Five Charged After Fatal Smuggling Incident Off San Diego Coast; Three Dead
A panga boat capsized off the coast of San Diego, resulting in three deaths, including a 14-year-old boy from India. Five individuals have been charged with human smuggling and related offenses. The incident highlights the dangers of maritime smuggling and the legal repercussions faced by those involved. Search efforts were conducted, and most of the missing migrants were located.





Judges Block Trump's Use of Alien Enemies Act for Migrant Deportations
Federal judges in New York and Colorado have blocked the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants, particularly Venezuelans, to El Salvador. The rulings cite the administration's overreach of authority and failure to prove an 'invasion' justifying the law's use. Concerns are raised about due process and inhumane treatment in El Salvadorian prisons.





JD Vance's Brother Cory Bowman to Challenge Incumbent Aftab Pureval in Cincinnati Mayoral Race
Cory Bowman, endorsed by his half-brother JD Vance, will face Aftab Pureval in the Cincinnati mayoral election. Pureval secured a significant portion of votes during the primary. Bowman aims to engage disengaged voters. Ohio Issue 2 passed, providing funding for infrastructure. The election also included various local levies and school board races.





UW Protesters Cause $1M+ Damage Demanding Boeing Divestment; 30 Arrested
Protesters at the University of Washington occupied an engineering building, causing over $1 million in damage. They demanded the university cut ties with Boeing due to its involvement with the Israeli military. Police arrested 30 protesters for trespassing, property destruction, and disorderly conduct. The university condemned the action and affirmed its partnership with Boeing.





Trump Admin Considers Deporting Migrants to Conflict-Ridden Libya
The Trump administration is considering deporting migrants to Libya, a nation embroiled in conflict and known for its 'horrific' migrant detention centers. This plan has sparked concern due to Libya's instability, human rights record, and the potential dangers deportees could face. The initiative is part of the administration's broader strategy to deter illegal immigration and deport those unlawfully present in the US.





Newsom and Trump Clash on Hollywood's Future: Tax Credits vs. Tariffs
California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $7.5 billion federal tax credit for Hollywood, aiming to boost domestic film production. This initiative contrasts sharply with President Trump's suggestion of imposing 100% tariffs on movies produced abroad, causing confusion and concern in the industry already grappling with 'runaway production' and state-level tax incentives.





Florida: Man and Dog Killed in Historic Bear Attacks; Three Bears Killed
An 89-year-old man and his dog were killed in Florida in what officials are calling the state's first documented fatal bear attack. Authorities responded to the incident near Jerome, just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. Three bears were killed in the area, and their DNA will be tested to determine their involvement. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating.





US and China to Restart Trade Talks Amid Economic Concerns and Tariff Impact
US and Chinese officials will engage in trade talks in Switzerland, marking a significant effort to de-escalate the trade war. The discussions aim to address tariffs and economic concerns. High tariffs have impacted trade, causing economic strain in both countries. Experts express cautious optimism, emphasizing potential for de-escalation but acknowledge considerable challenges to reaching a comprehensive agreement.





Trump Shifts Stance on Trade Deals Amid Global Economic Realignments
President Trump has softened his stance on trade deals, suggesting the U.S. doesn't necessarily need them. This shift comes as other nations, like the UK and India, establish bilateral agreements, potentially bypassing the U.S. The change coincides with U.S.-China trade talks and concerns about the economic impact of stalled negotiations and existing tariffs, raising questions about future global trade relationships.





Austin Police Seek Missing Girl, Sister Found Locked in Closet, Malnourished
Police in Austin, Texas are searching for Ava Marie Gonzales, a 9-year-old girl who has been missing since December 2017. The search intensified after Ava's mother, Virginia Marie Gonzales, was arrested for allegedly locking Ava's 7-year-old sister in a closet, resulting in severe malnourishment and permanent brain damage. The rescued child is currently recovering in a hospital, while the search for Ava continues.





Record Fentanyl Bust: 400+ Kilograms Seized, Sinaloa Cartel Members Arrested
A major fentanyl bust across multiple states resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals, including members of the Sinaloa Cartel. Over 400 kilograms of fentanyl, millions in cash, firearms, and other drugs were seized. The operation highlights efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from fentanyl's deadly impact.





Trump Criticizes Newsom, High-Speed Rail; Dares Governor to 2028 Presidential Run
President Trump criticized Gavin Newsom's governance, focusing on the California high-speed rail's cost overruns and the state's wildfire management. He also challenged Newsom to run for president in 2028. The criticism came during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting the federal government's stance on funding the rail project. Newsom responded, defending the project's progress and criticizing potential abandonment.





Trump Considers Reopening Alcatraz as Prison, Sparks Debate and Criticism
President Trump's idea to reopen Alcatraz as a federal prison has stirred controversy, with discussions focusing on its feasibility, cost, and symbolism. Critics highlight the dilapidated state of the facility and question the underlying motives, while supporters view it as a symbol of law and order. The proposal has sparked debate among tourists, political figures, and the media.





Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny Over Detention of Students Amid Free Speech Concerns
This article synthesizes reports about the Trump administration's detention of international students, Rumeysa Öztürk and Mohsen Mahdawi, who have been involved in pro-Palestinian activism. It focuses on legal arguments around free speech, the conditions of Öztürk's detention, and the government's justification for their actions, highlighting the broader implications for academic freedom and immigration policy.





Intelligence Memo Contradicts Trump's Claims on Venezuelan Gang Ties, Deportation Policy
A declassified U.S. intelligence memo refutes President Trump's assertion that the Venezuelan government controls the Tren de Aragua gang. This undermines his administration's justification for using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants. The memo states that while the Venezuelan government may tolerate the gang, it does not direct its operations. The release of the memo has sparked controversy and criticism regarding the administration's use of intelligence and immigration policies.





EPA to Eliminate Energy Star Program, Citing Reorganization and Deprioritization
The EPA plans to eliminate the Energy Star program, a widely recognized energy efficiency certification, as part of a broader agency reorganization. This move, which includes dissolving the climate change and energy efficiency divisions, is driven by a shift in priorities and could impact energy efficiency standards, consumer savings, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts. The decision faces potential pushback from bipartisan groups and industry stakeholders.





Supreme Court Allows Trump's Ban on Transgender Troops to Take Effect
The Supreme Court has allowed President Trump's administration to enforce a ban on transgender people in the military while legal challenges proceed. This decision lifts lower court injunctions that had blocked the ban. The ban is based on the argument that transgender identity conflicts with military service standards. Legal challenges continue, with LGBTQ rights groups denouncing the ban.





Brian Kemp Declines Senate Run, Opens Door for Greene; Ossoff's Prospects Shift
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's decision not to run for Senate in 2026 has significantly altered the political landscape. This move has given Senator Jon Ossoff a perceived advantage and opened the door for other Republican candidates like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Political analysts are now assessing how this change will affect the upcoming Senate race and the broader political dynamics in Georgia.





National Weather Service Faces Staffing Cuts, Raising Concerns for Severe Weather Forecasting
Reports highlight concerns over staffing shortages and budget cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA. Former directors and lawmakers warn that these cuts could lead to less accurate forecasts and increased risks during severe weather events. Affected areas include weather balloon launches, hurricane forecasting, and overnight staffing, potentially impacting public safety.





Federal Judge Halts Trump's Attempt to Dismantle Institute of Museum and Library Services
A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump's efforts to dismantle the IMLS, a primary federal funding source for libraries and museums. The action came in response to a lawsuit filed by multiple states. The IMLS provides crucial funding for preservation, accessibility, and various programs. Concerns remain about the long-term impact of potential federal funding cuts on library and museum services.




