Santa Cruz County prosecutors seek to block release of man convicted of 2015 assault, murder of 8-year-old “Maddy” Middleton

Donald Trump's Trial and Judicial TensionsIn May 2024, Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 charges related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, marking a historic moment as a former president became a convicted felon. Following his conviction, Trump's administration has actively challenged judicial authority, with threats and hostility towards judges increasing, prompting concerns about the integrity of the US judicial system. Want More Context? 🔎

A former Kentucky police officer, Brett Hankison, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights during a botched raid that led to her fatal shooting. His conviction marks the first direct accountability from law enforcement in connection with Taylor's death, which sparked widespread protests and discussions on racial justice. Want More Context? 🔎

Sen. Maria Cantwell is urging President Trump to modernize the U.S. weather forecasting system, emphasizing that such investments could save lives and reduce costs after recent disasters, including deadly floods in Central Texas. In her letter, Cantwell proposed five bipartisan recommendations for enhancing forecasting capabilities, amidst budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which could hinder critical weather research and technology upgrades. Want More Context? 🔎

US President Donald Trump's administration has released 230,000 pages of FBI surveillance files related to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, previously withheld since 1977. While King's children condemned the release as potentially harmful to their father's legacy, some family members welcomed it as a step towards transparency, amidst ongoing criticism of Trump's handling of other sensitive documents. Want More Context? 🔎

A Calgary couple experienced a frightening encounter with a grizzly bear while hiking at Trolls Falls in Alberta's Kananaskis Country during their wedding anniversary. They managed to scare the bear away by appearing larger, amidst reports of increased bear activity in the area. Want More Context? 🔎

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, renowned for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, tragically drowned at 54 while vacationing in Costa Rica. Despite rescue efforts by bystanders and the Red Cross, he was declared dead after being caught in a rip current; Warner was also a Grammy winner and had recent roles in The Resident and various other shows. Want More Context? 🔎