Officials say move essential to protect wetlands and native waterfowl but some groups call decision ‘inhumane’

A new law in California will allow year-round killing of non-native swans starting next year – a move that some officials have said is essential to protect the state’s already diminished wetlands and native waterfowl, but which others have labeled as “inhumane.”

Mute swans, which have been valued as ornamental birds, have rapidly expanded across California, where wildlife officials say they degrade habitats and aggressively displace native species.

Police say one person critical and one person in serious condition but no details on suspect or suspects

A shooting near Howard University has left at least four people shot, police in Washington DC said.

The shooting happened as thousands descended on the campus for homecoming celebrations.

Ex-congressman calls major renovation ‘utter desecration’ as demolition in East Wing reportedly under way

Construction crews have started demolishing part of the East Wing of the White House to make way for Donald Trump’s planned ballroom, prompting widespread criticism on social media and beyond.

One former lawmaker even called the renovation an “​​utter desecration”.

Unrelated cases mark first time clade I of disease formerly known as monkeypox has spread within US, officials say

Three California residents have been infected with clade I mpox, a more severe strain of the virus formerly known as monkeypox – marking the first time this type of mpox has spread within the US, health officials said on Friday.

The unrelated cases, identified in Long Beach and Los Angeles county, involve patients who had not recently traveled abroad. All three were hospitalized and are now recovering, according to the California department of public health.

The move would escalate President Donald Trump’s conflict with Democratic governors over using the military on US soil

The US Senate failed on Thursday to re-open the government and to vote to fund the military during the federal government shutdown, ensuring that the standoff will stretch into next week.

The Senate vote on a short-term Republican funding bill failed for the 10th time with just 51 votes. A second vote on Pentagon funding in the afternoon similarly failed in a floor vote, meaning the process to begin fully funding military operations also becomes a non-starter. After the votes, senators are expected to leave Washington for the weekend, almost guaranteeing the shutdown lasts until at least Monday.