Attorney General Todd Blanche has responded to lawsuits filed by immigration judges who were fired under President Donald Trump’s administration. The judges claim their removal was discriminatory, but the Department of Justice argues the judges can be removed at any time and the lawsuits lack legal grounds.
Key Facts
Over 100 immigration judges have been removed since President Trump returned to office in January last year.
The Trump administration is changing the immigration court system to focus on stricter immigration enforcement and deportations.
Immigration courts are part of the Department of Justice, which handles judge appointments and removals.
Immigration judges serve a two-year probationary term before potentially receiving a permanent position.
Some fired judges claim they were removed due to race, ethnicity, gender, or their prior work with immigrants.
One judge, Carla Espinoza, alleges discrimination because of her Hispanic surname and past work, but DOJ lawyers say her lawsuit does not show clear legal violation.
DOJ attorneys argue immigration judges are “inferior officers” who can be removed by the Attorney General at any time.
The legal battle continues over how much independence immigration judges have under the current administration’s policies.
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Democratic advisers want candidates to concentrate on topics like the economy, foreign policy, and government ethics in the upcoming midterm elections. Meanwhile, leaders from both parties are trying to make the House ethics process simpler, although some people worry it could be used for political advantage.
Key Facts
Democratic consultants recommend focusing on economic issues, foreign policy, and ethics for the midterms.
Leaders from both parties in the House are working together on ethics process changes.
The goal is to make the House ethics system more efficient.
Some members are concerned that changes could lead to political misuse.
The midterm elections are upcoming and important for party control of Congress.
Government ethics refers to rules about honesty and fairness for elected officials.
Bipartisan means involving both major political parties.
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Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, a Democrat, is behind his challenger Helena Foulkes in a recent poll ahead of the Democratic primary election. The poll shows Foulkes leading McKee by 15 percentage points.
Key Facts
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is running for re-election in the Democratic primary.
Helena Foulkes, a former CVS health official, is challenging McKee.
A new poll was conducted by Emerson College Polling and WPRI-TV 12.
The poll shows Foulkes with 45% support.
McKee has less support than Foulkes, trailing by 15 points.
The poll reflects voter preferences before the upcoming primary election.
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A man flying from Hawaii was stopped by TSA agents after an X-ray showed what looked like two guns in his carry-on bag. It turned out to be a wall hanging with plastic guns that his father had given him, and the situation was quickly cleared up.
Key Facts
The man is Dr. Jay Calvert, a plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills.
TSA agents found the X-ray of his bag suspicious because it showed two gun-like objects.
The objects were part of a wall hanging with plastic guns and the words, “We Don't Call 911.”
Realistic replica firearms are banned from carry-on luggage but may be allowed in checked bags.
TSA agents opened Calvert’s bag, discovered the non-metal wall hanging, and resolved the situation.
TSA stops many firearms at airport checkpoints, with 6,678 guns intercepted in 2024 so far.
Toy guns are usually allowed, but items that look very real may be stopped.
Replica explosives are banned in all luggage types by TSA.
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About 1,000 years ago, people living in what is now northern Georgia used cacao from Central America in their feasts. Archaeologists found chemical traces and ancient DNA of cacao on broken pots from a site called Etowah, showing that these Indigenous people had trade routes reaching over 3,000 kilometers.
Key Facts
Archaeologists found cacao residue and DNA on ancient potsherds at Etowah, near present-day Atlanta, Georgia.
Cacao only grows in tropical areas, meaning it had to be traded from Central America.
The Mississippian culture built large earthen mounds at Etowah and had wide trade networks.
The pots date back to the 11th century, during the building of Etowah’s first platform mound.
Chemical tests showed substances typical of cacao, not just local yaupon holly tea.
This discovery is the first proof that Etowah’s people traded with the Maya region.
The findings suggest long-distance trade connections existed in the early days of Etowah.
Similar cacao use was found at Chaco Canyon in New Mexico around the same time.
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An ICE officer, Christian Castro, charged with shooting a man and lying about it during a Minneapolis immigration raid, was released from a Texas jail after a judge blocked his extradition to Minnesota. Minnesota officials want him returned to face charges but Texas authorities have delayed the process due to an ongoing state investigation.
Key Facts
Christian Castro, an ICE officer, is charged with assault and lying about the shooting of Julio César Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis in January.
Castro allegedly fired a gun through a front door, hitting Sosa-Celis in the leg, and falsely reported that Sosa-Celis and another man attacked him.
Minnesota issued a nationwide arrest warrant in May, and Texas authorities arrested Castro later that month.
Minnesota is seeking Castro’s extradition, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott has not approved it yet.
A federal judge ruled that the court cannot force Texas to return Castro or block his release from jail.
Texas law requires release after 90 days in jail without extradition, so Castro was set free on that basis.
