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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Luigi Mangione’s federal trial now scheduled for January 2027 to not clash with state case

Luigi Mangione’s federal trial now scheduled for January 2027 to not clash with state case

June 29, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Luigi Mangione is facing federal and state court cases for the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in New York City. His federal trial is now set for January 2027 to avoid overlapping with his state case, where his lawyers considered a psychiatric defense but later withdrew the formal notice.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, in New York City.
  • Mangione faces murder and weapons charges at the state level and stalking charges in federal court.
  • He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
  • Mangione’s federal trial is scheduled for January 2027 to not overlap with his state trial.
  • His defense team initially planned to use a psychiatric defense called "extreme emotional disturbance" (EED).
  • The judge ordered the defense to share mental health details with prosecutors if they used the EED defense.
  • The defense later withdrew the formal psychiatric defense notice but may still present mental distress in court.
  • The state case record related to the psychiatric defense was sealed but later unsealed by the judge.
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Guardian World Guardian US
US Supreme Court expands Trump's power to fire officials, but protects Fed

US Supreme Court expands Trump's power to fire officials, but protects Fed

June 29, 2026 • France24

Summary

The US Supreme Court expanded President Donald Trump's power to fire officials in independent government agencies, allowing him to remove members without cause. However, the court protected the Federal Reserve’s independence by ruling Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook without cause, emphasizing the importance of the Fed's separate status.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of President Trump’s power to fire leaders of independent agencies.
  • This decision allows Trump to remove officials who exercise presidential power without needing a specific reason.
  • Democratic Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter challenged her firing but lost the case.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, citing historical and prior court rulings supporting presidential personnel powers.
  • The court emphasized that independent agencies still answer to the president and ultimately the American people.
  • In a separate 5-4 ruling, the court protected Federal Reserve governors from being fired without cause.
  • The Fed’s independence is essential because it handles monetary policy for the US economy and needs public trust.
  • The court dismissed claims that proper legal procedures had been followed in firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
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France24
Alex Murdaugh's is back in court for hearing on his murder retrial

Alex Murdaugh's is back in court for hearing on his murder retrial

June 29, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Alex Murdaugh appeared in court in South Carolina for a hearing about his upcoming retrial on charges that he killed his wife and son. His previous murder convictions and life sentence were overturned by the state Supreme Court, and the hearing focused on scheduling the next steps in the case.

Key Facts

  • Alex Murdaugh was charged with killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.
  • The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh’s murder convictions and life sentence last month.
  • The pretrial hearing set deadlines for sharing evidence and scheduled the new trial for April 5.
  • Murdaugh is in prison for stealing about $12 million from clients and his family’s law firm.
  • Prosecutors say Murdaugh killed his family to gain sympathy and delay exposure of his crimes.
  • Defense lawyers want Murdaugh to wear civilian clothes at trial and have a laptop to review evidence.
  • The defense requested testing of unknown DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails.
  • The defense also asked to move the retrial out of Colleton County, where the original trial occurred.
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PBS NewsHour
Ex-NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis indicted in gambling case

Ex-NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis indicted in gambling case

June 29, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were charged in a federal case about illegal sports gambling. The indictment claims they agreed to affect game results to help others place bets on their performance.

Key Facts

  • Malik Beasley and Ed Davis are among six people charged in the gambling case.
  • Davis was arrested; Beasley and another suspect were not yet in custody as of Monday morning.
  • Beasley allegedly lost millions gambling during his NBA career from 2016 to 2025.
  • He is accused of purposely performing poorly in some games in the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Prosecutors say Beasley accepted bribes to pay debts he owed to Davis, his former teammate.
  • A text from Davis to Beasley in December 2023 suggests they planned to make money from sports betting.
  • One example says Beasley underperformed in rebounds in a January 2024 game to meet a betting line set by sportsbooks.
  • Both players earned significant NBA salaries during their careers, with Beasley making about $60 million and Davis about $47 million.
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Al Jazeera
Double murder accused is sex offender, jury told

Double murder accused is sex offender, jury told

June 29, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A man named Simon Levy is on trial in London for allegedly murdering two women and raping a third. The court heard that Levy has a history of sexual offenses since 2018 and has been charged with serious crimes involving women, some of whom were sex workers.

