President Donald Trump's newly appointed pardon czar, Alice Marie Johnson, embarks on a mission to identify and assist non-violent offenders trapped in what she describes as a corrupt system.
According to Fox News, Johnson, who received both a commutation and full pardon from Trump after serving 21 years in prison, now works within the administration to evaluate potential pardon candidates and advocate for criminal justice reform.
Johnson's appointment represents a remarkable transformation from her past life, where she faced a life sentence without parole for her involvement in a Memphis cocaine trafficking operation. Despite claiming she never directly handled drugs, she admitted to facilitating communications between dealers following personal hardships, including her son's death, financial difficulties, and a divorce.
In an interview with Lara Trump on "My View," Johnson expressed her disbelief at the dramatic turn her life has taken. She emphasized the importance of her unique perspective, having experienced the justice system firsthand.
Johnson shared her vision for the role with host Lara Trump, explaining that while she cannot help everyone, she intends to maximize her impact. She plans to focus on identifying deserving candidates while simultaneously pushing for systemic changes.
The former inmate expressed that her personal experience makes her uniquely qualified for this position. She understands the challenges faced by those seeking pardons and the complexities of navigating the justice system.
Johnson spoke candidly about her observations of the criminal justice system's failures during her interview:
There are laws that have to be changed because, even in my position, I'm not going to be able to find everyone. I am going to find as many as I possibly can find, but I'm also going to be advocating [for change] and looking at the things that are out there, on the books, that need to be changed, but to also do what the president has entrusted me to do, and let's find those individuals who need their second chance, those individuals who had lost hope in a system that was totally corrupt.
Her assessment of the current system highlights deep-rooted issues that extend beyond individual cases. Johnson emphasized that wealth alone cannot protect individuals from systemic corruption.
The new pardon czar plans to implement a comprehensive approach to evaluating candidates. This includes assessing their readiness to reintegrate into society and their potential for positive community impact.
Johnson's approach focuses on identifying individuals who have demonstrated genuine reform during their incarceration. She believes in thorough evaluation of each case to ensure pardons are granted appropriately.
The position allows her to leverage her unique perspective as both a former inmate and now a government official. This dual experience informs her understanding of both the system's flaws and potential solutions.
Her role extends beyond simply identifying pardon candidates to include advocacy for broader systemic reforms. Johnson sees this as an opportunity to address fundamental issues within the criminal justice system.
Trump's selection of Johnson as pardon czar reflects a commitment to criminal justice reform that incorporates lived experience. Her appointment marks a significant shift in how pardons and commutations are evaluated and granted.
Alice Marie Johnson's journey from serving a life sentence in an Alabama prison to leading White House efforts for criminal justice reform spans seven years. In her new role as pardon czar, she combines her personal experience with a mission to identify deserving candidates for presidential pardons while advocating for systemic changes to address what she describes as a corrupt system.
Her work focuses on non-violent offenders who have demonstrated rehabilitation and are prepared to reintegrate into their communities.
A bronze statue honoring first lady Melania Trump was cut down and taken by unknown individuals this week near her hometown in southeastern Slovenia, according to police.
The bronze artwork replaced a wooden statue that had been destroyed in an arson attack in 2020 and had stood in the town of Sevnica as a tribute to Trump’s Slovenian roots, as Fox News reports.
The latest incident occurred earlier in the week and was first reported to Slovenian police on Tuesday, authorities confirmed. The statue had been situated near Sevnica, where Melania Trump -- born Melanija Knavs in 1970 -- spent her early years when Slovenia was part of then-Communist Yugoslavia.
According to police spokesperson Alenka Drenik Rangus, officials are actively investigating the vandalism and theft. The statue was reportedly sawed off at the ankles before being removed from its position, but no suspects have yet been identified or apprehended.
The bronze statue was created following the destruction of the original wooden version in 2020. That earlier version, erected as a public tribute to Slovenia’s most famous native daughter, was burned in an act of arson less than a year after it was unveiled. Both statues were the result of a collaboration between American artist Brad Downey, based in Kentucky, and local Slovenian craftsman Ales “Maxi” Zupevc. A chainsaw sculptor by trade, he carved the initial statue from the trunk of a local linden tree using hand tools and mechanical sanders.
The wooden artwork depicted Melania Trump in a blue dress similar to the one she wore at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in 2016. When that version was destroyed, it was replaced by the bronze figure that followed a similar design and was mounted on the same stump.
