UCLA aims to rebuild trust with free speech zones, more security

Protests against federal immigration raids and President Trump's mobilization of the National Guard are escalating across the U.S., with many demonstrations turning confrontational, resulting in clashes with police and hundreds of arrests. Activists plan larger actions nationwide on Saturday, coinciding with Trump's military parade, highlighting tensions in cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Spokane, and Las Vegas. More Context

President Trump is set to sign a measure blocking California's 2035 ban on new gas-powered cars and other state emissions regulations, escalating tensions with Governor Newsom. This action, supported by the automobile and trucking industries, has faced criticism from environmentalists and state officials who argue it undermines California's authority and public health. More Context

The U.N. refugee agency reports that over 122 million people are forcibly displaced globally due to violence and persecution, marking a rise of 2 million from last year and nearly double the figures from a decade ago. Notably, Sudan now leads as the largest displacement crisis, with over 14 million displaced, while nearly two million Syrians have returned home amid ongoing recovery efforts. More Context

Amid ongoing unrest in Los Angeles, California is tightening criminal enforcement following the reversal of Proposition 47, which previously decriminalized theft under $950. New measures allow for felony charges against looters, particularly in light of recent anti-ICE protests, as officials respond to rising retail theft and a culture of criminality fostered by lax enforcement. More Context

President Trump's attorney argued that his felony hush money conviction appeal should move from state to federal court, claiming he deserves a federal forum due to his unique status as a former president. The Manhattan district attorney's office contended that it's too late for such a move, and the judges have yet to rule on the matter, with Trump's lawyers citing federal immunity for official acts as a basis for their appeal. More Context

Gun deaths among children have significantly increased in states with lax firearm laws over a 13-year period, as per a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. The research found that states with the most permissive gun laws saw a rise in pediatric fatalities, while those with stricter regulations, like California, experienced reductions, highlighting the link between gun legislation and youth safety. More Context