US News - The Actual News

What is a universal injunction and how did the Supreme Court limit its use?

June 27, 2025

The Supreme Court has decided to limit the use of "universal injunctions," which are court orders stopping government actions nationwide. This decision means that individual judges will have less power to block executive actions, affecting how policies are enforced nationwide.

Key Facts:

A universal injunction is a court order that stops the government from enforcing a law or policy against anyone, not just the people involved in the case.
The Supreme Court's decision reduces the power of federal judges to issue these injunctions.
A case related to birthright citizenship led to this decision, where judges had previously stopped President Trump's executive order with a universal injunction.
The ruling does not address whether the executive order violated any laws, only the judges' power to block it nationwide.
Universal injunctions have become more common in the last decade with more executive orders from recent presidents.
Some Supreme Court justices have previously criticized universal injunctions because they were not commonly used before the 1960s.
A law from 1937 aimed to reduce the power of single judges in similar cases, but its scope was reduced in 1976.
The decision is considered a victory for the Trump administration, allowing more freedom to implement its policies.

Source Information

NPR Home

WATCH LIVE: Trump meets with officials from Rwanda and DRC after signing of peace deal

June 27, 2025

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement to help end long-standing conflict in eastern Congo. The deal, supported by the U.S., is expected to improve access to important minerals needed for technology.

Key Facts:

Congo and Rwanda signed a peace deal on Friday.
The goal is to end ongoing fighting in eastern Congo.
The U.S. helped facilitate this agreement.
The U.S. is interested in gaining access to minerals needed for technology.
President Donald Trump will meet with officials from Congo and Rwanda.
The deal follows over 30 years of conflict in the region.
Many view the agreement as important but not a quick fix to stopping the violence.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

5 things to know after the Supreme Court said states can block Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding

June 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that states can block Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. Medicaid is a health program for people with low incomes. It covers services like birth control and cancer screenings, but not abortions in many cases. This ruling allows states to stop funding Planned Parenthood for non-abortion-related services.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruling lets states stop Medicaid money from going to Planned Parenthood.
Medicaid is a health insurance program for people with lower incomes.
Medicaid funds often can't be used for abortions, but they can cover other services like birth control and cancer screenings.
The decision stems from a 2018 South Carolina order stopping Medicaid payments to abortion providers.
The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling said patients can't always sue to use Medicaid with specific providers.
Some people support the ruling as a financial and moral victory against abortion.
Others argue it reduces access to important health services for disadvantaged groups.
Planned Parenthood has received about $90,000 a year from Medicaid in South Carolina.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Judge orders Abrego Garcia to remain in jail after his lawyers raise deportation concerns

June 27, 2025

A federal judge in Tennessee decided that Kilmar Abrego Garcia must stay in jail for now. His lawyers asked for this because they are worried he might be deported if he is released. Abrego Garcia was previously deported by mistake and is now facing charges related to human smuggling.

Key Facts:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is currently in jail in Tennessee.
His lawyers asked for him to stay in jail to avoid possible deportation upon release.
He was mistakenly deported to El Salvador for three months earlier this year.
Abrego Garcia is facing federal charges for human smuggling.
U.S. officials have given different statements about whether he would be deported if released.
A U.S. judge originally ordered his release on bail, saying he was not a flight risk or danger.
Immigration authorities, known as ICE, plan to deport him regardless of trial outcomes.
Abrego Garcia's previous deportation was due to an "administrative error."

Source Information

NPR Home

US Supreme Court limits courts’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions

June 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that lower courts probably went beyond their power by stopping presidential actions with nationwide bans, affecting the balance between judicial and executive authority. This decision is related to injunctions aimed at blocking President Trump's efforts to change birthright citizenship rules.

Key Facts:

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that lower courts overused their authority with nationwide injunctions.
Nationwide injunctions are court orders that aim to stop actions across the entire country.
The decision focused on orders trying to block President Trump's changes to birthright citizenship.
Birthright citizenship is a law that grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
The ruling was divided along political lines, with six conservative justices in the majority.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion.
The decision means that nationwide injunctions may only apply to specific cases, not everywhere.
This ruling could impact other cases where Trump's policies were halted by lower courts.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Political violence is quintessentially American

June 27, 2025

The article discusses the history and current state of political violence in the United States. It highlights several recent violent incidents involving public figures and mentions that such violence is often linked to racism and political motivations.