Key Facts

  • Simon Levy, 40, from North London, faces charges of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins and raping another woman.
  • Levy has been convicted of about 13 sexual assaults since July 2018.
  • He was arrested in April 2025 for the first murder before the second murder occurred in August 2025.
  • Prosecutors say both murders were sexually motivated, involving women who were sex workers or exchanged sex for money or drugs.
  • The surviving victim was trafficked into the UK and was raped and attacked by Levy in January 2025.
  • The victim lost consciousness after being strangled and seriously injured during the attack.
  • Levy’s lawyer says the surviving victim is not telling the truth and knew Levy before the alleged attack.
  • The first murder victim was found in March 2025 in a building stairwell in South London, near where Levy had been.
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BBC Top Stories
Supreme Court backs Trump firing of FTC member, rolling back 90 years of precedent

Supreme Court backs Trump firing of FTC member, rolling back 90 years of precedent

June 29, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Donald Trump can remove independent agency officials, like Federal Trade Commission members, at will for policy reasons. This decision reverses nearly 90 years of legal rules that protected these officials from firing and increases presidential control over independent government agencies.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court decision allows President Trump to fire a Democratic FTC commissioner, Rebecca Slaughter, for policy reasons.
  • The ruling overturns a 1935 precedent that protected independent agency officials from being removed without cause.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, stating the president must have the power to remove subordinates at will.
  • Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissented, warning that the ruling gives the president too much power.
  • Independent agencies have historically operated with bipartisan leadership to regulate areas like stock trading, elections, and consumer protection.
  • The decision makes it possible for presidents to appoint officials of only one political party to these agencies.
  • President Trump called the decision a significant victory for presidential authority.
  • The ruling changes how independent agencies function but does not eliminate them.
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ABC News
Trump says SAVE America Act more important than ever following SCOTUS ruling on mail-in ballots

Trump says SAVE America Act more important than ever following SCOTUS ruling on mail-in ballots

June 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized the Supreme Court decision that lets states count mail-in ballots received after Election Day. He said this makes it more important for Congress to approve the SAVE America Act, a law meant to protect voting rules.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled that some states can count mail-in ballots even if they arrive after Election Day, if the ballots were sent on or before that day.
  • This ruling involved a Mississippi law about mail-in voting.
  • President Trump disagrees with the ruling and called it a problem.
  • He wants Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act.
  • The SAVE America Act aims to tighten voting rules and prevent late ballots from being counted.
  • President Trump made these statements on a Monday after the Supreme Court ruling.
  • The issue centers around how ballots are counted in close elections.
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The Hill
Map Shows Trump's DC Makeover as He Sets Next Renovation Date

Map Shows Trump's DC Makeover as He Sets Next Renovation Date

June 29, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump has announced that renovations at the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., will begin on September 1. This project is part of a wider effort led by Trump to update several prominent public spaces in the capital, including the White House, the National Mall, and the Lincoln Memorial area, though some plans face legal challenges.

Key Facts

  • The East Potomac Golf Links, a public golf course over 100 years old, will start renovations on September 1.
  • President Trump toured the golf course with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and golf architect Tom Fazio.
  • Trump aims to make the golf course one of the best in the world and hopes it can host major golf tournaments.
  • Renovations are also planned for the White House Ballroom, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and a new triumphal arch.
  • The $400 million White House Ballroom project involves demolishing part of the East Wing and has faced lawsuits over historic preservation and lack of congressional approval.
  • A nonprofit and local residents sued to block the East Potomac Golf Links project, but a deal allows the nonprofit to manage the course until renovations start.
  • The triumphal arch project has preliminary approval but is challenged by a lawsuit from Vietnam War veterans.
  • The National Garden of American Heroes, a statue project in West Potomac Park, is also being sued for violating rules about new monuments on the National Mall without Congress’s approval.
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Newsweek
Democratic ‘Project 2029’ calls for child social media ban, strict kids safety rules on tech

Democratic ‘Project 2029’ calls for child social media ban, strict kids safety rules on tech

June 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Democrats involved in planning for the 2028 presidential election introduced a proposal to improve online safety for children. Their plan, called “Kids Over Clicks,” suggests banning social media use for kids under 16 and increasing privacy protections for young users.

Key Facts

  • The proposal is part of a Democratic policy group called Project 2029.
  • It focuses on protecting children on the internet and social media.
  • The plan recommends banning social media access for children younger than 16 years old.
  • It calls for stronger privacy rules to keep kids’ information safe online.
  • The proposal is the first one released by Project 2029 ahead of the 2028 election.
  • The goal is to create safer technology rules that prioritize children over online ads or clicks.
  • The plan may influence future Democratic policies on tech and children’s online safety.
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The Hill
Trump surprised by Supreme Court decision to not review E. Jean Carroll case

Trump surprised by Supreme Court decision to not review E. Jean Carroll case

June 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump said he was surprised that the Supreme Court decided not to review the case involving E. Jean Carroll. Carroll had won a lawsuit where Trump was found liable for sexually abusing her in the 1990s and for defaming her afterward.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court chose not to review the verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit against President Trump.
  • E. Jean Carroll accused Trump of sexually abusing her in a dressing room during the mid-1990s.
  • A court found President Trump liable for the abuse and for defaming Carroll.
  • President Trump expressed surprise about the Supreme Court’s decision.
  • The case involves both sexual abuse and defamation claims.
  • The Supreme Court’s decision means the lower court’s ruling stands.
  • This legal matter relates to events from several decades ago but has ongoing consequences.
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The Hill
About 3 million people have dropped Obamacare health coverage after subsidies expire and costs rise

About 3 million people have dropped Obamacare health coverage after subsidies expire and costs rise

June 29, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

About 3 million fewer people had Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans in February 2024 compared to the same time last year. This decrease is mainly because federal subsidies that made insurance more affordable ended on January 1, causing many people to stop paying their insurance premiums.

