, 2025

Congress advances first-ever cryptocurrency regulatory framework

The House of Representatives passed two bills Thursday afternoon that will create regulatory frameworks for both cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. If the bills are enacted, it will be the first time digital assets are officially introduced into the United States financial system.  Both bills were passed on a strong bipartisan basis.  The GENIUS Act, which covers […]

July 18, 2025

Former VOA employee indicted for threatening Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

The Department of Justice arrested and charged a man who worked for Voice of America for threatening U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, the DOJ announced Thursday, July 17. A grand jury indicted Seth Jason, 64, for influencing a federal official by threatening a family member, influencing a federal official by threat, interstate communications with a […]

July 18, 2025

One day in prison for ex-Louisville officer in Breonna Taylor case: DOJ

The U.S. Department of Justice is recommending a one-day prison sentence for a former Louisville Metro Police officer involved in the March 2020 raid that killed Breonna Taylor and led to intense protests and an overhaul of the Kentucky city’s policing practices. Brett Hankison, 46, a former detective, was convicted on federal charges of violating […]

July 18, 2025

Mickelson, Westwood score one for seniors in first Open Championship round

Professional golf may be a younger man’s game, with players hitting the ball more than 340 yards off the tee, but Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood don’t want to hear it. The two legendary players are in the mix after the first round of the Open Championship in Northern Ireland. What helped Phil Mickelson play […]

July 17, 2025

Top golfers struggle with pressure, meaning of life, ahead of final major

Golf fans will need to set their alarms for the final major of the season. The Open Championship gets underway Thursday at 1:30 a.m. Eastern from Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.  Why is Rory McIlroy one of the favorites this week? Rory McIlroy is smack in the spotlight once again. The reigning Masters champ and […]