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A Texas federal judge has ruled that Elon Musk must face a lawsuit alleging he misled voters with a $1m-a-day giveaway linked to a petition supporting the US Constitution, Reuters reported.

The suit, filed by Arizona resident Jacqueline McAferty, claims Musk and his PAC, America PAC, encouraged voters in key states to provide personal information under the promise of winning the prize, though there was no real chance to receive it.

Musk argued the giveaway wasn’t an illegal lottery, noting winners were expected to become PAC spokespeople. The judge said statements suggesting money could be “won” made it reasonable for participants to believe they had a chance, and that the collected data had real value in battleground states.

According to Reuters, the lawsuit was filed on Election Day 2024, and Musk and America PAC have not commented.

The Israeli military has begun preliminary operations around Gaza City ahead of a planned ground offensive, with troops holding the outskirts of the city. Defence Minister Israel Katz approved the operation, and 60,000 reservists are being called up to support it, BBC reported.

IDF forces are targeting Hamas infrastructure while warning civilians to evacuate. Hamas accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts, while mediators Qatar and Egypt have proposed a 60-day truce and partial hostage release, which Israel has rejected.

The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that further military action could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and endanger hostages. Since October 2023, over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to BBC.

Texas lawmakers have approved a new congressional map backed by President Donald Trump, aiming to flip five Democratic seats in next year’s midterms. Republicans say the plan boosts their chances while adding Hispanic-majority districts, but Democrats argue it deliberately weakens minority voting power and undermines democracy, Al Jazeera reported.

The measure now goes to the state Senate and Governor Greg Abbott, with Democrats vowing legal challenges. Similar redistricting battles are unfolding across other states as both parties fight for control of the narrowly divided US House.

NATO military chiefs held talks on Wednesday to discuss possible security guarantees for Ukraine as ceasefire efforts with Russia continue. Defense leaders from 32 member states joined the video meeting, along with US General Alexus Grynkewich, according to Al Jazeera.

European allies, backed by 30 countries including Japan and Australia, are considering a multinational force to support any peace deal, though its structure and the US role remain unclear. President Trump has ruled out sending American troops, while Moscow has warned it would reject NATO forces in Ukraine.

Tensions also flared on NATO’s eastern border after Poland reported a suspected Russian drone crash. Warsaw’s defense minister called it a deliberate provocation at a sensitive stage in peace discussions, Al Jazeera reported.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada says 13 people have been arrested over the May attack that killed her personal secretary Ximena Guzman and adviser Jose Munoz. Three suspects are accused of carrying out the shooting, while others allegedly helped plan it, Al Jazeera reported.

The daylight attack shocked the capital, seen as safer than much of Mexico. Brugada vowed justice for her colleagues, while President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged federal support to the victims’ families.

According to Al Jazeera, the case highlights Mexico’s ongoing struggle with violence targeting officials, journalists, and civilians, which recently prompted a new US travel warning.

Russia has warned that trying to resolve Ukraine’s security issues without its involvement is a “road to nowhere,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday. He stressed that any summit between Putin and Zelenskiy must be carefully prepared to avoid worsening the conflict, Al Jazeera reported.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is coordinating with European and NATO advisers on military security guarantees. Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Moscow must act promptly or face stronger international pressure, adding that Ukraine is ready for talks on a fair end to the war.

A US judge has blocked a Texas law that would have required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, Al Jazeera reported.

District Judge Fred Biery ruled the mandate unconstitutional, citing the First Amendment’s separation of church and state. He said even passive displays could pressure students into religious observance and stifle diverse beliefs.

The lawsuit was filed by parents, faith leaders, and civil liberties groups who argued religion should be guided by families, not imposed by the state.

Texas officials defended the law as part of America’s heritage, with Attorney General Ken Paxton vowing to appeal. The case is likely to move toward the Supreme Court, according to Al Jazeera.

Walmart has recalled frozen shrimp sold under its Great Value brand in 13 US states after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected Caesium-137 in a shipment from Indonesia, according to BBC.

The contaminated sample did not reach stores, but the FDA warned long-term exposure to the isotope can raise cancer risks. Walmart has removed the products, restricted sales, and urged customers in affected states to discard purchases for a full refund.

The recall applies to stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia, BBC reported.