The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must continue providing gender-affirming care to federal inmates while litigation over the policy change continues. This decision keeps a lower court's pause in place amid ongoing legal battles over transgender healthcare policy in federal prisons.

American citizen Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old former teacher captured in 2022, was released by Russia following a request from President Trump. The release occurred without a prisoner swap, coinciding with talks between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff focused on ending the war in Ukraine.

Meta has been fined $25 billion over allegations of 'lies' regarding user data privacy, marking the largest penalty levied against Facebook's parent company to date. The fine surpasses an earlier $18 billion settlement reached with California.

Former President Trump held a last-minute rally in South Carolina to boost Senator Darline Graham's bid in the state's competitive US Senate race. The visit comes as early voting begins, signaling the high stakes national Republicans see in this contest. Graham has reportedly been working to win over skeptical party members following a contentious primary.

Alex Sanders, a prominent South Carolina judge, college president, and statesman known for his storytelling, has died. He was a notable figure in the state's legal and civic life. His passing marks the loss of a respected public servant and cultural figure in South Carolina.

The Pentagon has granted the Department of Homeland Security permission to test the Active Denial System, a 'heat ray' weapon, for potential use at the U.S.-Mexico border. The move, authorized under Defense Secretary Hegseth, marks a significant expansion of military technology into domestic border enforcement. Multiple outlets confirm the testing approval, raising questions about civil liberties and the militarization of immigration policy.

Germany's military has raised its sabotage threat level following a classified internal analysis warning that German forces could face attacks on home soil from Russia. The warning, reported by public broadcaster WDR and a German newspaper, signals heightened concern about Russian hybrid warfare tactics extending into NATO territory. This reflects broader European anxiety about Russian aggression beyond the Ukraine battlefield.

The Pentagon is reportedly developing a deep-cover spy program aimed at countering China, according to The Washington Post. This initiative suggests an escalation in U.S. intelligence efforts targeting Beijing amid ongoing strategic competition. The program's development indicates a significant shift in how the Defense Department approaches espionage against a major geopolitical rival.