The US Supreme Court refused to hear President Donald Trump’s appeal to overturn a $5 million verdict in favor of E Jean Carroll. A jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her, and lower courts upheld this decision.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal on Monday.
A jury in 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing E Jean Carroll and defaming her.
Carroll had accused Trump of raping her in 1996 in a Manhattan store dressing room.
The $5 million verdict was related to Trump’s 2022 social media posts calling Carroll’s claim a “hoax” and a “con job.”
Trump’s lawyers argued the trial was unfair because the judge allowed testimony from other women accusing Trump of sexual abuse.
The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the verdict, citing a “pattern of conduct” consistent with Carroll’s claims.
Carroll was awarded an additional $83.3 million in a second trial for defamation, which Trump is also appealing.
Carroll’s lawyers said the testimonies from other women were relevant and the judge’s rulings were consistent with federal rules.
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Craig Williams, a former Conservative MP and close aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, pleaded guilty to cheating at gambling by placing bets on the 2024 general election date using confidential information. Several others, including Amy Hind, also admitted to related charges, while trials for more defendants are scheduled for the next few years.
Key Facts
Craig Williams was an MP and served as parliamentary private secretary to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from 2022 to 2024.
Williams admitted to using secret information about the 2024 election date to place bets before it was publicly announced.
Williams placed bets of £250, £100, and £22.50 on the election date.
Amy Hind also pleaded guilty to cheating by betting on the election date, attempting larger bets that failed before succeeding with a £100 bet.
The Gambling Commission investigated after Williams placed a bet on 19 May 2024, before the official election announcement on 22 May.
About 15 people face cheating allegations related to election betting; some plan to plead not guilty.
Trials for these cases are set for September 2025 and January 2028.
Defendants risk prison sentences of up to two years if found guilty.
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The U.S. Supreme Court decided that mail-in ballots are allowed to be counted if they are sent by Election Day, even if they arrive later. This ruling came in a close 5-4 vote and rejected a challenge by Republicans against a Mississippi voting law.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made the decision on a Monday.
The vote was 5 in favor and 4 against.
The ruling says mail-in ballots can be counted after Election Day as long as they were mailed by Election Day.
This decision prevents a change sought by the Republican Party.
The case involved a law from Mississippi about counting mail-in votes.
The decision affects how mail-in ballots are handled in elections.
The ruling was covered by CBS News.
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The U.S. Supreme Court will announce its last decisions of the current term on Tuesday. Important rulings are expected on topics like birthright citizenship, rules for transgender athletes, and campaign finance laws.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will release all remaining opinions from this term on Tuesday.
Chief Justice John Roberts made the announcement as the court ended its session on Monday.
Expected decisions include cases on birthright citizenship, which determines who is automatically a U.S. citizen at birth.
The court will rule on bans involving transgender athletes in sports.
Campaign finance, which covers rules about money in political campaigns, will also be addressed.
These decisions could impact laws and policies across the country.
The announcements conclude the Supreme Court’s current session.
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The article discusses tensions within the left-wing group in the United States, focusing on criticism directed at Scott Wiener, a political figure, because of his position on the Gaza conflict. It mentions that activists associated with the Democratic Party's progressive wing are becoming more outspoken.
Key Facts
Progressive activists in the U.S. Democratic Party have gained influence recently.
Scott Wiener has faced criticism from these activists over his views on Gaza.
The article describes this internal conflict as a common pattern in far-left politics.
New York City has seen electoral victories by candidates associated with democratic socialism.
The article suggests these activists are now more openly expressing their beliefs.
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The Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump's effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook by refusing to pause a lower court ruling that protects her position. The 5–4 decision keeps Cook on the Federal Reserve board while the legal case over the president’s firing authority continues.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court voted 5–4 against pausing a court order that blocked Cook’s firing.
Justices Roberts and Kavanaugh joined the liberal justices in the majority.
Lisa Cook was hired under President Biden and her term runs through 2038.
The Federal Reserve Act allows governors to serve fixed 14-year terms and can only be removed “for cause.”
Cook was the first Federal Reserve governor in 111 years to face firing.
President Trump fired Cook in August 2025, citing mortgage fraud allegations she denies.
Lower courts ruled the firing might have violated both the law and constitutional rights.
The Supreme Court’s decision does not settle the larger legal question about the president’s authority.
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The article argues that the current U.S. Constitution is outdated and suggests creating a new constitution that better fits today’s society and challenges.
Key Facts
The author believes the current Constitution no longer meets the needs of modern America.
They propose writing a new constitution designed for the 21st century.
The article implies changes would help address current social and political issues.
No specific details about what changes are needed were provided.
The idea is framed as a way to “set things right” for the country’s future.
