North Korean soldier defects to the South, Yonhap reports

A federal appeals court unanimously upheld a ruling blocking Louisiana's law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, deeming it "facially unconstitutional." The case may advance to the U.S. Supreme Court, as Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill plans to challenge the decision, arguing for the law's educational significance amidst ongoing debates about religion in public schools. Need More Context? 🔎

Judge sends jury home for the weekend Testimony ended early today so that a juror could attend a graduation ceremony. Judge Arun Subramanian again reminded the panel not to discuss this case with anyone or read anything about it.Combs checked out of Florida, California hotels with major damageThe defendant checked out of a Bal Harbour resort on Dec. 6, 2021, with a $6,000 bill for damage, according to records shown in court. He also left...

Rhode Island's Democratic-controlled state House has passed legislation to ban the sale and manufacturing of many semiautomatic rifles, pending approval from Governor Dan McKee, who supports the ban. While gun control advocates argue this is a necessary step, critics claim it burdens law-abiding citizens and may face constitutional challenges in the Supreme Court. Need More Context? 🔎

A federal judge in Massachusetts has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, issuing a preliminary injunction that restores protections for affected students. This ruling comes amid allegations from the administration regarding Harvard's campus environment and follows a series of actions against the university, including funding cuts and demands for policy reforms, which have sparked significant backlash and support from other educational institutions. Need More Context? 🔎

CHICAGO — Legendary Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for the first time in over 20 years before a game against the Seattle Mariners, where he was greeted by owner Tom Ricketts. Now 56 and set for induction into the Cubs' Hall of Fame, Sosa, a seven-time All-Star with 545 home runs, acknowledged past mistakes regarding performance-enhancing drugs during his career. Need More Context? 🔎

A juror from the recent trial of Karen Read, acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges, cited a "sloppy police investigation" and insufficient evidence to support the prosecution's case, stating she believed a collision did not occur. The juror and others noted doubts about the prosecution's narrative, particularly regarding the victim, John O'Keefe, and emphasized the importance of thorough investigative work in such cases. Need More Context? 🔎