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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution by a vote of 220-204, marking the third such vote to limit President Trump's ability to continue military action against Iran without congressional approval. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure, which has been described as largely symbolic. The conflict continues, with diplomatic activity underway including Iran's foreign minister traveling to China as Beijing seeks to mediate an end to the war.

A NATO jet shot down a suspected Russian drone over Lithuanian territory, marking a significant incident involving alliance airspace. The event has prompted warnings from EU leadership about the potential for wider conflict. The incident reflects growing concerns that the war in Ukraine may be spilling over into neighboring states through border incursions.

A Congressional Budget Office report estimates the US-Iran war has cost approximately $38 billion through July, with projected ongoing costs of $2 to $3 billion per month. A separate report by the Pentagon's inspector general found that Iranian strikes have damaged hundreds of structures at US military bases. Together, these represent the first comprehensive public accounting of both the financial cost and military impact of the conflict.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink publicly acknowledged for the first time that the United States has deployed weapons in space as part of the Space Force's capabilities. The Pentagon has not disclosed the nature, function, or specific capabilities of these on-orbit weapons. Meink stated the weapons would be used to defend American forces, framing the announcement as a deterrence signal to potential adversaries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening a path for Canada to become the EU's first associate member during her State of the European Union address on Wednesday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received the proposal, with Canada described as pursuing a 'unique alliance' with the EU. The development comes amid ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States under President Donald Trump.

The United Nations human rights chief has raised concerns about evidence of war crimes in Gaza, including the treatment of civilian remains found buried in rubble. An Israeli documentary addressing the civilian death toll in Gaza was awarded a special jury prize at the Venice International Film Festival. The film subsequently generated significant controversy within Israel.

The Trump administration has approved a $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel that includes 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, comprising 20,000 Mk84s and 20,000 BLU-117s. The deal was confirmed by two U.S. officials and represents one of the largest arms packages to Israel in recent years. The sale involves munitions that have previously been associated with civilian casualties in conflict zones.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping, targeting oil infrastructure and maritime vessels near a strategically critical waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Sisi in Cairo to seek regional backing for securing Red Sea navigation, as the disruptions have contributed to a reported $7 billion drop in Suez Canal revenues over two years. The conflict has also caused significant humanitarian displacement, with the UN reporting over 100,000 people fleeing violence in Yemen.

A NATO jet shot down a suspected Russian drone over Lithuanian territory, marking a notable incident involving alliance airspace. The event has prompted warnings from EU leadership about the potential for wider conflict. The incident is part of broader concerns about border incursions related to the ongoing war in Ukraine spilling into neighbouring states.

The Trump administration has approved a $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel that includes 40,000 large-scale bombs — specifically 20,000 Mk84s and 20,000 BLU-117s. The deal was confirmed by two U.S. officials and represents one of the largest arms transfers to Israel in recent years. The package centers on 2,000-pound munitions that have previously been involved in incidents resulting in civilian casualties.

US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed on Monday that the United States military has weapons deployed in space. This represents the first official public acknowledgment of such capabilities by a US government official. Meink stated that these weapons would be used to defend US forces in space.

Russian attacks on frontline Ukrainian cities are continuing, with local officials reporting approximately 20 casualties per day. The attacks are occurring amid an ongoing US-led diplomatic effort to broker peace. The situation on the ground remains active as negotiations face obstacles.

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted for a third time to pass a war powers resolution aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran, with seven Republicans joining Democrats to pass the measure. The conflict has resulted in documented damage to U.S. military sites from Iranian attacks. Diplomatic activity continues, with Iran's foreign minister traveling to China as Beijing seeks to mediate an end to the war.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has caused significant displacement, with tens of thousands of people fleeing fighting in Taiz governorate following a recent Houthi offensive. More than 2,500 Yemenis have also crossed into Djibouti since last week, with Djiboutian authorities warning the number could reach 10,000. Djibouti has called for international assistance to manage the influx of arrivals.

President Trump's broader election reform agenda continues to advance despite the Supreme Court's recent rejection of his bid to restrict mail-in voting. Several other federal efforts to reshape voting rules remain active, including a focus on noncitizen voting enforcement that resulted in seven individuals in Texas being charged with illegally voting or falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. The administration's push represents an ongoing attempt to assert greater federal control over election administration across multiple states.

