A key part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), known as Title VII or Section 702, expired after Congress did not pass its extension. However, surveillance under this law will continue until at least March 17, 2027, because the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court issued a certification that allows spying to proceed without a new law. Lawmakers disagree about reforming the law, which allows warrantless spying on foreign targets but can also collect Americans’ communications.
Key Facts
Title VII of FISA, including Section 702, expired at midnight after Congress failed to renew it.
Surveillance authorized under Section 702 will continue until March 17, 2027, due to a court certification.
Section 702 lets U.S. intelligence spy on foreign targets without a warrant but can collect information from Americans communicating with them.
The law was last reauthorized in 2024 under President Biden, expanding some warrantless surveillance.
Some members of Congress want to limit government spying powers on Americans without a warrant.
Disagreements over surveillance reforms and leadership changes at the intelligence office contributed to the failure to extend the law.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise warned that stopping the law could risk American lives.
Despite the law's expiration, companies must still provide communications to intelligence agencies, though legal challenges may cause delays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge decided she cannot order the reinstatement of a Yosemite National Park ranger who was fired for displaying a transgender pride flag at a famous rock formation. The judge’s ruling did not resolve the ranger’s claim that the firing violated free speech rights protected by the First Amendment.
Key Facts
The ranger worked at Yosemite National Park.
They displayed a transgender pride flag at El Capitan last year.
The ranger was fired after showing the flag.
A federal judge ruled she cannot force the ranger to be hired again.
The ruling did not address whether the firing violated free speech rights.
The ranger’s claim involves the First Amendment, which protects free speech.
The case remains unresolved regarding the free speech issue.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sam Bankman-Fried lost his appeal to overturn his fraud conviction and 25-year prison sentence related to the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange, FTX. A federal appeals court upheld the conviction, saying the evidence against him was strong, and he is currently in prison with eligibility for release in 2044.
Key Facts
Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted on seven felony charges for defrauding FTX customers.
Prosecutors said he stole $8 billion from customers to cover losses at his hedge fund, Alameda Research.
The appeals court ruled unanimously that the evidence supporting his conviction was solid.
Bankman-Fried’s legal team argued the trial judge prevented evidence that could support his belief that FTX had enough funds, but the court disagreed.
The court explained fraud occurs once someone tricks others into giving money, even if they plan to repay later.
Bankman-Fried is serving a 25-year prison sentence and can be released in 2044.
He is asking President Donald Trump for a pardon.
Before the scandal, Bankman-Fried was a well-known figure in the crypto world and made large political and charity donations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Timothy Hudson, 16, has been charged with killing and sexually assaulting his stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival cruise ship. Sonya Ziske, Hudson’s step-grandmother, spoke out blaming the parents for their role in the tragedy.
Key Facts
Anna Kepner died while on a Carnival cruise ship with her family.
Timothy Hudson is accused of causing her death and committing sexual assault.
Hudson is 16 years old and is the stepson of Anna Kepner’s parent.
Sonya Ziske, Hudson’s step-grandmother, publicly discussed the case.
Ziske suggested that the parents were responsible because they were not careful.
CBS News covered the story with reporting from Cristian Benavides.
Authorities have charged Timothy Hudson with serious crimes related to the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge appointed by President Obama rejected a lawsuit trying to stop a UFC fight event planned at the White House. The judge said the plaintiffs did not show enough legal reason to block the event, and the public interest supports letting it happen.
Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta denied a request to stop a UFC fight event at the White House.
The lawsuit was filed by activists Susan Douglas and Paul Romano, who claimed the event was corrupt and improperly allowed at federal sites.
The judge said the plaintiffs did not prove they had legal standing or would suffer serious harm.
The judge noted the fight setup outside the White House is temporary.
The ruling highlighted that organizing the event already involved significant time and money, which would be wasted if stopped last minute.
A White House spokesperson praised the ruling and called the UFC event a historic celebration.
The UFC event is scheduled for Sunday, on Flag Day and President Trump's 80th birthday.
The main fight is set to start at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with earlier matches beginning at 4 p.m.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge in the United States refused to stop a UFC fight from happening at the White House on President Donald Trump’s birthday. The judge said the people trying to stop the event did not show enough harm to justify cancelling it.
Key Facts
The UFC fight is set to take place on President Trump’s birthday at the White House.
Judge Amit Mehta ruled against the plaintiffs who wanted to block the event.
The plaintiffs include a nonprofit group representing an activist and a Vietnam War veteran.
They argued the large steel structure for the fight would harm the appearance of the White House grounds.
The structure is called The Claw; it is 92 feet tall and weighs 600 tonnes.
The judge said the structure will be taken down starting Monday after the event.
Plaintiffs also claimed the event showed unfair favors between the White House and the UFC.
The judge found the plaintiffs waited too long to file their lawsuit, weakening their case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The National Academies of Science, known for giving expert scientific advice to the U.S. government, is facing political pressure from Republican politicians. The tension focuses on the academy's scientific reports about human-driven climate change, which some Republicans claim are biased and want to challenge in court and federal funding.
