CNN moves to keep reporter Alex Marquardt’s raise, promotion out of high-stakes defamation trial

President Trump to Announce Peace Pact Between Azerbaijan and Armenia President Trump is set to announce a historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia at the White House, with leaders Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan attending. The deal aims to deepen U.S. ties with both countries and includes the establishment of a transit corridor for energy access to the West, following years of conflict and stalled negotiations. Want More Context? 🔎

Brian Driscoll, the former acting director of the FBI, is being removed from his position at the Washington field office, along with assistant director Steve Jensen and agent Walter Giardina, who has ties to investigations involving President Trump. The reasons for their ousting remain unclear, and at least one other FBI official has also been terminated. Want More Context? 🔎

President Donald Trump is set to sign a directive requiring universities to submit admissions data to demonstrate compliance with non-affirmative action policies, following recent settlements with Ivy League schools mandating the disclosure of applicant race. This directive follows the Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action, which has sparked significant debate over academic freedom and diversity in education. Want More Context? 🔎

Maryland State Police charged 19-year-old Jayden Ballard with impersonating an officer and unlawfully taking a vehicle after he allegedly made fake traffic stops while in a police uniform and driving a marked cruiser. Investigators are looking into how he accessed the uniform and vehicle, and are urging anyone who interacted with him to come forward; his trial is set for September 24. Want More Context? 🔎

Vance Boelter, 58, pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including six counts of murder, for the June 14 shootings of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Prosecutors indicated that the case, involving extensive evidence from multiple agencies, may be classified as complex, delaying standard trial timelines. Want More Context? 🔎

FBI Director Kash Patel will assist in locating Texas Democratic lawmakers who left the state to protest new congressional maps aimed at increasing GOP representation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has initiated civil arrest orders and lawsuits against the lawmakers, while allegations of bribery have emerged regarding funding for their quorum break, leading to fines and ongoing investigations. Want More Context? 🔎