Southwestern state, U.S. landlocked, borders four corners
Slate Auto has unveiled a bare‑bones, two‑seat electric pickup starting at $24,950 and a two‑row SUV conversion from $29,950. Preorders have opened with $300 deposits; the base truck uses a 63 kWh LFP battery, rear‑wheel drive, about 205 miles EPA range, and production is scheduled to begin in late 2026.
The Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that children born in the United States remain citizens under the 14th Amendment, rejecting President Trump’s executive order that sought to deny citizenship to babies born to parents on temporary or irregular legal status. Chief Justice John Roberts has invoked long-standing precedent, including United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and said the administration offered insufficient evidence to overturn that history.
The Supreme Court has ruled that presidents may fire heads of most independent agencies for cause, while preserving the Federal Reserve’s protections. The ruling expands executive power but still allows the Fed to remain insulated from political interference for now.
Iran has exited the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Egypt meant they finished third in Group G and missed a knockout spot on goal difference. US officials have drawn criticism for restricting Iran’s movement during the tournament, with officials claiming visas and access were used to hinder the team.
Several wildfires are burning across Georgia and the Southeast, with containment improving in Brantley County while others persist; authorities warn the battles will extend for days as drought and wind drive spread.
The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System and related projects are expanding water capacity along the Missouri River. The base system now delivers 44 million gallons daily to 20 communities, with two expansions under way and a separate pipeline project to support growth in the Black Hills region. Together, the initiatives could cost tens of billions and serve hundreds of thousands more residents over the next 40–50 years.
The Western Cape and surrounding regions are facing a continued severe weather event with multiple Orange Warning levels for disruptive rainfall, possible floods, and damaging winds. Schools have already closed and transport services paused as much of the country tracks an advancing cut-off low and associated heavy rain through Tuesday.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Three deaths have been reported from hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius; several states are monitoring residents who recently disembarked the ship. Health officials say the immediate public risk remains very low as investigations continue and evacuations are underway.
A Scottsdale Circle K is suing the Arizona Lottery and a former employee after an overprint left one ticket among a batch that could win a prize. State rules say overprinted tickets remain retailer property; a May 15 ruling could set precedent on misprinted or abandoned tickets.
Leroy Dean McGill has been executed by lethal injection in Florence, Arizona, for the July 2002 arson murder of Charles Perez and the attack on his girlfriend Nova Banta. McGill’s last meal included onion rings, bread and butter, chocolate cake and a green salad, and he has told witnesses, “I’m going home soon.” Three more executions are planned this week in Tennessee, Florida.
Federal authorities have seized more than 300 gold bars, about $2 million in cash and dozens of luxury watches from a former CIA official amid an embezzlement probe. Investigators say the suspect claimed work-related expenses and alleged Navy Reserve service, with charges including theft of public funds.
A review of fresh court actions shows renewed grand jury activity and ongoing prosecutions across several cases. In Chicago, prosecutors have faced questions about how they handled a grand jury while pursuing charges against protesters; in Arizona, a separate case involving fake electors awaits a grand jury decision; and other venues see judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers navigating new rulings and delays as cases adapt to evolving legal challenges.
The California vote count is under scrutiny as mail-in ballots keep the tally slow, while other states advance. California officials say delays stem from signature checks, handling a high volume of mail ballots, and staffing gaps, sparking cross‑party criticism and concerns about misinformation.
Marvell Technology joins the S&P 500 on June 22, highlighting the growing role of semiconductors in the market, while Flex will also join; Pool Corp and The Campbell’s Company will be removed. Nvidia-linked optimism and a surge in Marvell’s stock follow the broader AI and data infrastructure boom.
San Carlos Lake has been closed indefinitely after drought conditions and water releases from the Coolidge Dam caused a mass fish kill, destroying the lake’s fish population. Officials warn of health risks and are prohibiting fishing, harvesting and possession of fish until further notice.
The Pentagon has removed the Christian label from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its religion-codes, narrowing the list of recognized denominations to about 31. Lawmakers and church leaders accuse the move of mischaracterizing LDS Christianity, while the Defense Department says the change aims to streamline chaplain support and resource access.
Iran’s football federation says its ticket allocation for World Cup matches in the United States has been withdrawn, leaving supporters unable to attend. The claim follows visa hurdles and broader US-Israel-Iran hostilities as the tournament opens, with Iran relocating its base to Mexico.
The Justice Department has sought to remove U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross from cases tied to Fulton County politics. An internal investigation found sexual activity in the courthouse with a high-ranking officer, partisan events, and improper supervision. Ross has issued a private reprimand and is facing impeachment resolutions.
Federal officials have suspended funding to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority amid a widening investigation into mismanagement and alleged fraud. LAHSA has faced audits and lawsuits over the handling of homelessness programs, with HUD warning that accountability standards must be met as the White House task force acts to curb improper spending. The move places pressure on local leaders to reform funding and oversight while continuing homelessness services.
A Delta passenger has been indicted for interfering with flight crew after an in-flight incident on May 9, prompting a mid-air diversion. The flight attendant reported being slapped as service was being conducted; the plane landed in Atlanta where the suspect was detained and is awaiting trial.
Federal agents have raided the Cleveland office of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative and questioned staff and volunteers as part of a probe into alleged fraud linked to 2024 voter registration efforts. Officials say the investigations are ongoing, with no details released about specific charges; officials have not commented. The actions arrive as U.S. elections loom and ties to the Trump administration’s enforcement drive are being scrutinized.
A court has ordered the restoration of materials removed from national parks and paused further deletions, with weekly status reports required. The ruling covers sites like Independence National Historical Park and others nationwide as the administration faces ongoing litigation over its executive order to review exhibits deemed negative.