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The Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump can remove Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter from her position, overturning a nearly 90-year-old rule that protected independent agency members from being fired without cause. Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed strongly with this decision, warning it could change how much power Congress and the president have over federal agencies.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling allows the president to remove FTC Commissioners at will.
This decision overturns the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor ruling, which protected independent agencies from presidential removal except for specific reasons.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the FTC performs executive functions and must answer to the president.
Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justices Kagan and Brown Jackson, dissented, supporting the old rule and warning about the ruling’s impact on government balance.
The ruling could affect multiple independent federal agencies beyond the FTC, like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Sotomayor argued the decision threatens bipartisan commissions, as presidents could remove commissioners from opposing parties.
The majority said the ruling only applies to agencies that perform executive functions, not all independent agencies.
The case is seen as expanding presidential power over many government agencies designed to operate independently.
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Craig Williams, a former Conservative Member of Parliament, admitted to illegally betting on the date of the 2024 general election. He placed bets shortly before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the election date, which surprised many politicians.
Key Facts
Craig Williams is a former MP for Montgomeryshire and was an aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Williams placed bets totaling £372.50 on the date of the 2024 general election.
Betting on the election date is considered cheating in gambling laws.
The election date announcement by Sunak surprised many Conservative MPs who expected the election in autumn.
Williams admitted his actions were a serious mistake and pleaded guilty in court.
The guilty plea took place at Southwark Crown Court.
Williams was part of Sunak's inner circle as his parliamentary private secretary before the election was called.
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CBS News featured six top debate students who recited parts of Patrick Henry's famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech. This speech, delivered 250 years ago, is known for inspiring American colonies toward the Revolutionary War.
Key Facts
The event marked the 250th anniversary of America.
Six debate competitors from across the U.S. recited the speech together.
The speech is by Patrick Henry, a leader in early American history.
"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" urged the colonies to fight for freedom.
CBS News contributor David Begnaud presented this segment.
The speech played a key role in pushing colonies toward revolution.
Viewers could watch this feature on the CBS News app or website.
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President Donald Trump shared new images of a planned White House ballroom, calling it a "Great National Security Facility and Ballroom." The project combines a large event space with underground security features, but faces legal challenges over its scope and impact on historic property rules.
Key Facts
The new ballroom is designed in a neoclassical style and will be attached to the White House complex.
President Trump describes the project as both an event space and a security facility with features like bulletproof glass and blast-resistant materials.
The project includes an underground structure with military-grade defenses, drone-proofing, and facilities like a military hospital.
Legal challenges come from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, claiming the project requires congressional approval due to historic site protections.
A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of the construction but allowed security-related work to continue.
Court arguments emphasize the project’s importance to presidential safety but limit national security claims as justification for all construction.
Republican lawmakers have proposed up to $1 billion in federal funding for security upgrades linked to the project.
The project timeline includes public statements and legal developments from March to May 2026.
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The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that some states can count mail-in ballots that arrive up to five days after election day if they were sent before election day. This decision upheld a Mississippi law and rejected President Donald Trump’s challenge to limit the deadline for receiving ballots.
Key Facts
The court decision allows late-arriving mail ballots in some states if postmarked before election day.
The ruling was 5-4, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett writing the majority opinion.
The law at issue was from Mississippi, permitting ballots received within five days after election day.
The Supreme Court said this does not conflict with federal law, which only sets election day, not ballot receipt deadlines.
President Trump and his administration had argued ballots must be received by election day to protect election integrity.
Most states allowing late mail ballots lean Democratic, but some Republican states do too.
This ruling affects how votes may be counted in key states ahead of the 2024 US midterm elections.
The case involved a 19th-century federal law defining election day as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
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Nashville is preparing for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, which will take place around the Fourth of July. Local officials and communities are organizing events in Music City to mark this milestone.
Key Facts
The celebration is for America's 250th anniversary.
The main events will happen around the Fourth of July.
Nashville, also known as Music City, is actively preparing for the celebration.
The city is hosting various activities to honor the occasion.
The anniversary marks 250 years since the founding of the United States.
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The US military paused mandatory flu vaccinations for new recruits for two months but resumed them after a flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The current flu vaccines will expire soon, and new doses won’t arrive until August or later, so the military must use other methods to control the outbreak.
Key Facts
The military stopped requiring flu shots for new recruits for two months but restarted the mandate recently.
Current flu vaccines at training camps expire on June 30, with new supplies expected no earlier than late August.
Lackland Air Force Base experienced a flu outbreak with at least 275 sick people and 4 hospitalized.
One recruit died after a medical emergency during the outbreak, but the cause is still under investigation.
Flu vaccination rates dropped to 40% after the mandate was lifted, similar to general public levels.
The military is also planning flu vaccine mandates for overseas troops and other groups like healthcare and childcare workers.
Basic training is a high-risk environment for flu outbreaks due to close living conditions and high stress on recruits.
