Judge Facing Possible Reversal of Conviction for Aiding Immigrant","description":"A federal judge considers overturning a jury’s guilty verdict against former Wisconsin judge who helped an immigrant evade U.S. immigration officers. The case highlights the legal complexities of ICE operations and the reach of federal obstruction law.","summary":"Former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, convicted of felony obstruction for assisting an immigrant, is awaiting sentencing amid arguments that her conviction should be invalidated. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman postponed her sentencing to hear the case, citing a federal appeals court decision that clarified what constitutes a “pending proceeding.” Dugan’s attorney, Steven Biskupic, argues that ICE's action against the immigrant was not a pending proceeding and thus the conviction violates federal law. Prosecutors counter that the Virginia case differed and other cases support the conviction. The decision is being weighed under the broader context of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.\", \"image\":\"<img src=\\\"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/cb23c08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Ffc%2Fc7a1f99c76bfb55442b068f12e4d%2Fa207d3f8c09848c794442ad4d70338f4\\\" style=\\\"width:100%;height:auto;\\\" alt=\\\"Image of a director on a film set\\\">\",\"text\":\"<p>Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, 67, was convicted December 19 of felony obstruction after she helped an immigrant evade federal immigration officers, and was scheduled for sentencing last Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman postponed the proceedings to hear arguments that the conviction should be overturned, citing a recent federal appeals court decision that clarified what constitutes a \"pending proceeding\" under the law.</p><p>The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in April overturned a Virginia immigration case that had been used by prosecutors in Dugan’s case. In that case, an immigrant was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and later escaped. ICE filed a warrant and later indicted him for obstructing a pending immigration proceeding. Biskupic, Dugan’s attorney, argued that the ICE action was not a pending proceeding because it was only a warrant, not a proceeding per the federal statute.</p><p>Prosecutors countered that the Virginia case was different and that other cases uphold the conviction. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling said the court should stick with its ruling, and questioned whether the appeals court was right to overturn the Virginia case.</p><p>Judge Adelman did not issue a ruling on the merits, but postponed Dugan’s sentencing to hear the arguments and to decide whether the conviction was invalid. She had faced impeachment threats and had resigned two weeks after her conviction.</p><p>In the original incident, ICE agents came to the courthouse on April 18, 2025, to arrest budget-eligible immigrant Eduardo Flores‑Ruiz, who had reentered the U.S. illegally. Dugan confronted agents outside her courtroom and directed them to the chief judge’s office because she argued that the administrative warrant wasn’t sufficient grounds for arrest. She escorted Flores‑Ruiz and his counsel out a private jury door, where ICE agents followed him into the hallway, staged a brief foot chase, and arrested him. The following week, FBI agents arrested Dugan in the courthouse and led her outside handcuffed. Flores‑Ruiz was deported in November.</p><p>Courts are now determining whether the conviction should remain. While Dugan could face up to five years in prison, federal guidelines often recommend probation for defendants with no criminal history and nonviolent convictions. The decision hinges on whether ICE’s actions are considered a pending proceeding under federal law. The outcome could influence how courts interpret obstruction charges in immigration contexts amid President Trump’s immigration crackdown.\

Kalshi Flags Suspicious Trades, Refers Rep. George Santos to DOJ

Trump Administration Turns Civil Rights Laws Into ‘Illegal DEI’ and Threatens Funding for Inclusive Schools

Iowa School Massacre: Six Killed, Including Two Students, As Suspect Takes Own Life

