Trump Proposes Replacing Immigrant Truck Drivers with Veterans

The Indian cabinet has approved two major river corridor projects in the holy city of Varanasi, officials announced. The Ganga and Varuna corridors, estimated to cost Rs 25,000 crore (about $3 billion), aim to improve infrastructure and attract more visitors. Varanasi, also known as Kashi, already draws nearly 150 million tourists and pilgrims each year. The projects are expected to enhance the city's riverfront and connectivity, making it easier for people to access religious sites and scenic spots along the Ganga and Varuna rivers. The approval comes as part of broader efforts to develop the region, which is represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in parliament. The corridors are seen as a move to boost local tourism and economic activity. The exact timeline for construction has not been announced, but the project is expected to be carried out in phases. Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is known for its ghats, temples, and spiritual significance in Hinduism. The development plans have been in discussion for several years, with the current approval marking a significant step forward.

Thousands of Salvadorans living in the United States under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program face an uncertain future as the program is set to expire on September 9, 2026. The U.S. government recently extended TPS for 18 months, but this creates a new cliff-edge deadline for the community. TPS allows people from countries affected by natural disasters or conflict to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. For Salvadorans, the program has been in place since 2001 after earthquakes devastated El Salvador. Currently, about 200,000 Salvadorans hold TPS. Many have built lives in the U.S. over decades, with jobs, homes, and families. The expiration threatens not only their status but also the flow of remittances to El Salvador, which are a major part of the country's economy. In 2023, Salvadorans sent over $7 billion back home, much of it from TPS holders. To maintain their status, eligible Salvadorans must re-register during a strict window from January 17 to March 18, 2025. Failure to do so could result in loss of protection. Advocates urge the U.S. government to provide a more permanent solution, but no further action has been announced. The uncertainty weighs heavily on families in both countries.

A man has been arrested following a social media post that threatened to shoot Nigel Farage, the prominent UK politician and Brexit campaigner. Police confirmed the arrest after investigating the online threat, which was reported to authorities. The suspect is currently in custody, and officers are continuing inquiries into the incident. Farage, a former leader of the UK Independence Party and a key figure in the Brexit movement, has been a polarizing figure in British politics. The arrest comes amid heightened concerns over online threats against public figures. No further details about the suspect or the specific content of the post have been released at this time. The police have urged the public to report any suspicious online activity. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of threats and harassment faced by politicians in the digital age. Farage has not publicly commented on the arrest. The investigation is ongoing.

Senate Republicans are preparing a major push on election integrity, with a new plan that ties federal funding to voter ID requirements. The strategy involves using budget reconciliation, a process that allows certain fiscal legislation to pass with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster. Under the proposal, states would receive grant money to enforce voter ID laws, a key priority for former President Donald Trump and many GOP lawmakers. This move is seen as a critical test for the party's ability to deliver on election security promises. Supporters argue that voter ID requirements are necessary to prevent fraud and ensure public confidence in elections. Critics, however, contend that such laws can suppress turnout among minority and low-income voters who may lack proper identification. The plan faces uncertain prospects in the narrowly divided Senate, where Democrats have opposed similar measures in the past. Republicans are hoping that packaging the initiative as a budget reconciliation bill will allow them to overcome Democratic opposition, since reconciliation bills cannot be filibustered. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not yet commented on the proposal. The debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as lawmakers return to Washington. The outcome could have significant implications for the 2024 elections and beyond.

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched an unprecedented strike force operation in New York to combat massive unemployment fraud, which officials say is costing the state nearly $2 million per day. The team includes special agents embedded in local agencies to identify and stop fraudulent claims. This marks the first time such a specialized unit has been deployed to a specific state to address fraud on this scale. The action comes under the Trump administration's broader efforts to crack down on waste and abuse in unemployment insurance programs, which have seen a surge in fraudulent claims during the pandemic. New York has been a particular hotspot, with outdated systems and high volumes of claims creating opportunities for fraudsters. The strike force will work with state officials to review suspicious claims, recover funds, and recommend improvements to prevent future fraud. Critics have pointed to the need for more robust verification systems, while supporters say the deployment is a necessary step to protect taxpayer dollars. The operation is expected to last several weeks, with the possibility of extension if results are positive.

Israel's government has approved a budget of about 1.3 billion shekels ($434 million) to fund 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The decision was made by the security cabinet in June but only announced publicly on Tuesday. This brings the total number of settlements authorized under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to 104 since it took office in late 2022. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also oversees civilian affairs in the West Bank, said the goal is to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. He described the move as a 'security-strategic decision' and part of a 'settlement revolution.' The government also approved the re-establishment of the settlement Sa-Nur, which was evacuated in 2005. Settlement Minister Orit Strook called it the greatest Zionist-settlement move since Israel's founding. International law considers Israeli settlements in occupied territory illegal. Critics, including the Israeli group Peace Now, say the government is accelerating de facto annexation. Peace Now reported that over 100 new settlements and 185 outposts have been established in the last three years, displacing many Palestinian communities.