When unveiling plans for the replacement statue in July 2020, Downey emphasized that durability had become a top priority. He said it would be constructed using strong materials to better withstand acts of vandalism or weather-related decay. “As solid as possible, out of a durable material which cannot be wantonly destroyed,” Downey told The Guardian at the time. The decision to use bronze for the new version reflected that commitment to permanence.
Yet despite these efforts, the statue still fell prey to destruction. It is unclear whether political motivations played a role in the recent theft or whether it was an act of opportunism.
Although the statue was intended as a tribute, not all local residents embraced its presence in Sevnica. Some viewed the sculpture with skepticism or felt unsure about its artistic representation of an American first lady with strong ties to the region.
Franja Kranjc, a bakery worker in town, expressed that the statue didn’t resonate broadly within the community. She said that even Melania Trump herself might not have been pleased by it and noted, “I think it’s OK that it’s removed.” Despite mixed public opinion, the statue had developed a certain prominence among tourists visiting the area, many of whom linked it to Sevnica’s growing recognition tied to Trump’s global profile.
For Zupevc, the craftsman who sculpted both versions, creating the statue carried personal meaning. He stated during a documentary by Downey that he and Melania Trump were born in the same medical facility, a fact that gave him added interest in the project.
Describing his creative process, Zupevc recalled how his brother had remarked that the statue resembled a local waitress, underscoring the subjective nature of art. “Then, I called my brother, who said, ‘Spitting image of our waitress,’” Zupevc remembered, as he detailed how he sculpted the hair and facial features. Though the statues sparked conversation, neither Melania Trump nor her representatives ever officially commented on them or visited their locations publicly.
Following the initial burning of the wooden figure, a plaque was installed at the stump where the statue had stood. It bore a simple message stating that it commemorated a monument previously erected in tribute to Melania Trump.
The commemorative marker remains at the site after the bronze replica was removed, and it currently serves as the only evidence that a statue once stood there. Its wording carries a somber tone, recognizing that both attempts to create a lasting tribute were ultimately short-lived. As of now, local police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the most recent disappearance. Authorities have not released any information on potential suspects or motives behind the act.
Sevnica, home to just a few thousand people, has garnered international attention in recent years due to its connection to the first lady. With Slovenia now a European Union and NATO member, the town has seen increased tourism from visitors curious about Melania Trump’s origins.
The statue served as a photo opportunity for some tourists and helped advertise local businesses, including a bakery that sold sweets named in Trump’s honor. Despite this, not all locals appreciated the attention or the depiction itself. The outcome of the ongoing police investigation may determine whether Sevnica sees a third attempt to commemorate Trump, or whether the site will remain marked only by the existing plaque and memories of what once stood there.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is urging fellow Republicans to avoid sweeping cuts to President Joe Biden’s major climate legislation as discussions heat up over funding new policy goals under President Donald Trump.
The Alaska senator is opposing calls from within her party to broadly eliminate clean energy tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, instead advocating for a more targeted approach to protect key provisions that benefit her state, as the Daily Caller reports.
Passed in 2022 with no Republican support, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offered extensive support for clean energy, but it is now under fire as Republicans pursue a reconciliation bill to fund Trump-era initiatives. The Republican-led House is proposing to slash large portions of the IRA, especially its climate-related sections, to redirect funds toward new priorities.
Murkowski has pushed back against what she describes as a blunt-force approach. She advocates for protecting parts of the law that support ongoing energy development in Alaska, including clean energy projects that are just starting to gain traction. According to the senator, simply repealing wide sections of the IRA could derail investments already set in motion. “Taking a more cautious and conscientious approach” is essential, Murkowski said, noting the consequences that abrupt policy reversals could have for her state.
She has joined three other GOP senators in formally requesting that Senate Republican leadership preserve a number of the IRA's clean energy tax provisions. The appeal was made in April, signaling a growing divide within Republican ranks over how aggressively to dismantle the legislation.
Known for crossing party lines, Murkowski has often set herself apart from mainstream Republican positions. She has stated she is “not attached to the Republican label,” reflecting a more centrist strategy. Though she supported most of President Biden’s Cabinet picks, she voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, one of only two Republicans to do so. Her independent posture has also put her at odds with party hardliners. In April, the senator admitted she was concerned about “retaliation” from Trump’s circle due to her positions.
