The Department of Labor has issued new regulations to update the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, which will raise wage standards for construction workers on federally funded or assisted projects. The rule redefines 'prevailing wage' and streamlines the process for updating prevailing wages. It also increases record-keeping requirements for contractors and strengthens the DOL's enforcement power, including new anti-retaliation provisions and liability for subcontractors' violations. The rule will affect federal construction contractors' labor costs, particularly in light of increased federal spending on infrastructure.

An Egyptian policeman crossed into Israel and killed three Israeli soldiers in the Negev Desert. The incident began when two soldiers, including Sgt Lia Ben Nun, were found dead after failing to respond to radio calls. A subsequent manhunt resulted in the death of a third soldier, Staff Sgt Ohad Dahan, and the Egyptian gunman. The attack's motivation is unclear, with suggestions of a link to drug smuggling. The Israeli military is investigating with the Egyptian army's cooperation. This event marks one of the most serious incidents on the Israel-Egypt border in decades.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador claimed to have photographic evidence of an 'alux', a mythical Mayan spirit, which he shared on social media. The photo, taken at a Tren Maya railway construction site, has been met with skepticism as it had been circulating online for years. Critics accused him of spreading fake news. López Obrador has shown reverence for indigenous cultures, and his former environment minister also believed in aluxes. Meanwhile, protests occurred in Mexico City against his proposed electoral authority reforms, which are feared to undermine democracy.

Support is growing within the US Pentagon for sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with discussions reported by Politico. Ukraine has a list of pilots ready for training and is in talks for warplanes and long-range weapons. The debate is contentious and fears of escalation persist. Ukraine recently received Abrams and Leopard tanks and is now focusing on acquiring modern Western fighter jets. The F-16 is used by nine NATO countries, and other options include F-15s, Tornado, or Gripen jets. Ukraine's current fleet consists of older Soviet-era jets, while Russia employs more advanced fighters. Despite disadvantages, Ukraine has prevented air dominance by Russia, but missile supplies are a concern. Western military support has increased since the invasion, breaking previous taboos.

The article discusses the European response to the migration crisis, where a million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe in 2015, many via the Mediterranean Sea. European governments faced criticism for their political paralysis as thousands died attempting the journey. The EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa was created to address the root causes of irregular migration. However, the alignment of development aid with migration objectives has sparked debate. Critics argue that this focus shifts priorities from the needs of recipient countries to the domestic objectives of donors, potentially blurring the line between aid and security. The EU's development policy now includes tackling migration, with significant funds being redirected towards this goal. The article also touches on the securitization of aid, with concerns about aid money being used for hard security measures. The EU insists that development cooperation goes hand in hand with political dialogue and respect for human rights. The long-term goal is to transform irregular migration into legal, orderly flows, aligning with the global 2030 agenda.