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Supreme Court allows Trump to continue ‘roving’ ICE patrols in California

Supreme Court Backs Trump’s Roving ICE Patrols in California Sparking Legal and Civil Rights Concerns

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday sided with President Donald Trump’s administration, allowing federal immigration agents to continue controversial “roving patrols” across Southern California, despite lower court rulings that said the practice likely violates constitutional protections. The court’s unsigned order offered no explanation, but came over a forceful dissent from the three liberal justices—Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson—who warned the ruling paves the way for widespread racial profiling and civil rights abuses. Controversial Tactics Resume The case centered on aggressive immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who allegedly stopped and interrogated Latino individuals—some of them U.S. citizens—at farms, bus stops, and other locations without reasonable suspicion. A federal district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had previously restricted such stops, ruling that targeting individuals based largely on ethnicity or location likely violated the Fourth Amendment. Monday’s Supreme Court ruling lifts that restriction for now, affecting seven counties in Southern California. In a concurring opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued that ethnicity can be one of several factors used to establish “reasonable suspicion” in immigration enforcement, stating: “Apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish reasonable suspicion… [but] it can be a relevant factor when considered along with other salient factors.” Kavanaugh also emphasized that ICE agents are allowed to “briefly stop the individual and inquire about immigration status.” Sotomayor: ‘Freedoms Are Lost’ Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s first Hispanic justice, issued a blistering dissent, condemning what she described as a “papers please” regime that targets people based on appearance, language, or low-wage employment. “We should not have to live in a country where the government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low-wage job,” she wrote. Sotomayor cited internal statements from DHS officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who called the district judge an “idiot” and vowed that ICE operations would continue unchanged. She also referenced inflammatory rhetoric from ICE leadership, including promises to “go even harder now” and social media videos showing raids at car washes and farms. “These are not brief stops,” Sotomayor wrote. “They involve firearms, physical violence, and detentions in warehouses—with no legal counsel.” ACLU and Civil Rights Groups Condemn Ruling The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which helped lead the legal challenge, called the decision “dangerous” and said it legitimizes racial profiling under the guise of immigration enforcement. “For anyone perceived as Latino by an ICE agent, this means living in fear of violent arrest and detention,” said Cecillia Wang, ACLU National Legal Director. Legal, Political Implications The ruling is the latest in a growing number of emergency appeals from the Trump administration to reach the high court since Trump began his second term in January. Many of these cases, including this one, have bypassed traditional appellate processes and arrived at the court with little public briefing or oral argument. Sotomayor criticized the court’s increasing reliance on such shadow docket rulings, writing: “The court’s appetite to circumvent the ordinary appellate process and weigh in on important issues has grown exponentially.” While the ruling is technically temporary—pending a full hearing—it will be widely interpreted as a green light for aggressive enforcement tactics across the country. Immigration advocates warn it could encourage ICE agents nationwide to resume or expand similar operations, using race and language as key triggers for stops. The Department of Homeland Security praised the ruling. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called it “a win for the safety of Californians and the rule of law.” What’s Next? With the case now cleared for continued enforcement pending further litigation, immigrant communities in California brace for renewed ICE activity. Civil rights groups plan to continue legal challenges and increase public pressure on Congress to impose limits on immigration enforcement powers. Meanwhile, national attention will turn to whether the Supreme Court takes up the case formally—and if it sets new precedent on immigration stops and racial profiling.

US Military Strike Kills 11 in Caribbean Drug Operation Tied to Venezuelan Cartel Trump Announces

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago06 mins

Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that American military forces conducted a “kinetic strike” against a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 individuals believed to be members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel. The strike, carried out in what the administration says were international waters, marks a significant escalation in the U.S. military’s role in combating Latin American drug cartels. The Tren de Aragua (TDA) cartel was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department earlier this year, and is accused by U.S. officials of involvement in drug and sex trafficking, mass killings, and transnational criminal activity. “Earlier this morning, on my orders, U.S. military forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility,” President Trump posted on Truth Social. “Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!” The announcement came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the operation, calling it a “lethal strike” against a “drug vessel which had departed from Venezuela.” He said more operations of this kind are likely, as the administration intensifies its counter-narcotics efforts. “We are going to wage combat against drug cartels that are flooding American streets and killing Americans,” Rubio told reporters ahead of his trip to Mexico and Ecuador. Rubio did not elaborate on the legal basis for the strike, only saying that “all of those steps were taken in advance” and that the organizations in question had been designated as terrorist entities. A senior defense official confirmed the strike, describing it as a “precision operation” carried out in the southern Caribbean. Specific operational details, including which military assets were involved, were not disclosed. Background: Military Presence in the Region CNN previously reported that the U.S. military had deployed more than 4,000 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean and Latin American waters as part of a broader campaign to confront drug cartels. The buildup has drawn sharp criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who accused Washington of using military pressure to destabilize his regime. “It is an extravagant threat… absolutely criminal, bloody,” Maduro said in a televised address Monday. “We have prepared maximum readiness.” The Trump administration recently increased the bounty on Maduro to $50 million, citing his alleged role in international narcotics trafficking. Escalation of U.S. Strategy Analysts say this strike may be the first public acknowledgment of direct military action against a foreign drug cartel. Tom Karako, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNN that while he was unaware of prior strikes of this kind, it wouldn’t be surprising if others had taken place without public disclosure. “It would not surprise me in the slightest if there were a dozen instances that we don’t talk about,” Karako said. The move signals a new phase in U.S. counter-narcotics strategy, combining military force with diplomatic pressure in a region where criminal networks have increasingly become transnational threats. International Reactions The Venezuelan government has not yet issued an official response to the strike. CNN has reached out for comment. The Trump administration’s approach has raised questions among legal scholars and international observers, particularly around the use of military force without Congressional authorization and potential violations of international law. However, administration officials maintain that the designations of Tren de Aragua and similar organizations as terrorist groups provide sufficient legal justification under U.S. law.