The US Senate failed to advance a cryptocurrency regulation bill, effectively ending legislative efforts on the matter for this Congressional session. Democrats raised concerns that the bill did not adequately address President Trump's personal cryptocurrency business interests. The collapse of the bill was seen as a significant setback for the crypto industry, which has spent heavily on lobbying efforts to integrate digital assets into traditional finance.

Tech CEOs including OpenAI's Sam Altman have publicly warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence while simultaneously calling for regulatory frameworks to govern it. The debate has drawn responses from political figures across the spectrum, including former President Obama urging Democrats to develop a coherent AI agenda and House Speaker opposition to an AI development pause. A central tension in the discussion is the balance between implementing AI safeguards and maintaining US competitiveness against China.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed during her State of the European Union address that Canada could become the EU's first associate member. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was present for the announcement. The proposal comes as Canada has been seeking closer ties with Europe.

An analysis released by a nonprofit and group of researchers found that the Trump administration has cut or frozen up to $177 billion in federal grants since the president began his second term. A tracking tool was published to monitor these funding changes. Separately, a congressional watchdog estimates the administration spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers as part of government-reduction efforts.

The Supreme Court rejected President Trump's bid to restrict mail-in voting in this year's midterm elections. Despite this setback, Trump's broader efforts to assert federal control over elections continue through other avenues currently in various states of play. Trump has publicly criticized the Supreme Court following the ruling, even as the court's conservative majority has delivered him wins on other issues.

President Trump has dismissed AI safety concerns as a 'hoax,' arguing that existing US safeguards are sufficient and that slowing AI development would benefit China. A broad coalition of political figures across the ideological spectrum, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and Senator Bernie Sanders, has called for increased AI regulation. On the Democratic side, efforts to build a unified AI policy agenda are emerging, including a $30 million initiative launched by New York state lawmaker Alex Bores and calls from former President Obama for Congress to prioritize AI legislation.

The U.S. military reported a confrontation with Iranian small boats that attempted to seize an unmanned American drone vessel in waters near Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated that American forces opened fire and destroyed two Iranian small boats during the incident. Separately, CENTCOM disputed an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claim that a Panama-flagged oil tanker, the El Gaia, was struck by naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo to discuss the escalating threat posed by Houthi rebels to Red Sea shipping and infrastructure. The Houthis have intensified attacks on vessels in the region, disrupting a critical maritime corridor linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. The conflict has had measurable economic consequences, including a reported $7 billion drop in Suez Canal revenues over two years, and has contributed to a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with over 100,000 people displaced.

The Trump administration has redirected tens of millions of dollars in U.S. military assistance away from countries in Europe and the Middle East toward conservative-leaning governments in Central and South America. The State Department formally notified Congress of the reallocation. The shift reflects a broader repositioning of U.S. foreign military aid priorities under the current administration.

Iran's foreign minister is traveling to Beijing for diplomatic talks with Chinese officials. The visit comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. China and Iran are exploring potential diplomatic paths forward in the context of this heightened regional pressure.

A public inquiry report, known as the Thirlwall Inquiry, has been released examining the murders and attempted murders carried out by nurse Lucy Letby at a UK hospital between 2015 and 2016. The report reveals systemic failures in the hospital's ability to protect babies, with Letby being described as the most prolific child killer in British legal history after murdering seven babies. Medical staff who worked at the hospital during the relevant period, including consultant Dr John Gibbs, have responded to the report's findings.

The U.S. Pentagon has confirmed it is tracking space weapons development by China and Russia. The U.S. military characterizes these developments as increasingly ambitious moves by adversarial nations in the domain of space warfare. The Wall Street Journal reported on the Pentagon's acknowledgment of these activities.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates, which would mark the first hike in three years. Inflation in the United States remains elevated and above the Federal Reserve's target, driving market expectations for the increase. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces competing pressures from financial markets anticipating a rate hike and President Donald Trump, who has called for rates to be cut or held steady.

A residential building in Gaza City collapsed, killing multiple people and leaving others trapped beneath the rubble. Several families had been living in the structure at the time of the collapse. Rescue crews have been working to pull survivors from the debris.

An analysis released by a nonprofit organization and a group of researchers and scientists found that the Trump administration has cut or frozen up to $177 billion in federal grants since the president began his second term. The findings were accompanied by the launch of a tracking tool designed to monitor these funding changes. The analysis was made public on Wednesday.

