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A federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to either release additional unredacted records about Jeffrey Epstein or explain why they cannot by July 2. The judge’s decision relates to a lawsuit claiming the DOJ improperly withheld or redacted important information, including files mentioning President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Judge Emmet Sullivan gave the DOJ a deadline of July 2 to comply with the order.
The DOJ has already released 3.5 million pages of documents under the Epstein Act.
The lawsuit was filed by media analyst Katie Phang, who alleges the DOJ still hides or censors information improperly.
Some redacted information includes names in emails about a “torture video” and alleged sexual abuse involving young women and minors.
The lawsuit also claims the DOJ withheld names of co-defendants and co-conspirators in draft indictments.
Specifically, 36 materials mentioning President Trump were reportedly withheld, including FBI interview notes from a victim claiming Epstein introduced her to Trump, who allegedly assaulted her as a teenager.
President Trump denies any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has not been charged with a crime.
The DOJ argues Phang cannot sue because she should have used a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, but her lawyers say FOIA requests were denied.
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A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a female body was found in south Wales. Police believe the body is of a missing girl named Lilly, also 14.
Key Facts
A boy aged 14 was charged with murder by Gwent Police.
The boy is from Blaenau Gwent and cannot be named due to legal reasons.
The body was found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, on Monday.
Police believe the body is a 14-year-old girl named Lilly who was reported missing.
The boy was taken to Newport Magistrates Court and is in police custody.
Police have expressed their sympathy for the family and friends of Lilly.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected soon.
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The Supreme Court made two important decisions about immigration on Thursday. One decision allows the U.S. government to deport many Haitian and Syrian immigrants who were previously protected from deportation.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court issued two major rulings on immigration.
One ruling removes deportation limits for thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants.
Previously, these immigrants had special protections preventing their deportation.
These decisions may change how immigration laws are applied in the U.S.
The rulings came from the highest court in the country.
Legal experts explained the impact of these decisions.
The cases involve how immigration policies are enforced.
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Two strong earthquakes hit northern Venezuela back-to-back, causing buildings to collapse and killing at least 235 people, with many more missing and injured. Countries and international organizations are sending rescue teams, medical aid, and supplies to help with recovery efforts.
Key Facts
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and struck within less than a minute of each other.
The official death toll is about 235, and more than 1,500 people were injured.
A tracking website showed over 46,000 people missing shortly after the quakes.
Rescue efforts are ongoing but slow, with many still trapped under rubble.
The United States is sending two warships, planes, and helicopters to support rescue and aid missions.
Several countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Mexico, and El Salvador, are providing rescue teams, equipment, and medical help.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies released $2.5 million to aid recovery.
The Vatican sent initial emergency aid of about 100,000 euros ($114,000).
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Two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing serious damage and loss of life. Emergency workers are trying to find and help survivors trapped under the rubble. An expert explains why these earthquakes are unusual and especially tragic.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced two strong earthquakes in a short time.
The earthquakes caused buildings to collapse and many casualties.
Emergency teams are actively searching for survivors in the affected areas.
A geo-technical engineering expert discussed the event on CBS News.
The expert described the earthquakes as rare and particularly tragic for Venezuela.
The article focuses on the impact and rescue efforts after the earthquakes.
The discussion aims to help viewers understand the seriousness of the disaster.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with over a dozen world leaders this year to strengthen China's global influence and economic ties. Many visiting leaders come from middle-power countries seeking closer relations with China amid concerns about U.S. reliability. Xi's outreach also includes support for governments like Myanmar’s military regime and engagement with North Korea, reflecting China's aim to reshape global power dynamics.
Key Facts
Xi Jinping has hosted more than twelve world leaders in Beijing this year.
Visitors include leaders from countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Russia, the UK, Canada, and the U.S. President Trump.
Many middle-power countries seek to build independent ties with China amid uncertainty about the U.S. role in world affairs.
China presents itself as a stable partner offering loans and economic support to poorer nations.
Xi showed public support for Myanmar’s military government despite international criticism of alleged human rights abuses.
China maintains a policy of non-interference in other countries’ internal matters, as highlighted during Xi’s meeting with Myanmar’s leader.
During a visit to North Korea, Xi avoided discussing nuclear weapons, focusing instead on stabilizing the relationship.
Experts view these actions as part of China’s goal to shift global power away from Western democracies toward a multipolar world with China as a leader.
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A pair of strong earthquakes hit northern Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse and trapping people under the rubble. Rescue efforts are ongoing as survivors are being pulled out. An airport outside Caracas has reopened after the earthquakes.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday.
Buildings collapsed, trapping people in the debris.
Rescue teams are working to save survivors.
An airport near Caracas has reopened following the disaster.
CBS News reporters are covering the situation and the risk of aftershocks.
The events are causing significant challenges for emergency responders.
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The French navy stopped and took control of a Russian oil tanker near Sicily. The tanker is part of a group of ships that Russia reportedly uses to avoid international sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.