At the same time, Murkowski was not shy about criticizing the Biden administration. She has taken issue with decisions that restrict resource development in Alaska, such as canceling oil leases and removing land from eligibility for future drilling or mineral exploration. Yet, she still defends many of the IRA’s climate provisions.
Across the aisle, some Republicans are pushing for a swift and total repeal of the IRA, which could cost over $1 trillion by 2032, with long-term projections reaching nearly $5 trillion. These lawmakers view the law as fiscally irresponsible and skewed in favor of foreign competition, especially Chinese companies tapping into U.S. subsidies.
Rep. Chip Roy of Texas has emerged as one of the law’s fiercest critics. In a statement, he described the IRA as the “Green New Scam,” arguing that it provides “massive unlimited subsidies” to large corporations and international manufacturers at the expense of “American energy freedom.” Roy insists that full repeal is essential if Republicans want to advance their energy agenda. “We have no choice,” he said, “but to fully -- and immediately -- repeal the Green New Scam.”
Despite pressure for full repeal, Murkowski is not alone in her call for moderation. At least a dozen House Republicans are reportedly asking GOP leadership to reconsider dismantling the IRA completely. Many of them are open to altering specific parts of the law while preserving its more economically or regionally beneficial aspects. These members are less interested in ideological victory and more focused on ensuring existing projects are not upended by sudden law changes. Their approach reflects a growing awareness of how deeply the IRA has become woven into the country’s renewable energy infrastructure over the last three years.
Nevertheless, the House appears on track to move forward with its proposed reconciliation bill. A vote is expected soon before the measure is passed on to the Senate, where Murkowski and likeminded senators will likely attempt to revise or soften the proposed rollbacks.
A particularly contentious feature of the IRA is its “transferability” option, which allows clean energy project sponsors to sell tax credits to third parties. This practice has made financing easier and jump-started activity in the green energy sector. Republican lawmakers, however, argue the mechanism is open to abuse and could be exploited by non-U.S. companies.
Murkowski’s defense of that mechanism appears grounded in Alaska’s economic landscape, where remote locations and harsh conditions often require unique financing strategies to launch energy projects. Removing such tools at once could result in gridlock for efforts to modernize the state’s energy systems and reduce reliance on diesel fuel in rural communities. The senator seems determined to build consensus around a more calibrated approach.
As the legislative process unfolds, the debate over the IRA reflects deeper divisions within the Republican Party about how to manage environmental policy and government spending. Murkowski’s stance highlights a faction of Republicans who are willing to support some level of clean energy investment, even as fiscal conservatives press for major cuts.
With the Senate expected to take up the reconciliation bill after the House’s vote, negotiations will likely intensify. The final shape of the bill may well depend on how persuasive lawmakers like Murkowski can be in rallying others to back a more surgical retrenchment. What remains clear is that the Inflation Reduction Act, now a centerpiece of U.S. climate and energy policy, has become a lightning rod in partisan efforts to reshape federal spending and policy priorities — and its future hangs in the balance.
The FBI is officially leaving its iconic J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., citing concerns about the safety of its workforce.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the agency will relocate staff away from the capital region, although a new headquarters location has not yet been announced, as the Daily Caller reports.
In a clip airing Friday on Fox Business, Patel unexpectedly announced the federal law enforcement agency will be leaving its longtime base at the J. Edgar Hoover Building. The clip came from an interview with host Maria Bartiromo, with the full segment scheduled for release on Sunday.
Patel described the current headquarters as unfit for FBI personnel, calling it unsafe. He emphasized that employees of the FBI should expect a workplace that reflects the prestige of serving in what he referred to as the world’s premier law enforcement agency. “This FBI is leaving the Hoover building,” Patel said during the interview. “This building is unsafe for our workforce.”
Following Patel’s announcement, Deputy Director Dan Bongino responded by saying, “You just gave up a big nugget there! -- expressing surprise at the seriousness of the statement. The announcement had not been prepared in advance, suggesting it was a candid revelation by the newly appointed FBI chief.
Patel expanded on the motivation behind the move. He noted that the current facility falls short of representing an institution of the FBI’s scale and importance. “If you are going to come work at the premier law enforcement agency in the world,” he said, “we are going to give you a building that is commensurate with that -- and that is not this place.”
The FBI has operated from the J. Edgar Hoover Building since 1974. It was named after the agency’s first director, and President Richard Nixon officially dedicated the site just two days following Hoover’s death in 1972.
