A US federal judge ruled that the Trump administration acted illegally when it blacklisted AI company Anthropic in February. The judge stopped the government from enforcing sanctions that blocked Anthropic from some military work, saying the punishment was a response to the company's public criticism of the Pentagon.
Key Facts
The Trump administration labeled Anthropic a “supply chain risk,” a status usually reserved for foreign companies.
The designation stopped Anthropic from participating in certain military contracts.
Anthropic refused to let the military use its AI chatbot Claude for surveillance or autonomous weapons, citing safety and rights concerns.
Judge Rita Lin ruled that the government’s action violated Anthropic’s free speech rights (First Amendment) and due process rights (Fifth Amendment).
The judge made the suspension of sanctions permanent and blocked the Pentagon from enforcing the blacklist.
The government may appeal the ruling.
Anthropic has another lawsuit pending about a different Pentagon supply chain risk designation related to civilian government contracts.
The Pentagon argued that the designation was about contract terms and military safety, not about punishing Anthropic’s views.
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An autopsy report shows that a 20-year-old man named Tyrin Johnson was fatally shot in the back by members of the Tennessee National Guard in Memphis. This medical finding conflicts with official police statements that said he was facing the guards when he was shot.
Key Facts
Tyrin Johnson was shot by Tennessee National Guard members assigned to a federal anti-crime task force.
Police said Johnson was armed and turned to face the guards before being shot.
The autopsy revealed a bullet entered the right side of Johnson’s back and exited his upper right chest.
The bullet’s path suggests Johnson was running away when he was shot.
The shot was fired from more than three feet away, with no close-range gunfire signs.
Johnson’s family received the autopsy report from the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center.
The Memphis Safe Task Force, created by President Donald Trump, has been involved in four fatal shootings between May and July 2026.
Johnson’s grandfather, Evaniel Johnson, who is a former corrections officer, said the shooting was not justified.
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A federal judge in Boston has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from enforcing new rules that would limit mail-in voting before the November midterm elections. The judge's decision will last at least two more weeks while a legal challenge by some states and voting groups continues.
Key Facts
Judge Indira Talwani blocked new restrictions on mail-in voting.
The restrictions were introduced by the Trump administration.
The ruling is a temporary pause lasting at least two weeks.
The decision applies before the November midterm elections.
States that voted mostly Democratic and voting rights groups filed the legal challenge.
The court believes these groups have a good chance of winning their case.
The case is ongoing and more decisions will come later.
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A judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration acted illegally by punishing the AI company Anthropic over disagreements about its AI model Claude. The court blocked the government from enforcing rules that stopped Anthropic from working with federal agencies, saying these actions violated the company’s free speech and legal rights.
Key Facts
The judge permanently banned the Trump administration from enforcing rules cutting Anthropic off from federal contracts.
The dispute involved the AI model Claude, which Anthropic limited from use in mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.
The military wanted full use of Claude for all legal purposes.
President Trump ordered federal agencies to stop using Claude earlier in the year.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled Anthropic a supply chain risk to prevent its use in military contracts.
The government claimed these actions protected national security.
The judge said the government’s actions were retaliation against Anthropic for disagreeing with it, violating the First Amendment.
The judge also said Anthropic’s due process rights were violated.
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A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of the Trump administration’s new mail-in ballot rules, saying states do not have enough time or resources to follow them before the 2026 midterm elections. The judge’s order stops the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing the new rules for 14 days while the legal fight continues.
Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a 14-day temporary restraining order on the new mail-in voting rules.
The rules come from an executive order by President Donald Trump aimed at tightening mail-in voting rules before the 2026 midterms.
The judge said states could not redesign ballots, train officials, or update systems in time for the election.
Mail-in ballots for the midterms are expected to be sent starting early September.
The Supreme Court recently lifted an earlier block on the rules but did not rule on their constitutionality.
Democratic-led states and voting rights groups challenged the new rules, saying they go beyond the administration’s authority.