Key Facts
The National Academies of Science gives reports on science and technology to help the government.
They have reported that human-caused climate change is real and affects weather events.
Republican state attorneys general opposed a chapter on climate change in a legal reference guide.
They argued that including climate change in the guide showed bias and was not impartial.
Despite pressure, the National Academies kept the chapter available on their website.
A group of Republican members of Congress threatened to review the academy’s federal funding.
The controversy is tied to legal cases against fossil fuel companies for climate damage.
There is also a competing climate report from a group with views opposing mainstream climate science.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Four activists from Palestine Action were jailed for causing £1.2 million in damage at a factory in the UK owned by an Israeli defense company. They were convicted of criminal damage and sentenced as terrorists for trying to influence the government, including one who seriously injured a police officer during the raid.
Key Facts
The activists broke into the Elbit Systems factory near Bristol in August 2024.
They caused £1.2 million worth of damage.
Samuel Corner was jailed for over seven years for criminal damage and injuring a police sergeant by fracturing her spine with a sledgehammer.
Charlotte Head and Leona Kamio were each sentenced to five years in prison; Fatema Rajwani was sentenced to four years and eight months.
The judge ruled their actions were intended to influence the UK government, leading to terrorist sentencing.
Because of the terrorist ruling, the activists are not eligible for early release and must be reviewed by the Parole Board before release.
Palestine Action is a group banned as a terrorist organization by the UK government since July 2023, though this ban was legally challenged.
The defense argued the activists’ motives were not proven and contested the terrorism connection.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge rejected the Trump administration's last effort to keep President Trump's name on the Kennedy Center. The judge ruled that the name was added illegally and must be removed by June 12, 2026, with no pause allowed while the case is appealed.
Key Facts
Judge Christopher Cooper ruled the addition of President Trump's name to the Kennedy Center was illegal.
The Trump administration tried to delay the removal but the judge denied this request.
The Kennedy Center is a major arts venue established by Congress to honor President John F. Kennedy.
Only Congress has the power to approve name changes to the Kennedy Center, the judge said.
The center’s board, aligned with President Trump, added his name in December 2025.
A Democratic board member challenged the name change in court.
Workers started preparing to remove President Trump's name on June 12, 2026.
President Trump replaced Democratic board members with his allies after returning to office in 2025 and pushed changes at the center.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The FBI searched the office of an Ohio group that helps with voter registration and took documents and computer files. This search is part of a larger investigation into possible voter fraud tied to election activities during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
The FBI searched the Ohio Organizing Collaborative’s office in Cleveland and questioned staff for several hours.
Agents also visited homes of people linked to the organization, seeking interviews and information.
The Ohio Organizing Collaborative focuses on criminal justice reform, racial justice, and expanding voting rights.
Officials said the search is related to possible voter fraud, but details have not been made public.
Democrats expressed worry the investigation aims to intimidate voters and damage confidence in elections.
Ohio has important upcoming elections for governor and U.S. Senate, with competitive races expected.
The Justice Department has also conducted investigations or seizures related to voting in other key states during President Trump’s current term.
The FBI and Justice Department have not commented publicly on the Ohio search.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A shooting in Midland, Texas, left one person dead and nine injured on Friday morning. The suspected attacker died after a standoff with police, and the area remains under investigation.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Friday morning in Midland, Texas.
At least one person was killed and nine people were hospitalized.
The suspected attacker barricaded themselves in a building and later died after a police standoff.
Witnesses reported hearing about 40 gunshots.
Four victims were in surgery, and five were in stable condition at Midland Memorial Hospital.
Police have not cleared the scene yet, and road closures remain in place.
Midland city officials shared updates and expressed support for victims and their families.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge has refused the Kennedy Center's request to delay a ruling that orders Donald Trump’s name to be removed from the building. The judge said only Congress can change the name of the Kennedy Center, and the center must remove references to Trump immediately.
Key Facts
Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that adding Donald Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was not legal.
Only Congress has the power to change the Kennedy Center’s name.
The ruling requires the center to remove Trump’s name by a set deadline.
The Kennedy Center has updated its website and official documents to remove Trump’s name.
The Kennedy Center told staff to use only “The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center” on materials.
After President Trump’s second term began, he replaced the center’s leadership with a new board he selected.
President Trump was named chair of the board overseeing the Kennedy Center.
The decision to include Trump’s name occurred during his current term in office.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Home Office has removed all asylum seekers from a hotel in Epping, Essex, and ended its contract with the hotel due to fire and safety concerns. The hotel had been the site of anti-immigration protests and clashes linked to a sexual assault incident by an asylum seeker who has since been deported.
Key Facts
The hotel in Epping, Essex, housed asylum seekers but faced large anti-immigration protests last summer.
Protests intensified after an asylum seeker at the hotel sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman.
Far-right activists used the protests to stir unrest, leading to violent clashes with police.
The Home Office removed all residents and staff from the hotel over fire and safety concerns.
The contract with the hotel ended on July 11, and the hotel will no longer be used for asylum seekers.
The asylum seeker who committed the assault was deported to Ethiopia in October.