Small business owners on both sides of the US-Canada border report declining sales and rising costs as a result of ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. Canada has imposed reciprocal tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of US goods in response to American trade measures. Businesses are simultaneously contending with higher fuel costs, compounding the financial pressure from the tariff dispute.

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal. He was found guilty of crimes including murder, torture, and illegal detention. Thaçi has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

A Russian drone strike on a passenger bus in southern Ukraine killed at least five people and wounded at least seven others. The attack occurred near Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region, close to the front line. The casualty figures were confirmed by the Dnipropetrovsk regional governor.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 81, appeared in person at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He faces charges of crimes against humanity related to allegations that he set up, funded, and armed death squads that targeted drug dealers and users during his administration's war on drugs.

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates at its upcoming decision, with markets broadly anticipating the move. Wall Street remained largely stable ahead of the announcement, with the S&P 500 posting a modest gain of 0.4%. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces competing pressures from financial markets favouring a rate hike and President Trump, who has publicly called for rates to be cut or held steady.

A war-damaged building collapsed in Gaza City, killing at least 21 Palestinians. The collapse highlights the dangerous condition of structurally compromised buildings across Gaza as a result of ongoing conflict. Fears are growing about the safety of remaining standing structures throughout the territory.

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been convicted of war crimes, according to breaking news reported by Al Jazeera. The conviction relates to actions during the Kosovo conflict, in which Thaçi was a prominent figure. Further details about the specific charges, sentencing, and the court responsible for the verdict are not yet fully detailed in the available reporting.

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to bans on AR-15 style rifles. The case will further define the scope of Second Amendment rights under the US Constitution. This is one of several gun-rights cases the Court has taken up in recent years.

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a scientific breakthrough involving the creation of brain tissue that incorporates both human and mouse cells. The mice were genetically altered to accept and functionally integrate human brain cells. The development has been reported as a significant milestone in neuroscience research.

FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for an oversight hearing. Democratic senators questioned Patel on topics including the firing of FBI agents and the possible deployment of agents to polling places. Patel defended his actions at the bureau during the hearing.

Public concern about artificial intelligence is growing, with a new AP-NORC poll showing approximately half of Americans are extremely or very concerned about AI's environmental impact, a 12-point increase from the previous year. Policymakers and political figures across multiple countries are increasingly engaging with AI safety and regulation, including Democratic efforts in the US to develop a unified legislative agenda and warnings from former officials in Australia. Industry leaders including OpenAI's Sam Altman and Anthropic's Dario Amodei have publicly addressed fears around AI development, though their positions on the pace of that development vary.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to bans on AR-15 style rifles. The case is part of a broader pattern of the Court taking up gun-rights cases as it continues to define the scope of the Second Amendment. No further details about the specific case timeline or parties involved were provided in the available reporting.

Latino immigrants have been deported to third countries, including nations in Africa, rather than to their countries of origin. Roughly 25,000 people have reportedly been subjected to these third-country deportations. Those affected describe experiencing a state of legal limbo following their removal.

The Thirlwall Inquiry into the crimes of Lucy Letby, described as the most prolific child killer in British legal history, has published its findings. The inquiry concluded that Letby's crimes could have been prevented. Among the recommendations is the urgent development of plans for live-streaming 'cot cameras' in neonatal units.

The Kennedy Center's board voted on Tuesday to close the iconic performing arts venue amid financial difficulties, including reported risk of imminent bankruptcy. The closure is linked to a dispute over a proposal to rename the building after President Donald Trump, which a judge has moved to block. The Washington Post reported that draft resolutions cited the financial crisis and that closure could come as soon as Tuesday.

Pennsylvania has reported nearly 700 cases of measles this year. Hospitals and clinics in the state are actively responding to the outbreak. The situation has occurred alongside an ongoing public debate about vaccination.

A debate over AI regulation is intensifying among technology executives and politicians in the United States. Mark Zuckerberg has argued that AI labs can self-regulate on safety, while Anthropic's Dario Amodei has pushed for formal regulation and OpenAI's Sam Altman has voiced support for slowing AI development. On the political side, Democratic figures including former President Obama and New York lawmaker Alex Bores are calling for a unified Democratic approach to AI policy.

Turkey has expanded arrests as part of a crackdown targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and events. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated the initiative is framed around protecting children and family values. The scope of the arrests has grown following the initial crackdown.

