Appeals Court Tosses Trump’s $515M Fraud Penalty

New York's Appellate Division on Thursday struck down the nearly $515 million civil fraud penalty against President Trump as an unconstitutional excessive fine, even as it upheld a judge's finding that he and his company inflated asset values. Corporate bans on Trump and his two eldest sons remain in place as both sides eye further appeals.

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of all 55 million valid U.S. visas—from tourists to students—seeking any sign of overstays, crimes or terrorist ties. Visa holders found ineligible could see permissions abruptly revoked and face deportation, marking a significant expansion of the White House's immigration enforcement strategy.

Supreme Court Breaks Deadlock on NIH Grants
In a narrow 5–4 decision Thursday, the justices lifted a lower court's block on President Trump's plan to terminate roughly $783 million in NIH research funding tied to diversity, equity and inclusion. While cuts can now proceed, the ruling preserves the vacatur of the administration's DEI guidance, leaving future policy enforcement in limbo.

President Trump's surprise announcement that he'll join police and National Guard patrols in Washington, D.C. has drawn swift criticism from residents, elected officials and social-media pundits, who call the move a photo-op rather than a genuine safety measure. With crime already declining and details still murky, opponents warn the ride-along could further erode trust in local law enforcement.

A federal judge has declared that Alina Habba, President Trump's former lawyer, lacked legal authority to serve as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor beyond her 120-day interim term. U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann found the administration's "novel series of legal and personnel moves" failed to satisfy federal law, though he stayed his order to allow time for appeal.