The High Court had ruled asylum seekers could remain at the hotel, but local authorities sought to stop its use due to unrest.
The government plans to close all asylum hotels and move migrants into basic accommodations such as military barracks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge allowed a UFC mixed martial arts event to take place on the White House South Lawn this weekend to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The judge ruled that the people suing to stop the event likely do not have the legal right to do so and that the event would not cause irreversible harm.
Key Facts
The UFC event is called “UFC Freedom 250” and is scheduled for Sunday.
The event venue is a large steel structure called The Claw, built on the White House South Lawn.
The lawsuit against the event was filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of an activist and a Vietnam War veteran.
The plaintiffs wanted to block the event and the building of The Claw on White House grounds.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said the plaintiffs waited too long to file their lawsuit.
The judge also said the plaintiffs’ claimed harm is temporary because The Claw will be taken down starting Monday.
The White House said the lawsuit is unfounded and argued that similar events have happened before on public grounds in Washington.
Plaintiffs say the event is a private, for-profit project with expensive VIP packages and that the Trump administration may not have the legal authority to allow it on government property.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge rejected a request to delay the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center building. The judge said only Congress can change the center's name and ordered the name to be taken down by Friday.
Key Facts
A judge ordered President Trump's name removed from the Kennedy Center building.
The judge said the name was added illegally.
Only Congress has the authority to change the Kennedy Center's name.
The removal had to be done by Friday.
The Kennedy Center board tried to delay the removal but was denied.
President Trump personally chose the current board at the Kennedy Center.
Scaffolding was put up at the center to begin removing the name.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge refused to stop a UFC mixed martial arts event planned to take place at the White House. The judge said the people suing did not show they would be harmed or that they had the right to sue. The event is scheduled for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Key Facts
The UFC event called "UFC Freedom 250" will happen on the South Lawn of the White House on June 11, 2026.
Two local residents filed a lawsuit to stop the event, claiming it broke rules about White House events and unlawful construction of a structure named the Claw.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta denied the request for emergency relief, saying the plaintiffs lacked standing and did not prove harm.
The Claw is a 92-foot tall structure built to hold the UFC Octagon fighting area.
The event will include seven fights, a press conference, fighter face-offs, a ceremonial weigh-in, and a concert by the Zac Brown Band.
About 4,000 people are expected on the White House South Lawn, and 12,000 will watch from the nearby Ellipse.
The event will be shown on Paramount+, a streaming service owned by the company that also owns CBS News.
Over 700 subcontractors and more than 2,000 cleared participants are involved in organizing and running the event. UFC spent over $60 million preparing for it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The sentences of three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in Hampshire will be reviewed by the Court of Appeal in July. The boys were given youth rehabilitation orders instead of jail time due to their age and other factors, but the Attorney General referred the case as potentially too lenient.
Key Facts
Three teenage boys were convicted of raping two girls aged 14 and 15 in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
Two 15-year-olds received youth rehabilitation orders with intensive supervision instead of custody for their offenses.
A third boy, who was 13 at the time of the offenses and is now 14, also received a rehabilitation order.
The Court of Appeal will review these sentences starting on 1 July following a referral by the Attorney General.
The judge considered the boys’ developmental and emotional age, as well as neurological impairments, when sentencing.
Videos of the attacks were shared on social media, causing further distress to the victims.
The Attorney General called the case "distressing" and highlighted violence against women and girls as a serious issue.
The victims gave statements detailing ongoing trauma from the attacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge allowed the White House to host a UFC mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn this weekend, marking President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. A lawsuit tried to stop the event and the construction of a large steel structure on the lawn but was rejected by the judge.
Key Facts
The UFC event is called “UFC Freedom 250” and is planned for Sunday on the White House South Lawn.
A large steel structure called The Claw, weighing 600 tons and 92 feet tall, was built for the event.
The law suit was filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of an activist and a Vietnam war veteran, seeking to stop the event and the construction.
The plaintiffs said the White House cannot legally issue permits for private, for-profit events on the South Lawn or Lincoln Memorial.
VIP packages for the UFC event cost millions of dollars.
The National Park Service and the Interior Department are defendants in the lawsuit.
President Trump attended a UFC show while in office in 2019 and has a friendship with UFC CEO Dana White.
Judge Amit Mehta, appointed by former President Obama, ruled against blocking the event.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A key surveillance law called Section 702 is about to expire soon. This law lets the U.S. government collect foreign intelligence without needing a warrant, but its renewal is stalled in Congress due to political disagreements.
Key Facts
Section 702 was first approved in 2008 and allows warrantless collection of foreign communications.
About 60% of President Trump's daily intelligence briefing depends on information from this law.
The law is important for national security, helping prevent terrorist attacks and other threats.
Democrats oppose renewing Section 702 because of concerns about privacy and some political issues involving President Trump’s nominee to lead intelligence agencies.
The government must get yearly approval from a special court, called the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, to continue surveillance under Section 702.
Even if the law expires, the court’s approval can keep the surveillance going temporarily until March next year.
Some lawmakers and experts say the spy program will continue despite the law’s expiration, but they want Congress to act soon to renew or change it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
