The Obama Presidential Center was dedicated Thursday in Chicago’s Jackson Park with performances, dignitaries and a public watch party. The campus opens its museum to the public Friday and includes exhibits on American history, the Obamas’ lives and the 2008 campaign.
News Mash
The Supreme Court unanimously sided with Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas marijuana user charged under a federal ban on gun possession by unlawful drug users. The justices said the ruling was narrow and did not invalidate the law in full.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American forces in Europe and warned NATO allies that U.S. dues could fall if they miss defense spending targets. NATO says European members are already increasing spending and replacing some U.S. capabilities.
Chi Leung “Peter” Wai and Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen were jailed for assisting a foreign intelligence service in a case involving surveillance of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in Britain. Wai, a Border Force officer, also received a misconduct sentence for misusing Home Office systems.
Merlin Lu, 21, of Chicago, faces felony hate crime, arson and property damage charges after police said he set fire to a cross in Grant Park. Lu told NBC Chicago before his arrest that the act was meant as a protest against Donald Trump and denied it was racially motivated.
New York City is celebrating the Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years with a ticker-tape parade up Broadway and a City Hall ceremony. Police said all viewing pens were full early Thursday as 10,000 officers were assigned to secure the event.
The Major Oak, the ancient Sherwood Forest tree associated with Robin Hood, is believed to have died after failing to produce leaves this spring. Conservationists cited tourism, soil compaction, structural supports and climate-related heat and drought as factors in its decline.
Ukraine struck a major Moscow oil refinery in one of its largest drone attacks on the Russian capital, disrupting flights and sending smoke over the city. Zelenskyy called the strikes a justified response to Russian attacks on Ukraine as both sides reported overnight barrages.