Key Facts:

The US has a history of violence connected to its founding and political actions.
Several violent incidents occurred in June, including shootings and political detentions.
On June 14, a vigilante killed two people and wounded others in Minnesota.
During a protest in Utah, misfired shots accidentally killed a fashion designer.
A shooting in Texas on June 1 targeted a gay Indigenous actor.
Political figures, including a US Senator, faced forcible detention by Secret Service agents in June.
Political leaders often respond with statements condemning violence, but such statements are seen as ineffective.
The US has a history of political violence, including the assassinations of several presidents and other public figures.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

WATCH LIVE: Rubio hosts peace deal signing ceremony between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo

June 27, 2025

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a peace deal in Washington, facilitated by the United States, to address ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement aims to stop fighting and includes provisions for disarming non-state armed groups. This deal may also open up U.S. access to valuable minerals in the region.

Key Facts:

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will sign a peace deal organized by the U.S.
The signing is scheduled to take place in Washington.
Congo has been affected by conflicts involving more than 100 armed groups, including the M23 rebels.
The agreement focuses on stopping hostilities and disarming non-state armed groups.
The U.N. has described the situation in eastern Congo as a severe humanitarian crisis.
The peace deal may help U.S. companies access minerals critical to technology.
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 rebels and says it defends its interests.
Analysts say the U.S. may use this deal to counter China's influence in Congo's mineral sector.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

The Supreme Court gives Trump a wave of victories in a blockbuster final week

June 27, 2025

The Supreme Court delivered several rulings that favored the Trump administration in its final week of the term. The decisions included limitations on universal injunctions, maintaining provisions of Obamacare, upholding a Texas law on age verification for adult websites, and allowing parental opt-outs from school classes with certain content.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to limit universal injunctions, which are court orders that apply across the entire country.
The court blocked the enforcement of an executive order on birthright citizenship for 30 days while further legal proceedings occur.
A ruling required schools to allow parents to remove their children from classes that conflict with their religious beliefs, such as those involving LGBTQ content or evolution.
The court upheld a key part of the Affordable Care Act, ensuring free preventive healthcare services for around 150 million people.
The decision on Obamacare was supported by a mix of conservative and liberal justices.
A Texas law requiring age verification for people accessing adult websites was supported in a 6-3 decision.
Critics of the Texas law argue it imposes unnecessary restrictions on adult access to content.

Source Information

NPR Home

Supreme Court calls for new arguments in case on Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district

June 27, 2025

The Supreme Court has delayed a decision on creating a second Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana and will hold new arguments in the fall. This case is important because it could affect how race is considered in drawing voting maps and how redistricting lawsuits are handled under the Voting Rights Act.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court postponed its decision on a congressional district case in Louisiana and ordered new arguments for the fall.
The case deals with creating a second congressional district with a Black majority.
Some conservative justices may want to make it more difficult to file redistricting lawsuits using the Voting Rights Act.
The decision could impact how race is considered in making voting districts.
Justice Clarence Thomas wanted to limit race-based decisions in redistricting immediately.
The Supreme Court has been involved in this case twice, and two maps were blocked by lower courts.
The current district for Democratic Rep. Cleo Fields is likely to remain the same for upcoming elections.
Louisiana has changed its election process to primary elections in spring and a final election in November.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Environmental groups sue to block migrant detention center rising in Florida Everglades

June 27, 2025

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the construction of a migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades. They argue that federal law requires a detailed environmental review and public input before the project can proceed.

