United States

The Federal Communications Commission is blocking new approvals for certain foreign-made drones, including many from China, citing U.S. national security and communications network concerns. Chinese officials call the measure discriminatory and say it unfairly targets Chinese manufacturers. The decision affects future equipment authorizations and could change availability and sourcing in the U.S. drone market. Industry groups, retailers and drone users are watching for detailed implementation rules and potential effects on prices, product choices and cross-border technology trade between the United States and China.

The U.S. Justice Department has released more than 11,000 new documents and photos tied to Jeffrey Epstein under a federal disclosure law. The files include investigative reports, internal communications, court-related materials, and images from prior probes. Many names and details appear redacted to protect victims and sensitive law-enforcement information. Officials describe the move as part of an ongoing effort to make Epstein-related records public on a rolling basis. The new release adds to earlier document tranches and offers a broader view of federal interest in Epstein’s activities, prosecutions, and custody before his 2019 death.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting detailed information on monitoring and response efforts for equine herpesvirus outbreaks. The congressman asked USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to explain surveillance, communication with state agencies, event guidance, and available resources for managing the highly contagious horse disease. The inquiry focuses on how federal authorities track cases, support Texas officials and work with veterinarians, horse owners and equine event organizers as the state reports EHV cases linked to major gatherings.

Denmark will summon the U.S. ambassador in Copenhagen after former President Donald Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, the autonomous Arctic territory within the Danish realm. Danish officials plan to seek clarification on the envoy’s mandate, its impact on existing defense and foreign policy arrangements, and how Washington will coordinate with Copenhagen and Greenland’s self-rule government. The move highlights Greenland’s strategic role in the Arctic, ongoing U.S. military and diplomatic interests in the region, and Denmark’s constitutional responsibility for foreign affairs and security on behalf of the island.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has tripled its “exit bonus” for certain undocumented migrants who agree to leave the country voluntarily by December 31, 2025. Eligible migrants can now receive $3,000 for self-deportation, as part of federal efforts to manage immigration enforcement and reduce reliance on formal deportation proceedings. The program operates within existing immigration law governing voluntary departure and remains limited to migrants who meet specific criteria set by authorities.

Waco Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley filed a federal lawsuit in December 2025 seeking to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The suit challenges the authority of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct to discipline her for refusing to perform same-sex weddings while continuing opposite-sex ceremonies. Represented by attorney Jonathan Mitchell, Hensley asks federal courts to restore state control over marriage laws and to bar sanctions against her, positioning the case as a potential vehicle for Supreme Court review of same-sex marriage precedent.

A YouTube content creator’s investment livestream appeared for at least eight minutes on the official White House live video page on Thursday night, temporarily replacing standard programming on whitehouse.gov/live. The unexplained incident raised questions about how the external stream accessed the site, who was responsible, and whether it involved a technical error or unauthorized intrusion. Officials did not immediately identify the creator, announce an investigation, or confirm any cybersecurity impact, and the livestream ended with the page returning to normal operations.

Houston Landing, a nonprofit news outlet in Houston, Texas, shut down operations on May 15, 2025, citing financial challenges after more than two years of independent, nonpartisan reporting. Launched in February 2023, the newsroom produced thousands of stories that reached millions of readers and recently received dozens of journalism awards recognizing the impact of its coverage. CEO Peter Bhatia confirmed the closure in a farewell note, expressing gratitude to readers, supporters and staff while emphasizing the lasting influence of the outlet’s work.

The Philippines finished sixth overall at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, held from Dec. 9 to 20, 2024, with a 50-73-153 gold-silver-bronze haul for 276 total medals. Host Thailand dominated the 10-nation meet, while Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore completed the top five. Gilas Pilipinas swept the men’s and women’s basketball golds, and the Philippine women’s football team captured the country’s first SEA Games football title. Athletics, shooting, swimming, triathlon, and modern pentathlon led the medal charge, as the Blu Girls and Blu Boys completed a softball sweep and the men’s baseball team secured a third straight crown.