Trump officials cite ‘new intelligence’ to back president’s claims of success in strikes on Iran

Thailand is reversing course on cannabis legalization, with lawmakers pushing to recriminalize recreational use—a move that could upend the country’s booming $1 billion industry. The shift comes after the Bhumjaithai Party, which originally backed legalization, exited the ruling coalition, leaving the policy vulnerable to rollback.

Editor’s Note: Just two years after Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, this U-turn throws businesses, investors, and consumers into chaos. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly political winds can change—and how fragile legal weed markets can be, even in places where they seem here to stay. For a country that bet big on cannabis tourism and entrepreneurship, this could mean lost jobs, shuttered stores, and a black-market resurgence.

Ecuadorian authorities have finally caught José Adolfo Macías, a notorious gang leader and drug lord who had been on the run since his dramatic prison escape over a year ago. Both the U.S. and Ecuador had been hunting him down, making his recapture a significant win for law enforcement.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one fugitive—Macías’ escape last year exposed major flaws in Ecuador’s prison system and fueled a surge in gang violence. His recapture might bring temporary relief, but it also highlights how deep-rooted the country’s security challenges are. For the U.S., it’s a reminder of how transnational crime networks stretch far beyond borders.

The Supreme Court is wrapping up its term with a flurry of decisions, but behind the scenes, it's been unusually busy since January. The Trump administration has pushed over a dozen emergency requests—part of the court's "shadow docket"—asking for swift rulings on hot-button issues. These behind-the-scenes moves are having a bigger impact on everyday life than many realize.

Editor’s Note: The "shadow docket" isn’t just legal jargon—it’s a growing way the Court shapes policy without the usual transparency or deliberation. That means major decisions affecting everything from immigration to voting rights are being made fast, with little public scrutiny. Whether you agree with the rulings or not, it’s a shift in how justice gets done, and it’s worth paying attention to.

President Trump is once again at odds with U.S. intelligence agencies, this time over the impact of American strikes on Iran’s nuclear program. While initial assessments suggested the damage only delayed Iran’s progress by months, Trump claimed the program was "obliterated." The CIA later revised its stance, acknowledging "severe damage," but the episode highlights Trump’s long-standing distrust of intelligence findings—a recurring theme during his presidency.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Iran—it’s another example of how Trump’s skepticism toward intelligence agencies shapes policy and public messaging. When leaders dismiss or contradict their own experts, it raises questions about decision-making, credibility, and whether facts are being sidelined for political narratives. For a global audience, that uncertainty matters, especially when dealing with high-stakes issues like nuclear threats.

Federal prosecutors have tacked on hate crime charges against the man accused of violently targeting a pro-Israel protest in Boulder—a move that signals authorities are treating this as a politically motivated attack rather than just random violence. The new charges come weeks after the incident, suggesting investigators have built a stronger case.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one violent act—it’s part of a worrying trend where political tensions spill into real-world attacks. The hate crime charges underscore how law enforcement is grappling with ideologically driven violence, especially around polarizing issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. For communities already on edge, it’s another reminder of how quickly rhetoric can turn dangerous.