Minnesota officials fear Castro may flee to Mexico, citing phone calls he made while jailed.
Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison said they will keep trying to resolve the case legally.
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Rapper Jelly Roll responded to criticism after making jokes about President Donald Trump on the TV show "Kimmel Live!" He told fans who were upset and said they would stop listening to his music that they could "go right ahead."
Key Facts
Jelly Roll made jokes about President Donald Trump during an appearance on "Kimmel Live!"
Some fans reacted negatively to these jokes.
Jelly Roll told those fans that it was okay if they stopped listening to his music.
The phrase he used was “go right ahead.”
The situation caused a backlash, meaning some listeners were unhappy.
Jelly Roll addressed the criticism directly with his fans.
The event involved public reactions to political humor on a late-night talk show.
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Dr. Adam Kalkstein, the only climate scientist teaching at West Point, was fired after he refused to stop teaching about the human causes of climate change. He filed a lawsuit against West Point, claiming the firing violated his right to free speech and that the military academy was suppressing academic freedom.
Key Facts
Dr. Adam Kalkstein taught geography and climate science to army cadets at West Point for 17 years.
West Point ordered him to remove lessons about human causes of climate change from his curriculum.
Kalkstein had a heated meeting with Brig Gen Shane Reeves, then dean of West Point’s academic board, who said President Donald Trump set the agenda for the academy.
Kalkstein refused to comply, saying suppressing this information was immoral and like teaching law without mentioning the constitution.
He was fired after the spring semester of 2026 and filed a lawsuit claiming violation of his First Amendment rights.
Another West Point professor, Tim Bakken, also sued over a policy requiring civilian faculty to get approval before publishing or speaking publicly.
West Point acknowledged the allegations but has not commented due to ongoing litigation.
Kalkstein’s lawyer stated Kalkstein is a conservative Republican who believes teaching the truth about climate change is important for national security.
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The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is nearing its end with closing arguments expected soon. Medical experts have given testimonies that support different views about the case.
Key Facts
The trial is about a murder case involving Lindsay Clancy.
Closing arguments are happening soon, marking the trial’s conclusion.
Medical experts testified during the trial.
Their expert views differ and support opposing sides in the case.
Legal analyst Rebecca Roiphe shared insights about the final day of testimony.
The case coverage is available through CBS News and its app.
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An ICE officer named Christian Castro, accused of shooting a Venezuelan man in Minnesota, was released from a Texas jail after a judge refused to extradite him. This incident happened during an immigration operation earlier this year.
Key Facts
Christian Castro is an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
He is accused of shooting a Venezuelan man in the leg.
The shooting occurred during an immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
Castro was held in a jail in Texas.
A judge decided not to force his extradition from Texas to Minnesota.
After the judge’s decision, Castro was released from custody early in the morning.
The case relates to events from earlier this year.
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The article discusses how the United States can learn from Denmark's public health system but argues that copying Denmark’s approach to vaccines is not the best choice for the U.S.
Key Facts
Denmark has a strong public health system.
The U.S. can learn useful lessons from Denmark's health strategies.
The article suggests that Denmark’s vaccine policies are not suitable for the U.S.
Vaccine strategies vary between countries due to different needs and conditions.
Public health improvements involve more than just vaccine programs.
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Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, announced it is her last day in the role. She said there are several possible candidates to replace her, but President Donald Trump has not made a decision yet.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is leaving her job as White House press secretary.
She confirmed it is her final day in this role.
There is a list of possible replacements for her position.
No official decision has been made on who will take over.
President Donald Trump will choose the next press secretary.
Leavitt emphasized that the choice is fully up to the president.
She spoke about this on a Thursday.
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House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford said the intelligence community should work together in a "joint service environment" with open communication. He compared this idea to the cooperative efforts that happened after the 9/11 attacks to improve how the U.S. tracks threats like drones.
Key Facts
Rick Crawford is the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee.
He supports a "joint service environment" where different agencies share information freely.
This approach aims to improve communication and cooperation among intelligence groups.
Crawford referenced the post-9/11 joint efforts as a model.
The goal is to better track threats such as drones.
The statement was made on a Wednesday.
The focus is on preparing for future conflicts through collaboration.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told lawmakers that his 2019 trip to Samoa was not related to vaccines. However, new documents show he asked the Samoan prime minister about studying vaccines before a measles outbreak, contradicting his statements.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Samoa in 2019 before a deadly measles outbreak.
He told Congress his trip had nothing to do with vaccines.
New documents reveal he wrote a letter to Samoa's prime minister about studying measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.
The letter mentioned vaccines or vaccination eight times.
Two children died after receiving vaccines in Samoa before the outbreak.
Kennedy was an anti-vaccine activist when he made the trip.
During his confirmation, Kennedy promised to keep existing vaccine policies.
After taking office, he tried to change vaccine policies.