The US Senate failed to advance a major cryptocurrency regulation bill in a key procedural vote, effectively ending its prospects for this congressional session. The bill, which aimed to establish a comprehensive federal framework for digital assets, was blocked by a combination of Democrats and some Republicans. Senator Cynthia Lummis declared the legislation, referred to as the Clarity Act, dead following the vote.

Belarus has freed 25 political prisoners as part of an arrangement involving relief from US sanctions. The Trump administration announced the releases and indicated that improved US-Belarus relations are underway. Officials stated that additional prisoner releases are expected to follow in the near future.

The Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted to close the facility, citing imminent bankruptcy concerns outlined in draft resolutions. A judge issued a ruling barring the Kennedy Center from adding President Trump's name to the building. The closure is reportedly linked to renovations and was announced on Tuesday.

Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are being held in Geneva to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The M23 rebel group currently controls significant portions of eastern DRC territory. The governments of Kinshasa and Kigali remain at odds over issues of security and sovereignty.

FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for an oversight hearing in which senators questioned him about the firing of FBI agents and employees. Patel defended the dismissals, framing them as efforts to combat political weaponization within the bureau. The Republican-led committee also sought to focus attention on Patel's work on violent crime and drug trafficking.

U.S. household income has surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time, according to recent data. The milestone comes after five years of rising prices that have affected Americans' earnings and purchasing power. The development reflects both the recovery of income levels and the ongoing economic pressures households continue to face.

The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge related to bans on AR-15 style rifles. The case is part of a broader pattern of the Court taking up gun-rights cases to further define the scope of the Second Amendment. No additional details about the specific case parties, lower court rulings, or timeline are available from the provided sources.

Sweden's center-left opposition bloc has won the country's parliamentary election, defeating the incumbent right-wing governing bloc that had been in power since 2022. The result was extremely close, with the center-left securing a one-seat majority, according to public broadcaster SVT. The outcome was called after 99% of votes had been counted following Sunday's election.

A news helicopter crashed in a Los Angeles suburb on Tuesday night, killing three people. One additional person was transported to a hospital, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The helicopter belonged to KNBC, an NBC News affiliate, and went down between two commercial buildings.

The Federal Reserve is holding a monetary policy meeting that is being closely watched by financial markets. A bond market sell-off has been occurring in the lead-up to the meeting. The central bank's approach to managing inflation is a key focus of the meeting.

The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to bans on AR-15 style rifles. The case falls within a broader pattern of the Court taking up gun-rights cases as it continues to define the scope of the Second Amendment. No further details about the case's timeline or specific legal arguments are provided in the available reporting.

FBI Director Kash Patel testified before Congress and faced questions about his decision to remove bestiality as an automatic disqualifier for FBI job applicants. Patel defended the change by arguing it was intended to protect human trafficking victims who may have been coerced into sexual acts with animals. The decision drew reactions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

A new global definition of heart attack has been established with the stated aim of improving diagnosis and outcomes for women. Australian medical experts have commented in support of the updated definition. The change is intended to address gaps in how heart attacks are identified, particularly in female patients.

The UK is in talks about joining a global defence bank that would be led by Canada. The proposed institution would provide loans to member governments for defence-related spending. Supporters argue that the bank would allow governments to access cheaper financing for defence projects.

The Kennedy Center's Trump-aligned board voted to close most of the performing arts center, citing repairs, after a federal judge blocked the institution from displaying President Trump's name alongside John F. Kennedy's on the building. Fencing has been erected around the main Kennedy Center building following the closure vote. The dispute involves an ongoing legal battle over the renaming of the center, which Trump's board had previously voted to approve.

A helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles, killing at least three people. The crash occurred between two commercial buildings, with at least one additional person hospitalised. Reports indicate the helicopter was a news aircraft covering the scene of a separate, fatal bus crash nearby.

Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Trump's nominee for US Surgeon General, faced a Senate confirmation hearing where she was questioned by senators including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana). During the hearing, Saphier described the measles vaccine as 'our greatest tool for combating measles infections.' Saphier is a radiologist who has also built a significant social media presence as a health and wellness influencer.

The Kennedy Center, a major American performing arts venue operating for over 50 years, has announced the closure of its main building. A judge has issued a ruling blocking efforts to add President Trump's name to the building. The center's Board of Trustees has also voted on a proposal to shut down the building, reportedly for renovations.

President Donald Trump is traveling to North Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley. The rally marks Trump's first since a midterm convention in Dallas. Whatley is competing in the North Carolina Senate race against Democrat Roy Cooper.