Key Facts:

A lawsuit was filed on Friday to block the building of a migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades.
The center is being built on an airstrip in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Environmental groups claim the project needs a strict environmental review by law.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Miami.
Governor Ron DeSantis called the center “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The state plans to use heavy-duty tents, trailers, and temporary buildings for the center.
The center is intended to process people who entered the U.S. without legal permission.
Several federal and state agencies are named in the lawsuit.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Supreme Court upholds program providing internet access to rural Americans

June 27, 2025

The Supreme Court ruled to keep a program that helps provide internet and phone services to remote and underserved areas in the U.S. in place. The court decided 6-3 in favor of the program, stating that it does not violate the Constitution, despite challenges from conservative groups.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court voted 6-3 to support a program providing subsidized internet and phone services.
This program supports rural healthcare providers, schools, libraries, and low-income individuals.
The program is managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The decision ensures that rural and underserved communities continue to have internet and telecommunications access.
Conservative groups argued that the FCC was collecting taxes, which only Congress can do.
The Universal Service Fund was created under the 1996 Communications Act to support telecom services in rural areas.
The FCC collects payments from telecom companies to support the fund, amounting to $8 billion.
Justices Gorsuch, Alito, and Thomas disagreed with the majority decision.

Source Information

NPR Home

Read the full Supreme Court ruling allowing parents to pull their kids from lessons using LGBTQ+ storybooks

June 27, 2025

The Supreme Court ruled that Maryland parents who object for religious reasons can remove their children from public school lessons involving LGBTQ storybooks. This decision reversed earlier court decisions in favor of the Montgomery County school system. Though the ruling is not final, it suggests the parents will likely win the case.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court decision allows parents to opt their kids out of lessons involving LGBTQ storybooks if they have religious objections.
This ruling reversed previous decisions by lower courts that supported the school system.
The court strongly indicated that the parents' position will likely prevail in the end.
The storybooks, such as “Prince & Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” were introduced in 2022 to reflect the school's diversity.
Recently, more books have been banned in public schools and libraries, influenced by certain groups advocating for parental input.
Initially, parents could opt out their children from these lessons, but the school board later changed this policy, leading to protests and a legal case.
The case involved three justices who reside in the county, though their children did not attend public schools there.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Supreme Court postpones Louisiana redistricting case to next term

June 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court will discuss Louisiana's redistricting plan next term. The main concern is whether the state unfairly used race to draw a new congressional district. Previously, a similar issue in Alabama was ruled illegal by the court.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court will review Louisiana's congressional district map next term.
The issue is whether Louisiana created a Black-majority district unfairly based on race.
A group of "non-African American" voters claim the districting is racial gerrymandering.
Louisiana has six congressional seats and about one-third of its population is Black.
The state initially created only one majority-Black district after the 2020 Census.
Alabama was previously found guilty of diluting the Black vote in a similar situation.
Louisiana redrew its map to include a second majority-Black district after court losses.
The Republican legislature aimed to secure seats for key GOP lawmakers in the new map.

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NPR Home

WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news conference after Supreme Court rules for limiting nationwide injunctions

June 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that judges cannot issue nationwide injunctions, but they did not clarify how this affects President Trump's rules on birthright citizenship. The court also plans to announce outcomes on several important cases related to Trump's policies.

Key Facts:

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that individual judges do not have the power to issue nationwide injunctions.
The decision did not specify what happens to President Trump's birthright citizenship rules.
President Trump is expected to speak about this issue later today.
The Supreme Court will release decisions on several remaining cases before summer, including emergency appeals related to Trump's policies.
These emergencies include cases on birthright citizenship and a Texas law about online age verification.
Other cases involve the firing of nearly 1,400 Education Department workers and government job cuts related to DOGE.
Decisions on emergency cases are issued quickly and usually without detailed explanations from the justices.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Supreme Court sides with Texas' age verification law for porn sites

June 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that Texas can require age verification for users to access websites with sexually explicit content. This law aims to protect minors by ensuring people prove they are at least 18 before accessing such material. The decision was made with a 6-3 vote, despite concerns about its impact on adults' access to content.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for websites with explicit content.
The law requires proof of age, typically through a government-issued ID, for anyone trying to access these sites.
The law aims to prevent minors (under 18) from accessing explicit material online.
The court's decision followed a 6-3 vote along ideological lines.
Critics argue the law is vague and could limit adults' access to constitutionally protected content.
Opponents claim the law does not adequately protect users' privacy or data.
The law exempts search engines and social media platforms from these requirements.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals previously upheld the law, stating it served the rational purpose of protecting children.