At Stanford, a walkout during Sundar Pichai’s commencement speech has spotlighted Google’s contract with Israel and its broader AI role. Pro-Palestinian activists chant ‘Free Palestine’ as students signal dissent over corporate ties to government and military uses of AI. The protest follows decades of campus debate as graduates listen to speakers about technology’s future.
The Supreme Court, in an unsigned 6-3 decision, has upheld Pedro Hernandez’s murder conviction for Etan Patz, reversing a lower court that had granted him a new trial. The ruling clarifies the limits of federal review over state court decisions and preserves a decades-long effort by Manhattan prosecutors. Patz disappeared in 1979, becoming a national symbol in the search for missing children.
The Trump administration has announced a deal in which Intel will design and build chips for Apple in the United States. The move is framed as strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. Apple’s chip supply and Intel’s revival are central to evolving U.S. tech policy and market expectations.
Waymo, Wayve, Baidu and Uber-backed ventures have pushed robotaxi testing and commercial rollouts in London, San Francisco and Houston, while Uber has announced Houston as its next market after San Francisco. Companies have recalled vehicles and limited freeway operations after construction-zone incidents, and unions and regulators are blocking some US rollout plans.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued region-specific orders to speed grid connections for AI-driven data centers and large energy users, aiming to balance faster power access with consumer costs. The moves target six grid regions serving over 200 million people and seek transparent cost allocation, with responses due within 60 days.
Automakers have announced strategic shifts as Chinese brands and US trade rules upend the sector. Volkswagen has proposed deep job cuts to cut costs, Jaguar Land Rover is adding hybrids and prioritising the US, and the Commerce Department has denied Polestar permission to sell new connected models in the US from 2027, pushing the brand to refocus on Europe.
Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz detention facility has been closed and all detainees transferred to other sites as hurricane season begins. Officials say the move prioritizes safety, but critics warn the harm to detainees and ongoing costs persist amid legal battles and environmental concerns.
A mix of patient debt relief measures, state programs, and looming federal policy shifts are reshaping how Americans access care. New data show rising affordability concerns and the potential for more funding to cushion rural hospitals and emergency services.
The AI data-center boom is driving calls for grid upgrades and new rules. Regulators have begun directing grid operators to streamline interconnections, with data centers paying upgrade costs while balancing reliability and consumer costs. Governments and communities are pushing for transparency as AI scales.
Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis to fix software that can drive into freeway construction zones, after 13 incidents in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area. The company has limited freeway driving during the fix and notes it continues to operate on surface streets.
AP News reports on ongoing dismissals of fake elector cases in several states, with some cases being refiled after dismissals. Nevada and Arizona cases face procedural delays as authorities pursue grand juries and appeals.
The AP-NORC poll shows broad disapproval of the war and Trump’s Iran policy, while voters weigh economic concerns ahead of the midterms as a Washington stopover highlights Pennsylvania’s swing-state status.
The National Park Service has issued an extreme heat watch for the Grand Canyon’s inner canyon, predicting 105–110+ degree conditions at the bottom. Officials are urging hikers to avoid mid-day trails as several heat-related incidents have already occurred, with fatalities reported on Kaibab trails. Fire danger is rising nearby amid dry conditions.
Utah faces a widening measles outbreak affecting 22 of 29 counties, with infection clusters in undervaccinated communities. Officials warn that school start and cooler weather could trigger a renewed surge. ProPublica links endemism questions to national measles status.
A Utah judge has ruled on whether prosecutors should face sanctions for public comments about ballistics in the Kirk killing case. The proceedings address potential juror bias and whether the death penalty should be removed as a sanction. A decision on trial proceedings and courtroom access is forthcoming.
Lucid Group has filed to cut about 18% of its U.S. workforce, eliminating the chief operating officer position as part of a drive to align production with demand and move toward profitability. The moves follow February cuts and precede the potential mass-market Cosmos launch this year, while the company pursues robotaxi plans with Uber and Nuro.
A growing class-action suit accuses major gas retailers of using Kalibrate's AI pricing to coordinate higher gas prices across more than 1,700 California stations. The suit cites six-cent average increases, up to 30 cents in dense Kalibrate usage areas, and potential billions in annual driver costs.
Notes linked to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance have surfaced, with one claiming she died and was buried in nature. Authorities, including the FBI, have not confirmed the contents. Savannah Guthrie has pleaded for information as searches continue.
Arkansas is moving forward with restrictions on SNAP purchases, banning candy and soda in government food aid as part of a broader push to address diet-related health issues. The state faces legal and operational hurdles, including federal rules and court rulings, while retailers scramble to implement lists of banned items and SNAP beneficiaries adapt using a new app to check eligibility.
A Colorado Bureau of Investigation scientist, Yvonne Woods, has pleaded guilty to cybercrime, perjury, attempting to influence a public servant and forgery. Dozens of related charges were dismissed. She faces 8 to 16 years in prison when sentenced in September. The case has prompted state-wide reviews of hundreds of cases and cost projections exceeding $11 million.
A sweeping security operation surrounds the United States’ 250th celebration, with federal agencies coordinating, high-profile events planned across Washington, D.C., and the first-ever designation of a National Security Special Event. Authorities say there are no credible threats but are ready for any scenario as crowds gather for Fourth of July festivities.
NASA is coordinating a months-long operation to rescue the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory by boosting it to a higher, stable orbit using a three-armed robot. The mission follows delays due to weather and aims to extend Swift’s life, with Hubble potentially facing a similar risk from solar activity.
The Supreme Court has upheld Mississippi’s policy to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but received up to five days later. The ruling preserves state flexibility on ballot receipt timing and shields thousands of ballots, including those from military voters, from being discarded. Justices Barrett writes for the majority; Alito dissents.