U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned after rejecting the government’s military funding plan, saying it would leave the armed forces under-resourced and could make the country less safe. The BBC reported he had pushed for defense spending to reach 3% of GDP by 2030 but was offered a smaller increase.
News Mash
Hazmat crews responded to the Pentagon after systems detected an air quality issue, prompting a shelter-in-place order for an affected area. Officials said the measures were precautionary while the issue was assessed.
Trump threatened new strikes on Iran and the seizure of Kharg Island as U.S.-Iran fighting widened across Gulf states and the Gulf of Oman. Iran said the latest U.S. attacks made the ceasefire “practically meaningless,” while mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan continued.
NOAA says El Niño has begun in the tropical Pacific, with a 63% chance it becomes one of the strongest events recorded since 1950. Scientists warn it could intensify global heat and disrupt weather, food supplies and economies into 2027.
Vance Boelter is expected to plead guilty to federal charges in the June 2025 shootings that killed Melissa and Mark Hortman and wounded John and Yvette Hoffman. Federal prosecutors said they will not seek the death penalty under a proposed plea agreement.
The House is set to vote on a short-term extension of Section 702, but Democratic opposition over Bill Pulte’s appointment as acting intelligence chief could doom the measure. Lawmakers remain divided over civil liberties, national security and what happens if the authority expires Friday.
John Healey resigned as Britain’s defence secretary, saying Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury had failed to provide the resources needed for national defence. His departure is the sixth ministerial resignation since Labour’s poor election showing last month.
Pope Leo appealed for humane treatment of migrants during a visit to the Canary Islands, warning that dignity “has no passport.” The trip comes as Spain expands legal status for many undocumented migrants while a new EU pact tightens border and deportation rules.