Judge rules Trump’s use of US National Guard in Los Angeles illegal

Federal Judge Rules Trump’s Deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles Was Illegal

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — September 2, 2025 — A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests earlier this year was unlawful, citing a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement. The ruling comes amid ongoing national unrest, with more than 1,000 Labor Day rallies held across the U.S. protesting Trump’s immigration policies and federal actions. In Los Angeles, tensions remain high following the June deployment, which took place despite opposition from local city leaders. The judge’s decision adds to a growing list of legal and political challenges facing the Trump administration. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., protesters gathered as Congress returned from its summer recess. Internationally, the World Trade Organization has also raised alarms, warning that Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy could cause “unprecedented” disruptions to the global trading system.

Neighbors React to Gunshots as Community Scrambles for Information Following School Shooting

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

Lori Luepke had just finished feeding the birds in her yard on Wednesday morning when she heard gunshots echo through her neighborhood. Recently retired from a teaching position at a nearby Catholic high school, Luepke knows many of the families at Annunciation Catholic School, just down the block. “It was so surreal to be sitting on the deck, finishing my coffee, and thinking about how great it is to be retired,” she said. “And then, hearing those gunshots—it was like something out of a nightmare.” As police began to cordon off surrounding streets, Luepke and her neighbor, Steven Delegard, walked nearby, anxiously waiting for more information. Delegard’s niece attends the school, but he had not yet received word on her safety. “We could have called, but they’re probably busy and upset,” he said. “So, we’ll just have to wait and see.” Alex Jacques, who had traveled across town to offer support to a friend whose 3-year-old son attends the preschool at Annunciation, shared similar feelings of uncertainty. His friend had rushed to the school after hearing gunshots from her backyard. “When we got there, the teacher wasn’t fully aware of what was happening,” Jacques recalled. “So my friend helped keep the children safe while we waited for more help to arrive.” School Shooting Part of a Grim Trend in Minnesota Minneapolis, MN — August 27, 2025By Andi Babineau, CNN The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis marks the latest in a series of tragedies that have struck the state of Minnesota in recent months. Just one day before the school shooting, CNN affiliate KARE reported a shooting across the street from a Catholic high school in the area, which left one person dead and six others injured. The violence has shaken local communities, already reeling from other recent tragedies. In June, Minnesota’s Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were tragically assassinated in their home. In a separate attack, state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were seriously wounded by the same assailant. Authorities identified the suspect, Vance Boelter, who was dressed in law enforcement tactical gear and a silicone mask to conceal his identity during the attacks. Boelter now faces both state and federal charges. Additionally, the state has not fully recovered from the 2020 death of George Floyd, whose killing in Minneapolis sparked national outrage and fueled the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. The disturbing video of police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes led to Chauvin’s conviction on federal and state charges, along with three other officers who failed to intervene and provide aid. Minnesota residents continue to grapple with the emotional toll of these events, and the latest school shooting only deepens the sense of insecurity felt by many in the state.