Key Facts
The French navy boarded and seized the Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea near Sicily.
The tanker is linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of ships used to bypass sanctions.
These sanctions are connected to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This is the fifth Russian tanker seized by France under these circumstances.
Russia’s embassy in France described the seizure as “another case of piracy.”
The action shows efforts to enforce sanctions on Russian maritime activities linked to the Ukraine conflict.
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Many well-known Australian musicians discovered their songs were included without permission in large collections of music used to train artificial intelligence (AI) tools. They worry that using their creative work this way ignores their rights and takes away their control over how their art is used.
Key Facts
A tool from The Atlantic showed millions of songs used in AI training datasets, including works by Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave, Powderfinger, and others.
Musicians like Paul Dempsey, Bernard Fanning, and Darren Hayes found their entire music catalogues included without their consent.
The datasets contain millions of tracks gathered mainly from YouTube and lyrics websites.
Using songs for AI training can violate artists’ rights and bypass negotiated agreements or payments.
APRA AMCOS, a music licensing group, says this practice amounts to theft of creative work.
Some AI companies may not actually use all the songs in their training, but inclusion in datasets raises legal and ethical concerns.
Australia’s intellectual property laws require permission and payment when copyrighted work is used, but tech companies have pushed for exceptions.
The Australian government recently rejected proposed changes that would have allowed AI use of content without paying creators.
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Many couples experience infertility, with about half of the cases linked to problems in men. Despite this, healthcare systems often focus mainly on women when diagnosing and treating infertility, which can delay help for men and make the process harder and more stressful for couples.
Key Facts
Infertility affects about one in six couples.
Around half of infertility cases involve male factors, alone or with female causes.
Clinical guidelines say couples trying to conceive for 12 months should be tested together.
Men are often overlooked in fertility tests, treatment, and conversations.
Fertility care is mostly designed around women, partly because of how treatments like IVF work.
Most fertility clinics are led by specialists focused on female reproductive health.
Excluding men can cause delays in finding and treating male fertility problems.
Women often end up carrying more emotional and practical burdens during the fertility journey.
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The Ram temple in Ayodhya, India, opened in January 2024, is facing allegations that donations worth millions of rupees have been stolen. The temple trust denies these claims, and a special investigation team has been set up to look into the matter.
Key Facts
The Ram temple in Ayodhya attracts about 50 million visitors every year.
It was built on land disputed for decades, once occupied by a 16th-century mosque torn down in 1992.
The temple trust reported annual income of about 3.27 billion rupees (around $35 million) in 2024-25.
A former legislator claims over 70 million rupees (about $740,000) in donations have gone missing.
Petitions have been filed asking India’s Supreme Court for a police-monitored investigation.
The temple trust says donations are carefully counted and audited, including by bank employees.
Opposition political parties are demanding answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP party.
The temple's construction was a major political promise and is linked to Modi’s election victory.
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The US Supreme Court has allowed President Trump’s administration to block some asylum seekers from entering the US at the Mexico border, changing how asylum claims are handled. The court also supported the administration’s plan to end protected status for many Haitians and Syrians living legally in the US.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to let the Trump administration stop migrants from physically entering the US before applying for asylum.
The ruling revived the “metering” policy that limits how many asylum seekers can enter at the border.
Justices disagreed on the meaning of “arrive in” the US, with the majority saying it means physically entering US territory.
Human rights groups say this decision breaks US and international refugee laws.
The Court also approved ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians.
These decisions support President Trump’s tough immigration policies.
Three Supreme Court justices dissented, arguing the rulings harm asylum seekers.
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African countries are working to develop their own artificial intelligence (AI) systems and digital infrastructure as foreign tech companies invest heavily in the continent. Governments want more control over this technology and are creating strategies to build local AI talent and reduce reliance on outside companies, but challenges remain, including limited data center capacity and infrastructure issues.
Key Facts
African Union ministers met in Morocco to discuss AI strategies and investment across Africa.
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana have published national AI plans to build local capabilities.
The Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence calls for more investment in African AI infrastructure and innovation.
Africa holds less than 1% of the world’s data center capacity despite having about 18% of the global population.
South Africa withdrew a draft AI policy due to concerns about some content being generated by AI tools.
Kenya is considering a $1 billion data center project involving Microsoft and G42, which raised concerns about energy demands.
Global tech companies face increasing pressure from African governments to meet local needs and regulations.
Reliable electricity supply across much of Africa is a major barrier to expanding data centers and digital infrastructure.
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Shia Muslims gathered in Karbala, Iraq, to observe Ashura. This day remembers the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad, who died in a battle in 680 AD.
Key Facts
The gathering took place in Karbala, a city in Iraq.
Shia Muslims observe Ashura each year.
Ashura marks the death of Imam Hussein.
Imam Hussein was the grandson of the prophet Muhammad.
He died at the Battle of Karbala in the year 680 AD.
The event is a significant religious commemoration for Shia Muslims.
