US AND CANADA

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A U.S. judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom construction project, ruling that proper procedures were not followed before work commenced. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon stated that the National Trust is "likely to succeed on the merits" because no existing statute grants the President the authority he claimed for the project.

Trump quickly criticised the ruling on his social media site, saying that the project is going well, and "will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World".

The Trump administration previously said its plan was more economical than renovating the East Wing. It also noted that many presidents made changes to the White House.

Leon's ruling, published on Tuesday, continued: "The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!”

"Unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop!" he added.

The 35-page ruling uses a large number of exclamation points, arguing that Congress must give approval in order for the project to resume.

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Thousands of U.S. Army paratroopers have begun arriving in the Middle East, according to officials familiar with the matter, signaling a deepening American military posture as Washington weighs its next moves in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The deployment centers on elite units from the 82nd Airborne Division, reinforcing a growing presence that already includes naval, Marine and special operations forces across the տարածաշրջան. Over the weekend, approximately 2,500 Marines were also sent, underscoring the pace of the buildup.

Officials said the troops' exact destinations remain undisclosed, but described the movement as part of broader contingency planning rather than a confirmed step toward ground operations inside Iran. The forces include command elements, logistical support units and a brigade combat team, providing flexibility for multiple mission profiles.

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In a dramatic turn for one of the most high-profile murder cases in recent American history, defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, claim that federal ballistics tests have failed to link the fatal bullet to the weapon recovered at the scene.

According to court documents, a report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was “unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr. Robinson.” The defense is now using this forensic discrepancy to push for a delay in the preliminary hearing, which was originally scheduled for May.

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on September 10, 2025, during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem. The assassination of the prominent MAGA ally sparked national outrage and led to the swift arrest of Robinson, a 22-year-old who prosecutors allege targeted Kirk over political grievances.

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Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles announced that the country has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran and will not authorize the use of its Morón and Rota military bases for related operations. Robles stated that this position was made clear to the American government from the outset. Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares added that the decision aims to avoid any action that could "encourage an escalation in this war.”

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup as planned, with their matches set to take place in the United States despite recent geopolitical tensions.

There had been growing uncertainty around Iran's involvement in the tournament due to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. Earlier in the month, Iran's football federation revealed it was in discussions with FIFA about potentially moving its matches from the US to Mexico.

However, Infantino dismissed any suggestion of a change in plans. Speaking to AFP, he confirmed that Iran would take part in the competition and that all fixtures would proceed according to the official draw. He also expressed enthusiasm about the team's participation, describing them as a strong side.

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Authorities in Los Angeles deployed tear gas near a federal detention center and made dozens of arrests following one of thousands of “No Kings” rallies held this weekend across the United States and in Europe to protest President Donald Trump’s actions and the war in Iran.

Los Angeles police said Sunday that 74 people were arrested for failing to heed a dispersal order that was given after Saturday’s rally ended. One other person was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing a weapon that police described as a dagger.

The arrests stood out from what otherwise were mostly peaceful protests. Organizers said there were more than 3,100 events registered in all 50 U.S. states.

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The head of Air Canada will retire later this year following mounting criticism over a condolence video delivered in English after a fatal airport collision that claimed the lives of two pilots.

Michael Rousseau confirmed he will step down by the end of the company's third quarter, according to a statement released on Monday. His departure comes after days of public scrutiny over language use in a message intended to honour victims of the crash.

The video, shared shortly after the incident at New York's LaGuardia Airport, expressed sympathy for those affected. However, it drew widespread criticism because it was delivered almost entirely in English, despite one of the deceased pilots being from a French-speaking community.

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Even after President Donald Trump ordered emergency pay for Transportation Security Administration agents to ease long security lines, major U.S. airports on Sunday were still urging travelers to arrive hours early — and federal immigration officers brought in to help may not be leaving anytime soon.

Trump’s executive order on Friday instructed the Department of Homeland Security to pay TSA officers immediately, though it’s unclear how quickly travelers will see an impact. The move comes during a busy travel stretch, with spring breaks underway and Passover and Easter approaching.

Tens of thousands of TSA employees have been working without pay since DHS funding lapsed on Valentine’s Day. The department’s shutdown reached 44 days on Sunday, eclipsing the record 43-day shutdown last fall that affected all of the federal government.

Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to some airports a week ago to help with security as TSA callouts rose nationwide — the same officers who may now remain in place if TSA staffing strains continue.