Lawmakers demand answers after ‘bombshell’ report of ICE officer shooting in Maine

WASHINGTON – Democratic members of Congress are demanding answers about Homeland Security’s vetting and training of immigration enforcement officers. The reaction comes after it was disclosed that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer involved in a deadly shooting this week in Maine had a history of mental health issues and violent behavior. The Associated Press reported that David Brouillette, the ICE officer who shot a Colombian man in Maine this week, is an Army veteran who has struggled with serious mental health issues since early childhood, according to several of his close relatives. The top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, said the senseless tragedy must be investigated.

U.S. strikes bridges in Iran, which targets a water desalination plant in Kuwait

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The United States has expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran by hitting more bridges and collapsing a tower at a key Iranian port. The latest strikes early Friday came after U.S. President Donald Trump’ had threatened to start striking infrastructure to pressure Tehran to ease its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also launched new missile attacks against U.S.-allied nations in the Middle East, including Qatar, a key mediator in the war. The interim ceasefire agreed to last month has collapsed, and the region has endured days of back-and-forth attacks by the U.S. and Iran as they battle for control of the strait. Iran reported new casualties in Friday’s strikes.

Israeli strike on funeral kills 7 and wounds 22 in Gaza, local hospital says

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip – An Israeli strike on a funeral in the Gaza Strip has killed at least seven people and wounded another 22. That’s according to a local hospital. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. The Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp confirmed the number of casualties, saying people were struck at the funeral for a Palestinian killed in a strike earlier on Friday.

Trump doubles down on U.S. election attacks in his primetime speech

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump used a primetime address to question the legitimacy of U.S. elections and push for more restrictive voting laws. The Republican president on Thursday revisited debunked theories about his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden, despite ongoing voter concerns about other pressing issues. Trump claimed election interference but provided no evidence of manipulated votes. Former intelligence official Sue Gordon calls Trump’s speech “dangerous.” Some networks choose not to air the address live. Democrats accuse Trump of trying to discredit the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Democrats argue Trump’s claims are baseless and aim to sow confusion.

– The Associated Press