Key Facts

  • ACA enrollment dropped from 22.1 million people in 2023 to 19.2 million in 2024.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggested fraud crackdowns may have contributed to the drop.
  • Experts say the main reason is the end of federal subsidies, which raised the cost of insurance plans.
  • Many people faced large increases in their monthly payments after subsidies ended.
  • The data shows coverage loss after a grace period for nonpayment ended.
  • About 800,000 fewer people had signed up for ACA plans in January 2024 than in January 2023.
  • The enrollment decline could continue, possibly dropping to 17.5 million people this year.
  • ACA plans serve many workers without employer insurance, such as gig workers and farmers.
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PBS NewsHour
Trump applauds Supreme Court expansion of executive firing power

Trump applauds Supreme Court expansion of executive firing power

June 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump praised a recent Supreme Court decision that increased the power of the president to remove executive branch officers and agency appointees. This ruling changes earlier legal rules on how the president can fire certain government officials.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court issued a ruling called the Slaughter Case.
  • The decision expands the president’s power to remove executive branch officers and agency appointees.
  • This ruling overturns previous legal precedents that limited presidential firing power.
  • President Trump publicly applauded the court’s decision.
  • The ruling came toward the end of the Supreme Court’s current term.
  • The decision strengthens presidential control over some government officials.
  • It affects how the executive branch operates in terms of personnel management.
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The Hill
Malik Beasley indicted in latest round of charges in DOJ sports gambling probe

Malik Beasley indicted in latest round of charges in DOJ sports gambling probe

June 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Malik Beasley, a professional basketball player, was formally charged by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of an investigation into sports gambling. Another former player, Ed Davis, was also indicted in this latest set of legal actions.

Key Facts

  • Malik Beasley played in the NBA for nine years.
  • The Justice Department is conducting an investigation into sports gambling.
  • Beasley and Ed Davis were indicted, meaning they were formally charged.
  • The charges are part of the latest round in an ongoing probe.
  • Ed Davis is a former NBA player.
  • The indictments were announced on a Monday.
  • The news is reported by CBS News and covered by journalist Anna Schecter.
  • The investigation focuses on illegal or improper gambling activities related to sports.
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CBS News
Luigi Mangione due in federal court for pretrial hearing

Luigi Mangione due in federal court for pretrial hearing

June 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Luigi Mangione will appear in federal court on Monday for a pretrial hearing. This hearing is part of the early stage of his legal case before going to trial.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is scheduled to attend a federal court pretrial hearing.
  • The hearing will take place on a Monday.
  • A pretrial hearing typically involves discussing legal matters before the main trial.
  • CBS News reporter Anna Schecter provided the update.
  • The report was shared through CBS News platforms including their app and website.
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CBS News
2 Supreme Court rulings treat the Fed as an exception

2 Supreme Court rulings treat the Fed as an exception

June 29, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook without proper legal cause and procedure. The Court emphasized the Fed’s independence but allowed presidents more freedom to remove leaders from other independent agencies.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court decided 5-4 that President Trump cannot remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook for now.
  • The ruling supports the Federal Reserve’s independence in setting monetary policy.
  • Trump tried to fire Cook, accusing her of lying on mortgage applications, but courts said proper legal steps weren’t followed.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that only Congress can change how Fed governors are removed, not the courts.
  • A separate ruling allows the president to remove leaders of other independent agencies more easily than before.
  • The Court overturned a 1935 decision that had protected many agency leaders from being fired without cause.
  • Lisa Cook said the firing attempt was politically motivated because she resisted political pressure on interest rates.
  • President Trump said the ruling was about procedure and promised to keep trying to remove Cook.
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Axios
Graham Platner Maintains Edge With Women Despite Controversies

Graham Platner Maintains Edge With Women Despite Controversies

June 29, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate in Maine’s Senate race, leads Republican Senator Susan Collins by a small margin overall and holds a significant advantage among women voters. Despite controversies involving his past behavior, many voters still support him mainly because of his political views rather than his personal issues.

