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Category: North America

  • BREAKING: Trump announces US-Denmark-Greenland security agreement, plans expanded military presence

    BREAKING: Trump announces US-Denmark-Greenland security agreement, plans expanded military presence

    WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — U.S. President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he says gives Washington “permanent control” over Greenland’s security and other security-related needs.

    Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social on Friday, saying the agreement addressed what he described as longstanding U.S. concerns over the strategic Arctic territory.

    The President said the arrangement would allow the United States to “FOREVER” have the ability to take necessary measures to secure and defend Greenland and the United States.

    He also said no U.S. adversary would be allowed to establish a military base or maintain a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments there, without Washington’s written approval.

    Trump said the United States would immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence at suitable locations in Greenland and would work with Greenlanders on the development and construction.

    He described the arrangement as an “Infinite Life” Agreement, saying it had no end, and said there would be “NO COST” to the United States.

    “I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns,” Trump said.

    He added that the United States had worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee its ability to act in Greenland to secure and defend the territory and the United States.

    Trump said the agreement represented a major development after what he described as more than a century of U.S. presidents recognising Greenland’s strategic importance.

    The announcement follows months of diplomatic tensions over Trump’s repeated calls for greater U.S. control of Greenland, including earlier statements in which he had threatened to use military force to acquire the territory.

    However, Danish and Greenlandic officials have characterised the agreement differently from Trump’s description of “permanent control”. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement is expected to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while preserving the Kingdom of Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.

    The agreement is expected to be formally signed next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to Danish and Greenlandic officials.

    The full details of the agreement, including how its provisions differ from existing U.S.-Denmark defence arrangements in Greenland, have not yet been publicly released. Reuters reported that the announcement concerned expanded U.S. security and military involvement on the island but stopped short of U.S. acquisition of Greenland.

    Trump said the arrangement would provide what he described as a long-term solution for the United States, Denmark, Greenland and their allies.

    “This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Barack Obama family mourns death of Sunny

    JUST IN: Barack Obama family mourns death of Sunny

    Former United States President Barack Obama and his family are mourning the death of Sunny, their Portuguese Water Dog and a cherished member of the family for 13 years.

    Obama, in a statement on Wednesday, described Sunny as “pretty much perfect”, recalling her energy, loyalty and affectionate nature.

    Sunny joined the Obama family during his second term in the White House and quickly became close to the family and their first dog, Bo.

    Obama said Sunny was athletic and full of energy, often chasing squirrels and birds across the South Lawn. Unlike Bo, who could usually be won over with treats, Sunny preferred playing, running around with the family and having her belly rubbed.

    He also recalled her protective nature towards Bo and her close relationship with the Obama family’s staff.

    “We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay,” Obama said.

    Sunny died after 13 years with the Obama family.

    #NewpostAfrica #BarackObama #Obama #Sunny #USA #WhiteHouse

  • Bank of America vice president killed in random Times Square stabbing

    Bank of America vice president killed in random Times Square stabbing

    NEW YORK, United States (NPA) — Investigators have described the fatal stabbing of Bank of America Vice President Erin Piacenti in New York City’s Times Square as a random and unprovoked attack.

    Piacenti, 32, was fatally stabbed on Monday afternoon near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, one of the busiest areas of Manhattan.

    A 68-year-old man was also stabbed during the attack and was reported to be in stable condition.

    New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the suspected attacker, Pamela Cisneros, 49, armed herself with two large knives before attacking the victims.

    According to investigators, the attack occurred at about 4:24 p.m. and appeared to have been random, with no indication that Piacenti or the other victim had any prior relationship with the suspect.

    Police officers responding to the incident confronted Cisneros and ordered her to drop the knives.

    Tisch said officers initially attempted to use a Taser to subdue the suspect, but the less-lethal intervention failed to stop her.

    The suspect reportedly continued advancing towards the officers while still armed with the knives, prompting police to open fire.

    Cisneros was taken to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. 

    Authorities said Cisneros had a documented history of mental health-related encounters with the NYPD but had no known arrest record in New York City.

    Piacenti, who worked as a Vice President in Bank of America’s Business Selection and Conflicts unit, was rushed to hospital following the attack but later died from her injuries.

    Bank of America confirmed the death of its employee and described her as a valued member of its team.

    “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” the bank said in a statement.

    “She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones.”

