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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito disagreed with the court's decision to keep birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented migrants. While he argues that citizenship should be limited, he also said these children should not be blamed for their parents and many should be allowed to stay in the country.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court recently upheld birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment for children born in the U.S. to undocumented or temporarily present immigrants.
Justice Samuel Alito, along with Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, dissented from this decision.
Alito believes the Citizenship Clause is interpreted too broadly and should apply only to children who owe allegiance solely to the U.S. at birth.
He expressed concern about "birth tourism," where women come to the U.S. to give birth to secure citizenship for their children.
Alito acknowledged many children have been born in the U.S. to undocumented parents and said they should not be punished for their parents’ immigration status.
He blamed decades of immigration policies and lax enforcement for encouraging unlawful migration and increasing the population of U.S.-born children with undocumented parents.
Alito said some of these children have a strong moral claim to stay in the U.S., as it is the only home they have known.
A law professor disagreed with Alito’s reading of the Fourteenth Amendment, saying his view might undermine protections against returning to a discriminatory caste system.
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The US Supreme Court has upheld laws in Idaho and West Virginia that prevent transgender women and girls from joining female sports teams at public schools. The court ruled that these laws do not break federal rules against discrimination or the Constitution’s promise of equal protection.
Key Facts
The court upheld state laws that classify sports teams based on “biological sex,” banning transgender females from female teams.
The ruling was unanimous (9-0) that these laws do not violate Title IX, a federal law banning sex discrimination in education.
The court was split 6-3 on whether the laws violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote the majority opinion supporting the states’ right to restrict female sports to biological females.
Over two dozen Republican-led states have similar bans that may now be supported by this decision.
This ruling follows other court decisions limiting transgender rights under the current conservative Supreme Court.
President Donald Trump praised the ruling and has issued several orders limiting transgender rights since returning to office in 2025.
The decision affects sports teams at all levels in public schools and universities in the affected states.
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The Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship, meaning that anyone born in the United States is automatically a citizen. The Court rejected President Donald Trump’s executive order that tried to block this rule.
Key Facts
The ruling focused on the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to people born in the U.S.
The principle is known as jus soli, or “right of the soil.”
The Court’s decision was made by a majority of justices.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the three liberal justices in the majority.
The ruling struck down an executive order from January by President Donald Trump.
The executive order tried to prevent people born in the U.S. from receiving automatic citizenship.
The decision supports the longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
This ruling affects immigration and citizenship policies.
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President Donald Trump said the Supreme Court ruled against his plan to limit birthright citizenship. He asked Congress to pass a law to change the policy instead.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s effort to restrict birthright citizenship.
Birthright citizenship means a person born in the U.S. automatically becomes a citizen.
President Trump called the court’s decision “too bad” for the country.
He encouraged Congress to create a law to end or change birthright citizenship.
President Trump said he would support such legislation as president.
The issue concerns children born in the U.S. to parents who are not citizens.
Changing birthright citizenship would require a new law passed by Congress.
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A parliamentary inquiry in Australia found that certain third-party groups, including members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and the right-wing group Advance, caused problems at the 2025 federal election. The inquiry recommends new laws and a code of conduct to make voting safer and fairer.
Key Facts
The inquiry’s chair said Australia’s democracy was "under assault" during the 2025 federal election.
Reports showed antisocial and intimidating behavior linked to third-party groups like Plymouth Brethren and Advance.
The church said some members were involved but denied any official coordination by the church.
The committee wants a code of conduct to control behavior and signage near polling places.
It also suggested reviewing laws to better regulate third parties involved in elections.
The committee plans to require witnesses from the church and Advance to give testimony.
Some politicians criticized the inquiry as politically motivated, while others emphasize protecting fair voting.
The church expressed willingness to appear before the committee to clarify its role.
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Congressman Tom Kean Jr. from New Jersey returned to the House after being away for 142 days due to a hospital stay for depression. He explained that depression is a serious illness affecting both body and mind and shared that his doctors recommended a long hospital stay for recovery.
Key Facts
Tom Kean Jr. is a Republican congressman from New Jersey.
He was absent from Congress for 142 days without explanation until now.
He was hospitalized and diagnosed with depression during this time.
Kean said depression affects physical and emotional health and is more serious than just feeling sad.
His doctors advised staying in the hospital for the fastest recovery.
Kean is running for a third term in a district that often changes between Republican and Democrat control.
He previously gave only vague answers about his absence, calling it a personal medical issue.
Republicans want him to be open about the reason for his leave, as this district is important for the upcoming midterm elections.
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Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. returned to the U.S. House after nearly four months away due to depression. He explained on the House floor that he was hospitalized for treatment, which took longer than expected, and he is now healthier and ready to work again.
Key Facts
Tom Kean Jr., a Republican from New Jersey, was absent from Congress for almost four months.
He left to receive hospital treatment after being diagnosed with depression.
Kean did not initially expect a long hospital stay and kept details about his illness private.
His absence made it harder for Republicans to control the House of Representatives.