No new facility has been identified yet to replace the current headquarters. However, Patel confirmed that various FBI employees currently based in Washington, D.C., will be reassigned to offices across the country. “Look, the FBI is 38,000 when we are fully manned, which we are not,” Patel said, referring to the agency’s staffing levels. He said the D.C. metropolitan area, defined as within 50 miles of the capital, currently houses 11,000 FBI workers. He argued that having this many personnel stationed in one place does not reflect the true geographic spread of criminal activity across the nation.
As part of the agency’s new direction, Patel announced that at least 1,500 of those employees will be relocated to other areas. He did not offer a projected timeline for these reassignments but indicated that change was already underway.
Patel’s views on decentralizing the FBI are not new. In a 2024 interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, he expressed his intent to close the current D.C. facility and transform it into what he called a “museum of the ‘deep state.’” He also floated a more aggressive reorganization during that appearance. “I’d take the 7,000 employees who work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals,” he said at the time. While that figure differs from the current plan, it aligns with a broader desire to redistribute FBI personnel throughout the country.
During the Fox Business interview, Patel did not elaborate on whether those earlier ideas specifically influenced the latest decision. Still, his comments signal that a nationwide restructuring of the FBI's presence remains a priority.
The J. Edgar Hoover Building has not undergone a full-scale renovation in decades. Numerous reports over the years have described the aging structure as inefficient and in need of major upgrades.
While no specific building defects were cited during Patel’s announcement, the use of the term “unsafe” suggests internal reviews may have identified issues that hinder daily operations or create potential hazards for employees. There were no immediate reactions from congressional leaders or local D.C. officials regarding the announcement. The full interview, expected to air Sunday, may provide added details about the rationale and future plans.
For now, the lack of a confirmed new headquarters keeps several logistical questions unresolved, including where the core administrative operations will reside. Patel provided assurance that the agency remains committed to its mission while working through the transition. It is also unclear whether the move will involve only staff from the central office or include changes to other federal law enforcement facilities currently located in or near the capital.
As the relocation plan develops, this marks one of the most significant shifts in the physical structure of the FBI in over 50 years. Future updates are expected as leadership identifies next steps and a permanent site for the bureau’s base of operations.
A string of powerful tornadoes late Friday left a scar across parts of Kentucky and Missouri, killing at least 21 people and destroying entire neighborhoods as search and rescue efforts continue through the weekend.
The rare supercell storm blew across the Ohio Valley, claiming 14 lives in Kentucky and 7 in Missouri, triggering widespread states of emergency, power outages, and infrastructure devastation, as Breitbart reports.
The tornadoes were part of a supercell weather system that swept into the region Friday evening. Supercells are rotating storm formations capable of producing large hail, strong winds, and violent tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service. The intensity and duration of these conditions stunned many residents and weather experts alike.
The hardest-hit area was Laurel County, Kentucky, where nine people were confirmed dead. The town of London in particular suffered catastrophic damage. Drone video from the area Saturday morning showed entire neighborhoods flattened, with debris from homes and trees scattered by winds estimated as high as 200 mph, consistent with an EF4 tornado classification.
One survivor in London recounted the terrifying moments when the tornado struck their home. Speaking to Fox Weather, the resident described diving into a hallway with her daughter seconds before the storm collapsed the structure. "My husband came running in and pretty much jumped on top of her because you could feel the air sucking in, and it sounded like a train," she said. “Next thing you knew, most of the house was gone,” she added, sharing the narrow escape that saved her family’s lives.
Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky had declared a state of emergency early Friday before the storms hit. On Saturday, he praised first responders and state agencies for working overnight to keep citizens informed and safe. He added that rescue operations remain the top priority as emergency crews continue to search for survivors in storm-stricken zones.
As of Saturday morning, Kentucky remained in the rescue stage, with five counties officially under a state of emergency. An estimated 100,000 residents were without electricity across the state. Road closures, downed power lines, and significant damage to homes have created dangerous conditions for both victims and emergency personnel.
In Missouri, seven people lost their lives, and dozens were injured as tornadoes ripped through various communities. St. Louis was especially affected, with city officials confirming at least five storm-related deaths within the metro area. More than 5,000 homes suffered damage, prompting Mayor Cara Spencer to implement a city-wide curfew for residents' safety.