Election officials warned that changing mail-in ballot procedures close to elections could cause problems.
The legal dispute is expected to continue, with potential effects on how voting happens in November.
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A judge ruled that the US Department of Defense acted illegally when it labeled AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk. The designation was a response to Anthropic refusing to let the military use its AI technology for surveillance or autonomous weapons.
Key Facts
The US Department of Defense called Anthropic a supply chain risk, which means a potential threat to military technology safety.
Anthropic's refusal was based on not wanting its AI models used for surveillance or weapons without safety guarantees.
US District Judge Rita Lin said the government cannot use national security as a reason to punish critics.
This is the first time an American company has been publicly called a supply chain risk like this.
The Pentagon said private companies should not limit military decisions by setting rules for AI use.
The White House criticized Anthropic as a "radical left, woke company" trying to control military actions.
Anthropic warned this designation could cause billions in financial losses and damage its reputation.
The lawsuit called the government’s action unprecedented and unlawful.
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A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that limits mail voting ahead of the midterm elections. This legal battle is ongoing and may return to the Supreme Court, as the order affects how states send and receive mail ballots.
Key Facts
Judge Indira Talwani paused the government’s enforcement of Trump’s mail voting order for 14 days.
The pause comes just before mail ballots are set to be sent out for the midterms.
The Supreme Court earlier lifted one court block on the order but did not decide on its legality.
States face difficulty changing ballot designs and systems quickly to meet the new mail rules.
The Postal Service says it will only deliver mail ballots if states follow new requirements, like providing voter lists.
Democrats and voting rights groups argue the president and Postal Service cannot change election rules, which is the states’ or Congress’s job.
Trump has criticized mail voting, blaming it for his 2020 election loss, despite using it himself.
Courts have previously blocked Trump’s election-related orders due to constitutional concerns and timing of lawsuits.
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Three journalists from the military newspaper Stars and Stripes have sued the U.S. Department of Defense, claiming their recent firing was aimed at suppressing the paper’s independence and violated their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit says the Pentagon, under President Donald Trump’s administration, is trying to control the newspaper’s content and punish reporters who speak out for press freedom.
Key Facts
Three Stars and Stripes journalists—publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte—filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense.
The Pentagon fired them, accusing them of insubordination.
The journalists claim the firing is part of censorship efforts and violates their right to free speech.
Stars and Stripes is a government-funded military newspaper that has long operated with editorial independence.
Pentagon leaders, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, are named in the lawsuit.
The conflict began after a July CBS interview in which the reporters defended the newspaper’s independence.
The Pentagon announced plans to shift the newspaper’s focus back to core military topics, criticizing current coverage as harming morale.
The paper has reported critically on issues like supply shortages and mental health struggles on a deployed aircraft carrier.
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A federal judge temporarily blocked new U.S. Postal Service rules about mail voting ahead of the November midterm elections. The judge said the Postal Service likely does not have the authority to set these rules and that states would be harmed by having to comply so close to the election.
Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani stopped the Postal Service from enforcing new mail voting rules.
The rules were created after President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at tightening mail voting controls.
About two dozen states and Washington D.C., along with voting rights groups, sued to block the new Postal Service rules.
The lawsuit argues that only states, not the Postal Service, have the power to manage elections.
The judge said complying with the new rules now would cause big problems for states, including redesigning ballots and updating systems right before the election.
The judge found the Postal Service rule likely violates the Constitution because the agency lacks authority to regulate election mail.
The Justice Department may appeal the ruling, which could lead to a Supreme Court decision.
The Postal Service rule requires special envelopes and voter data submission but says it will not determine voter eligibility or count ballots.
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A Florida grand jury found that Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration wrongly used $10 million from a Medicaid settlement by sending it to the Hope Florida Foundation. This foundation is supported by First Lady Casey DeSantis, and the jury said the money was used to support political activities.
Key Facts
A Florida grand jury investigated the DeSantis administration.
The investigation centered on $10 million from a Medicaid settlement.
