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MYSTERY $130M GIFT: Pentagon Accepts Donation to Pay Troops Amid Shutdown

The Pentagon confirmed it accepted an anonymous $130 million donation to cover military pay as the federal government shutdown grinds on, prompting legal and ethical questions and linking the gift to a reclusive Mellon heir

Number

130 million - Anonymous dollars donated to the Pentagon to cover troop pay during the government shutdown.

Quote

"I can play dirtier" — President Donald Trump

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24 Hours

Pentagon accepts anonymous $130 million gift to pay troops amid shutdown

The Pentagon accepted an anonymous $130 million donation to cover military pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Reports have linked the donation to a reclusive Mellon heir, sparking legal and ethical questions about private funding for public payrolls.

Trump tears down East Wing: massive presidential ballroom project begins

President Trump's demolition of the White House East Wing to build a new 90,000 sq ft ballroom has triggered lawsuits, preservation outcry, and questions about rushed planning. Critics and civil‑service groups are probing the funding and process.

Trump begins Asia tour — heads to meet Xi amid shutdown

President Trump departed for a multi‑nation Asia tour that includes meetings with regional leaders and planned talks with Xi Jinping. Trade, Taiwan, and Russia‑Ukraine diplomacy top the agenda as the president travels amid a domestic government shutdown.

Pentagon orders carrier strike group to Caribbean in anti‑drug push

The U.S. military has intensified its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean with carrier deployments and strike operations targeting suspected drug smuggling. The moves mark a major escalation in the administration's anti‑narco campaign.

Maduro says US is fabricating war as aircraft carrier nears Venezuela

Venezuela's government denounced U.S. military moves as provocations after an American carrier group deployed near the region. Maduro accused Washington of manufacturing a pretext for confrontation, raising diplomatic tensions.

Russian missile and drone attacks kill four as Kyiv pleads for air defense

Russian missile and drone barrages struck multiple Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and prompting urgent appeals from Kyiv for more air defenses. Allies weigh further measures as attacks continue to escalate.

Hurricane Melissa forms — storm could rapidly intensify into major hurricane

Tropical Storm Melissa formed in the Atlantic and is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane, threatening Jamaica, Hispaniola and parts of the Caribbean with catastrophic rainfall and flooding.

Federal workers miss first full paycheck as shutdown drags on

The prolonged government shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees unpaid and strained social safety nets. Food pantries and local aid groups report surging demand as benefits and contingency funds face legal limits.

Letitia James pleads not guilty and calls case politically motivated

New York Attorney General Letitia James appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to charges she calls politically motivated. Her legal battles are drawing wider scrutiny as other high‑profile cases proceed.

DOJ to send monitors to polling sites in California and New Jersey

The Justice Department will deploy federal observers to select polling sites in California and New Jersey ahead of key off‑year elections, a move defenders call election integrity and critics call intimidation.

Early voting begins in New York City mayor race and New Jersey governor contest

Early voting opened in New York City and New Jersey for contested mayoral and gubernatorial races, setting the stage for high‑stakes local contests that could signal national political trends.

Vance mocks Mamdani over 'auntie' 9/11 comments as race heats up

Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign faces legal and political fire over ads, dual‑citizenship questions and attacks from opponents. The controversies have prompted cease‑and‑desist letters and calls for formal probes.

DHS calls Oct 22 'one of the most violent days' of Operation Midway Blitz

Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago led to mass arrests and has become a flashpoint over federal immigration enforcement tactics, including tear gas deployments under judicial scrutiny.

FBI arrests 24 and indicts 33 in massive Kensington drug operation

Federal authorities unsealed a sweeping indictment charging dozens in Philadelphia's largest alleged drug trafficking operation in a century, part of a broader crackdown on fentanyl distribution.

Critics call US strikes on 'drug boats' illegal and dangerous

The administration's strikes on vessels alleged to be narco‑boats have escalated into a broader regional campaign, prompting legal concerns and fierce domestic political debate over authority and oversight.

Trump ends trade talks with Canada after anti‑tariff ad airs

A diplomatic row erupted after a Canadian provincial ad criticizing US tariffs prompted President Trump to cut off trade talks; Canadian officials pulled the ad while both sides assess the fallout for trade negotiations.

US sanctions Colombian President Gustavo Petro and family over drug allegations

The U.S. imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and senior associates over alleged links to drug trafficking, a move that dramatically escalates tensions between Washington and Bogotá.

Georgia arrests three Chinese nationals for allegedly trying to buy uranium

Three Chinese nationals were arrested in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, accused of attempting to illegally purchase kilograms of uranium, prompting international security concerns and an investigation into illicit nuclear procurement networks.

AI is poised to supercharge automated cyberattacks on US firms

Security experts warn AI will accelerate cyberattacks by automating reconnaissance and exploitation, while recent outages among major cloud providers underline systemic digital fragility.

Electric heat expected to cost more for millions this winter

Energy costs are rising as electricity and heating prices climb ahead of winter, complicating household budgets during the government shutdown and intensifying debates over energy policy and consumer relief.

Map shows states at risk of flooding as severe storms sweep the South

Severe storms and utility outages battered parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and prompting criticism of warning systems as residents prepare for more extreme weather this season.

13 shot at large North Carolina party — at least 2 dead

A mass shooting at a large party in North Carolina left multiple dead and many critically injured, renewing national debate over gun violence and event safety as investigators search for suspects and motives.

Connolly set to be Ireland's next president after rival concedes

Ireland's presidential election saw left‑wing independent Catherine Connolly take a decisive lead as rivals conceded, signaling a major political shift at the largely ceremonial presidency and drawing regional attention.

NBA commissioner 'deeply disturbed' after illegal gambling arrests

The NBA and sports world reel from an FBI probe into illegal gambling that has led to arrests of coaches and players, drawing scathing comments from the league and raising questions about integrity and legal liability.