Rwanda and DR Congo leaders sign peace deal despite fresh violence

The Trump administration has reduced the validity of work permits for refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants to just 18 months, intensifying its immigration enforcement measures. This decision follows a recent freeze on immigration applications from 19 countries classified as 'high-risk.'

President Trump hosted the signing of a peace deal between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda, aiming to foster stability in the resource-rich region. This agreement is seen as a significant diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and violence that have plagued the area for years.

In a recent diplomatic event in Washington, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda met for the first time in a year, yet the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC persists, with the M23 rebel group not participating in the discussions. The situation remains complicated by entrenched militias and economic interests tied to the region's mineral wealth.

Democrats in Congress are advancing an affordability-focused agenda ahead of the midterm elections, unveiling a proposal aimed at addressing the rising costs of housing. This initiative comes as part of their broader strategy to tackle economic issues that are increasingly affecting voters.

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming that new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on press access and reporting violate press freedoms and chill independent journalism. The lawsuit highlights concerns over limited access to vital national security information for journalists covering the military.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that President Trump will engage in efforts to resolve the ongoing civil war in Sudan, asserting that Trump is uniquely positioned to address the crisis. This involvement comes as violence continues to escalate in the region, prompting international concern and calls for intervention.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking in the United States. This decision comes amid Trump's claims of intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela, raising questions about his commitment to a drug war narrative while pardoning a convicted trafficker.

A report by Amnesty International has revealed severe human rights violations at the Florida immigration detention facility known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' where detainees were reportedly shackled and left in a metal cage without water for extended periods. This alarming situation raises significant concerns about the treatment of individuals in immigration detention.