The U.S. Supreme Court has decided against the Trump administration's bid to quickly deport Venezuelan individuals by invoking an 18th-century law. On Friday, the court issued an emergency ruling that blocks expedited removals of Venezuelans who have been accused of gang affiliation, allowing for the indefinite prohibition of deportations from a north Texas facility under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The matter will now return to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which had previously declined to intervene in the case.
In response to the ruling, President Donald Trump expressed his frustration, stating on his Truth Social platform, "THE SUPREME COURT WON'T ALLOW US TO GET CRIMINALS OUT OF OUR COUNTRY!" This ruling is part of a broader series of judicial setbacks faced by the Trump administration concerning its aggressive immigration policies. The administration has frequently criticized the necessity of due process, arguing that it hampers their efforts to enforce U.S. immigration laws.
In other news, in a dramatic turn of events, ten inmates broke out of a New Orleans jail through a hole they created behind a toilet. This escape, which took place overnight on Friday, occurred while the lone guard assigned to their cell was away for food. Eight escapees, including those charged with murder, remain fugitives following their daring escape. Surveillance footage shows them absconding from the facility and scaling a fence, using blankets to protect themselves from barbed wire. The absence of the inmates was not discovered until hours later during a morning headcount.
Meanwhile, in a disappointing development for House Republicans, a significant tax breaks bill championed by Trump failed to clear the Budget Committee due to opposition from a faction of conservative lawmakers. This vote, which concluded 16-21 against the bill, means that House Speaker Mike Johnson's efforts to secure approval for the legislation will face delay. These hard-right lawmakers are pushing for deeper spending cuts to crucial programs like Medicaid before offering their support, citing concerns regarding the national debt, which stands at $36 trillion.
Severe weather has also caused havoc in St. Louis, where an afternoon storm, possibly a tornado, resulted in at least five fatalities. The storms led to substantial property damage, including roofs being torn off buildings, shattered windows, and uprooted trees. More than 5,000 homes were affected, and approximately 100,000 residents were left without power. Mayor Cara Spencer described the aftermath as "truly devastating," as first responders and authorities moved to search for those trapped or injured amidst the wreckage.
In another significant development, train engineers working for New Jersey Transit initiated a strike on Friday, leaving approximately 350,000 daily commuters scrambling to find alternative transportation. As trains came to a halt, many riders sought buses, taxis, and other means to navigate the state's transit system. While the strike did not appear to cause major traffic disruptions, some individuals were caught off guard, waiting for trains that would not arrive.
In an ongoing high-profile trial, singer Dawn Richard took the stand after Cassie testified against Sean "Diddy" Combs during a civil case involving allegations of sex trafficking and abuse. Prosecutors assert that Combs exploited his fame for a system of coercion, while the defense contends that all actions were consensual. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with both sides presenting their cases in a contentious legal battle.
In international news, a construction giant in Thailand, along with several associates, has surrendered to police following a deadly tower collapse in Bangkok that occurred during an earthquake, claiming 92 lives. They face charges of professional negligence. Authorities confirmed that the site of the building collapse will continue efforts to identify remains, although search operations have ceased.
Lastly, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded after less than two hours, resulting in an agreement for a large prisoner swap but lacking any progress towards a ceasefire. Ukrainian representatives emphasized the need for a truce as a preliminary condition for further negotiations, while the Russian delegation expressed contentment with the discussions. Tensions in the region remain high, with ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns persisting.
