Alina Habba, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, resigned as the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey after an appeals court ruled her appointment unlawful. Despite calling the court’s decision political, Habba stepped down “to protect the stability and integrity” of her office, vowing the administration would continue appealing the ruling. Habba, who lacked prior experience as a prosecutor, was appointed to the temporary role in March and was blocked from confirmation by New Jersey’s Democratic senators. Her duties will be divided among other lawyers while she remains with the Justice Department as a senior advisor to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who criticized the court’s actions.
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Moments after his arrest in Pennsylvania, Luigi Mangione’s backpack was searched, revealing a loaded gun magazine wrapped in underwear, leading police to believe he was connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. The discovery of the magazine, as well as a 9 mm handgun and a notebook during subsequent searches, is now being challenged by Mangione’s defense team in court. Prosecutors contend the evidence is admissible, highlighting the matching firearm and notebook entries expressing disdain for health insurers. The central issue is whether the initial search of the backpack, conducted without a warrant, was legal, with the defense seeking to exclude the evidence.
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The recently released US national security strategy, which claims Europe faces “civilisational erasure” and aims to “correct its current trajectory,” has prompted strong condemnation from European leaders. António Costa, the president of the European Council, warned against US interference in European politics, stating that the US backing of nationalist parties is unacceptable. Analysts have identified the document as a major shift in transatlantic relations, with the US now officially committed to meddling in European electoral politics. The strategy has sparked debate, with some urging Europe to seize initiative and others cautioning against overreacting to an erratic administration.
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Former President Donald Trump has stated that AI will be stifled if companies are forced to navigate 50 different state-level regulatory frameworks. He plans to sign an executive order to establish a singular national standard for AI, arguing against the complexity of individual state approvals. A draft of this order could potentially authorize the Department of Justice to challenge states with what are considered to be “onerous” AI laws. This stance is likely to face opposition, especially from Republicans who typically advocate for states’ rights.
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Ciprian Ciucu, representing the center-right National Liberal Party, secured the Bucharest mayoral seat on Sunday, with approximately 36% of the vote, overcoming a far-right candidate. Anca Alexandrescu, backed by Romania’s largest far-right party, finished second, while the Social Democratic Party candidate placed third. This victory is expected to support Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s unpopular austerity measures aimed at reducing the budget deficit. Ciucu’s win could help ensure the implementation of the reforms that the government has promised.
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During a recent online press briefing, President Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to retaining all of its territory, citing legal, constitutional, and moral obligations. He emphasized that Ukraine is not considering relinquishing any land, despite Russia’s insistence on this point. Zelenskyy also noted ongoing U.S. efforts to find compromise solutions to the conflict. Furthermore, reports indicate disagreement on territorial matters within negotiations surrounding a potential “peace plan” proposed by the United States.
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Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of the Old State Saloon in Idaho, sparked controversy by offering free beer to customers who helped ICE identify and deport undocumented migrants. Following the promotion, which gained significant attention online, Fitzpatrick revealed he received death threats and threats to his business. Despite the backlash, Fitzpatrick stood by his promotion, which is part of a broader campaign. He expressed that he was aware that he would get threats for his actions.
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A coalition of over 230 environmental groups has called for a nationwide moratorium on new data centers due to concerns about their environmental and economic impact. The groups accuse the centers of contributing to increased electricity bills and planet-warming emissions, along with consuming vast amounts of water. This opposition is fueled by a growing backlash to the AI industry’s expansion, which is driving the construction of new data centers. Concerns over affordability and the impact on utility bills have unified a diverse group of voters in opposition, leading to the issue gaining political traction.
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Waymo, an autonomous ride-hailing service, is preparing to file a voluntary software recall due to reports of its self-driving vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation after documented instances, including incidents where Waymo vehicles drove past buses with flashing lights and extended stop arms, putting students at risk. Waymo attributes the issue to a software problem and aims to release updates to correct the issue, emphasizing that no injuries have occurred. Despite claiming a strong safety record, with fewer crashes than human drivers, Waymo is facing scrutiny from federal regulators and is expected to provide more detailed information on the incidents.
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Paramount has shown a willingness to appease Trump, including paying a settlement related to a past interview and later editing another to portray him favorably. The company has also installed conservative figures in key leadership roles and made editorial changes that align with Trump’s interests. Recently, Paramount launched a bid to acquire Warner Bros., and Trump has expressed an interest in being involved in the sale. This positions him as a potential dealmaker, suggesting he may get what he wants through the acquisition.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Bar Owner Offering Free Beer for ICE Support Claims Death Threats, Faces Backlash
Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of the Old State Saloon in Idaho, sparked controversy by offering free beer to customers who helped ICE identify and deport undocumented migrants. Following the promotion, which gained significant attention online, Fitzpatrick revealed he received death threats and threats to his business. Despite the backlash, Fitzpatrick stood by his promotion, which is part of a broader campaign. He expressed that he was aware that he would get threats for his actions.
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