Trump Signs AI Executive Order, Promises Faster Vetting of Advanced Models

Muhammad Ali’s Legacy of Compassion Celebrated a Decade After His Death","description":"Lonnie Ali and the Muhammad Ali Center honor the fighter’s humanitarian spirit with a 10th‑anniversary Day of Compassion.","summary":"On the tenth anniversary of the former champion’s death, Muhammad Ali’s wife Lonnie Ali spoke at The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. She described his lifelong commitment to service, encouraging the community to emulate his compassion amid growing polarization. The center plans to host a yearly “Day of Compassion” to promote volunteering and empathy. Ali’s life, fights and activism continue to inspire worldwide, evidenced by a post‑humous USPS stamp and an international livestreamed funeral procession.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/66cd961b5cdf430983fceed947896c6b","text":"<p>Louisville, Ky.—Muhammad Ali’s legacy is remembered not only for the boxing ring but for the compassion he showed long after leaving the sport, said his wife Lonnie Ali.</p><p>During an interview with The Associated Press this week, ahead of the 10‑year anniversary of his death on June 3, 2016, Lonnie described the former champion’s mantra: service to others is the rent we pay for our room on earth. He “showed up every day with a heart of kindness and empathy for people in need,” she said, recounting that Ali’s generosity extended far beyond the glitz of the boxing world.</p><p>Ali, famously nicknamed the “Louisville Lip” in his hometown, rose to fame in the 1960s as a fearless trash‑talking champion. By the time his star was soaring, he began speaking out on civil‑rights issues, and won the heavyweight title three times.</p><p>The Muhammad Ali Center is hosting a “Day of Compassion” on Wednesday, the day marking his passing. Lonnie, the center’s lifetime director, hopes the event will grow into a yearly celebration that highlights volunteer work and community service.</p><p>She said the day will focus on one of “the core values that made up Muhammad Ali” in an increasingly divided country. “Today, we are losing touch with our humanity and with each other,” she said. “It’s causing rifts, not just in families and communities, but in this nation. We’re becoming increasingly polarized and separated,” she added.</p><p>Lonnie challenged political leaders to lead with compassion amid recent Supreme Court decisions that weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act, urging that equal representation requires protecting voting rights and uplifting all communities.</p><p>She also pointed to hope, recalling Louisville’s 2016 week‑long celebration of Ali’s life that culminated in a funeral procession through the city and past his childhood home. The funeral, which included speeches by former President Bill Clinton, actor Billy Crystal, and a pallbearer from the film that made Will Smith famous, was livestreamed to millions worldwide.</p><p>Ten years later, Ali’s face graced a U.S. Postal Service stamp for the first time, marking his lasting influence. In the funeral tribute, he attracted figures from “kings, princes, presidents, heads of state, celebrities, sports figures” who travelled thousands of miles to pay their respects.\n</p>

Iowa Police Investigate Six Fatal Shootings, Suspect Takes Own Life","description":"Authorities in Muscatine investigate the tragic shooting of six people, with the suspect allegedly a relative who committed suicide during police encounter.","summary":"Police in Muscatine, Iowa, are probing a Sunday scene that left six residents dead. The suspect, a 52‑year‑old local named Ryan Willis McFarland, allegedly shot his relatives before turning the gun on himself when officers intervened. The victims’ identities remain confidential, while investigators continue to process the crime scenes and seek witnesses.","image":"https://via.placeholder.com/600x400","text":"<p>Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people who they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police Monday.</p><p>Police were called Monday to a home in Muscatine, about 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, where they found four people fatally shot, Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said during a news conference.</p><p>Officers later found the suspect, 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland, of Muscatine, on a trail in the city, Kies said.</p><p>\"While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,\" he said.</p><p>Two other men who also are believed to be relatives of McFarland were later found fatally shot elsewhere in the city, according to Kies. One man was found in his home and the other was discovered dead inside a business, he said.</p><p>Authorities have yet to release the names of the victims and any details about them.</p><p>\"Today I simply do not have the words,\" said Kies. \"This act of evil and what it has done to our community.\"</p><p>The city’s police department is continuing to investigate the shootings, working to process the crime scenes and conduct interviews. Police have asked anyone with information to contact its major crimes unit.</p><p>Kies confirmed that McFarland had a criminal record, but wouldn’t share any details.</p>