Scott County, located approximately two hours south of St. Louis, also reported severe destruction. Sheriff Derick Wheetley described the tornado’s impact in grim detail. “The tornado moved from the eastern part of the county, leaving behind a trail of destruction, with multiple homes completely lost and areas left unrecognizable,” he said Saturday.
Authorities confirmed at least two fatalities in Scott County, with additional victims suffering injuries of varying severity. Relief efforts have been complicated by blocked rural roads and widespread structural damage, which continue to hamper access to remote areas in need. Visual evidence shared online depicted the sheer scale and force of the tornadoes. Near Morganfield, Kentucky, a storm chaser captured a large twister ripping through open land, providing insight into the storm’s ferocity. Another video posted on YouTube showed a tornado briefly illuminated by lightning as it moved into the London area, moments before causing widespread destruction.
On Saturday morning, aerial footage revealed the aftermath in London and adjacent parts of Laurel County. Entire blocks of homes were flattened, trees were reduced to splinters, and vehicles were flipped or thrown. Weather experts analyzing the footage cited it as consistent with a high-end EF4 tornado, one of the most violent storm classifications on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
“Entire neighborhoods were gone,” reported a storm chaser with WXChasing. These images are expected to aid the National Weather Service in determining how many tornadoes touched down and how severe they were. While the precise number of tornadoes generated by the supercell system is still under investigation, experts agree that the impact was among the most severe in recent years in the region. The National Weather Service and emergency management agencies are continuing coordinated assessments alongside local officials.
Gov. Beshear urged residents to remain cautious and alert in the storm’s aftermath. He praised the ongoing work of emergency crews and called for public support and prayers for affected communities. "All of our resources are now focused on rescue efforts," he said in a post Saturday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Emergency personnel stressed that the situation remains fluid. Search and rescue teams continued canvassing damaged neighborhoods over the weekend in hopes of locating survivors who may be trapped under rubble or displaced from their homes. While relief and recovery work is just beginning, some residents have already started returning to their neighborhoods to assess the damage. In many cases, homes have been completely destroyed, with families forced to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.
Across Missouri, more than 80,000 customers were still without power as of Saturday morning. Utility crews are working to restore electricity, but widespread downed power lines, fallen trees, and blocked roads continue to hinder progress in several rural counties. In both Kentucky and Missouri, the road to recovery is expected to be long and difficult. Officials are asking for patience and continued cooperation as rebuilding efforts slowly begin. As damage assessments continue and emergency declarations remain in place, the full scope of the disaster is still unfolding.
President Donald Trump took aim at Walmart over the weekend, accusing the retail giant of unjustifiably raising prices in response to U.S. tariff policies.
The clash follows Walmart’s announcement that it will increase prices as early as next month, citing financial pressures from tariff-related costs and a notable drop in quarterly profits, as The Hill reports.
On Thursday, Walmart revealed plans to begin raising prices sometime next month, attributing the move to mounting expenses caused by a series of tariffs implemented on Trump's order. The announcement was part of the company's quarterly earnings release, which noted a decline in profit compared to the same period last year.
According to Walmart, its first-quarter earnings fell to $4.45 billion, or 56 cents per share -- a decline from the $5.10 billion, or 63 cents per share, reported a year earlier. The company also withheld a future profit forecast, citing the unpredictability of today’s economic environment. Commenting during an earnings call, Walmart CEO Doug McMillion explained that the retail chain was “not able to absorb all the pressure” stemming from the tariffs, referencing the tight operating margins that are common in the retail sector.
By Saturday, Trump had issued his personal response via his Truth Social platform, lashing out at Walmart’s explanation for the upcoming price increases. He accused the corporation of pointing fingers at tariff policies instead of managing cost internally.
“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,” Trump posted. He went on to highlight Walmart’s profitability, stating, “Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected.”
The president suggested that Walmart should deal with the extra costs itself rather than shifting them to shoppers, writing that Walmart and China alike should "EAT THE TARIFFS." He added, “I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!”
In response to Trump’s criticisms, a Walmart spokesperson issued a statement to The Hill on Saturday, emphasizing the company’s long-standing efforts to minimize costs at checkout. “We have always worked to keep our prices as low as possible and we won’t stop,” the spokesperson said.
The company further explained that although they aim to shield consumers from price escalations, they can only continue doing so within the constraints of thin retail profit margins. “We’ll keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can given the reality of small retail margins,” the spokesperson added. Retail experts have warned for months that the tariff landscape could translate into added costs for American consumers, particularly in the household goods and apparel markets where Walmart commands substantial market share.
