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Congress Democrats opening investigation into clemencies granted by President Trump over alleged political connections

Washington, May 7 (UNI) Democrats in Congress have opened an investigation into whether clemency decisions made by President Donald Trump were apolitical, or influenced by "pay to play dynamics", according to letters obtained by CBS News.
The inquiry, launched by Representatives Dave Min and Raul Ruiz alongside Senator Peter Welch, is examining whether pardons and commutations during Trump's second term reflected what lawmakers described as possible "pay-to-play dynamics".
Among the clemency recipients under scrutiny is Changpeng Zhao, the cryptocurrency billionaire who pleaded guilty to money laundering offences, as well as nursing home operator Joseph Schwartz, convicted over a multimillion-dollar payroll tax fraud scheme, and former Nikola founder Trevor Milton, who had been sentenced to prison for lying to investors.
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Five arrested and charged in plot to attack White House UFC event, kill officials

17 Jun 2026 | 8:32 PM

Washington, June 17 (UNI) The Justice Department announced on Wednesday charges against five men for an alleged plot to carry out an attack to kill government officials and others attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House last Sunday.

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Trump denies reports of $300bn fund for Iran's economic reconstruction

17 Jun 2026 | 8:29 PM

Évian-les-Bains, Jun 17 (UNI) US President Donald Trump has denied reports that a future agreement with Iran would include a $300 billion fund for reconstruction and economic development, despite language in a memorandum of understanding that refers to such a financing plan.

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US negotiators push to release text of Iran agreement despite downplaying text

17 Jun 2026 | 8:09 PM

Washington, Jun 17 (UNI) US negotiators are pushing to release the text of the agreement between Washington and Tehran as soon as possible, even as administration officials play down the importance of its wording.

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Oman – Iran foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to ensure safe and free passage in Strait of Hormuz

17 Jun 2026 | 7:59 PM

Muscat/Tehran, Jun 17 (UNI) Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and his Iranian counterpart Araghchi in a telephone conversation on late Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safe and free passage of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Putin hosts leaders of Southeast Asian nations in Kazan, seeking to boost their business ties, strategic partnerships

17 Jun 2026 | 7:52 PM

Kazan, Russia , June 17 (UNI)Leaders from Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have gathered in Kazan for a high-level business forum aimed at reviewing the long-term strategic partnership between Russia and the Southeast Asian bloc and identifying new avenues for cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian domains.

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