Israel Unleashes Airstrikes on Damascus to Shield Druze

Israel launched devastating airstrikes in Damascus, obliterating part of Syria's defense ministry and striking near the presidential palace to protect the Druze community from government attacks. The assault, amid clashes killing scores in Sweida, marks a bold escalation against Syria's new Islamist-led regime. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims fighting will end soon, but Israel's vow to prevent a "terror stronghold" in southern Syria signals no retreat. Turkey, condemning the strikes, relayed its stance via intelligence channels, urging regional stability.

President Trump announced he's cutting all federal funding for California's beleaguered High-Speed Rail project, labeling it a "Newscum scam" after a damning report exposed missed deadlines and budget overruns. The move, backed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, halts billions in taxpayer dollars for the ambitious but troubled initiative, sparking outrage in California and cheers from fiscal conservatives nationwide.

The Jeffrey Epstein saga is tearing Trump's base apart, with the president blasting Republican critics as "weaklings" falling for a Democratic "hoax." House Speaker Mike Johnson demands full transparency, while influencers like Mike Flynn push back against Trump's call to move on. The Justice Department's conclusion of no "incriminating client list" or blackmail evidence hasn't quelled conspiracy theories, forcing the White House into damage control with potential new disclosures or a special prosecutor to unify the fractured coalition.

Chinese hackers are intensifying espionage against Taiwan's semiconductor industry, targeting 15-20 firms including analysts at a U.S.-based bank. Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint reports sustained campaigns by three groups, stealing data amid U.S. export restrictions on AI chips. This cyber onslaught, unfolding during delicate U.S.-China chip negotiations, threatens global tech supply chains and underscores Beijing's push to dominate advanced semiconductors.

Vice President JD Vance hit a Pennsylvania machine shop to rebrand Trump's domestic policy megabill as a boon for American families, touting tax cuts, overtime deductions, and $1,000 newborn savings accounts. Ignoring Medicaid and nutrition cuts, Vance framed the package as empowering workers over "Washington elites," urging supporters to spread the word ahead of midterms. Critics like Gov. Josh Shapiro slam it as a deficit-bloating disaster gutting health care and jobs.

Federal prosecutors charged police chiefs and officials in three Louisiana towns with fabricating armed robberies to exploit the U-visa program, offering immigrants a path to residency. The decade-long scheme, masterminded by a businessman, netted thousands per false report, betraying public trust. Officials like Chad Doyle and Glynn Dixon allegedly sold badges for profit, exposing corruption in small-town law enforcement.

• Trump Optimistic on China Fentanyl Crackdown: Trump predicts China will impose death penalties on traffickers, citing progress in talks despite ongoing tariffs and overdose crises killing 450,000 Americans.

• US Banks Gear Up for Stablecoins: Bank of America, Citigroup, and others plan launches amid crypto-friendly Trump policies, eyeing digital payments revolution.

• Gaza Deportee's Fate Hangs in Balance: A federal judge delays ruling on returned migrant Kilmar Abrego, facing smuggling charges and possible re-deportation.

• Canada Slaps Steel Tariffs: PM Mark Carney imposes 50% duties to shield industry from global dumping, prioritizing domestic steel in procurement.

• Trump Nears India Trade Deal: Trump signals imminent agreement with India, eyeing EU pact too, amid tariff threats reshaping global trade.

• Pilot Charged in Plane Hijacking: Former commercial pilot Shaheer Cassim faces terrorism charges for seizing a Cessna, possibly in protest, triggering Norad fighter scramble.