Adding another layer to the economic discussion, the Trump administration earlier in the week enacted a significant change in its approach to tariffs on Chinese goods. The White House reduced those tariffs from a peak of 145% to 30% for a temporary 90-day window.
In response, the Chinese government also eased its retaliatory measures, bringing its tariff rate down from 125% to 10%. This mutual decrease in trade penalties marked a notable reversal in the international tariff policy pursued in past years.
These adjustments followed a pattern of shifting trade strategies during Trump’s presidency, with occasional exemptions applied to Chinese imports and a rollback of a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. A 90-day pause on “reciprocal” tariffs affecting various other countries was also introduced as part of the broader reassessment.
Despite the short-term relief from lowered tariffs, Walmart's leadership remains cautious about future financial outlooks. The absence of a profit forecast for the current quarter reflects the instability businesses face amid evolving fiscal policies and global trade dynamics.
Walmart is one of the largest private employers and retailers in the United States, and its pricing decisions can have a ripple effect across the broader retail landscape. Whether the company’s upcoming price adjustments will impact its customer base remains to be seen.
As consumers prepare for potential changes at store shelves, the public dispute between Trump and Walmart underscores the broader debate over who ultimately bears the burden of international trade decisions: corporations or shoppers.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has stepped aside as an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct moves forward.
The United Nations’ internal oversight office is examining claims against Khan, a development that coincides with heightened scrutiny of the ICC’s recent arrest warrants targeting Israeli and Hamas leaders, as Fox News reports.
The ICC confirmed Friday that Khan will be on leave until the investigation concludes. The inquiry is being led by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, which serves as the U.N.’s internal watchdog. Khan has denied all allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Initial reports of the alleged misconduct surfaced last year in May, when two ICC staff members said a victim had privately shared accusations involving Khan. The ICC’s in-house watchdog launched a short inquiry, speaking with the alleged victim but ending the probe after five days when she declined to file a formal complaint.
Although the inquiry closed without a formal conclusion, the watchdog recommended Khan reduce direct interaction with the woman to help maintain confidence in the court. Khan himself was not interviewed during that initial review.
The situation escalated over the past week as media outlets, including the Associated Press and Fox News Digital, highlighted the unresolved misconduct claims. Fox News asked both the court and Khan if he would resign or face removal soon. Khan’s decision to pause his duties followed shortly after.
Women's rights organizations had previously pushed for Khan's resignation when the accusations first emerged. At the time, he refused. Now, with an external investigation under way, he has agreed to step back temporarily from his role. Attorneys from the British law firm Carter-Ruck Solicitors, who represent Khan, issued a statement denying all claims against him. They said he is cooperating fully with the UN-led inquiry and has done nothing wrong.
While the misconduct investigation was unfolding, Khan made international headlines with the ICC’s decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three senior Hamas leaders. These charges follow the outbreak of war in October 2023, when Hamas militants entered Israel and killed more than 1,200 people, including several Americans.
Khan had reportedly canceled a planned visit to Israel and Gaza shortly before making the announcement, adding fuel to suspicions that the timing of the prosecutions may have been politically motivated. Critics have questioned whether Khan’s move was an attempt to redirect attention away from the allegations against him. Lawyers for Khan defended the prosecutorial decision, saying that the ICC's judges approved the arrest warrants after determining the evidence met legal requirements under the Rome Statute. They also rejected claims that the timing of the filing was influenced by personal matters.
Legal scholars have voiced sharp criticism of the court’s operations. Eugene Kontorovich, a constitutional law professor and expert on international law, claimed that Khan's departure doesn’t go far enough. He said that deeper institutional failings at the ICC have allowed such issues to persist unchecked. Kontorovich went further by arguing that the misconduct scandal jeopardizes not only the charges brought by Khan but also casts doubt on previous prosecutions. He cited the court’s limited success over its 25-year existence -- only six final convictions for atrocity crimes—to support his argument that the ICC should be shut down altogether.
Hillel Neuer, head of U.N. Watch, suggested that Khan’s leave is a strategic move to protect the court's image while continuing what he called politically driven legal actions against Israel. He emphasized that the controversy extends beyond any one individual, challenging the motives behind the court's recent high-profile prosecutions.
