Federal agents seized more than $40 million in gold bars, cash, and luxury watches from the Virginia home of a former CIA official accused of stealing government assets and falsifying credentials. A former senior CIA official with top-secret security clearance has been arrested after federal investigators allegedly discovered more than $40 million worth of gold bars hidden inside his Virginia home, according to newly unsealed federal court filings. The case has stunned federal law enforcement and intelligence circles because of the extraordinary scale of the alleged theft, the suspect’s high-level government access, and accusations that the former official fabricated parts of his military and educational background while working inside sensitive government positions. According to court records cited by multiple major outlets, the former official, identified as David Rush, was arrested after FBI agents searched his home and allegedly uncovered over 300 gold bars valued at...

  The United States and Iran exchanged new strikes near the Strait of Hormuz as President Trump dismissed pressure to end the war, raising fears over oil prices, shipping routes, and regional escalation. The war between the United States and Iran entered another dangerous phase this week as both sides traded new military strikes while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict appeared increasingly fragile. The latest escalation centered around the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, where even limited military action can quickly trigger global economic consequences. According to Reuters, U.S. forces carried out new strikes inside Iran, targeting a military site near Bandar Abbas and downing Iranian one-way attack drones close to the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official said the site was being used as a ground control station preparing to launch another drone. Washington described the strikes as defensive actions intended to p...

  Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply after Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces would guide and protect commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz , a move Iran has condemned as provocative and warned could trigger retaliation. The development marks a dangerous shift in the already fragile standoff, placing one of the world’s most critical energy corridors at the center of a renewed geopolitical flashpoint. What Triggered the Latest Escalation The United States signaled it would begin actively escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz , citing the need to ensure freedom of navigation and protect global trade routes. This follows weeks of tension involving: Disruptions to tanker traffic Maritime security threats Economic pressure tied to oil flows Iran quickly responded, warning that such actions could be interpreted as military interference in regional waters. Iran’s Response: “Retaliation” Warning Iranian officials issued ...

  A devastating mass shooting in Shreveport has left eight children dead , in what police describe as a domestic violence-related attack that unfolded across multiple homes. Authorities say the suspected gunman was later killed by police after fleeing the scene and leading officers on a pursuit. The tragedy has shocked Louisiana and the nation, becoming one of the deadliest U.S. shootings involving children in recent years and renewing urgent conversations about domestic violence, firearms access, and child safety. What Happened According to police, the violence began early Sunday morning in a residential neighborhood in Shreveport. Investigators say the suspect moved between at least two homes, shooting multiple victims before escaping in a stolen vehicle. Law enforcement pursued the suspect into nearby Bossier Parish, where officers fatally shot him after the chase. Police said the incident appears to have been targeted and domestic in nature , not a random public shooting....

  Iran has rejected a temporary ceasefire tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz , according to reporting citing a senior Iranian official. Tehran’s position is that it will not reopen the strait merely in exchange for a short truce; it wants terms that point to a more durable settlement and says talks under threat are unacceptable. On the U.S. side, President Trump has set a Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and has warned of severe escalation if it stays shut. Reuters reports that Trump warned of further attacks on Iranian infrastructure if the strait is not reopened by that deadline. The Guardian similarly reported that Trump warned Iran to reopen the strait by Tuesday or face “hell.” At the same time, there is an active ceasefire push. Reuters reports that Pakistan has circulated a plan to both Washington and Tehran that would begin with an immediate ceasefire and then move into broader negotiations, potentially including sanctions relief, frozen asse...

  Tensions between Iran and the United States have reached a dangerous new level after Iranian military officials issued a direct and aggressive warning to U.S. troops deployed in the Middle East. The statement comes as the ongoing conflict between the two nations enters a critical phase, with both sides signaling readiness for escalation while still publicly discussing the possibility of negotiations. According to recent reports, Iran has warned that any U.S. ground invasion would be met with overwhelming retaliation, with officials stating that American forces would face destruction if they attempt to enter Iranian territory. This latest development has intensified global concern, as the situation now appears to be balancing between diplomacy and full-scale military confrontation.   Iran’s Direct Warning to U.S. Forces Iran’s leadership has taken a firm and uncompromising stance. Senior military officials declared that U.S. troops would face severe consequences if deploye...

  In his 2026 State of the Union address, President Donald Trump made sweeping claims about job growth, gas prices, and ending wars. Multiple fact-checking outlets say several of the headline claims were misleading, overstated, or lacking key context, especially where he cited specific numbers or broad “wins.”   Below is a breakdown of the most-discussed claims and what independent fact-checkers found. 1)  Jobs and the Economy Trump’s claim (theme) Trump portrayed the U.S. economy as experiencing historic momentum and highlighted job gains and investment figures.  Fact-checkers found Job-growth framing: Fact-checkers said the speech used selective timeframes and comparisons that made results appear stronger than underlying data trends.   Investment figures: One major fact-check summary noted Trump’s stated “investment” totals included pledges and announcements that may not translate into actual deployed capital, and therefore can be mislead...