The money was sent to the Hope Florida Foundation.
The Hope Florida Foundation is linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis.
The grand jury said the money was misused or "misappropriated."
The jury described the money transfer as part of a plan to fund political work.
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A federal judge in Florida, Roy Altman, is facing a formal complaint accusing him of showing bias in favor of Israel and making anti-Palestinian statements. The complaint also alleges he used his judicial office to promote political views during work hours.
Key Facts
Florida lawyer Katherine Giannamore filed a complaint against District Judge Roy Altman to the Eleventh Circuit Court.
The complaint accuses Altman of damaging public trust in the fairness and independence of the federal judiciary.
Altman reportedly made media appearances from his court chambers during business hours and used court staff for his public talks.
He called the keffiyeh, a Palestinian symbol, a "terrorism scarf" during a podcast with a right-wing group called the Middle East Forum.
Altman was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019 and is a strong supporter of Israel, promoting a book defending the country.
Federal judges in the U.S. serve for life, and complaints like this are usually reviewed by a chief judge or a special committee.
While sanctions against judges are rare, such complaints aim to raise awareness about judges' public behavior and impartiality.
Altman has toured campuses and churches to reject accusations of human rights abuses by Israel in Gaza.
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President Donald Trump signed a temporary order to lift tariffs on some imported beef starting September 1, aiming to lower beef prices in the U.S. This move has caused strong opposition from farmers and Republican lawmakers who believe it will hurt American beef producers.
Key Facts
The tariff pause applies only to lean beef trimmings used to blend with U.S. beef for ground beef.
The allowed import amount is increased to 300,000 metric tons at low tariff rates.
The proclamation excludes countries with existing beef quotas and those with free trade agreements with the U.S.
The goal is to lower beef prices by encouraging imports to be sold at a 25% discount.
President Trump said he might end the tariff pause if prices do not drop as expected.
Farmers, ranchers, and GOP lawmakers criticized the decision, saying it harms the U.S. beef industry.
Republican Senators Tim Sheehy and John Barrasso publicly opposed the move.
The administration is considering additional policy changes to address some concerns from the beef industry.
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A federal judge has paused the implementation of President Donald Trump’s executive order that limits mail voting, just before the midterm elections begin. The judge delayed the order for 14 days, saying states don’t have enough time or money to adjust their election systems before voting starts.
Key Facts
A federal judge named Indira Talwani stopped President Trump’s mail voting order for 14 days.
The pause happened about a week before mail ballots are sent out for the midterms.
The judge said states cannot quickly redesign ballots or train workers to meet the new Postal Service rules.
The Supreme Court previously overturned an earlier block on Trump’s order but did not decide if the order was legal.
The new rule requires states to send voter lists and use specific envelope formats for mail ballots.
Democrats and voting rights groups argue that the president and Postal Service cannot change election rules.
About one-third of Americans vote by mail, and many election officials say they need more time to comply.
President Trump has focused on mail voting after falsely accusing it of causing his 2020 election loss.
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Andrew and Tristan Tate appeared in a Florida court asking to be released from jail while fighting extradition to the UK, where they face charges of rape and sex trafficking. The brothers said they did not commit the crimes and complained about jail conditions, while US lawyers argued they might try to escape and have multiple passports.
Key Facts
The Tate brothers were arrested in Miami on July 19.
They face 59 criminal charges in the UK, including rape, sex trafficking, and indecent images of a child.
The UK must submit a full extradition request by September 16.
The brothers also have unresolved sex trafficking charges in Romania.
US prosecutors say the Tates are flight risks because of their resources and multiple passports.
Defence lawyers say their fame makes it hard for them to flee.
Andrew Tate said he had to return to professional boxing to support himself.
The British Embassy asked the US court to keep the brothers in custody during extradition proceedings.
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The Justice Department is in court to support the Kennedy Center Board's effort to put President Donald Trump's name on the front of the building. The board includes President Trump and his supporters and wants to add his name to the Kennedy Center.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center Board is trying to add President Trump's name to the building’s facade.