Bessent Describes Federal Reserve Independence as a Political Arrangement Following Trump’s Move to Dismiss Fed Board Member

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday described the Federal Reserve’s independence as a “political arrangement,” one day after President Donald Trump announced plans to dismiss Fed board member Lisa Cook amid allegations of mortgage fraud. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Bessent praised the President’s actions, framing them as part of a broader effort to restore public confidence in U.S. institutions. “You have the overwhelming mandate from the American people. You’re restoring confidence in government,” Bessent told Trump. Referring to growing public scrutiny of the central bank, Bessent remarked, “The Federal Reserve is on the front of everyone’s mind.” He went on to assert that the Fed’s credibility stems not solely from its structural independence, but from the trust it commands among the American public. “The Federal Reserve’s independence comes from a political arrangement between itself and the American public,” Bessent said. “Having the public’s trust is the only thing that gives it credibility, and you, sir, are restoring trust to government.” Bessent did not directly name Lisa Cook, the Fed board member whom Trump said he was removing late Monday, citing unverified allegations of mortgage fraud. The unprecedented move has drawn sharp criticism from legal scholars and economists, who warn that it could severely undermine the Fed’s perceived independence from political influence. Critics argue that the dismissal—if carried out—may face constitutional challenges, as members of the Federal Reserve Board are protected by statutory terms and can only be removed under specific legal conditions. The White House has yet to provide additional details regarding the allegations against Cook or the legal justification for the President’s decision. This story is developing.

Trump Vows to Pursue Death Penalty in Washington DC Murder Cases

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration will seek the death penalty in murder cases occurring in Washington, DC, framing the move as a strong deterrent to violent crime in the nation’s capital. “Anybody murders something in the capital, capital punishment. Capital, capital punishment,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. “If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, DC, we’re going to be seeking the death penalty.” The president described the policy as a “very strong preventative” measure against violent crime. “I don’t know if we’re ready for it in this country… we have no choice,” he added. Trump noted that the measure would apply specifically to the District of Columbia, while states would retain the authority to determine their own stance on capital punishment. It remains unclear how the administration intends to enforce the directive. Washington, DC, does not have its own death penalty statute, but the federal government does. In the District, most serious criminal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office — a federal agency — rather than a local district attorney, giving the federal government a unique level of control over criminal prosecutions in the city. Legal analysts say implementing such a policy would likely involve using federal statutes to pursue capital punishment in eligible murder cases, but noted it could spark legal and political challenges given the city’s historical opposition to the death penalty. No further details were immediately provided by the White House.

Bill Gates-Backed Company Unveils Animal-Free Butter Made from Carbon

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Batavia, Illinois — In a revolutionary food-tech breakthrough, a company backed by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has developed a lab-made butter derived entirely from carbon dioxide and hydrogen—without using animals, plants, or oils. The company, Savor, based in Batavia, Illinois, has begun commercial production of the product, which is made using a proprietary thermochemical process. The result is a butter alternative that looks, tastes, and smells like traditional dairy butter but is entirely synthetic and carbon-based. Savor’s innovative approach utilizes captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen in a closed-loop system, reportedly producing zero greenhouse gas emissions while consuming minimal land and water resources—a stark contrast to traditional dairy production. “This is a fundamentally new category of food,” a spokesperson for Savor said. “We’re not imitating butter from cows or plants. We’re building it molecule by molecule using carbon from the air.” Currently, Savor’s butter is being distributed to select restaurants and bakeries, with plans for broader retail availability in the coming years. The development marks a significant milestone in the growing push for climate-friendly and sustainable food alternatives, a movement increasingly backed by venture capital and high-profile investors like Gates. With the global food industry under pressure to reduce emissions and resource use, Savor’s carbon-based butter could signal the beginning of a new era in food innovation—one where taste and sustainability are no longer at odds.

Five Killed After Tour Bus Returning to New York City from Niagara Falls Crashes

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Five people have died and dozens more were injured after a tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed on a major highway in western New York. The bus, carrying 52 passengers, overturned on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of Buffalo, at around 12:30 p.m. local time (5:30 p.m. UK time). According to New York State Police spokesperson Trooper James O’Callaghan, “multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments, and multiple injuries” were reported at the scene. Some children were among those on board. Several passengers were thrown from the bus as windows shattered, while others were trapped inside the wreckage. The Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) in Buffalo received 24 patients. At a press conference, Dr. Jennifer Pugh, Chief of Emergency Medicine at ECMC, said two patients were taken to surgery, including one with internal injuries. Dr. Jeffrey Brewer, Chief of Surgery, said the most seriously injured patients were expected to recover. Injuries included blunt trauma, head injuries, and multiple fractures. Other hospitals also received patients from the crash: Most passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, and translators were brought in to assist. The bus driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. “It’s a full-size tour bus with significant damage,” O’Callaghan said. “Most passengers were likely not wearing seat belts, which is why so many were ejected.” Mercy Flight deployed three helicopters to airlift critically injured individuals. “It’s a very active scene,” said Mercy Flight President Margaret Ferrentino. “At this time, we’re praying for the victims.” Police said the driver lost control of the bus at full speed and the vehicle flipped during an attempt to correct course. The crash forced the closure of the highway in both directions, causing significant delays during one of the final weekends of the summer holiday season. Niagara Falls, located on the US-Canada border, attracts more than nine million visitors annually.