Microsoft has cancelled its $1 billion data center project in Licking County, Ohio, citing a global slowdown in new infrastructure spending. Despite halting construction of three planned campuses, the company will fulfill existing agreements for infrastructure improvements and continue supporting local digital skills development and community restoration initiatives. Microsoft retains ownership of the acquired land, leaving open the possibility of future development. This decision reflects a broader industry trend suggesting potential data center overcapacity.
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Nicholas Roske, a 29-year-old California man, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Armed with a gun, knife, and zip ties, Roske traveled to Kavanaugh’s home with the intent to kill him, motivated by anger over the leaked *Roe v. Wade* draft opinion and other political issues. Roske’s actions prompted increased security measures for Supreme Court justices and their families. He faces a sentence of 30 years to life in prison at his October 3rd sentencing hearing.
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Seventeen-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teen with physical disabilities, is in critical condition after being shot nine times by Pocatello police officers. He has undergone three surgeries, including a leg amputation, and has been revived twice after cardiac arrest. Videos of the incident have fueled public outrage and calls for an independent investigation into the shooting, currently being conducted by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force. A community candlelight vigil is planned to show support for Perez and his family.
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The Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in the case challenging New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) leaves in place lower court injunctions blocking the law’s restrictions on carrying firearms in houses of worship. This is a victory for plaintiffs like Rev. Dr. Jimmie Hardaway Jr., who argued the ban infringed on Second Amendment rights and jeopardized congregational safety. While the broader challenge to the CCIA continues, the ruling allows armed congregants to continue carrying firearms in churches. Governor Hochul supports the state’s gun laws, while Second Amendment advocates vow to continue their legal fight.
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A federal judge ordered the White House to reinstate the Associated Press’s full access to presidential events, citing First Amendment violations. The judge ruled that the government cannot retaliate against the AP for its editorial decisions, specifically its refusal to adopt the President’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. This preliminary injunction is a significant win for the AP amidst broader White House challenges to press freedom. While the ruling doesn’t guarantee the AP permanent access, it prevents discriminatory treatment based on viewpoint. The White House was given a week to respond or appeal.
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Over 900,000 migrants, granted temporary U.S. residency via the CBP One app since January 2023, have been ordered to leave immediately. These individuals, granted parole under a Biden administration initiative, were given two-year stays and work authorization. The Department of Homeland Security cited border security and national security concerns for the decision, urging voluntary self-deportation through the rebranded CBP Home app. The incoming Trump administration plans to impose daily fines of up to $998 on those who fail to depart, marking a significant shift in immigration policy.
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Paul Chambers, a US academic in Thailand, faces years in prison after being charged with lese majeste, a crime punishable by up to 15 years per offense. The charges stem from a complaint filed by a regional army command regarding a blurb on an ISEAS website, which Chambers denies writing or publishing. He is also charged under the Computer Crimes Act and is currently being held in custody after a bail request was denied. This case highlights the tightening restrictions on free speech and academic freedom in Thailand, drawing international concern and raising questions about the ongoing use of lese majeste as a political tool.
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The Keystone oil pipeline, spanning nearly 2,700 miles, was shut down Tuesday following a rupture in North Dakota, halting the flow of millions of gallons of crude oil. The spill, contained to an agricultural field, triggered concerns about potential gasoline price increases, particularly for diesel and jet fuel, due to the pipeline’s transport of unique heavy crude. While initial price impacts may be limited by refinery reserves, prolonged shutdowns could significantly affect fuel costs and potentially even grocery prices. The cause of the rupture is currently under investigation by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
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President Trump will impose a staggering 104% tariff on all Chinese imports, significantly increasing existing levies. This follows China’s refusal to retract its own retaliatory tariffs, prompting the additional 50% increase. The move is expected to severely impact US markets and consumers, raising prices on various goods. This action, coupled with existing tariffs, brings the total average tariff on Chinese goods to nearly 125%, potentially harming domestic industries and leading to job losses. Despite international pressure, the administration has confirmed that these tariffs will go into effect.
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Ontario’s measles outbreak, exceeding 650 cases in 2025, primarily affects unvaccinated individuals in southwestern Ontario, prompting a New York State travel advisory urging vaccination before visiting. The highly contagious virus has led to a significant increase in cases this year, surpassing the annual total for the past decade by April. New York health officials stress the importance of MMR vaccination, noting the severity of measles, which can cause pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death, and emphasizing that two doses offer nearly 100% protection. The advisory highlights a global rise in measles cases and encourages timely vaccination before travel.
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John Q. Hosedrinker