Israeli officials have requested the ICC withdraw the warrants filed against its leaders, labeling the court's decisions as biased and unjust. However, the ICC has made no public move to retract its actions. A spokesperson declined to speculate on the status of the warrants, citing a pending procedural request.
In one especially controversial twist, President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Khan in February 2025. The move heightened tensions between the ICC and the U.S. and complicated global perceptions of the court's impartiality in prosecuting international crimes. Adding to the intrigue, critics highlighted past writings by Khan that seemed to contrast with his current actions. In 2013, he published an academic piece suggesting that prosecutions like Netanyahu’s would be legally flawed, as the ICC was unequipped to ensure fair judicial processes in such cases.
So far, the Office of Internal Oversight Services has not disclosed a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Khan remains on leave, with court operations continuing under interim leadership. The outcome of the inquiry may shape the direction and credibility of the ICC for years to come. UN officials declined to weigh in on the matter, pointing to the International Criminal Court’s status as an independent body. While the U.N.’s inspector general office leads the investigation, the judicial institution makes decisions separately from U.N. political branches.
With both legal and public attention focused heavily on the court, the ICC faces growing pressure to demonstrate transparency, accountability and adherence to legal norms. The results of the misconduct inquiry and subsequent handling by court leadership may define how the institution moves forward in the wake of deepening controversy.
A vital communications line meant to coordinate aircraft activity between the Pentagon and Reagan Washington National Airport has been down for over two years without detection.
The disabled hotline remained unnoticed since March 2022 and only came to light after two passenger jets had to abruptly abort landings due to an uncoordinated Army helicopter's presence in active airspace near Washington, D.C., as the Washington Examiner reports.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed last week that the dedicated hotline between Reagan National Airport’s air traffic control and military personnel at the Pentagon has not functioned since early 2022. The breakdown only became apparent after a potential collision incident involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter triggered alarms within the aviation community.
On that day, around 2:30 p.m., the helicopter approached Washington’s airspace en route to the Pentagon. As it entered the path of two incoming commercial flights, air traffic controllers were forced to issue emergency course corrections. Delta Air Lines Flight 1671 from Orlando and Republic Airways Flight 5825 from Boston both aborted their scheduled landings and conducted go-arounds, a standard safety maneuver in which aircraft circle before attempting to land again.
This close call rekindled serious concerns about coordination between military and civilian aviation operations in one of the nation’s busiest and most tightly controlled airspaces.
The Army helicopter in question belonged to a Virginia-based unit that had only recently resumed flights in the D.C. region. The unit had halted operations earlier in the year following a tragic aerial crash on January 29, when one of its helicopters collided with an American Airlines regional jet. That incident claimed 67 lives and prompted a temporary grounding of Pentagon-bound flights for review.
In response to the latest airspace disruption, the same Army unit voluntarily suspended its flights again to conduct another internal investigation. Military officials are now working closely with air traffic authorities to examine what went wrong and how to prevent future incidents.
The FAA stated that it is reviewing whether to revoke a long-standing arrangement allowing the military to operate in the region’s restricted airspace without prior approval. Such a move could drastically change the protocols and timelines for military aviation activity in the capital region.
In fact, the agency has already made several adjustments to address safety concerns. In March, authorities closed a key commercial flight path permanently and placed limits on two of Reagan National’s smaller runways. These restrictions go into effect during times when military helicopters carry out urgent or time-sensitive missions nearby.
Despite these adjustments, the threat of miscommunication remains. A central concern for officials is that the malfunctioning hotline was completely unknown for over two years -- an oversight with significant implications for airspace safety. According to Deputy FAA Air Traffic Control Chief Franklin McIntosh, it wasn’t until the go-around event that the agency realized the direct hotline had been non-operational.
“We became aware after that event,” McIntosh said. “Now that we became aware of that event, we’re insisting upon that line to be fixed before we resume any operations out of the Pentagon.”
Until the dedicated line is restored, communication between Pentagon helipad operators and Reagan’s control tower is being handled through traditional landline calls. While considered slower, these phone calls still allow for basic coordination and flight clearance. “We still have landline abilities,” McIntosh explained. He said helipad personnel can make direct calls to the operations center, where supervisors or lead air traffic controllers can receive the information and facilitate necessary coordination.