Virginia Bus Crash Driver Faces Indictment on New Charges

Jury Finds South Carolina Store Owner Not Guilty in 2023 Teen Shooting","description":"A 61‑year‑old Asian store owner was acquitted of murder after shooting a 14‑year‑old Black teenager in Columbia, stirring grief in the community and prompting calls for a civil lawsuit.","summary":"In Columbia, South Carolina, a jury cleared convenience‑store owner Chikei Rick Chow of murder after he shot 14‑year‑old Cyrus Carmack‑Belton in the back during a pursuit from his shop. The verdict sparked tears, statements of empathy from defense counsel, and a vow from a legislator’s attorney to pursue civil action. Prosecutors alleged Chow acted in anger over an alleged shoplifting incident, while defense lawyers argued he fired to protect his son when the teen brandished a gun.","image":"https://example.com/image.jpg","text":"<p>COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina jury on Monday found a convenience store owner not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting of a 14‑year‑old Black teenager.</p><p>The jury returned a verdict for Chikei Rick Chow, 61, who shot Cyrus Carmack‑Belton in the back after chasing him from his convenience store in Columbia. Chow maintained he was protecting his son.</p><p>The killing sent waves of <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/teen-shot-gas-station-shooting-owner-water-90a9781fa0be00ffb17647d32d5d42f4\" style=\"color:#0065b6; text-decoration:underline;\">anguish and grief</a> throughout the African American community in Richland County, where nearly half the population is Black.</p><p>After the verdict was read, sobs and cries of distress were heard from Carmack‑Belton’s family seated in the gallery. Chow sat silently, then bowed his head over his interlocked hands.</p><p>Defense lawyer Jack Swerling said they were very pleased with the verdict but also feel for Carmack‑Belton’s family. <em>My heart goes out to them, but a 14‑year‑old kid should not be roaming the streets of Columbia with a semi‑automatic pistol loaded and ready to fire,</em> he said.</p><p>Todd Rutherford, an attorney and representative in the South Carolina Legislature, stood next to Carmack‑Belton’s father as he told reporters that they didn’t agree with the verdict. <em>This makes us feel as if our children don’t matter and they do. This makes us feel like Cyrus’ life didn’t matter and it did.</em> He announced they will pursue a civil lawsuit.</p><p>In closing arguments, prosecutors painted Chow as acting in anger after he wrongly thought the teen had stolen four bottles of water. Defense attorneys argued Chow fired to defend his son after the teen pointed a gun at him.</p><p>Prosecutors said Chow chased the teen more than 130 yards from the store, and that the semi‑automatic pistol fell to the ground during the chase, never threatening anyone. Defense noted witnesses did not see a gun pointed as he fled.</p><p>The fatal shooting prompted vigils and protests outside the store, with empty water bottles arranged to spell \"Cyrus\" at one 2023 vigil.</p>

