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.
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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.
A 57-year-old truck driver was detained after potatoes were spilled on the Storebaelt bridge, a key bridge that connects two Danish islands. The incident caused significant disruption to traffic and the police are working to determine why the potatoes were spilled and what consequences the driver may face.
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.”
Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein and Saudi Arabian bride Rajwa Alseif celebrated their union on Thursday in a royal ceremony at the palace in Amman, Jordan's capital city. The event was attended by King Abdullah II, Queen Rania, and other members of the royal family, as well as a surprise appearance by Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate. The union of the two families is seen as a sign of continued friendship and stability between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and the couple was showered with well-wishes from around the world. They are expected to embark on a honeymoon in the coming weeks.
German prosecutors have secured objects during a search in Portugal related to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 16 years ago. The search was conducted around a dam near the Praia da Luz resort where she was last seen, and the objects have yet to be identified or linked to the case. The investigation is ongoing, with German prosecutors continuing to examine the objects for clues.