Supreme Court rules ex-presidents have broad immunity, dimming chance of a pre-election Trump trial
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice John Roberts states that U.S. presidential power entitles ex-presidents to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. However, Roberts also specifies that there is no immunity for unofficial acts. The Supreme Court has prolonged the delay in the Washington criminal case against ex-President Donald Trump, where he faces charges related to his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. The court’s ruling grants some level of immunity to former presidents from prosecution, and now lower courts are tasked with determining how this decision applies to Trump’s case. Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticizes the decision, arguing that it undermines the principle that no one is above the law. Trump, on the other hand, sees it as a significant victory.
US Supreme Court Latest: Court sends Trump’s immunity case back to lower court
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court has sent Donald Trump’s immunity case back to a lower court in Washington, diminishing the chances of a pre-election trial. In a groundbreaking ruling, the justices have determined that former presidents can be shielded from prosecution for at least some of their actions while in office. Instead of making a final decision themselves, the justices have instructed lower courts to determine how this ruling applies specifically to Trump’s case. Additionally, the court has maintained a hold on attempts in Texas and Florida to restrict how social media platforms regulate user-generated content, sending those cases back to lower courts for further review.
Israel orders Palestinians to evacuate Khan Younis, hinting at the return of troops to the southern Gaza city
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli military has issued a mass evacuation order for Palestinians in the eastern half of Khan Younis, indicating that Israeli troops may soon return to the second-largest city in Gaza. Earlier this year, Israel concluded an operation in Khan Younis and withdrew most of its forces from the area. However, the recent evacuation order suggests that Hamas has regrouped in the region. Simultaneously, Israel has declared that it is in the final stages of a military campaign in the neighboring Gaza city of Rafah.
Beryl strikes as a Category 4 hurricane on the Caribbean island of Carriacou in Grenada
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Beryl has made landfall on the Caribbean island of Carriacou as a dangerous Category 4 storm. This storm is the earliest of its strength to form in the Atlantic, fueled by unprecedented warm waters. Carriacou, one of the islands of Grenada, has reported significant damage from the hurricane, including roofs being blown off in winds reaching up to 150 mph. Hurricane warnings have been issued for Barbados, Grenada, Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as residents seek shelter from the approaching storm.
French far right aims to leverage election victory into political power, while rivals seek to impede its progress in the decisive vote
PARIS (AP) — France’s National Rally, a far-right anti-immigrant party, and its opponents are striving to capitalize on the results of the first round of surprise legislative elections. The official results indicate two possible outcomes for the final round of voting next Sunday: either the National Rally and its allies secure a majority in parliament or fall short, thwarted by opponents aiming to prevent France from having its first far-right government since World War II. Both scenarios present uncertainties for the future of France.
House Republicans file lawsuit against Attorney General Garland over access to Biden special counsel interview audio
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have initiated a lawsuit against Attorney General Merrick Garland to obtain the audio recording of President Joe Biden’s interview with a special counsel regarding his classified documents case. This legal action, which was filed on Monday, seeks to enforce the subpoena issued by Congress and challenges the White House’s decision to withhold the materials. The lawsuit, brought by the House Judiciary Committee, reflects the ongoing partisan conflict over the rule of law, particularly as the 2024 presidential campaign heats up.
Trump ally Steve Bannon surrenders to federal prison to begin serving a 4-month sentence for contempt charges
DANBURY, Conn. (AP) — Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon has surrendered to federal prison to commence serving a four-month sentence for contempt charges related to his defiance of a congressional subpoena regarding the U.S. Capitol attack. Despite being allowed to remain free pending his appeal, a judge ordered Bannon to report to prison on Monday following a court decision upholding his contempt of Congress convictions. Bannon’s appeal will continue, and Republican House leaders are considering intervening to challenge the creation of the Jan. 6 committee.
The Supreme Court maintains the hold on efforts in Texas and Florida to regulate social media platforms
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has upheld the suspension of laws in Texas and Florida aimed at restricting how social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube moderate user-generated content. The cases have been returned to lower courts for further examination following challenges from trade associations representing these platforms. With free speech standards in the digital era being a prominent issue, the justices are grappling with the implications of these laws signed by Republican governors in response to social media companies’ actions following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Under scrutiny for plane safety, Boeing acquires troubled supplier Spirit for $4.7 billion
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Boeing has announced its intention to purchase key supplier Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion, with the goal of enhancing plane quality and safety. This move marks a reversal of Boeing’s longstanding strategy of outsourcing critical work on its passenger planes, a strategy criticized for causing disruptions in production and delivery. Safety concerns have been heightened, particularly after an incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 earlier this year.
Ukraine releases thousands of prisoners to join the fight against Russia
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine is expanding its military recruitment efforts to address shortages on the battlefield during its ongoing conflict with Russia. For the first time, this recruitment includes inmates from the country’s prisons and penal colonies. Prisoners may be granted parole after a thorough review process, and certain categories of serious offenders are ineligible. More than 3,000 prisoners have already been released under this program and have been deployed to military units, as Ukraine continues to combat Russia’s invasion.
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