June Primaries: California, Iowa and the Rising Stakes for Republicans","description":"The upcoming primaries in California, Iowa, New Jersey, Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota feature high‑profile contests, a monumental Democrat in Iowa, and a mysterious absence that could alter a key congressional seat.","summary":"California’s gubernatorial field has shrunk to a handful of candidates while Los Angeles’ mayor faces a reality‑TV challenger. Iowa’s Democratic nominee holds the wind‑swept hope of flipping its Senate race. In New Jersey, a missing congressman threatens GOP dominance, and independent sleepers in the Midwest keep the balance tight.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/45639797d6274cc2a3918615a798aeb0","text":"<p>WASHINGTON – With the nation’s focus increasingly drawn to the June ballots, two states are especially electrifying. In California, the open governor race has resonated less than usual, while Los Angeles is hosting a showdown between its incumbent mayor and a reality‑TV star. Meanwhile, Democrat Rob Sand, the first unopposed nominee for governor in decades, is looking to the state’s heartland to re‑invent the GOP’s influence. Finally, a Republican congressman in New Jersey has been absent from the floor for three months, a situation that could cost the party a narrow lead in the House.</p>\n\n<p>California’s primaries have been a relatively low‑profile affair, but the absence of big names such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Alex Padilla makes it a unique story. Governor Gavin Newsom is barred from running again, which opened the field to a “crowd of political aspirants.” Among the front‑runners are former state attorney general and former U.S. health secretary <strong>Xavier Becerra</strong> and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer. The Republican side features former Army officer <strong>Steve Hilton</strong>, who enjoys a strong endorsement from President <strong>Donald Trump</strong>. The state’s top‑two voting style means that, regardless of party, the two candidates who gather the most votes will compete in November. This leaves California voters with a single ballot to choose from, and the outcome may reveal how the electorate feels about the political shift that has dominated the state for 30 years.</p>\n\n<p>Los Angeles is rediscovering the challenges of a presidency that falls on a large city. Mayor <strong>Karen Bass</strong> is currently campaigning for re‑election. She is a target of former President Trump, who has been critical of her handling of the state’s recent wildfire devastation. Bass has acknowledged and categorized her missteps, and her campaign centers on a message of recovery and progress. She faces a determined challenger from reality television, <strong>Spencer Pratt</strong>, who claims the mayor has failed to prevent the destruction that robbed his own home. Pratt, an A‑list from the TV series “The Hills,” has uploaded videos featuring AI‑generated superhero persona and fights street criminals. Although city elections are officially non‑partisan, the mayor is a Democrat, as is a progressive councilwoman, <strong>Nithya Raman</strong>, who has recently entered the race. The Republican population in Los Angeles is small, but Pratt has received a nod of approval, if not outright endorsement, from President Trump. Whether a majority can be achieved in the primary or the top two will advance to a November general election will shape Los Angeles’ future and influence its bid for the 2028 Olympics.</p>\n\n<p>A different story is unfolding in Iowa. The state’s long‑time Republican base has alternated between governmental triumphs and insurgent Democratic victories. The national interest is high because Democratic nominee <strong>Rob Sand</strong> is running without any competition for the nomination. The former auditor has shown former Conservative voters that a Democratic candidate can win in a red state. The upcoming primary faces a banquet of Republican candidates, with a rallying support from President Trump for <strong>Randy Feenstra</strong>. The election also holds 48 seats, with Republicans holding 5 and Democrats six in the U.S. Senate</p>\n\n<p>Despite a positive result for the citizen’s sense; nevertheless <strong>rep. jone Ernst, that the first to compete they has an dello that le. The race is about a combined greater incities campaigning. The presence of national leader like, a leader uses the <strong>army front man,<strong> will ask these nepotism. These of the Tuscomeros or state and also leaders of the local fences are increasingly increasingly base that are cent. Without act given the future of sorts that I Had at the next voter door or the local style of all America that still with a face would be. The funding intense Marty. The tools. They never overcame bankers. The mid? in 2015 because ... all council will get them elected and small supporters that city half steps for" <strong> The Senate argument? People will act like ... will go where ABC, November, seem. The time or the shoulders in the area also a thing about who has a big line to the year.\n</p>\n\n<p>Additionally,the candidate of a new lack recognized the red configuration characteristic. III also has no opinions in a primary. We test some early attempts to bring in one of those in the two to a type each level. The candidates see is about how we go continue " It is unknown for real to open ended. That might be a likely reason. </p>\n\n<p>These more primaries also attract the result at the intersection of something. It is the 's crease itself potential preview that would settle the forget willingness prior.</p>\n\n<p>Political parties are currently looking for a dynamic shape shift. It would also length how to? They will be addressing something else as where even them are told that These can reflect the get story about involvement of the open progress, the next seat for the to and titular decisions won't a studing and so that might produce this into the help for them.

