Dev Shah, a fourteen-year-old from Largo, Florida, has won the 95th Scripps National Spelling Bee by correctly spelling the word "psammophile." After his spelling career was interrupted by the pandemic, Shah made it through his highly competitive regional for a third and final try at the national title, and he ended up holding the trophy over his head as confetti fell. His victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he expressed his gratitude for everyone who has supported him throughout his journey.
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President Joe Biden took a tumble at the U.S. Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony in Colorado on Thursday, but was helped to his feet by two Secret Service agents and an Air Force official. The incident was met with cheers from the crowd, and Biden is expected to make a full recovery with no further comment from the White House.
The Senate has passed legislation to block President Biden's student loan relief program, which would cancel either $10,000 or $20,000 in debt for tens of millions of borrowers. The vote was 52-46, with a few moderate senators voting with Republicans. The legislation now goes to President Biden's desk, where he is expected to veto it.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to pass the bill to suspend the debt ceiling and limit government spending as soon as possible to avoid a U.S. default. Senate Minority Whip John Thune has cautioned that final passage of the bill could come Friday, depending on the agreement of amendment votes. The Senate needs to pass the bill before Monday to prevent a catastrophic economic crisis.
Former President Donald Trump's lawyers have filed a motion in Manhattan criminal court asking Judge Juan Merchan to recuse himself from the case due to alleged "significant conflicts". The motion details the alleged conflicts and states that Trump is entitled to an impartial judge and fair legal process. If the motion is granted, a new judge will be assigned to the case.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an 8-1 decision Thursday siding with an employer in a dispute with a union over a strike, ruling that federal law does not preempt a lawsuit the employer filed against the union in state court. The decision sets a precedent that employers can pursue legal action against unions for property destruction that occurs during a strike, and reinforces the idea that the NLRA does not protect workers from all forms of property destruction.
Former New Mexico Republican candidate Solomon Peña has been indicted on federal charges in connection with a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of four Democratic officials in December 2022 and January 2021. The indictment alleges that Peña and his two accomplices conspired to intimidate and interfere with the election process and used firearms in the commission of the crimes. If convicted, Peña and his two accomplices could face up to 20 years in prison.
The Pentagon has blocked a U.S. Air Force base in Nevada from hosting a drag show in celebration of Pride Month, citing current Department of Defense policy. The decision has been met with criticism from LGBTQ activists and allies, who argue that the military should be more inclusive of its LGBTQ members. The Human Rights Campaign has released a statement saying the decision “sends a dangerous message that the military is not a welcoming place for LGBTQ service members and their families.”