The Supreme Court struck down a map in Louisiana that violated the Voting Rights Act. The ruling will affect future elections starting in 2028. It could set off an effort in several states to create new maps ahead of November’s midterm elections for Congress. Florida lawmakers approved a new congressional boundaries on Wednesday.
Trump will not lift a naval blockade of Iran's ports until he secures a peace deal with Tehran. US Central Command has asked to send the Army's Dark Eagle hypersonic missile to the Middle East for possible use against Iran. The administration is also looking at enlisting other countries to help restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices surged amid increasing concerns about the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, according to Daniel Takieddine, CEO of Sky Links Capital Group. The expiring June Brent contract briefly traded near $125 per barrel, while the new front-month July contract rose above $113 per barrel. Saxo Bank’s head of Commodity Strategy Ole Hansen said the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz is prolonging a disruption that is tightening global energy markets.
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the Voting Rights Act effectively gutted the requirement that districts be drawn to give minority voters a chance to elect representatives of their choosing. With that mandate largely gone, Republican lawmakers across the country have a freer hand to eliminate Democratic-leaning districts and pad the total number of seats they can win to hold the House. The ruling came down well after filing deadlines for this year’s primary elections and in some cases, after those primary elections have been held.
US economic growth likely accelerated in the first quarter on a rebound in government spending after a crippling government shutdown. The pickup is expected to be short-lived as the war with Iran drives up gasoline prices and squeezes household budgets. Pete Hegseth faces a second day of grilling from Democrats on Capitol Hill over his handling of the Iran war.
Cole Allen, 31, is accused of trying to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner and kill President Donald Trump on Saturday night. He took a picture of himself in his hotel room with an ammunition bag, a shoulder gun holster and a sheathed knife, according to a new court filing. He was captured when he tried to race past security barricades near the hotel’s ballroom, prompting an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents.
The Department of Justice indicted James Comey on charges that he threatened his political rival, President Donald Trump. Last autumn, the department brought different charges against Comey - later tossed out by a judge. Legal experts expressed scepticism about the department's allegations and a possible conviction.
European leaders want to clarify Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union's founding treaty on the mutual assistance clause. The clause is rarely used, but it is at the heart of Europe’s bid to look for alternative security arrangements beyond NATO. There is a growing rift between the US and Europe, especially between Donald Trump and European allies.
China will ban the sale of drones in Beijing and require permits to fly them under new rules that take effect on Friday. Drones and key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the police. All outdoor drone flights in Beijing will also require prior approval.
More than half of the world’s countries fall into the “difficult” or “very serious” categories for press freedom. Only seven mostly Nordic countries are ranked with “good” press freedom, with Norway, the Netherlands and Estonia in the top three. The United States ranks 64th with a “problematic” score. Eastern Europe and the Middle East are the most dangerous regions for journalists.