Though these workarounds exist, the FAA has made it clear that the hotline must be repaired before full-scale operations resume out of the Pentagon. There is no official timeline for when that will happen, but McIntosh noted that the Department of Defense had been alerted, and he expected steps would be taken to “expedite” the repair process.
As the situation unfolds, lawmakers are keeping a close watch. The Senate Commerce Committee, led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, announced that it is actively monitoring both the safety situation at Reagan National and the broader implications for civil-military aviation coordination. “Let me say, the developments of DCA and its airspace are extremely concerning,” Cruz said. He added that the committee -- working alongside Senators Maria Cantwell, Tammy Duckworth, and Jerry Moran -- is focused on ensuring all airspace users behave responsibly and that a safe return to operations is achieved.
In the meantime, both civilian and military aviation officials are navigating the fallout from the newly discovered communications breakdown. With no direct channel currently available, close coordination and transparent updates will be key in preventing further incidents.
Federal immigration agents made a series of high-profile arrests in cities across the United States on May 15, targeting undocumented individuals with violent criminal records.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained several non-citizens in sanctuary cities, sparking renewed debate over immigration enforcement and the impact of sanctuary policies on public safety, as Just the News reports.
In Boston, 32-year-old Mexican national Manuel Seberiano Garcia-Munoz was detained by ICE. According to federal authorities, Garcia-Munoz had previously been deported and later convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, for which he served four years in prison. ICE stated that they apprehended him due to his criminal background and immigration violations.
On the same day in Everett, Massachusetts, federal agents arrested 28-year-old Jose Reyes Alvarez, originally from El Salvador. Homeland Security officials allege Alvarez has ties to the gang MS-13, and he was apprehended for operating a vehicle without a license, and his arrest was coordinated with support from ICE’s Los Angeles division.
Later that day in Newark, authorities arrested Oscar Juracan, a 32-year-old Guatemalan national. Juracan had been convicted of aggravated sexual assault committed during a robbery and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He now remains in ICE custody as he awaits deportation proceedings.
In Philadelphia, ICE agents detained Tito Flores-Gonzalez, a 27-year-old citizen of Mexico. Officials revealed that Flores-Gonzalez had been voluntarily deported twice prior to this arrest. He was first taken into custody by Delaware State Police in January 2025 on multiple state charges.
Flores-Gonzalez faced allegations including attempted kidnapping, harassment, and terroristic threats. According to authorities, he was convicted and is currently awaiting removal proceedings in federal custody. Officials reiterated that his prior deportations and repeat offenses played a key role in his federal detention.
Assistant Homeland Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed strong disapproval of sanctuary city policies in the wake of the arrests. She warned that these local policies, which limit law enforcement cooperation with immigration officials, make it harder for ICE to remove individuals with criminal backgrounds. “These sanctuary politicians are playing Russian roulette with American lives,” McLaughlin said. “While they work to hinder federal efforts, the Department of Homeland Security will continue identifying and removing criminal illegal aliens from American communities.”
McLaughlin added that elected leaders have a duty to safeguard public safety and not shield individuals who pose serious threats. She stated that Americans should not have to fear that known criminals are being protected due to local immigration stances.
Tom Homan, who serves as Trump’s top adviser on border security, emphasized the administration’s immigration enforcement priorities following the arrests. He claimed that illegal border crossings have plummeted nearly 97 percent under the current administration’s tightened security measures. Homan also asserted that financial networks supporting drug cartels are weakening as continued immigration enforcement has disrupted cross-border criminal activity. One of his key responsibilities is leading what officials describe as the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history.
Beyond border security and deportations, Homan said his goals include tracing more than 290,000 missing non-citizen children identified by the Department of Homeland Security in May 2024. The status and welfare of these children remain a top priority for federal authorities, he added.
The arrests have further heightened tensions between the federal government and sanctuary jurisdictions. Local authorities in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Newark have enacted policies limiting how local police may cooperate with federal immigration officers.
Federal officials argue that these policies allow violent offenders to remain in the United States. DHS representatives maintain that public safety is harmed when local law enforcement does not transfer custody of convicted criminals to federal agents once these individuals complete their sentences.
ICE officials said they acted independently where necessary to apprehend the suspects, based on known criminal histories and current intelligence. All four individuals remain in federal detention as proceedings continue regarding their removal from the United States.
While the Biden and previous Trump administrations have both faced scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics, this latest operation highlights the persistent divide over how best to manage undocumented migrants with violent criminal records.