Kean had last voted on March 5 and his office only cited a “personal health matter” during his absence.
He was criticized for trading stocks while away from Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Kean’s health issue was not scandalous but suggested more transparency would have been better.
Senator John Fetterman also sought treatment for depression in 2023, and his office informed the public promptly.
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reported earning £270,000 for promoting gold bullion through a company called Direct Bullion. Farage declared this as part-time work while also receiving payments for presenting on GB News and previously registering earnings from other activities.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage earned £270,000 for promoting gold bullion with Direct Bullion.
This payment covered about four hours of work per month over three months.
Farage previously earned £91,200 and £135,000 from the same company in earlier years.
He also declared roughly £18,400 for presenting on the TV channel GB News.
Farage received a £5 million gift from billionaire cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne, which he did not declare as required by parliamentary rules.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is investigating whether Farage followed the rules regarding the undeclared gift.
He earned over £80,000 from making personalised video messages for people on the Cameo website but has paused this service since March, citing security concerns.
MPs like Farage can have second jobs but must report any income over £300 a year and cannot give paid advice linked to Parliament.
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President Donald Trump created the National Design Studio (NDS) to quickly redesign all 27,000 US government websites using AI and new design standards. After about a year, NDS has made little progress beyond updating the federal retirement system, and many agencies are avoiding working with the team. Some newly launched websites are simple or redirect to older sites, and design experts have criticized NDS for overusing AI and ignoring accessibility rules.
Key Facts
President Trump started the National Design Studio (NDS) in August to redesign every government website within three years.
NDS aims to update websites with new design rules based on the US Web Design System (USWDS).
Before NDS, the USWDS team was cut to just one employee.
Only about 30% of government websites used the USWDS standards by mid-2023.
NDS’s biggest task completed is modernizing the federal retirement system, but this work began before NDS existed.
Many new sites launched by NDS are basic, often just single pages or redirects to older government sites.
Experts say NDS relies too much on AI and has not ensured websites meet accessibility laws for people with disabilities.
Some government agencies are avoiding cooperation with NDS, slowing the redesign effort.
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House Democrats held a private meeting to discuss a proposal to reduce U.S. aid to Israel, which caused strong disagreements within the party. Lawmakers expressed concerns that the proposal, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, might cut off not only military aid but also diplomatic funding. The meeting showed a clear divide among members, reflecting wider tensions on the issue within the party.
Key Facts
The meeting was a private, weekly House Democratic gathering on Capitol Hill.
The proposal is an amendment by Rep. Thomas Massie to stop funding for Israel in the State Department spending bill.
The amendment is supported by many progressive Democrats who favor a pro-Palestinian stance.
Some lawmakers worry the amendment would cut too much aid, including non-military diplomatic funding.
The discussion revealed a split in opinion among Democrats, with some supporting and others opposing the amendment.
Rep. Julie Johnson said members shared their views respectfully, calling it a normal caucus discussion.
Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar described the conversation as "great" and helpful for understanding members' views.
The debate occurs amid progressives challenging pro-Israel incumbents in Democratic primaries.
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This year’s July 4 fireworks show in Washington, D.C., will start later than usual and last longer as part of the Freedom 250 celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary. The event will include a large rally, military flyovers, and tighter security with screenings for all attendees.
Key Facts
The fireworks display will begin around 10:30 or 11 p.m. and last about 40 minutes, which is longer than usual.
Freedom 250 is a national celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
President Donald Trump described the event as the largest fireworks show in history.
Events on July 4 include musical performances, military flyovers starting around 1 p.m., and a “Tribute to America” rally beginning at 7 p.m., with Trump expected to speak at 9 p.m.
The U.S. Secret Service will treat July 4 as a National Special Security Event for the first time in D.C., requiring metal detector screenings for entry to the National Mall.
The fireworks will be launched from 10 locations, including West Potomac Park and the Reflecting Pool, with over 850,000 fireworks planned to be used.
The Reflecting Pool was recently renovated but faced issues with algae shortly after refilling.
Freedom 250 is managed by a White House task force created by President Trump to coordinate nationwide events for the 250th anniversary.
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A recent AP-NORC poll shows that Democrats feel more pride in America's pop culture than in its military, while Republicans remain strongly proud of the armed forces. Overall, pride in institutions like the military, democracy, and history has decreased over the past decade among U.S. adults.
Key Facts
Democrats’ pride in the military dropped from 74% in 2017 to 42% in 2024.
Republicans still show strong pride in the military, with about 90% expressing high levels of pride.
Pride in American pop culture among Democrats has stayed steady and is now similar to that of Republicans.
Overall pride in U.S. institutions such as the military, democracy, history, and political influence has declined over the past ten years.
Democrats are less likely to rank the military as a top source of national pride compared to Republicans.
Republicans are more likely to display patriotism by flying the American flag and consider being American a key part of their identity.
About 40% of U.S. adults feel proud about the country's 250th anniversary, with Republicans more excited and Democrats more conflicted.