The military may not extend the use of expired vaccines, so they must rely on other disease control measures until new vaccines arrive.
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A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has proposed a plan to cap federal student loan interest rates at 2 percent. This change could lower the cost of borrowing for millions of Americans by reducing the interest they pay over time and making loan repayment easier.
Key Facts
The proposed bill is House Resolution 1386.
It would set a flat 2 percent interest rate for all federal student loans.
Current rates are higher: about 6.52% for undergraduate loans and over 9% for some loans.
The new rate would apply retroactively to existing borrowers.
Loans would be automatically refinanced by the Department of Education under this plan.
Borrowers could choose to keep their current loan terms instead of switching.
Americans owe around $1.69 trillion in federal student loans, with average debt near $39,500 per person.
Lower rates could save borrowers thousands of dollars in interest and reduce monthly payments.
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The Supreme Court decided that President Trump cannot remove Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook while court cases are still active. However, the Court ruled that President Trump was allowed to fire Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made two decisions involving President Trump's actions regarding government officials.
President Trump tried to fire Lisa Cook, a governor of the Federal Reserve (Fed).
The Court said President Trump cannot fire Lisa Cook during ongoing legal cases.
President Trump had also fired Rebecca Slaughter, a member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The Court found that the firing of Rebecca Slaughter was legal.
The Federal Reserve oversees the country’s money and banking system.
The Federal Trade Commission protects consumers and promotes fair business practices.
These rulings clarify when the President can remove certain officials from independent government agencies.
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Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have different views on U.S. policy toward Israel, with Vance expressing criticism and Rubio maintaining strong support. Vance appears to be positioning himself independently within the Republican Party by questioning traditional pro-Israel stances ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance denies a strong personal rivalry with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rubio supports unconditional backing of Israel and its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Vance criticizes the U.S. merging its interests completely with Israel’s and opposes labeling all criticism of Israel as antisemitism.
Rubio leads a hawkish, military-focused approach to foreign policy, including backing action against Venezuela and Iran.
Vance has been working on peace negotiations with Iran, which unsettles Israel.
Polls show younger Republicans increasingly hold negative views of Israel.
Right-wing commentators are gaining influence by questioning the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Vance must balance his differing views with loyalty to President Trump, who currently holds mixed feelings about Netanyahu.
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Some H-1B visa holders in Texas are being denied driver's license renewals because their visa stamps have expired. Lawyers say these workers may still be legally allowed to stay in the U.S. based on other documents like Form I-797 and I-94, which Texas officials seem to be misunderstanding.
Key Facts
H-1B visas let U.S. employers hire foreign workers for special jobs like tech, engineering, and healthcare.
A visa stamp in a passport is a travel document used to enter the U.S., not proof of legal status inside the country.
Legal status while in the U.S. is shown by documents like Form I-797 approval notices and I-94 records.
Some Texas Department of Public Safety offices have denied driver’s license renewals when visa stamps expired, confusing status with travel authority.
Immigration attorneys say this may be due to inconsistent training or unclear guidance at Texas DPS offices.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has paused new H-1B visa petitions for public agencies until 2027.
The Trump administration has set stricter rules on the H-1B program, including a new fee and a wage-based selection system.
The number of H-1B applications dropped sharply in 2027, possibly due to these tougher rules and higher costs.
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The New South Wales government in Sydney is spending $6.6 million to create special parking zones for shared electric bikes (ebikes) to stop them from blocking sidewalks. Local councils will get funds to mark these parking areas and can fine operators who don’t follow the rules.
Key Facts
Sydney has seen a big increase in shared ebikes, from 13,000 in January to over 20,000 in May.
The government is giving $6.6 million to 16 local councils to make dedicated parking bays for ebikes.
Ebike operators pay a 60 cent fee per trip that helps fund this program.
Councils can set “no-go” zones and fine operators up to $55,000 for improper parking.
Trials at train and metro stations have shown marked bays reduce bikes blocking sidewalks by half.
Authorities can now seize and destroy private ebikes that go faster than 25 km/h.
The government is also looking into setting a minimum age to ride an ebike.
The program is meant to improve pedestrian safety amid more ebike injuries and chaotic parking.
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The U.S. Supreme Court decided that people have a reasonable right to privacy for their cellphone location information. The Court sent a case involving a man named Okello Chatrie, who was convicted in a Virginia bank robbery, back to a lower court because of this privacy concern.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of protecting cellphone location data privacy.
The case involves the use of a "geofence warrant," which lets police search location data from many phones in a given area.
The Court said using a geofence warrant counts as a search under the law.
The ruling overturned a lower court's decision against Okello Chatrie.
The case now returns to a lower court for further review.
This decision highlights privacy protections related to digital data from cellphones.
The case is connected to a Virginia bank robbery investigation.
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