A federal judge stopped the Trump administration from creating a large database using Social Security numbers and other sensitive personal information. The judge ruled that the government did not follow legal rules and harmed Americans’ privacy and voting rights.
Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan blocked the government from building a voter database with sensitive data.
The lawsuit was filed by the League of Women Voters and the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).
The database involved a program called SAVE, managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which checks immigration status.
Under President Trump’s order, the SAVE system was expanded to mix Social Security data with DHS records.
This expanded system would let states verify citizenship and potentially remove voters from registration lists.
The judge ruled the government acted secretly and did not give proper public notice or privacy checks as required by law.
Judge Sooknanan was appointed by President Biden and is the first Trinidad-born woman to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The ruling protects Americans’ privacy and the right to vote by stopping the data pooling before the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.
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AMD removed a security feature called Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) from some of its consumer Ryzen processors without telling users. After customers complained, AMD decided to bring back the feature in a BIOS update expected in July.
Key Facts
TSME encrypts data stored in a computer’s memory to prevent theft during physical attacks.
AMD added TSME to high-end CPUs about ten years ago and later to lower-end consumer Ryzen processors.
Recently, AMD quietly removed TSME from some non-Pro Ryzen 9000-series desktop processors through a firmware change.
The removal was not announced, and it was hard to detect on Windows computers.
Users expressed strong dissatisfaction on social media after the change was discovered.
AMD plans to restore the TSME option in a BIOS update coming next month.
AMD has not explained why it removed TSME initially.
Possible reasons for removal include pushing customers to buy more expensive CPUs or reducing performance delays caused by encryption.
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A federal judge stopped the Trump administration from building a central database that would have stored Social Security numbers and citizenship details of voters. The judge said government agencies mixed and reused private information of millions of people in an improper way.
Key Facts
A federal court blocked the creation of a centralized voter data database by the Trump administration.
The database was planned to include Social Security numbers and citizenship status of voters.
The judge ruling on the case is District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan.
Judge Sooknanan was appointed by President Biden.
The judge criticized how various government agencies combined and reused millions of people’s private data carelessly.
The ruling prevents government officials from continuing this database project.
The case concerns the protection of sensitive voter information.
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A Russian drone strike in Sumy, Ukraine, killed three members of a family, including a 13-year-old boy, while a Ukrainian strike on a Russian factory killed five people. Both countries continue to carry out attacks on each other's civilian and military targets amid ongoing fighting.
Key Facts
A Russian drone hit a home in Sumy, killing a man, his son (13 years old), and the man's partner’s mother (73 years old).
The man's partner and her 10-year-old son were injured in the same attack.
Ukraine launched a missile strike on a factory in Voronezh, Russia, killing five people and injuring many others.
The targeted factory in Russia makes electronic parts for missiles and air defense systems.
In May, Ukraine recorded its highest monthly civilian casualties in four years, with 274 dead and 1,763 injured.
Russian forces used 88 attack drones and one ballistic missile overnight; Ukraine’s air defenses stopped most of them.
Russia said it intercepted 301 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions and waters.
Due to security concerns, civilian gasoline sales and summer camps in Russian-occupied Crimea have been paused.
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Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson announced he is leaving the Republican Party because he believes it no longer represents his views. He criticized the GOP for putting Israel’s interests above America’s and said he will not support the party or Democrats in the future.
Key Facts
Tucker Carlson said on his podcast that he is "out" of the Republican Party.
He believes the GOP prioritizes Israel’s national security over the United States.
Carlson said he would not support the Republican Party anymore.
He has defended the GOP for 35 years but no longer can.
Carlson also said he will not support the Democratic Party.
He questioned how he will vote in the future.
Some conservatives think the U.S. joined the Iran war because of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s influence.
Critics have called Carlson’s views antisemitic, though he denies this.
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A federal judge ruled that President Trump's administration broke the law by creating a central database with Americans' private information, including citizenship data. This database was used by some states to wrongly remove citizens from voting lists, violating privacy and voting rights.
Key Facts
Judge Sparkle Sooknanan ruled the Trump administration acted unlawfully in creating the database.
The database combined private information from the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security.
The system, called the SAVE system, was changed to include natural-born citizens and allow bulk searches.
The Trump administration made this change following an executive order for proof-of-citizenship requirements in voter registration.
Voting rights and privacy groups sued the government, saying the data consolidation was illegal.
States used the database to check voter registrations and wrongly removed some U.S. citizens from voter rolls.
The judge found that the government violated the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
The Justice Department said only a few voters might be affected by inaccurate data, but the judge disagreed, citing harm to individuals’ reputations.
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The U.S. and Iran have given conflicting statements about the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil shipments. Iran threatened to close the strait after Israeli attacks in Lebanon, while the U.S. said the strait remains open.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for shipping oil worldwide.
Iran’s military announced it might close the strait due to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
The United States responded by stating that the strait is still open.