The military will play a central role in official events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
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National Public Radio (NPR) withdrew a news story that incorrectly said Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring. The story was removed after the Supreme Court said no retirement announcement had been made, and NPR apologized for the mistake.
Key Facts
NPR published a story claiming Justice Samuel Alito was retiring from the Supreme Court.
The story was written by Nina Totenberg, a longtime Supreme Court reporter for NPR.
The Supreme Court and its spokesperson denied any announcement of Alito’s retirement.
NPR removed the story and issued a formal retraction, calling the report inaccurate.
NPR’s top editor described the error as a “misunderstanding” and apologized publicly.
Totenberg planned to explain the mistake on NPR’s program All Things Considered.
The withdrawn story covered Alito’s career and his role in key court decisions, including overturning Roe v. Wade.
NPR acknowledged the error quickly and broadcast a correction on air.
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A man accused of killing two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., has appeared in court again. The U.S. Department of Justice wants to seek the death penalty in this case.
Key Facts
Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., were killed.
A suspect has been arrested and is now returning to court.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is involved in the case.
The DOJ is asking to pursue the death penalty against the suspect.
The case is currently ongoing and being covered by CBS News.
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After October 7, 2023, events inside the White House influenced the US support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza and affected the direction of the Democratic Party. A new book by journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed describes how the US government maintained strong support for Israel and set the stage for President Donald Trump’s return.
Key Facts
The article discusses changes inside the White House after October 7, 2023.
The US maintained consistent support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.
The events influenced the Democratic Party's future through three primary elections.
Akbar Shahid Ahmed wrote a book revealing this inside story.
The book suggests these developments helped prepare for President Donald Trump’s political comeback.
The information comes from a podcast episode featuring Akbar Shahid Ahmed.
The content was produced and edited by a team led by Malika Bilal and Alexandra Locke.
The podcast is available on social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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The Supreme Court blocked President Trump's attempt to remove the U.S. copyright chief, Shira Perlmutter, keeping her job for now. The court left a lower court's decision in place that said Perlmutter cannot be fired easily because her role is part of the legislative branch.
Key Facts
President Trump tried to fire Shira Perlmutter, the register of copyrights, earlier this year.
Perlmutter is the head of the U.S. Copyright Office and advises Congress on copyright law.
She was fired one day after releasing a report on artificial intelligence and copyright.
The librarian of Congress, who oversees the Copyright Office, was also removed by President Trump last year.
The president appointed an acting librarian without Senate approval, which the court questioned as likely unlawful.
A federal appeals court restored Perlmutter to her job, and the Supreme Court refused to allow her removal for now.
Judges said firing Perlmutter threatens the separation of powers because her job is part of the legislative branch, not the executive branch.
The case challenges how much control the president has over officials who serve Congress directly.
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Starting July 1, there will be changes to how people borrow and pay back student loans. These changes could affect current borrowers, future borrowers, and those who are repaying their loans.
Key Facts
New rules on student loans will begin on July 1.
Changes will affect how you borrow student loans.
Changes will also impact how you pay back your loans.
Both current and future borrowers may see differences.
The changes are meant to update the loan process.
Borrowers should learn about the new system before July.
These changes involve U.S. government student loans.
The update aims to improve loan management and repayment.
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The Supreme Court decided to keep birthright citizenship, meaning children born in the U.S. still have the right to be citizens. The court also allowed states to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports. Additionally, it removed some limits on how much money candidates and political groups can spend together during campaigns.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled that birthright citizenship remains protected by the Constitution.
This decision blocks President Trump's efforts to end birthright citizenship.
States are now allowed to ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports teams.
The court struck down rules that limited coordinated spending between candidates and political groups.
The rulings affect U.S. citizenship laws, sports policies, and campaign finance rules.
The decisions came from the highest court in the United States.
These rulings will impact laws and elections across the country.
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The Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, Graham Platner, is facing a large amount of money spent by outside Republican groups in his race against Senator Susan Collins. According to a memo from Platner’s campaign, Republicans spent $4.3 million recently, while Collins’s own campaign spent $500,000.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine.
Senator Susan Collins is the Republican incumbent running for re-election.
Outside Republican groups have spent $4.3 million on the Senate race recently.
Collins’s official campaign has spent $500,000 in the same period.
The information comes from a memo obtained by Politico.
The money from outside groups is supporting Collins against Platner.
The spending is described as a major challenge for Platner’s campaign.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. Experts discussed the court’s decision and the meaning of birthright citizenship on a CBS News program.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court blocked President Trump’s plan to stop giving citizenship to children born in the U.S.
Birthright citizenship means anyone born in the U.S. automatically becomes a citizen.
Legal experts Elora Mukherjee and historian Douglas Brinkley talked about the ruling on CBS News.
The decision confirms the constitutional right to citizenship by birth.
The court’s ruling supports the idea that citizenship includes fundamental rights.
President Trump sought to change this practice during his term.
The discussion helps explain why birthright citizenship is important in U.S. law.
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