    Matthew Koder, President of Global Corporate and Investment Banking at Bank of America, also described Piacenti as a “cherished teammate and friend” in an internal message to staff.

    He said the bank’s security teams were working closely with investigators while also addressing the safety and security of its employees and offices.

    The incident caused major disruption in Times Square, one of New York City’s busiest commercial and tourist centres, as police cordoned off parts of the area during the investigation.

    Authorities have not indicated that the attack was connected to terrorism.

    The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is continuing its investigation into the police shooting that resulted in the death of the suspected attacker.

  • US moves to cut Banque Misr UAE off from American financial system over alleged Iran links

    US moves to cut Banque Misr UAE off from American financial system over alleged Iran links

    WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — The United States Department of the Treasury has proposed new measures that could cut Banque Misr UAE off from correspondent banking access to the American financial system over allegations that the bank processed billions of dollars for companies linked to Iranian shadow banking networks.

    The action, announced on Friday under the newly launched Operation Economic Outcast, also includes sanctions against Reza Mohammad Taeedi, the manager of Bank Melli’s Dubai branch, and Hong Kong-based Kameng Trading Limited.

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures were part of Washington’s efforts to sever what it described as the remaining financial lifelines available to the Iranian government.

    “Treasury promised to sever every economic lifeline Tehran has left and finally end the threat of the Iranian regime,” Bessent said.

    “We also warned that Iran’s enablers cannot continue to enjoy access to the US dollar and the global financial system.”

    According to the Treasury Department, Banque Misr UAE processed approximately $1.8 billion between January 2024 and June 2026 for 103 companies that US authorities believe could be connected to Iranian shadow banking networks.

    The Treasury alleged that some of the bank’s customers included apparent front companies used to evade US sanctions and facilitate financial transactions linked to Iranian state institutions.

    Iran has been subjected to extensive US economic sanctions for years, forcing the country to rely on complex financial networks operating across multiple jurisdictions to conduct international transactions.

    Washington alleges that some of these networks are used to launder money, facilitate oil transactions, procure weapons and provide financial support to Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East.

    FinCEN has now issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking declaring Banque Misr UAE a financial institution of “primary money laundering concern.”

    Under the proposed rule, US financial institutions would be prohibited from opening or maintaining correspondent accounts for, or on behalf of, Banque Misr UAE.

    American financial institutions would also be required to take steps to prevent transactions involving Banque Misr UAE from being processed through foreign correspondent banking accounts connected to the United States.

    The Treasury clarified that the proposed action applies specifically to Banque Misr UAE and does not extend to Banque Misr operations in other countries.

    The public will have 30 days to submit comments after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register.

    Meanwhile, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Taeedi, the general manager of Bank Melli’s Dubai branch.

    US authorities alleged that Bank Melli had facilitated billions of dollars in transactions involving accounts controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Qods Force.

    The Treasury also sanctioned Kameng Trading Limited, a Hong Kong-based company accused of helping sanctioned Iranian financial entities gain access to the international financial system.

    The company was allegedly used by the sanctioned Pedram Pirouzan Exchange House, also known as Opal Exchange, to facilitate money laundering transactions for Iran.

    The latest actions form part of Operation Economic Outcast, which Treasury Secretary Bessent announced on August 24.

    The operation is aimed at identifying and targeting financial networks, intermediaries and businesses that US authorities believe help Iran evade sanctions, move oil revenues and access international financial markets.

    The Treasury warned that foreign financial institutions and companies could face increased sanctions risks, including possible secondary sanctions, for knowingly facilitating significant transactions involving designated Iranian individuals or entities.

    The US government said the latest measures were intended to increase pressure on Iran’s financial networks and restrict the ability of sanctioned entities to access the US dollar and the global financial system.

  • Trump awards Congressional Space Medal of Honor to Artemis II astronauts

    Trump awards Congressional Space Medal of Honor to Artemis II astronauts

    HOUSTON, United States (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — in recognition of their record-breaking lunar voyage and service to humanity.

    The medals were presented on August 28, 2026, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

    The Congressional Space Medal of Honor, established in 1969, is the highest United States distinction awarded to astronauts for exceptional bravery and outstanding contributions to the nation’s space programme.

    The latest presentation marked the first time the medal had been awarded since 2023, bringing the total number of recipients to 34.