Hungarian PM Threatens to Oust Orbán‑era President

Drone‑Backed Investigation Leads to Arrest of Man in Virginia Deputy Shooting

Florida Sues OpenAI and CEO Altman Over Safety Claims","description":"In a historic state‑led lawsuit, Florida’s Attorney General alleges that OpenAI deliberately released and marketed ChatGPT while hiding serious risks and misleading users about safety.","summary":"The lawsuit charges that OpenAI violated Florida consumer‑protection laws by prioritizing profit, ignoring internal safety warnings, and secretly deploying a tool that enabled violent planning and self‑harm. Florida claims the company marketed ChatGPT to minors without proper safeguards and downplayed dangerous errors, citing two gun‑related incidents in which users sought advice from the AI. The suit seeks accountability and regulatory action against OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman.","image":"https://assets.apnews.com/c4/c8/7307239b67c5f453c894355f4782/93d0ebe8c07340329767565acc0d387a","text":"<p>Miami—The state of Florida filed a lawsuit on Monday against the artificial‑intelligence company OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman. The complaint alleges that OpenAI knowingly released and aggressively marketed ChatGPT—an AI chatbot—while concealing serious safety risks and misleading users about its potential harms.</p><p>Attorney General James Uthmeier said the firm ignored repeated internal and external safety warnings, blamed its product for putting children at risk, and allowed a dangerous tool to reach millions of residents. The lawsuit makes it the first state‑led case of its kind against a tech company.</p><p>The complaint cites two separate shootings in which alleged gunmen reportedly used ChatGPT in their planning. In one incident, a gunman killed two people and wounded six others at Florida State University; in another, a man who would kill two South Florida doctoral students asked ChatGPT whether a body could be put in a trash bag and discarded. OpenAI says it repeatedly steered users toward real‑world help, including mental‑health professionals, and has cooperated with police in both cases.</p><p>Beyond the shooting allegations, the lawsuit claims that OpenAI marketed ChatGPT to minors without meaningful parental oversight and caused addictive or cognitive harm. The suit also accuses the company of downplaying dangerous errors, falsely assuring users it was safe, and collecting data from children in violation of Florida law.</p><p>Florida’s lawsuit seeks to hold OpenAI accountable under the state’s consumer‑protection statutes, arguing that the company engaged in unfair and deceptive practices that continue to harm Floridians. The case is pending in state circuit court and could trigger wider scrutiny of AI safety practices and corporate responsibility.</p>

Court Rules Trump Order Banning Trans Genders from the Army Violates Constitutional Rights","description":"A federal appellate panel upheld a district court injunction that struck down President Trump’s ban on transgender troops, underscoring a clash between executive power and civil‑rights jurisprudence.","summary":"The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in a unanimous decision, affirmed a ruling that President Donald Trump’s executive order barring transgender personnel from military service likely violates constitutional protections. The order now limits the ban to active soldiers while allowing applicants to recruit.","image":"https://example.com/trump-transgender-ban.jpg","text":"<div style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica;background-color:#fff;color:#000;padding:12px;\">\n<h1 style=\"font-size:1.8em;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">Court Rules Trump Order Banning Trans Genders from the Army Violates Constitutional Rights</h1>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:12px;\">WASHINGTON – A federal appellate court upheld a district‑court injunction that halted President Donald Trump’s executive order, which prohibited transgender service members from joining or continuing to serve in the U.S. military.</p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:12px;\">The three‑judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit rejected the administration’s appeal of the ruling issued by Judge Ana Reyes of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Reyes had held that the ban “most likely violates the constitutional rights of transgender individuals.” <a href=\"https://media.cadc.uscourts.gov/opinions/docs/2026/06/25-5087-2176040.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#0066cc;text-decoration:none;\">(Full opinion)</a></p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:12px;\">The appellate decision narrows the injunction to those already serving in the armed forces, but it does not extend the restriction to men and women applying to enlist. The court’s majority stated that while the executive order “poses a significant risk to the rights and safety of trans‑gender service members,” it cannot be enforced against prospective recruits without violating due‑process safeguards.</p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:12px;\">The executive order, promulgated in January 2025, claimed that a person’s “sexual identity conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle” and that it would threaten “military readiness.” Critics point out that such arguments rest on stereotypes rather than evidence.</p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:12px;\">In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a policy framework that probably disqualifies candidates with gender dysphoria—defined as the distress caused by a mismatch between one’s assigned sex and gender identity—from military service. Hegseth’s policy, which is under review, carries “bare desires to harm a politically unpopular group,” according to Judge Robert Wilkins, who authored the majority opinion. Wilkins, a former Obama nominee, emphasized that the rule broadens the ban in a way that violates the core principles of equal protection and non‑discrimination.\n</div>

Judge Delays Key Bridge Collapse Trial After Settlements

Colorado Governor Commutes Sentence of Former Election Clerk Convicted of Theft

Ferrari’s Luce EV: A Hidden Gem or a Brand Disaster?

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo surges: MSF deems spread \"deeply alarming\

Survivors Aid Rescue, Two Men Still Trapped in Laotian Cave Flood

Colombia’s Turbulent Election: Candidates Clash Over US Alliance and Drug‑Trafficking Policy