President Biden announced new funding and initiatives to combat gender-based violence, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. The initiatives include over $690 million in grants and the establishment of a resource center to address cyber crimes against individuals.

Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Florida's Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. His support contrasts with the opposition from Florida's Republican leadership, including Governor Ron DeSantis.

Pope Francis criticized both U.S. presidential candidates for their stances on immigration and abortion, urging American Catholics to vote and choose the 'lesser evil'. He emphasized that not welcoming migrants is a grave sin and equated abortion with murder.

The U.S. government has designated the January 6, 2025, certification of the Electoral College votes as a National Special Security Event, increasing security measures following the 2021 Capitol attack. The Secret Service will lead the security operations, coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies.

The Biden administration has proposed a two-year delay in the full enforcement of REAL ID regulations, moving the deadline to May 2027. This decision comes as many Americans still lack compliant identification necessary for air travel and access to federal facilities.

The U.S. Treasury has proposed a new rule requiring large corporations to pay a minimum tax of 15% on their profits, which is expected to raise $250 billion over the next decade. This tax targets around 100 companies with annual profits exceeding $1 billion and is part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

A North Dakota judge ruled that the state's near-total abortion ban is unconstitutional, affirming a fundamental right to abortion before fetal viability. The ruling is expected to be appealed by the state Attorney General.

A campaign led by prominent Black Britons, including Mel B and MP Paulette Hamilton, is urging the UK Parliament to update the Equality Act to protect afro hair from discrimination. The initiative is part of World Afro Day and has garnered support from 100 campaigners.

The US government announced the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, including members of a Texas-based religious organization, who will be processed in Guatemala for potential relocation to the US. This release follows a broader crackdown on dissent by the Nicaraguan government under President Daniel Ortega.

State and local election officials have expressed serious concerns regarding the U.S. Postal Service's ability to deliver ballots on time for the upcoming presidential election, citing numerous instances of delayed and undeliverable mail. They have urged the Postal Service to take immediate corrective action to prevent voter disenfranchisement.

Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, citing Donald Trump's threat to the rule of law. Gonzales emphasized the importance of character in leadership, particularly in light of Trump's actions during the January 6 Capitol attack.

Donald Trump and aides to President Biden have both proposed the creation of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, with Trump suggesting it would be funded by tariffs and aimed at addressing national debt, while Biden's aides focus on national security investments. The establishment of such a fund would require congressional approval and faces criticism regarding its feasibility and potential for political misuse.

The New York City Council has approved a package of bills aimed at studying the city's role in slavery and considering reparations for descendants of enslaved people. The legislation includes the creation of a task force and a truth and reconciliation process.

The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on the Biosecure Act, which seeks to restrict business with Chinese biotech firms over national security concerns. Rep. Jim McGovern has voiced opposition to the bill, highlighting issues with its transparency and process.

The debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on September 11, 2023, left investors with little new information on key economic policies, despite Harris's improved odds in prediction markets. The event featured clashes over various topics, including the economy and immigration, but did not sway market reactions significantly.

Former Michigan governors and bipartisan officials are launching the Democracy Defense Project to address misinformation and restore trust in the electoral process ahead of the presidential election. The initiative is a response to ongoing challenges to election integrity, particularly following the 2020 election.

There is a rising number of climate-focused lawsuits against fossil fuel companies as communities and advocacy groups seek accountability for their role in the climate crisis.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that winter fuel payments will be means tested starting in winter 2024, limiting eligibility to pensioners on pension credit and certain benefits. Age UK has opposed this decision, proposing an alternative plan to include more pensioners in the scheme.

The Justice Department is set to announce criminal charges related to an Iranian hack that targeted Donald Trump's presidential campaign, which involved the theft of sensitive internal documents. This investigation is part of a broader effort to counter foreign influence in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Florida law enforcement is investigating the validity of signatures collected for an abortion rights measure, which has raised concerns about voter intimidation. The investigation follows the submission of over 900,000 signatures to place the measure on the ballot this fall.

The new full state pension is projected to increase by £460 annually, reaching £230.05 per week, due to the triple lock mechanism. This decision will be finalized by the Work and Pensions Secretary before the upcoming budget.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen living in Canada, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. He faces charges of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and was apprehended near the U.S.-Canada border.

Experts discussed the potential issues with mail voting and the importance of voter education as the 2024 election approaches. They emphasized the need for voters to verify information from trusted sources and make a voting plan.

California lawmakers have passed a bill that permits undocumented immigrants to apply for state-funded home loans of up to $150,000. The bill now awaits approval from Governor Gavin Newsom.

The New Democratic Party has ended its support agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, raising the possibility of an early election. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh criticized Trudeau's leadership, claiming the Liberals are unable to effectively oppose the Conservatives.

U.S. and Chinese military commanders held their first direct communication in years to discuss preventing misunderstandings and clarifying intentions. The call comes amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and follows a commitment to restore military communications.

The UK Supreme Court ruled that Tesco's 'fire and rehire' policy is unlawful, preventing the retailer from terminating employees' contracts to reduce their pay. The ruling restores an injunction that protects warehouse workers' pay entitlements.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at restricting electric vehicle tax credits for vehicles containing Chinese components. The legislation, which passed with a vote of 217 to 192, has not yet been considered by the Senate.

Apollo Quiboloy, a Filipino pastor accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking, has been arrested in the Philippines after a two-week manhunt. He faces charges in both the Philippines and the United States, where he is also wanted by the FBI.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is in Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping amid ongoing trade tensions between the EU and China, particularly concerning electric vehicles and pork exports. Sanchez aims to strengthen bilateral trade and cultural ties during his visit.