Title: US Charges and Sanctions Russian State Media Executives for Election Interference The US government has taken decisive action against Russian state media executives, accusing Moscow of a widespread campaign to interfere with the presidential election. The justice, state, and treasury departments coordinated actions to counter the alleged operations, including charging two Moscow-based managers of RT for promoting pro-Russia propaganda to US audiences. Attorney General Merrick Garland revealed that RT paid a Tennessee firm $10m to disseminate content with hidden Russian government messaging. The Biden administration responded by sanctioning individuals involved and restricting visas for employees of Kremlin-backed media outlets.…

A former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Linda Sun, has been charged with acting as an agent of the Chinese government, allegedly receiving kickbacks and other perks in return. Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, pleaded not guilty to charges including violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act and money laundering conspiracy. Sun is accused of covertly promoting the Chinese agenda, blocking Taiwan’s government representatives from speaking to New York officials, and altering state officials’ messaging about China. The couple used their illicit gains to purchase luxury items like a Ferrari and property in Hawaii and…

Getty Images The state’s Republican-controlled legislature approved the ban last year A law banning almost all abortions after six weeks has been implemented in Iowa, with restrictions only for specific cases. This law, signed by the state’s Republican governor Kim Reynolds, is among the most stringent in the US since the national right to abortion was revoked. The ban is expected to push Iowa residents to seek abortion services in neighbouring states with more lenient laws. Despite its popularity in polls, nearly two-thirds of Iowans believe abortion should be legal in most cases. With the upcoming election, Democrats plan to…

3 hours ago By Sam Cabral, BBC News, Washington Getty Images US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has declared gun violence a public health crisis, aiming to reduce the US’ high shooting deaths rate. Dr. Murthy advocates for a public health approach to tackle gun violence, similar to seatbelt safety and smoking warnings. Gun safety advocates see this move as a positive step towards changing public perception regarding firearm safety. The report acknowledges the need for nuanced policies to combat gun violence, citing the disproportionate gun-related deaths in the US compared to other high-income nations. Several leading medical associations endorse Dr. Murthy’s report,…

5 hours ago By Sam Cabral, BBC News, Washington US District Court for the Southern District of Florida Critics say Judge Aileen Cannon has indulged Trump’s delay tactics Summary of the content: The Florida district judge overseeing Donald Trump’s classified documents trial is facing scrutiny over controversial rulings delaying the case. Critics question Judge Aileen Cannon’s impartiality, especially as she considers arguments that could jeopardize the trial. Despite the criticisms, Judge Cannon, a relatively inexperienced Trump appointee, has made rulings perceived as favorable to the former president. Aileen Cannon, serving in the US District Court for the Southern District of…