US Politics

BBC asks court to throw out Trump’s $10B defamation case

The BBC is asking a Florida court to dismiss a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Court filings show the British public broadcaster argues the Florida court lacks jurisdiction over a UK-based media entity. The case centers on BBC coverage that Trump claims damaged his reputation and seeks substantial damages. The court will review whether it has authority over the BBC before addressing any underlying defamation issues.

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Powell confirms Fed received DOJ subpoenas over building renovations

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the U.S. Department of Justice served subpoenas on the central bank over building renovation matters ahead of his June 2025 Senate Banking Committee testimony. The subpoenas, according to Powell, warned of a possible criminal indictment tied to issues expected to arise during the hearing. He did not identify specific projects, individuals, or statutes under review. The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the investigation, and no charges have been announced. Lawmakers plan to question Powell on monetary policy, internal operations, and oversight of renovation contracts at Fed facilities.

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Trump briefed on new options for military strikes in Iran, source says

President Donald Trump received a classified briefing on new U.S. military strike options against Iran, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The review of potential responses came as tensions with Tehran remained high and U.S. officials monitored Iran’s internal security actions and regional activities. On Friday, Trump publicly stated that if the Iranian government resumed “killing people like they have in the past,” the United States “would get involved,” signaling a possible red line tied to large-scale violence against civilians. Officials did not confirm any decision to carry out strikes.

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Omar slams quick judgments on Minneapolis shooting as inappropriate

Representative Ilhan Omar, speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” urged caution in public reaction to a Minneapolis shooting, saying it is “not acceptable” to make early judgments or label a mother of three as a “domestic terrorist” before the investigation is complete. The case has prompted debate among officials, legal analysts, and community groups over due process, media language, and how quickly the public should form conclusions while law enforcement continues its inquiry.

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Venezuela starts freeing political prisoners, Trump says

U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela has begun a process to release political prisoners, linking the move to his earlier decision to halt a “second wave of attacks” on the country. His remarks referenced cooperation from Venezuelan authorities but did not include specific details or independent verification. The Venezuelan government has long denied holding political prisoners, while human rights groups and opposition figures report detentions of government critics. The statement drew renewed attention to the impact of U.S. pressure and sanctions on Venezuela and the status of detainees in the country.

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5 states sue Trump administration over freeze on social services funds

Five U.S. states, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a federal decision to freeze funding for social services programs. The states allege the move is an unconstitutional abuse of power and violates the separation of powers by blocking congressionally approved funds. The case centers on the administration’s authority to withhold money used for child welfare, disability support, mental health services and aid for low-income families, and could shape how future administrations handle federal funding for state-run social services.

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Trump lays out Venezuela oil strategy as Senate moves war powers measure

President Donald Trump outlines a Venezuela oil strategy as the U.S. Senate advances a bipartisan war powers measure following the overnight capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The article details Trump’s energy-focused approach to Venezuelan crude, examines the Senate’s push to curb unilateral presidential military action, and reports on growing scrutiny of the legal basis for recent operations. It also covers concerns in Congress about separation of powers, regional stability in Latin America, and the role of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves in shaping future U.S. policy and global energy markets.

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Minneapolis removes memorial barrier honoring Renee Good

City crews in Minneapolis removed a barrier surrounding a memorial for Renee Good, a woman identified by a U.S. official after an ICE officer fatally shot her in south Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the shooting. City leaders said Good had been acting as a legal observer monitoring federal actions in the city. The memorial remains at the site, with flowers and messages still present. Federal and local authorities have not yet released full investigative findings or details about the ICE officer involved.

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