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Rent prices in Manhattan reached new record highs in July 2026, with the average rent exceeding $6,600 monthly. The supply of rental units declined, making it harder for renters to find affordable housing, a challenge for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s efforts to make the city more affordable.
Key Facts
Average monthly rent in Manhattan in July 2026 was $4,088 for a studio and $12,228 for a three-bedroom.
The median rent in Manhattan was $5,295, the highest ever recorded.
Rental inventory in Manhattan dropped 22% compared to July 2025.
Brooklyn’s median rent decreased 2.1% from June 2026 but was still up 1% from the previous year.
New York City’s overall rental vacancy rate was 1.4%, the lowest since 1968.
Over half of NYC households were rent-burdened in 2024, meaning they spent a large part of income on rent.
Supply and demand issues: fewer available apartments amid increased demand caused rising rents.
Mayor Mamdani’s plan includes building 200,000 new affordable homes over 10 years and preserving another 200,000 existing affordable units to address the housing shortage.
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Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the man accused of planning the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, will face trial in a US military court in June 2028. He has been held at the Guantanamo Bay military base since 2006 after being captured in 2003.
Key Facts
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is accused of being the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks.
His trial is scheduled to begin on June 5, 2028, at a military court in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Mohammed was one of Osama bin Laden’s top aides before his capture in Pakistan in 2003.
He was held in secret CIA prisons for three years before moving to Guantanamo Bay.
He has admitted to planning the 9/11 attacks from start to finish.
The 9/11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
His trial has been delayed multiple times, and a plea deal that would avoid the death penalty was withdrawn last year.
Guantanamo Bay is a US naval base used to hold terror suspects captured after 9/11, with only a few prisoners remaining today.
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The number of people in the U.S. applying for unemployment benefits fell to 203,000 last week, staying near historic lows. Layoffs remain rare, and the job market is stable, with unemployment at 4.1% partly due to fewer people looking for work.
Key Facts
Last week, 203,000 people applied for unemployment benefits, down from 207,000 the week before.
The four-week average of claims slightly rose to 205,500.
Claims for jobless benefits are a key sign of layoffs and help predict job market trends.
The U.S. unemployment rate is currently low at 4.1%.
President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and many baby boomers retiring have reduced the number of job seekers.
Companies are avoiding layoffs but also hiring slowly, creating a "no hire, no fire" market.
Employers have added about 61,000 jobs per month so far this year, better than last year but still lower than in previous years.
The upcoming August jobs report is expected to show about 65,000 new jobs added in the month.
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Jurors in Massachusetts are hearing closing arguments in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three children in 2023. Her defense says she had postpartum psychosis, a serious mental health condition after childbirth, while prosecutors say she planned the killings.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the deaths of her three children in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Both sides agree she caused the deaths, but disagree on her mental state.
Clancy’s defense claims she had postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe mental illness after childbirth.
Postpartum psychosis affects about 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 women after giving birth.
This condition can cause people to lose touch with reality and may lead to harming themselves or others in severe cases.
Clancy’s team has filed lawsuits against medical providers for not diagnosing or treating her properly.
Prosecutors argue that Clancy planned the killings on purpose.
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Meta agreed to pay $18 billion to settle claims that it made Facebook and Instagram addictive to children and misled users about safety. The settlement includes new rules to limit kids’ time on the platforms, but Meta denies wrongdoing and will spread payments over ten years.
Key Facts
Meta settled with 52 US attorneys general over child online safety claims.
The $18 billion payment will be spread over a decade.
Meta denies it did anything wrong in this case.
Under-18 users will have a two-hour daily limit by default on Facebook and Instagram.
The platforms will block access overnight for minors unless parents change settings.
Notifications will be muted during school hours for teens.
Teenagers will receive reminders about their screen time from Meta’s platforms.
About one-third of the settlement depends on TikTok and YouTube making similar changes and payments.
Florida’s attorney general has rejected the deal and plans to continue litigation.
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A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Christian Castro, charged in a shooting in Minneapolis, was released from a Texas jail after a judge denied Minnesota's request to keep him detained. The shooting involved a Venezuelan migrant, and Minnesota wants Castro extradited, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott has not approved the extradition.
Key Facts
Christian Castro, an ICE agent, shot a Venezuelan migrant in the leg during an operation in Minneapolis on January 14.
Castro faces charges in Minnesota of four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.
Investigators used video footage to challenge Castro’s claim that he was attacked before the shooting.
Castro was arrested in Texas on May 29 and held in Cameron County Jail.
Minnesota officials requested a temporary restraining order to stop Castro’s release, but a federal judge denied it.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has not signed the extradition papers and has asked for an investigation into the request.
Minnesota officials are concerned Castro might flee to Mexico, citing phone calls he made from jail.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says Castro will face justice in Minnesota despite his release from Texas jail.
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