These mixed messages have caused uncertainty about the safety and future of the strait.
The situation affects global oil supplies and markets.
Tensions in the region involve multiple countries, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the U.S.
Control or closure of the strait could disrupt oil shipments significantly.
Both countries use statements to influence regional and global perceptions.
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About 25,000 kites flew over the Danish island of Fano during the International Kite Fliers Meeting. Around 5,000 kite enthusiasts from 26 countries attended the event, which organizers call the world’s largest kite festival.
Key Facts
The event took place on the Danish island of Fano.
Approximately 25,000 kites were flown at the festival.
About 5,000 people participated in the event.
Attendees came from 26 different countries.
The festival is held every year.
Organizers describe it as the world’s largest kite festival.
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Valve will release its Steam Machine gaming PC on June 29, 2026, starting at $1,049 with a reservation system to control sales. The Steam Machine uses a custom AMD processor, runs SteamOS, and faces supply limits due to high component costs and shortages.
Key Facts
The Steam Machine launches on June 29, 2026, with prices starting at $1,049 for 512GB storage and $1,349 for 2TB.
It runs a six-core AMD Zen 4 CPU and an integrated AMD RDNA3 GPU with 8GB VRAM.
The system uses Linux-based SteamOS and includes 16GB of DDR5 RAM.
Valve will sell the Steam Machine by reservation only to prevent resellers from buying all units.
Customers must reserve by June 25, 2026, and have a valid Steam account with previous purchases.
The supply is limited due to a global shortage and high costs of memory and storage parts.
Valve’s pricing reflects increased component costs compared to their original plans in 2023.
The reservation list will be randomly ordered to ensure fairness among buyers.
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The United States has warned that a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is surrounding the Sudanese city of el-Obeid, raising fears of serious violence against civilians. The US and international organizations have called for an end to the fighting and urged protection for the civilians caught in the conflict.
Key Facts
The RSF and its allies are reportedly surrounding the city of el-Obeid in Sudan.
The US State Department warned of possible “mass atrocities” if the RSF attacks the city.
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 between the RSF and the country’s army.
Tens of thousands have died and millions have been forced to leave their homes due to the fighting.
The UN says an RSF attack on el-Obeid could be similar to a past attack in el-Fasher seen as genocide.
About 500,000 civilians in el-Obeid are at risk of serious harm if the fighting continues.
Drone strikes have killed at least 50 civilians in el-Obeid and nearby North Kordofan in the last 10 days.
The US and others call for free humanitarian access and urge all fighters to protect civilians and stop violence.
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Pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen will release her new album "Day and Night" on September 18 through Interscope Records. The double album has 24 songs split between two themes: 12 tracks for day and 12 tracks for night, each with different musical styles.
Key Facts
The album "Day and Night" features 24 songs, divided into two parts: day and night.
Day songs have a natural, '70s-inspired psychedelic pop sound with live instruments.
Night songs are synth-driven dance pop with a sleek, electronic feel.
The album explores themes like joy, fear, love, anxiety, and fantasy.
The first single "On Wires" will release on June 26.
Carly Rae Jepsen will perform live at New York City's All Things Go Festival on September 27.
Jepsen has been in music for 15 years and is known for the hit "Call Me Maybe."
She has received two Grammy Award nominations so far.
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A shooting in a Jewish neighborhood in Montreal resulted in three deaths, including a police officer, a resident, and the suspected shooter. Authorities have not yet identified the motivation behind the attack.
Key Facts
The shooting took place in a Jewish area of Montreal on Monday.
Three people died: one police officer, one resident, and the suspected shooter.
The resident who died has not been identified.
The neighborhood includes kosher restaurants and supermarkets used by Montreal’s Jewish community.
Police have asked people to stay away from the area.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is monitoring the situation and encourages community caution.
No clear motive for the shooting has been shared by officials yet.
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A 1-year-old boy named Kohen Wiley was fatally shot by a police officer in Mississippi after officers responded to a shoplifting call. The family plans to conduct an independent autopsy to verify the cause of death, while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is also conducting an investigation.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on June 14 outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi.
Officers responded to a shoplifting report involving two adults and a child fleeing the store.
Police tried to stop the vehicle, and one officer fired when the driver allegedly drove toward them.
Kohen Wiley was killed in the shooting; a family friend was critically injured.
Kohen’s family has hired attorney Ben Crump to represent them and conduct an independent autopsy.
The family wants the autopsy to confirm facts about the bullet wounds since official footage has not been made public.
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is conducting its own inquiry and promises transparency.
Kohen's funeral is planned before the family receives preliminary autopsy results around July 1.
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Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer with no prior political experience, won Colombia’s presidential election by a narrow margin. He aims to reverse policies of outgoing left-wing President Gustavo Petro and promises a tough military approach to armed groups, building large prisons, and allowing fracking. His victory reflects a broader rejection of traditional parties and left-wing politics in Colombia.