Key Facts

  • Platner leads Collins by 52% to 44% among women voters in Maine.
  • Overall, Platner leads Collins by about two percentage points in the race.
  • About three-quarters of likely voters know about Platner’s past controversies.
  • Nearly 28% of those aware of the controversies say they cannot support him, while 39% say it does not affect their opinion.
  • Platner’s controversies include a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism and allegations of inappropriate messages and behavior.
  • Platner and his campaign have acknowledged some issues but said he has worked through them privately.
  • Most of Platner’s supporters say they back him because of his political stances, not his personal life.
  • The race is very close and Platner’s strength with women voters could be a key factor in the outcome.
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Newsweek
Clarence Thomas Wants Supreme Court to Revisit 62-Year-Old Opinion

Clarence Thomas Wants Supreme Court to Revisit 62-Year-Old Opinion

June 29, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wants the court to reconsider a 1964 decision that protects the press from many defamation lawsuits by public figures. The court recently decided not to review a related defamation case involving lawyer Alan Dershowitz and CNN, but Justice Thomas argues the old ruling should be changed.

Key Facts

  • Justice Thomas called for revisiting the 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.
  • That case set the "actual malice" standard, meaning public figures must prove that false statements were made knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth to win defamation suits.
  • Alan Dershowitz sued CNN in 2020 over alleged false reporting about his comments defending President Donald Trump’s impeachment.
  • The Supreme Court declined to hear Dershowitz’s case, but Thomas dissented, saying the court should review it.
  • Justice Neil Gorsuch joined Thomas in the dissent, showing some support for reconsidering the ruling.
  • Thomas argues the "actual malice" rule is not based on the Constitution’s text or history and that public figures should have stronger protections against defamation.
  • Overturning the 1964 ruling would make it easier for public figures to win defamation lawsuits.
  • Most of the current court justices appear not interested in revisiting the case at this time.
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Newsweek
US Supreme Court rebuffs Trump’s appeal in E Jean Carroll case

US Supreme Court rebuffs Trump’s appeal in E Jean Carroll case

June 29, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The US Supreme Court refused to hear President Donald Trump’s appeal to overturn a $5 million verdict in favor of E Jean Carroll. A jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her, and lower courts upheld this decision.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal on Monday.
  • A jury in 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing E Jean Carroll and defaming her.
  • Carroll had accused Trump of raping her in 1996 in a Manhattan store dressing room.
  • The $5 million verdict was related to Trump’s 2022 social media posts calling Carroll’s claim a “hoax” and a “con job.”
  • Trump’s lawyers argued the trial was unfair because the judge allowed testimony from other women accusing Trump of sexual abuse.
  • The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the verdict, citing a “pattern of conduct” consistent with Carroll’s claims.
  • Carroll was awarded an additional $83.3 million in a second trial for defamation, which Trump is also appealing.
  • Carroll’s lawyers said the testimonies from other women were relevant and the judge’s rulings were consistent with federal rules.
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Al Jazeera
Former Tory MP Craig Williams pleads guilty to cheating at gambling with election bets

Former Tory MP Craig Williams pleads guilty to cheating at gambling with election bets

June 29, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Craig Williams, a former Conservative MP and close aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, pleaded guilty to cheating at gambling by placing bets on the 2024 general election date using confidential information. Several others, including Amy Hind, also admitted to related charges, while trials for more defendants are scheduled for the next few years.

Key Facts

  • Craig Williams was an MP and served as parliamentary private secretary to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from 2022 to 2024.
  • Williams admitted to using secret information about the 2024 election date to place bets before it was publicly announced.
  • Williams placed bets of £250, £100, and £22.50 on the election date.
  • Amy Hind also pleaded guilty to cheating by betting on the election date, attempting larger bets that failed before succeeding with a £100 bet.
  • The Gambling Commission investigated after Williams placed a bet on 19 May 2024, before the official election announcement on 22 May.
  • About 15 people face cheating allegations related to election betting; some plan to plead not guilty.
  • Trials for these cases are set for September 2025 and January 2028.
  • Defendants risk prison sentences of up to two years if found guilty.
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Guardian World
Supreme Court rules that mail-in ballots can be counted after Election Day in blow to GOP

Supreme Court rules that mail-in ballots can be counted after Election Day in blow to GOP

June 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that mail-in ballots are allowed to be counted if they are sent by Election Day, even if they arrive later. This ruling came in a close 5-4 vote and rejected a challenge by Republicans against a Mississippi voting law.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court made the decision on a Monday.
  • The vote was 5 in favor and 4 against.
  • The ruling says mail-in ballots can be counted after Election Day as long as they were mailed by Election Day.
  • This decision prevents a change sought by the Republican Party.
  • The case involved a law from Mississippi about counting mail-in votes.
  • The decision affects how mail-in ballots are handled in elections.
  • The ruling was covered by CBS News.
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CBS News
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