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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.

The US is considering taking an equity stake in Intel instead of issuing grants, Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick said, arguing taxpayers deserve shares for their money, BBC reported.

The plan, tied to Intel’s Ohio hub, remains unconfirmed, with the White House calling reports “speculation.” Intel has pledged support for President Trump’s drive to expand domestic manufacturing.

SoftBank’s recent $2bn investment lifted Intel’s stock nearly 7 percent. Analysts say government equity could safeguard US chip supply but may also slow Intel’s turnaround by adding political influence, according to BBC.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win the award three times, Al Jazeera reported.

The 33-year-old was the Premier League’s top scorer last season with 29 goals and 18 assists, driving Liverpool to the league title. He also claimed the Player of the Season, Golden Boot and Playmaker awards, the first player to sweep all three in a single campaign.

Salah, who previously won the PFA award in 2018 and 2022, signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April.