President Trump and his allies are members of the Kennedy Center Board.
The Justice Department is defending this effort in court.
The court hearing took place on a Thursday.
CBS News reporter Jake Rosen covered the event.
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Jury members in the trial of Lindsay Clancy began discussing the case after closing statements from both sides. Some jurors have decided not to take part in the decision-making process during these discussions.
Key Facts
The trial is for Lindsay Clancy, who faces a murder charge.
Jury deliberations started on a Thursday.
Both the prosecution and defense completed their final arguments before deliberations.
Some jurors chose not to participate in the discussions about the verdict.
A criminal defense attorney and legal expert, Elyse Hershon, provided analysis on the case during a CBS News segment.
The news report was available on the CBS News app and website.
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The Florida governor’s race has become more competitive, with the Cook Political Report changing its rating from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican.” Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican, is challenging Republican Byron Donalds, who is supported by President Trump and has a large fundraising lead.
Key Facts
Cook Political Report now rates the Florida governor race as “Likely Republican” instead of “Solid Republican.”
Democrat David Jolly was previously a Republican and is running with former Democratic Representative Gwen Graham.
Republican Byron Donalds won the primary and has President Trump’s backing.
Donalds has raised more than ten times the money that Jolly has for the campaign.
Florida has become more Republican in recent years, with President Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis winning by large margins.
Republicans hold a voter registration advantage in Florida and have a favorable congressional map.
No Democrat has won the Florida governor’s office in over 25 years.
Experts say the race may get closer, but Donalds is still the favorite to win in November.
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NHS leaders warn that care for autism and ADHD is becoming disorganized as costs rise sharply and many new private providers enter the market. They say the system is expensive, inconsistent, and hard to regulate, which could harm patients and waste taxpayer money.
Key Facts
The NHS Alliance represents health managers and says the current autism and ADHD care system is a "bad deal" for patients and taxpayers.
Costs for assessments and care vary widely, with one health board paying between £300 and £3,000 for similar services.
There has been a big increase in private and charity providers offering services, sometimes causing difficulty in checking care quality and safety.
An independent government review on autism, ADHD, and mental health services is expected soon, promising a new national plan.
The NHS has a "right to choose" policy allowing patients to get care from both NHS and non-NHS providers to reduce long waiting lists.
Spending has increased sharply; one board’s costs rose 10 times in one year to £1.5 million a month.
Another board’s annual spending jumped from £4 million to £30 million in two years.
Providers doing only assessments do not have to be registered with the Care Quality Commission, making regulation harder.
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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated Covid-19 vaccines targeting the dominant XFG variant. These vaccines from Moderna, Novavax-Sanofi, and Pfizer-BioNTech can now be distributed to people at higher risk, mainly those 65 and older or younger individuals with certain health conditions.
Key Facts
The FDA approved updated Covid vaccines to target the XFG variant.
Moderna, Novavax-Sanofi, and Pfizer-BioNTech are the manufacturers of the updated vaccines.
Vaccines are for people 65 and older, and younger people with health conditions that increase Covid risk.
Age approvals vary: Moderna for children 6 months and older, Pfizer-BioNTech for age 5 and older, Novavax-Sanofi for age 12 and older.
The Trump administration changed vaccine recommendations last fall, advising vaccinations based on personal choice.
The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel is currently inactive, causing uncertainty about future vaccine recommendations.
It is unclear if health insurers will cover the updated vaccines without CDC panel recommendations.
Covid-19 activity in the US is currently low but has been increasing slightly in recent weeks.
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Wisconsin politicians joked about President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America." They made light of the idea by talking about renaming Lake Michigan, another large lake near Wisconsin. The order came during ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America."
This change relates to trade tensions between the United States and Canada.
Wisconsin politicians made jokes about also changing the name of Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes and is located near Wisconsin.
The renaming order was announced on a Thursday.
The order is part of President Trump’s efforts connected to U.S. trade policies.
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