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NPR Home

Supreme Court rules for religious opt-outs for kids in public schools

June 27, 2025

The Supreme Court ruled that public schools must allow parents to excuse their children from classes when the lessons go against their religious beliefs. This decision came from a case concerning a Maryland school system where parents wanted to opt their children out of classes using LGBTQ storybooks.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court made a 6-3 decision to allow religious opt-outs for children in public schools.
The ruling affects how schools handle course material that conflicts with parents' religious beliefs.
The case involved the Montgomery County school system in Maryland, noted for its diverse religious population.
Parents sued because they wanted to opt their children out of classes with LGBTQ-related reading material.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the parents' religious freedom claims are likely valid, according to the First Amendment.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the dissent, warned about the potential impact on children's exposure to diverse ideas.
The school board initially allowed opt-outs but found them difficult to manage, leading to their removal.
Some parents believe mandatory participation in such lessons violates their religious rights.

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NPR Home

NPR analyzes the Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship

June 27, 2025

A Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship is being discussed by NPR's Steve Inskeep and UVA Law School professor Amanda Frost. They talk about how this decision might impact different states.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court made a decision about birthright citizenship.
NPR's Steve Inskeep is discussing the decision with Amanda Frost, a professor at UVA Law School.
Birthright citizenship is the idea that people born in a country automatically become citizens of that country.
The discussion covers how this decision could affect various states.
The conversation is available as an audio segment from NPR.

Source Information

NPR Home

Supreme Court rules Maryland parents can pull their children from public school lessons that use LGBTQ storybooks

June 27, 2025

The Supreme Court decided that Maryland parents can remove their children from public school lessons using LGBTQ storybooks if they have religious objections. This ruling reversed previous decisions that favored the school district and means that schools likely cannot force young children to sit through these lessons if parents object due to their religious beliefs.

Key Facts:

The ruling involves parents in Maryland who object to LGBTQ storybooks on religious grounds.
The Supreme Court overturned lower court rulings that supported the Montgomery County school system.
The decision suggests that parents will likely win the case in the end.
The school district introduced books like “Prince & Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding” in 2022 to reflect diversity.
Pen America noted more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.
Parents initially could opt out of such lessons, but the school board later stopped allowing this, which led to a lawsuit.
Sex education is the only subject in Montgomery schools where students can be excused.
The Supreme Court has frequently supported religious discrimination claims in recent years.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Supreme Court upholds key Obamacare measure on preventive care

June 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court decided to support an important part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which helps around 150 million people get free preventive health services. The decision lets a task force keep deciding which services are free under the ACA. The ruling was 6-3, with some conservative and liberal justices agreeing.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court upheld a key part of the Affordable Care Act related to free preventive health services.
The decision impacts approximately 150 million people who benefit from these free health services.
The court's ruling was 6-3, with Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Barrett and Kavanaugh joining the liberal justices.
The case involved a task force that determines which preventive services are free under the ACA.
Two lower courts initially found the appointment of task force members unconstitutional, but the Supreme Court disagreed.
The decision supports continued free coverage for services like HIV prevention, cancer screenings, and immunizations.
The lawsuit was brought by individuals and businesses opposed to specific ACA mandates for religious reasons.
The court clarified that the task force members are not principal officers, meaning they can be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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NPR Home

What to know about the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship case

June 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding a case that considers whether a single federal judge can stop a presidential order from being enforced across the entire country. This case arises from former President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, which lower courts halted with nationwide injunctions. The main focus is on whether these injunctions, which have blocked parts of Trump's policies, should be allowed.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court is reviewing if a federal judge can issue nationwide injunctions to block presidential orders.
The case is linked to Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, temporarily stopped by lower courts.
Nationwide injunctions are court orders that stop government actions from taking effect across the entire country.
There have been about 40 court injunctions filed this year against various Trump policies.
Some Supreme Court justices, both conservative and liberal, question the fairness of nationwide injunctions.
Opponents of injunctions argue they allow a single judge to block policies and encourage "forum shopping."
Supporters of injunctions believe they are necessary to prevent unchecked executive power and protect individuals.
Injunctions have been used to stop Trump’s policies before they became effective nationwide.

Source Information

BBC World