Rex Heuermann, accused of the Gilgo Beach serial killings on Long Island, is expected to change his plea to guilty at his next court appearance, potentially resolving charges involving seven victims. Initially pleading not guilty, Heuermann was linked to the crimes through DNA evidence, cellphone data, and a witness tip connecting his vehicle to one of the victims. His anticipated guilty plea marks a major development in the decades-old case that has deeply affected the Long Island community.
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A federal judge in California has blocked the Trump administration from designating AI company Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" and banning federal use of its technology, ruling the government's actions likely unlawful and arbitrary. The dispute arose after Anthropic restricted military use of its AI for surveillance and autonomous weapons, leading to the Pentagon’s prohibition and a presidential order to cease using its services. The injunction restores the status quo pending appeal, allowing agencies to choose AI providers freely while Anthropic continues legal challenges against what it calls retaliatory government actions.
President Donald Trump announced he will sign an executive order to restart pay for TSA officers amid a DHS funding lapse that has caused staffing shortages and airport delays. The shutdown results from a congressional deadlock over DHS funding, with Republicans proposing a bill excluding ICE enforcement and Democrats demanding reforms before agreeing to fund ICE operations. In response, Senator John Kennedy plans to introduce a bill to fund the TSA independently, though it is unclear if Senate GOP leadership will support this measure.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that President Donald Trump’s signature will be added to new paper currency for the first time, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature. This change coincides with plans for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring Trump’s likeness, both intended to honor the country’s historic milestone and Trump’s recent economic leadership. The new currency is expected to be introduced later this year amid ongoing economic challenges, with the Treasury praising Trump’s impact on the nation’s economic revival.
President Donald Trump faces significant obstacles in advancing the U.S. military campaign against Iran due to uncertain congressional support and growing public opposition, with lawmakers demanding clearer justification and strategy. The conflict has also triggered economic repercussions, including stock market declines and soaring oil and gasoline prices, while Trump downplays these issues and temporarily halts attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure. Concurrently, the administration is embroiled in controversies over election security, proposing ICE monitoring at polling places and facing criticism over Trump’s own mail-in voting, highlighting internal tensions ahead of the midterm elections.
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into Ohio State University College of Medicine’s admissions policies, requesting detailed applicant data amid heightened scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action. Led by Harmeet Dhillon, a conservative activist heading the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the inquiry reflects a broader crackdown on DEI policies at several universities. Separately, the DOJ and Department of Homeland Security are finalizing a controversial agreement to share sensitive voter registration data for immigration and criminal investigations, raising privacy and legal concerns.
The conflict involving Iran has severely disrupted global oil supplies by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20% of the world’s oil shipments, with vessel traffic dropping drastically and Iran imposing tolls on passage. The International Energy Agency recommends reducing oil demand through measures like remote work and increased public transit use, but experts note challenges in changing American driving habits due to limited transit options and the cost of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, ongoing tensions have led to attacks on shipping vessels, and Iran insists on sovereignty over the strait as a condition for ending the conflict, signaling a long-term assertion of control.
A Senate amendment requiring photo identification for voting failed to advance after a 53-47 vote, amid heated debate over the broader SAVE America Act, which seeks to impose stricter voter ID and citizenship verification measures. Democrats opposed the amendment, citing concerns about voter access and ballot secrecy, while Republicans argued it was necessary for election integrity and reflected public opinion favoring voter ID laws. Additional election-related controversies include fears of ICE presence at polling places and a lawsuit demanding transparency over a voter data sharing agreement involving Social Security Administration staff, highlighting ongoing tensions ahead of the 2026 midterms.