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Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, introduced articles of impeachment against Education Secretary Linda McMahon for trying to dismantle the Department of Education. Bonamici says McMahon illegally moved important education programs to other agencies and lied to Congress about it.
Key Facts
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici filed impeachment articles against Secretary Linda McMahon.
The impeachment is based on McMahon’s effort to reduce the Department of Education’s role.
McMahon moved special education and civil rights duties to the Health and Human Services and Justice Departments.
Bonamici claims McMahon made illegal transfers and gave false statements to Congress.
McMahon responded by accusing Democrats of opposing efforts to improve education and reduce bureaucracy.
More than a dozen Democrats co-sponsored the impeachment resolution.
The Republican-controlled House and Senate make it unlikely the impeachment will succeed at this time.
The Department of Education says students’ rights will not be affected by the moved programs.
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Sir Keir Starmer, the United Kingdom’s prime minister, has lost the support of many members of his own party, leading to his resignation. His leadership faced several challenges, including policy reversals, internal conflicts, and public controversies.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer served as the UK prime minister until recently.
He was not removed due to scandal or economic crisis, unlike recent predecessors.
Many members of his party lost faith in his ability to govern effectively.
Early challenges included cancelling and then reversing winter fuel payments for pensioners.
Internal disputes involved efforts to remove his chief of staff, Sue Gray.
He faced criticism over planned changes to the benefits system, which he eventually abandoned.
A controversy over appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington lasted many months.
Key aides, including his longtime assistant Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allan, resigned during his tenure.
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Plan International’s Regional Director for the Americas said that children and young people should be the main focus in responding to Venezuela’s recent earthquakes. While rescuing survivors is urgent, providing mental health support for a long time will also be very important.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced earthquakes that affected many people.
Plan International is an organization working in the Americas.
Carmen Elena Aleman is Plan International’s Regional Director for the Americas.
She said children and young people need special attention in the earthquake response.
Rescue efforts are the immediate priority after the earthquakes.
Mental health support will be needed for years after the event.
The organization emphasizes focusing on both physical rescue and emotional recovery.
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California will vote in November on a new tax proposal that would charge a one-time 5% tax on residents worth over $1 billion. The tax aims to fund state programs like food assistance, healthcare, and education, but it faces opposition from Governor Newsom, some unions, and tech industry leaders who worry it could drive billionaires out of the state.
Key Facts
The billionaire tax proposal qualified for the November ballot after gathering more than twice the required signatures.
It would apply a one-time 5% tax on anyone living in California with wealth above $1 billion as of January 1, 2026.
The tax is supported by the SEIU-UHW union to help fund healthcare, education, and food assistance in California.
Senator Bernie Sanders supports the tax, seeing it as a step toward similar national taxes on the ultra-rich.
Governor Gavin Newsom and many Silicon Valley billionaires strongly oppose the tax, arguing it could hurt California’s economy.
Opposition also comes from some labor unions and healthcare groups who worry the tax does not provide steady, long-term funding.
California has the highest number of billionaires in the US, about 200, many of whom have increased their wealth recently through AI-related businesses.
Negotiations between Governor Newsom and the supporting union to withdraw the measure failed before the ballot certification.
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California voters will decide in November whether to approve a one-time 5% tax on billionaires. The tax proposal will appear on the ballot after backers missed the deadline to withdraw it, following failed negotiations with Governor Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
The California Billionaire Tax Act will be on the November ballot after supporters failed to withdraw it by the deadline.
The tax would charge billionaires a one-time 5% tax aimed at funding healthcare, education, and food assistance programs.
The proposal was put forward by the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW).
More than 1.55 million signatures were collected, over twice the amount needed to qualify for the ballot.
Governor Gavin Newsom and opponents argue the tax could harm California’s economy and push businesses out of the state.
Tech billionaires like Peter Thiel, Sergey Brin, and Chris Larsen have spent millions to oppose the tax.
Some labor unions and medical groups, including the California Teachers Association and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, have also opposed the tax.
Opponents have introduced a separate measure to block new taxes on retirement savings and personal assets, which also qualified for the ballot.
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Los Angeles city inspectors are investigating unpermitted construction at a Boyle Heights warehouse that caught fire and caused a health emergency. The warehouse, operated by Lineage and equipped with solar panels owned by Altus Power, had a similar fire in 2024, but no permits or inspections were recorded for repairs after that event.
Key Facts
The warehouse in Boyle Heights is a 500,000-square-foot cold storage facility operated by Lineage.
A large fire on June 17, 2026, burned solar panels on the warehouse roof and took eight days to put out.
The fire caused a shelter-in-place order and a state of emergency in Los Angeles.
A previous fire occurred on the same roof in August 2024 and was quickly extinguished.
No permits or building inspections were recorded after the 2024 fire, despite damages and repair needs.
The current investigation concerns alleged construction without permits or inspections on the warehouse.
Lineage says the fire started during tests by Altus Power, the owner of the solar array on the roof.
Residents near a different Lineage warehouse fire in Washington have reported respiratory health problems.
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