A new AP-NORC poll indicates that approximately half of Americans are extremely or very concerned about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, representing a 12-point increase from the previous year. The survey reflects growing public awareness of AI's resource demands, including energy and water consumption associated with data centres. Concern about AI's environmental footprint appears to be rising alongside broader public debate about the technology's rapid advancement.

Anthropic, a major AI company, has signed a deal to use a data centre proposed for a site west of Brisbane, Queensland. The data centre project is valued at $32 billion. The agreement highlights growing investment in AI infrastructure in Australia.

The family of Charlie Kirk has filed a wrongful death claim against Utah officials, alleging that security failures contributed to his assassination at a state university. The claim, announced on Wednesday, is a precursor to a potential lawsuit. The filing places responsibility on Utah officials and/or the university for failing to adequately protect Kirk.

A 21-year-old man from Pennsylvania has been arrested in connection with an alleged firearms plot that authorities say was inspired by ISIS. The case was announced by the Department of Justice. FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the suspect as plotting 'a violent attack.'

A news helicopter operated by NBC and Telemundo crashed in a Los Angeles neighborhood on Tuesday night and burst into flames. At least three people were killed, and one person was transported to a hospital, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The crash occurred while the crew was covering a separate incident involving a collision between an SUV and a city bus.

Representative Thomas Massie pushed a surprise impeachment vote targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the House. House Democrats were reported to be privately concerned about the vote, which was characterized as purely symbolic. The move was described as politically charged, with the outcome carrying no substantive legislative consequence.

Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian statements on stage, a decision Ed Sheeran says was made by tour promoters and not by him personally. Following Macklemore's removal, the remaining opening acts — Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Finneas — announced they would quit the tour in solidarity. The incident, which unfolded over approximately 12 days, has drawn widespread public attention and commentary from political figures.

Bo French, the Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, has faced backlash over social media posts described as xenophobic, including a viral post referencing Asian American students at the University of Texas. Fellow Texas Republicans have publicly denounced his rhetoric, with some GOP operatives expressing concern about the political fallout. French has stood by his comments following the backlash and has reportedly engaged in similar inflammatory rhetoric on multiple occasions.

Bo French, a Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, has faced backlash over social media posts described as xenophobic, including a viral post targeting Asian American students at the University of Texas. French has stood by his comments following the controversy. Several Texas Republicans have publicly denounced him, expressing concern that his rhetoric could damage the party's standing with Hispanic and Asian American voters.

Bo French, the Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, has faced backlash after making social media posts characterizing Asian American students at the University of Texas that critics have described as xenophobic. Fellow Texas Republicans have publicly denounced French over the posts, expressing concern about the political fallout. French has stood by his comments following the backlash, reemphasizing his original statements.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting more than 740,000 vehicles due to a defect involving the transmission park pawl. The recall covers multiple vehicle models, though specific details on which models are affected were outlined by the reporting outlet. The transmission park pawl issue represents the basis for the safety concern prompting the recall action.

Dan Thomas has resigned as Reform UK's leader in Wales following his arrest by police. Thomas stated that he was released without charge. No further details about the circumstances of the arrest have been confirmed in the available reporting.

Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Macklemore stating on Instagram that U.S. venues threatened to pull shows from the tour's promoter. Ed Sheeran publicly stated the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, not himself, saying he had tried to 'build a bridge' before venues intervened. Following Macklemore's removal, at least four supporting acts — including Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, and Denmark's Lukas Graham — quit the tour in solidarity.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting more than 740,000 vehicles. The recall is related to an issue with the transmission park pawl component. USA Today has reported on the affected models included in the recall.

Rapper Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's US tour after making pro-Palestinian statements on stage. Ed Sheeran publicly stated the decision was made by tour promoters and not by him personally. Following Macklemore's removal, all four remaining support acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity.

President Donald Trump is traveling to North Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley. The rally marks Trump's first since a midterm convention in Dallas. Whatley is running against Democrat Roy Cooper in the North Carolina Senate race.

The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to install approximately a dozen warning signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the initiative. The signs are intended to warn visitors that museum content may reflect curators' personal viewpoints.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is currently being held in a New Jersey federal prison while facing an ongoing legal case. A civil attorney has made claims that Combs is not paying his legal bills. The allegation has been reported as part of the broader coverage of his legal proceedings.

Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage. Following his removal, other opening acts quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Ed Sheeran subsequently made a public statement addressing the controversy.