Key Facts
Abelardo de la Espriella, aged 47, won Colombia’s presidency with 49.7% of the vote.
He defeated leftist candidate Iván Cepeda by a very small margin.
De la Espriella is known as “El Tigre” and campaigned often behind bulletproof glass.
He plans to confront armed groups with a military offensive within 90 days.
He promises to build ten large prisons and support fracking activities.
His win follows a trend of right-wing leaders gaining power in Latin America.
His victory signals a rejection of the political left and established parties in Colombia.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly supported De la Espriella’s campaign.
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Andy Burnham’s supporters are split over who should be his chancellor if he becomes prime minister. The main candidates are Wes Streeting, seen as more business-friendly, and Ed Miliband, who is viewed as backing more radical policies.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham’s team is debating between Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband for chancellor.
Streeting is considered better at reassuring businesses and fossil fuel industries.
Miliband is seen as ready to push bold policies and challenge government bureaucracy.
Burnham’s choice for chancellor will show how radical his government might be.
Burnham has talked to Jim O’Neill about being his chief economic adviser.
Supporters of Miliband highlight his Treasury experience and success as energy secretary.
Critics say Miliband’s left-wing views could upset financial markets.
Streeting supports some of Burnham’s ideas, including bringing utilities like Thames Water under public control.
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Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna are endorsing candidates differently for the 2026 midterm elections, showing their distinct political strategies within the Democratic Party. Their choices may influence which Democrats win and signal their plans for future leadership roles or presidential runs.
Key Facts
AOC and Ro Khanna are both seen as possible presidential candidates for 2028.
AOC endorses fewer candidates and typically supports them later in primaries after they have built strong local support.
Khanna supports over 30 candidates to raise his national profile and push for new leadership in the party.
AOC avoids major New York City-area House races but endorses primary challengers to state legislators.
Khanna’s approach focuses on backing like-minded candidates and opposing President Trump’s agenda.
Both leaders are influential figures on the left side of the Democratic Party.
Their endorsements aim to shape a winning strategy for Democrats and build alliances across party factions.
Analysts believe AOC might be preparing for a House leadership position or a Senate run.
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Between 2023 and 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allowed large amounts of fentanyl pills to be distributed in New Mexico. DEA agents watched these shipments but did not stop them, aiming to build bigger criminal cases against drug traffickers.
Key Facts
The DEA was aware of hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills entering New Mexico during 2023-2025.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid causing many deaths in the U.S. drug epidemic.
DEA agents monitored fentanyl shipments but did not seize the drugs.
The White House labeled fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction" in 2023.
Officials wanted to catch higher-level criminals by letting some shipments go through.
This information comes from current and former DEA agents and government records.
The drug crisis is the deadliest in American history.
Social media has played a role in selling fake pills containing fentanyl.
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The Department of the Interior reported that five people were arrested for vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Additionally, five more individuals received federal citations related to the incident.
Key Facts
Five individuals were arrested for vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Five other individuals were given federal citations.
The information was provided by a Department of the Interior spokesperson.
There have been 14 police reports connected to this case so far.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a well-known landmark in Washington, D.C.
The arrests and citations relate to reported damage or defacing of the site.
The Department of the Interior is responsible for managing certain federal lands and sites.
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Democratic congressional candidate and musician Bobby Pulido performed with accordionist Frankie Caballero, a registered sex offender, at a Texas middle school benefit concert in 2018. Pulido says he was unaware of Caballero’s criminal history at the time, while Caballero has a long history of sex crime convictions and continued to appear publicly with Pulido after his release from prison.
Key Facts
Bobby Pulido is running as a Democrat for Texas’ 15th congressional district.
Pulido performed at a 2018 benefit concert for Harwell Middle School in Edinburg, Texas, alongside Frankie Caballero.
Caballero is a registered sex offender who had served a four-year prison sentence from 2014 to 2017 for sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl.
Children attended the 2018 concert where both musicians performed.
Pulido claims he did not know Caballero’s sex offender status at the time of the event.
Pulido and Caballero have had a professional relationship dating back to the 1990s and toured together even after Caballero’s prison term ended.
In 2021, Caballero pleaded guilty to assaulting his daughter by restricting her breathing and was incarcerated again.
The Pulido campaign calls the controversy politically motivated as Pulido challenges Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
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Democratic members of Congress have expressed concerns about Bill Pulte, newly appointed acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by President Donald Trump. They warn him not to make large-scale staff firings or improperly release classified intelligence information as he begins his role.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte is the new acting Director of National Intelligence.
He was appointed by President Donald Trump.
Pulte also leads a federal housing agency at the same time.
Democrats in Congress are concerned about his actions.
They warn against sweeping firings of intelligence staff.
They also caution him about declassifying intelligence improperly.
Pulte is about to start his first full week on the job.
Congress is preparing for potential controversies under his leadership.
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