    Artemis II crew

    Reid Wiseman, a United States Navy captain and veteran astronaut, served as commander of the Artemis II mission. Wiseman previously flew to the International Space Station in 2014 and was responsible for overseeing mission operations and crew safety.

    Victor Glover served as the mission’s pilot. A United States Navy test pilot, Glover became the first African American astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station during an extended mission in 2020.

    Christina Koch, a mission specialist and engineer, previously set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman after spending 328 days in space between 2019 and 2020.

    Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen also served as a mission specialist, becoming the first Canadian to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

    Record-breaking lunar journey

    The Artemis II mission was launched on April 1, 2026, aboard NASA’s Space Launch System rocket.

    The four astronauts travelled aboard the Orion spacecraft, nicknamed Integrity, on a historic journey that marked humanity’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in more than five decades.

    During the 10-day mission, the spacecraft travelled as far as 252,756 miles from Earth, surpassing the distance record previously associated with the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.

    The Artemis II crew travelled a total of 695,081 miles, including a lunar flyby, before safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.

    President Trump described the astronauts as “fearless explorers” and also praised the NASA engineers, scientists and other personnel involved in making the mission possible.

    The US President further announced plans for the creation of a United States Space Academy, modelled after military institutions including West Point and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, to train future generations of space professionals.

    The Artemis II mission is expected to serve as a major step towards future human exploration of the Moon, including the planned Artemis III mission and a future lunar landing programme.

    The award places Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Hansen among the astronauts whose contributions have helped shape the history of space exploration.

  • BREAKING: Trump confirms death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Zelenskyy pays tribute

    BREAKING: Trump confirms death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Zelenskyy pays tribute

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as a patriot and one of the finest lawmakers he has known.

    Graham, who represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from January 2003 until his death on July 11, 2026, served in the chamber for more than two decades.

    Announcing the development in a post on Truth Social on Sunday, President Trump paid tribute to the late senator’s public service and unwavering commitment to the United States.

    “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!” Trump wrote.

    Also reacting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Graham as a steadfast supporter of Ukraine and a champion of freedom whose contributions would be remembered.

    In a statement on Sunday, Zelenskyy said he was deeply saddened by the senator’s death.

    “Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” he said.

    According to the Ukrainian leader, Graham visited Ukraine 10 times since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion and consistently stood with the Ukrainian people during some of their most difficult moments.

    “He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week,” Zelenskyy said.

    He added that Graham had been a leading advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine in the United States Congress and had recently been working on initiatives aimed at strengthening sanctions against Russia and advancing efforts towards peace.

    “We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders,” Zelenskyy added.

    Describing the senator’s passing as a significant loss, the Ukrainian President said America and the international community had lost a determined leader.

    “Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him,” he said.

  • JUST IN: U.S. Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship

    JUST IN: U.S. Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, reaffirming that children born on American soil are entitled to U.S. citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

    The landmark ruling represents a major victory for advocates of constitutional birthright citizenship and a significant setback for the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.

    The case stemmed from Executive Order 14160, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, which sought to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in the country to parents who were unlawfully or temporarily present in the United States.

    The order was challenged in multiple federal courts, which blocked its implementation on the grounds that it conflicted with the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which states that, “All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”

    In a 6-3 decision delivered on June 30, the Supreme Court upheld that constitutional guarantee.

    Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said children born to parents who are unlawfully or temporarily present in the United States satisfy the constitutional requirements for citizenship at birth.

    Roberts said the framers of the Fourteenth Amendment intended to extend citizenship broadly, rejecting the administration’s narrower interpretation of the Constitution.

    Justice Samuel Alito dissented, arguing that birthright citizenship should apply only to children whose parents owe exclusive allegiance to the United States.

    President Trump has long campaigned against birthright citizenship, describing it as a policy that encourages illegal immigration and so-called “birth tourism.”

    Following the ruling, Trump criticised the decision in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the judicial system as “rigged” and pledging to continue pursuing changes to U.S. immigration policy.

    The decision preserves the long-standing constitutional interpretation established by the 1898 Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents.

    Immigration advocates welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for constitutional rights and warning that overturning birthright citizenship could have left hundreds of thousands of children without a recognised nationality.

    Legal analysts said the ruling reinforces one of the most enduring principles of American constitutional law by affirming that citizenship guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment cannot be revoked through executive action.

    The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for U.S. immigration policy and future constitutional challenges involving executive authority.

  • BREAKING: Trump says Iran shot down U.S. Apache Helicopter, vows American response

    BREAKING: Trump says Iran shot down U.S. Apache Helicopter, vows American response

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran shot down a U.S. Apache helicopter during a patrol mission over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Washington would respond to the incident.

    Trump made the allegation in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, saying he had been briefed by the U.S. military on the development.

    According to the President, the helicopter was brought down on Monday night while operating over the strategically important waterway.

    “I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.

    He disclosed that the two pilots aboard the aircraft survived the incident without injuries.

    “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he added.

    The White House had not released additional details on the incident as of the time of filing this report, while there was no immediate response from Iranian authorities.

    The claim comes amid heightened tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel following recent military exchanges in the Middle East.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes, serving as a major corridor for global oil shipments and international trade.

    The latest development is expected to further escalate tensions in the region and could have significant implications for relations between Washington and Tehran.

    The incident also follows recent Israeli strikes on targets in Iran, which came after Tehran launched missile attacks against Israel, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.

  • Trump orders crackdown on financial networks linked to illegal immigration

    Trump orders crackdown on financial networks linked to illegal immigration

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new executive order aimed at preventing banks and financial institutions from being used to facilitate illegal immigration, human smuggling, drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

    Trump disclosed this in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, saying illegal immigrants and foreign fraudsters were costing American taxpayers billions of dollars annually.

    According to the President, the executive order will be implemented by the U.S. Treasury Department as part of his administration’s broader efforts to combat fraud and reverse illegal immigration.

    “Illegal immigrants and foreign fraudsters steal billions every year from the American taxpayer,” Trump said, adding that the measure is designed to disrupt financial channels allegedly used by criminal cartels, human smugglers and traffickers.

    He stated that access to the U.S. financial system should be limited to individuals who are legally resident in the country and engaged in lawful commercial activities.

    Trump warned that bank accounts allegedly used to facilitate illegal immigration or receive welfare benefits unlawfully could be shut down, with affected funds subject to seizure and recovery.

    The President also criticised policies in some states that allow undocumented migrants to obtain driver’s licences, arguing that such documents have enabled broader access to the U.S. financial system.

    He described the executive order as a key component of his administration’s immigration enforcement strategy and said it would strengthen efforts to combat organised crime, secure the nation’s borders and protect taxpayers.

    Trump further maintained that the measure sends a strong message to those seeking to undermine immigration enforcement and expressed confidence that it would significantly curb criminal financial activities linked to illegal immigration.

    The executive order forms part of a wider package of immigration and border security measures being pursued by the Trump administration.

  • Hegseth: US will stop killings of Christians in Nigeria

    Hegseth: US will stop killings of Christians in Nigeria

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has disclosed that American forces recently eliminated a top ISIS commander in Nigeria, allegedly responsible for attacks against Christians and threats targeting the United States homeland.

    Hegseth made the remarks during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Donald Trump at the White House, where he outlined efforts undertaken by the U.S. government to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable Christian communities in Nigeria.

    According to the U.S. defence chief, President Trump had directed the Department of Defence about a year ago to intensify efforts aimed at countering ISIS-linked violence against Christians in Nigeria.

    “Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria,” Hegseth said during the meeting.

    “He said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything possible to protect those Christians,’” he added.

    The secretary noted that the operation required extensive intelligence gathering and strategic partnerships, which he said took time to develop behind the scenes.

    According to him, U.S. forces eventually deployed critical assets that led to the successful targeting of ISIS operatives in Nigeria.

    “Over the last month, there hasn’t been much coverage of this: we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who was most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the U.S. homeland,” Hegseth stated.

    He further disclosed that intelligence obtained during the operation led to subsequent strikes against other ISIS fighters operating within Nigeria, noting that the US will eliminate the killers of Nigerian Christians.

    “Because of the intelligence we gathered, we have since killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria, creating a whole new opportunity there,” he said.

    The high-ranking U.S. official argued that several national security operations carried out under President Trump’s leadership often receive little public attention despite their strategic significance.

    “There is a lot that the President is doing to protect the American people that the President deserves credit for,” Hegseth stated.

    Nigeria has continued to battle insurgency and terrorist activities in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East, where extremist groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram have carried out deadly attacks on communities, security personnel, and religious groups over the years.